Diatelesma. The Modern History of the World, expressing the principal Passages of the Christian Countries in these last six Months, whether Political, or polemical brought down from April last to this present. Wherein is comprised much Variety. The Contents whereof you shall find in the ensuing Table. Hunc servare modùm semper didicere libelli Parcere personis, gesta refer, mei. LONDON, Printed by T. Harper for Nathanael Butter, and Nicholas Bourne. 1637. To the Reader. HISTORY is but a narration of things done, and needs no Orator to plead for it, either by word or writing; Truth is able to justify itself, and fears not the face of any Aristarchus, which will snap at her words, though he cannot blemish her actions. Her Picture was thus drawn by the pencil of Apelles; Calumny, attended with Ignorance, Suspicion, Anger, Envy, Fraud, Treachery, and Fear, were placed in a Table, casting filth and dirt upon the white garment, the glorious robe of a more glorious Virgin; which she did but shake, and it appeared again as illustrious as it was formerly. And what needs an Epistle then, to be prefixed before this Discourse? it is not to make the Relation more authentical, but the expression more passable. Sint bona, sint quaedam mediocria, sint mala plura. It is the fate of Writers, who must stand to your censures; only I would inform you, that if any thing seem Aut obscura nimis, Anglica sive parum Non meus est Error, nocuit librarius illis. An ingenious Reader can amend, an Ingenuous will pardon it; to whom alone, I dedicate this Discourse. Vale. N. C. A Table of the Contents. THe Siege of Hermenstein renewed. Pag. 2 Ramsey projects to relieve it, Pag. 3 His Project. Ibid. Failes, Pag. 4 Ramsey threatens to be avenged, and puts his menace in execution, Pag. 5 The extraordinary Ambassador of Denmark pillaged by some of john de Werts Soldiers, Pag. 6 The Commander in Hermenstein gins to treat, ibid. Capitulates, Pag. 8 The Articles of agreement, and surrendry of the Fort, ibid. Selinginstat besieged by the Caesarians Pag. 9 The Govenour slain, ibid. The Garrison yields upon composition, ibid. But is detained upon breach of conditions, Pag. 10 Ramsey pillageth the enemy's Country, ibid. Provideth for a Siege, Pag. 11 Is blocked up in Hanaw ibid. The Earl of Hanaw makes his peace with the King of Hungary, Pag. 12 Ramsey resigns his government upon honourable terms, Pag. 13 Strange Prodigies ibid. Part of the Duke of Bavaria his Palace at Munchen burned casually, Pag. 14 The Castle of Lichtenberge strangely burnt down to the ground Pag. 15 Duke Bernard of Saxon Weymar at Browstat. ibid. Adviseth with his Counsel of War for passage over the Rhine, Pag. 16 He passeth the River Pag. 17 Is four times assaulted by john de Werth, and is still victorious, ibid. Ensisheim taken by Duke Bernhard, Pag. 18 Halliers passage over the Rhine, ibid. The Governor of Hagi-now informed of the state of Chathouse Pag. 19 Intends to invade it Pag. 20 Yet sends out to be better informed of the state thereof, ibid. Undertakes it, Pag. 21 A Stratagem, ibid. Carrieth it, ibid. The Imperialists attempt to regain it, Pag. 22 Are repulsed with loss, Pag. 23 The effects of the victory, ibid. Drusenheim taken by Duke Bernhard, is attempted by john de Werth, but vainly, Pag. 24 Duke Bernhard desirous to try the fortune of a Battle, ibid. Sends out a Forlorn hope, ibid. That lost, john de Werth hoping of Victory, leaves his trenches, Pag. 25 Duke Bernhard encountreth and repelleth him, ibid. A Convoy of john de Werth defeated by the Rhinegrave, ibid. Duke Bernhard beseigeth Kentzingen, Pag. 27 So draweth the Bavarian to battle, ibid. By a stratagem, Pag. 28 And obtains a Victory, ibid. Forgatz his message to Duke Bernhard of Weymar, Pag. 29 And the direful Issue Brandestein a Prisoner at Dresden. Pag. 32 An assault on Oschitz failing, the Suburbs are fired by the Swedes, ibid. A Swedish Party surprised at Bitterfield, Pag. 33 Eylenburg forsaken by the Swedes, ibid. A noble Act of a Swedish Captain, ibid. Ertford besieged by Glyleen Pag. 34 The Siege suddenly raised, ibid. The Sconce at Wittenberg Pag. 35 Besieged and taken by the Imperialists, Pag. 36 A Convoy of Provision surprised by Bannier, Pag. 37 Lucca surrendered to Lesle, ibid. Meisen surprised by Bannier by a stratagem. ibid. The King of Hungary at Prague. Pag. 39 In danger to have been murdered by a Traitor. Pag. 40 Gordon slain, Lesle and Anderson dangerously wounded at a feast. ibid. The King of Hungary consults with calas, Piccolomini and de Grana. Pag. 41 Gallas made Generalismo of the Imperial Army. ibid. Laboureth to take Bannier at Torgaw. Pag. 42 Bannier resolving to discampe from Torgaw. Pag. 43 Pillageth the City. ibid. Deviseth a stratagem to avoid the Imperialists. Pag. 44 Puts it in practice, deludes the Generalliss. ibid. Encourageth his own men. Pag. 46 Marcheth to Landsberg. Pag. 47 Marazini defeated by the Swedes at Landsberg. Pag. 48 Gallas posteth after him. ibid. Intends again to surprise him, again he escapeth. Pag. 49 And joins with Wrangell at Newstad. ibid. Landsberg surrendered to the Imperialists. Pag. 50 Caecilia Renata the Archdutchesse married to the King of Poland. Pag. 51 Goeth into the Kingdom. ibid. 1500. Polacks entertained by Bannier. Pag. 52 Ten companies of Dragoons and 300. horse entirely defeated by Charles Wrangel. Pag. 53 One Brandenburgish Regiment of foot defeated by Schlang. Pag. 53 Another disbandeth. ibid. A party o● Imperial horse defeated by the Poles. Pag. 54 Ratenaw surrendered by the Imperialists. Pag. 55 Havelberg taken by assault. ibid. Werten besieged by Klitzing. Pag. 56 Surrendered. ibid. Tholate Commander imprisoned. Pag. 57 Domitz surrendered to Klitzing upon composition. ibid. The Swedes at Luneburg compound with the Duke for the City and the Fort of Winsen. Pag. 58 The conditions between the Duke of Luneburg and the Swedes. Pag. 59 Gallas leads his Army to Ancklam. ibid. Bannier reuniteth his forces with those under Wrangel. Pag. 60 Gallas assaults the City five times and is so oft repulsed with loss. ibid. Attempts to pass the River of Rhine, is beaten by Bannier and discampeth. Pag. 61 The French Kings preparations. Pag. 64 The Cardinal de la Valette marcheth towards the Netherlands. Pag. 65 Sits down before Landrecey. Pag. 66 The Castle of Bohain taken by the marquis of Milleray. ibid. A rich Convoy surprised by Gassion. Pag. 68 A Spanish party defeated by Gassion. Pag. 69 Two hundred of them slain and some taken prisoners. Pag. 70 Divers Forts and Towns taken by the French Army. ibid. The King's Proclamation enjoining the officers to repair to the Armies. Pag. 71 An edict against the fugitives. Pag. 72 Divers Legois come to the Camp at Landrecey. Pag. 73 The manner of the siege of Landrecey. ibid. The Garrison necessitated Capitulates, and surrenders upon conditions. ibid. The Articles. ibid. The French take possession of Landrecey. Pag. 77 The Haven of Gravelling left unperfect. Pag. 78 An attempt of the Attrebates lost at Desuren. Pag. 79 Piccolomini his march. ibid. The Castle Chavancey taken by chastilion. Pag. 80 Piccolominie's arrival at Montz. Pag. 81 A fortunate Enterprise undertaken by the French near Montz. Pag. 82 The Castle of Basigni yields upon strange Composition. Pag. 83 By the unadvisedness of an unskilful Commander. Pag. 84 Maubuge surrendered upon Composition. Pag. 85 Villaune surrendered to the French upon discretion. ibid. Dinaw yields upon the like terms, but with an harder fate. Pag. 86 Divers places yielded upon Composition. Pag. 87 Ivoy besieged, ibid. And surrendered upon ibid. These Articles ibid. The Forts of Ebuterne Pag. 91 Ebuterne, Pag. 92 Surrendered to the French, ibid. The French Leader protecteth the Women, ibid. Raiseth the Citadel. Pag. 93 The Castle of Flavillien yields to the French, Pag. 93 Divers small Forts surrendered to chastilion in Luxenburg, Pag. 94 The Spaniards make an attempt, Pag. 95 Upon the French Quaetor at Olizy, ibid. Surprise it, Pag. 96 Are again surprised, Pag. 97 With great loss. Pag. 98 Danvilliers in Luxenburg is blocked up. Pag. 99 Besieged, ibid. Fair Quarter granted and confirmed by Chastillon, ibid. And confirmed by Charles Stallin the Governor. Pag. 100 An Ambuscado laid for the Master of the Artillery, ibid. Happily avoided with some loss. Pag. 101 Beaumond surrendered to the French. ibid. The Castle of Solre surrendered by the French. Pag. 102 The Castle of Solre taken by the D. of Candale. Pag. 103 La Capelle besieged. Pag. 104 Don Marcus de Lima the Governor capitulateth, Pag. 105 Agreeth. ibid. An Alarm in the French Campe. Pag. 106 Causeth them to march in battle array to Maubeuge. Pag. 107 The Cardinal Infant routed, and his loss. Pag. 107 The Castle of Leon surrendered to the French. Pag. 108 Two Companies of the Garrison at Cambray defeated. ibid. Glaon a Castle taken by the French Field Martial Ferte Imbault without blows. Pag. 109 Trelon a Castle surrendered to Ferte Imbault upon composition. Pag. 110 Argon comes in by precedent. Pag. 111 S. Frevill his design upon Kirmgnain in Artois. Pag. 112 The carriage of his perfect. Pag. 112 A breach made in the Wall. Pag. 113 The Fort taken. Pag. 114 S. Frevill prevides to keep it. ibid. An Ambuscadoe laid for the French. Pag. 115 Is avoided. Pag. 116 And the Castle fortified and manned. ibid. Ivoy retaken by Cantelmo. Pag. 116 The siege of Danvillers. Pag. 117 The French Triumphs upon the King's birth day. ibid. The night works and their Clue. Pag. 118 A Half Moon taken by the French. Pag. 119 And a Mine sprung effectually. Pag. 120 The Garrison Capitulates. ibid. The Articles for surrendry of Danvillers. Pag. 121 The Town yielded. Pag. 125 Don Andria Cantelmo seeks to hinder the accord. ibid. Canten a Captain sent with a strange commission. ibid. Is taken prisoner. ibid. His instruction and commission. ibid. The Cardinal Infant encamped at Saint julian's. Pag. 126 And reinforced resolveth to keep the French Armies from joining. Pag. 127 Sendeth Picolomini to Pont de Sambri. Pag. 128 Where he is entrenched. ibid. And raised again by the Cardinal de Valette. Pag. 129 Maubeuge burned casually. Pag. 130 Landrecey revictualled and fortified a new. ibid. The labourers delivered from four squadrou of Spanish horse by a stratagem. ibid. The Infant encamped at Quesnoys. ibid. The Castle of Crevecaeur surprised by the French. Pag. 131 Interchangeable presents betwixt Picolomini and the Duke of Candale. ibid. This Historical Relation may be printed. Hampton-court. 18. October. 1637. G. R. WECKHERLIN. Errata. Page 5. lin. 19 deal (and town.) Pag. 102. l. 22. for enrich, read surprise. Diatelesma: The Modern History of the World continued, and brought down from April last, till this present. The Actions and Occurrences in upper GERMANY. THe Winter & Spring were times of preparation only, Summer and Autumn yielding forage for the cattle, and meat for the Army, was the season, wherein the martial men came to action; and then the Austrians and Saxons Confederates, resolving to clear the Empire of all foreign invaders, and to subdue the native Princes, which had taken up Arms for conservation of their ancient Dignities and Liberties, mustered up a greater Army, than ever they had since their first combination: john de Werth being appointed by the Bavarian to clear the Rhine, the Baron of Down t● belieger Hanaw in the Weteraw, the Austrian Generals, Gallas, Marazini, Hatzfeldt, Goëts, and Godfrey Huyn, Baron of Gehlen, being deputed to secure the Electors of Saxony & Brandenburg against the Swedes and their Allies. The fortunate success of Ramsey, The siege of Hermanstein renewed. in relieving the French Garrison in Hermanstein, when the Soldiers more affrighted with the lean and deformed looks of famine, than the hostile Arms of the besiegers were ready to capitulate for the present, somewhat appalled the Bavarian Commander, and made him stagger in his counsels. But as some few drops of water sprinkled upon a flaming fire, though for a while they seem to suppress it, do not extinguish it, the active element recollecting its strength quickly breaking out with a more impetuous violence; so the Baron knowing, the place to be almost unpregnable, if victualled and manned, and seeing it supplied both with men and provision, so unexpectedly, a little slacked his hostile courses, in forcing the place, but quickly considering of what consequence the Fort was, how advantageous it might be to his Masters to recover it, how prejudicial it might be to all his Confederates, if the French should hold it, and what a disparagement it might be to himself in point of discredit with his Lord, and dishonour amongst the military men, if that small supply, (which could not in all probability suffice the Castle long) should cause him to rise, and leave the siege, resolved in the end to continue it, and leaving his Army before it, himself posted to Coln, entreated and prevailed with the Archbishop Elector to furnish him with shipping to secure the Rhine, that no more relief might be brought to the Fort that way, and speedily returning blocked it up so close with his own forces by land, fortifying his Camp with new works and retrenchments, that any attempt for help of the Garrison that way was bootless and desperate. Sir James Ramsey whose great spirit and dextrous wit, Envy cannot but commend, by the nimbleresse of his apprehension: all this notwithstanding qui●●●y invented a way for bringing fresh succour to his Friends, and assisted by the valour of some of his own Regiment, Ramsey projects to relieve it. whose hearts he seemed to command as well as their bodies as soon pursued it; the success whereof though it was not fortunate was not dishonourable. The glory of such an Enterprise is not to be valued by the issue. A daring man will make his abilities to appear where danger is, and though Fortune may cross him in his design, malice cannot blemish him in his honour It was thus. The Hanovers in the beginning of May had surprised a Convoy of a hundred Malters of Corn designed for the use of the great Provost, His project. the Baron of Meternich, then residing at Mentz. This prize the Commander intended to make use of for the relief of the French Garrison, projecting to carry it down to the Rhine by amusing the Frankforders, and the other Imperial Cities and Forts upon the River, with a colour of restitution, to the Dum-Provost, it being the rather credible because there was at that time a treaty of truce betwixt the Governor and the elector of Mentz, and Letters were drawn to that purpose, subscribed with his hand, sealed with his seal, and directed to the Elector, and Baron; and a Pass for the Bottom, as from Metternichy. May 15/25, was designed for putting the stratagem forward. A vessel capacious of that burden, and more was laden, and four Soldiers only (that there might be no suspicion of fraud appointed to carry the Bark thither. Towards Evening, the Skippers with their charge, were descried upon the Main near Frankford, and there being summoned, produced their Pass and Letters, which being entertained as authentical and true, gave them free liberty to go forward withoul any further questioning them. Hoechst was the next place where they feared any molestation; and there they found some trouble, but such as being once over, rather encouraged then disheartened them. The Commander there suspecting a pad in the straw. — Et metuens Danaos, & donaferentes, began to sift them more narrowly, and grounding his resolve rather upon supposition, than any pregnant proofs, instantly disarmed the soldiers, and stayed them till morning, when thinking these Gibeonites to have dealt sincerely with him, he restored their Arms, and gave them a free liberty to proceed. The favour of the stream and wind brought them soon after below the Castle of Keltzersbach, where, upon a neck of Land covered with sedge, and made almost for such a design, some other Hanovian troops attended them with six Wagons laden with Bacon, Fails. Butter, Granades, and other Ammunition; and fifty soldiers, whom they took into the Bark, deeming that this fortunate beginning must needs be crowned with an happy ending, and happy it might have been, if it had not been discovered casually. This glorious morning was soon overcast, a small cloud, that seemed empty, burst out into a storm, a peasant unhappily espied their action, and hope, and fear, hope of reward from the Commander, and fear of injury by the Hanovers, adding wings to his speed, made him sly too Hocchst, and acquaint the Governor with what he had seen. The Commander stayed not to call a counsel to advise what was to be done, but knowing the cause to require expedition, nor deliberation, instantly sent Post upon Post to Mentz, Bingen, and other places to look out and stay these adventurers. The adviso was no sooner come, but a watch was charged, and sundry Boats disoatched to the Main, and the Rhine, some to waylay them, and some to pursue after them. At Bingen, the Scouts discovered them, and the Austrian soldiers, near the Tower de Rats, or Mouse-steeple, grappled with them, after a small conflict, in which they slew six of the Hanovers, mastered the rest, took the ship and burden, detained the Captain and the rest of the soldier's prisoners, threw the Granades and other military instruments into the Rhine, and sent the provision to the Elector of Mentz, who for a gratification to the Governor of Bingen, bestowed upon him the prisoners, and their ransoms. Ramsey, who was rather angry, Ramsey threatens to be avenged, and puts his menace into execution. then grieved for this loss, no sooner heard of it, but sent a menacing letter to the Elector of Mentz, the purport whereof was, that if he did not restore him the prisoners and town which he had lost before Bingen, in the ship he sent towards Hermerstein, than he would burn all his towns in the Rhingaw, and to his word, joined his hand, immediately plundering the Cloister at Selingerstat, a City properly belonging to the Moguntine, but then under the Hanovers, carried the Monks into Hanow, detained them as prisoners of war, till they had satisfied his loss, sent a party towards Frankford, whence it brought back great store of cattles, and pillaged the country thereabouts, and seized himself of the town of Vrsel, which he fortified, as a place best fitting his intention for the further proseq●ution of that design, to all which the Elector like a man of war answered as resolutely, that himself would come in person, and block him up in Hanaw, if he stood upon those terms, all the neighbouring States being formerly bound, and now in a readiness, to assist him in that siege, if the Hanawers did not speedily submit. But nothing was done against him till afterwards. Yet all the vicinage began then to be filled with horror, The extraordinary Ambassador of Denmark pillaged by some of John de Werths' soldiers. the highways were become unpassable, the Hanovian, or Bavarian soldiers without respect of persons, pillaging all they met. The Count of Pentz Ambassador for the King of Denmark, to the King of Hungary, and States of Germany, had been at Mentz with the Elector, and there received honourably, but upon his return, thirty horsemen (at first supposed to have been of Ramseys Regiment, but proved afterwards to be Bavarians, and under the command of john de Werth) without regard either of his own condition, or the dignity of the persons, from whom and to whom he was sent, after they had slain his Steward, and wounded some other of his servants, laid violent hands on him, robbed him of all his money and jewels, and in a miserable plight turned him on the way toward Aschafemburgh, where his wants were supplied by the Elector of Mentz, with necessaries for his journey, and a safe conduct towards Wertzburg. The Garrison in Hermenstein, by this began to see their own, and Ramseys danger, Ramsey being unable to relieve them any more, or they to hold out long against the Bavarian, The Commander in Hermenstein gins to treat. who had threatened to surround Hanaw with his Army, as soon as he had taken in Hermanstein. Hitherto, that City in the Weteraw, had succoured the Fort upon the Rhine, and the Fort been as a strong Bulwark to that City, the forces of the enemy which menaced the City, being engaged there, and the City though sometimes blocked up, yet never besieged. The Die was cast, the chance seemed ill, and the Governor laboured to mend it with his play. It is wisdom to take time by the foretop, and to seek a remedy, before mischief can come, to extremity. The French Commander, as yet was provided of a months victuals, and whilst his store lasted, knew that he could keep the Fort, but that once gone, than he must surrender it; his aim was only how to do it honourably. To this purpose, about the end of May, he sent his Agents to the Elector of Colen, offering to surrender it into his hands, upon these conditions following. First, that he might march away freely with those fifteen pieces of Canon, which the Swedes had brought thither from Mentz. Secondly, That the Elector should admit no other praesidiary Soldiers there, save of his own forces only. Thirdly, that if any change should happen, he should surrender it to no other but the Elector of Tryer only, and lastly, that the Elector should give a pledge to the most Christian King for performance of these covenants: But all these conditions seemed unreasonable to the Elector, who thereupon for that time dismissed the Deputies, without any further treaty. The Baron of Werth, who all this time ceased from using his instruments of battery against the Fort, expecting to have it yielded without such compulsive enforcement, seeing the French Agents return without testimonials of any pacificous transaction, prepares to gain it by force of Arms, planted his battery and shot fiercely against it, fitted his Granades, and cast them into the Fort upon the new building, and was answered again by the Garrison in the same Dialect, receiving fare more damage from them, than he did unto them, his great shot being spent upon mud-wals, which by gentle yielding to the harder body were neither shaken nor shattered, and his Granades prevented by the care of the Garrison from doing the inward buildings any prejudice; whilst the shot from the Castle much impeached the Camp, and the Granades, which the Commander caused to be fling into Confluentia, brought thither a confluence of mischief. Capitulates. It was too violent a spurt to last long, nor stood it either with the discretion of the besiegers, to spend their powder, and ammunition so vainly, nor the ability of the besieged to do more than they had done, though it might have been done effectually. june 14/4, another parley was appointed, the Bavarian General, and the Deputies the Lord of Startzhousen, and the Lord of Egloy, by the direction of the Elector of Colen, came to another treaty with the French Commander, which was not concluded of, till eight days following, it being then determined, upon these subsequent propositions. First, The Articles of agreement, and surrendry of the Fort. That the Fort should be delivered up to the Elector of Colen, as a depositum to an entrusted Feoffee, to be again surrendered by him to the modern Elector of Tryer, or his lawful successor hereafter. Secondly, That a salvo Conducto, shall be granted to the Garrison by the Elector of Colen, the Cardinal Infant, the Duke of Newburgh, and the City of Colen. Thirdly, That after the receipt of the said Pass, the Garrison shall departed within two days, according to the custom of war with bag and baggage, high and low weapons, two of those pieces of Ordnance, which were brought thither by the Swedes, and be conducted down the River of Rhine, as fare as Orsoy: all which was observed accordingly, and June 17/●7 the French were carried with a Convoy, down the Rhine towards Holland, being furnished with sufficient provision for their journey, from Lintz and Bonne, by command of the Elector of Colen, and from Monhaimb by direction of the Duke of Newburgh. During the treaty with Hermenstein, two Imperial Regiments under the command of Henneberger, and the Earl of Dohna, were sent against Selingenstat, Selinginstat besieged by the Casareans. furnished from Frankford, with two pieces of Ordnance, Powder, Led, a hundred Musquetiers, and two Cannoneers. These forces early in the morning, June 11/21, began to play upon the City, and after a short battery to assault it. Captain Fisher, who was Commander for Ramsey, had three hundred men prepared to entertain them, and in the first assault, The Governor slain. with exchange of his own life, for many of theirs, two whereof were men of note, Hennebergers' Lieutenant Colonel, and an ordinary Lieutenant repulsed them. The besiegers hearing of the Commanders death, presently renewed the assault, and were received by the besieged so bravely, that again, with a greater loss they were forced to retire, the number of the slain Imperialists in both these Encounters amounting to the number of above a hundred and seventy men, and now greatly troubled and enraged to be thus beaten off by those ordinary men, who had no director to advise, or command them, brought up their whole body, resolving to carry it at the third attempt, or to die in the enterprise. The presidiaries observing their posture, & moved with the outcries of the people, The Garrison yields upon composition. to whom the gesture of the assailants presented strange objects of terror, hung out the Flag, and desired terms of composition. It was granted, and the Soldiers in conclusion, consenting to departed with unlighted matches, were conducted some part of the way towards Hanaw, by the Army. The Convoy being returned, some few of them kindled their matches, and with them the fury of the Caesarean Cavillary, which returning instantly upon them, put some of them to the sword, forced others to change their colours, and attend the Roman Eagles, and carried the rest, that would not serve them prisoners to Bobenhausen. But is detained upon breach of conditions. There is no dallying with a victorious enemy; if he list to quarrel, he can find a cause or make one. Nor is it any point of polity in a Conqueror, to use the vanquished with extremity. Though they be unable to avenge themselves, they may perhaps have Allies which are both sensible of their injuries, and able to repay them. The hard usage of his soldiers, Ramsey pillageth the enemy's Country. so incensed their Colonel, that he vowed quittance, and instantly sending out several parties, fetched in a number of great cattles from the Territories of Mentz and Wertzburg, to enrich his own City with victuals, and impoverish them, in respect of the hard measure done to his soldiers by the Caesarean horsemen, and the liberties of Frankford, for assisting them with soldiers and Ammunition in their late Expedition. john de Werth upon the composition with the French at Hermanstein, sent the Avantguard of his Army before to block up Hanaw, threatening the City to come with the main body of his Army, and engirt it round. But those forces were suddenly called back, a piece of more difficulty was designed for him, nor was he alone with his own Regiments able to undertake it. An hideous tempest was raised in Burgundy, and now began to approach the Rhine, D. Bernhard loaden with the spoils, of the Lorrainer, was coming that way with his victorious Arms, and the Bavarian assisted with the Sperenterish and Salish Regiments, and the Crabats under Isolany, was appointed to oppose him; and away he matched towards Basil, to meet with his own associates, and oppose the French forces under the Almayn Duke's command, but the success must be referred to its proper place. Ramsey's History, who all this while had lived like a free Prince, in the midst of his professed Enemies, and left not his charge at last as by enforcement, but voluntarily, with the consent, and approbation, and for the use of the Princes for whom he kept it, and with profit and honour to himself, maugre the malice of his Enemies, must now be recorded. Our English-Scottish Colonel, by the departure of the Bavarians, having got a little time of breathing, was not idle, but spent the few days of respite, he had in repairing the fortifications, revictualling the City, & abating the power of his ill affected neighbours. Provideth for a siege. About june the twentieth, old stile, the fields being white with Corn, he sent forth such harvest-men as could manage their Arms, as well as the Sickle, and reaping where he never sowed, brought in good store of corn into the common Granary. june the four and twentieth, another party being abroad, met with some Wagon of Frankford loaden with materials for building of a Sconce to impeach the City under his command, & guarded with seven Musquetiers, beat the soldiers, broke their Muskets, sent back the hot-shots, and took away thirteen fair draught-horses, and carried them into the City. It was time that he should look about him, a new Army was raised suddenly against him, the Elector of Mentz, the Bishop of Wertzburg, and the Imperial City of Frankford, joined their forces together, under the Baron of Metternich, and resolved to compel him to yield and surrender the City. But the fire burns hottest in coldest weather; and their Armies environing him, made his courage more active. Is blocked up in H●u●w. They could not pin him up so straight, but that he found a way free for him at pleasure, to sally forth for the endamaging of the Army. Two days amongst the rest are most remarkable, july 20/30, upon which, he broke into the Generals own Quarter, slew above a hundred horse, and brought as many prisoners into the City, and july 27, old stile, they broke out as far as Retstat, cut off many of the Caesareans, and carried away twenty horses. In the midst of these turmoils, an unexpected peace was wrought for this City. The Earl of Hanaw, who had been under the Imperial Band, The Earl of Hanaw makes his peace with the King of Hungary. and was proscribed amongst other Evangelicall Princes by the Triumvirate at Prague, being entertained at the Hage, by the United States, whither he fled as to a Sanctuary, from the fury of Ferdinand the Second late Emperor, by the mediation of friends in the Court at Vienna, had then happily made his peace with the now King of Hungary, & was readmitted by him to his Earldom. Himself being then sick, sent an adviso thereof to the Christian King, who had formerly relieved him in his extremity, and lately during the time of his sickness at the instance, and upon the intercession of the States, sent him 200000 Florins, desiring his Majesty's consent for his peaceable enjoying his ancient possessions, and his Letters to Ramsey for the relinquishing of the City, and resigning it to the Earls use. The King granted his suit, and gave order to Ramsey to restore the place, but with a proviso of satisfaction for his care in the conservation of it, and assurance of all this being brought to the Colonel about the end of July, with order, and Letters Patents from the Earl, directed to his Brother in Law, the Count of Solms Lawbach, to administer the Government during the Earls absence, the old Governor made a cessation of Arms, with the asseegers, with declaration of the cause, for a time of conference about the sum, which he expected as a requital of the offices he had done that City, and they as willing to be rid of one, who with a small power, had often pillaged their Territories, as desirous after the mischiefs of War, to have a glimpse of the much desired rays of peace, not only willingly condescended thereunto, but when the Colonel had sent his Agents to the Eector of Mentz, to treat about his satisfaction, Ramsey resigns his government upon honourable terms. the Frank forders sent theirs also to the same effect, and the marquis of Darmstat, who had then made a truce with the Colonel, interposed himself, as an umpire, or at least mediator in that negotiation. Some time was spent, as it is ordinary in matters of such nature, about the sum to be paid, and the persons from whom it was to be expected; yet in the end by the earnest solicitation of the marquis, both were agreed on, and 50000 Rix Dollars were appointed the Commander, from the Moguntine, the Bishop of Wirtzburg, and the Imperial City of Frankford (the sum in our English account is 15000 pound sterling) and the Commander resigned his authority, to the Count of Solms Lawbach, with conditions to stay in Hanaw as a private man, till the money was paid in, and then to have a safe conduct to the Swedish Army, or to what other place himself upon more deliberation would nominate for his safety. Nunc est bibendum: nunc pede libero Pulsanda tellus:— The Weteravians were now all in jollity by Ramseys resignation, they feared no future unhappiness, Strange prodigies. and the memory of all former calamities was almost extinguished, when suddenly the hearts of the superstitious people w●re da●●●ted by strange prodigies (yet not strange to that Nation, no year since the war first commenced, being ba●●●n of such portents) the water at Weymar again being ●urned to blood, a strange Worm in the shape of a man with perfect lineaments, and a golden Crown upon of head, being found in a Salad at an Herb-wo●●●●s shop at Coblentz, and (which if not prestigious) was most terrible, a Woman appearing in a mourning habit, in Saint Stephens the Cathedral Church-yard at Vienna. june 18/28, which with an accent of sorrow, as they writ from thence having from 11 to 12 at night yelled out woe unto you, woe unto you, often repeating those words, and nothing else, the Bells without the help of man rung suddenly to the great affrightment of the people, which descanted upon the omen, doubting such horrid consequents would ensue it, as presented themselves to their several fancies. Now began a new time of trouble, fire and sword raging in many parts of the Empire, not only casually, but by the arbitrement, and wile of such as used that devouring element to the damage of those with whom they were at enmity. Part of the D. of Bavaria his Palace at Munchen burned casually. The Duke of Bavaria had some loss at Munchen casually. june 19/29, at the entertainment of the Extraordinary Ambassador for the King of Denmark, the Count of Pentz being then arrived at the Bavarian Court, to show his magnificence, the Duke would have the night to emulate the day. — atque ex Cyclope diurno, Nocturnus tunc Argus erat— strange fireworks were devised, and used, but one of the Squibs fell unhappily upon the Tennis Court adjoining to the Palace, and burned it to ashes, and thence ranging to the Prince's stables burned them down with the horses in them, & had done more mischief, had not the people plied their hands, & fallen close to their water works, A turret of the Duke's place, his jewel-house, wherein his rarities of great value, were reserved, was suddenly on a flame, but there the people, with much a do extinguished it, & with that determined their fear; the Duke could not be unsensible of some loss by that accident; yet his loss elsewhere was greater, another of his Castles named Leichtenberg, near Landsberg, about three weeks before was set on fire by lightning, and in three days all which time the raging Vulcan could not be appeased, was made an heap of rubbage. The Castle of Lichtenberg● strangely burnt to the ground. But these private and particular accidents were nothing to the common terrors abroad, in Hessenland, Lusatia, Misnia, and other places of the Empire. The Card. Infant began to be oppressed in the Netherlands by French Armies in Artois, and Haynault, & the State's forces in Brabant, and for his relief Picolomini with his Regiments, was called down to Hennegow. Duke Bernhard with his almains, and the French forces were come by this time as fare as Montbeliard toward the Rhine, and Isolany first, and Forgatz after him with their Brabats, the first with foruteen, and the last with eleven Regiments were sent to assist john de Werth against him, the highways were filled with bands of men, and whilst these men of Arms were upon their march, the Cities by which they were to pass, though they had no reason to fear, or suspect any injury by such as were their Confederates, durst not be too confident. Colen especially, which was near the road of these passengers, where the Magistrate mustered up 2000 men, and added them to the old Train-band to have them in a readiness upon all occasions. The Almaigne Duke of Saxon Weymar, whose brave exploits in the French County, must be referred to their proper head, about the midst of june dividing his Army for the speedier execution of his designs sent Hallier with the one part, D. Beruh. of Sax. Weymar at Browstat. by the way of Porrentruy towards Alsatia, with an injunction to meet him at Browstat near Mulhausen the first of july new stile, the day and place designed for the common Rendezvous, and himself followed by the way of dan, whither before, with an able Convoy, he had sent two Wagons laden with money for payment of his Army. Neither of them failed in the least circumstance, and both meeting at the time and place appointed a Counsel o● War was called, and according to the conclusion there resolved of some few days after, the Lieutenant General marched towards Basil, with one part of the Army to confer with the Magistrate there about the present occasions, and his Highness having stayed a while in the Camp, with Manicampe the Field-marshal, and Lieutenant Governor General for the King in Alsatia, and particularly Commander of Colmar, who came to visit him, Adviseth with his Counsel of War for passage over the Rhine. and tender him his service: put forward july 3/13, to besiege Ensisheim, a town of consequence, and the Parliamentary seat of Alsatia, where he gave order to the Rhinegrave, his Lieutenant General of the Cavallary to assault it, and departed thence with Manicampe to Colmar, to advise with him for the passing of his Army over the river. To this end the next morrow, he drew out six Companies of Musquetiers, commanded them to march night and day directly towards Benefielt, and himself the 5/15, attended with Manicampe, who carried with him five hundred old French Soldiers, drawn out of the Garrisons of Colmar, Schlestat, and Guemar, and his own company of light-horse followed them, and found there certain Boats laid upon the carriages made ready for his service, by Moquell the Governor resident for the Crown of Sweden there. Here another Counsel of War was called for prosecution of the Duke's design, and the Commanders differing in their particular opinions, (it not being disputed what was to be done, but how) according to their several intelligences of the posture, & gesture of the Enemy, the Duke commanded the valiant Schonbeck (the Colonel who had formerly so bravely defended Cazel-outre, with three hundred men, forty wagons, and forty 〈◊〉 all Boats to attempt the passage. His valiant heart could not disobey, though in probability those vessels of so little bulk could be of as little avail for the transporting of an Army. The Colonel had no sooner put his hand to work, but good fortune (seldom a foe to an hardy man) furnished him with what he wanted. Three great Bottoms loaden with Merchant's goods, were tugging up the stream from Strasburg to Basil, those he seized of, He passeth the River. and with them he transports his forlorn hope to the other side. The Duke had speedy intelligence of his good success, and posting thither, found the vessels there at his arrival, & entering into them, with the marquis of Dourlach, the Dukes of Wirtemberg, Manicampe, and other Commanders passed over to the other side: his Army being conducted after him, in the small vessels which were brought from Benefieldt, and some others which came down the small Cut, which runneth from Schlestat into the Eltzer, and were so brought into the Rhine for that service. An happy beginning it was, and almost beyond the Duke's expectation, but Commencement n'est pas fuseé, as it is in the French Proverb, it is not the first Scene, but the last Act that deserves a plaudite; now began the busy season, and to come off well, or go forward successively, was the General's main intention. He had with him but a part of his Army, was landed in the Enemy's Country, was not ignorant of the preparations against him, and as it behoved him for his better safety, he was bound to fortify his Camp, & to have a strong place of retiring upon occasion. He provided for both, entrenching himself till his forces could come in, and fortifying a small Isle made by the Elster and the Rhine, Is four times assaulted by john de We●th, & is still victorious. for his retirement. The Baron of Werth not willing to give him a breathing time, four several times assaulted him with the strength of his Army, which consisting at the first of 4000 horse, and as many foot, was then engrossed with three Companies of horse by Rhinacker Governor of Brissack, but was still repulsed with loss, and in the end forced to Offenbach, with the loss of above 1000 men in these Encounters, 500 dead corpses being found dead upon the place, and many horsemen, carrying away their dead Comerades behind them, and all the Officers of one whole Regiment slain except one Corporal, and the Duke with the loss of 130 men got a happy victory. The Rhinegrave in the mean time was as successfully employed at Ensisheim, his Ordnance having made a breach on the one side his forces, Ensisheim taken by D. Bernhard. broke down the Barricadoes, and the defendants retiring at the unexpected sight, and flying into the City, the asseegers followed them pellmell, entered the City, and slew as many as they found in Arms, some saved themselves from the fury by taking the Castle, yet they surrendered, August the fift, new stile, upon discretion with sparing their lives, the Officers were made prisoners, and the rest came to serve under Duke Bernhards' Colours. Duke Hallier being come to the Territory of Basil, foreslowed no time, for dispatch of his business, but sent to the Magistrate, and his assistants in the administration of that State. Immediately desiring them to permit his Army to cross the Rhine by their Bridge, Halliers passage over the Rhine. and for his money to supply his soldiers with things necessary, promising to pass quietly, without offering any offence to their Friends, and directly without turning to the right hand, or the left, urging withal the covenant of Alliance betwixt the King his Master and the Helvetian, Cantons, of whom that City was one, without infringement whereof, they could not but condescend to his just, and fair propositions. It was disputed a while in the Statehouse what was to be done, many objections interposing themselves betwixt their assent, and his desire, yet in the end his last request was granted, great store of Biscuit was baked there for his Army, the meat being his own, and brought out of Burgundy, and he marched away to Rhinaw, to conjoin with his General the Duke of Weymar, who had laid a bridge of Boats there, and caused the forces under the Rhinegrave, to be transported over three leagues below Strasburg, to the great affrightment of the Country people, who guessing diversely of the Duke's design, Some judging his course to be for Swalen, and the Bodensea, others for Franconia and Bavaria, no man knowing certainly, which way he would advance the better sort, with the best of their goods fled towards Bavaria, and the stronger forts to preserve themselves from pillaging. While these two opposite Armies were encamping, the Bavarian in the Kentzinguer Valley, taking up his head-quarter in the Marquisate of Baden, to secure the City of Kentzinguen, upon which he supposed Duke Bernhard would have an especial eye, it being one of the Keys of Brisgow, and an inlet to the Dukedom of Wertemberg, and the Aleman Duke at Witemweir, The Governor of Haguenaw informed of the state of Chahehouse. till those forces which he had brought with him out of the French County, and 10000 Irish Soldiers, which he expected daily from France, might come up to him, an occasion presented itself to Plessis Foumechon Captain of a Burgundian Regiment, residing then in Haguenaw, and Keeper of the Saurne Port, to advance the French affairs about the Rhine, and impeach the Bavarian Commander in his designs. Some Peasants that came thither to Market, informed him, that John de Werth, the better to enable himself to oppose Duke Bernhard, had drawn out of the Isle of Cahehousen, an Island upon the Rhine, near the Village of Troussenon, 600 old Soldiers, and had left 200 men only to keep it. The Island though not big, as being but three English miles in compass, was of no small importance for the French if they could master it, the Forts there serving as so many Blockhouses to secure their free passage to and fro, over the River, and yielding liberty of commerce to the Haguenois up and down the Rhine, the small stream upon which Haguenaw is seated, burying his water in that famous Flood point-blank over against that Island; and moved with these arguments, he discovered his project to Chalanceé, then prime Commander for the Christian King in that City, desiring him not to slip so fair an opportunity, which if now neglected, might perhaps be long expected, and never attained unto, but to send out some forces instantly, and assault the Germans, Intends to invade it. which were left to guard it, it being more than probable, that now he might easily carry it. The Commander heard him willingly, and upon his first report, inclined to attempt it, but knowing that there is fraud in Generalities, and fearing that the Peasants either be misinformed, or suborned to seduce him, would yet be better satisfied of the truth of their relation, before he undertook that expedition. A Combatant in a single Duel, shows his skill, dumb in arenâ capit consilium, if when he is in the List he comply to the wards, and foins of his Enemy; but a Commander in war ought to be perfectly instructed of the strength, fortifications, and warlike preparations made by the adverse party, before he joins battle. To clear all doubts he employed the Relator to treat with the Officer of Biche, Yet sends out to be better informed of the state thereof. whose neighbourhood, had procured a kind of familiarity, with some inferior officers in the Island, and he undermining some of acquaintance there brought him a certain intelligence of the number of soldiers left in the Garrison, the Boors speaking only by conjecture, having doubled it, and assured him that the Bavarian had not left above 100 men to guard it. It was enough: the known advantage prompted on the forward French Commander, who yet that he might not lose the substance by snatching at the shadow, Undertakes it. weaken the City committed to his care, and expose it to the Enemy, for gaining of the Isle, took out only 100 men, to wit, 80 Musquetiers, and 20 Carabins, which he assigned to several Leaders for the execution of his design. But knowing that so small a number, could strike no terror into them which therein equallized him, and had the advantage of a fortified place, he makes up yet in tale, A stratagem. what he wanted in weight, arms 50 Boys in white Armour, mounts them upon so many horses, sends two Trumpets before them, and six Drums after them, and follows himself immediately with the rest of his forces, that assoon as the sight of his approach had disheartened those disjoined men, which being but so few were employed in four several places, he might use his offensive arms against them. Nothing was omitted by the almains, which might have been for their own assecuration: such a storm was expected, and they laboured to prevent it, the ways were encumbered with trees laid athwart them, and those so impeached his march, that though he had so laid his gests, that he intended to have been upon the Island by peep of day, he could not reach thither, till the Sun was past the South; The redoubt before the Isle, Carrieth ●t. was manned by eight Musquetiers, and they might (had not fear surprised them) have maintained it against his whole band. The two little Forts, the one of the ●ertemberger, the other on Strasburgh side, and the great one in the navel of the Isle, were proportionably furnished with men, and Ammunition, yet all these were taken almost without blows, the terrified Soldiers in the redoubt after one discharge of their Muskets, flying to the lesser Sconces, and the presidiaries there infected with their fellows timorousness, hasting thence to the greatest, and all in the end betaking themselves to their heels; the Island was left to the French invadour, who seized upon the Sconces, and found therein 80 Muskets, 500 Pikes, and great store of match, but no powder, the Germans having fired it before they fled; and now that he might quickly raise a more impregnable Fort, by the love of the Inhabitants, which consisting of 200 Families, had their fields stored with Kine, Muttons, Swine, and the like, he entertains the Islanders, with all courtesy, upon pain of death, forbids the Soldiers to offer them any injury, and with assurance of their reciprocal faith, and holding the place, departs the next day, leaving only Garone a Captain, Le Compte his Lieutenant, Le Mare his Ensign, and the common Soldiers to keep it, and himself with the Gallants which accompanied him in this adventure, returns the day following to Hagenaw. Chalance, by his fair treaty of the Boors, had got a better assurance of their affections, than his forces had of holding the Island. Violence could not win the love of the Islanders, but Arms might perhaps force the strong holds to the Bavarians subjection, who knowing the value of his loss, in the loss thereof, August 9/19, commanded out the Colonel Werth with 2000 selected men, chosen out of his whole Army, and forty Trumpets, The 〈…〉. Kettle, and ordinary Drums to re-invade it, enjoining him not to return without conquest of the Forts, and forbidding him to grant the French any Quarter. The Colonel, to give his General an assurance of obedience, and utmost endeavour, though he could not of the victory, without stay marched on, arrived at the Isle, where finding the two lesser Forts unmanned, he thrust into each of them 200 men, and with the rest marched in Battle array towards the midst of the Petite Island. The French were not strong enough to meet him in Campain, it was honour enough for them, to hold, if they could, possession of the greater Fort. Thence they would not be persuaded to part, and the Colonel attempted therefore to constrain them. Are repulsed with loss. Six hundred men were suddenly drawn out to assault the Port thereof, who having quickly made themselves masters of the Halfmoon, which defended it, applied the scaling ladders to the Bastion, and mounted up so nimbly, that two of the hardiest, and forwardest of them were slain at the top thereof, by the French Defendants, who now bestirring their hands repulsed the rest so valiantly, that thirty six of the assailants fell down dead into the Moat, and this ill success caused the first adventurers to retire; but this did nothing abate the courage of their Colonel, who thinking to weary out the Defendants, whose small number, as he deemed, would not be able to hold out many assaults, against his fresh supplies, renewed the attempt, and that failing, the Germans finding then as course entertainment as they had done formerly, he assayed it the third, fourth, The effects of the victory. and fifth time, still more furiously, but more unhappily, having at these several times, left some of his men prisoners to the French, amongst which were two Captains, whereof one died of his wounds within two hours after, and the other desperately hurt, and one Ensign, who had both his thighs broken, two hundred and sixteen men slain outright, four hundred wounded, & in the end, seeing all his endeavour unavayable, in a disorderly flight posted towards the Dukedom of Wertemberge, being pursued by Garane, who though toiled with his former service, followed the Rear so close, that he caused them to embark themselves so confusedly, that the Bottom was overturned in the Rhine, and many of them drowned, whose number may be guessed at by the hats which were about threescore, found the next morning in the River. This stake was drawn by the buy, Duke Bernard nevertheless still put on for the Main. His design was of a higher strain, and though this little piece of land upon the Rhine, was of some value, yet he tugged hard for a better prize, Drusenheim taken by Duke Berub. is re-attempted by J. de Werth, but vainly. nor was it to be achieved otherwise. Drusenheim a place of strength upon the Rhine, he had taken by assault, and john de Werth thinking to regain it by Anslat, came before it unexpectedly of a sudden with his Army, but the fortune of War not favouring him, he was beaten back with the loss of six or seven hundred men, and forced to look backward towards Wertenberg, whither the Duke taking advantage of the Bavarians, rising from his fortified Entrenchments, was hastily advancing. Both parties began then to show their Masterpieces. The Duke of Saxon Weymar, August 3/13, desirous to try the fortune of a Battle with the Bavarian General, as resolved either to advance victoriously, D. ●erub. desirous to try the fortune of a battle, or entomb himself in an honourable Sepulchre, sent out a Ritmaster with fifty horse (as the French relate it) eighty (as the report is delivered from Brussels) to descry the number, and posture of his Enemy's Army, which falling unadvisedly upon an Ambuscado, which the Baron of Werth had laid, Sends out a forlorn hope. consisting of two Regiments of Dragons, and three of Cuirassiers, seven of his soldiers, (as the French Discoverer expresseth it) were slain outright, and the rest made prisoners of war; or (as the Dutch hath it) sixty of them were made prisoners, and twenty returned back to the Camp. It is not worth the while to contend of the number, they that speak most favourably conclude the Bavarian to have gotten thereby a good omen of victory. Yet this fair beginning as we may judge by the consequents, was not fortuna munus, but infidiae, That lost I. de Werth hoping of victory leaves his trenches. no demonstrative argument of a propitious fortune afterwards, but a trick of a cheating Courtesan, by dalliance leading her fondling to destruction. His Highness had speedy notice of the Perdues misfortune, and assoon sent out the Regiments under Roza, and Culembach to skirmish with the Bavarians, D. Berah. encount●eth and repelleth him. himself in the mean time drawing out, and following them, with a Squadron of horse, and meaning to put on to a battle. The Colonels performed their office carefully, and the Duke seconded them valiantly, fight a time doubtfully, till in the end either seemingly, or truly enforced (this particular is related diversely) in an orderly retreat, nor absolutely flying, nor fight, he returned to his Camp, being all the while charged upon hotly by the Bavarian, who by this more than persuaded of that victory, pursued him to his very Trenches. But the day was not yet won. The Camp made ready the Canon, and the Gunners played with the Artillery, upon the Bavarian Army, which perceiving its error and into what a precipice of mishap it was fallen, retired again to its Fortifications, being pursued by the Duke who had another Squadron of horse in readiness to second him, and cut off five troops of his horse, and forced him back to his Trenches. One mishap seldom comes alone. john de Werth was then in want both of Ammunition for war, and provision of meat for his Army; with the first he was to be supplied from Vdenheim, and with the last from Brissack, A Convoy of Jo. de Werth defeated by the Rhinegrave. yet the last could not be brought unto him without a sufficient Convoy. To furnish his Camp with victuals. Monday, August 7/17, he addressed one of 600 horse towards the named Magazine. Notice of this was brought by the Scouts, to the Rhinegrave, who with expedition said an a●nbush on the way, by which these Cavaliers should pass. All washusht, nor was there any appearance of a rub, which might offend the Gallanta in their course, when the Avantguard, coming within reach of the Rhine-graves Muskets, a volley of shot startled the first adventurers, and put them to a confused flight, and so they escaped better than the gross body of that small Army, which the Rhinegrave charged, and discharged upon immediately, putting some to the sword, and bringing sixty prisoners to Duke Bernhards' Camp, amongst were two of the Bavarian Barons, Pages, which scaped not , and without wounds in this Encounter. Forgatz, August 8/18, arrived at the Bavarian Camp, with his Regiments of Crabats, & the Duke of Lorraine was upon the way to join with him also, but the news of Bleterans stopped his journey, and deprived the Bavarian of those long expected and promised Auxiliaries. Notwithstanding the fire which for some days had been cooped up, in the dark womb of a thick and foggy cloud, 'gan now to break out impetuously with thunder and lightning. Duke Bernhard by his Bridge of Boats at Rhinaw, had conveyed over all his Ordnance beyond the Rhine, and appeared daily in the field, as challenging the Bavarian to set battle, but his often and many affronts done to the wary Baron not prevailing, he left the major part of his Infantry in a fortified place, and marched, August 19/29, with his Cavallary directly towards the Castle of Molberge, and the Towns of Ettenheim, and Endenguen, places situated betwixt Wittenweir, and Offenburg, before the last whereof John de Werth, had his head Quarter, his other Regiments being enquartered along the Kentzinguer Valley, because if he should hap to be hard put to it by the Duke, D●bernb. besiegeth Kentz●ng●n. he intended to retire into the Dukedom of Wirtenberg. At Molberg he stood not still, but the same night summoned, and afterward assaulted the Castle, which being taken in the fury, was made so exemplary to the neighbour Cities, that Ettenheim, and Endingen, fearing to be made a spoil to the Conqueror voluntarily submitted and accepted fair terms of composition. The Cities were well stored of provision, and afforded good relief to his Army, which being well refreshed with the viands there found, he sent a strong party out to discover the manner of the Bavarians encamping, which haply met with some troops of Bavarians Cuirassiers, whom they fought withal, vanquished, and brought sixty of them prisoners to the Duke's Army. The Baron for all this stirred not, but keeping close in his Earthy Fortifications, rather watched his own advantage, then ministered occasion of any to his Enemy, and something must be done to make him rise, or remove he would not. Sundry projects offered themselves to the Duke's consideration, but which was most likely to take effect, though he might conjecture, he could not determine. At last his thoughts were fixed, Keutzingen, the surprisal whereof, must needs intercept all commerce betwixt the City of Bryssack, and the Bavarians Camp, if surrounded by his Forces, he conceived, and was not mistaken in his judgement, would make the Baron move, and thither, Sept. 4. new stile, he marched with 600 Foot, and drew his Canon. john de Werth advertised by his Spials of the Duke's design, So draweth the B●v●r●an 〈◊〉 battle. followed him presently with part of his own Forces, and 24 Corners of Crabats, commanded by Isolani to relieve it. The Duke had planted his battery upon an Hill against the City before, but now seeing the Bavarian at his back, turned them from the I own point-blank upon the Army, and de Werth, perceiving that if he went forward, he must needs march against the Canon's mouths, partly to prevent that hazard, and partly to draw the Almaigne Duke from his advantage, changed his station, and encamped in a mown-ground, and severed from the Duke's Army, by a great and deep River, only 25 foot broad, but having the banks so high raised, that it could not be passed, but by a bridge of stone, which adjoining to a Mill which the Baron had seized of, and planted there a battery of 10 pieces of Ordnance. What will not the earnest desire of performance, apprehend as easily feasible? The Duke had a longing desire to exchange some blows with the Bavarian, and now though he should give him odds, he conceived, he might grapple with him advantageously. This conceit made his Highness withdraw from the Hill, and pitch down directly over against the Baron, the River only being betwixt them, though reason still guiding his will, moved and prevailed with him, to do it cautelously, and without exposing his person and forces to apparent jeopardy. By a stratagem The Bavarian seeing his posture, strait beat an alarm, and his Officers partly to show their readiness to conform their actions to his directions, but more incited by the looks of the Duke's Soldiers, the true picture of fear, with her staring and distracted looks, trussing up her trinkets, being portrayed in their faces, ran when he bade them go to make ready against the united French and Germane forces. The face is not always the mirror of the heart, they which judge by the outward appearance, are not seidome mistaken. The Duke's Soldiers were not possessed with any real fear, but personated disheartened men, and that so well, that for the time no Pantomime could excel them. And obtains a victory. It was their General's project, that they should thus counterfeit, and they acted it to the life, though it cost the lives of many of their adversaries. The Bavarians promising themselves a glorious victory, came on cheerfully with their Commander before them, who having brought over the Bridge two Brigades of his Infantry, all Crabats, and Dragoons, and four Regiments of Cuirassiers, his excellency concluded that enough of his adversaries were within reach of his shot, and willing to engage himself, with too great a number least thereby he should make the battle doubtful, gave the signal to his Army, for charging upon them, which were come over the Bridge, and to hinder the other part of the Bavarian forces to follow them. His directions and actions were like theirs of one birth: the signal was no sooner given, but himself advanced with his Avantgard consisting of four Regiments of Horse, and two Regiments of Foot, and charged the Crabats, which were in the head of the Bavarians Battalia so furiously, that they scarce endured the first shock, but fled. The Cuirassiers stood to it something more stiffly, they came on twice with a great bravery, but in the end were constrained to follow the Crabats over the Bridge in a tumultuary confusion. The Bridge was too narrow to give them a free passage, nor could they well reach it, the way being pestered with men, and horses overthrown: and they which reached it, justled each other into the torrent, the Baron himself, being shouldered over in that hurly-burly, and was in danger to have been lost, had he not been quickly drawn out of the mud by the care and labour of eight of his own Cavaliers. The Duke still pursued them, but the darkness of the night overtaking him, preserved such as had escaped for the time present from his fury, the next morning he renews his pursuit, and then overtaking the Rear of the Bavarians Army, he slew and routed 500 of his foot, and three Squadrons of his Cavallary their General who had regained his trenches at Offenburgh, not offering to come and assist them. The Duke was there honourably victorious, having slain above 1000 of the Bavarian soldiers, the most of them Cavaliers, with the loss of less than 100 of his own, yet not secure, the Die of war being subject to several chances, and for the better managing of the Province which he had undertaken, sent out September 6 new stile, a strong party again to discover his Enemy's actions, which fortunately meeting with 300 Crabats, sent abroad by the Baron, to have the like eye upon the Duke, whom they encountered, slew a 100 of them, & brought 50 prisoners back to their General. Forga●z his message to D. Bernh. And here I could wish to conclude this Act, but the Scene was not yet full, at what time the Captives were presented to the Duke, a Trumpet came to his Highness from Forgatz, croaking out this bloody note, that his Master intended not to give any quarter to what prisoner soever he took hereafter, and that already de facto, in cold blood, he had slain some of the Almain Dukes men, which incited him again to make slaughter of his new prisoners, And the direful issue. excepting such only as appertained to another Colonel. CHAP. II. PEace, the benefits whereof have not for many late years been sensibly discovered to the Germans, was the General desire of the people: the Boors which lived by tillage, and feeding of Cattle, hoped that this year, the swords would be turned into Ploughshares, and the Pikes into Shepherds Crooks; the Merchants whose free traffic was stopped by these Military broils, began to feel poverty coming upon them, more than the armed men against their Enemies, and longed for an open trade, and several persons according to our humane condition, qui facile credimus, quod volumus, upon each slight occasion, gave out that a truce for time of years, if not a certain and firm peace would now be concluded betwixt the Crown of Sweden, and its Allies, and the King of Hungary, and his adherents. Two or three days respite from acts of hostility, betwixt the opposite Armies severally eneamped at Torgaw, and Meisen made the Elve Echo to the votes of the common people, about a cessation of Arms, and the conceit of the Earl Brandestein his commission to treat with the Austrian in April, was taken by the vulgar as an undeniable argument of a growing reconciliation, betwixt those high & mighty Princes. But the misery of that Nation, was not yet come to the height, Brandestein was surprised by the Saxon, B●ankslein a prisoner at Dresden. and stayed, and lastly, close imprisoned at Dresden, with his Lady, whose burden being ready to call for a Midwife for assistance, without prayers or oratory might have got a fairer respect of an Enemy than she found from the Elector, though she begged it with an humble language, and that small desistance from employing their offensive arms, betwixt the hosts, was but a preparation to a greater expression of their hostility. Each party, enabling itself, with all its might to endamage, and impeach the other. Banniere, though oppressed with multitudes (the Saxon and Austrian forces doubling his numbers) lost nothing of his spirit, but went on as daringly as ever. A Colossus holds the same dimensions, though placed in a deep pit, and a right valiant man is ever like himself, undaunted though he be surrounded with apparent danger. Hall, Eylenburge, and the great Sconce before Wittenberg were garrisoned still with Swedes, who were enjoined by their General to defend them against the Saxon and his Allies; himself intending to proceed further in pursuire of his late victories, and to begin, sent out some troops of horse and foot against Oshitz, with instructions, to take it by a sudden Onslat, or if they failed, to return with all speed to the Camp, it being no convenient time for them to abide in the field, the Enemy then growing stronger daily by a new access of several Armies, An assault on Oshitz failing, the suburbs are fired by the Swtdes. not troops, but Armies under several Commanders, which were upon their march, and scoured the Country about them. The City had in it a Garrison of 500 horse, who being informed by their Scouts, that the Swedes were coming, expected, and prepared for them, yet though by their care they saved the place from surprisal, they conld not preserve it from damage, the retiring Swedes chafed to be thus prevented, fired the Suburbs and the Windmills, burned them to the ground, and returned. To have stayed there longer, had been no point of providence, the Austrian and Saxon Army, was upon their rising from Meysen, Ghleen was already in Thuringen, with his Army, and the Leipsichers grown confident upon these new approaching succours, A Swedish party surprised at Bitterfield. began to send out strong parties to surprise the straggling Swedes, and did it once fortunately at Bitterfieldt, where a 100 Swedes which had been plundering and burning the Villages thereabouts were assaulted by them unexpectedly, and with some slaughter routed. Hatzfield, and Goetz, were no sooner risen from Meyssen, but they marched directly towards Eylenburg on both sides the River of Mulda, and their coming was so formidable to the Swedish presidiaries there, that all of them, one Captain, Eylenburg forsaken by the Swedes. and sixty men only excepted, left the City by night, and betook themselves to flight by their cowardice, besides the brand of ignominy, which attended it, exposing their lives to more danger, than perhaps they had undergone, if they had held the place, according to their General's direction: their departure being discovered to the Austrian Commanders, who pursued after them, & made the hindmost, whom they overtook, before they could reach Torgaw, pay for their folly, with their lives, and the rest finding a frown from their General, for leaving a fortified City, to seek safety in his Army. The Captain which remained, with so small an handful of men to keep the City, withdrew into the Castle, A noble act of a Sw●thsh Captain. whence though once summoned, he would not out, till he had given the Eylenburgers and Hatzfieldt, good testimony of his loyalty to the Crown of Sweden, and enmity with the Saxon, by casting several fire-balls into the City, and then unable to hold out longer, yielded to the Victor's mercy, or fury, who being thus possessed of this City, consulted for the recovery of Hall, and the Sconce at Wittenberg first, and then for conquest of the Swedish Army. Ghleen who was called out of Westphalia, and Hessen, purposely to assist Hatzfieldt, and his Colleagues against the Swedes, by the way had an eye at Ertford, the greatest City in Thuringen, taken by Banniere, the year last passed, Ertford besieged by Ghlein. and determined to besiege it. The Imperial Council of War had decreed to recover it, the Elector of Saxony ceased not to incite them to it, and though all the Princes and neighbour-states of that great City, foreseeing the inevitable ruin, which attended their own Estates, though they were of the Imperial party, if that City should be besieged, were earnest suitors to the Elector that it might not be beleaguered, they could not divert him from that resolution, no not to forbear it for a season, till harvest was over, and they had gotten in the fruits of the ground, upon which the hopes of that Province, almost made desolate by famine then consisted. Ghleen therefore authorized by him, and the Imperial Council of War, being come within a league and half of the City in a Bailiwick, properly belonging to Duke Bernhard of Weymar, near the Cloister of Icterhausen, measured out several quarters to lodge his Army, fortified his Camp with Retrenchments and lines of communication, able to receive 15000 men; made hutes for his soldiers, and had prepared for the siege, when suddenly a Courier came unto him posting from the Electo of Saxony, who had changed his mind, not upon the entreaty of his neighbour Princes, but a design upon the Swedes in Misnia, with order to the Baron to rise from thence, The siege suddenly ray●ed. and with a speedy march to ha●●e to Eylenburg. Banniere whose provident eye was not fixed only upon his own Camp at Torgaw, but looked after his Confederates in all places, had notice of Ghleens design, and to relieve the City, drew out of his Army five Regiments of Horse, and a 1000 Dragoons, committed them and the business to the care of the General Lesle, who brought them as fare as Eisleben, but there being certified, that Ghleen had raised his siege, and was gone towards Saxony, stayed his journey, and marched after them to observe their posture and intention. The Baron being joined with the other Imperial Commanders, the desigue against the great Fort at Wittemberge, was first put into execution. The Sconce at Wittenberg. The Fort was guarded by 400 men, who for a time defended themselves bravely, spent divers shot upon the Camp, made out sundry sallies, & omitted nothing that could be expected from besieged resolute men. But the Imperial Army, which was before it, with its full strength, and the Saxon-vitzdumb, who commanded in the City, returturning 20 Canonadoes upon the Fortfor one, so battered it, that May 1●/301 the Garrison was brought to capitulated, and upon condition to departed with baggage, and arms: about 10 in the Evening, they marched out, yet the common men were constrained to take service under Hatzfield, and the Officers only were dismissed. Colonel Osterling who commanded there for the Swede, and was a native of Hall, being carried as a prisoner to Dresden. The Sconce was no sooner surrendered, but a Swedish Musketeer came with tidings of succours from his General to the late Governor, the purport whereof was, that 10 Squadrons of horse by Land, and five ships loaden with Musquetiers by water, were come to relieve him, and come indeed they did, though too late to that service, yet time enough to embroil the Imperialists in a new adventure. The Imperial General had notice of thei● coming, and prepared to receive them, he knew they were come to the black Elster, planted eight Ordnances against them upon the Ell, kindled great fires along the way which they were to pass, the better to discover them, commanded Lieutenant Colonel Wache to expect them in the field, and sent out strong parties to secure him, yet failing in one particular circumstance, either of intelligence or direction, Besieged and taken by the Imper. this Avantguard thus sent out, was no better than a forlorn hope, though they escaped with out that loss to which their General confessed afterwards they had been exposed, upon his better information. The Swedes march was not like that of an Enemy but a Friend, they met the Imperialists, and saluted them by the names of fellows in Arms, Friends & Comeradoes, professed themselves to be Saxons, that they came to tender their respects to the Imperial General to congratulate his good fortune at Eylenburg, and to assist him against the Swedes, (the Enemies of their Prince and Country) at Wittemberge, and with these oily words having deluded the first watch, surprised them suddenly, and went on in confidence of this auspicious beginning. But Omnia in se redeunt, fictam personam nemo potest ferre diu, though this fucus served them as a Gyges' ring to make them invisible to the first, the second watch discovered them, but they giving notice to Wache by discharging their Muskets of the Swedes approaching, advertized the Swedes also to make a fair retreat, as they did, and so escaped the trap which was laid for them. Wittemberge Sconce was lost, yet Banniere neither lost his judgement, credit, or fortunes thereby. He accounted it but as a piece of Copper (for besides the place, which he had made use enough of, for impoverishing the Saxons subjects about it, he lost there but eight Ensigns and three pieces of Ordnance) and got a piece of Gold for it, a convoy of wine, A convoy of provision surprised by Banniere. and other provision was sent from Dresden to Hatzfields' Army, that he surprised, put the Guard to the sword, and retained the store. It had been a good purchase if he had wanted it, but his wants were supplied otherwise, and that more abundantly and more gloriously. Lucka a City of note in the lower Lusatia, Lucka sutendred to Lesle. the Magazine of that Province was about the same time surrendered to the Field-marshal Lesle, and the General Pfal, whom his Excellency had sent thither to make provision for his Army, and there they being furnished with more than the whole Swedish Camp could well spend in three months, besides what they got in the Villages, and divers other Market Towns which they pillaged and spoilt, and then returned loaden with the spoils of their Enemies. A well regulated fortune, crowned him with happy success, in another Enterprise, june 6/16 Meurer Lieutenant Colonel to Sleintz, lying as the Governor of the Saxon presidiaries in Meyssen, the Metropolis of Misnia, sent certain Companies of his own Foot-regiments with thirty Wagons abroad on foraging. Banniere who erst had a design upon the place, was then casually abroad with 3000 Horse, 600 Musquetiers, and 200 Dragoons, and attended with this retinue, lighted upon those Saxon purveyors, Meyssen surprised by Bannier by a stratagem enclosed them with his Army, and put them all to the sword, not leaving one to carry news of his fellows misfortune. This done, he arrayeth some of his soldiers in their clothes, and then loading the carriages with hay and corn, covered some other of his men, and their arms therewith, causing the metamorphosed people to drive the Wagons to the City. Their disguises deceiving the Corpse du guard which kept the gate, the port was opened, and the Carters and their loads let in. It was not required, that the imposture should be long concealed, nor was it, the Actors expressed themselves to the Guard, and the Inhabitants near the gate in bloody characters; they which lurked under the coverlets of hay, discovered themselves, and with their swords imprinted their minds in the flesh of the Warders, maintaining the Gate, till Banniere, who attended close after them, came in with his Cavallary, and six pieces of Canon, who by this device (not unlike the Turf-boat at Breda, Anno 1590.) made himself master of the City, putting all to the sword, some few only excepted, which saved themselves in the great Church of humh, and Castle with Mewrer the Governor. Banniere left not thus, but prosecuting his new achievement, began to batter the Castle with his Canon, and thundered upon it, by the space of two hours, and then hearing, that the Imperial succours were marching against him, discreetly considering, that it was rashness, not valour to stake his honour upon unequal terms, or hazard the spoils he had gotten there, which amounted to the moiety of what he had gotten before at Lucka, marched back to his Camp, more comforting his soldiers, with sight of his presence, upon whose well being, the well being of the Army consisted, than his wagons loaden with viands, though the last could not be unwelcome, being the true restaurative of dejected spirits in time of need. The Sun and the Swedes glory seemed at once to be both in the Summer Solstice, the Planet was then looked upon by the Northern Nations, with admiration, the long days which he brought and short nights, made some ignorant people, which knew no other, apprehend it for a Deity, but soon afterwards declined Southward, and changed the length of light, and the season; and perhaps the darkness of the night happening by its annual retreat, might teach them reason: the Swede was by this success grown terrible to the Commons of the Empire, some accounted him as an authorised executioner of divine justice, upon the Saxon, whose juggling dealing had brought this misery upon his Dukedom; others perceiving the Imperialists growing in strength, and seeing the Swede engaged, though disadvantageously, conjectured that all this was but a cloud, which might easily be dispersed or dissolved by the Swedish Sun; others concluded, (and here rightly) that his fortunes were then declining, and (yet but conjecturally) that he being so long acquainted with the extreme frosts of the frozen Islands, and surviving them, a good winter soldier, good because hardy, would recover all, and return with the Sun, when the Planet had reached his Winter station; and retire he did, but whether with a mind and power of returning future time may, this History cannot discover. The King of Hungary was certified in the interim of the Swedes proceed, and how the Dukedom of Saxony, being almost laid desolate by their invasion, his own Dominions, which were by him challenged as an inheritance, and suffered to pass with that title, by the Triumvirall Treaty at Prague, the Kingdom of Bohemia, and Dukedom of Moravia, The King of Hungary at Prague. were like to be ruined by the same Enemies, if more Forces were not raised, and employed with all haste to oppose them. The news interrupted his repose in Austria, where he stayed after his progress towards Gratz, whitherward he went to conduct his mother the Empress and Widow Dowager of his Father, and removed his Court from Vienna to Prague, he having assigned that royal City, as a place of meeting with the Electors of Saxony and Brandenburg, to advise with them and his Council of war for a timely and speedy course to be taken against the Swedes, who notwithstanding the powers of two great Armies were already employed against them, though they went not on victoriously, were as yet no losers. And here, whilst he was taking care for the preservation of his new Confederates estates, In danger to have been murdered by a traitor. his own life was endangered, not by an open Enemy, but the Diabolical practice of a murdering assassinate, an Italian Bandito, who armed with pistol and sword, had crept secretly into the King's lodgings where he was apprehended, with those instruments of death about him, and after several tortures, many of which he endured with a kind of Stoical unsensibleness, in the end confessing, that an old woman had given him a draught, which he no sooner took, but his fancy was troubled with horrid conceits of murder, and the delusion wrought so powerfully, that he found no rest till he had undertaken that execrable course for murdering his Majesty, upon which he was sent to Vienna, to be proceeded against juridically. Heaven abhors treason, and will not suffer those miscreants to thrive; nor doth the murder of a private man ever escape the divine justice, though man's justice perhaps may not punish it. The General Gallas, attending the King at Prague, his Majesty being gone to Brandys on hunting, made a Feast for the Commanders, which attended at Prague to know the King's pleasure, and receive instructions from him, and amongst the rest invited Gordon, Lesle, Anderson, and some other of the assassinate's, whose hands were dipped in the blood of Wallenstein at Egra: Their hearts being warmed with wine and stomaches well filled with meat, the grinders being wearied, Gordon ●●ain, Lesle & Anders●n dangerously wounded at a Feast. their tongues began to walk, the tabletalk was of Wallenstein, and his fatal end, where Gordon, Lesle, and Anderson, as proud of that action, ascribing the glory of it to themselves, after they had well drunk, Gallas and Gordon first fell to words, and afterwards to blows, and in the conflict the servants of the General coming in, Gordon was slain outright, (as is written) and parts being taken, Lesle was mortally wounded, and Anderson hurt in two several places, the people ascribing all this to the Justice of Heaven, the wisdom whereof had sodisposed of each particular circumstance, that the end of the assassinate's did quadrate with their wicked act, against their late General to whom they had given an Oath of allegiance and fidelity, they which had slain him at a feast, perishing by the sword at a feast in the same Territory. It was no season for the King to proceed in the way of legal justice against those military men, The King of Hungary consults with Gallas, Picolomini, and de Grana. by whose commotion, this effusion of blood was caused, he had need of their service, both in counsel and action: The Electors though often sent to, nor did, nor could attend him, and Gallas, Picolomini, and the marquis de Grana, were used both for advise and prosecution of the conclusions in the consultation. Gallas was with all speed, to return to the Rhine, and Dukedom of Wittenberg, to fetch up his eight Regiments, which had wintered there, and to add those forces to those under Hatzfield and Goëts, and the Saxons in Misnia, Gallas made Generaliss. of the Imperial army. to the end that with this great Army, whereof he was made the Generalissimo, Banniere might be blocked up in his Fortifications at Torgaw. The Generalissimo winged with desire of achieving a new conquest, mounted presently on Horseback, plied his spurs more than his rains, and returned into Misnia with his auxiliaries, as speedily as could be hoped. The Confederate Imperial and Saxon Armies had prepared the way before his coming, it now remained for him only to polish the work, which they had already scabled. Pomica the Governor in Hall for the Elector, and the Garrison of Wittemberge undertook the siege of the Fort Morizburg at Hall, and that being undertaken, there was no impediment there to hinder him. Furstemberg with 3000 Crabats attending him, lay higher upon the Elve to stay the Swede from breaking out that way: the Ship-bridge which lay before Wittemberge over the Elve, was presently after the surrendry of the great Sconce, removed higher to Pretch, though not without strong opposition: Banniere with his Ordnance so playing upon it, that he sunk a great ship in the day time, and the Imperial Army being forced to repair that loss in the night, Laboureth to take Ba●nicre at Torgaw. they did it so effectually, that the next day, the Infantry passed the Ell by the bridge whilst the Cavallary did the like by a Ford, they lay encamped from Pretch, as fare as Leichtenberge, within a league of Torgaw the Swede was already blocked up, and there wanted nothing but proseqution of what was so happily begun. And now Pendentem summâ capream derupe videbant, Casuram sperant: decipit illa canes. The Northern Rat, which like that of Egypt, had shot himself through the jaws of the Crocodile into his bowels, and there torn the entrails of Germany, was concluded to be caught in a trap, which could not be avoided; the supposed captives and their ransoms were staked, and played for upon the Drum heads. The Almayn Armies were dividing the spoils, of which they had not got possession, but with a success, not altogether unlike that of Sisera in his mother's expectation, dividing the prey of the Host of Barak, the Swede neither flying, nor fight against them, but playing with them, and in a wise mediocrity deluding their hopes. (Ludere cum liceat, currere pigritia est) Keeping his Fortifications which they durst not attempt, till constrained for want of forage, for his horse the chief strength of his Army, when his head as full of policy, as his heart was of valour, found out the means for his safe retreat, Bannier● resulving to discamp from Torgaw. which in fine he put in practice and performed not without victory. It is related thus: Banniere, who in April had possessed himself of the City, soon after caused all the Burgesses and inhabitants that he might weaken their hands and disable them from taking arms against him, to bring their arms to the Guild-hall, or Statehouse; and afterwards having thus subjected them to his will extracted from them several sums of money 12000 Rix-dollers, to spare the City from pillage, 48000 Rix-dollers to maintain his retraits and other moneys upon several occasions, and in the end determining to leave the place, gave the wealth thereof as a spoil to his soldiers, Pillageth the City. who spared not to load themselves with the baggage they had thus gained. But what availed this largess? what could the goods thus gotten profit them, which had not assurance to hold them? Banniere provides for all, and though all ways for his escape were intercepted, Marazini with eight Regiments, keeping the passage at Landsberg, Klitzing the Brandeburghish Chieftain preoccupating his way by the Oder, with 12 of the Electors Regiments, Danben the Saxon with the Saxon Regiments reinforced with Swartzemburghs Crabats, cutting off the way into Thuringen, whilst Hatzfield and Goetz blocked him up on the one side of the Ell, and Gallas and Ghleene on the other, by a stratagem he made his way, when his sword could not hue it out, amuzing the Imperial armies, with a delusive finesse first, and then in a well ordered, and quick march, hasted towards Wrangell, that by their united forces, he might be better strengthened against those swarms of Enemies. His process was thus. Two Letters were indicted by him, and directed to the Governor of Ertford, Deviseth● strat●gen to word the Impertal. the purport whereof was, that he intended to leave Torgaw, and come by the way of Thuringen, to relieve that City which was daily threatened with a siege, and that done, to advance into Hessen, and conjoin his army with the Landgrave. These notes of instruction, so expressed, as if they had been resolved of by the General Council of War, were sealed up closely, and put into the bellies of a couple of Ducks, and delivered to two Boors, or rather soldiers in the habits of Boors, which were sent out three several ways, and from sundry quarters of his Campe. His device was hitherto something like that of Harpagus in justine, conveying his Epistle to Cyrus in the belly of a garbaged Hare; but the several intentions made them dislike, Harpagus used that trick to conceal his papers, Banniers purpose was to have his come into the hands of the imperials, and so disposed his project in each circumstance, that by a counterfeit privacy, he might be thought desirous, to have them pass undiscovered, and by their discovery might be supposed by the Adversaries to have had his plot prevented, yet took such order with his messengers, that they must needs be surprised by the Imperialists, and their Letters made Patent to each perfunctory inquisitor, the soldiers, when once apprehended, were taught to fall down, and beg mercy, and before they could be searched, to offer upon conditions of sparing their lives, to reveal that secret with which they were entrusted by their General, Puts it in practice, deludes the Generali●●. and did their parts so well, that the over-credulous Imperial Commanders marched presently with the greatest part of their Army towards Thuringen, thinking to entrap the Swede at his passage over Sala. Divers probable reasons induced the Imperial Commanders to undertake that course, they knew him well fortified, and victualled where he lay, that it was vain to attempt to raise him by force, that no victory could be expected there, but by attending upon time, that by long continuance they should spend themselves, sickness beginning to be rife in their own Camp, and therefore such an opportunity offering itself to put a final period to this long war, by a general overthrow given the Swede at one blow, they resolved not to slip it, yet the last conclusion being grounded upon false premises, they failed in all, and lost the bird which they had in their hands, to take him again in a lime bush where he neither did, nor meant to perch. The Swede having thus fortunately set the wheels of his project agoing, the more to amuse the Imperialists, and draw them farther off from the Ell, june 18/28, early in the morning dispatched out 4000 horse, out of several quarters of his Army, as upon design, with order to take their way towards Eylenburg, and upon descrying the least motion of the Enemy to return. The old Soldiers, who had perfectly learned to obey, followed his directions in all, not varying a tittle from the words of the Commission; and Banniere in the interim first having furnished his Camp with 2000 tuns of Wine and Beer from the Cellars of the Citizens, each Soldier with two commisse or provant loaves, out of the store belonging to the inhabitants, and his Army with pioneers drawn out of the City, two out of each Family, with a pretence that he should use them for the enlarging of his Trenches, & strengthening his Fortifications, but with a purpose to entrench himself upon the way, if he should hap to be put to it by the Enemy, he made a short Oration to his Soldiers, wherein after be had extolled them generally, for their great fidelity, courage, patience and true affection to the Crown of Sweden, and himself their General, knowing that his gross body consisted of divers Nations, English, Scots, Swedes, and high Germans he dealt with them severally, as the Macedon did before that fatal battle with Darius, with his Army, screwing himself further into their hearts, and kindling their desire with repetition of their former got glory and prizes, Encourageth his own men. the remembrance of their acts, the implacable enmity betwixt them and the Caesareans, of his late conquest in Pomerania, the desolation they had brought already upon the Saxons Territory, his hope of advancing farther yet into Germany, of the French friendly auxiliaries, who being already upon their march towards the Empire, were resolved to proceed, and that their proceed must needs give him breath, and facilitate the way to a future victory, in the end concluding, that now his intent was to bring them into a Country, where after their hard labours and dangerous adventures, they might repose themselves quietly, and get richesenough in a short space, he spoke so effectually, that Vox diversa sonat populorum, est von tamen una. the several Nations and Languages which served under his colours, crowned his Oration with a general acclamation, testifying their loyalty and readiness to do whatsoever he should please to command them, and the General in a short reply, delivered to confirm them in their affection, expressing the tokens of true thankfulness, to their loving respectful answer, again reattributed to their love, all the glory of his former achievements. But it was no season to stand upon compliment, his Oration, and the Soldier's acclamation, was no sooner over, but the same Evening about nine of the clock, he sent his infantry over the bridge at Torgaw, with 90 pieces of Artillery, and all his baggage, and the next Morning very early, giving the signal with two Canons shot to the four Regiments which he had sent abroad to return upon their coming in, which was immediately after he demolished the greater part of the Mills belonging to the City, spoilt all which might be useful to the Enemy (except 1000 sacks of Corn, and some other provisions, of which he furnished them for their money) burned the two bridges which lay over the River, the one made of boats, and the other of timber fastened to Pikes, nailed, and broke eight pieces of Canon which were in the Fort, and then followed with his whole Cavallary, after the foot-forces which were gone before, spurring on to Hertzberg, where he passed the Elster, thence to Lucka in Lusatia, thence to Luben, where he passed the River of Sprew, thence to Furstenberg, where he passed the Oder, thence to Brosen, and in the end to Landsberg. Gallas, not stirring out of his Camp at Pretsch, till 12 full hours after the Swedes Cavallary was gone from Tongaw, Marcheth to Landsberg. the General Banniere having so deluded him, that he knew not of the Swedes removal sooner. But th●n the Imperial Commander, understanding the Birds he looked for were flown, to hinder his conjunction with Wrangell, took a shorter cut, passed the Elster at jessen, the Sprew at Beskaw, and the Oder at Castrein, whither he came before Banniere could, and encamped betwixt the two Swedish Generals, to hinder their conjunction. At Landsberg a victory rather cast upon him, then gotten, ennobles his retreat; I●●s the Swedish Colonel was come with the avantguard, consisting of three Regiments, two of Horse, and one of Dragoons, upon the back of Marazini, Marazini defeated by the Swedes at Landsberg. who then lay before it, ere he was ware; and though he was not ignorant that the Imperial Commander exceeded him in number, he then commanding eight Regiments, yet encouraged by his Enemy's preparedness to fight, and knowing that the body of the Swedish Army was not fare behind, fell upon him, defeated him, put the greater part of his forces to the sword, surprised his baggage, and for the present relieved the besieged City. But what availed this small victory? The vigilant Gallas had cut off the passage betwixt Banniere and his Colleague, besides his own eight Regiments, Ghleen, Goëtz, and Hatzfield, with their Imperial forces, and the Saxons, Brandenburghers, and the Landgrave of Darmstadts forces were come up to his Camp, for the Swede to make his way through them was in all appearance impossible, the adverse host being almost 40000 strong, Gallas posteth after him to go back as disadvantageous, as dishonourable, & to encamp at Landsberge, could neither profit nor secure him, no way was left but one, to use the Fox's skin, seeing the Lions would not serve, to effect that by slight, which he could not by might, and that course he took, and compassed his desire successfully. To free himself of all encumbrances, which might hinder his speed, he burned up the most part of his baggage, nailed, and broke in pieces four Demicanons, reinforced the Garrison at Landsberge, and setting face, as if himself would go into Poland, & sent 400 Wagons towards Bosna. The Earl of Gallas was informed by his spies of each particular the Swede had done, yet stirred not till he understood of Banniers discamping, and then imagining that he had him cocksure, sent his carriers with Letters of assurance to the King of Hungary and Elector of Sanony to acquaint them with the Swedes desperate estate, and then advanced with his Army towards the Coasts of Poland, to surprise him before he could reach any place of shelter. Ille animosque tuos, operamque eludit inanem. The Generalissimo's augury failed him, Intends again to surprise him, and again he escapeth, Banniere had designed to steer another course, and not to touch at Poland, and whilst the Earl is expecting him upon the Frontiers of that Kingdom, he returns to the Oder by the way of Drosen, passes the River with his Cavallary, Artillery, Infantry, and baggage above Custrin, and July 4/14, arrived safely at Newstadt in the Vekkermark a small days journey from the Fort of Swhedt, whither Wrangell was come before july the ninth old stile, with 4000 horse, and 8000 foot, and where the two Generals the same day conferred mouth to mouth, and conjoined their Armies, to the great admiration of the Imperial Commanders at the prudent carriage of the Swedish General, And joins with Wrangell at Newstadt. and the patience and industry of his soldiers, who in so short a space, without murmur, or mutiny, had marched 270 English miles, and yet their greater indignation, seeing their hopes thus milked, and expectations frustrated. So many dangerous and hard adventures being past, the union of the two Generals, and happy conjunction, seemed as a festival, and Wrangell in token of the joy which he felt, by meeting with his fellow Consul in that foreign Land, presented his Army in battle array, and expressed himself by the loud throats of 48 pieces of Canon, which in token of a bien-venu to Banniere, he caused to be ofttimes discharged triumphantly. Worldly prosperity might have some plea for title to our humane happiness, if it was certainly permanent. But there is a vicissitude of passions and fortunes, nor was the Swedes jovissance of long continuance. Gallas returning from the Polonian Frontiers, L●●●bog surrendered to the Imperialists. sat down before Landsberg, and the Swedish Garrison there, seeing the Imperial powers begirting them, though they had lately received a new accreut of seven Companies of foot, surrendered the place upon composition, and accorded to serve under his colours. This loss was not for all that of such consequence, as might make their fortunes desperate, Towns might be recovered, but lives cannot. The Swedes though supplied with new forces by the Baltic Sea, which they providently kept open for their use, were not strong enough to maintain the Cities and Forts which they were possessed of upon the Elve Southward, but left them to the care of the presidiaries placed th●rin but for conservation of their men beingthen 24000 strong effective, no care was omitted, no labour thought too much nor cost spared, and first with indefatigable pains, they fortified themselves near Custrin, on the one side of the Oder, Gallas doing the like on the other, yet neither Swede, nor Caesarean, for some few days attempting any thing against the other, to the astonishment of the inhabitants in the Electorate of Brandenburg, who seared the like cloud of desolation hanging over their heads, which fell so lately like a Cataclys●e ●n the Duke doom of Saxony, so many spoiling bands being at once seared in their Territories. Austria all this time enjoyed the sweet blessings of peace, no invading Enemy appeared in the Archduke's Dominion, the Court reassumed its former lustre, by the return of their Prince from Prague, which had been a little obscured by his absence, and to make its glory full, a Marriage was concluded betwixt Caecilia Renata ●●ter to the present Archduke, and daughter to the deceased Emperor. The gallantry of Poland, july 13/21, came to Vienna, Cacilia R●●a●●, the Archduchesse married to the King of Pola●d. to conduct their new Queen into the Kingdom, to the number of 4000 men, and had not they contended amongst themselves for precedency, the sword had not been seen there unsheathed; and yet the controversy was rather a brawl then any serious contestation, the windy ambition of some arrogant Poles, blew the coal which was kindled, and that was suddenly again extinguished by the Archduke's care, who sent his Guard for conservationof the public peace, and so ended the quarrel without drawing blood. The disorderly carriage of these Poles hindered not Hymen in doing his office betwixt the two Princes, july 30/9, their nuptial Ceremonies were accomplished in the Augustine's Church at Vienna, Prince Casimire by a proxy supplying the place of his brother the King, when after Saint Ambrose his Song, and the Canons of the City discharged three several times, a magnificent Supper was made to attend these Nuptials in the great Hall belonging to the Imperial Knights for the King of Hungary, the Polonian Prince Casimire, the Queen of Poland, the Princess Claudia, Archdutchesse of tirol. lately come thither, the Archduke Leopold William of Austria, and the Polish Ambassadors; and two days after, Goeth into the Kingdom. the late married Queen attended with her brethren, and Lords of Poland, went first to visit the Empress' Dowager at Lavenbourg, whither she was come from Gratz in Styria, to take the air, of whom she took her leave. August 12/2, and set forward for Poland, the King of Hungary accompanying her to Znaim in Bohemia, the Archduke Leopold William to Nicholasburg in Moravia, and the Archdutchesse Claudia, into her new Kingdom. The Alliance betwixt the King of Poland, and the house of Austria was renewed by this marriage, but the truce betwixt the Pole and the Swedes, was nath●esse continued, 1500 Pollacks entertained by Banniere. and whilst the Courtiers were in their gallantry at Vienna, 1500 Poles good horsemen, and old soldiers offered themselves to Banniere, who entertained them, and to give them assurance of his true affection, made them of his lifeguard, and now the military men on both sides began to tread a Pirrhick measure, after the Music of Drums and Trumpets, each party so ordering itself, that it neglected nothing which might advantage itself, and offend the other. The late united Swedish Armies, by consent of their Generals, for preservation of their Towns about the Ell, and the Oder are again separated, Wrangell reinforced with a new Regiment of Swedes under the conduct of Thuro Oxenstieru, marching to Anclam near Mecklebourg, and Banniere toward Stetin. Gallas did the like, and sent one part of his Army towards Newstadt, and the other into the Vekkermark, watching the opportunity to employ them fortunately. Banniere hoped by time to waste the Imperial Army, whose provisions were fetched from fare, and at first seemed rather to provide for a defensive then offensive war, demolished the Fort at Swhedt, that it might not be serviceable for his Enemies, repaired the old Fortifications made by the deceased King of Sweden at Stetin, yet in fine seeing, that Gallas advanced towards him, and got ground, he took the weapons of offence too, and used them not altogether vainly. Neither Army stood any longer idle, all betook themselves to their Arms, shunned no danger, nor spared no pains to promote the cause of that several and respective Prince and Country for which they stood engaged. August the first, new stile, the Swedish Colonel Charles Gustavus Wrangell, a Kinsman to the Field-marshal, being advertised that in the new Brandenburg, lay ten Companies of Imperial Dragoons, making in all about 700 horse under the command of their Colonel Debroll, Ten Compa●●es of Dragoo●s, and 300 horse entirely by Charles W●angell. and 300 other horse commanded by Winzen, drew out 800 of the most valiant Cavallieres in the Army at Anclam, marched directly against them, surprised and slew the major part of them, in the first assault, 300 common men only escaping with life, but not with liberty, with three Lieutenant Colonels, two Rit-masters, and three Captains, whom to honour his victory, he brought as prisoners of war to the Camp, with two Cornets gained in the battle, which he reserved as monumental remembrances of that Victory. Schlang the Swedish Colonel, the day following, was attended with the like good fortune, notice was given him in the Camp of Banniere by Stetin, that two Regiments of foot levied in Prussia, One Brand●●burg: Regin 〈◊〉 of foot defeated by S●●lang. for the service of the Brandenburgher, were already upon their journey in the lower Pomerania, under the conduct of Dobitz or Dorbitzer their Colonel, and thither he presently marched in the head of his own Regiment, and some other borrowed troops, with so good speed, that at night having found one of the Regiments near Schiffelbein, he surprised them suddenly, defeated them totally, & put them all to the sword, except 100 whom he made captives, and some few which saved themselves by flight from the fury of the Conqueror. It was enough which he had done already, for the accomplishment of his design, there needed no blows to dissipate the their Regiment, the report of the sat which befell their consorts made them disband, Another d●●band●th. and the officers taken with the like fear, had not courage to conduct them further on, but returned with the common men to their dwelling places. The Pollacks which were so lately entertained by the Swede, A party of Imperial horse defeated by the Poles. about the same time began as auspiciously to do him service, a party of the Imperial Cavallary, then lodged at Stargard in low Pomerland, was by them encountered and routed with the loss of 150 men, whom they slew upon the place, and these happy beginnings, gave life again to the Swedes, but such a life as is the neutral state of man, neither in sickness nor in health, the Imperial Army presently employing all its power to recover these losses, either in specie with the blood of the Swedes, or in value by surprising the Towns of which these Northern strangers held the possession in the Empire. Gallas the Generalissimo, who was then encamped at Angermond, was yet Commander over a vast and numerous host, many hands were ready for action, when he but held up his finger of direction, and he intended to set them all to work in several places at once, that so dividing his own, he might separate the Swedes which now being so near each other, and so well fortified, were able to hold him play, though they were far inferior to him in number; only he wanted victuals for his Army, Banniere in his passage over the Oder, having cut off many Sutler's which followed his Camp, the Marquisate not able to provide for him, and himself having no other provision, than what the Imperial Commissary General, the Baron of Pesh-witz had sent him by shipping down the Oder from Silesia, yet in this distress he lays all his Irons in the fire at once, and his industry found out the means to relieve his necessity. His first design was the repair of the Fort at Swhedt, which though he attempted first by dispatching Coloredoe thither with 500 common Soldiers, five pieces of Ordnance, pioneers, Canon-baskets, and other materials required in such an Expedition, and afterwards with the strength of his Army taking up his head quarter there to that purpose, yet could not effect it. Stalhanse, who lay in the New mark, with 32. regiments of horse, beating off Coloredoe, and Banniere, who lay entrenched about Damn and Stetin, stiffly opposing the Generalissimo, and spending some shot, not idly upon the Ship-bridge, which he would have laid over the Oder there, for the perfecting of his project. His next design was against Ratenaw, and those places upon the Elve, which yet held out for the Crown of Sweden, and there he went on thrivingly, both carrying the places, and furnishing himself from thence, with such provisions as the Swedes had laid up there in abundance, as in a Magazine, for their own provision. Kliezing was appointed his Lieutenant General for these expeditions, who with 13. regiments, came first before Ratenaw, summoned it, and after one assault, which the garrison beat off, Ratenew surrendered to the Imperialists. Havelberg taken by assault. had it surrendered upon fair terms of composition. Havelberg was the next, which he took by assault, put all the Germans he found therein, to the sword, but gave the Swedes quarter, upon a promise made him by the late Governor, the Colonel Thomas Thomason, who undertook, that the Commander in Werben being an officer of his regiment, should surrender upon the first summons, though herein he failed the Governor there flatly denying the proposition when it was moved, and affirming that he ought him no obedience, being now a prisoner to the Caesarcans. Gentler words, and sharper actions would have done better. His tongue spoke as loud as his Canon, and did no more harm than a piece of ordnance charged only with powder, the windy content made a roaring noise: the solid material for battery was wanting, and the crack might terrify, but no otherwise endamage his enemy. Werben besieged by Klizing, The Commander spoke words of defiance, and it was conjectured, that so strong a piece as Werben was, so well manned, so well victualled, so well guarded, by an able and valiant society of Presidiaries, so well managed by a daring, and braving Commander, would have caused a longer step to Klitzing victorious and hasty (and no less victorious than hasty) proceed, then attended it: the braving Governor, whose exploits kept no proportion with his words, after a short siege, without a breach made without fear of enforcingnecessity, being sufficiently provided of ammunition, superabundantly of stomachichall provision, surrendering it to the enemy upon dishonourable terms, (the condition of his own, and the soldier's liberty, and baggage saved, despicable trash which he might have preserved longer, with his own honour, respective love from the Swedish General his Commander, and the approbation of the Caesarians, who upon his extremity would have condescended to so well a modified agreement) to the great disadvantage of the Swedes, and emolument of the Imperialists and Saxons, who by this purchase had advanced their own cause so fare, that Demitz was the only place of importance upon the Elve, which held out against them, and thither they led their forces, and gotten such a store of provision for their Army, that now there was an appearance of great odds betwixt theirs, and the Swedish forces, plenty of food in the Swedes Army, having given as much courage to the small number of men therein, as the vastness of the Caesarian camp had ministered to itself upon the conceit of the strength it had, in their many thousands covering the face of the earth, 〈…〉 which before necessitated, and wanting this staff of bread, promised itself in confidence of its massy greatness, a victorious progress: and now reanimated with this supply, pursued it fare more impetuouslyed then formerly. All is not gold that glisters, a fraudulens contract is commonly conceived for valuable, but prove not such; by a covert avoiding one danger, a gulled hope falls upon another. The bird that escapes the pounces of the Eagle, may and doth often hap to be the Falcon's prey, and the cowardly Swedish Commander, which in a bravado, cast out— Ampullas, & sesquipedalia verba, though he escaped the Caesarians fury, The late Commande● imprisoned. avoided not the Swedish General's justice, but was there apprehended, as a delinquent, transmitted to the censure of the military counsel, confined to the straight limits, the provost Martial would assign him, and reserved to the judgement of the Counsel of war, whose delay in conclusion, is yet more terrible than the pronunciation and execution of his sentence. Werben thus surrendered, Klitzing with his Army reinforced, and increased with a new supply of men and Artillery, commanded by the Saxon General Major Vitzthumb, surrounded Domitz, Domitz surrendered to Klitzing upon composition. which the Swedes than held and kept till the garrison which by many sallies made not without much slaughter on both sides, reduced to the small number of 80. men, upon evident remonstrance of imminent utter ruin, if they did otherwise, were forced to capitulate. The City itself was no place of strength, nor could the garrison defend it against the asseegers, and therefore the Swedes forsook it as soon as Klitzing was sat down before it, yet left it not fit to do the Imperialists any service, but burned it, and betook themselves to the Citadel. The Fort was a place of strength, land-ward especially, and though maintained courageously by the space of 14. days, against the force of the enemy, August 24. Sept. 3. a Mine being sprung under the principal Cullion head, was surrendered to the beseegers, upon a fair composition, and the garrison dismissed, without any affront done to it, or question for burning the City, the Imperialists thinking that loss to be sufficiently restored, in the great store of provision, which they found in the Castle, it causing an admiration in the victors to see the large quantity of corn, 2100. Wispels, which the Swedes had placed there, as in a granary, besides Bacon, ling, and other victuals. Luneburgh at the same time was blocked up, by the Baron of Reusctenberg, who came before it with 12. regiments, whereof 8. were raised by George, Duke of Brunswick, and Lune burgh, and 4. by the Elector of Saxony. The Swedish Praesidiaries within, made preparation to abide a siege, and expected when the mounts should be raised for battery. The Swedes at L●●● burgh compound with the Duke for the City ●●d the Fort of Winifrid, ex. But the Duke, at whose instance these forces were employed against the City, remembering his late alliance with the Crown of Sweden, and unwilling to impair the beauty of that goodly City, the Metropolis of that Dukedom, came to the Camp himself in person, and before any expression of acts of hostility, fell to parley with the Swedish Commander there, and so fare prevailed, that for a sum of money, the Swede condescended, and upon payment, performed it, to redeliver him both that City and the Fort of Winsen, to the satisfaction of both parties, all pretext of further quarrel betwixt them and the Duke, being by this means taken away, and these Swedes gaining liberty to assist their friends in Pomerania, to whom they might be more serviceable in their personal attendance upon the Army, than they could by lying still in Winson, and Luneburg. The accord was made thus. Upon the motion of the Duke, the supplications of the inhabitants of Luneburgh, and the intercession of the neighbour Princes and Cities: these conditions were agreed on betwixt the Swedes in the Citadel of Kalberg, which commands the City of Luneburg, The conditions between the Duke of Luneburgh, and the Swedes. and in the Fort of Winsen, and the Duke, that the Duke should continue and hold the City in Neutrality with the Crown of Sweden. That the Duke should demolish the Fort at Winsen, and pay content, and upon the nail, unto the Swedish Governor, and the garrison 500000. Rixe-dollers, which done, the City and Forts were resigned over to the Duke, the Swedes thereby giving a plain attestation, that the end of their warfare, was principally the welfare and liberty of the Empire. One Firmament is not capable of two Suns, nor one Army of two Generals, the equality of authority, cannot long be continued with amity. Bannier and Wranghell met at the first lovingly, but soon after they began to squabble, and the difference was such, that their Armies were again divided, to the advantage of Gallas the Generalissimo, whose Army being much abated, by the departure of the Crabats formerly, and now of the Field-marshal john Goetz, who was sent by order from the King of Hungary towards the Rhine, might perhaps have been much endangered, by a set battle, if they had continued in their union. But now he makes use of their division, and intending to surprise the Field-marshal Wrangle, about the midst of August, led up his whole Army towards Anklam, Gallas leads his Army to Anklam. where the Swede with his forces lay. By the way, he falls upon the Castle of Veckermund, where the young Lieutenant Colonel Wrangle lay, takes it by assault, puts the Swedes to the sword, and whiles his men were hot, with this conquest, marched to Anklam, hoping as easily to vanquish the old Field-marshal, as he had done his kinsman. At Anklam, the Generalissimo found a tougher piece of service than he expected: the old Field-marshal, knew both when he must, and how he ought to ward, and the manner and time of striking advantageously, and though there was a great imparity of their strength, the Swede vied with him in resolution and military skill, Banniere reuniteth his forces with those under Wrangle. and held him play. Besides, Banniere who had not lain idle all this time at Stetin, but reform his Army, and filled his Regiments with veterane Soldiers, drawn out of the Garrisons in Pomeren, and put his new accruits into the Cities, seeing a cloud moving towards Anklam, and fearing lest the Caesarians should oppress the Field-marshal by their multitude, the fear of so powerful an adversary (such a terror as the most polite Roman historiographer observes in the like case, being the firmest bond of concord) waved all former controversies, with colleagues, and marched thitherwards for his succour. And now began those hot services, which more resembled so many pitched fields, then light skirmishes or velitations, wherein though neither side could boast of an absolute victory, Gallas assaults the City five times, and is so oft●repulsed with loss. there appeared a more sensible loss befalling the Caesarians, than the other. Both parties played their Master-prizes. Gallas at the first onset thought to have surprised Wrangle, and carried the place, but Wrangle who had a vigilant eye upon his intentions, knowing the odds which was against him, avoided the fury of the first conflict, gave way to the ingruent storm, retired with his forces through the City, wherein he left his Infantry, and encamped on the other side with his Cavallary, to keep the passage open for the General Bannieres access unto him, being advertized formerly, that he was marching up for his relief. Plato that divine Philosopher, enjoined his Auditors not to add fire to fire, but what avail his theorems? the man of war will not give attention to his morals. Nature insults there over either Ethics, or Politics, the spleen which is warmed only in the first motion by continuated action, gins to boil, and nothing can extinguish the burning heat, but the opened conduit pipes of his own, or the enemy's blood. Gallas more enraged, then discouraged by Wrangels' retreat, planted his batteries against the Town, made five several assaults, in all of them was beaten back with notorious loss, the advisoes from Hamburgh, Stetin, and Berlin, specify a particular number of six thousand and more men, and having failed of his project there, deviseth a new one, to pass the River of Beinah, and to assault the Swede in his trenches. No pains were spared, no hazard avoided, which might conduce, to effect his design there, thrice he attempted it, at three several passages, but never without great loss, at the last especially, at Damine, a place betwixt Pomerania and Meckleburg, Attempts to pass the River of Behne, is beaten by Banniere, and discampeth. where the General Banniere encountered him, and though he had built a Fort there to secure his passage, and guarded it with four hundred of his ablest men, yet the circumspect and valiant Swede, as well to be observed for his circumspection, which would leave nothing behind him, that might do him any prejudice, as his valour, assaulted it, took it in, put the major part of the praesidiaries to the sword, made the rest prisoners, their captivity being graced with the society of a great Spanish Commander, named Don Faelix, to the great affrightment of the Imperial Army, which suddenly thereupon discamped, and marched towards the Elve, disheartened by the union of Banniere, and Wrangell, who then appeared in field together, and made show of readiness, to deal with Gallas, for decision of the quarrel in a set battle. CHAP. I. The Actions, Occurrences, and passages polemical, and Political in Picardy, Artoys, Henault, etc. IT was high time for the neighbour Princes which stood in opposition to the house of Austria, to look about them, and the Christian King particularly. — proximus arsit Vcalegon— The Swedes fortunes concerned him: the Kings of Spain, and Hungary, when those his Confederates appeared in probability able to hold them tug, with several strong Armies, invaded his Kingdom, put him to much trouble, The Frtuch King's preparations. though his royal heart affecting the good of his subjects, and the people in a respective obedience, conforming their gestures to his commands with an unanimous courage, made head against them, and sent them back without any notable evidence of victory. Some places of strength, pieces of importance, were then taken by them, and some of them recovered again by the King; and now to cry quittance with those invadours, he prepares not only for regaining his own, but by transmitting his Armies into the places under their Dominions, to draw the stakes from them, and engage his adversaries in a defensive war. Several Armies were raised at the King's charge, and committed to several Generals, to do their service in such places, as his Majesty directed them. The Prince of Conde was appointed to draw up all the troops which were quartered in Champagne, Lorraine, and Burgundy, and to lead them into the French County, he being constituted the Generalissimo of those forces, and the Duke de Longeville his Lieutenant General. The Marshals de la Force, and Chastillon had a joint Commission for keeping the River of mosel, and the places thereabouts, but the old Marshal a true Miles Emeritus, of the age of 72 years, 60 of which he had spent in the service of his King and Country, was soon after rude donatus, had his Writ of Ease and Honour too, and in the Parliament of Paris, july 24, August 3, was received by the honourable title of Duke of Madurant, and Musidan his Lands of inheritance, The marquis de la Force made a Duke and Pe●re of French. and Peer of France, being presented by the King's Attorney, Monsieur joubert, in the presence of the Prince of Conde, the young Duke of Anguieus, the Duke of Montbazon, and Rochefoucault, and other persons of State and Dignity, and Chastillon alone with 6000 horse, and 12000 foot marched into Luxemburgh, (as was said) though other did write he had never half so many men) the King having sent before by Monsieur Daniel de la Rue, a great sum of money to Liege, to raise some more men there for his service, entertained Ruelles' son, whose memory is still dear to the Liegois in his Court at Paris, and consigned him a place of Honour, and given a good Pension to the Massacred Burghers Widow, to confirm the amity betwixt his Majesty and that State. Duke Bernhard of Saxon Weymar, accompanied with Roderick the young D. of Wertenberg, the marquis of Baden, his Lieutenant General Hallier, and many other men of quality, attended with an Army of about 10000 horse and foot, 2000 horse to carry the Artillery, and furnished at first with a thirteen hundred thousand Franks to pay his Army, was assigned to invade the Empire beyond the Rhine, Crequy, with his forces was ordered to join with the D. of Savoy, for opposal of the Spanish forces in and about Lombary. The Earl of Harecourt was to scour the Seas, and the Cardinal de Valetto, and the Duke of Candale his brother, had their Province assigned them in the Frontiers towards the Spanish Provinces in the Netherlands, and Hennegow, some places in Picardy being still in the Cardinal Infant's hands, and those to be reduced to the King's obedience. About the end of May, the French Cardinal and the Duke his brother set forward towards Amiens, and blocking up lafoy Capelle marched on to invade Hainaut, and sat down before Landrecy, whither the grand Master of the Artillery, The Cardinal the Valette marcheth towards the Netherlands. brought up his forces also to hasten their proceed. The Card. Infant was not so soon in the field, nor had strength then to oppose them; yethe omitted nothing that was requisite for preservation of his Country. He sent divers expresses to Piccolomini to make haste, and come down with his Regiments, fortified his Frontiers, and brought down all the strength he had of horse and foot to Mons in Hainaut, and Mabenge to oppose them; but wanting strength he thought it fit to let them spend some time before the City, the siege giving him liberty to reinforce himself, then by encountering them with that handful of men, to endanger his Army, and so expose the Provinces under him to further ruin. june 9/13, the French Cardinal took up his head-quarter at Faveri, a Village half a league from the City, Sits down before Landrecay. before which though he lay, till july 3/13, he lost not his time, a flying Army under the command of Colonel Gassion and Rambures Governor of Dowlens doing good service to the Christian King, and giving much offence to the Enemy and other his Confederates emulating their associates achievements, in a laudable ambition, affecting and deserving an equal wreath of Ho. Monsieur the marquis of Melleray, Kinsman to the Cardinal Richilieu, and great Master of the French Artillery, marching up to the Cardinal de la Valette, as he was upon his way, cast his eye upon the Castle and Town of Bohain situate upon the highway, betwixt Saint Quintin and Chastean, Cambresie. He saw it, and divers persuading arguments induced him upon the view and site thereof to assault it. The King his Master lost it the year, and it stood with his honour not to leave it in the possession of an Enemy; The Castle of johain taken by the Marq: of Milleray. it blocked up the way betwixt Saint Quintin and the French Armies, it was a mote in his eye, and he would assay to remove it. In a word it was lost before miserably, through want of men to hold it, and fortifications to preserve the small number within it, and he meant to regain it honourably, encountering with difficulties, neither disheartened with sight of the new works made by the Spaniards to defend it, nor the proportionable number of presidiaries which were left to maintain it. His conceit was actuated without further dispute. First, to observe the military method, he summoned it, & when his oratory was not so powerfully persuasive and effectual, as to make the Garrison yield, without delay he planted and leveled 16 pieces of full Canon against it, and that sight being terrible to the Spanish Garrison, they which to avoid the dishonourable title of Cowards before would not hearken to a treaty, began to crave it, and procured it, and in conclusion, surrendered the Town and Castle, upon condition merely to departed, with their lives, and to leave behind them whatever they had gotten by pillage from the poor neighbouring Villages, and so saved themselves from the fury of the Army, though they escaped not the rage of the Peasants, who having been spoilt by them formerly, hearing of their departure, and the manner of it, without convoy, or offensive weapons, assembled together to the number of 400 men, way-layed them, as they were on their march to Cambray, sell upon them with all their strength, which was then doubled by their spleen, slew most of them upon the place, some few only escaping into the Woods, which saved them from the peasant's fury, it was a purchase of good value, & of use, both for the soldiers, and the country people, the first finding there good store of victuals and Ammunition, and the last by this prize recovering their movable goods, beds, linen, pewter, brass, and other utensils for housekeeping, which had been taken from them by the plundering Garrison, and were now restored unto them by the Conqueror. The flying Army under Gassion and Rambure, designed to scour the Country, and prevent the Enemy, if he should any thing privately either against the Camp at Landrecey, or the places in the King's obeisance in Picardy, according to order given by the General, went abroad with six foot Companies, and eight of horse, and ranged over that Territory, till within a league of Mons the chief City of that Province, without any adventure, there they heard of one worth their care, A rich convoy surprised by G●ssion. a Convoy of four Companies of Infantry, and as many of Cavallary, attending some number of Wagons loaden with the best things of Cambray and Valenciens, the inhabitants there fea●ing that the French, after the prize of Landrecey, would besiege those Cities, transporting the best of their baggage into Flanders, for its preservation. It was needless to bid the Commanders, or common men to stir, they were acquainted with each particular, both the way which the Convoy should pass, the hour of its coming, and the strength which attended it, and seeing what a booty was offered them, addressed themselves to receive it. Rambure, with the one moiety of the troops, with as much privacy, as he could, retires backward to a Wood called by the inhabitants Bois de la Fournilhire, three leagues from Mons , there he lays an Ambuscadoe, concealing the greatest part of his forces, but showing the fag-end of his men to the Convoy, which encouraged by perceiving the smallness of their number, made up to them, and prepared to assault them, when suddenly Gassion, who lurked behind an Hill to conceal himself, till convenient time, upon the first Musquetado, spurred up to his Friends secure, and Rambure appeared on the other side with his men, then risen from the Ambush, and both together charged the Convoy so furiously, that they slew 500 upon the place, and sorely wounded divers others, the rest which were best mounted, saying their lives by their horses legs, and leaving 24 wagons as a prize to the French, who for all their Ambuscado, & advantage they had in the fight, came not off shot-free, but left 17 dead behind them, and had 40 desperately wounded. The wagons were driven to the Camp at Landrecey, and there the Cardinal de Valette to encourage his Soldiers for the like adventure, if occasion should so happen and sweeten the peasants, which gave notice of the Convoy to his Camp volant, divided the spoil to the common men, whose valours their leaders had commended, and some the peasants widows whose husbands were slain, or wounded in the conflict. A like accident and more glorious, though not so profitable, happened to the Colonel, june 23. August. 3. whilst according to his Commission, he was pricking over the field with his own full Regiment of 1400 men attending him, five Cavaliers were descried issuing out of the corner of a Wood, and the Colonel sent speedily as many of his own up to them, to bring him a better assurance whence, and what they were. They did their errand, and returned with news, that they were Spaniards, and that those five men were but the Vedettes Scouts Avantguard, forlorn hope, or of one such a conditioned fortune to some troops of Horse which followed after them. The tale was delivered in these Generals, by them which could not, nor had opportunity to be informed certainly in the particulars. De minimis, nec curat lex, nec grex: The French Colonel though he knew it not, had a well grounded opinion, that the Cardinal Infant could not bring an Host into the field, he might advance safely because he had a free way to retreat safely, A Spanish party defeated by Gassion. and on he intended to go with a discreet resolution, either to give them battle, if he should not find them in all postures of number, courage, and advantage of place his Superionrs, or if otherwise, to march back again in an orderly recess to the Camp, his glory consisting either in getting a victory, without the assistance of his General, or mature discovery of the Enemy's design to preserve his own party from unexpected invasion. He discharged upon them, and they manfully abode the first shock of his charge, returned him equal salvoes, shot for shot, blow for blow, and the end of the combat began to be suspected, 200 of them slain, and so taken prisoners. either party expecting, both contending for a fortunate issue; Gassion, who had kept a reserve behind him, to give a fresh charge, while the first Assailants wheeled about to prepare for a new assault, brought up his Arreere, which came on so impetuously, that the Spanish horsemen 'gan to shrink, and continuing his method, broke their Ranks, routed them, slew 200 upon the place, took fifty prisoners, amongst which was a Spanish Don, Alvero Viveres and certain Officers; gained three Cornets, of 27 whereof the Spanish Battalia consisted, forced them to tear seven others into shivers, though not without some loss, Such adventures are not passed over without some damage, 25 of his Soldiers being slain in that battle. This success was not of small esteem, yet the progress of the French Cardinals activity was crowned with a more glorious issue, the Towns and Castles of Irsin, Chastean, Cambray, newly conquered, Chastean de Buff and Bussi, which were guarded with Spanish Garrisons, were the same time reduced to acknowledge the Christian King, for their Sovereign, and Catelet and la Capelle, which still held for the Spaniards were so straight blocked up, Divers Forts and Towns taken by the French Army. that the Advenues being stopped up by the King's Armies, that they were out of all hope of succour, and this happy proceeding would have animated such as served for honour, not relief of their misery, to have prosecuted their course more earnestly. But Affluence is the mother of Idleness, when fortune gins to smile, common souls begin to be luxuriant, it is wisdom which must govern Fortune, elselike an unmanaged jade, whilst he seems to play upon the bit, she may cast her Rider. Some of the principal Officers, presuming by this small beginning that all was theirs returned to Paris, gallantized it in the City, took their pleasure, considered not that their Lords lay in Tents, and betook them to their beds of ease, to the danger, not ruin of his Majesty's affairs, whose wakeful eye attending his own, and his people's welfare, saw what might ensue upon their supine negligence, and salved all again by an Edict which like a mundifying unguent, cleansing the ulcer, restrained their luxury, the purport whereof is as followeth. The King being advertised, The King's Proclamation enjoining the officers to repair to the Armies. and himself having seen by the extracts of the review of his Armies, that many Captains and officers of his troops, are absent from their charges, notwithstanding the commands which he hath often given them, to attend upon their places: and not able to endure their remissness in promoting his important affairs, of so great consequence, at this present: His Majesty doth again expressly order, and command, all Camp-masters, Colonels, Captains, and officers of his troops, both horse and foot, Frenchmen and strangers, to repair to their charges, within eight days after the date of these presents, without delay: willing and decreeing, that all such as shall then be absent, be deprived, and cashiered from their offices, as his said Majesty doth by these presents, deprive and cashier them, if they have no letter of licence signed with his own hand, and counter-signed by the Secretary of State, for leaving his service, not permitting those which shall be deprived, and cashiered for that offence, never to be restored to their offices, for any cause or occasion whatsoever which may be alleged, forbidding the Lieutenants-generals of his Armies to admit them, or suffer them to be readmitted, after the expiration of the time limited, and his Commissaries of war, to let them show themselves in the future musters, and reviewes of his forces: the extracts of all which the said Generals shall send his Majesty, with the names of all the Captains and officers, both present and absent, to the end that the rigour of these presents, may be executed upon them. And this order his Majesty commandeth to be published, and affixed to the usual places for his proclamations, that none may pretend any excuse, by way of ignorance: Dated at the Castle of Madrid, july 15. 1635. signed Lowis, and a little lower sublet. This Mandate concerned all his Armies generally, and was well observed of the better sort, only the rabble: some such members there must not needs be in such vast bodies, unsensible of their own duty, and respectless of the King's service, when they came to the test in Henault, disbanded, and ran away through Picardy and Champagne, and then his Majesty again, to reform that abuse, which if permitted, might have been to his great prejudice, gave an express command to all the Provosts and Marshals of those Provinces, to keep the ways and passages thereof, for the arresting of such Soldiers and Officers as came from the Army, An Edict against the fugitives. without a Passport from the Lieutenant General, or a lawful discharge, and required all Mayors, Sheriffs, and inhabitants of the Towns and Villages, through which those fugitives should pass, to lay hands upon them, and commit them, that they might be proceeded against, according to the rigour of law; and this severe decree made at home, kept the soldiers in obedience which were abroad. The chief Commanders at Landrecey, had not their hands weakened, nor their hearts much troubled by the running away of those cowards, they fell close to their business, knowing the importance of the place for further designs, the French Armies by surprising it, having an open passage into Henault, and likelihood of ease in the recovering of Avenne, Barlemont, and Valencynes, and reducing them to the King's obedience. The Liegois still took to heart the murder of their Burgomasters, and hated all those, Divers Liegois come to the Camp at Landrecey. whom they suspected to have but a finger in it, by a plebiscite banished the Carmelites, as consenting thereunto, and upon Whitsunday (as if it had been the better deed, for the better day) three hundred of the Citizens well armed, assaulted the Castle of Oray, distant ten English miles from the City, belonging to Bokholt the grand Bailiff of Liege, pillaged it, and burned it to the ground, because they supposed, that he took part with the Elector of Collen against them, and would impeach them in their liberties, and now having a full assurance of the Christian Kings affection to their state, were as forward again to help him on with his work at Landrecey, came to the French camp by swarms, and did excellent service in labouring about the circumvallation, traverses, lines of communication, raising of batteries, and assisting those 2000 men, which were brought by the Count of Quince, Governor Guise for that purpose in building a Fort, to offend the City. Four great batteries were planted against the City, before the marquis of Milleraize, Master of the ordnance, The manner of the siege of Landrecey. arrived thither, and were ready to play, at his coming a fifth great one was made in his Quarter, and two lesser ones, and the great Guns were all thundering eftsoons upon the City. The pioneers were employed to under mine the four bastions of the Towns, Granades were thrown into the City, no hand was idle or wanting means, or will to endamage the besieged. The Garrison, and inhabitants within, were much busied for their own defence, and doing seath to the Camp before it. They which could do any thing, without respect of condition, sex, or age, had their task set them; the Priests, Friars, old men, women and children, were appointed to carry earth to stop the breaches, others to carry earth to the tops of the houses, to preserve them from the force of the Granades, others were armed and sent out in the sallies, to hinder the works of the camp, others employed upon the walls and bulwarks, to discharge the Artillery, upon the assailants: a course in all probability not uneffectuall, yet not so successful as it was preimagined, the Artillery upon the walls did little hurt, few above 50. perished by that destroying Engine. Two persons only of quality were slain, Mesnill Tilly, the King's servant in ordinary, in the Duke of Candales quarter, and Montesquiou a Captain in Vaubecourts' regiment, and two hurt, de Ouche Esquire to the marquis Milleraye, in his right shoulder, and Colonel Gassion by a Musket bullet in his neck, the camp being lodged advantageously, & sheltered from the shot, by those trees, which grow like a thick wood, betwixt the walls of the City, and the moat. Their labour to prevent the Granades, was utterly vain, the next morning after the Governor had provided for his own safety, and the safety of his family, his dwelling house being beaten down by those fatal instruments. To what a desperate estate do they seem to be brought already? a potent enemy lay before them, and fly they could not, to hold out by their own strength, they were fare unable, all hope of relief was lost, and yet they will not capitulate: One thing there was which still encouraged them, The garrison necessitated, the strength and situation of the City, which being placed in the midst of a Moorasse, could not (as was thought) be kept blocked up, if the weather should alter, though the present drought had given the French host way to encamp before it. The French Cardinal foresaw all this, and providing for a rainy day, made several cawsies upon the Moorasle, with sand, gravel, and flints, three foot high, and caused above 100 carts loaden with planks to be brought thither from Saint Quintin's, la Fere, Guise, and other places to lodge his soldiers on, in time of necessity. Capitulates and surrenders upon This sight somewhat daunted the defendants, but the Mines, which by the diligence of the pioneers, were perfected, had their chambers filled with powder, and were ready to be sprung, affrighted them more, and Tuesday july 12/22 the inhabitants called a counsel to advise what to do in this extremity. They were not long deliberating, a parley was resolved of, a flag of treaty was hung out, a cessation of Arms was begged by the Citizens, and granted by the French Generals, and upon assurance given them by the Cardinal de Valette, the best of the inhabitants, and the officers in the garrison, came to the camp, and yielded to surrender upon these conditions following. FIrst, that the Governor, his officers and soldiers, These Articles. horse and foot, should departed upon Sunday following, by 10. of the clock in the morning, with their horses, Arms, and baggage, drums beating, flying colours, bullets in mouth, matches in the cock, sufficient lighted at both ends. two That they shall be conducted in safety to Valencyennes, with an able and sufficient convoy, and for counter security, should leave hostages, which upon return of the safeguard, shall be set at liberty. III That they shall have licence to carry with them, two pieces of Canon, and be provided of powder and bullets for six several charges of them. IV There shall be wagons allowed them to carry their equipage, if they hap to want them, which shall be returned in safety with the Convoy, and upon the same conditions of assurance. V There shall be a Trumpet licenced and authorized with a passport, to go to Brussels in behalf of the Governor, to acquaint the Cardinal Infant with the issue of the siege, and the motives of surrendry. VI The works for battery and assaults shall presently cease, and for assurance thereof, the besieged shall have nine sentinels sent out of the camp into their Bastions, and shall send three of theirs to lie as lieger-hostages in the Army. VII The Burgesses and inhabitants of the place, shall have liberty to stay in the Town, giving an oath of fealty to the Christian King, with a proviso that they shall hold their ancient privileges which they were never barred of, till this present. That all such as would departed, shall have free liberty to do so, and have a month's time to sell their goods, and put their estates in order. VIII The former Article shall extend itself also to all officers both of policy and justice, who shall continue in their places and offices, giving the like oath of allegiance to the Christian King. IX The neighbouring Churchmen which retired thither as to a Sanctuary upon sight of the French Armies, shall have licence to return, and power to enjoy their benefices, giving the same assurance of their loyalty to the French King, and have a month's time to dispose of their estates, if they intent not to make use of this Article. X For assurance of performing the above written Articles, the City and Garrison shall immediately give four hostages, two of the principal Burgesses, and two Captains, which without more ado, shall be returned without any pretence of cause to detain them longer, if an Army Royal should appear to force the Camp, and constrain the French to rise betwixt that day and Sunday morning at ten of the clock. All which was concluded of in the Camp before Landrecey, july 13/23, and was signed, Le Cardinall de Valette, and de Hainin. This last condition closed all up, and gave an assurance to the Governor, that the Spanish Card, had no cause to complain against him, or to suspect him of disloyalty who would have kept the place, had there been any probability of his relief, and was a good evidence to the French Cardinal, that the place was his already, there being a sufficient demonstration, that the Spaniard could not come to relieve it, his Army, as than not having met at the general Rendezvous, nor the Forces mustered up which should oppose him. Sunday came, but succours came not, The Fr●●●● take possession of Landrecey. and Rambures the French Campmaster, with his Regiments of French men and Swissers, entered the Town, accompanied with Thou, and Laniere, intendants of justice over the Army, who were sent thither to see that the soldiers should commit no outrages in the Town, and so win the hearts of the people, and take away the common calumny laid upon their nation, that after a victory, they were over-insolent. It was a good remonstrance of discretion, The glory of a Prince is not in the number of his towns, or amplitude and vastness of his dominions, but the love of his people. The project took, and after a Te Deum sung the next morning, the inhabitants came in voluntarily, gave an assurance by oath, that they would continue the King's loyal subjects so long as he would protect them: many of those which had packed up their fardels, as meaning to be gone, disburthening themselves of their loads, and joining in the tender of Allegiance to his Majesty of France, induced thereunto by the fair usage of the French Cardinal, who assigned them a Governor, which that same day entered the Town with his Regiment, the marquis de Vaubecour. A grain turns the Scale, and this prize, though accounted of small consequence by them which lost it, who like ordinary Gamesters boast of their win, never speak of their lose, quite altered the course of the Infanta's designs; He had begun a work of great importance, and had he finished it, had done a thing which might have more availed him then common men can imagine, a new Haven was intended for Gravelling, fortified, and capable of Vessels of great burden, The Haven of Gravelling left unperfect. which if effected would have drawn all trade from Calais, and have brought no small impeachment otherwise to the King's Frontiere Towns in Picardy. The French by land, and Dutch under the Dominion of the United States, laboured to hinder it by Sea, the Admiral Dorp brought his Fleet thither, but nether of them, jointly or severally could do any thing, only the discovery of this Army, and their success made the Spanish Cardinal dispose otherwise of the soldiers, who were commanded thither to secure the labourers and the workmen, when they had almost brought the Forts to defence, and were busy about the harbour, were forced to desist, being content that they scoured the channel, and made it fit to receive a vessel of bigger burden. Many other happy Archieuments attended as handmaids upon that more illustrious Fortune: july the third new stile, the Regiments of Navarre and Picardy, being gone into Boulonnois to refresh themselves, the Garrisons of the Frontiers of Artois, thinking to make use of the time, had a design upon Desaren, a Town near Monthulin, and marched thitherwards with 300 horse and 400 foot, hoping to surprise the Companies of foot, which were garrisond in the town, and to plunder the neighbour Villages. An attempt of the Atrebates lost at Desu●en. Villequier Governor of Boulogne, and the adjacent Territory, was advertised by some peasants of their march, & to catch them in their own trap, commanded an expert soldier lafoy moth Belle Isle, with two Companies of Carabins, one Company of light horse, and certain Musquetiers against them. The Captain had sure and particular informations of their posture, knew the place where they lay in Ambuscado to entrap the Garrison, and thither marched directly, fell upon them withal his might, and after a sharp combat of an hour long, routed and defeated them, slew near 300 upon the place, took fifty prisoners whom he brought into Boviogne, and chased the rest into Falkembergh, and the Woods adjoining, getting this conquest only with the loss of forty five men. Piccolomini, was then upon his march, Piccolomini 〈◊〉 march. to assist the Spanish Cardinal; his Avantguard consisted of 400 horse in ten Companies of Gonzagu's Regiment of 350 horse of his own new Regiment, of Savelli his Regiment of foot, being 1000 men in ten Companies, Becks Regiment of 550 men, one of Gallas his Regiments of 2000 men, Tieffenbaches Regiment of 450 men, young berner's Regiment of 600 men, and another Regiment of 450 men. His Artillery consisting of eight brass Pieces, and 100 wagons laden with baggage, marched in the middle of Gallas his Regiment. The Arreereguard consisted of Piccolomini his old Regiment, distributed into 12 Companies, and making about 430, and the Regiment of Count Rheiberg, which was the hindmost, & was composed of 300 horse in ten Companies, Chastillon, whose Province lay about the Muzzle in Lorraine, and Luxenburgh, july 16/76, was informed of his arrival near the River, both by his scouts and some prisoners, which had been taken by the Garrison of the Castle at Sancie, as they were straggling from the Army, amongst which was the Italian Counts Secretary, who was surprised with his baggage, his Master's papers, and most secret instructions: The French Field-marshal thus made perfectly acquainted with his way, sent out Bellefons an expert Commander and valiant Gentleman, to assault the Castle of Chauvancie with 200 foot, and 150 horse, whilst himself with the rest of his Army took order to secure the King's Towns and Castles about the River. The Earl was told of Bellefons his design, and brought up the Caesarean and Spanish cavalry under his command, as far as Mommedy, and de Marville to raise the siege, and surprise him: but his hour of victory was not yet come, Chastillon with all his Army appeared at that Rendezvous, and in the sight of the Imperial General, battered the Castle with seven pieces of Ordnance in three several places, The Castle 〈◊〉 taken 〈…〉. and forced the Garrison to surrender upon conditions, that the common men should departed with white staves, and the Officers with the swords at their sides, and that only; which was granted, and they marched thence to Mommedy an half league distant. The Caesarcan General, had no commission to sight there, he was expected in the Netherlands, and thither he advanced with such speed and privacy, that he had brought his Auxiliaries to Mons in Haynalt, two days before the French Commanders, who were still about the River of Sambre understood it. He carried it wisely, they expected and lay in wait for him and Chastillon, with two whole Regiments of French, three Companies of Crabats, which for pay served under his Colours, though against the Austrian, and three squadrons of horse hearing of his retreat from Mommedy, pursued after him, to have assaulted the Rear, but his speed prevented all their designs, the Cardinal de la Valette, never set eye on him, and Chastillon only overtook 25 Cavaliers, which loitered behind the Army, Piccolominie'● arrival ac Montz. and were not so well mounted as the other Piccolomini with the rest of his men that night, july 19/29, reaching to Neufchastell in Ardennesse, and within two nights after to Mons, where he spent some time to fortify himself, and refresh his weary Army. Landrecey being taken in, the Cardinal de Valette first took order to repair the breaches, to renew the old Fortifications, and to confirm the inhabitants of that City, and Chasteau Cambresi in their Allegiance to the Crown of France by gentle usage, demeaning himself so fairly, and managing the business so discreetly, that most of them who had fled thence into Cambray, Quesnoy, Valenciennes, and Mons for refuge, sent their Trumpeters with petitions to have liberty, to return to their habitations. Then july 20/36, he sent Rambures the Field-marshal, with 2500 horse to visit the Enemy's Country about Bavez, Saint Guillin, and Monts. The party, which went abroad, was dignified with the society of the Gallantry of the French Army; the marquis of Preslin Campmaster for the light horse. Gassion the fortunate and daring Colonel, the Count of Nause, A fortunate enterprise undertaken by the French near Monts. Captain of the Gens d'ermes, Arnault, campe-master for the Carabins, S. Agnan, Captain of the light horse, the marquis of Pisani, and the Viscount Monthaz, and returned not to the Camp without the spoils of the enemy, the trophies of their honour. Notice was given them, that 300 horse were come out of Montz, and to repulse them, if not vanquish them, they divided their Army into three parts, passed over at three arms of the River, to encounter them, charged them so impetuously, that upon the first meeting, the Spanish soldiers were forced to fly, being pursued to the Barriers of the town, where the Viscount Mont-bas was hurt in the face, arm, and belly, but without danger, and this adventure happened out so successfully to the French, that though they were intermingled with their enemies in the suburbs, not a man of them was lost, and they slew thirty Spaniards, who discharged upon them their Canonad o's at random, and vainlye, because at random from the walls of the City. This fortune, though it cannot be called a victory, stood them in further stead, then for the present, it cleared the country, exposed the high ways, and open dorps to pillage, for ten leagues space, and thence they brought back to the camp, 800. horse of all sorts, 1500. oxen and kine, 3000. muttons, seven or eight hundred prisoners of all conditions, (the booty being increased by the Caroaches, in which most of them were taken) besides the Priests, the religious persons, women and children, which were sent back in safety, being used all the time of their captivity, according to their several ranks and quality, nor was the enterprise merely rewarded with this gain, but ennobled, with honour. The defeat of two companies of the Train-band of the Province, and one company of the Spanish Cavallary, both which they met upon their return towards the camp, the first in the open fields, and the last near a passage over the River, which being preoccupated by the Cardinal Duke's brigade, sent thither by Preslin to keep it, were enclosed on the other side by Gassion, and the most part being put to the sword, the rest became prisoners of war. Another achievement waited upon the former, the marquis, Grand Master of the Artillery, drew out 1500 foot out of his French and Helvetian regiments, and 200 horse, which under the conduct of the marquis de la Forte-Imbault the Field-marshal, he sent to enforce the Tower and Castle of Busigni, Aug. 1. new stile, a place of much importance, and such, as while it was in the Spaniards hands, hindered all commerce betwixt Saint Quintin's and Landrecey. The marquis at his first arrival, took up his quarter near the counterscarpe, whither having brought also four pieces of Canon, he so astonished the Governor, who was but soldat de Fortune, a voluntary, and one which served without pay, that he presently sent to capitulate. His agent was the Licentiate of the place, who was appointed to confer with one cyril a Recollect, The Castle of Basigni yields upon strange composition. of the new order of Franciscan Friars, a man as fit to serve in an Army, as at an Altar: and these two military Priests, having a while conferred together in the hearing of the Captains of the Camp, Cyrill entered with him into the Fort, and the Governor presently, unacquainted, and unversed in such negotiations, came out himself in person unto the Army, to make his composition. The French Commanders could not but smile at his simplicity, which before he had made his peace, would entrust himself without caution, with an adversary: yet they neither used him ignobly, by demanding hard terms, nor refused those he offered, which were, that he might departed with those 50. men, which he commanded in the Castle, with his drum beating, their Arms and baggage. By the unadvisedness of an unskilful Commander. It was a place of strength, and sufficiently manned, for the bigness; the walls were seven foot and four inches high, so fortified with earth, that it would have spent time to take it by force, the Canon having no power against them, it was freely offered them, and it had been vanity to refuse it. The conditions were granted, when the Governor thinking to return, to acquaint the Soldiers with the particulars of his transaction, was stayed as a prisoner by command of the marquis de la Ferte, who commanded him to be kept under arrest, till the garrison was departed, and then promised to set him at liberty, Aug. 3. new stile, the presidiaries came forth, with many women which had then fled thither for safety, which with the Governor, were conducted to Cambray, three leagues thence. The marquis upon their departure, entered the Fort, where finding a large quantity of provisions, brought in by the Country people, thirty families of the wealthiest Boars, having fled thither for refuge, and made the Fort a magazine for their store, he carried the victuals away, put in 60. men of the Vidame of Amiens his regiment to keep it, and returned to the Army. Aug. 3. new stile, the same day which the la Ferte, returned from Busigni, the French Cardinal, and the marquis Melleray, having a design upon Picolomini in his march, advanced towards Valenciennes, in the mid way, received certain advisoes that they came too late, the Court being already at Montz, where he lay strongly fortified, and seeing that labour lost, they marched against Maubeuge, a town reasonably fortified upon the River of Sambre, yet stronger by the favour of the Castle, than the walls; there they arrived the same day at evening, having taken the strong Fort at Esclebe, appertaining to the Prince of Simay, as they we re-marching. Mabeuge surrendered upon composition. The next morning the Master of the Ordnance, with his avantguard viewed it round, perceived where it was best, and where weakliest fortified, sent a Trumpet to summon it, who bringing for answer a flat denial, the marquis with the one half of the Army the next day, went over the River, which divides the City as our Thames doth London, and Southwark, sat down within a quarter of a league before it, where he knew the wall was weakest, leaving the other side to the Cardinal's care, whom he had informed particularly, where he might play with his Canon most advantageously. The besieged after some few days demanded a parley, sent their hostages which were received, and surrendered the place upon conditions, which being like those of Landrecey, we will not here repeat, enjoyed the town and Castle, and proceeding further the same day, the Cardinal took in another Fort late appertaining to the Count of Buckquoy, and the marquis the Castle of Emerick, seated upon the same River. Chastillon the Marshal of France, who went to field, july 4. new stile, after he had survaied the frontier towns of the Provinces in his charge, went on to reduce the places, which held out for Duke Charles and the Catholic King, to the Christian King his Master. Villaune, a Castle betwixt Verdun and Stenay, was the first which he attempted, not with his Army, but with 300. foot, and 200. horse, conducted by Bellefons to that service. The Commander presented him before it, with two Canons, but good ones, of 33 pound ball, and the confidence of the garrison in the strength of the Castle, Villaune surrendered to the French upon discretion. undervaluing those small forces which were against them, made a show of resolution at first, to hold out till the last man, but seeing more Artillery brought against them, their courage was quailed, and they desired conditions for composition. Bellefons moved with a just indignation of the scorn which he perceived in the looks, at his first coming, heard them, but harkened not to their propositions, gave them a peremptory refusal of other terms, than his own discretion would prescribe them, and advised them to yield to his mercy. The garrison conceived, that the importance of the place, deserved better language, yet seeing they could get no other, they submitted upon discretion, surrendered the Castle, and the soldiers 75. in number, being upon their departure, were disarmed, and dismounted, and all but such as took service, sent packing, but the officers were arrested, and sent as prisoners to the Marshal Chastillon, who had then his head-quarter at Grand-pre, the gross of his Army being lodged round about him. Dinaw, a Castle upon the Marse, had the like, or a worse fate. Aiguebonne the field-marshal, by chastillon's order, Dinaw upon like terms, but with an harder fate. july 9/19. surrounded it with four companies of light horse, two companies of Carabins, and an Artillery of one great Canon, and two Culverings. He observed the method of war, and summoned it, but the Commander neither observing the rule of good manners, nor polity, though he had in it but 35. soldiers, denied to yield, and added that he had courage enough to dispute for his own life, and his soldiers with the sword: and this answer being returned, Aiguebonne played upon it so furiously with his Canon, that the next day they desired to capitulate, and not obtaining it, were forced to submit to the fury or mercy of the French Marshal, it being in his breast to determine of them, who entertained as many of the common men, as would serve under his colours, disarmed and unhorsed the rest, and then sent them to Fort, whither soon after he followed them, to inform their associates there of the Captain's fate, who for his peremptory reply, unable to make his word good, was delivered over into the power of the Intendants for justice, and by them to the executioner, who according to their judgement, trussed him up for his desperate and irregulated actions. Divers places yielded upon composition. The Castles of Loupi, Chavance, and Brovenne, dealt more discreetly, desired covenants, and obtained them, as did also the Town of Ferte, which yielded after a few shots from the Canon, upon the like terms as Landrecey, only they were signed diversely, being subscribed Chastillon, and counter-figned De le hay. From Ferte, a town of some note in the Province of Luxenburgh, the French hoof advanced against Ivoy, a place of the same territory, but better fortified and manned, the fortifications being after the modern manner, according to that pattern, which the late King of Sweden had perfected, Jvoy besieged, and the marquis Spinola invented, and guarded with 2000 men soldiers and inhabitants under the Colonel Bronze, their Governor, an able man, to manage his charge, as (if not to speak of his other actions, the preservation only, of the Princess of Psaltsburg, mentioned in our former histories) can testify. And surrendered upon The Commander here had some reasons to stand upon terms, and did so without conceit of injury done by him to the assailants, who knew his reasons, and came from words to actions, the Governor by the space of eight days defending the town bravely, though at last he accepted these 22. honourable propositions, and surrendered it. FIrst, that himself and the garrison, Aug. 4/14. at 8. These Articles in the morning precisely, should departed, with two pieces of canon, which should be given him at the appointment of Feuquerces, the Lieutenant General of the French Army: with three Canon bullets, and proportionable powder; horses to draw the Artillery and his Canoniere. II. That his wife, family, and household servants, should have liberty to departed with him in his Caroche, and be furnished with four wagons to transport his baggage. III. That the Soldiers of his Regiment, the Imperial troops, Lorrains and almains within the City, should departed with their Arms upon their shoulders, swords at their sides, knapsacks upon their backs, bullet in mouth, matches lightened at both ends, Drums beating, Ensigns displayed, their wives and children, servants, and their baggage. iv There shall no injury be offered to the Officers and Soldiers in the said troops, which have formerly served his Majesty the Christian King, but they shall enjoy the same liberty of departure, as is granted the rest; those only excepted which were Natives of France, and born subjects to his Majesty, who are not to be comprehended in this Article. A just exception, treason should find no mercy, and traitors are they will dare to bear Arms against their natural Prince and Country, they have betrayed their allegiance, what pretext soever they may find for it, and by the law of Nature and Nations, are uncapable of mercy. V All Officers, Majors, and others of his laid Regiment, and of the Imperial, Lorraine, and german Forces, shall have liberty to departed with their Arms, and as much baggage, as they can carry with them, their wives, children, servants, caroaches, wagons, carts, and horse for service. VI All the Captains and other Officers of the said Garrison shall departed, with their Arms in the accustomed manner, their baggage, wives, children, fervants, etc. as in the Article. VII. The Purveyors and Subtler's shall have the same liberty granted them, as is granted to the Captains, and Officers in the precedent Covenants. VIII. The Canons, Chaplains, Priests, and Curates, shall departed with their horses and baggage. IX. The Nobles in the City shall have a free liberty to departed, with Arms and Baggage, Coaches, Horses, Grooms, and other Attendants. X. The Burgesses and Citizens shall have the like liberty, as is granted to the Nobility. XI. The Citizens of other Cities which came to Ivoy to secure their persons and estates, and generally all the inhabitants, and others abiding in the City, shall have licence for themselves to departed with the Garrison, as also for their wives, children, & families; or if they desire to stay a while for ordering their estates, a month's time shall be granted them, which being once expired, they shall be gone immediately, and make oath neither by intelligence or action, to attempt any thing against the King during their time of stay. XII. The Widows shall have liberty to departed with their children, and baggage, Grooms, and other servants in company with the Burghesses. XIII. They which will departed, either presently, or after a month expired, shall be provided of a safe conduct by the new Governor, that shall be assigned to command there in behalf of the Christian King, and be secured from injury, and pillage during their stay in the City. XIV. The Prior of the Crosiers, Canons, Chaplains, Priests, and Curates, which will abide there, shall enjoy and hold their Benefices and Revenues, as peaceably as they have done formerly, both in the City, and the Villages in the precinct, and jurisdiction thereof, doing their Church-duties, according to the Roman Catholic and apostolic manner, without any impeachment, let, hindrance, or obstacle, upon condition, that they make oath of Loyalty and Allegiance to the Christian King. XV. The Ornaments of the Churches, the Altars, Pictures, and other church-good shall not be violated, nor removed, and the clock-bell shall not be stirred out of its place, the Army being otherwise satisfied for the expense of their Ammunition. XVI. The Officers of the Town and jurisdiction thereunto appertaining, shall hold their Offices and profits thereunto belonging, if they will stay without being compelled to take out new Patents, only giving an oath of fidelity to the King, and abstaining from giving intelligence to his adversaries, or doing any thing to his Majesty's prejudice. XVII. Such as will continue, and reside in the City, shall be maintained in the Rights, Franchises, Immunities, and Privileges, which they have anciently enjoyed, only with condition of taking the Oath of Allegiance, as is before required. XVIII. In the 7 Article, the victuallers & purveyors shall be comprised, to whom it is granted, that they shall have liberty to carry out provision and wood, to furnish the Garrison upon the march, and attend it whither it goeth. XIX. The prisoners on both sides shall be restored without ransom, or other charges. XX. If any thing be found omitted in the former Articles, the Governor shall have power to enjoy it, as if it had been plainly inserted, and fully expressed. XXI. The Governor shall be furnished with 15 wagons to carry the sick, wounded and impotent men to Arlon. XXII. The Garrison, and as many of the people, as will be gone, shall be conducted by a French Convoy to Arlon, lodging but one night upon the way in such a place, as shall be thought most convenient, the Governor leaving three of his Captains in gage for the safety of the Convoy and Wagons, which shall be set at liberty, upon their return, and dismissed with all surety. Made, determined and decreed in the Camp before Ivoy, August 3/13, 1637. Signed Chastillon: and countersigned, Par Monsigneur, de la hay. Count Nantevil Governor of Corbie, a place known by its misery, twice taken in the space of three months, once by the Cardinal Infant, and again by the Christian King, moved with the prosperity of the French Armies in the Netherlands, knowing that the Spaniards hands were full, his Garrisons had more irons in the fire than they could well wield, and seeing the Forts of Ebuterne near Arras, and Fouvillier near Bapaume, had not only been places of retreat for the Commanders in Atrebatum, and Bapaume the last Winter, when they had gone a plundering, The Fort of even to the gates of Amiens, burning down the King's Villages in Picardy, with a resolution to subdue them, about the beginning of August, marched from Corbie, with 200 soldiers of his Garrison, 100 peasants well accoutred, two companies of Carabins, two pieces of Canon, viz. one Bastard carrying a bullet of 18 pound weight, and another lesser, and their equipage. The time of his arrival at Ebuterne, 〈◊〉. answered his design, it was midnight, an opacous thick darkness had covered the face of the Earth in our Horizon, the Sun appearing in his Meridian to our Antipodes, as unwilling to be an eyewitness of the sad Fates which attended those Forts and Garrisons His purpose was concealed by the silent night, 〈…〉 to 〈…〉. and without let be approached within fifty paces of the walls, th●se planted his Canons, suddenly sounded 6 trumpets, beat a battle with 12 Drums, cast Grenadoes into the Fort, discharged all his Muskets, and the volley of shot, though made without aim, wrought so effectually, The French Leader prosecuteth the wome●, that four of the presidiaries were slain outright, and amongst them a Sentinel who fell dead to the earth from the top of an high Tower, to the astonishment of the desendants, who sleeping securely, and suddenly awaked by this unwelcome inusique, had their thoughts so perplexed, that their distracted imaginations projected new causes of fear, and concluding generally, that the assailants were no mean body, but the whole French Army, sent out the Curate of the place to capitulate for them, who with all his Oratory, could obtain no other terms then the lives of the soldiers to be spared, with an express remonstrance, that they should all without exception be made prisoners of war, and the preservation of the women's honours, they being to be protected from ravishment and other violence, which hard conditions, were accepted by the Garrison, and all the males, the old and diseased persons only excepted, the Curate in the mean time in token of joy, for his prosperous negotiation in the women's preservation, making a solemn procession, and clevating the Pix, attended with the Matrons, married wives and Damosels of the Fort, whom the Count shut up in a place of safety by themselves, the Count prohibiting his people to do them any violence, either in their persons, or the wealth they had about them, whilst himself and men seized of the horses, kine, cattle, and other wealth which was then in the Fort, and manacled the men whom he intended to carry captives to Corbie. Miserere jam victor Gall, & parce tandem; Is not this captivity a sufficient trophy of the Conquerors glory? thus the Genius of the place did seem to plead in the faces of the disconsolate women, But rasech the Citadel. which were not so much revived by their own freedom, as dejected by their friends bonds, and restraint. But the fate of the place, was not yet come to be actuated; thirty Musquetiers, were laid in by the Count to keep it, till his return from Fovillier, which he next intended to attempt, the final sentence, and the execution thereof being reserved, until that Enterprise was brought to perfection. Thither he came the next morning, and soon forced it, to accept the same terms, as the other had done, and then the French Commander laden with spoils enriched with a booty of above 200 kine and horses, and other baggage, and giving the Law to above 200 prisoners, The Castle o● Fovillier yieldeth to the French. discharged his petite Garrison of 30 Musquetiers, which he had left at Ebuterne, demolished and razed the Forts down to the ground, that they might no longer be offensive to the King's subjects in Picardy, and returned to Corbie with his own retinue, booty, and prisoners. As in a glass face answereth face, or the echo replies to the voice, so the conquests of the French in Artois and Haynault, were seconded by the victories of the Marshal Chastillon in the Dukedom of Luxenburgh, the places of note there which before the war, Anno 1542, betwixt the French and the house of Austria, were thought impregnable, being so shattered then, that though they have since been refortified, yet they never attained to their former strength, and so facilitated the Marshall's designs. as soon as Ivoy was taken in, the French General observing some ●●te directions sent unto him from his Majesty by Aiguebonne the Field-marshal, for advancement of the King's Affairs, and unwilling to omit any advantage, which might further his attempts; August 6/16, lent his Lieutenant Feuquiers with 2000 horse, and 3000 foot to block up Danvilliers, and to clear the ways from Metz to Verdun, by taking in some small Forts, which being Garrisoned by the Enemy, hindered the free commerce betwixt the two Cities, and the Colonel Bovillon with 300 horse, and 200 foot to take in the Fort of Cheney, situated upon the River of Semoy, asmall place, but of good consequence, being new fortified by the Enemy, and guarded with 200 men. Feuquiers did his part happily, Roquepine Lieutenant Governor for the Cardinal de Valette, having brought the Forts to his hand, and Danvilliers only left to his care, and so did the Colonel Bovillon too, Divers small Forts surrendered to Chastillon in Luxemburgh. though not with such speed as the other, he finding more opposition, yet with as much glory. He summoned the Citadel, and was refused, played upon it with his Ordnance, and was answered from thence in the same Dialect, till the Garrison supposing that the Marshal was coming in person thitherwards, with the main body of his Army, and Artillery, surrendered it upon these terms, that the two Captains and their Lieutenants which commanded there, should have liberty to departed with their swords by their sides, and the soldiers with white staves only, which done, the Colonel judging the place to be too strong a piece to be left to the King's enemies, having occasion to employ these troops which he had elsewhere, burnt down the houses, and demolished the Fort to make it unserviceable. Whilst these Forts were taken in, The Spaniards make an attempt the gross of the French Army lay encamped along the River of Chier, each regiment being disposed of in a several quarter. The light horse of Angoulesme, poly, and Buzanoye, were lodged at a village, called Olizy, where having barricadoed up the town's end, to keep the enemy from making any sudden incursions upon them, they kept a careless watch, neither having any corpse du guard without, nor any sentinels upon the advenues. A soldier is least secure, when he is most secure. The Spanish party, by their scouts, were made acquainted with their negligence, and hasted to them, not as friends to reprove, or chastise them, but as enemies to surprise them. Four companies of horse, 300. Arquebusiers, and 200. Musquetiers of the Spanish train band in that Dukedom, Aug. 10/20 set out from Arlon, a place about 30, English miles from Olizy, and came that night to Mommedye, where they reposed themselves, whilst 200. other Musquetiers were drawn out of that garrison to accompany them in this expedition, and then marching all night, an hour before day, they arrived within a Carabins shot of the Village, where the French Cavillary lay without any discovery: The manner how to carry the business, Upon the French quarter at Olizy. was resolved on by the way, as they came, it now remained only to put their counsel into action. The directions given by the Leaders to the common Soldiers in private, were as good, and more useful, than any charge could have been, which was to be given from the longlowd throats of the Trumpets, or sonorous bellies of the military Python's the drums; without any alarm they surrounded the Village, removed the barricadoe, and then having slain some of the French Cavaliers, they placed the Musquetiers in divers places of the Village, whose frequent charging and discharging in the street, brought no small am●●ement to the French Cavallieres, when their thought being as full of confusion, as the Village was of horror, knew not how to behave themselves, to stand upon their guard, being surprised so unexpectedly. The Count of poly was the first, which mounted on horseback, to rally up his dispersed squadron, and something he did by fortune, which assisted him for his own, and some of his soldier's preservation, though nothing to offend the enemy. One of the Spanish troops of horse came in by a by lane into the Village, with them he intermingled his own men, not as an enemy, for thereof he made no show, by giving one offensive blow, and escaped undiscovered in that hurly-burly, Surprise it. with the remnant of his troop, by the blind lane, through which the Spaniards came in, having only his face besmeered with the powder of their pistols, when he was in the middle of them. Brosse, Captain of the company of Angoulesme, and Buzancy, shown themselves braver men, but not so wise, they mounted too, and stood upon their defence, yet being overlayed with the unequal number of adversaries, Buzancy was slain in the conflict, and Brosse dangerously wounded, was made a prisoner to the Spaniards, who by this being absolute Lords of the Village, broke open the houses, seized of the baggage, and equipage of the French Officers, and pillaged them. Here if these adventurers had stayed, they had done the Catholic King good service, and gone off honourably: but the action was not well regulated, they stayed too long in seeking after the spoil, and their deluded covetous eyes frustrated, what their daring heart had undertaken, and thus fare happily perfected. Some of the furniture which was found in the Officers lodgings, was rich stuff, and while they stayed to pick out the best, and to fit the horses which they had gotten from the French, with their comparisons, themselves became a prey to some other French men, Are again surprised. which as if they had been shot out of an Engine, fell upon them unexpectedly. The Count de Lignon was lodged at Villy, but half a league from Olizy, with his brigade of light horse, and he receiving some information of his friends estates there, mounted to horse immediately, and attended with 300 Cavallieres, and five French Captains, spurred up thither-wards to relieve them. He made haste, and reached thither by the dawning of the day, yet his speed was not so good, as to bring him to the whole Spanish party, the greater part was gone with some luggage and prisoners, some stayed behind, intending to post after their fellows, when they had made up their fardels; them he found there, he put to the sword, and then dividing his troops into two squadrons, himself with the one, leading on the right hand way, and Sirock, to whom he deputed the other, the left hand way, and pursued the other party so diligently, that they overtook the main body thereof at a Ford near Moville, and assaulted them so lively and sprightfully, that after a short conflict, wherein 120. and upwards of the Spanish forces were slain, the rest were routed, being pursued to the foot of the hill whereon Mommedy stands, the sword doing as great slaughter upon the Spaniards in their flight, as it had done at the battle near Moville. It was an honourable achievement, whereby, besides that Brosse was recovered from the clutches of his enemies, the bo●ty regained which the foe had gotten at Ozily, with a new accruit of 142. horses which were taken from the Spanish cavalry, the ransoms of 22. prisoners, most of them Officers and men of quality, With great loss. which were brought to the Camp, the better part of the Cavallary, which the Catholic King had in the Dukedom, being also slain or dispersed, some men of note were found amongst them, which fell by the sword: by name, Longuevall, a Captain of a troop of horse, another Captain of the Cavallary, who was thought to be Ramee, two Lieutenants of the troops of horse, and some other Officers, whose faces were so mangled, that their names could not be taken, though their habits discover their condition. Feuquieres, according to the General's order, had in the mean time blocked up Danvillieres, expecting the time when the Marshal of France would bring up the body of the Army, Darvillieres in Luxenburgh is blocked up, and besiege it. The time of his expectation was not long, Aug. 21/32. the Armies were joined, and Chastillon, Feuquieres, and Aiguebonne, with other of the French host, went to view the City, and measured out the lines of the intended circumvallation, in despite of three great Canons which playedupon them from the Town, though one of them by an unlucky shot had taken off the head of the Lieutenant Colonel Streife, a valiant and expert Germane. The Commander within, a man of a stout and resolved spirit, saw their preparations, and could not be ignorant of their intentions, yet undauntedly prepared for his own defence, and preservation of the City committed to his trust, but in testimonial that he desired fair play on both sides, and that all their proceed might be regulated according to the laws of war, Besieged, he sent to demand quarter for all the prisoners which the French had taken there already, or might take hereafter, promising to do the like with the Camp, and this fair proposition being entertained by the French General, it was confirmed by reciprocal escripts, in the form ensuing. Fair quarter granted, and confirmed by Chastillon. The Count of Choligny, Lord of Chastillon, Martial of France, General of the King's Army. Upon the proposition made by the Governor of Danvilliers, to Monsieur Feuquieres, Lieutenant general of this Army, for giving quarter to all that already are, and hereafter may be prisoners on the one side, or the other, either Officers or Soldiers and for the releasing of them, upon the ransom of a months pay, according to the stipend they receive in the Armies, each man according to his several condition and quality. We declare and promise, that the said rule of quarter shall be kept, and observed unviolably of our part, and not be declined in any sort, or upon any pretence whatsoever. In testimony whereof, we have signed these presents, with our own hand, sealed them with our seal of Arms, and cansed them to be contresigned by one of our Secretaries. Given at the Camp, before Danvillieres, Sept. 1. new stile, 1637. Signed Chastillon, and contresigned de la hay. The writing was short, and full, resembling the Majesty from whom the Marshal had received his Authority, and was entertained respectfully by the Governor, who replied, Charles de Stassin, Lord of Brandenburg, Esche, Gaerlang, Counsellor of war, and Field marshal to the King of Spain, and Governor in Danvillieres. V●on the resolution of Monsieur de Chastillon, General of the Army of France, for granting quarter to the prisoners, which the fortune of war shall put into the enemies, and releasing them, each man according to his several condition and quality, following the assurance which we have received from him this day. We promise, that on our part, the said order shall be kept inviolably, without doing any thing to the contrary. In testimony whereof, we have signed this writing, at Danvilliers, the first of Septemb. 1637. Signed Charles de Stassin. And Charle, Stassin the Governor. This siege began with a martial compliment, and was continued with plying the instruments of war to their proper end; the assiegeants, and the besieged, both striving for nonour, and summoning up their forces to advance the Prince's affairs, for whom they stood engaged, without any remonstrance of malice either national or personal. In Artoys and Haynault, the French and Spanish Armies treated not so fairly: the Cardinal of Spain was by this upon his march, to join with Piccolomini, who that he might be thought to have done some thing before the Infante was come, An Ambuscadoe laid for the Master of the Artillery. laid an Ambuscadoe of 1200. men to entrap the Grand Master of the Artillery, who was gone from Maubeuge to the Court at Paris, at his return towards Land●ecey. But that design took not, the Grand master was then taking a view of La Capelle, the only place the Spaniard then held in Picardy, and by his stay there avoided the danger. Happily avoided with some loss. Two of his Captains fell into the snare, Beauregard and hamel, and though there was a great disparity of numbers, betwixt them, and the Enemy, he being six to one, yet by their care, they came off with the loss of 50 men, flying not confusedly, but in a well compacted close body, making their way to Chasteau Cambresi, where they were entertained, and preserved from the fury of the pursuers. An expert Wrestler sometimes receives a foil, and in lieu thereof gives a flat fall; the French thought themselves blurred in honour by this little loss, and laboured to regain it. The Duke of Candale a joint Commissioner with his brother the Cardinal, for managing this war, was then in his Quarter about Maubeuge, and as well to be avenged for the slaughter of his friends, as to possess himself of some places about Montz, which being Garrisoned by the Enemy, did much impeachment to his cavalry, when they went to get forage for their beasts; went from the Camp, August 11/●●, with four foot Regiments, 2000 ho●se, and six pieces of Canon, and the same day pitched before Beaumond, a Town belonging to the Prince of Chimay, about the bigness of ●aint Denis in France, or our Warwick in England, Beaumond surrendered to the French. well walled, fortified with an half moon, and flankered with many demy-towres, and kept by 300. almains. The Garrison was summoned to surrender, but denied to yield, and words not availing to expedite the conquest, he made his approaches, planted three batteries against it, played upon the Town from nine in the morning, until three in the afternoon the next day, at which time a breach being made sufficient to receive 20 men abreast, the besieged desired to parley, were heard graciously, Commissioners were appointed them, Gassion the Colonel, and de Leschelle, who had the office of an Aid de Camp, son to the Governor of Sedan, who accorded with them upon these terms, That the men of war should departed immediately with their Arms, baggage, and Ensigns, and be conducted with a Convoy to Montz, and that the inhabitants should be permitted to continue there, giving an oath of Allegiance to the King, or to departed, not transporting, or carrying any thing out of the City. All was performed the next day, August 13/23, betimes in the morning, when the Duke entered the Town to see it, cleared of the Spanish Garrison, and laid in for presidiaries as many of his Regiment. But what avails it to have a Town in an enemy's Territory? unless the ways be open to secure it, famine or the sword, or both must probably fall upon it. To prevent all dangers which threatened it, the same day it was surrendered, the Duke sent the Viscount of Thurenne, with the Avantguard of his Army to enrich Solre, a great Borough town, two leagues distant from that of Beaumond, fortified by a strong Castle, wherein besides the Garrison betwixt five and six hundred peasants, had taken their residence, and by discipline being long trained up in the martial postures, were become able soldiers, and knowing the How, used to go out in parties, and often scuffled with the French for agers. The Roman soldiers under the command of Caius Marius in the Cimbrian war were affrighted at the first, The Castle of Solre surrounded by the French. with the loud ejaculations and black Sauntz of the Germans when they heard them, and fearing to deal with such a dreadful enemy, declined the battle, thewise Consul who both knew that the bawling noise which the Germans made, was more ex consuetudine, quàm feritate, out of the custom of the Nation, than the courage of the untrained Swains which were engaged in the war, kept his trenches, accustomed his legions to hear them daily, and the frequent noise still bearing upon the ears of his Army became not formidable unto the Soldiers. These peasants when they first came to Solre, startled at the beating of a Drum, the crack of a Carabin was far more dreadful to them then a thunderclap, and every man in Arms, friend or foe, appeared to them like an executioner, with the fatal Axe, armed and authorised for their deaths. But now they began to be acquainted with the practices of martial men, their custom had dispossessed them of fear, and were grown so bold and hardy, that upon the first report: of the Viscounts march, they undertook to defeat him, and forsaking the Town which they might have held for three or four days came into the field under the shelter of the thick hedges upon the way skirmished with the forerunners of the Army, and slew some of them which were within the reach of their Musketshot. The Viscount perceiving the course resolved to assault them with the small number of men which he had in the Avantguard without attending the forces which were to be brought up after him by the Duke of Candale, and did it so roundly that in a short space he dislodged them, made them forsake the thickets, and fly into the Town and Castle: whither they were pursued by the French who entered pell mel with the runaways, and slew about 30 of them, the rest taking the Castle for a place of safety, whence they began to shoot against the Assailants. The Castle of Solre taken by the Duke of Candale. The Duke in the mean time being upon his march from Beaumond, arrived at Solre, with the rest of his Army about Noon, where he found the Avantguard at knocks with the inhabitants, which made a show of much resolution to stand out though it was but a lightning before death, and scarce of half an hour's continuance. They saw the town pillaged before their eyes, their goods and families abandoned, and to save the remainder after they had slain three Captains which approached too near the Castle, one Ensign, one Sergeant and certain soldiers wounded, the marquis of Varennes and some other Chieftains yielded to the Duke upon discretion, who to restrain the disorders which frequently follow such rough encounters, and to save the town from fire, it being a handsome one, and of more than 500 families, gave strict order to his Army to refrain from those violences, and to preserve the honour of eight or nine hundred women and damosels inhabitants there, he placed them in the Church and the Castle whilst he took order to dispose of the old Garrison, whom he dismissed unarmed, yet hung up the Captain by one of his own soldiers whom he commanded to execute that base office to redeem himself from the same punishment which he had deserved justly, and then leaving a Garrison in the Castle, he returned the next day to the Camp at Maubeuge. A Counsel was called there to advise for the next design, La Catelle besieged. and the Fortress of la Capella, a place upon the Frontiers of Picardy and Artoys, four leagues from Guise, surrendered to the Spaniard, july 6/16, the year last passed. The Cardinal de la Valet, and the grand Master of the Artillery, upon the conclusion arose from Maubeuge, with one part of the French troops, and arrived September 1 new stile, before the town which they surrounded the same day, and the next day the Citadel, their soldiers being then raised of a half moon, which they found abandoned by the besieged. Then they began to entrench themselves, the Count of Quinse Governor of Guise, and other Commanders in the neighbour towns, having sent thither above 2000 peasants with mattocks and spades to work in the circumvallation. The pioneers spared no pains to bring their work to perfection, and followed it with such diligence that by the ninth at night the Army was entrenched, when also they laboured in their traverses so earnestly, that by the fifteenth of the same month, the assailants became masters of the Counterscarpe. The siege was laid in two Camps, the one commanded by the Cardinal, and the other by the marquis, in which were raised two batteries, the one of six Canons which battered the curtain above that place which they determined to undermine, the other of three Canons from the counterscarpe which played upon the flank of the Bastion, which the Cardinal was to assault, who had in his own Camp four other batteries raised, the one of four pieces, and the other three, each of three all great Canon, the least whereof carried a bullet of 36 pound weight. Don Marcus de Limâ the Governor capitulates. The batteries made some breaches upon the walls, but the Bastions stood firm, and to abbreviate the work, the Generals resolved to attempt it by myning. The pioneers were again employed, and then the Commanders seeing how resolved they were to take it in about midnight the 21 of the same month desired to capitulate, & sent one of their Captains as an hostage into the Army. There was not much difference about the terms, neither did the besieged demand any thing of the Generals which might have been to the impeachment of their honour, nor did they again prescribe to the Commander any thing that was unreasonable. It was concluded on in all points but one, Agreeth. and that they agreed unto, which was that the Garrison might carry with them two Canons mar●ed with the ●rmes of Spain, which were promised them, 〈◊〉 not performed, the French pretending that the year last passed, when the town was surrendered, the Cardinal Infant conditioned with the Commander to let him march away with two pieces marked with the Arms of France, yet kept not his covenant, and therefore they would retain those two Spanish Guns till their own were restored. It was no time for the Commander to stand and argue the case with the French Generals, betwixt twelve and one the Garrison was come out of the town, consisting of seven or eight hundred men, to wit, one company of almains, two of Spaniards, two of Italians, two of Walloons, and one of Burgundians, under the command of Don Marcus de Lima, the Governor there for the King of Spain, and now upon their march they must be content to yield it, being reputed sufficient that they carried away their Arms and baggage, marched out with Drum beating, and lighted matches with their wives and children, their sick and wounded men were furnished with wagons to transport them, and had a safe conduct to Avennes. The Garrison thus departed, the Generals took order the next day for repairing of the breaches, which their Canons had made, filling up the trenches, and stopping up the mines wherein they had employed the labourers, one under the Bastion, which should have been assaulted by the Cardinal, the other under the curtain, which was reserved for the grand Master of the Artillery, and then took order for the entertainment of Chavigny Secretary of State, and Chancellor to the Duke of Orleans, who being sent to the Camp from the King was invited by the marquis to dinner, feasted, and in the midst of their jollity, An alarm in the Fr. Camp. their mirth was spoilt by the report of a Currier, that came to them with news of the Cardinal Infants joining with Piccolomini, and how that with 18000 men, they lay upon advantage, to fight with the Duke of Candale, who still lay about Maubeuge, which place they had battered by the space of two days with 30 pieces of Ordnance, and that both the place, and the French General there wanted their aid, which caused a sudden alarm, and the Generals rose suddenly from dinner, intending (as they did) to make up what was wanting with a new archievement of honour. The story is thus delivered from Rissell. Sept. 11/21, the Cardinal Infant having the little town of Amiens, marched thence to Maubeuge, Causeth them to march in battle array to Mu●●beage. made their approaches, planted their batteries, and in fine though the Garrison within defended itself stoutly, beat the presidiaries from the one part of the town to the other beyond the River, where the French planted some pieces of Ordnance expecting the sudden coming of the Spaniard thither, who being entered and seeing the Western part clear, marched to the Eastern, but there found what he expected not, the Ordnance playing upon his Army; And whilst he stands amazed at this unexpected blow, another object of fear presented itself unto him: the French Army of 10000 foot, and almost as many horse came marching up in battle array from la Capella, with a full resolution to fight. The Cardinal Jnfant found himself too weak, and had not time to make an orderly retreat, a speedy one, though with some confusion he deemed better than to stay and wait upon a certain destruction, The Cardinal Infant routed and his loss. and so he did retire leaving behind him 400 wagons loaden with baggage, 16 pieces of Ordnance, betwixt 2000 and 1500 dead soldiers, and many prisoners, the number of the dead being graced with one of the chief Commanders, the Lieutenant to Piccolomini. Victory still hovered over the French Camp, and besides the fortunes which attended the Generals in the main bodies of their Armies, their parties which went abroad to scour the Country seldom returned without good purchase. The Castle of Leon furrendred to the French. Lenoncourt a Captain under the marquis of Milleray, being sent out to that purpose, Sept 14/24, encountered betwixt Quesnoy and Aimaries, with 300 Spanish horsemen well armed, and employed as a Convoy to 260 wagons loaden with corn, beer, and cheese for the use of the Infante's Army, charged upon them, and assaulted them so furiously that they slew upon the place 42 of the best soldiers, the Captain and his Lieutenant, wounded above 60 dangerously, took many prisoners, and routing the rest got possession of that prize. It was too great for them to carry away, they seized on the best, corrupted the rest, and broke their wagons in pieces, carrying away a great and rich booty of 300 horsloads, besides the gold and silver which they found there, with which they supplied their Confederates, whom they met ranging abroad to the same purpose, as they had done, and brought into the Camp above 200 Pistolets. Another party, the day following, hearing that the Cardinal Infant had sent another company to the Castle of Aymaries, went to field with three companies of soldiers amounting to about 120 men at Arms, Two Companies of the Gatrison at C●mbray defeated. with an intention to surprise it, but that being brought into the Castle, before they could overtake it, that they might not return without some testimony of their activity, they marched up towards Cambray, and there to tempt the Garrison to come abroad, they sent some few vant Curriers towards the City, hiding themselves in an ambuscado for their better advantage. The bait took, the Commander seeing the French colours in the field, so near his walls, and the small number of men that g●a●ded them with an intention to chastise their insolency, drew out a few of his soldiers, and sent them in two Companies under Maugray his Lieutenant Colonel against them: the number of the Spanish adventurers was not above 150, besides some officers of foot, which thrust themselves into the action: their imagination had already presented these French Cavaliers unto them as a prey, and toward them they posted speedily, the French knew how to tread their measure, and paced according to the Music that played: they had their cue, and observing a proportionable distance from the enemy, they fled before him, adding more wings to their speed, when they came near the Ambuscado, whither & where the Spaniards pursuing them, were so violently assaulted by the French, that rose from their lurking places, that 100 of them were slain upon the place, among which was found one Lieutenant of the Infantry, and all the rest wounded, except certain few men, which were taken prisoners. It was a fortunate exploit, and both advantageous, and honourable for the undertakers, who besides their captives, returned to their garrisons of Ham, and Saint Quintin, with a booty of above 50 horse gotten in this enterprise. Ferte-Imbault the Field-marshal, the same day that La Capelle was surrounded by the French Army, was commanded by the Great Master of the Artillery with 500 horsemen in 10 Companies, Gleon a Castle taken by the Fr. Freldmar. Ferte-Imbault. without blows. drawn out of the Regiments of the Vidame of Amiens, and de la Marine, & 3 Canons to lay siege against two Castles distant from La Capelle about six English miles. The one of them called Glaon, appertained to the Countess of Isanguin, and without blows upon the bare sight of the French Army, yielded; but the other named Trelon, situated in a Borough of 400 Families, being guarded by 300 men, and 14 pieces of Ordnance well mounted, though not well leveled for offence, would not surrender, though it was summoned to the ruin of the village, their care for keeping the Castle, bringing the Dorp to a quick destruction, without any advantage to the more hardy, then discreet defendants. The town was not fortified at all, but lay open to the mercy of the Master of the field, who enraged with the affront done him by the Governor, in denying to yield, first burnt the Village to the ground, and then planted his three great Guns point blank against the Castle. His shot was returned from the Citadel, with the advantage of 10. for one. He spent but thirty volees against the Fort, the garrison let fly with the 14 pieces, above 200 several times upon the Army, but neither was the camp much endamaged thereby, nor the Castle. The Field-marshal intended not to make much more use of his Canon, seeing he had spent so many bullets, to so small purpose, and applied himself to his Bombards, and great Granades, which wrought so effectually, their shivers flying, and bounding in the lodging chambers, that the Mar quesse de Trelon, who commanded in person within the Castle, which properly appertained unto him, sent out his Almoner with a semblance of desiring to treat, but in truth, only to descry the French forces, and he at his coming, entreated terms of composition, Trelon, a Castle surrendered to Ferle Imbaul, upon composition. but his eye being noted by the Field-marshal, to have been more busy in viewing the French postures, and preparations, than his tongue in propounding the conditions required by the besieged, or his ears in attending to the French Commanders offers, and in the end, desirous to return, without concluding any thing, concluded the project was discovered, though he personated a Commissioner, he was apprehended as a spy, and Ferte Imbault sent a trumpeter to the besieged, with this express, that if they made one shot more against the Camp, he would cause him to be trussed up before their eyes. The Almoner was a man beloved by the marquis, and he to preserve his faithful and endeared servant, from such an ignominious death, like himself, an honourable minded man, wisely preferring the life of a discreet and faithful Counsellor (so he reputed him) who had formerly done him good service, both by directions and actions, before that pile of earth and stone, the Castle, which in all probability he could not hold above eight or ten days longer, capitulated, and upon conditions of life saved, and departing with his baggage, surrendered the Fort to the Field-marshal, who found in it, besides the 14 pieces, the least whereof carried a bullet of eight pounds, 40 Harquebuses with firelocks, 1200 pounds of powder, six Muids of bread corn (each Muid contains 5 quarters and 5 bushels of London measure) thirty Muids of Oats, with other commodities: and because it was a place of some importance, distant but two leagues from Vervin, sited in the middle of a wood, he put in the Vidames' regiment, to garrison it. For these two Forts he had express commission, another there was which offered itself to his eye, Argon comes in by precedent. the Castle of Argon, within half a league of Trelon, and that he resolved to take in too, though it might seem a work of supererogation, he was not long about it, the presidiaries there were few in number, and not well provided for defence, they surrendered upon the summons, with the conditions granted, to the Castle at Trelon. He put in 60. of his own men to keep it, and then returned to the Camp before la Capelle. Never did Merchant with a fair trade-wind, make his voyage with more expedition than attended the French forces under the Cardinal de Valette, and his confederates in Picardy, in their conquests of Cities and Citadels, and bringing the towns in subjection to the Christian King. S. Previll his design upon Rumingnan in Artoys. The design of Saint Previll, Governor of Ardres, upon the Castle of Rumingnan in Artoys, had some time of hammering, but was soon polished and perfected, when it came to the file d'espee, it was of long projection, but speedy execution. The Castle is situated upon the River which comes from Bourbourg to S. Omer; it was a place of some consequence, being a means to restrain and bridle up all the principal Forts of the frontiers of Flanders, without the assistance whereof, S. Omers could not subsist, and the French being possessed thereof, might truly say, that they had gotten one of the principal keys and inlets to Flanders. The French Commander therefore for many a day past, had used all means possible, both by private intelligence, and otherwise, to be surety at all times of the state thereof, that he might either get it by assault, onslat, or some other way, or if he failed in the attempt, The carriage of his project. to come fairly off, and without damage of dishonour. The expected hour was come, news, and certain too, at last was brought him, that one part of the wall was so weak, that he might easily surprise it thereby: there needed no more, he resolved to assay it, and providing himself of workmen, Masons, and bars of iron, intended if he could, to dig through the wall, it being but of brick, knowing that if he could carry that one piece of the Mure, he might easily command the Citadel. The business was managed, as discreetly, as valiantly, the project before the conquest, being carried with all secrecy, his copartners and fellow adventurers in the design, not knowing what he intended, and all things necessary for the work being carried with him, even to two vessels, intended to transport his men over the River, if it was not wadeable, which he laid upon two wagons, and covered with their sails, that they might not be discovered by the enemy, and his care for keeping the place after the conquest appearing so manifestly, that his wisdom therein, was to be seen as plainly as his valour in the archievement, He beat up the drum in Ardres, Sept. 10/20. called the garrison together, told them, that his intent was to go abroad, and see what straggling parties of the enemy were abroad; wished them which were willing to accompany ●im, to arm, and attend him, but never mentioned the intended enterprise. His speech done, the gallantry of the garrison, de Riviere, Licutenant Colonel of the regiment, the Estrees, Revoule, Mafor of the same regiment, Cassale, chief Captain of the regiment, de Miossens, Largenterie, Larre, de Tower, and Saint Laurent, all Captains, and divers other officers, offered him their service. He accepts them, and then taking out his own company of light horse, and 100 Musketeers, with the Masons, whom he had deputed to this service, sending before him the forerunners of this little army, himself and his) associates marched away immediately after, and forrunately arrived within a Musket shot of the Castle, at 11, the same night, neither being re-encountred upon the way, nor discovered by any enemy. There was no need of the boats, the River was then wadeable, and through the water he dispatched four Masons to dig through the brick wall, if it was feasible. It was no work of difficulty, the workmen undertook it, and in short space made so large an hole in the wall, that first ten men under the conduct of Largenterie, entered thereby, A breach made in the wall. then twenty others under Lorre, and last, forty Musketeers, under La Tours, and Saint Laurent. In they were, and on they would, but the way they knew not, some guess they had of it, by the general notions of their intelligence, but no certain remonstrance, Fortune helps a daring spirit, and conducted them right to the corpse du guard, which they fell upon courageously, their Musketeers doing them no mean service in this adventure. S. Previll who had an open ear, and listened after the reports of his Muskets, was still with the rest of his Army, which he ordeted to surround the Castle, that neither the soldiers, nor the peasants which lodged there, being more in number then the soldiers, might escape, and upon the first crack of the Muskets, flew into the Castle, came up to his men, enlivened them to the work, both by word and exemplary actions, put to the sword as many as made resistance, which were about 30 in number, The Fort taken. the place being guarded with 60 soldiers, and more peasants, to the great terror of the rest, who hearing his name, cast down their Arms, and begged quarter: quarter he gave them, but it was for life, not liberty, for he took them as prisoners of war, and the next morning sent them away to Ardres, with an Alferes which commanded them in the absence of the Captain, whom they found securely sleeping in his bed. This was his project, S. Previll provided to keep it. and thus it was performed. But his discretion was more conspicuous in the Forts conservation, than the acquisition. One hundred of Musketeers he placed therein, under the command of an expert soldier, de la Tour, a Captain of the regiment de Estrees, to keep it, a guard sufficient for the Fort, had not the spaniards an eye over it, to regain it, orif they had, it was but sufficiently fortified. He concluded, that as sure as the Sun would return again from the West, where it set at night, to the East in the morning, so certainly, the enemy would re-visit it: and to secure the garrison from any injury by the adversary, resolved to appear in the field the next day with such a proportionable number of men, as might be able to deal with the neighbour garrisons, (there was no Army thereabouts) if they should offer to enforce it. His conjecture fa●led not, the Spaniards from Gravelling, and the neighbour garrisons, hearing of this loss, assembled the next day, and marched towards the Castle, thinking to recover it, but S. Previll, whose working brain would not permit him to sleep, or slip his advantage, by his care prevented their design, the victory achieved, he went to the Count of Charrost, Governor of Calais, acquainted him with each particular, in the name of the Christian King, commanded his assistance, and they jointly endeavouring themselves in the business, brought into the Fort the same day, an host more able than the adverse party, upon that short warning, could raise conveniently. Mars and Mercury, An Ambuscadoe laid for the French. appeared together in the Spanish Camp, not as in opposition, but conjunction, they neither wanted offensive Arms, nor art to manage them, they would not adventure for a victory in open Champania, but assayed to get it by a stratagem. An hundred horse were sent out to brave the French Cavaliers, some peasants were enquartered upon a bridge, near a Church, and both these were but laid as a bait for the French, who if they had come to battle, had found (as we say) john Drums entertainment, though invited to a feast, they had him beaten with the spit, the sword, and Muskets of the enemy, who had hid his main body behind the hedges, strongly entrenched himself, and expected only, that the French, according to their custom, fiery in the first conflict, should have made an assault upon these Batteurs d' Estrade, this forlorn hope, so they esteemed it, and have been caught in the trap which was laid for them. But this slight was of no more value, than their might: the French Leaders, old and expert soldiers, were informed by their scouts of each particular, and to delude one fineness with another, 〈…〉, seemed to decline all combats, though desiring to grapple with the enemy in open field, inarched towards the Fort, thinking the Spaniards would follow them, but perceiving that with a wary slyness, they avoided them, in an ordered retreat going back towards Gravelling, and their garrisons, they went on directy toward Rumingnan, where the main business lay, repaired the breaches, renewed the old fortifications, and added to them, removed the garrison, which was laid in before, put in a lesser number, And the Castle fortified and manned. but of more expert men, sixty for an hundred, it being a proportionable number to defend that small Citadel, (more might have been a burden) under the command of S. Lawrent, Captain the Bellefons, of whose valour and faithfulness, they had already a good and sufficient testimony, returned to their charges, one to Calais, and the other to Ardres, without interruption, or opposition. Fortune waits upon pro●idence, industry gets the purchase, but prudence makes the assurance. Ivoy was taken in b● the Marshal Chastillon, 〈…〉 by Cautelmo Aug.. ●/13. but retaken by the Spanish men of Arms, within a month after, not by siege (though Cautelmo the prime Spanish Commander in that Dukedom, had mustered up all his forces, it had been vain for him to have sat down before it, and raised a bank against it) but by scaladoe and onslat, the Governors' negligence in keeping a strict watch, animating the Spanish Commander to take that course, who made the Governor again to pay for his improvidence, by the slaughter of many of his men, and the captivity of himself, and all his principal officers, and rest of his soldiers. The Spaniard being again possessed of the town, took care how to keep it, sent out his purveyors to provide all things necessary to victual it. Chastillon, was then in the height of his business before Damvillieres, The siege of Damvil●●ers. which though it began with a kind of compliment, the Commanders on both sides striving to outvie each other in courtesy, was continued with all manner of harshness and extremity, the soldiers within often sallying out upon the Camp, and the army again furiously battering the City with the Ordnance, and beating down the houses with Grenadoes. A fortnight was spent before the French General had perfected his works, He began too early, September the first, new stile, but had not raised his batteries till the fourteenth, the rain which fell then in abundance hindering his pioneers from doing it with more expedition▪ The approaches of the Camp went on but slowly, the Garrison often sallying out upon the pioneers, and undoing what they had done, yet was neither the General, nor the Camp disheartened, they continued their course, and often cu● off the adventurers which again often returned into the City almost tired with the slaughter of their En●●●es. N● kind of hostile effence was omitted of either side, the very occasional triumphs of joy, which happened two days together one Sept. 26, new stile in the City, for the honour of Saint Mau●ice, the tutelary Saint thereof, The French triumphs upon the King's birthday. the other in the Camp the day following for the congratulation of the Christian Kings Nativity, were spent to the mutual offences of their adversaries. On the first night the bonfires being made round about their Fortifications, the Defendants made 30 Canonado's, and above 2000 Musquetadors against the Camp, and the next day, the time when the great battery of fourteen Canons began to play, many volleys being made out of the trenches the great Ordnance was discharged eight or nine hundre●●imes out of all quarters against the City, and that so effectually, that thereby the Parapets which stood against them were ruined, the defences of the two Bastions which look towards Verdum, upon which the great battery played, were beaten down, the Ordnance of the town was for the most part dismounted, & the only sleeple of the town was utterly demolished, 120 Canon-shot being spent against it, because it served as a mount of battery against the Camp, and the Army was much annoyed thereby in their trenches. The night works were as prejudicial to the besieged as those of the day; The night-works and their issue. at evening order was given for bonfires and fireworks through all the Camp, the Canons placed upon the advenues, were leveled against the town, and when they had done, the Bombards and Morterers were employed till break of day, which though they did not much endamage the Fortifications, brought no small prejudice to the besieged; the Garrison and inhabitants stood all this while like amazed men, conjecturing of the issue of these actions, and what might be the main design of the French General, and whilst they were in this maze, the labourers were set to work, who so plied their hands all night, that they much advanced the approaches of the army. Don Andrea Cantelmo had sent 120 men to attempt a way into the town for the relief of the Garrison, promising to follow with an army, and raise the siege if it were possible, the men conducted by Captains, being come within two Musquers reach of the French quarters, affrighted with the loud cracks of the Ordnance and strange fireworks, disbanded and fled in such a confusion, that the Leaders which conducted them, could not upon any terms reassemble them; in a word, that night the General so strongly fortified himself in his trenches, that Cantelmo thought it vain to attempt to raise him, and himself began to be so confident of his success, that he concluded himself able to win the town, within a fortnight in despite of all resistance, the Garrison within, or their Confederates without could make, and therefore that his own forces alone without any coadjutors, might have the glory of the prize, sent back some troops which the Cardinal de Valette had sent him to be assistant to him, in that enterprise which was desired, might be done with expedition. It is no small thing that can dishearten a resolved man, Stassin the Commander within, for all this lost not his courage, nor abated any title of his first resolve afterwards, though he plainly saw that the French got ground daily, so much that by the last of September old stile, the Marshal had raised two new batteries upon the very brink of the moat, besides the other great one of 14 pieces of Ordnance. An half moon there was betwixt the two Bastions, An half moon taken by the French. upon which the batteries played, from whence three nights together, the Garrison sallied out upon the Camp, and did it much impeachment, both by slaughter of men, and spoiling the traversers. To remedy the inconveniences which accrued to his Army thereby, the General called a Counsel of War, and it was concluded to assault it, and to carry the place by force, what ever it might cost, notwithstanding all objections to the contrary, though it was defended with a large ditch of 20 foot broad, and eight foot deep, at the least where it was shallowest, and was guarded with 120 men, the choicest and best soldiers of the Garrison, and the conclusion was brought into action. The order of the assault was thus, one Lieutenant and an Ensign, two Sergeants and 30 common men, seconded with a Captain, and Ensign, and fifty other old Soldiers, were commanded to assault it on the left hand, and as many others, both in number and quality, each party having 12 scaling Ladders, to go down into the Moat, and climb up to the parapet of the half moon, and each Sergeant leaden with balls of wildfire, with order to cast them into the midst of the Enemies, as s●on as they did appear, that their eyes being dazzled with the flame and smo●k they might have the easier access to the Parapet. The directions were observed so punctually, and executed so spirightfully, that in a short space the Spanish soldiers were driven out of that Fortification, but not a yet beaten, they returned again with more fury than was showed in the first encounter, And a mi●e sprung ●ff●ctually. renewed their fig●●t, and continued it ●ountfully by the space of four ●oures, at which time the victory falling to the French, they became masters of the half moon, till then in controversy. The battle ended not without blood, some of the defendants were slain upon the place, and the rest thinking to escape by flight, fell into the hands of Balagny a Captain of the Regiment of Turenne, who placed there by order from the General to that purpose, The Garrison capitulates. and he encountering them sl●e some, took others prisoners, and forced the remainder into the Moat, where they were drowned, it being there 12 foot deep of water, the French using the dead corpse as bavins to go over the Moat there to their Associates. The loss of this Fortification much abated the edge of the Garrison in the town, who begged a short time of truce to bury their dead, and taking the grant for a favour, shown some remissness of their courage already, but a inyne under the Counterscarpe of a chamber ten foot square sprung so effectually, Octob. 14/24. that it made a breach in the wall where 40 men might march a breast, discouraged them more, though they did something still in their defence, two great trenches which they had made within giving them a little spirit, yet in the end seeing how unable they were to make good the breach against the assailants, they capitulated and accorded upon these conditions. The Articles for surrendry of Damvilliers. I. THe Governor, Officers and soldiers of the Garrison in Damvilliers, shall departed upon Tuesday next, Oct. 17/●●, with their arms, horses, & baggage, Drums beating, displayed Ensigns, bullet in mouth, and lighted matches. II. They shall carry with them two pieces of Canon, of six pound bullet, with all their attirall, and Ammunition for two discharges. III. The King shall allow them as many wagons, as shall be necessary for transportation of the equipage of the Officers and Soldiers, their sick and wounded men, with good draught-horses to carry them to Virton. iv There shall be given them a French Convoy for their Conduct, for security whereof good Hostages shall be left by the Governor, till the return of the Convoy, at which time they shall be dismissed with a passport in safety. V All persons ecclesiastics and Politics, the Officers of the Duke Charles, and the Prince Francis shall have libertty to departed with the Garrison of Damvilliers, and to go whither it shall best like them without any affront or injury done them by the Garrison. VI The Citizens which will continue in the City, shall enjoy their ancient privileges, which they have long since enjoyed, according to their use and custom, giving an oath of Loyalty to the most Christian King. VII. All the Franchises and Liberties of the City shall be still maintained without any innovation. VIII. The Citizens, the strangers which came thither for ●●●●tie, the widows and their children shall have liberty to stay in the Town, and no wrong shall be done unto them, either in their persons or estates. IX. All Ecclesiastical persons of the Town, jurisdiction and neighbour Villages, giving an oath of Loyalty to the King, as is above required, shall have liberty to stay and enjoy their Benefices peaceably, without any deprivation, but what shall be sued out legally, and determined by Law. X. All the Citizens, soldiers and people which came thither for safety, if they will not stay, shall have liberty to carry away their goods and moveables, of what quality, or value soever. XI. The Commander amongst his own Implements. movables and baggage, shall be authorised to carry away one chest, one piece of cask, and one pack of Tapestry, the proper goods of the Prince Francis, but left in the Governors' custody, dealing faithfully in leaving the remainder where these moveables were stored. XII. As concerning what is passed by the Law of War, either concerning contributions or otherwise no man shall be sifted or examined of either party, or by any person whatsoever. XIII. No man shall be vexed or molested for serving on either side. XIV. The prisoners of both sides shall be delivered, without any ransom. XV. The moveables which the Officers, Soldiers and the Country people which came thither for safety shall leave there, may be sold by such as will there to that purpose without impeachment, within the term of six weeks, and the immovables within a year. XVI. The wives of the Officers, Soldiers and others, which for any occasions cannot conveniently departed with their husbands may stay one month in the town, and their houses, which being expired, they shall be compelled to departed, and go seek their husbands, having a safe conduct given them to that end. XVII. The wounded Soldiers which are not able to departed with the Garrison, shall have licence to abide there till they be perfectly whole, and then they shall have a passport to go where ever they shall please. XVIII. For assurance of this accord, and that it shall be faithfully performed of both sides; there shall be two Copies drawn, the one to be signed by the Marshal Chastillon, the other by the Governor Stassin. Made at the Camp before Damvilliers, The Town yielded. Octob. 25 Signed Chastillon: and countersigned, de la hay. This was the Capitulation, which the Garrison in the end faithfully observed, Don Andrea Cantelmo seeks to hinder the Accord. though it was much opposed by Cantelmo, who knowing of what consequence the place was, though the accord was concluded betwixt the Assailants and defendants, endeavoured all he could to break it, and Monday the 16/26, sent Canton a Captain of Brony'es' Regiment from Luxemburg, with express order to relieve the City upon what terms or price soever. This bond of Auxiliaries presented themselves before the City next morning by the dawning of the day; They were seen both by the Camp and Garrison at once, but with different eyes and aspects, the Garrison hopefully thinking that Cantelmo had followed him, with the long expected succours, and began to retire into the town hoping of relief, the other with distracted and divided looks betwixt anger and scorn, angry to think themselves deluded of their covenants, and scorning the small number of forces which appeared against them, Canton a Captain sent with a strange commission, and therefore encircling them put some few to the sword, and took all the rest prisoners, to the grief of the Garrison which surrendered the place thereupon according to the Articles. The Captain being one of the captives was searched and a Commission was found about him, the worst clause whereof he put into execution, Is taken prisoner. and no other. It ran thus (as the French write) Captain Canton of the Regiment belonging to Bronze the Campmaster is to march this day Monday, Octob. 16/26, with the men already appointed for him, and shall go toward Damvilliers, His instructions and Commission. into which he shall conduct all his men, or so many of them as he can, and though any of them shall think it improbable that he should perform this design, and shall thereon resolve to return: Yet the said Canton, obeying no person, but conforming to this present order, shall lead on toward the City, and either carry his forces into the town, or be taken prisoner by the enemy, or lose his life: if he fail or do otherwise, he shall be punished irremissibly, even with his life, which he shall lose ignominiously, as being the loss of the said Damvilliers, a place of so great importance, for the service of his Catholic Majesty. But executing this order, he shall gain honour and reputation for performing so excellent a piece of service, with his said Majesty, and his Highness shall have notice of, and will reward. Given at Virton the said ●5/●6. of Octob. 1637. Signed Cantelmo. It is a certain evidence of true magnanimity, neither to complain of fate, nor grieve for misfortune, but to comply with the first, and labour to amend the other by endeavour. The Cardinal Infant did both, he saw the French Lilies planted, and sprouting in those gardens of the Netherlands, which were committed to his keeping, and though he endeavoured to weed them out, but could not, now he meant to use all his art to eradicate them. His late defeat at Maubeuge, made him not heartless, The Cardinal Infante encamped at S. julian's. nor heedless: to Bolen, and Saint julian's, he then conducted the remainder of his dispersed forces, where he rallyed them, fortified himself, and lay encamped, till a new supply of old soldiers was brought unto him from the garrisons of Flanders, and the other adjoining Provinces, with which as soon as he was reinforced, he marched again towards the River of Schambre. The French Armies were then again divided, the Duke of Candales forces lay about Maubeuge, under the command of the marquis de Turenne, and the Cardinal his brothers at Long-Faurill, where the Duke himself was also, by reason of the indisposition of his body, a fit of sickness, which surprised him there about the end of September, when he went thither to advise with the Cardinal about the joining of their two Armies. It was concluded that their forces should be no longer divided, the Cardinal of Spain beginning to appear so strong, that it was conjectred, neither of their forces singly could stand before him, though they needed not to fear him, being reunited. The Infante had a suspicion at first of what they intended, but was afterward assured thereof by some prisoners taken in an Ambuscadoe, addressed for Gassion, who was often employed as an internuncius betwixt the Duke and the marquis of Turenne: to prevent it, Octob. 7. new stile, And reinforced, resolveth to keep the French Armies from joining. Piccolomini and Don john de Viveros, Lieutenant General of the Spanish horse, were sent with 4000 horse, and as many foot, the most tried and choyeest men of the Spanish Army, to encamp at Pont-Sur-Sambre, and Pont de Vaux, two Villages upon the River, distant each from other almost an English mile, in the mid way betwixt the two Er●uch Armies, purposing to famish the French ●orces at Maubeuge, by cutting off the convoys of victuals, which should be transported to them from Landracy. Their coming was not unknown to the inhabitants of the neighbour-Villages, which more affecting the Spanish, the French Cardinal (there is no trust in new friends) though they had taken an 〈◊〉 to be faithful to the Christian King, concealed it till they were so strongly entrenched, that it was an hard adventure to remove them, and then they sent to Long-fingered, to inform the General thereof. The news startled the French Cardinal, and the Duke his brother, who though scarce recovered, Sendeth Piccolomini to Pont de Sambre. betook himself to Arms, as well as the Cardinal, and that they might not give the Spanish troops a longer time to fortify themselves, Octob. 8. new stile, at midnight marched from the Quarter at Long-faurill, against the enemy at Pont-Sur-Sambre, having sent the Count de Guiche, the Field-marshal, two hours before, with the avantguard, consisting of 500 horse and 2000 Musketeers, to assail the Spanish Quarter, at Pont de Vaux. The next day about 4. in the evening, the combat began, which was well fought, and lasted doubtful at Pont-Sur-Sambre, by the space of five hours, the Spaniards having set up their rest to hinder the conjoining of the two French Armies, and the French being resolved to ●eleeve their associates at Maubeuge, which must needs be famished otherwise. But at Pont de Vaux, the assailants found most resistance, the other combat was ended before night. The Spaniards there gave ground, and retreated to these their confederates: the darkness only parted this last fight, which was to be renewed the next morning, had the Spanish Commanders stood to it, and not left their station. Both parties were weary, but could not sleep, danger stood before them, and kept their eyes waking. Where he is entrenched. The Cardinal Valette had his head working the most par of the night, how to manage the next days fight most advantageously, sent a Currier to Maubenge, to advise the marquis of his purpose, & to require him upon the signal given him, by two Canons, to bring his forces into the field, and assault the Spanish trenches on that side next him, commanded Gassion to view their works, and to inform him where they were weakest. S. Cirque who was employed to Manbeuge, did his office, yet the marquis came not in, nor could he have come to fight with the adversary, the employment of his forces in breaking down the Bridges, Milles, and gates of the town, and the neighbouring Abbey d' Aumont, hindering him a while, and the enemy already weakened by the loss of 400 men, fearing the fall of the ingruent storm, retreating to avoid it. The occasion was thus. Gassion had performed his charge carefully by the break of the day, he had surrounded the adversaries Camp, found a place where it might be fitly assaulted, acquainted the General with it, and he to lose no time, instantly with all his forces ranged in battalia, save only so many as he thought sufficient to guard the places which were already gained, marched towards it: which the Spanish Commanders observing, and fearing to be assailed both before and behind at once, rose, And raised again by the Cardinal de Valette. and retreated thence towards Barleimont, and Aimeries. They retreated, but not without some blows: the marquis of Thurenne was then upon his march, and flanking them with his ordnance, whilst the Cardinal pursued them at the heels, slew about 400 of them upon the place, and made others run headlong into the River, where they were drowned, to the apparent loss (as the French report it, of betwixt eight and nine hundred men, though the Spanish letters from Bavay do much abate of that number) the French not scaping , their loss amounting to more than 80 men, amongst which were some persons of quality. Yet this victory did neither puff up the French, and make him secure, nor deject the Spanish Cardinal, who is yet providing (if he can) to recover Landrecey, and hath already sent much ammunition to Bavay for that purpose, whilst the French, who have forsaken Maubeuge, (the town being casually burnt at their departure, by a fire which happening in a Court of guard, Maubeuge bur●ed casually. increased by the negligence of the inhabitants, who made no baste to remove the straw, and seized of the greatest part of the town) and marched the next day with their joined Armies to Chasteau Cambrisis, are as careful to maintain it, and what else they have gotten this summer in his territories. The late Abbot of S. Mars, by the translation of the late Bishop there to Meaux, was made about a month before, Bishop of Auxerre, and thus advanced, first revictualled the Castle Cambresis, with a sufficient store of provision, and Octob. 7/17. with the assistance of the Count of Quinze, sent a convoy of 180. wagons loaden with corn, into Landrecey, which being added to their former store, is deemed sufficient to maintain a longer siege, than (as the French believe) it is like to endure. To fortify it throughly, his Majesty the Christian King, drew a platform, and sent it to the Count of Quinze, with order, Lan●recey revictualled and fortified anew. that he should take up workmen out of his government, which by that pattern should work before the City. As he was bringing them to their labour, there appeared four squadrons of the enemy's horse ready to surprise both him and them, and he had no way to avoid them but by this stratagem. He drew his Peasants into a ranged battle, The Labourors delivered from four squadrons of Spanish horse by a stratagem. placed them at the corner of a wood, made them stand in the posture of Musketeers, with their shovels and spades, whilst 200. real shot, and one company of light horse, (which he had sent for) were brought from the City, which discharging upon the Spanish squadrons, made them fly, not daring to adventure further for fear of an Ambuscadoe, and then employed his labourers for the perfecting of his fortifications. The Infante encamped at Q●esnoy. The Infanta's Army, though sensible of the late loss which was somewhat aggravated at the general muster, by the loss of four Spanish, and two Italian Captains, they removed presently to Quesnoy, within nine English miles of the French camp, where they re-entrenched: and the French imagining that they meant to give them battle, appeared often in a full battalia, in the plain between Casteau Cambresis & Apremont: yet they stirred not from their trenches, nor as yet was there any hostile actions commenced betwixt these two potent enemies, equally ambitious of victory, save only, The Castle of Crevecaeur surprised by the French. that a French Commander, assaulted and took the Castle of Creveceur, half a league from Cambray, the garrison left there, not being able to maintain it, though they did the best they could, being themselves enforced to lay down their weapons, crave quarter, and withal, the inhabitants become prisoners of war. Some compliments were passed betwixt Piccolomini and the Duke of Candale, upon which, because hostility and courtesy are incompatible, the people and the wiser sort descanted diversely. Presents were sent interchangeably, the Italian Count presented the Duke with two Pistols garnished with Ebony, and the Duke reciprocally sent him a Sword and Belt, Interdiangeable presents betwixt Piccelomini and the Duke of Candale. embroidered with gold, silver, and pearl, some from those mutual fatal gifts of Hector and Ajax, prognosticating that some sad issue would attend this palliated amity, and others divining that these exchanged tokens, were certain and prognosticke signs, that their summer's actions were already come to the height and perfection, and prognostickes of future reconciliation. But a most probable argument of the future tranquillity of the Provinces under the Christian King, may be concluded from the unexpected return of the Spanish forces, which lay fortified in Guyenne, into their own land. The last year they invaded that Province with all their might, got into their possession Bordegain, Ciboure, Saint John de Luz, and some other small places, fortified them with retrenchments, horn-works, halfmoons, Cullion-heads, and other like works of that nature; all which were manifest evidences, that they intended to hold what they had gotten by the sword, and fortune of war; yet this year, September 15/25, no man assaulting them, no Army appearing in field against them, (as the French do relate) upon a bare report, that the Duke de Valette, following the King's direction, was coming against them with all his troops, the Duke of Nocera their General, caused them to leave their places of strength, and to return with him homeward. The causes of this their sudden departure are related diversely, some ascribe it to the frequent incursions of the Bayonnois, into Spain, and the Frontiers of Navarre, from whence they never returned empty of pillage, horses, beefs, and such other booty, the inhabitants there being unable to make any head against them. Others to the necessity of the Catholic Kings Dominions, which by the rage of plague and pestilence, had their Garrisons so abated, that the remainder of the presidiaries therein, was not able to maintain them: especially in Navarre and Pampelona, which were so depopulated by these maledies (especially by the purple) that these Conquerors could not expect any succours thence, were they never so distressed: other to a Panic fear, caused by a three days continued fight of two Eagles in the Air, which being not determined without the death of one of them, made the superstitious people entertain horrid conceits of direful and terrible consequents. But this of all the rest is most improbable, and so fare from having any semblances with truth, that it cannot be thought a concurrent, much less the adequate cause of the Spanish Duke's sudden departure. An heroic heart is not affrighted with prodigies, and yet the fight of the Eagles, birds of prey cannot be accounted such, Doves supposed by antiquity to be made up without gall, upon the choice of a mate have done the like, and then it is not to be wondered if these royal inhabitants of the air, shall entertain so sharp a conflict. The most likely causes were these two, first fear of impendent want of victuals, which though they yet felt not, leaving two houses filled with biscuit at Ciboure, yet they had cause to imagine, must necessary soon over take them, their friends were not able to relieve them; nor could they get them in the King in France his Dominion, the Duke of Valette, having by order from his Majesty raised three strong Forts upon the adventues of their inroads, the one at Espelette, the second at Saint Pe. and the third at Biariz upon the Sea side betwixt them and Bayonne, which secured that Province from their incursions. Secondly an Epidemical disease, called by them in their own languages Tavardilloes, i. a pestilent spotted Fever, so raging amongst them, that it had swept away already 8000 men of the Duke's Army, by both which they were made sensible of that loss, which made them relinquish their holds in Guienne, whereof they had four within one league, viz. & Bordegain, & la Career (where they had raised a fort-royal) Socova and Ciboure, and their Fortifications about Orogne and Handaye, where not without great expense, they had made a circumvallation, able to contain two thousand men: much regret and unwillingness, as may be more then collected, by those three Escripts, left (as the French say) behind them, and found after their departure. The first was found upon the Altar at Orogne, and contained these words. Adios Senores' Franceses, Dios os bendize, mil maldiciones os echamos, y nos bolvemos en nuestra tierra. In English thus: Adieu you French Monsieurs, God bless you, we give you 1000 curses, and are now returning into our own Country. The second was found in the Fort of Bordegain, in these words. Nuestra miseria haze en Guyenna, lo que vuestro valour ha' hecho en Languedora. which is, Our misery hath done in Guienne what Your valour hath done in Languedock. The third was expressed in these terms. Si nosotros es●●vier amos tan savios como se suena, y vosotros tan locos que lo estuvistes, nuestros negocios serian los vuestros, y los vuestros, los nuestros. That is, If we were as wise as the World esteems us, and you as foolish, as you have been at other times, our success had been yours, and yours had been ours. Indeed the business of Languedock struck deep, it was a great blow which the Spaniards received there, and should be now related, but I must adjourn the Reader for 14 days, till the second Part of this History, containing besides Languedock the Actions in Italy, Piedmont, Lorraine, the Dukedom of Burgundy, the French County, Holland, the West Indies, and the Marine Occurrences, with some passages in Turkey be published, which shall be within the prefixed time. FINIS.