THE HISTORY OF THE REIGN OF LEWIS the GREAT, TILL THE General Peace, Concluded at RESWICK, In the YEAR, 1697.  
By Mr. LE GENDRE.  
Made English from the third Edition of the French.  
LONDON: Printed for D. Brown, at the Black Swan without Temple-Bar; Th. Leigh and D. Midwinter, at the Rose and Crown, and Robert Knaplock at the Angel and Crown, both in St. Paul's Churchyard. MDCXCIX.   

THE PREFACE.  
TWO Great Men being at this time Employed in Writing the History of our King; 'tis for their most Excellent Pieces the Public aught to reserve their Admiration, mine being, in comparison of theirs, but an Essay. It is from their most Skilful Pen, the Curious must expect to be enlightened in Matters of the greatest Moment, I being ready to submit the whole to their Judgement. It is to them I appeal, as to the true Judges of History; and what Difficulties are to be surmounted, to merit the Name of a good Historian. His Style ought to be lively and natural, and to have an equal mixture of Sweetness and Purity; He ought to have an equal Share of Wit and Judgement, to represent Matters with the utmost Fidelity, and an undaunted Courage, to unmask Vice, and give due Praise to virtuous Actions. These great Talents requisite in an Historian, made me tremble at the very Thoughts of this Undertaking, till a certain Friend of mine, a Person of extraordinary Merits and Parts, did in some measure recover me from the Fear that seized me, representing to me, that such a Combination of Perfections must be considered and numbered among those imaginary Accomplishments, which are made use of in Sciences, to encourage us to such great Undertake, as are sought after by many, but attained to by few. But if it be so great a Task to write a general History, how much more difficult is it to write the History of our Time, to give it a true Relish, that agreeable Variety, and other Embellishments, by which the ancient Historians have rendered their Names so Famous to Posterity. They had frequent Opportunities to give most ample Demonstrations of their Eloquence, in these magnificent Harangues, which are to be met with in their Works, under the Names of their Great Captains, who before they Engaged in Battle, used to Animate their Troops, by representing to them the Justice of their Cause, and to Encourage them with certain hopes of Victory. Our Princes and Generals have laid aside this Way of Addressing themselves to their Soldiers, which takes away from our Modern Historians the Advantage of Embellishing their Historical Relations with these agreeable Diversions and Events, which surprise the Reader, and which are of no small Moment to take away the Tediousness of the Relations of the many Sieges and Battles, which happen in a long War, without any other mixture of pleasing Varieties. When the ancient Historians represent to us a Great Minister of State in the Cabinet of his Prince; or an Assembly of Wise Senators deliberating in Council concerning some Affairs of the greatest Moment, they lay hold of this Opportunity to unfold the whole Mystery of the Matter, and to lay it open to the view of the Reader, and by their different Advice, to discover all the Craft and Intrigues of the most refined Politicians. These pretended Discoveries have a secret Charm which is infinitely pleasing to many, who measure the Ability of an Historian by his Insight into Matters of State, and by his diving into the Events of Things, from far fetched Causes. A Prejudice common to the greatest Part of Mankind, who imagine that Princes never act according to their Inclinations, but are only guided by some more secret Motives; just as if Great Men by being placed in a high Station, were divested of these Passions incident to the rest of Mankind. But howsoever it be, it is unquestionable, that he who intends to give us a History of our Time, cannot in any wise pretend to give entire Satisfaction to these conceited Politicians. For how is it possible to imagine, that a private Person should be able to discover the Secrets of the Cabinets of Princes, which Time only can bring to light? And supposing some of them were by chance come to his Knowledge, with what face could he publish them to the World? From whence it is evident, that all what is to be expected from an Historian, who writes the History of our Time, is to give us as faithful Relation as possible can be, of the Events of Things, and to represent them to the Reader in their due order and places, and to insert their Causes as far as they came to his Knowledge. This is the whole Design of this Treatise, to wit, to represent to the Reader a true Idea of the Reign of our King, which may serve them as a Guide to their own Judgement, what Rank this Great Monarch deserves to be placed in among those Great Men, whom God has raised up from time to time, for the Felicity of the People, and the Glory of the Commonwealth. For these thirty Years last passed, our King has been the Admiration of all Europe, even his Enemies not refusing to pay due Praises to His Great Actions; and these Powerful and unsuccessful Leagues against France, are the most Glorious and undeniable Instances not only of his Strength, but also of his Merits and Great Qualifications.   

THE CONTENS.  

A.  
ABbeville a Physician of this City Cures the King. Pag. 14  
Academies of Sciencies, of Painting, Sculptures, Architecture and Music, Established by the King. p. 53  
Agousta taken. p. 137. Near the Port of this Place, Admiral Ruiter was killed in a Sea Engagement. p. 137  
Alexander VII. Pope of Rome, 

his Character before his Exaltation. p. 43  
He Solicits Spain for Succours. p. 42  
He order the Subscription of the Formular, against the five Propositions of Jansenius. p. 75    
Algiers Bombarded three several times; demands Peace. p. 172  
Alliance betwixt England, Sweden and Holland, called, the Tripple-Alliance. p. 67  
Alost opens its Gates. p. 65  
Alsace, the Viscount Turenne forces the Germans to a retreat from thence, is granted to the King. p. 165 173  
Ambassadors, and other foreign Ministers, to the number of thirty are present at the Solemn Audience, given by the King to the Marquis de la Fuente. p. 37  
Ambassadors of Muscovy and Guinea. p. 79  
Ambrun surrendered after a Siege of six days. p. 242  
Anjou, Philip of France, Duke of Anjou. p. 285  
Appeal to the next General Council. p. 202  
Arnheim surrendered after one days opening of the Trenches. p. 92  
Arts, the King encourages all manner of Arts and Sciences. p. 53  
Asfeld (Baron of) defends Bonner with great Bravery. p. 218  
Aeth taken. p. 65 p. 293  
Avaux, Anthony de Mesme, Count de Avaux, French Ambassador at the Treaty of Nimhegen. p. 166  
Aubusson (George d') demands and obtains Satisfaction from the King of Spain, about the Enterprise of the Baron of Batteville. p. 35  
Aubusson (Francis d') Duke of Fevillade, Marshal of France. p. 162  
Aumont (Anthony d') Marshal of France, takes Courtray, Dixmuyden, Furnes and Armentiers. p. 65  
Augsburg; League made against France here. p. 193  
Austria (Ann of) Queen of France, the King's Mother, and Queen Regent, after the Death of Lewis XIII. p. 2 

Chooses the Cardinal Mazarine, her Chief Minister. p. 3  
She is very desirous to marry the King with the Infanta of Spain. p. 15  
She presses the Spaniards to give Satisfaction to the King about the Just Pretensions of the Queen. p. 64  
Her Death. p. ib.    
Austria (Maria Theresia of) Queen of France, Spouse to LEWIS the Great. p. 20 

Makes her public Entry in Paris. p. 21  
Her Just Pretensions upon some of the Provinces of the Low Countries. p. 61  
Nullity of her Resignation to the Succession of Spain. p. 62, 63  
Her Death. p. 170     

B.  
Baden, Prince Lewis of Baden, Commands upon the Rhine. Entrenches himself at the approach of the Dauphin. p. 246 

Had obtained two great Victories against the Turks. p. ibid.  
Was one of the Candidates for the Crown of Poland. p. 296    
Barcelona besieged, and defended with the utmost Bravery. p. 305  
Battles of Roeroy, Rotheleiler, Friburgh, Nortlingen and Lintz. p. 3 

Of St. Anthony. p. 5  
Of St. Goddard. p. 57  
Of Senef. p. 117  
Of Sintzheim. p. 123  
Of Entsheim. p. 125  
Of Turkheim. p. 128  
Of Cassel. p. 146  
Near Epoville. p. 151  
Of Flerus. p. 219  
Of St. Denis. p. 163  
Near the Boyne. p. 224  
Of Steenkirk. p. 239  
Of Neerwinden. p. 248  
Of Marsaglia. p. 250  
Near the River Ter. p. 258    
Batteville, Ambassador of Spain; his Enterprise against the Count Estrades, the French Ambassador. p. 33  
Bavaria; Maria Victoria of Bavaria, married to Lewis, Dauphin of France. p. 171 

She has three Sons. Her Death. p. 285    
Bavaria; Charlott Elizabeth of Bavaria, Duchess of Orleans, her Pretensions to the Succession of the Elector Palatine, her Brother. p. 194  
Bavaria; Maximilian II. Elector and Duke of Bavaria, declares in favour of the Allies. p. 207 

He Assists with his Troops at the Siege of Mayence. p. 216  
Is present at the Great Council, held at the Hague. p. 226  
Is made Governor of the Spanish Netherlands, during Life. p. 235  
Commands the Spanish Troops at the Battle of Steenkirk, p. 239  
And at Neerwinden. And all the following Campaigns. p. 248, p. ibid.    
Bavaria (Prince Clement of) Brother to the Elector, is elected Archbishop of Cologne, when he was seventeen years old. p. 201  
Beauvilliers; Paul, Duke of Beauvilliers, Governor of the Children of France. p. 285  
Beaumond, taken by the Allies. p. 228  
Bellefonds, Bernhard de Gigaut, Marshal of France. p. 66  
Berry; Charles of France, Duke of Berry. p. 285  
Besanson Besieged, and taken by the King. p. 116  
Brisseleau (Francis) defends Limerick in Ireland. p. 225  
Bombardment of Tripoli, and Algiers. p. 171, 172 

Of Genoa. p. 172  
Of Pignerol. p. 250  
Of St. Malo. p. 252 p. 267  
Of deep. p. 261  
Of Haure. de Grace. p. 262  
Of Calais. p. 262, 268  
Of Dunkirk p. 261, 260  
Of Brussels. p. 273  
Bonner, taken by the Allies. p. 218    
Bossuet (Jacobus Benignus) Bishop of Meaux, Preceptor of the Dauphine. p. 170  
Bouchern taken by the Duke of Orleans. p. 134  
Bouflers, Lewis Francis. Duke of Bouflers, Marshal of France, defends Namur. p. 271 

Commands one of the great Armies in Flanders. p. 279    
Bourbon; Lewis, Duke of Bourbon, Son to Julius, Prince of Conde, signalises himself at the Battle of Steenkirk. p. 239 

And of Neerwinden. p. 248    
Bournaville (Prince of) General of the Imperialists, put to flight by the Viscount of Turenne. p. 124  
Brahe (Count of) Swedish Ambassador in England; what happened at his public Entry. p. 33  
Brandenburg (Frederick William, Elector of) goes into the Campaign to assist the Hollanders. p. 99 

Repasses the Weser, upon the approach of the French Army. p. 100  
Makes Peace. p. 101  
Takes up Arms a second time. p. 102, 126  
His success against the Swedes. p. 159  
Is obliged to restore what he had Conquered from the Swedes. p. 160, 161    
Brandenburg (Frederick II.) takes Keyserswert. p. 215 

Born. p. 218  
Reinforces the Army of the Allies, after the Battle of Fleurus. p. 220    
Brisac, A Chamber established at Brisac. p. 274  
Bulls refused by Pope Innocent XI. to those Bishops that had assisted at the Assembly of Clergy, in the Year 1682. p. 187  
Burgundy; Lewis, Duke of Burgundy, Eldest Son of Lewis, Dauphin of France. p. 285  
Burgundy; The King obliges the King of Spain, not to make use for the future of that Title. p. 177  
Burick Surrendered. p. 87   

C.  
Cadees; Establishment of the Academies of Cadees. p. 168  
Calais; The King falls dangerously ill in this Place. p. 13 

Bombarded; See Bombardment of the French.    
Callieres (Francis Lord of) Negotiates at the Hague. p. 291 

Plenipotentiary at the Treaty of Reswick. p. ibid.    
Calvinism; its first Origin, Progress, and Suppression in France. p. 75, 187  
Calvo (Francis Count of) defends Mastricht. p. 135  
Cambray; The City and Citadel taken by the King. p. 135  
Campaigns of 1667. p. 65 

Seq. of 1672. p. 85  
Of 1673. p. 101 Seq.  
Of 1674. p. 113  
Of 1675. p. 128  
Of 1676. p. 134. Seq.  
Camp. of 1677. p. 139  
Of 1678. p. 153  
Of 1688. p. 203  
Of 1689. p. 213  
Of 1690. p. 218  
Of 1691. p. 225  
Of 1692. p. 231  
Of 1693. p. 244  
Of 1694. p. 253  
Of 1695. p. 262  
Of 1696. p. 276  
Of 1697. p. 292    
Campredon taken by the Marshal of Noailles. p. 214  
Caprara (Count of) General of the Imperialists. p. 123, 242  
Carmagnole Surrendered. p. 230  
Carthagena taken and plundered by the French. p. 307  
Casal possessed by the French. p. 174 

Is besieged by the Allies, and demolished. p. 265, 266    
Castle folet. p. 264  
Castille; that Kingdom from before the Year 1017, only an Earldom. p. 32  
Catinat (Nicolas de) Marshal of France; His Exploits in Savoy and Piedmont. p. 223, 230, 250 

Takes Aeth in Flanders. p. 293    
Cardaigne (the Country of) Conquered by the Duke of Noailles. p. 229  
Chenailly (Marquis of) defends Grave with great Bravery. p. 120, 121  
Charles II. King of Spain; His Sickness. p. 286  
Charles II. King of England, sells Dunkirk to the French King. p. 47, 48 

Engages in a War against the Dutch. p. 58  
Enters with them into an Alliance. p. 67  
Declares War against them a second time. p. 95  
Makes Peace with them. p. 110  
Makes a new Alliance with Holland against France. p. 153  
Is acknowledged Mediator at the Peace of Nimhegen. p. 157    
Charles IV. Duke of Lorraine, his Character, Conduct in respect to the Spaniards. p. 79, 80 

Defeats the Marshal of Crequy, and takes him Prisoner in Treves. p. 133, 134    
Charleses V Duke of Lorraine, forced to repass the Rhine. p. 151 

Refuses the Alteration offered him by the King at the Treaty of Nimhegen. p. 166    
Charles Leopold, his eldest Son, is put in Possession of that Duchy. p. 309  
Charleroy. p. 265, 100, 149  
Charters (Philip, Duke of) only Son of Philip of France, Duke of Orleans, is wounded at Steenkirk. p. 239 

Signalises himself at Neerwinden. p. 248    
Chigi (Cardinal Legat) sent into France, to disown the Affront put upon the French Ambassador at Rome, and to give Satisfaction for the same. p. 45  
Cheo, p. 171  
Choiseul (Claudius, Count de) Marshal of France. p. 280  
Christine, Queen of Sweden, comes into France, to see the King. p. 10, 11  
Circles of Germany declare, against the King. p. 207  
Clergy; The Assembly of the French Clergy. in the Year, 1682. p. 184  
Constine (Armond du Cambout, Duke de) Peer of France, wounded at che Passage of the Rhine. p. 91  
Colbert (John Baptist) Minister and Secretary of State, his Character. p. 28, 29  
Colbert (Charles) Marquis the Croissi, French Plenipotentiary at Nimhegen. p. 166  
Cologne; Affairs of Cologne. p. 199  
Compte; French Compte Conquered. p. 68 

Restored. p. ib.  
Conquered a second time. p. 114    
Conde (Lewis of Bourbou II. Prince of) his Victories and Character. p. 5 

Commands the French Army in Holland. p. 86  
Beats the Allies near Senef. p. 117  
Forces them to raise the Siege of Hagenau. p. 132    
Conde (Henry Julius, Prince of) besieges, and takes Limburgh. p. 128  
Coni, the Siege raised. p. 230  
Conti (Lewis Francis, Prince of) signalises himself at Steenkirk and Neerwinden. p. 239, 248 

Is Elected King of Poland. p. 299    
Corsairs; of Africa chastised. p. 171  
Crequy (Duke of) is insulted at Rome by the Pope's Guards. p. 39, 40  
Crequy (Francis de) Marshal of France, Commands a flying Body. p. 65 

Defeats Marlin. p. 66  
Is routed by the Dukes of Zell and Lorraine. p. 133  
Forces Prince Charles of Lorraine to repass the Rhine. p. 151  
Takes Friburgh. p. ibid.     

D.  
Darmstadt (Landgrave of) signalises himself in the defence of Barcelona. p. 301  
Dauphin; Lewis Dauphin of France, only Son to LEWIS the Great; His Birth, and Education. p. 170, 171 

Besieges, and takes Philipsburgh. p. 203  
Commands in Germany. p, 224  
Commands in Flanders. p. 255  
Prevents the Enemy from forcing the French Lines. p. 256    
Dauphin; Invasion of the Allies of that Province. p. 241  
Deinse opens its Gate. p. 270  
Denmark delares against France. p. 111 

Conquers many places from the Swedes. p. 159  
Obliged to restore them. p. 166  
Makes a defensive League with Holland. p. 288    
Descent made by the English in Cameret-Bay. p. 261 

By the Dutch in a small Island. p. 122    
deep, see Bombardment.  
Diet of Ratisbonne. p. 175, 176  
Differences betwixt France and Spain about the Precedency. p. 33 

Betwixt the Duke of Crequy and the Nephews of Alexander VII. p. 41  
Betwixt two Religious Orders about the Doctrine of Grace. p. 70  
Betwixt the Empire and France, concerning the Limits. p. 175, 176  
Betwixt France and Spain, about the Limits in Flanders. p. 178  
About the Succession in the Palatinate. p. 194  
About the Franchises of the Ambassador's Quarters at Rome. p. 196    
Dinant taken by the Marshal de Crequy. p. 128  
Dixmuyden surrendered. p. 178, 56  
Doesburgh surrendered. p. 92  
Dole besieged and taken by the King. p. 97  
Douai taken, after a Siege of two days. p. 116  
Duels severely chastised. p. 65  
Dunkirk taken. p. 13 

Delivered up to the English. p. 47, 48  
Bought by the King. p. ibid.  
Bombarded, see Bombardment.    
Duquesne, Lieutenant General of the King's Marine Forces; his Offspring. p. 137  
Defeats Admiral Ruiter. ib. 

Burns eight Tripolin Vessels in the Port of Chio. p. 171     

E.  
Edicts of Nantes and Nismes. p. 190, 191  
Emperor, see Leopold.  
Electors of the Empire declare unanimously against France. p. 207  
England subject to great Revolutions. p. 210  
Entrance of the King and Queen in Paris. p. 20  
Estrades (Count d') afterwards Marshal of France, his Difference with the Spanish Ambassador, Batteville in London. p. 33 

Plenipotentiary and French Ambassador at Nimhegen. p. 166    
Estrees (Francis Hannibal II. Duke d') Peer of France, Ambassador at Rome; the Pope does not abolish the Franchises of Quarters, till after his Death. p. 196  
Estree (John, Count d') Marshal, and Vice-Admiral of France. p. 171  
Estree (Caesar, Cardinal d') sent to Rome, to endeavour an Accommodation with Pope Innocent XI. p. 184   

F.  
Fariau defends Mastrick. p. 103  
Fenelon; Francis de Polignac; Fenelon, Preceptor of the Children of France. p. 285  
Fleets, see Sea-Fights.  
Formular, against the five Propositions of Jansenius, subscribed. p. 77  
Fortifications; above 220 are Erected by the King's Order, since 1660. p. 168  
France, its Pre-eminency. p. 30, 31 

Its Fertitility. p. 253, 254    
Franchises of the Ambassadour's Quarters, abolished by Innocent XI. p. 196  
Frankendahl taken. p. 204  
Friburgh taken. p. 151 

Granted to the King by the Peace of Nimhegen. p. 160    
Fuente (Marquis of) Spanish Ambassador, declares, that the Ministers of Spain, shall not dispute about the Precedency with those of France. p. 37, 38  
Furnes taken. p. 244  
Furstenbergh (William Eugene) is seized at Cologne, and carried to Viena. p. 112 

Chosen Co-adjutor of Cologne; Innocent XI. refuses to confirm it. p. 201, 202     

G.  
Gap abandoned. p. 242  
Gennese disoblige the King. p. 172  
Genoa bombarded, see Bombardment. 

They send their Doge, with four Senators, to make their Submission to the King. p 173    
Ghnet besieged, and taken by the King. p. 154, 156  
Gigery taken, abandoned. p. 56  
Guesne (Archbishop of) Primate of Poland, calls together a Diet, for the Election of a King of Poland. p. ib. 

Proclaims the Prince of Conty, King of Poland. p. 299    
Grave besieged, and surrendered to the Prince of Orange. p. 120, 121, 122  
Grace taken. p. 114  
Gregory VII. the first who pretended to depose an Emperor. p. 186  
Groll, a strong Place, taken. p. 93  
Guillestre in Dauphine. p. 242  
Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden. p. 10   

H.  
Hageneu besieged by Count Montecuculi, raises the Siege. p. 132  
Harlay (Nicolas Augustus, de) Count of Celi, French Plenipotentiary at the Conferences of Frankfurt. p. 175 

And at the General Peace. p. 291    
Haw (Don Lewis de) Premier Minister of Spain. p. 18  
Haure de Grace, see Bombardment.  
Heidelbergh, the Capital of the Palatinate, taken by the Marshal de Lorge. p. 246  
Hesse (Landgrave of) raises the Siege of Eberenburgh. p. 243  
Holland (the Commonwealth of) its Origin, Progress, Reputation, Variety. p. 82, 83 

Loses above forty Places in one Campaign. p. 84    
Hollanders assisted by the King against the Bishop of Munster, and the King of England. p. 58, 59 

The Chief Promoters of all the Alliances against France; see Leagues.    
Humiers (Marshal d') takes Air. p. 135 

Is repulsed at Walecourt. p. 214    
Hue taken by the French. p. 128 

Retaken by the Allies. p. 258     

I.  
JAMES II. King of England, retires into France. p. 211, 212 

Passes over into Ireland. p. 214  
Returns to France, after the Battle of the Boyne. p. 225  
Goes to the Seaside, in hopes of making a Descent in England. p. 231    
Jansenisme; its Origin, Progress, and Condemnation. p. 70, 71, 72  
Janson (Toussain, Cardinal d') Bishop of Beauvais. p. 294  
Imperial Cardinal, Governor of Rome, comes into France to justify himself. p. 45, 46  
Innocent XI. the Pope, his Character; writes three Briefs to the King about the Regale. p. 182 

Annuls the Acts of the Assembly of the French Clergy. p. 185  
Refuses his Bulls to the Bishops of that Assembly. p. 187  
Is made Arbitrator by the King, of the Succession in the Palatinate. p. 195  
Abolishes the Franchises of Quarters. p. 190  
Gives his Dispensation to Prince Clement of Bavaria, p. 201    
Interview of the French and Spanish Court. p. 18  
Invalides, the Royal Hospital, built near Paris. p. 169  
Ipres taken by the King. p. 156  
Ireland, the King sends Succours into that Kingdom. p. 214  
L'Isle besieged by, and surrendered to the King. p. 66   

K.  
Kayserswert taken by the Elector of Brandenburg. p. 215  
Knock Fort; the Allies lose above two thousand Men before it. p. 269   

L.  
Ladeburgh; the Imperialists defeated by Tu●rene near this Place p. 124  
Lagos, about eighty Vessels were taken and burnt, betwixt this place and Cadiz. p. 245, 246  
Lavardin (Marquis of) French Ambassador at Rome. p. 197 

The Pope refuses him Audience. p. 198    
League against France betwixt the Emperor, Spain, and Denmark, Holland, and all the Princes of Germany, except the Dukes of Bavaria and Hannover. p. 107, 111  
League betwixt England and Holland against France. p. 153  
League of Augsburg. p. 193  
League betwixt the Empire, Spain, England▪ Holland and Savoy, against France. p. 207 p. 209  
Leopold Ignatius, Emperor of Germany, desires Succours from the King. p. 57 

Enters in a League against France. p. 107  
Makes Peace with France. p. 165  
Makes a Truce with the King. p. 177  
Enters in another Alliance against him. p. 193  
Declares for the Election of Prince Clement of Bavaria. p. 200  
Makes Peace with France. p. 308    
Leuze, Engagement near Leuze. 229  
Lewis XIII. seizes Lorraine. p. 80 

His War with the Hugonots. p. 188    
Lewis XIV. surnamed the Great, his Birth. p. 1 

Troubles under his Minority. p. 2  
Is present at the Battle of St. Anthony. p. 5  
Falls dangerously ill at Calais. p. 13  
Marries the Infanta of Portugal. p. 17  
Enters Paris in Triumph. p. 20    
Lewis the Great, his Divertisements. p. 25 

Obliges Spain to allow him the Precedency. p. 37  
Receives Satisfaction for the Affront put upon his Ambassador at the Court of Rome. p. 45  
Causes a new Codex or Lambock to be compiled. p. 52  
Restores the decayed Commerce. p. 56  
Sends Succours to the Emperor. p. 57  
And to the Dutch. p. 58    
Lewis the Great besieges, and takes Listle. p. 66 

Conquers the French Comte in eight days. p. 68  
Suppresles Jansinism. p. 69  
Builds Versailles. p. 77  
And takes Possession of Lorraine. p. 81    
LEWIS the Great declares War against Holland. p. 85 

His first Conquests. p. 87, seq.  
New Conquests. p. 92  
Draws the King of England from his Alliance with the Dutch. p. 95  
Besieges, and takes Mastrick. p. 103, seq.  
Besieges, and takes Besanson. p. 114  
Makes himself Master of the whole French Comte in one months' time. p. 117    
LEWIS the Great takes Conde. p. 134 

Sends Succours to Messina. p. 136  
Takes Valenciennes. p. 142  
The Town and Citadel of Cambray. p. 148  
Ghent. p. 156  
Ipres. p. ibid.  
Restores Peace to Europe. p. 162  
Erects the Academies for the Cadees. p. 168  
Builds the Hospital of the Invalides. p. 169  
Found'st the Community of St. Cyr. p. ib.    
LEWIS the Great Chastises the Corsairs of Barbary. p. 171, 172 

Genoeses. p. ibid.  
Summons all his Vassals in Alsace, to do him Homage. p. 174  
Goes to Strasburgh, to receive in Person the Oath of Fidelity. p. 175  
Makes a Truce with the Emperor for twenty years. p. 177    
LEWIS the Great obliges the King of Spain, to resign the Title of Duke of Burgundy p. 177 

Causes Luxenburgh to be blocked up. p. 178  
Covers the Siege of Luxenburgh. p. 179  
Makes a Truce with Spain, for twenty Years. p. 180  
Differences betwixt him and the Court of Rome. p. ibid.  
He suppresses Calvinism in France. p. 187  
The whole Kingdom makes Vows for his Recovery. p. 192  
The Motives that obliged him to have recourse to Arms. p. 202  
Takes Philipsburgh, and the whole Palatinate. p. 203, 204    
LEWIS the Great receives the King and Queen of England, with an unparallelled Generosity. p. 213 

Sends Succours into Ireland. p. ib.  
Besieges, and takes Mons. p. 228  
The City and Citadel of Namur. p. 233  
Being troubled with the Gout, is carried in a Chair, to all Places, where his Presence was most necessary. p. 236  
The Prince of Conty Elected King of Poland, by his Encouragement and Protection. p. 299  
Restores Peace to Europe. p. 307    
Limburgh taken by Henry Julius, Prince of Conde. p. 128  
Limerick in Ireland, bravely defended by the French. p. 225 

The English obliged to raise the Siege. ibid.    
Limits, see Differences.  
Lines, what they are. p. 249 

New Lines drawn from the Shield to the Lies, and from Courtray, to the Seaside. p. 268    
Longueville (Duke of) killed. p. 98  
Long Alphonse, de Durasford, Duke de Lorges, Marshal of France, makes good his Retreat against the Imperialists, after the Death of Turenne. p. 132 

Takes Heidelbergh. p. 246    
Louvois, see Tellier.  
Luxenburgh blocked up. p. 178 

Besieged. p. 179  
Taken. p. ib.    
Luxenburgh, Francis Henry de Montmorancy, Duke de Pency Luxenburgh, Peer and Marshal of France, taketh Groll, Deventer, and all the Places in the Province of Over-Yssle. p. 93 

Obliges the Prince of Orange to raise the Siege of Voerden. p. 97  
Repulses the Dutch at St. Denis. p. 163  
Beats the Allies at Flerus. p. 219  
Leuze. p. 229  
Steenkirk. p. 239  
At Neerwinden. p. 248  
His Death. p. 270     

M.  
Machin, or Engine made use of by the English against St. Malo. p. 252  
Maine, Lewis Augustus, Duke de Maine, Commands the French Cavalry at the Battle of Steenkirk. p. 239 

Signalises himself at Neerwinden. p. 248    
St. Malo, see Bombardment.  
Manheim, a strong Place in the Palatinate. p. 204  
Marcin (Count de Marcin.) General of the Spanish Forces, marches to the Relief of L' Isle. p. 66 

Is Routed. p. ibid.    
Mardick, a Fort. p. 13  
Maria Theresia, Queen of France, see Austria.  
Maria Adelhida, Duchess of Burgundy, see Savoy.  
Marsal granted to the King. p. 80  
Mastrick besieged by the King. p. 103 

Taken. p. 106  
Besieged by the Prince of Orange. p. 135    
Mayence besieged. p. 215 

Taken. p. 217    
Mazarine Julius, Cardinal Premier Minister under the Regency of the Queen Mother. p. 2 

His Conference with Don Lewis de Haro. p. 18  
His Death. p. 22    
Mehaigne, a small River near Namur. p. 235  
Messina shakes off the Spanish Yoke. p. 136  
Metz, Chamber of Reunion established at Metz. p. 174  
Mirc-Court, the ordinary Place of Residence. of Charles iv Duke of Lorraine. p. 81  
Missionaries preach among the Calvinists. p. 189  
Mons besieged and taken by the King. p. 228  
Montausier (Charles Duke of) Peer of France, Governor to Lewis Dauphine. p. 170  
Montmelian taken. p. 231  
Montecuculi (Count of) his Character. p. 129  
Munster (Bernhard-van Galen, Bishop of) invades Holland. p. 58 

Joyns his Troops with the French in the Dutch War. p. 93  
Declares against France. p. 111     

N.  
Namur besieged by the King, and taken p. 233. 

Besieged by the Allies. p. 271    
Nancy fortified by the King. p. 107  
Naerden, a small Place in Holland. p. 92  
Noailles (Philip de Montaut, Duke de Noailles) Marshal of France. p. 149  
Newburgh (Duke of) his Character. p. 193 

Cabals against France. p. ibid.  
Presses the Emperor to conclude a Peace with the Turks. p. 194  
Endeavours to make one of his Son's Coadjutor of Cologne. p. 199    
Neutrality proposed for the French, Comte. p. 113 

For Catalonia. p. 289  
Refused by the Allies, but accepted for Italy. p. 283    
Nice taken. p. 230  
Nimhegen taken. p. 94 

Chosen for the Place of Treaty of Peace. p. 157    
Noailles (Ann Julius, Duke of) Peer and Marshal of France, Commands in Catalonia, takes Campredon. p. 214 

Roses. p. 245  
Palamos. p. 259  
Gironne. p. 269  
Gains the Battle of Ter. p. 258    
Noailles (James) Lieutenant General of the French Galleys, signalises himself at the Siege of Barcelona. p. 302  
Orange (William III. Prince of) Entrenches himself near the Issel. p. 88 

Besieges Voerden. p. 97  
Charleroy twice. p. 101, 149  
Oudernard. p. 120  
Mastrick. p. 135  
His overthrow near Voerden. p. 97  
Near Senef. p. 117  
And near Cassel. p. 146    
Orange (Prince of) his Exploits, takes Naerden. p. 108 

Bonn. p. ibid.  
Grave. p. 120     

O.  
Orange (Prince of) makes a Descent in England, and is received with great Acclamation. p. 211 

Is Crowned, and acknowledged lawful King, by the Emperor, King of Spain, and the rest of the Roman Catholic Confederate Princes, and in general by all the Protestant Princes. p. 212    
Orleans (Philip of France, Duke of) takes Orsoy. p. 87 

Besieges St. Omer. p. 147  
Takes it. p. ibid.  
Defeats the Prince of Orange near Cassel. p. 146    
Oudernard, the Siege of Oudernard raised. p. 120  
Oudewater, a small Place in Holland. p. 92   

P.  
Peace, see Treaty.  
Palamos taken. p. 259  
Palatinate Conquered by the Dauphin. p. 204  
Palatine, see Newburgh.  
Palermo, see Sea-fight.  
Pamiers (Bishop of) makes his Complaint to Pope Innocent XI. concerning the Regale. p. 182  
Philip IV. King of Spain, conducts in Person the Infanta his Daughter, to St. John de Luz. p. 18 

Resigns the Precedency to our King. p. 37    
Philipsburgh taken by the Enemy. p. 139 

Retaken by the Dauphin. p. 203    
Piedmont, Conquest in Piedmont. p. 230, 231  
Pignerol bombarded by the Allies. p. 250  
Pimentel (Don Antonio d') employed to conclude the Marriage betwixt the Infanta of Spain and the King. p. 18  
Pisa, see Treaty.  
Plate, the King's Plate employed to the use of the War. p. 78  
Plenipotentiaries assembled at Nimhegen. p. 157 

Frankfurt. p. 175, 176  
At Reswick. p. 291    
Ponty (the Sieur d') takes Carthagena in America. p. 307  
Poland, the Diet for the choosing a King of Poland. p. 295  
Polignac (Melchior d') French Ambassador in Poland. p. 299  
Precedency disputed to France by Spain. p. 33  
Propositions, the five Propositions of Janson, condemned by Innocent X. and Alexander VII. p. 72, 73   

R.  
Ratisbonne, see Diet.  
Ravensberg ravaged. p. 101  
Regale, in what it consists; the King's Declaration about it. p. 180, 181  
Renunciation; Nullity of the Queen's Renunciation to the Succession of Spain. p. 62, p. 63  
Reunions of the Dependencies in Alsace, and the three Bishoprics, by the Chambers of Brisac and Metz. p. 174  
Revolution in England. p. 210  
Rhineberg surrendered. p. 87  
Rhine; an account of the passing the Rhine. p. 88  
Richelieu (Cardinal of.) p. 3  
Reswick, Situate betwixt Delft and the Hague, the Place of Conference for the General Peace. p. 288  
Rome; Affairs of Rome. p. 180, seq.  
Roses taken. p. 245  
Ruiter, Admiral of Holland, miscarries at Martinico. p. 122 

Defeated by Duquesne. p. 137  
Mortally wounded. p. ibid.     

S.  
Salines taken. p. 116  
Saluzze opens its Gates. p. 224  
St. Andrew (Fort of.) p. 92  
St. Ann (Fortress of.) p. 116  
St. Brigit (Fort of.) p. 250  
St. Cyr, a Community of three hundred young Ladies. p. 169  
St. Guillaine taken. p. 152  
St. Jean de Luz. p. 18  
St. Malo, see Bombardment.  
St. Omer besieged by the Duke of Orleans. p. 147 

Surrendered p. ibid.    
Sauerne besieged in vain by the Enemy. p. 132  
Savoy (Victor Amadeus II. Duke of) joins with the Allies. p. 209 

His Defeat, see Battles.  
Enters Dauphine. p. 242  
Enters Casal. p. 265  
Makes Peace with France. p. 283  
Besieges Valenza in the Milaneze. p. ibid.    
Savoy (Maria Adelaida, Princess of) Duchess of Burgundy, is conducted into Erance, in order to her Marriage. p. 284  
Savoy (Dukedom of) Conquered by the King. p. 224  
Saxony, Frederick Augustus, Elector of Saxony, proclaimed King of Poland, by the Bishop of Cujavia. p. 300  
Saxony (Duke of Saxe Eusenach) Commander in Chief of some Germane Troops, saves himself in one of the Islands of the Rhine. p. 150 

Desires a Passport for a safe Retreat. ibid.    
Schomberg (Marshal, Duke of) his Exploits. p. 122 

Relieves Mastrick. p. 135  
Is killed at the Battle of the Boyne. p. 225    
Sea-Fights. p. 3, 60, p. 95, 110, p. 222, 137, p. 220, Seq. p. 232, seq.  
Shel-stadt. p. 107  
Shenkenshantz (Fort of.) p. 92  
Sobieski (John III) his Elevation to the Crown of Poland; Relieves Vienna. p. 295  
Sobieski (Prince James) one of the Candidates for the Crown of Poland. p. 296  
Spain, its Grandeur under Philip II. p. 31 

Resigns the Precedency to France. p. 137  
Refuses to give Satisfaction about the just Pretensions of the Queen. p. 65  
Enters into all the Confederacy's made against France. p. 107    
Spires. p. 204  
Strasburgh submits to the King. p. 107  
Sweden's Mediation of the Peace. p. 112 

Has all the Places restored. p. 159    
Swiss refuse to enter into the Confederacy. p. 208   

T.  
Tellier (Michael) Chancellor of France. p. 50  
Tellier (Michael Francis) Marquis of Louvois, Minister, and Secretary of State, his Character. p. 51  
Thoulouse, Lewis Alexander, Count de Thoulouse, wounded near the King, at the Siege of Namur. p. 236  
Tournay surrended. p. 65  
Tourville (Ann Hilarion de Constantine, Count of) Vice-Admiral, and Marshal of France, engages, and beats the Confederate Fleets of England and Holland; is worsted by them, see Sea-Fights. 

Takes and Burns eighty Merchantmen of the Enemies. p. 245, 246    
Treaties; the Pyrenean Treaty. p. 18 

Of Pisa. p. 45  
Of Breda. p. 60  
At Cleves. p. 59  
At Aixe la Chapelle. p. 68  
Of Nimhegen. p. 162  
Of Peace with Savoy. p. 283  
Of Reswick. p. 308    
Treves seized upon by the King. p. 107 

Taken by the Allies. p. 133  
Taken by the French. p. 204    
Tripoli, see Bombardment.  
Tromp Admiral of Holland. p. 122  
Truce of twenty years. p. 177  
Turks routed by the French, near St. Goddard. p. 57  
Turenne (Henry de la Tour de Auvergne, Viscount de) gains the Battle of St. Anthony; See Battles. 

Commands under the King in the year 1667, His Victories in Germany;  
See Campaigns.  
Is killed by a Cannon Shot.  
Is magnificently buried at the King's Charge. p. 131     

V.  
Valence (Siege of.) p. 283  
Valenciennes taken by Assault. p. 142  
Vaudemont (Prince of) his Retreat p. 270  
Vendosme (Lewis Joseph, Duke de) signalises himself at Steenkirk. p. 239 

Commands in Catalonia, his Exploits. p. 280  
Defeats the Viceroy of Catalonia. p. 303  
Besieges and takes Barcelona. p. 305    
Varjus, Count de Crecy, see Plenipotentiaries.  
Versailles. p. 77  
Vessels, fifteen of the King's Vessels burnt. p. 232  
Villa Franca taken. p. 230  
Villeroy Commands the Grand Army in Flanders, see Campaign of 1695. 

Bombards Brussels, see Bombardment.    
Vironne (Lewis Victor de Rochechovard, Duke of) Peer and Marshal of France, beats the Confederate Fleet. p. 136 

Relieves Messina. ibid.    
Vxelles (Marquis de) defends Mayence with great Bravery. p. 215, 216, 217   

W.  
Walecourt, the French repulsed near that place. p. 214  
Waldeck (Count of) General of the Confederate Army. p. 219 

Routed near Flerus, see Battles.    
War, Civil War, and its Origin. p. 3, p. 4, 5  
Wesel surrendered. p. 87  
William III. King of Great Britain, worsted at Steenkirk. p. 239 

At Neerwinden. p. 248  
At St. Denis. p. 163  
Takes Namur. p. 272  
Gains the Battle near the Boyne. p. 225  
Is present at the Great General Council at the Hague. p. 226  
His Courage and Resolution. p, 278  
Is one of the first that Signs the Peace. p. 308  
Is acknowledged by France, lawful King of England, Scotland, and Ireland. p. 310    
Wirtenbergh (Duchy of.) p. 215  
Wirtenbergh (Duke of) made Prisoner by the Marshal de Lorge. p. 243   

Z.  
Zell (Duke of) routs the Marshal de Crequy. p. 133 

Takes Treves. p. 134    
Zutphen p. 94  
Zwell. p. 93    

Books Printed and Sold by D. Midwinter, and T. Leigh, at the Rose and Crown in St. Paul's Churchyard.  
THE Education of Young Gentlewomen, written originally in French, and from thence made English, and improved for a Lady of Quality. Twelve. 1699.  
Advice to Young Gentlemen in their several Conditions of Life; by way of Address from a Father to his Children, by the Abbot Goussalt: with his Sentiments and Maxims upon what passes in a Civil Society. Printed at Paris, 1697, and Translated into English. Octau.  
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Resolves, Moral, Divine, and Political. By Owen Feltham, Esq Fol.  
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MR. Hole's Letters concerning the Gift and Forms of Prayer.  
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Drydon's Virgil.  
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Sir Roger L'strange's Tully.  
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M. Antonini Imp. Medit. cum Notis G. Gattakeri. Graec. & Lat.  
Gibson 's Anatomy.  
Salmon's Dispensatory.  
— Chirurgery.  
— Synopsis Medicinae.    

THE HISTORY OF THE REIGN OF LEWIS the GREAT. LIB. I.  
LEWIS the XIIIth. had for a considerable time after his Marriage no Issue by Ann of Austria his spouse, till in the Year 1638, on the 5th day of December at eleven of the Clock, 22 Minutes before Noon, 
His Birth.  she was happily delivered of a Son.  

The Imperialists vanquished near Rhinefels, a●d the Spaniards at Sea.  With what an universal satisfaction this welcome News was received all over the Kingdom is easier to be imagined than expressed. The rejoicings made upon this occasion, did in a great measure obliterate the glory of famous Victories, obtained about the same time by the French over their Enemies, the people of France looking upon them all at that juncture as scarce worth taking notice of, and of little consequence, in comparison of the advantages they promised themselves from the happy birth of a Dauphin.  
The barrenness of the Queen, and the ill state of the King's health had given occasion to several Cabals and Factions; and no sooner was one head of this pernicious Hydra cut off, but another appeared in its stead, the divisions of the Great ones being risen to that pitch, as to threaten the ruin of the whole Kingdom, if, by the auspicious Birth of this Prince, these dreadful Clouds had not been dispersed.  

Troubles during his Minority.  But the Death of Lewis the XIIIth which happened when the young Prince was but four Years and nine Months old, occasioned no small apprehensions of future troubles in the State; great discontents reigned among the Nobility; the Parliaments were exasperated by many provocations, and the People exhausted by heavy Impositions; all which, it was feared, would have broke out into an open Rebellion, during the young King's Minority.  

Cardinal Julius Mazarin.  The Queen Regent being absolutely satisfied in the ability of the Cardinal Mazarin, had made him Chief Minister of State, to the great dissatisfaction of such of the Great ones, as proposed to themselves to fish in troubled Waters, and to find their account in fomenting Divisions in the Kingdom; They alleged that the Cardinal being a Foreigner, they did not question but that he would tread the footsteps of Cardinal Richlieu, and in this high station revived the same haughty Maxims his Predecessor had made use of during his Ministry.  
But this great Minister of State managed matters with so much dexterity, that by bestowing ample favours, and larger promises upon those of the discontented Party, he brought many of them over to his side, so that beyond all expectation, his Ministry was very quiet for the first five years, and the present condition of the Kingdom appeared to be more flourishing at that time, 
Victories near Rocroy, near Rotewil, Friburg, Nortlingen, and Leantz. Near Cartagena, and Castellamara.  than it had been for many Years before. The French gained 5 Victories by Land, and 2 at Sea; and besides, they made themselves Masters of 10 or 12 places of no small Importance.  
But this prosperity was of no long continuance. The excessive Ambition and Covetousness, the Envy and Jealousies which reigned among the Nobility; the pretended Zeal of some of the French Parliaments, encouraged by the Favour and Acclamations of the common People, which being inveigled with the hopes of an abatement of the heavy Taxes they groaned under, followed blindfold the inclinations of their Leaders. Add to this the want of Courage in the Chief Minister, which induced him to lay hold of that most destructive Maxim of State; To prefer only such as he dreaded most; This fatal concourse of different Interests and Passions, proved the source of such divisions and intestine Commotions, as shook the very foundation of the French Monarchy.  
Whilst the Kingdom was involved in these Troubles, the King's Education was in a manner neglected by those to who's Tuition it was committed, who made it their chiefest care to carry the young King from one Province to another, to show him to his People, in hopes to restore, by this last effort, the decayed and languishing Authority of the Government, and by his Royal presence to keep them in Obedience.  
Notwithstanding all these Obstacles, 
Happy presages of his Youth.  the King began to give most evident proofs of his great and generous Inclinations; for when he was scarce twelve years of Age, such was his happy Genius, that there appeared a discretion and reservedness in all his Actions, much above what could be expected from so tender an Age, showing not the least inclination to those things which are the ordinary diversions of Children, but an uncommon eagerness to be instructed in all manner of Exercises, and a singular delight in hearing the relations of great and memorable Exploits. These were the chief Entertainments of his Youth; and it was always observed, that if any thing happened to be related to him, that was either above the common rate in its undertaking, or surprising in its event, there appeared such a sprightliness in his Eves and whole Countenance, as sufficiently testified his desire of signalizing himself by some memorable Action.  

Is a Spectator of the Battle of St. Anthony, July 2, 1652.  Full of this Noble Idea he waited with impatience for the time which might furnish him with an opportunity of giving real demonstrations of his great Inclinations; and he was not quite 14 years of Age, when knowing that his Army was ready to engage the Prince of Conde, he entreated and pressed them so earnestly, that to satisfy his most glorious desire, they were obliged to place him on a certain Eminence where he could be a Spectator, at least of a great part of the Engagement.  

Lewis of Bourbon, TWO Prince of Conde.  The Prince of Conde had for the last six years passed been the Hero and chief Supporter of the Royal Party; It was he that had gained the Battles of Rocroy, Fribourg, Nortlingen, and Lentz; And it was also the same Prince of Conde, who at the beginning of the intestine commotions was so fortunate, or rather dextrous, as to block up the City of Paris with 7 or 8000 Men. 
1649.   
There was something great and sublime above the rest of Mankind in this Prince: He was endowed with a Courage undaunted in the midst of all Dangers; His skill in Martial affairs was beyond what can be imagined or expressed. On the day of Battle nothing was comparable to his Conduct, either in choosing the advantage of the Ground, or ordering and disposing his Troops in order of Battle, or retiring and sustaining them with fresh Forces; no body beyond him in pushing on an Attack with the utmost Vigour, and in the heat of the Engagement to possess himself of an advantageous Post, and to change the disposition of his Troops according to the various accidents and revolutions of the Battle; a happy conjunction of many extraordinary Qualities, if those great Souls, elevated above the common Sphere, were also capable of moderation. His aspiring Genius nourished by evil Counsels, prompted him to take up Arms against the King, and having assembled a Body of Troops, after several marches and counter-marches, he at last posted himself near St. Clove, trusting to the nearness of the Bridge, which might serve him for a safe retreat, to avoid an engagement, in case he should be attacked by his Enemies, who were superior in number to him.  
The two Marshals, de Turenne, and de la Ferte commanded two separate Bodies, who, to make sure work, intended to enclose him betwixt their two Armies, which the Prince having soon taken notice of, he broke up from St. Clove with an intention to march to Charenton, and to entrench himself near that Bridge, where, by the nearness of the two Rivers Seyne and Marne, it would be impossible to force his Camp. The shortest way was to march through Paris, but fearing lest his Army should be considerably diminished by desertion in his march through the City, or that the Citizens might deny him a Passage, he changed his resolution, and ordered his Troops to march round about as near the Suburbs as possibly could be. He marched with all possible speed and precaution, notwithstanding which, 
Henry de la Tour d'Auvergne, Viscount of en ne.  the Viscount of Turenne having got timely notice of it, followed him so closely, that after some hours march, he attacked him in the Rear, and obliged him to come to an Engagement. It was a happy chance for the Prince to meet with some old Retrenchments formerly cast up at the entrance of the Suburbs of St. Anthony, behind which he posted his Troops to make head against the approaching Enemy. He had scarce had leifure to put them in order of Battle, when the King's Army, animated by his Royal Presence, attacked his Entrenchments with incredible bravery. As the King was at that time not much above 13 years of Age, those that were about him could not sufficiently admire with what greatness of Courage, and without showing the least symptoms of fear he was an Eye-witness of the Engagement. It was the greatest pleasure in the World to observe the various changes in his Countenance, the effects of the different transports and motions of his Soul, sometimes leaping for joy when he saw his Victorious Troops beat back those of the Prince, sometimes blushing, not so much for indignation as shame, when the Prince forced the Royalists to retreat. As in Civil Wars both parties are most incensed with mutual animosities, so the bravest of both the Armies signalised themselves by some remarkable Action or other, every one being prodigal of his Life to purchase Honour in this first encounter, and to snatch the Victory out of his Enemy's Hands, which thus remained uncertain for some time, till after a bloody Combat of two hours' fortune declared for the King, whose Troops having made themselves Masters of the Entrenchments, marched in good Order through the great Street of the Suburbs without any opposition from the Prince. But scarce had they advanced half way towards the City, when on a sudden they saw the Prince again appear at the head of his bravest Volunteers, and other chosen Troops, who charged them so vigorously, that they forced them to retreat, and to seek for shelter in the same Retrenchments from whence they had so lately forced their Enemies. This varions chance of Fortune changed the whole face of the Battle, and it was very difficult to judge on which side Victory would incline, both parties fight with an equal animosity and bravery, till the Viscount of Turenne being reinforced with some fresh Troops who had forced their way through some other Streets into the Suburbs, enclosed the Prince on all sides, who must have been Sacrificed, with his whole Army to the fury of his Enemies, if the City of Paris had not opened its Gates for his Reception, and by the help of the great Artillery from the Bastile, forced the King's Troops out of the Suburbs.  
The Prince of Conde had upon many other occasions given most signal proofs of his Valour and Conduct, but according to the judgement of the most expert Masters of the Art of War, this day was accounted the most remarkable and most glorious of his Life, if it may be allowed that true Glory is to be acquired in bearing Arms against his Sovereign; it being unquestionable, that he appeared and encountered his Enemies in all places where the danger was most pressing, and that he showed as much Prudence and Conduct in his Command, as Vigour in the execution of them. The Victorious Viscount of Turenne himself seemed to be envious of the extraordinary Conduct and Courage of his vanquished Enemies; and the King having received an exact relation of what had passed, could not forbear to speak highly in praise of the Prince, and for 2 or 3 days after, his Valour was the only subject of his discourse, an evident sign that from his infancy he had a most passionate inclination for Glory, and a most fervent desire of making himself remarkable by generous Actions.  

He goes to the Camp.  This noble Fire daily increasing in his Soul, it was in vain for his Friends to represent to him, on one side, the fatigues which attend the Camp, and on the other side, the absolute necessity there was to manage a health so precious as his, to the best advantage; all these arguments were not prevailing enough to keep him at home, but maugre all their persuasions to the contrary, he appeared every Year in the Campaign at the head of his Armies, and there was scarce any memorable Siege in Flanders till the Pyrenean Peace, where he did not encourage his Troops by his Presence.  
It was observable, that whilst he was in the Camp, he showed more gaiety in his Countenance and all his Actions, than he did in any other place. He used to rise very early every Morning, exposing himself to the injuries of all Seasons. His Soldiers found him always in action, sometimes in taking an account of the number and condition of his Soldiery, as well as of the posture of the Enemy; to be short, he took upon him the same care and trouble which might have been expected from the most watchful General, being never satisfied, unless he received a most exact account of every thing of moment, that belonged to the Camp. His presence wrought marvellous effects among the French Soldiers, who being before in great disorder for want of good Discipline, now encouraged by the good Example and Vigilancy of their Prince, began to improve every day, to the great satisfaction of the King; A convincing instance that when Subjects Love and Honour their Prince, his Example has more influence over them, than the most severe Laws and Chastisements.  
These extraordinary Actions having acquired him the Esteem and Admiration of all Europe, 
She was twice in France, in 1656, and 1657, and returned in 1658.  Queen Christina of Sueden, who was at that time at the Court of Rome, undertook a journey into France, to be an Eye-witness whether Fame had not flattered this young Prince in those matters that had been related concerning him abroad, so much to his advantage.  
This Heroine, 
Her Father died in 1632, but she did not Reign above 7 or 8 Years.  the only Daughter of Gustavus Adolphus the Famous King of Sueden, who, in two Years time Conquered above 200 Leagues, and made himself by his Victorious Arms, the terror of his Enemies, as by his great Genius he purchased the esteem, and was accounted the darling of his Friends. This Princess, I say, had swayed the Sceptre for 7 or 8 Years with an extraordinary success, being endowed with all the noble Qualities which are requisite to make a Great Queen; she had a most piercing Wit, a Soul elevated above the common Rank, and a great share of Courage. As she was a great Patroness of Learning and all manner of Sciences, so she had made herself Mistress of most Languages used in Europe, to that perfection, as to be able to entertain each Foreigner in his Native Tongue with a great deal of Eloquence. These advantages joined to the great ability of her Ministers of State, 
The Chancellor Oxenstirn, and Count Magnes de la Garde.  gave her all imaginable hopes of being always beloved by her People, of being feared by her Enemies, and esteemed by all the World; so that she seemed not to stand in need of any thing that could complete her satisfaction; notwithstanding all these advantages, she chose rather to maintain an eminent rank among the Learned of our Age, than among the greatest Kings of Europe. It is the rarest thing in the World, and perhaps without parallel in History, to meet in a Person of her Sex so many excellencies, which the greatest Princes have always been ambitious of, to render themselves famous to Posterity. Weary of Commanding, she had quitted the Crown, not out of a fickle or froward humour, as it has been spread abroad by her Enemies, or because the Swedish Senate would have obliged her to Marry a Prince for whom she had no inclination; but because she preferred her own liberty before the toils of a Crown, and that she might not want the opportunity of taking a view of Europe, to receive the tribute of Praises and Admiration, which, as she had all the reason in the World to believe, the more polite sort of mankind would be ready to pay to such extraordinary merits.  
After her Abdication she traveled out of Sueden into Flanders, 
She comes into France to give the King a Visit.  from thence into Germany, and so to Rome, from whence the great reputation of our young King had brought her into France, where she was received with all the imaginable demonstrations of Respect, the King thinking no Honour too great for so excellent a Princess. There was nothing to be seen at Court but Balls and Feasting, every one striving to outvie the other in magnificence, in which, as well as in his Person, the King surpassed all the rest.  
He was then betwixt nineteen and twenty Years of Age, large of Stature, his Mien and Physiognomy carrying along with it something extraordinary and great, with all the true marks of Honour and Virtue, there appearing in his Countenance a most agreeable mixture of Majesty and Sweetness. The first time the Queen of Sueden came in his Presence she had her Eyes fixed upon him during the whole Interview; and she had so extraordinary an esteem ever after for his Person, that even after her return to Rome, she could not forbear to speak highly in his praise, and to declare to all that came to see her, that she thought herself amply rewarded for the trouble of her journey into France, by the sight of that Prince, and that his merits infinitely surpassed the reputation he had acquired abroad.  
These loud acclamations from far distant Countries, were received in France with the more satisfaction, the more the King was beloved by the People, who looked upon these his noble Qualities, as so many pledges and happy Presages of the future prosperity of his Reign. But as the hopes of the whole Kingdom seemed to be centred in his Person, so all was filled with confusion when soon after he fell so dangerously ill, 
He falls sick at Calais, July 1, 1658. June 25th 1658.  as to be given over by his Physicians.  
After the taking of Dunkirk, which he entered in Triumph, he stayed 5 or 6 days in the Fort of Mardick, which being a small place, and at that time so full of Soldiers, that they wanted both convenient Lodgings and other Necessaries, most of them were sick, which having caused an Infection, it was represented to the King, to what danger he exposed his Person in thus tarrying so long in a place where he was surrounded on all sides with sick Soldiers; but notwithstanding all these Remonstrances, he would not retire from thence till he had given the necessary Orders, according to his first intention. From thence he went to Calais, where he had scarce been a few Hours, but he began to feel the direful effects of the contagious Air, which, as it was believed, he had taken at Mardick.  
To be short, he was seized with a most dangerous Fever, which he striving to conceal the first two days, he was on the fourth day judged to be past remedy. It is impossible to find Words suitable to the Grief that appeared not only in the whole Court, but in the Countenance of the People; neither ought the Tears which were shed so plentifully upon this occasion, to be looked upon as the effects of a feigned Zeal, as it often happens on such like occasions in some Countries, where the Subjects are forced to appear far different from what they are, and hid their satisfaction under the mask of a pretended grief; no, these were the true Interpreters of their Hearts, every one being in fear of losing so good a King and Master. The Queen Mother who loved him most tenderly, and who saw herself in danger of losing her main support, did not stir from his Bed side day or night. In the height of his illness he would several times endeavour to comfort her, but this tenderness of the Son only served to make more lively impressions of sorrow in the Mother.  
Some at Court having heard much discourse of a certain famous Physician then living at Abbeville, he was sent for. After he had examined the King's Distemper, he told them, that in the condition he was at present, nothing but an Emetic could save his Life. The Word Emetic made them all tremble for fear, this Remedy in those days being looked upon as new and not well approved of, and consequently considered as extremely dangerous, which made it to be debated for a considerable time, whether it was fit to be given to the King or not, especially since his Physicians, jealous of him that had prescribed the Remedy, opposed it with all their might. But the King having absolutely resigned himself to the disposal of God Almighty, expected with an extraordinary composure of mind the issue of his Distemper, without the least signs of being dissatisfied with his destiny, which was likely to snatch him away in the very flower of his Age. Before he took the Vomit he ordered all the chief Men of his Court to be admitted into his Bedchamber, where having with a composed and undaunted Countenance taking his last farewell of them, he asked for the Glass which contained the Emetic, and took off the whole Dose at one Draught. After two Hours the Emetic. began to work so successfully, and to evacuate such a quantity of the Morbific matter, that there began to be some hopes of his recovery. And the King having taken another Dose which performed its Operation with better success than before, he was judged to be past danger, to the infinite satisfaction of the whole Kingdom; the rejoicings made upon this occasion, being in all Respects answerable to the Affliction caused by his illness; for, besides that the French have naturally a most profound veneration for their Kings, the generality of his Subjects had conceived such an extraordinary esteem of his noble Qualities, that it is impossible to express the Affection they bore to his Person.  
After his recovery it was judged advisable to choose a Consort; hitherto the Queen-Mother for some particular Reasons would never consent to his Marriage; but the whole Court having taken the Alarm at his late illness, it was resolved on as a thing absolutely necessary for the prosperity of the Realm.  
The Queen, who was altogether in the Interest of her Family, had a great desire that the King should marry her Niece the Infanta of Spain, in hopes that a good Correspondene and firm Union might be reestablished betwixt these two Crowns. The match was proposed to Don Antonio de Pimentel, who passed through Paris as he was going to Madrid, after his return from his Embassy in Sueden; but this proposition met with much more difficulty on the Spaniard's side, than had been foreseen by the Queen. For the Infanta being an Heiress, the Spaniards feared not without Reason, that if her Father should happen to die without Male issue, their Monarchy would be swallowed up in the French, and that all those Kingdoms which compose the Spanish Empire, might, by this Marriage, in time, become Provinces of France. The rest of Europe being possessed with the same fear, lest by the Union of these two most Potent Empires, they should scarce be able to withstand their joint Forces; all the other Princes, by improving the jealousy of the Spaniards, secretly employed all their Interest to thwart this Marriage.  
The Queen, to remove all Obstables, offered that the King should Solemnly renounce the Succession to Spain, but the Spaniards could not swallow the bait, being well satisfied, that it was in his power to Absolve himself whenever he thought fit, of so unjust and forced a Renunciation; besides that it was not in his power to dispose of the Inheritance of such Children as should be begotten betwixt them; And lastly, considering that Princes generally measure the Justice of their Pretensions by the length of the Sword, they looked upon this precaution as frivolous and of no effect. These considerations made the Success of this Marriage very dubious, which hung thus in suspense for two Years, till at last it began to be discoursed at Court, that the King was to Marry the Princess of Savoy, whose Picture being presented to him, he took such liking to it; that he resolved to take a journey to Lions, to see her in Person.  
The Queen was overjoyed at this Journey, in hopes that her Brother would once more consider of the matter, and when he found himself in danger of missing this opportunity, to show henceforward as much inclination for the match as he had been opposite to it before. Neither did she find herself frustrated in her hopes, her wish being accomplished when she expected it least.  
The Spaniards had during this War, which lasted four and twenty Years, sustained great losses, they had been vanquished in six Field Fights, and three Sea Engagements; besides, that they had lost above fifty places of note, and the whole Kingdom of Portugal; not to mention our Conquests in Germany, and those of our Allies, together with the many Encounters, in most of which they had been miserably beaten. By these so terrible and frequent misfortunes, the Spanish Monarchy was reduced to so low an ebb, that to recover its strength, it stood in absolute need of a Peace; and the People of Spain being quite exhausted, cried aloud for it, and in terms so pressing, that the Council of Spain being cured of its former Repugnancy, 
He Marries the Infanta Maria Theresia, Eldest Daughter, to Philip iv King of Spain.  thought it most advisable to send an Ambassador to offer the Infanta in Marriage to the King.  
It must be confessed, that none of these Obstacles which had hitherto retarded the Marriage, were removed; but, it seems, the present Exigency was judged more urgent than the danger that was to come; or perhaps, the Spaniards had raised these difficulties, only with an Intention to try, whether thereby they might obtain the better conditions of Peace. The Queen was so desirous of this Match, that it was easy to read the satisfaction she received by the Arrival of the Spanish Ambassador Pimentel with the Propositions, in her Face; the Articles were very near the same which had been proposed by our Court, and every thing being thus agreed, to the mutual satisfaction of both Parties, it was judged convenient, that the Cardinal, and Don Lewis de Haro, the Chief Ministers of State of both Crowns, should have an interview upon the Frontiers, to put the finishing stroke to this great Work.  
The Treaties being signed on both sides, 
Interview of the French and Spanish Courts.  the French Court took a Progress to St. John de Luz, to meet the Infanta. The King her Father had conducted her thither in Person, partly to pay the more respect to our King, and partly to take this opportunity to see the Queen his Sister. Nothing can be imagined more magnificent than this interview.  you turned your Eyes, 
June 6, 1660.  there was nothing to be seen but the Pomp and Lustre of Precious Stones, Gold, and Silver; every one there present striving to outdo the other in richness and magnificent Apparel, with this remarkable difference, however, that the behaviour of the Spaniards appeared far short from what was to be observed in our Court.  
The Politicians, who are not so soon dazzled with the outward Lustre of Things, which are only invented to blind the Eyes of the Common People, made certain Remarks at that time, upon the appearance of these two Courts, from whence they drew certain Presages, and erected the Horoscope of both the Empires. Our King was then about one and twenty years of Age, of a vigorous Constitution, Active, Vigilant, all his Designs tending to Glorious Actions, whose principal care was, to be always engaged in Affairs of State; his Court was composed of Men of the first Rank, not inferior to any in Europe, either at the head of an Army, or to manage the secrets of the Cabinet; besides which; there was among all these Princes and other Persons of Quality not one, but what made it his chief Ambition to serve him to the utmost of his Power, and to sacrifice his Life for the Glory of his King, and the welfare of his Country. This Noble Emulation was the happy forerunner of all the brave Actions, performed afterwards under the Conduct of so great a King, the more because France being a Kingdom abounding in Riches and all other Things: Two Years Peace seemed to be sufficient to repair its losses, and to make it more flourishing than before.  
On the contrary, in the Spanish Court, there was not the same appearance of Prosperity, but only the slender remainders of a State, that once, when in its Splendour, had made so great a noise in the World. Their King was advanced in Years, minding nothing so much as his rest. Most of the Grandees had scarce been without the compass of the City of Madrid, and were so fond of their own Interests, as to look with a very indifferent Eye upon that of the Public. His Treasury was exhausted, and the Kingdom destitute both of good Troops, and expert Generals; at least they had very few who had acquired any great Reputation abroad, since the Prince of Conde, who by his Valour and Conduct, had, for seven or eight Years upheld the tottering Fortune of that Crown, was returned to his Duty, and came into France with all those brave French Volunteers of his Party. Without calling to aid the assistance of the Stars, it was no very difficult task to foretell, in making a due comparison betwixt these two Crowns, that one in all likelihood, would lay the foundation of her greatness upon the ruins of the other.  
After the Marriage of the King with the Infanta, 
At St. John de Luz, June 9th, 1660.  every thing was prepairing for our return to Paris. All along the Road she was received by the King's Order with all the demonstrations of Honour and Respect; but the Triumphs in the Provinces through which they passed, were only the forerunners of what they were to see in the City of Paris, where every thing was prepared with an incredible Magnificence, for the reception of their new Queen, thereby to raise in her, at the beginning of her Reign, a high esteem of the Power and Riches of a Kingdom, which a Foreign War of thirty Years, and the Intestine broils of six Years, had not been able to drain of its Wealth. 
The King and Queen make their Entry in Paris Aug. 26, 1660.  Since the first beginning of this Monarchy there never appeared a more glorious day in France. The Streets through which they passed were covered with rich Tapestries, the Gates adorned with Greene's and Flowers, the Windows and Balconies on both sides with the finest Carpets; in the Squares and Market-places were erected Triumphal Arches beautified, with Statues and Paintings, not inferior to what the old Rome could have produced, when at the highest pitch of its Glory. Besides this, there was an incredible number of people flocked hither from all parts of Europe, ranged on both sides of the Streets, upon the Scaffolds that were built for that purpose before the Houses, all which together made up so glorious a Show, as is easier to be imagined than described: All the Princes and other persons of Quality had spared no cost, not only in their own Apparel, but also in their Equipages and Servants, to the highest degree of profusion.  
The Queen appeared in a Chariot, the King with all the Lords of his Court on Horseback, in an Equipage so magnificent, that nothing was ever seen or heard of which bore the least comparison to this glorious Cavalcade. It was computed that the Charges bestowed on this occasion by particular Persons, amounted to ten Millions of Livres, every one striving to raise his Fortune, by giving the King the most ample Proofs of their Zeal for his Honour and Service. They were at a great distance met by the Acclamations of the People, who wished the King a long and prosperous Reign. As they passed through the Streets, the Eyes of all the Spectators were fixed upon him, so that it might be truly said, they had no Eyes but for him; and scarce had he passed by in one place, but the People run round about to meet him again, and to see him as often as possibly they could. Others may boast what they will of Honours, these Superficial Ceremonies cannot come in the least in competition with those hearty wishes and vows which the People sent after him as he passed through the City; it being certain, that every one had so a real esteem and affection for his Person, being prepossessed with this opinion, That one day he would be one of the greatest Princes that ever mounted the French Throne. Neither was it long before they were sufficiently convinced, that they had not been unfortunate in their guess, when the King began to take the Reins of the Government into his own Hands, and to manage the State Affairs by his own Conduct, after the Death of Cardinal Mazarin, who did not survive the conclusion of the Peace longer than ten Months.  
This great Minister of State died when he was risen to the Pinnacle of his Glory; 
Cardinal Mazarin died March 9, 1661.  happy in that he had Triumphed both over his own, and the Enemies of the State; and more happy still, in that he had forced the first to acknowledge his great Deserts, and the others to restore Peace to the Kingdom, in a manner as glorious to himself, as it was beneficial to the State.   

AN ESSAY UPON THE HISTORY OF THE REIGN OF LEWIS the GREAT. LIB. II.  
BY the Death of the Cardinal Things were left in such confusion, that, 
The King takes the Administration of the Government into his own Hands.  notwithstanding the extraordinary Idea the people had conceived of the King's great Ability, they could scarce imagine, that a Prince then hardly two and twenty years old, would venture to take upon himself so heavy a burden, or if he did, it would scarce be possible for him to bear it; but they were soon convinced of their mistake; for the King, in four or five Years time settled the Government upon so firm a Basis, that for above these thirty Years past, he has governed the Kingdom in great Tranquillity, without the assistance of a Chief Minister, has been Victorious over his Enemies, and restored Prosperity to the Kingdom; a convincing instance, that a Man may sometimes be Master of his own Fortune; at least, thus much is certain, that Fortune will not be of long continuance, if not upheld and managed by a dextrous Hand.  
The first thing he did was to regulate his time, and to prescribe himself certain Rules and Maxims of State, gathered partly from the most famous Princes in former Ages, partly from the Advice of the most quicksighted of his Council. He was so far from being checked in his Glorious designs, by the fatigues that must needs attend the management of public Affairs, that on the contrary, these served only for a better relish of the Enjoyment of his Pleasures: There was never a day but he employed five or six Hours with his Ministers, who were to give him an exact account of every particular transaction that passed in the Government. He gave constantly once or twice a Week Audience to every Body, was present at all the Councils, and if any thing of great moment was to be debated there, he would retire into his Closet, to ruminate so long upon the matter, till he had chosen what he judged most advisable to be done.  
But notwithstanding his constant application to business, it is not to be imagined, 
His Divertisements.  that he renounced the enjoyment of his pleasures: The heavier the burden of public Affairs laid upon his Shoulders, the more requisite it was, to be relieved by some pleasant intervals. The strength both of our Spirit and Body is not inexhaustible, but limited within certain bounds, which if transgressed, leave us destitute and void of Vigour. At the beginning of his Reign there were always rejoicings, Feast, Balls, Carousels, and Running at the Ring at Court; this young Prince taking an extraordinary delight to pass his spare time in such noble Exercises and Divertisements, as have been always accounted to belong to Princes, to dazzle the Eyes of the People who are extremely taken with these Things, and commonly judge of the Power of the Prince, by these outward appearances of Grandeur. Never any Prince understood better how to manage this point to his own Advantage, and how to make the Lusre of the Throne appear more Glorious in the Eyes of the People.  
It must be confessed, that his Court has always been the public School of Politeness and Magnificence, notwithstanding which, as his chief delight has been all his life time, in managing his glorious Designs, in order to bring them to a happy issue, so his Divertisements were never enticeing enough to him, to make him neglect the management of Public Affairs: And, as young as he was, when he took the Administration of the Government into his own Hands, he showed as much Eagerness and Assiduity, in Reforming the Disorders that were crept into the Government, as he did for his Pleasures. Happy Prince! who remains Master of his Pleasures, who is not so intoxicated with his Diversions, but that he can make use of, and leave them, whenever he pleases! He who makes himself a Slave to his Pleasures, in lieu of enjoying those honourable Recreations which were invented for the Relaxation of our Minds and Bodies, finds himself insensibly entangled by a Charm sufficient to corrupt all his generous Inclinations.  
Among other Abuses that were crept into the Government, 
He re-establishes good Order in the Treasury.  the Mis-management of the King's Revenues, as it was most likely to draw after it very fatal Consequences, so it wanted a speedy Redress; these being the Nerves of the State, which, if defective in their Function, the whole Body remains without Motion, and Vigour. There had been, for fifteen or sixteen Years last passed, prodigious Sums raised in the Kingdom; notwithstanding which, the Government was overcharged with Debts, the People exhausted with Taxes, the King's Revenues anticipated, there being but a slender Share left for his present Use: Besides, that he owed to the Bankers above Thirty Millions of Livres.  
It must be confessed, that besides the ordinary Charges, there had been an absolute Necessity of keeping five Armies on foot at a time; and the Civil War required more than ordinary Charges, to satisfy the greediness of the Great ones, who for the greatest part put their Services and Interests to sale to those that bid most. This was nevertheless not the Principal cause of these Disorders; the true source of this evil was to be looked for among the Managers and Farmers of the King's Revenues, who, keeping the rest from the knowledge of the true value of them, Farmed them at half or a fourth part of what they were worth; besides that, if they were to advance any Money before it was due, to supply the present Exigency of the State, they were sure to make their own Market, at so dear a Rate, that it has been computed, that sometimes out of a Million of Livres of the King's ordinary Revenue, there was not brought above two or three hundred thousand into the Exchequer.  
These Extortions had been constantly practised against the King during his Minority, partly by the connivance of those who had the management of it, and consequently a share in the Booty, partly by the pressing necessity of the State, at a time, when standing daily in need of the assistance of Moneyed Men, it was not judged seasonable to dive too far into this Mystery of iniquity, till after the Peace, when there might be sufficient opportunity to remedy these abuses. But the Sur Intendant, or Overseer-General of the King's Revenues was more mindful of his own pleasures than this trust. Yet was not this the only cause of those Disasters which befell him afterwards; there were several other matters of complaint, of the greatest consequence, exhibited against him, which deserved severe Punishment, for he had caused a Seat beloning to him to be Fortified, without having demanded or obtained leave for so doing; and by the profusion of great Sums, made himself Friends, and entered into Cabals to avoid punishment. But the King being resolved to strike at the root of the Evil, caused him to be taken up and examined concerning such matters as were alleged against him, whereof he was found guilty by his Judges. This bold stroke managed with so much Prudence, kept all the rest in awe; the Cabal vanished insensibly, and notwithstanding the vast sums the Sur Intendant had bestowed among the Great ones, there was not one that durst appear in his behalf. A convincing instance, that a Confederacy founded barely upon interest, is soon dissolved, when the Wheel of Fortune changes, and takes away the prospect of future Advantages.  
The King having restored Tranquillity to the Kingdom, and being resolved to introduce an absolute Reformation in the Treasury, chose for the management of his Revenues, a Person well versed in business of this nature, of an active Genius, 
John Baptist Colbert Secretary of State, Controuller-General of the Exchequer, Chief Surveyor of the King's Buildings, and Manufacturies.  exact in his Accounts, and a Man of an unshaken Resolution, to do Juftice without Partiality, and  to any thing that might in the least turn to the disadvantage of the State. The Person I speak of, was John Baptist Colbert, afterwards Minister and Secretary of State, a Man of an extraordinary Head-piece, and who had such an insight into the management of public Affairs, that he gave innumerable Proofs of his great Capacity, whilst he sat at the Helm.  
For, by the Conduct and indefatigable Care of this Minister, Matters soon appeared with quite another Face in the King's Treasury: The Revenues of the Crown were Let to Farm, according to their true Value, without any respect to Favour or Interest: The Salaries of the Officers were settled at a certain Rate: Instead of those Officers, who, during the late Troublesome Times, had abused their Commissions; and, under the pretext of their Titles, pillaged the Country, and enriched themselves with the Spoils of the People, certain Commissioners were appointed, to manage all Affairs of moment. A Change so sudden, and unexpected, appeared like an Enchantment to the People, who were afraid that many Years could not redress an Evil which had taken so firm Root among the Courtiers; so that, by making due Reflections upon the Times past, and comparing them with the present State of Affairs, they fansyed themselves to be transplanted into another Kingdom.  
The King's Treasury was, at once, stored with Money; and a just Account being made of the Extorsions and Frauds committed by the Managers of the Revenue, it was found, that, instead of the King's being indebted to the Bankers and Receivers, they owed him vast Sums. Their prodigious Riches, and most magnificent Palaces, which they had built in all Parts of France; the Richness of their Furnitures; the Extravagancy and Profuseness which were daily to be seen in their Houses, and at their Tables; not to speak of many other Things, which being so many Monuments of their Pride and Luxury, appeared as so many Witnesses against them, were, without question, more than sufficient to convict these People (born, for the most part, to no Fortune) of Extorsions and Depredations. But the King being resolved to proceed against them in a Legal Way, 
In December, 1661.  a Court of Justice was established by his Order, composed of certain Judges chosen out of the several Parliaments of France, who were to take Cognizance of all the Abuses committed in the Management of the King's Revenues; and to punish the Guilty, according to the Heinousness of their Crimes.  
Whilst they were busy in putting their Commission in Execution, there happened an unforeseen Accident, which had been likely to have proved the Source of a most cruel War; the Matter in question being, not about the Possession of some Towns or Provinces, but how to defend the most ancient Prerogative of the French Crown, attacked by the Spaniards, 
Precedency of the French Crown.  in its most sensible Part. The finest Flower belonging to the French Crown, is, the Precedency it enjoys above all the others: There is no Kingdom which surpasses it in Riches, Power, and Number of People; and, in making a due Comparison, it is evident, that the great Actions of all the other Kingdoms, joined together, can scarce come in Competition with the glorious Exploits of the French. For these Thirteen Ages last passed, since the first Foundation of this glorious Monarchy, the Sceptre has never been devolved or surrendered into the Hands of any Stranger: And such have been the Exploits performed by the French Nation, in behalf of the True Religion, and maintaining the Liberty of Europe, that Time will never be able to blot out the Memory of such glorious Actions, nor the Praise and Acknowledgement due to such important Services. Who knows, but that all Europe might, at this Day, have groaned under the Yoke of the Califs and Mahometans, if the Bravery of the French had not set Bounds to their Conquering Arms, and put a Stop to the Moors and Mahometans, who, like a violent Torrent, were overrunning the best part of Europe, when Charles Martel put them to an entire Rout.  
France has, at all Times, been the Sanctuary, and Place of Refuge for distressed Princes; but especially for the Popes, who are beholden to the Liberality of Pepin, and Charles the Great, for all those vast Possessions, of which they are Sovereigns, in Italy. 
Charles the Great and Francis I. revived Learning in Europe.  It is to France that all the Western Parts stand indebted, in respect of the most useful Arts and Sciences; which being buried under the Ruins of Old Rome, were revived by their Industry and Care.  
These, 
The Croisades, and Conquest of Constantinople.  as well as many other glorious Actions, which have rendered this Kingdom one of the most famous in the World, were the true Motives which, Time out of Mind, had put this Crown in possession of that glorious Prerogative of Precedency among other Kingdoms; which it enjoyed, without the least Opposition, for many Ages; 
The first Dispute began in Venice, 1558.  there never appearing a Rival bold enough to dispute the Rank with it, till, in the last Age, Philip II. then King of Spain, pretended to be its Competitor in this Prerogative.  
Spain was, at that time, risen to the very Pinnacle of its Glory; The Spaniards were in possession of One Third Part of Europe, besides the Immense Riches of the New World. It cannot be denied, 
Before 1017. Castille was only an Earldom. The French made Henry, instead of his Brother Pieter the Cruel, a King; from whom was descended that Princess who brought the Sceptre into the Austrian Family. At Venice, 1558. At Rome, 1564. In Poland, 1573.  but that their Power appeared most formidable, in those Days, to all Europe; notwithstanding which, their Pretensions were looked upon as unjust, and ill-grounded, in most Christian Courts; considering that Spain could not, in the least, come in Competition with France; both in respect of its Antiquity, or Dignity; and, that Spain had such vast Obligations to France, that it could not be otherwise than the highest piece of Ingratitude in the First, to pretend to encroach upon the Rights and Prerogatives of the Last. These Considerations were so prevailing, that Philip lost his Cause at Venice, at Rome, and in Poland: And wherever the Spanish Ambassadors pretended to dispute the Precedency, it always turned to their own Disadvantage, and our Satisfaction and Glory. Notwithstanding they had met with so many Rubs upon this Account, they never let slip any Opportunity to renew their Pretensions; till, at last, our King obliged the King of Spain to make an express Renunciation of these Pretensions, occasioned by a certain Rencounter which happened betwixt the Count d' Estrades, and the Baron de Batteville, Ambassadors of the Crowns of France and Spain, at the Public Entry of the Count de Brahe, the Suedish Ambassador, in London.  
The Count de Brahe was no sooner arrived in England, but the Spanish Ambassador, 
The Precedency disputed by the Spaniards.  but the Spanish Ambassador, Batteville, caused it to be spread abroad, that, to show all imaginable Respect to the Suedish Ambassador, he intended to send his Coaches and Domestics, to attend him at his Public Entry. The Count d' Estrades had got timely notice of the Matter; but considering that the Predecessor of the Count de Batteville, Alfonso de Cardenas, a Person of extraordinary Merits and Understanding, had never made the least Motion of this kind, during his Residence at the English Court, he looked upon it only as a flying Rumour, or, at the most, as some Rhodomontado of the Domestics of the Count de Batteville; not imagining, in the least, that it had been contrived on purpose, by the Ambassador, to be a Forerunner of his intended Design: For which Reason, he sent his Coaches and Attendants to meet the Ambassador, without any other Guard than his own Domestics, and without taking the least Precaution against any Assault.  
But no sooner did the Coaches of the French Ambassador appear at the Public Entry, 
Octob. 10. 1661.  but they were surrounded by many Soldiers, and others, to the Number of 2000, headed by the Domestics of the Spanish Ambassador, who furiously fell upon the Count d' Estrades his Attendants: These defended themselves as well as they could, for some Time; but being overpowered by the Spanish Party, were forced to leave the Ambassador's Coaches to the Mercy of their Enemies; who, having killed some of the Horses, and, consequently, prevented the Coaches from going farther, Triumphantly, and with their Swords in Hand, accompanied the Suedish Ambassador home. It was the most ridiculous Thing in the World, to see the Spaniards, as they passed along the Streets, to make so many Huzzahs; there being scarce a Man of good Sense there present, that could forbear laughing at the Vanity of these Imaginary Bravoes, who, by their extravagant Cries, and other Expressions of Joy, would have made the World believe, that they had triumphed over France, and all its Forces; and had wrested out of the Hands of the French the so long disputed Precedency, by killing two or three Horses, and as many of the Domestics of the Count d' Estrades.  
But, as all the World stood amazed at the Vanity of this Enterprise, so the French stood in Expectation to see how this Action of the Count Batteville would be taken at the Spanish Court; 
He had been everal imes Ambassador, and Governor of St. Sebastian.  easily imagining that this Bravado was not an Invention of his own, as being a Man of better Understanding, and too well versed in Affairs of this nature, than to signalise himself, without express Orders from Court, by a Zeal so indiscreet, as must needs expose the King, his Master, to this Nonplus, either to take a gross Affront, in disowning what his Minister had done, and to declare him to have been in the wrong, to contest with the French Ambassador, for the Precedency; or else, to see himself again entangled in a War, which, in all likelihood, must prove fatal to him, at a Time, when he knew himself to be in a worse Condition than ever to sustain it. On the other hand, the King of Spain's Health, as well as the present State of the Kingdom, being in a declining Condition, exhausted of Money, and destitute of good Forces, there seemed to be no likelihood, that Spain, after the late conclusion of a Peace, so much desired on their side, and so dearly bought, should be so forward to break it, on the account of a punctilio of Precedency; especially, since hitherto, 
By Policy in Poland, 1573. By threats at Rome, 1564.  the Spaniards had rather been inclined to surprise the French in this point, by some State-trick or other, or to try whether they could hector them out of their Right by threats; but never were come to such extremities, even when engaged with one another in War, and when that Monarchy was arrived at the highest pitch of its greatness.  
But howsoever it be, this seemed to be the last effort the Spaniards intended to make towards their pretended Precedency; This Enterprise of the Count of Batteville having given sufficient opportunity for all the World to be convinced, that as this undertaking of the Spaniards savoured very much of Vanity, so the French had all the reason in the World on their side to maintain a just prerogative they enjoyed for so many Ages.  
The King of France had no sooner received Intelligence of what had happened upon this occasion in London, 
George de Aubusson Archbishop of Ambrun, and Bishop of Metz.  but he sent immediate Orders to the Archbishop of Ambrun, than his Ambassador in Madrid, to demand satisfaction for what was past, and in case of refusal, to leave that Court and to return into France. It is a customary thing with the Council of Spain, to conclude upon nothing, even of the least moment, without many tergiversations and delays; whether it it be, that they look upon it as a Maxim of State, whereby to tyre out those that make their Applications to them, and consequently to make them more pliable; or whether it be only a Custom, proceeding more from their Natural Inclination, than any Mystery of State, I will not pretend to determine: Thus much is certain, that as soon as the Archbishop of Ambrun demanded satisfaction in the King his Master's Name, the King of Spain promised to make due reparation to the King of France, his Son-in-Law, and that he would recall the Count de Batteville, his Ambassador, out of England. This was a fair step towards the demanded satisfaction, but not altogether sufficient to repair the affront given upon so extraordinary an occasion; the Chastisement intended against the Spanish Ambassador, might give some satisfaction for what was passed, but did not remove the main Obstacle; it being more than probable that the same quarrel might be soon revived, if the Catholic King persisted in his Pretensions concerning the Precedency.  
Most of the other Princes of Europe did underhand edge on the Spanish Court not to part with their pretended Prerogative, it being natural for Princes to be jealous of one another in so nice a point as this, which the French Kings had enjoyed time out of mind; or, because they were not without apprehensions, that, if a King so Young, Valiant, and Potent, should gain a point of so vast a consequence without opposition, it might in all likelihood be a sufficient encouragement for him, to make farther Encroachments upon other Princes bordering upon France. It was for this reason that two or three Months were elapsed, before the Council of Spain would take a final resolution in the matter, there being not a few of them, who were of opinion, rather to hazard all, than to part with this Prerogative. But the difficulty was, by what means it was to be maintained against the King, without exposing the Kingdom of Spain to utter destruction, so that at last it was found expedient for the King of Spain to engage his Word, that the Marquis de la Fuenta, nominated to go Ambassador from that Court to France, should, in his first Audience, give absolute satisfaction to his most Christian Majesty, both in respect of what was passed, and for the time to come.  
To add to the Solemnity of this Audience, 
The King of Spain Renounces the Precedency, March 24, 1662.  and to have a considerable number of Illustrious Witnesses present, who might testify to the World, what they had heard the Spanish Ambassador say upon this occasion, the King had invited all the Foreign Ministers, who all appeared, to the number of thirty; they were placed on the right side of the Royal Throne, as were on the left the Princes of the Blood, the Ministers of State, and other Officers of the Court. In the presence of this August and Noble Assembly, the Spanish Ambassador told the King, That the King of Spain his Master, had been extremely dissatisfied at what had happened in London on the 10th of October, 1661. That so soon as he had notice of it he recalled the Baron de Batteville, with express Orders to return forthwith into Spain, where he intended to give him such severe Proofs of his displeasure, as so extravagant an undertaking did deserve: That he had sent Orders to all his Ambassadors abroad, not to appear in any public Ceremonies, where there might be the least likelihood of contest on the account of this Precedency, and not to stand in competition for the future upon that score, with the Ambassadors and other Ministers of his most Christian Majesty.  
The four French Secretaries of State there present, ordered an Instrument in Writing to be drawn up, containing the same Words of this Declaration, to serve in time to come, as a lasting Monument to Posterity, of the Glorious success of so memorable a Transaction, which, for some time, had kept all Europe in suspense, and for these hundred Years last passed had made so much noise in the World, between the two most Potent Houses of Europe, who being like the Primum Mobile of all the rest, put an end to that famous Contest, which a most glorious Emulation had raised betwixt them.  
Scarce was this difference composed, 
August 20, 1662.  but there arose another betwixt the Pope and the King, occasioned by an Assault made upon the Duke de Croqui, his Majesty's Ambassador at the Court of Rome. The Affront put upon the Ambassador was so gross, that the like has scarce ever been heard of among civilised Nations, but it must also be confessed, that the History of all former Ages scarce can furnish us with an Example, where the Law of Nations has been more gloriously vindicated than upon this occasion, and where those who had impudence enough to violate it, have been more severely chastised.  
Two or three unknown Persons being pursued by ten Soldiers of the Pope's Guard, 
Alexander VII.  had sought for shelter in the Stables belonging to the Palace of Farnese where the said French Ambassador resided at that time. Some of his Domestics being come out at the noise and clashing of the Swords, had driven the Soldier's back, who being reinforced with some of their Comerades, in their turn beat the Ambassadour's Attendance, whom they pursued, and forced to retreat within the very Gates of the Palace-The Duke, in the mean while was come home through another Gate, having understood the occasion of the tumult, ordered his Servants immediately to desist, and to withdraw within the Palace. This precaution, which he supposed might be a fit means to appease the Insolence of the Soldiers, served only to augment it; for, in a little while after, he saw them marching with Drums beating, and their Officers at the head of them towards the Palace, which they invested on all sides, putting Corpse de Guards on all the Avenues leading to it; and not contented with this, they committed other most enormous outrages, discharging their Fusees charged with Ball, for an Hour together, at the Gates and Windows of the Palace, not sparing even the Ambassadour's Person, who came out into a Balcony, to see what passed among them. He was no sooner obliged to retire from thence, but they attacked the Ambassadrice, who being ignorant of what had passed near her Palace, was returning home in her Coach. She was in no small danger of having been assassinated by several Musket Bullets that passed near her, but she had the good Fortune to escape without any other hurt than what was occasioned by the fright; one of her Pages being killed just by her Coach side, and one of the Footmen sorely wounded. At the same time the Shirri's, who never make use of Fire-Armes, followed closely the Footsteps of the Soldiers, knocking down all the French Men they met with in the Streets of Rome; and in all likelihood this Tragedy would have ended in a General Massacre of the French, if the People of Rome had not testified their aversion to such barbarous Actions, and made loud exclamations against the Author, as well as the Executioners of this bloody Tragedy.  
If the Government had not been concerned in this Action of the Soldiery, it had been but a piece both of Justice and Prudence to have given some public and real Demonstrations of their dislike, by inflicting a prompt and most rigorous punishment upon these Insolent Offenders; but so far were they from calling them to a severe acceunt, that they gave opportunity to the Ringleaders, and such others as were known to have been most concerned in the slaughter of the French, to slip away, eight or nine days being passed before they made an enquiry after those Assassins'. To heap injuries upon injuries, the Cardinal Imperiale, Governor of Rome, some time after blocked up a fresh the Palace of Farnese, under pretext, that it had been taken notice of, that the Ambassador, ever since the last affront was offered, did appear abroad with a more numorous Attendance than he had been used to do before; so that the Duke seeing himself treated with so much Indignity, left Rome, and retired to a place belonging to the Great Duke of Tuscany.  
The News of a thing so exterordinary being communicated to most Courts of Europe, there were very few who could persuade themselves, that the Court of Rome could be so much overseen, as to come to those extremities, without great provocation given on the Ambassadour's side. But all what could be laid to his Charge, amounted to no more, than that he had delayed for some days to pay the first Visit to some of the Pope's Kindred, who were not of the Ecclesiastical Order, the Duke being willing to receive first the King's Instructions, concerning a Punctilio which hitherto remained undecided. For the rest, they pretended to have great cause of complaint against the Duke, who, as they alleged, peing of a haughty temper, had dissuaded the King from allowing yearly pensions to these new Princes: And this being questionless the main cause of their hatred, was also the true occasion of the quarrel; for, it was easy to be perceived, that upon all occasions, they showed much Indifferency not only to the Ambassador, but also to the French Nation in general, which at last broke out into an open Enmity. For considerable time there had scarce passed a day, but some sparks of that devouring Fire, which lay couched under the Ashes, did appear, which at last, broke out in a Flame, with the more noise and violence. The Offence, (if any had been given) was scarce worth taking notice of; but supposing it had been much greater, the Revenge appeared so Cruel in the Eyes of all the World, that notwithstanding all the endeavours used by the Pope to engage the Crown of Spain in the quarrel, neither that King, nor any other Prince, showed the least Inclination to espouse it, unless it were to dispose the Pope to give absolute satisfaction to the King.  
Spain had indeed no reason to assist the Pope's Kindred, it was rather for the Interest of that Crown to clip a little their Wings, and to make them show more respect to their more Potent Neighbours; besides, it concerned them very nearly, to avoid all occasions of drawing the French Arms into Italy. Another advantage which that Crown proposed to its self, by abandoning the Pope's Interest at this time, and consequently to put him under a necessity of giving due satisfaction to the King, was, that they did not question thereby to kindle an irreconcilable hatred betwixt them, which being continued in the Family of the Chigi's, would, in all probability prove as mischievous to the French Interest, as it would be profitable to them in the next Conclave. It is true, they could not but look with a jealous Eye upon the Glory which the King was likely to reap from the said satisfaction; but considering on the other Hand, that this augmentation of his Power would also serve for fuel to kindle jealousy in the rest of the Princes of Europe; the Council of Spain judged it most for their Interest to stand Neuter, and to endeavour, by all means, to persuade the Pope to put an end to the difference, without coming to an open rapture.  
But Pope Alexander VII was Deaf to their Counsels. Before his Elevation to the Papal Dignity he had led a very Austere Life, showing not the least inclination for his Kindred, or any other Worldly Pleasures, for which reason he used always to have a Coffin set in his Bedchamber, to put him in mind of Mortality; but being by his Elevation arrived to the highest pitch of his hopes, he appeared quite different from what he had been before; he affected an extraordinary magnificence of his Apparel, his Furnitures and Equipages were very sumptuous, no body more nice and delicate in his Table than himself; and he showed so much tenderness for his Kindred, that he heaped upon them prodigious Riches. So true it is, that when those who have led an Austere Life, are once made sensible of the Pleasures and Vanities of the World, they are sure to make themselves amends for what they have lost before.  
The false Idea the Pope had conceived of his own Power and Strength, the strong Inclination he had for his Family, and the Antipathy he bore to France, made him resolve at last, either to refuse the demanded satisfaction to France, or at least, to put it off by various delays, as long as possible could be done, in hopes that by some favourable juncture or other, the Face of Affairs might be changed in Europe.  
It is unquestionable, that the King had all the reason in the World to be dissatisfied with the Pope, and that he did not want means to do himself justice for the injuries received at his Hands; but being willing to show a more than Filial respect to the Holy See, he suspended his just resentment for a whole twelve Month. For, if on one side, the consideration of so gross an affront provoked him to Revenge; on the other Hand, the miseries and inconveniencies which attend a War to be waged in a far distant Country, against the common Father of the Faithful, kept his resolution in suspense. It is not to be denied, but that without reproach to himself, he could scarce delay his Vengeance, especially, since it might be done without the least danger to his Affairs; but it was also to be considered that as the danger was inconsiderable, so there was but little Honour to be gotten by the Victory. But being at last fuly convinced, that the Court of Rome took advantage from these delays to abuse his patience, he ordered his Troops to march to wards Italy, and having seized vyon Avignon, every thing was put in a readiness to pass the Alps.  
It was then that the Pope thought it high time to open his Eyes, and that it was for his Interest to make a Virtue of Necessity, and to prefer an Inglorious Peace, before a War, which, in all human appearance, must prove very successful to him. His Kindred themselves persuaded him to take the surest measures, as judging it more for their Interest, to turn the Money raised by the Pope for the use of the War, their own use, than to render themselves Obnoxious, by making themselves instrumental in troubling the Peace of Italy, and to betray their Vanity to the World, in being so presumptuous, as to measure their Power with the greatest King of Christendom. A Treaty therefore being agreed upon to be set on Foot at Pisa, (the King refusing to accept of Rome for the place of Treaty) it was concluded soon after, upon the following Articles.  
That the Pope should be obliged to send the Cardinal Patroon, 
The Cardinal Chigi.  in Quality of his Legate into France, to disown the whole Action of the Corsic Guards.  
That the Legate himself should make his Protestation before the King, that neither he, 
The Pope obliged to give satisfaction for the Affrone put upon the French Ambassador.  nor any of his Family had had the least Hand, in that attempt, and that for the time to come, they would be ready to give ample demonstrations of their Real Submission, and Fidelity to the King.  
That his Holiness' Brother should be obliged to make the same protestation in Writing, and to leave Rome, till such time that the Legate had given the promised satisfaction to the King.  
That the Cardinal Imperiale should likewise come in Person into France, to justify himself, and to submit his Cause, if required, to the decision of the King.  
That the whole Corsic Nation should for the future be declared incapable of serving in the Ecclesiastical State; and to brand with everlasting Infamy an Action so Insolent, a Pyramid should be erected, just opposite to the Corpse de Guard, in which should be Engraven the reason of their Banishment.  
By Virtue of the same Treaty, the Dukes of Parma and Modena, besides several other Roman Lords that were in the French Interest, obtained considerable advantages, all which was to be attributed to the protection of the most Potent King in Christendom, who thus obliged the Pope to give him the most ample satisfaction that could be for the Affront put upon his Minister.  
The Treaty was executed accordingly: 
July 3, 1664.  The Legate came into France; the Pyramid was Erected, and remained standing for five Years after; 
1667.  when by the intercession of Clement IX, the Successor of Pope Alexander VII, the King was graciously pleased to order it to be broken down.  
What could be more glorious at the very beginning of our King's Reign, than to come off Triumphantly upon two so extraordinary occasions, without as much as drawing a Sword? These were the marvellous effects of the King's growing Reputation, which increasing more and more every day, had acquired a new Lustre, the Year before the conclusion of the Treaty of Pisa, by the possession of Dunkirk, which was bought with much less charge than in all probability it could have been taken.  
After the taking of this place, we were, by Virtue of a Treaty concluded with Oliver Cromwell, obliged to surrender it into his Hands. It was a very unfortunate thing for us, to be forced to deliver the Key of our Kingdom into the Hands of such Strangers, as we were sensible would not fail to lay hold of all opportunities to trouble our repose. The King being sensible of this inconveniency, had no sooner taken the Reins of the Government into his own Hands, but he only watched for a favourable juncture, to send these dangerous Neighbours back to their Island, and to incorporate the said place with the rest of his Conquests.  
Charles II. King of England, being lately reestablished in his Throne, this juncture seemed to be the most favourable in the World, to treat with him about the Surrender of this place, at a time, when we were sensible that he was not in a condition to be at the charge of maintaining a Fleet in the Port of Dunkirk, or to provide the City with such a Garrison, as might be sufficient to make a vigorous defence, in case of an Attack. Notwithstanding which, the Negotiation advanced but slowly, or at least, not so well as we could have wished. This was occasioned partly by the jealousy of our Neighbours, partly by the reluctancy which the King of England showed in parting with a place so advantageous, both for its Strength and Situation. For it ought to be considered, that Dunkirk was at that time, not the same little paltry Town it was before the conclusion of the Pyrenean Peace, when it was taken and retaken without any opposition, it being since made one of the most considerable places in Europe, chief by the care of Cromwell, who had caused it to be strongly Fortified, to serve upon an occasion, as a safe retreat to him and his Party, or else, that the English might always be sure of a Gate, by which to enter into the Heart of France at their own pleasure. Besides this, the Spaniards making more advantageous offers than the French, and the Hollanders striving to outbid both, each Party having sufficient reasons to overbalance one another: 
Dunkirk bought from the English.  It was looked upon as one of the most refined pieces of Policy in the French, to have managed that grand Affair with so much dexterity, as to make themselves Masters of a place of that importance, at the price of four Millions of Livres, in spite of all the opposition of their jealous Neighbours. The King had no sooner received the News that his Forces had taken possession of it, but he went thither to give the necessary Orders for the accomplishing the Fortifications of a place, which was of the highest consequence for the safety of his Kingdom.  
These several Affairs of the highest moment, tho' they took up much of the King's time, who spared no labour nor care, till they were brought to a happy issue; yet did this not so confine his Active Genius, but that at the same time he applied his thoughts towards the re-establishment of the decayed Military Discipline, and to find out suitable remedies against those abuses that were, by degrees, crept into the Government. 
Lewis XIV Re-establishes the Military Discipline.   
Before the Conclusion of the late Peace, all sorts of licentiousness had been practised among the Soldiers, with Impunity, and the neglect of the due observance of Military Discipline, had introduced such disorders both among the Officers and Soldiers, that in all likelihood, it must have in time proved fatal, not only to many private Persons, who extremely suffered under these violences, but also dangerous to the State, if the King had not put a stop to these enormities.  
As he was sufficiently acquainted with the Natural Inclinations of Mankind, to know that the most Valiant Men in the World, if not confined under certain Rules and Discipline, must be more hurtful than profitable to the State, so he took a firm resolution to re-establish among them such Laws, as founded upon a Prudent severity, should be sufficient to keep them within their due bounds. As he took effectual care that his Soldiers, whether in sickness or health, should be provided with all things necessary for their subsistence, so he would not allow any one to be exempted from the exact observation of these Rules; and all the Employments in the Army from the highest to the lowest, being bestowed upon such as had deserved well, in proportion to their Merits, there was a strange alteration to be observed in the Army. For, the desire of Glory, the Honour to please the King, the fear of Punishment, and the hopes of Reward; this happy mixture, I say, of several Interests and Passions, made such powerful impressions upon the minds of the Soldiery, that every one in his Station, strove as much to outdo the other, in the just observance of his Duty, as they formerly had been eager after Rapines, and negligent in performing their Military Functions. Thus a good Order being reestablished in the Army, it may be said without boasting, that possibly, there scarce ever appeared better disciplined Troops in the Field, than the French Armies under the Reign of the present King.  
After the conclusion of the Pyrenean Peace, the greatest part of the French Forces were disbanded; nevertheless, as those that were kept in pay, were all chosen Men, so the King took care to augment them from time to time, not only to serve in his Garrisons, but also to have in readiness such a number of well Disciplined Troops, as he judged sufficient to maintain his respect, both among his Subjects and Neighbours. For, what real assurance can a Prince have of the Fidelity of the one, and of the sincerity of the others, unless he be in a condition to maintain his Authority by his Power?  
The better to train up his Soldiers to the Wars, he ordered every Year Encampments to be made in some place or other, where they performed all the Exercises belonging either to Sieges or Battles, without Bloodshed. This was looked upon as of so much consequence, that even in the most peaceable times it was never discontinued, afterthey had once been convinced of its usefulness; it being agreed on all Hands, that not any thing else contributed so much to the inuring the Soldiery to the Fatigues of Wars, and consequently, to the obtaining so many Victories in the following Years, as these Engagements, Reviews, and Exercises, which kept the Armies under a constant good Discipline, and trained up the young Officers as well as the Soldiers, to serve their Apprenticeship at home in the Action of War.  
Michael Francis le Tellier, 
Michael le Tellier Chancellor of France, had two Sons, Michael Francis Marquis of Louvois, Secretary of State; and Charles Maurice Archbishop and Duke of Rheims, Counsellor of State, and Supervisor of the Sorbonne.  Marquis of Louvois, Minister and Secretary of State, was the Person, whom France, next to the King, stands indebted to, for the re-establishment of the Military Discipline, and a good Order in the Army. It is unquestionable, that never any Man living had a better insight into all Martial Affairs, whether in the most exquisite advantages belonging to Fortifications, or in regard to the raising and maintaining a great Army in the Field. He was a Person of a marvellous Activity and Vigilance; as Firm, Resolute, and Bold in his Enterprises, as Fortunate in the Success; and to be short, never any Minister deserved better at the same time, both of his Prince and the State. He was Eldest Son to Michael de Tellier Minister and Secretary of State, and afterwards Lord Chancellor of France, who rendered himself Famous by his Prudence, Fidelity, and great Services under the King's Minority.  
Neither did the King show less eagerness for settling the Administration of Justice: He would give most particular marks of his Favour and Esteem to such of the Judges as he knew to be proof against Corruption, crowning their Virtues with Praises and Rewards; as, on the other Hand he despised those, who, having purchased their Places at an excessive rate, made use of their Power to satisfy their Avarice and Pride; these were sure to meet with deserved punishment from his Hands, and to receive the rewards of their Treachery, in making the Royal Authority a Cloak, where withal to cover their unjust Proceed. To banish for over from among his Subjects all vexatious Suits, or at least, to retrench the extravagancy of litigious Persons, and superfluities in the Law, which serve only to create and protract Suits, he caused a new Codex, or Law-Book to be compiled, by the Advice of the most understanding Lawyers in the Kingdom; and as he was not ignorant, that the best Laws are useless, or at least, of little effect, unless those who are to put them in execution, be careful in the observance of their duty; so he would frequently take an account of their Transactions, and be always putting the Chancellor in mind, to keep a strict Hand, and a watchful Eye over the Judges and Magistrates, that they might not be remiss in their Duties to Administer Justice, without partiality, and to punish the Transgressor's, without respect of Persons, especially in what-related to the maintaining of the public Tranquillity.  
To encourage the rest by his own Example, 
After the Death of the Chancellor Seguier.  he kept the Great Seal in his own Hands near three Months; and tho' he would sometimes Pardon such Trespasses as proceeded rather from passion or misfortune, than any ill design, he never spared those who were found guilty of disturbing the public Tranquillity; and above all, prosecuted with the utmost severity, all such as were convicted of Dueling; for it having been judged absolutely necessary for the public safety, that all manner of Duels should be forbidden under pain of Death by the King, he looked upon any Act of Grace in this kind, as prejudicial to the Royal Authority, and an unseasonable lenity, as derogatory from the respect due to the Law, which made him take a firm resolution to maintain its Force, by inflicting severe punishments upon the Transgressor's.  
Neither was it long, before the happy effects of the King's firm Resolution and Zeal for the impartial distribution of Justice appeared to the Eyes of all the World, his Subjects being thereby insensibly brought into a habit of doing well, and performing their Duty in their several stations. Hence it was, that every one enjoyed the benefit of a Sweet and Charming Tranquillity under the protection of the Laws, free from all fear, and the avarice of corrupted Judges, and the oppressions of the Great ones, who, if they offered any Violences, were sure to come to Condign Punishment. The surest way to prevent Factions in a Kingdom, is certainly when the Prince by his Authority, keeps all the several Orders that compose it within their bounds; for, the People being thereby engaged to respect no other Authority so much as his own, this removes all occasion and danger of Revolts.  
What shall I say as to the most useful Arts and Sciences, which, without contradiction, 
The King gives Encouragement to all manner of Arts.  flourished more than ever, under a Prince, who, as he had a true relish of Things, so it was his greatest delight to heap Riches and Honours upon Persons of extraordinary merits; knowing, that nothing turns more to the Honour of the Prince, and benefit of the State, than to give due encouragement to liberal Arts, he drew by his great Liberality into France, the most Excellent in all Professions from all parts of Europe; with these Foreigners as well as Natives, he filled up the several Academies, erected by his Order, for the improvement of all manner of Sciences; of Painting, Carving, Architecture, and Music, where these Great Masters and their Scholars strove by a Praiseworthy Emulation, to outvie one another, and in their several Stations, to bring their Pieces to the height of perfection.  
The King, to improve the Talon of so many Excellent Masters, employed them in making those rich Furnitures and other pieces, the like of which are not to be met with in any other part, whether for the design, or the curiosity of the Workmanship; he erected Noble Structures in several parts, but especially made use of their skill in the Lovure, the Front of which is accounted one of the finest pieces of Architecture in the World.  
The Subjects encouraged by the Example of their Prince, began every where to apply themselves to Building, especially in the City of Paris, which increased every day by the Additions of many goodly Structures; so that in a few Years the Streets of the City of Paris were made broader than before; the Cross-ways were adorned with noble Fountains, the Channels and River side faced with Freestone; and there was not a Street so mean, but there were to be seen some neat Houses, built after a manner far different from what they had appeared before. Vast numbers of Strangers, and other curious Persons came flocking from all parts, to partake of the charming Enjoyments of Peace and Tranquillity in a City, where there was great plenty of every thing requisite for the pleasure and necessity of Human Life, even at the time of a general scarcity, the King having by his own liberality and care, supplied their want, and reduced the price of all Things to a reasonable rate.  
But the City of Paris was not the only place that enjoyed the benefits of his happy Reign; 
He caused Wheat to be distr●●ted at t● Lovure, 1662.  the other Provinces of France had also their share in the public Felicity, the King, by affording all imaginable encouragement to Commerce, made the whole Country overflow with Riches. It is beyond all question, that the French could not be ignorant what prodigious advantages must needs accrue by Commerce, to such a Country as France, which being watered both by the Ocean and Mediterranean, and irrigated by so many fair Rivers, seems to be the most conveniently situated for Traffic of any in Europe; notwithstanding which, it was observable, that all manner of Commerce had been neglected for a considerable time; either because the Genius of the French Nation is more enclinable to Warlike Exploits than Traffic, or because the Civil and Foreign Wars, in which the Kingdom had been entangled for so many Years together, had robed them of these advantages. But the King was not sparing in any thing, which he believed might contribute to the re-establishment of Trade; in the Seaports he made considerable abatements in his Customs; most of those that were paid in the Rivers he took off; he gave all imaginable encouragement to the Manufacturies of the Kingdom; he, at his own proper cost and charge, employed a great number of Workmen to join the two Seas by a Canal, as well as several Great Rivers, and to render many lesser Rivers Navigable; he established a certain Council of Commerce, to be held in his Presence, by whose Advice he created several Companies, who trafficking in all parts of the World, rendered the Great Name of their Prince Glorious in far distant Countries. Besides, that he granted them many Privileges, they were provided both with Money and Ships by the King, to carry on the design, and never wanted necessary Convoys to conduct them safely to the place whither they were bound.  
It was upon the score of Commerce that an Expedition was undertaken against the Coast of Barbary, 
The enterprise against Gigery, July 19, 1664.  it being certain, that it was not out of a motive of extending his Conquests the King sent thither his Forces, but chief for the conveniency of a Harbour, from whence to annoy and bridle those Insolent Pirates, that are continually disturbing the Trade on those Coasts. The success was at first answerable to the design, they having made themselves Masters of Gigery, and, notwithstanding, they were ill provided with Provision and Ammunition, maintained themselves in the place three whole Months. But the number of the Enemy's increasing daily, and the Plague and Famine which at that time, 
October 31, 1664.  made great havoc on the Coast of Provence having retarded the Convoys designed for their succour, they were at last forced to abandon the place, and to return into France. This Expedition proved thus unfortunate in the end, having been undertaken not without great charges, besides, that we lost some of our best Troops, and received some disgrace.  
But this misfortune was abundantly recompensed by the Honour the French had acquired two or three Months before.  
The Turks and Tartars having made a most powerful Eruption in Hungary, 
The King sent succour to the Emperor.  and the Germane Emperor Leopold I. demanding Succours from our King, he sent him six thousand chosen Men. These Troops had signalised themselves in many Encounters, but more particularly in the Battle fought near St. Goddard.  
Seven or eight thousand of the bravest among the Infidels having passed, unperceived by the Christians, a River which parted both their Camps, charged the right Wing of the last with such incredible fury that they made them give way, without much opposition. In all human appearance the whole Christian Army must have been put to an entire rout, if the French, who were in the left Wing, had not come up very opportunely with the Turks, and like lightning charged through them with so much bravery, that they put them in confusion, and made such a slaughter among them, that five or six thousand remained dead upon the spot. To be short, the Victory was complete; they brought off a great many Standards and Colours, and sixteen pieces of Cannon, most of the abovementioned Turks being either slain or drowned in the River. Those few that escaped by flight put the whole Turkish Camp into such a consternation, that the Grand Visier, notwithstanding he had yet remaining with him an Army of above forty thousand Men, in few days after, concluded a Truce with the Imperialists.  
As the French succours had been of great consequence to the Emperor, 
The King's protection of the Dutch against the Bishop of Munster, 1665.  so the protection which the King was pleased to afford to the Hollanders stood them in no less stead, against Bernard Van Galen, than Bishop of Munster, a Man of a turbulent Spirit, better qualified for a General than a Prelate.  
For the King of England having declared War against them, had at the same time stirred up the Bishop, who being a troublesome Neighbour to the Dutch, never wanted pretensions, but only an opportunity to quarrel with them, being a Man aspiring and bold to undertake any thing, and at that time when he was so well provided with good Forces and other things requisite for such an undertaking. The Hollanders had all the reason in the World to be surprised at this unexpected rapture, as having lived for five Years in perfect Tranquillity, and consequently disbanded their Troops, except such as served in Garrisons on their Frontier places. The Bishop taking advantage from the ill State of their Troops, made an irruption into their Territories, and overrun entirely one of their Provinces, where he made himself Master of their Cities, and ravaged the Countrywhere-ever he came, which struck such a consternation into the adjacent Provinces, that it was feared, they would scarce have Courage enough to resist his Victorious Arms. In this perplexity, having made their Addresses to our King, he ordered six thousand Foot and two thousand Horse instantly to march to their relief. Hitherto nothing had been able to put a stop to the Current of the Conquests of the Bishop, but the terror of the Force of France had such a Powerful influence over him, that he began to abate immediately of his fierceness, and in less than three months' time, matters were brought to a composition, by Virtue of which, he was obliged to disband his Troops, to Surrender to the States all that he had taken, and restore to them their former Tranquillity.  
The Hollanders being by the Treaty of Cleves delivered from the fear of this troublesome Enemy, 
The Dutch protected against the English, 1666.  they now applied themselves with all their might, to the prosecution of the War against the English. The States-General had, at the first beginning of the War, solicited the King for succours against the English, or at least, his Mediation for the composing of the differences betwixt them. The King at their request sent a Solemn Embassy to London to offer his Mediation, which being accepted of by the King of England, the Conferences were begun in London. But King Charles II. having happily suppressed some tumultuous Assemblies of the Fanatic Party, which hitherto had kept matters in suspense, without expecting the issue of this Negotiation, ordered his Fleet to put out to Sea in quest of the Dutch, even in their Ports. Our King having all the reason in the World to be dissatisfied with the King of England, entered into to a League offensive with the States-General.  
Thus the War being kindled, 
1665, 1666.  it broke out into so violent a Flame, that for two Summers successively, the Seas betwixt the English and Flanders Coast, seemed to be all on Fire, there being nothing to be heard of but slaughter, and the thundering of Cannons. In these several most bloody Engagements, neither party could boast of any real advantage over the other, the Victory inclining one time on one, and at another on the other side; both parties at the same time claiming the Honour of the Victory, and dissembling their losses. The Hollanders, notwithstanding they much flattered themselves with the Honour they believed to have gained against their Enemies, yet were very desirous of Peace, these Demi-triumphs, and the loss of so many brave Seamen being but a slender recompense for the damage they received in the interruption of their Commerce. The English irritated more by shame than the consideration of their losses, left no Stone unturned to break this Alliance, and to draw our King from the Dutch Interest; but in vain, for the King protesting he would not abandon his Allies, a Peace was soon after concluded at Breda, 
July 31, 1667.  which was very advantageous to the States.  
About two Months before the conclusion of this Treaty, the King was entered Flanders with a considerable Force, to do himself Justice on the just Pretensions of the Queen: Her right was so unquestionable on the Duchy of Brabant and its Dependencies, upon part of Gueldres, upon Luxemburgh, the Franchè Comtè, Mons, Antwerp, Cambray, Malines, Limbourg, Namur, and some other places on the , that the King having taken the Advice of the most Famous Lawyers of the Low-Countries, upon the point in question, under borrowed Names, they were unanimously of opinion, that her Right was indisputable. According to the Custom of these. Provinces, it is an Established Law, that the Children begotten in the first Marriage become Heirs to the Possessions of their Parents, immediately after the Decease of one of them. the Survivor enjoying only the benefit of them during Life.  
Philip IU. King of Spain had by Isabel his first Spouse, only two Children, to wit, 
Prince Balthasar.  one Son, and one Daughter, since Queen of France, who surviving the Prince, these Provinces by right of Succession, pursuant to the Custom of the Country, which regulates as well the right of Succession in respect to Sovereigns, as private Persons, were devolved to her.  
It must be confessed, that, at the time of her Marriage, they had taken this precaution, to make her renounce all her Rights and Pretensions to those Provinces; but besides, the Act itself was so defective in Form, and full of Nullities, that according to the judgement of the most understanding and unbyass'd Persons, it could not pass for a Legal Act.  
She renounces all her Rights and Pretensions, without naming any in particular. She therefore resgned that which she knew not, and what she had not had the opportunity to examine, of what moment it was she was going to do, and this when she was under Age, rather out of a Motive of Obedience, than free Choice. And to this the Authority of a Father and King, the want of Experience and Knowledge of her own Interest, the Passion she had for the King's Person, and the prospect of having for her Spouse, one of the handsomest and greatest Princes of Europe; All these, if taken together, what wonder is it, if the Infanta had not constancy enough to refuse the Request of the King her Father, and blindly to follow his Dictates.  
Thus they had made her renounce to the Succession of the Empire of the Indies, of the Kingdoms of Castille, and Arragon, of Sicily, and Naples, Sardinia, and Majorca, to the Duchy of Milan, and the Sovereignty of nine Provinces in the Low Countries; I say to the hopes, forasmuch as her Brother was alive, but so infirm, that it was supposed he could not live very long.  
Another consideration, 
Charles II. King of Spain.  which is of no slight moment, is, that this Renunciation was made without allowing her any other equivalent, 
Golden Crown 8 s. 6 d. Sterl.  except five hundred thousand Golden Crown pieces, which indeed, was owing to her before on the account of her Mother's Dowry. Can any thing be more injuriously contrived than this? Another thing that makes this void and of no effect is, that this Equivalent (supposing it should be termed so) was never paid to her, neither in her Father's life time, nor after his Death; nay, there was no tender made of it within the time limited in the Act; without which, it plainly appears, that the Queen did not make this Renunciation, but in consideration of the said sum, to be paid at the terms, mentioned in the Contract. Who is so ignorant as not to understand, that in all conditional Contracts their validity depends on the accomplishment of the Conditions therein contained?  
Another Capital defect in this Act is, that it was not corroborated by these circumstances, which in a case of that moment, are prescribed by the Laws. As the order of Succession ought to be considered as one of the fundamental Laws of an Empire or Kingdom, so the same is unalterable, unless by consent of the People Assembled for that purpose. The Queen being, after her Brother's Death, the unquestionable and immediate Heiress to the Crown of Spain, his most Catholic Majesty, when he intended to deprive and exclude this Princess of her Legal Inheritance, aught to have called together an Assembly of all the States of the whole Kingdom, and the Queen in their Presence ought to have made a public Renunciation, both for herself and Children, to the Succession of all these Dominions; after which, the said Renunciation must have been Published throughout all the Territories under the Jurisdiction of Spain. But it being certain, that not the least of all these circumstances had been observed in this Act, it cannot be considered as a Legal Transaction, but as surreptitious and forced upon the Queen without her knowledge. It ought to be looked upon as a mere State-trick and contrivance of the Spaniards, to serve their own turn and ambitious designs, which being contrary to all Laws, could not in the least impair the Legal Right of the Queen, or of the Prince her Son.  
Notwithstanding the King had thus all the reason in the World, neither wanted sufficient power to oblige the Spaniards to a full satisfaction, he nevertheless offered to come with them to a Composition. The Queen-Mother made use of all her Interest to prevail with the Spaniards, either to give satisfaction to the King upon his demands, or else to accept of the King's Gracious offer, to take an Equivalent, and to release part of his Right, provided they would put him in quiet possession of the rest. 
The Queen-Mother Anna of Austria dies Jan. 20. 1666.  But all her endeavours proved fruitless, the Queen dying before she could bring it to a conclusion. She was universally lamented by the whole Kingdom, and that not without great reason; France having not for many Years before been blessed with a Queen more deserving than herself. She was of a very noble aspect, but endowed with a much more noble Soul, a Soul truly great; and elevated above the common rank, Pious, Obliging, and Honourable, whose greatest pleasure was to do good, and who by her charming conversation, drew both Love and Respect from all who had the Honour to know her.  
After the Decease of the Queen, our King renewed his former demands at the Court of Madrid, and as the case then stood with Spain, there were very few, who balancing their Forces with ours at that time, were not of opinion, that, if it should come to a rapture, the Spaniards might think themselves happy, if they could come off with the loss of what they were so much afraid to lose. For their Troops in Flanders were in a very ill condition, their Fortifications had been neglected, and were neither provided with Ammunition, nor a sufficient number of good Troops. The Council of Spain could not be ignorant of all this, but whether it were that they relied upon the assistance of their Allies, or that they did not rightly measure the King's strength and resolution, certain it is, that he could never obtain any satisfaction as to his just Right, no not as much as a promise of ever obtaining any upon that score; so that after a fruitless Treaty of eighteen or twenty Months, 
The King enters Flanders, 1667.  our King was obliged to have recourse to Arms. He marched therefore in Person, at the head of an Army of thirty five thousand Men, commanded under him by the Viscount Turenne, into Flanders. At the same time he ordered two Flying Camps, the one to enter the County of Luxemburgh, under the Command of Francis de Crequy, Marshal of France, to observe the motions of the Germans on that side; the other to take its march along the Sea Coast, under the Command of Anthony d' Aumont Marshal of France, who took Courtray in two days, Dyxmuiden in four and twenty Hours; Furnes in one Day; and Armentiers surrendered as soon as he appeared before it. The Army which the King commanded in Person, found as little resistance as the other, Charleroy was demolished by the Spaniards; Binch and Aeth opened their Gates at the same moment they appeared in sight of them; Tournay did not hold out above twice four and twenty Hours, and Dovay and its Citadel no longer; Oudenarde not above one Day, and Alost but a few Hours: To be short, in less than four months' time they made themselves Masters of thirteen or fourteen places, all very considerable for their strength.  
Lisle alone held out a Siege of eleven days, after opening of the Trenches. It is a large City, very well Fortified, and accounted the most Populous of any in the Spanish Netherlands. There were at that time within the City, no less than thirty thousand Inhabitants capable of bearing Arms, besides four thousand Soldiers, and a great number of good Officers and Volunteers, who had thrown themselves into the Place, to signalise themselves upon this occasion, under one of the best and most experienced Commanders in the Spanish Service. The King having received Advice that the Count de Marcin General of the Spanish Army, was on his march to relieve the Place, he detached the Marshal de Crequi (who had joined him before with his Flying Camp) to possess himself of all the Avenues, through which the Count de Marcin must needs approach the place. The City being in the mean while forced to Capitulate, the King resolved to march straight to the Enemy; But the Marshal de Crequi on one, and Bernard de Gigant de Bellefons, likewise Marshal of France, on the other side, had saved the King this trouble; they having before routed the Spaniards, of whom they killed five hundred upon the spot, took from them several Standards and Kettledrums, and three hundred Prisoners, among whom were many Colonels, and some of their General Officers. Count Marcin, who was not insensible that the whole fortune of Flanders depended on his Army, thought it most advisable to make a safe retreat, and to throw his Troops into such places, as were most exposed to the Victorious Enemy.  
This prodigious progress of the King's Arms, did alarm all the Neighbouring Princes, who did not without great reason fear, that the next Campaign, he would like a torrent, overrun all the rest of the Spanish Netherlands. There had for many Years last passed, been an implacable hatred between the Spaniards and Dutch; but, as Love and Hatred among Sovereigns are swayed by Interest, these two Nations setting aside all former Animosities, were soon reconciled, when the last being terrified by the late success of our Arms, found their own security to depend on the preservation of the first; to stop the Progress of the King's Conquests, and to preserve Flanders from falling into his Hands, the Hollanders entered into a League with England and Sueden, by virtue of which, 
Jan. 23. 1668.  these three engaged themselves to furnish each of them fifteen thousand Men (besides their quota at Sea) for the defence of Flanders: This League was called the Triple Alliance. But, as their chief aim was rather to terrify both Parties into a compliance, than to enter into an open War, they offered their Mediation with this Solemn Declaration, that they were ready to take up Arms, against either of these two Crowns, which they should find averse to the Peace.  
The King, tho' in the midst of the Career of his Victories, yet was not unwilling to hearken to their Propositions; and, notwithstanding, what he had taken from the Spaniards did fall far short from what his just Pretensions were on the Queen's account, yet he offered to rest contented with his Conquests.  
A Treaty was therefore agreed on to be set on Foot at Aix la Chapelle, to compose these differences; But the Spanish Ambassadors only endeavouring to gain time by delays, the King, to oblige them to a more ready compliance, and not to let slip any opportunity of pursuing his Right, 
Fel 1668.  conquered the Franche Compte in the very heart of the Winter. Neither the Frosts nor Snow, neither the overflowing of the Rivers, nor badness of the Ways, were able to stay him at home, nor to prevent his march, but with an eagerness suitable to the greatness of his design, he appeared at the Head of his Army, with such success, that the whole Province submitted within the space of eight days, A Conquest so sudden did not only surprise the Spaniards, but also the Mediators, to that degree, that without any further tergiversations, they offered to grant the King's former demands, provided he would restore the Franche Compte. The King was unwilling to part with so fair a Province, extremely convenient for its situation; but the Love of Peace prevailing over his Interest, he resolved rather to abandon that Province, than to continue the War, at a time when the Allies being more powerful at Sea than the French, might, in all probability, have made an attempt upon our Coasts, or at least have ruined our Trade at Sea; A Peace was therefore concluded at Aix la Chapelle, on the Second of May, in the Year 1668. by Virtue of which, our King restored to the Spaniards the Franche Compte, all their Fortifications demolished; and these resigned to the King all the places they had Conquered in Flanders, with their dependencies.  
This Peace was soon followed by the re-establishment of an union in the Church, 
Jansenism suppressed in France.  which for these fifteen or twenty Years last passed, had been interrupted by some disputes about the true nature of Grace, and were risen to that pitch, as to threaten the Church and State with great Commotions, if by the prudent Care of the King the Tempest had not been laid, and a perfect Calm introduced. The most surprising thing in the World! That Religion which should be the strictest tye of Charity among Men, proves too frequently the scource of Contests and Divisions. What is more frequent, than to see Mankind follow blindfold the opinion of their Leaders with so much Zeal, as to involve the State in a Civil War; a Prince therefore, who truly understands his Interest, can never be too watchful to keep a strict Hand over those who sow the first Seeds of these Discords, and when he has nipped them in the bud, to take effectual care to prevent them from growing again, and taking root among his Subjects.  
As it is beyond question, that Mankind are not capable of performing any good Works meriting Eternal Salvation without God's Grace, so it is very difficult to determine in what manner this Grace operates in us: This is one of those Mysteries which are not to be attempted without great hazard, the scrutiny proving frequently dangerous to the Undertaker, who flatters himself to exhaust their meaning, rather by subtleties than a plain interpretation, Into what gross errors are we not apt to fall, when flattering ourselves to be more quicksighted than others, we bid farewell to true Humility and Submission.  
Under Pope Clement VIII. this point first began to be called in question betwixt two Religious Orders, who in order to take cognisance of the matter, appointed a Congregation composed of Cardinals, and the most Learned Divines in Rome. Pope Paul V revived the said Congregation, with an intention to give a final decision in the matter; but the differences arisen betwixt him and the Venetians, having diverted his thoughts another way, all these great preparations produced not other effect, but only a Decree from the Court of Inquisition, forbidding all Members of the Catholic Church to Write, or enter into any Dispute, or to accuse one another of presumption, or erroneous Opinions concerning the Doctrine of Grace.  
But this prohibition was not sufficient to terrify a certain Bishop of Ypres in Flanders, (whose Name was Cornelius Jansenius) a Man of very profound Learning, to write a Book concerning this Doctrine in a very lofty Style, as believing, that his frequently perusing and pondering upon Austin, who was always looked upon as the true Oracle of Grace, he had surmounted all difficulties relating to this Controversy. 
This Book was Printed the first time at Paris, 1639.  It was upon this assurance that the Bishop flattered himself to have found out the true meaning of this Doctor, and to have received his Doctrine in its genuine Purity, free from the errors, which had been neglected in the Catholic Schools for above five hundred Years past; but these his specious pretences were not able to exempt his Book from the censure of Pope Urban VIII. who condemned it, without making the least Reflections upon any of his Propositions in particular, alleging only for a reason, because the Doctrine contained in this Book might revive some errors, formerly condemned, as such by Pope Pius V and Pope Gregory XIII.  
France had hitherto stood neuter, the Learned there having espoused neither side, but after it began to make such noise in the World, a certain set of Men, of an extraordinary Zeal, and great Austerity of Life, besides this well versed in all manner of Learning, and Writing upon most Subjects with a great deal of Politeness, began first to make this Book the object of their Solitary Entertainment, and afterwards publicly to espouse the Quarrel with so much boldness, that they spared no Body in their Writings, a fault commonly belonging to those who are very zealous and passionate for Novelties. The extraordinary reputation of the Author, the moment of the point in question, but above all, the great and so much admired Name of St. Austin, who appeared in the Frontispiece of the Book; add to this the merits of the Persons who had engaged in its defence, their intrigues and Cabals, all this together had made this Book so Famous throughout the whole Kingdom, that it was the chief object of Entertainment among the Learned, who for the most part talked of nothing so much as of the Triumph and Omnipotency of Grace over the .  
On the other Hand, those that opposed themselves to this new broached Doctrine, pretended to evince, that what was contained in the Bishop's Book, was no more than a repetition of those Errors maintained by Calvin in respect of the Mystery of Grace. Both Parties maintaining their Opinions with so much heat, that things seemed to tend to some remarkable Revolution in the Church, if the Bishops had not given as many eminent demonstrations of their Zeal for the suppressing of this new Doctrine, as its Defenders shown eagerness in propagating and spreading it among the People.  
France being about that time involved in heavy both Foreign and Civil Wars, it was impossible to call together either a National or Provincial Assembly, for which reason, fourscore and five Bishops writ to Pope Innocent X. to entreat his Holiness, to put an end to these Controversies, by giving his decisive Opinion, concerning these five Propositions, which they said, were the Foundation, and as it were the Abridgement of the whole Doctrine contained in the Book of Jansenius.  
His Disciples on the other Hand were not negligent in the matter, but sent some of their Members to Rome, who endeavoured to maintain their Doctrine, both in several Private Audiences which were granted them by the Pope, and in those Congregations which were held in the Pope's Presence, to debate upon a matter of so great moment. But all their efforts proved fruitless, their Arguments not being strong enough to convince the Holy Father, who condemned and declared the following Propositions as Heretical.  

I. 
Some of God's Commandments are impossible to be performed by a righteous Man, notwithstanding he does not want Will, and does as much as possible in him lies, according to his present condition, to accomplish them, he being destitute of Grace, which enables him to fulfil the Will of God.  II. 
We don't resist the Internal Grace, even considered as in the State of corrupted Nature.  III. 
To perform good or bad Works in the State of corrupted Nature, there is not absolutely requisite a liberty in us Mortals which implies a necessity, but only such a Liberty as excludes all constraint.  iv 
The Demi-Pelagians did admit of the necessity of an Internal preventing Grace; in each particular Action, even in the first beginning of our Faith; and they were Heretics, because they declared this Grace to be of such a Nature, as to be in the Power of Men either to resist or obey its motion.  V 
It savours of Demi-Pelagianism to maintain, that Jesus Christ did die and shed his Blood for all Mankind in general,    
Before the Condemnation of these Propositions, there was no Body, who in the least doubted, but that they were the same which Jansenius had maintained in his Treatise, especially since all those who had espoused his Party had declared them to be so in Flanders, France, and Rome, both in public and private, in their Writings and Disputes, as being the true sense of the Doctrine of St. Austin. But no sooner were they condemned by the Pope, but the same Persons, who not long before had stood up in their defence with so much eagerness, declared publicly, that these five Propositions were not where to be met with in the Writings of Jansenius, or at least not in the same sense as they had been presented to the Pope, and that being only an Invention of some of his Proselytes, this Condemnation did not in the least impair the reputation of the Book or the Author.  
This dispute caused so much heat among both Parties, that there appeared greater animosities about the matter of Fact, than there had been before concerning the true merits of the Cause; wherefore an Assembly of Bishops being called together, 
March 9, 1654.  gave their Opinion in express Terms; That these were the Propositions of Jansenius, and were Condemned as such, in the same sense as he had maintained them in his Treatise. This Declaration was not long after confirmed by a Brief from Rome, with a certain Formular annexed to it. 
In May 1654. In September 1656.  Two Assemblies were held in France on the account of this Formular, in which it was resolved by the Bishops there present, that the said Formular should be subscribed by all the Bishops and other ecclesiastics of each Diocese. But these resolutions were not put in execution at that time, but the matter hung in suspense, till the King interposing his Authority, brought it to perfection.  
After he had taken the Reins of the Government into his own Hands, his chiefest care was, how to find out suitable remedies against these Intestine Divisions, which revived in him that most terrible Idea of all the mischiefs and misfortunes, which, occasioned by the followers of the Doctrine of Calvin, had afflicted the Kingdom for these thirty Years last passed. When he recalled to mind and seriously reflected how by the intrigues of this Sect, above a Million of the bravest of his Subjects had been Massacred, or killed in the Wars, how above three hundred goodly Cities had been destroyed, and the most Ancient and Richest Families in France were very near extirpated; the more, I say, he reflected upon these Calamities, the more he judged it becoming his present station, to stifle in the very Cradle this growing Evil, which in time might prove fatal both to Church and State.  
The Followers of Jansenius refusing to sign the Formular, pursuant to the Orders of the Assemblies, alleging, that they had no Authority to oblige them to it, the King applied himself to Pope Alexander VII. desiring him to prescribe another Formular, and by his Bull to Command every Body to subscribe it. 
The Bull was dated Feb. 15. 1665.  But after this Bull had been obtained, they publicly protested they could not in Conscience subscribe any Formular which declared the Propositions to belong to Jansenius, and that they had been Condemned as such: That neither the Pope nor the Church itself being Infallible in things relating to matter of Fact, they ought not to be forced to a blind Obedience. That their Eyes and Reasons were the most natural Guides and Judges of matter of Fact; that indeed Pope Innocent and his Successor, and three several Assemblies of the Bishops had given their Judgement in the matter, and declared these Propositions to be the same, maintained by Jansenius, and they had been Condemned as such, but that it was impossible for them to agree with them in their Opinion, they having perused and examined the Book of Jansenius with all the Candour and Exactness imaginable, and nevertheless had not been able to find out these Propositions.  
To this it was answered, that to argue at that rate, was in effect, to declare in plain terms, that the Pope and the Bishops had unjustly Condemned an Innocent Prelate, and had declared a Book Heretical, which contained nothing but the pure Doctrine of St. Austin. What a horrid confusion, said they, must this produce, if it be allowed that the Church may err to that degree, as to declare and condemn a most excellent Book, which contains nothing but the purest Truth, as a Work of the Devil? Tho' it must be confessed, that generally speaking, the Church is not infallible as to every particular in matters of Fact, it is nevertheless undeniable, that in matters of the greatest consequence, tending absolutely to its Tranquillity, and the maintaining of Church Discipline, the Church cannot be in the dark, but aught to be the Test of our Faith; for how could she be the Pillar of Truth, if she could be guilty of such enormous errors, as to oblige us under the most severe punishments to receive that for real Truth, which in effect is notoriously false.  
These Disputes maintained with equal heat on both sides, were likely to have continued for ever, if the King to put an end to the Controversy, had not thought fit to put the last Bull in execution, and to exhort the Bishops to take forth with effectual care, that the Formular should be subscribed by all the ecclesiastics, without exception, in their respective Dioceses; commanding his Officers to assist them in their Zeal, and to give him an exact account of their Proceed.  
When they saw the King absolutely resolved to break the neck of this Controversy by his Authority, all obeyed, and these Prelates themselves who had hitherto publicly protested against the signing of the Formular, following the footsteps of the rest, Jansenism was quite suppressed, all Disputes ceased, and Tranquillity was restored both in Church and State.  
During this Calm the King employed part of his time in erecting most magnificent Structures in several places, 
In Octob. 1668.  but especially the Palace of Versailles, which from a simple Hunting Rendezvous, was (by his Orders) in a little time made one of the finest places in the World: For, in less than two Years time, in a barren Ground, without Water, or any other Advantages, there appeared vast Allies of Trees, spacious Groves and Labyrinths, a whole Forest of Orange-Trees: Here you might feast your Eyes with Statues of the best Marble without number, and Cisterns of a prodigious bigness of the same Materials: Wherever you turned yourself, you saw Fountains with their Cisterns adorned with Colossus' of Brass, or most excellent Figures of the most exquisite Marble of a prodigious bigness, with an infinite number of Water-spouts, and a Canal that reaches out of sight. To be short, all that may be seen, that is either extraordinary or surprising in the most famous and most accomplished Structures, is to be met with here, there being nothing that surpasses this Palace in Magnificence; if you see it from any of the neighbouring Hills, it affords the finest and most delightful Prospect, that can be imagined. The inside of this Palace is in all respects answerable to its outward Grandeur. The most exquisite pieces which being done by the Hand of the greatest Master of our Age, 
Le Brun.  adorn the chiefest Apartments; the fine Tapestries, interwoven with Gold, inestimable both for their Beauty and Workmanship; that prodigious Quantity of Plate, 
The King Sacrificed all his large Silver Vessels to the Necessity of the State, 1689.  that variety of silver Cups, Basins, and other Vessels of all sorts, which are to be seen upon the Side-board Tables; all these admirable pieces being the Objects of our highest admiration, are to be valued by a silent surprise.  
The King taking a more than ordinary Delight in so fine a place, he made it the constant Residence of his Court, which at that time appeared in such splendour, that nothing was comparable to it in any other place, this great Prince sparing no Cost to make it appear the most magnificent in the World. All this did not proceed from any vain Ostentation, or purely to indulge his Pleasure, but from a real intention to augment thereby in the People, the respect and esteem due to the Sovereign; and to raise in Foreigners an Idea of the Riches of the Kingdom, and of the Grandeur of the Prince that sways the Sceptre. But these were but weak and transitory Appearances of his Greatness; his Riches, Power and Generosity in affording timely Succours to his Allies, 
To the Venetians in Candia, 1669. A Turkish Chiaus, 1669. Ambassadors from Muscovy and Guinea, 1670.  had rendered his great Name so famous among Foreign Nations, that the greatest and proudest Monarches sent their Ambassadors from far distant Countries, to court his Friendship and desire his Protection. But as his growing Reputation could not but be a great Eyesore to his Jealous Neighbours, who were kept in continual Alarm by so Potent a Prince, so they left no Stone unturned to thwart his Design, and to stop the career of his good Fortune.  
Among others, Charles IU. then Duke of Lorraine, was one of the most active against him. 
Conduct of the Duke of Lorraine  He was a Person equally dexterous in advising and executing, a brave Soldier and great Captain, but the most unquiet and inconstant of all Men living, whose delight being to fish in troubled Waters, was always in motion, always raising Soldiers, always in the Field; making a Trade of Soldiery, choosing one side to Day, and another to Morrow, pillaging without distinction his Subjects, his Friends and Foes; a Character more suitable to a Cham of Tartary, than to a Sovereign of a small Principality, whose Interest is to be gentle, and live peaceably, and to observe either an exact Neutrality, or to shelter himself under the Protection of the most Potent of his Neighbouring Princes.  
Lewis XIII. having seized upon Lorraine to chastise the Duke for his many malicious Intrigues, he marched with his Troops into Flanders, where he gathered vast Riches, by selling their Service at an excessive rate, at the beginning of each Campaign putting his Soldiers Pay into his own Pocket, and affording them no other Subsistence, than full liberty to live at Discretion wherever they came, and to Pillage the Country at pleasure. The loud Complaints of the People, the little account the Duke made of the Spanish Ministers, with whom he would frequently make his Sport, having at last occasioned great Jealousies against him, he was secured, and not set at liberty, till after the Conclusion of the General Peace. By virtue of this Treaty he was restored to his Dominions, but refusing to accept of these Conditions, some more favourable were agreed on, in a particular Treaty concluded not above two or three Days before the Death of Cardinal Mazarine.  
The next following Year the said Duke having a Disgust at his Family, proposed his two Dutchies as a Gift to the King, and as a Pledge of his sincere Intentions, offered to surrender Marsal into his Hands. 
In Febr. 1652.  The Treaty was no sooner concluded and signed, but the Duke, according to his wont custom began to make many Evasions, and by several Delays fifteen or sixteen Months passed without the least probability of performing his Promise, till finding the place invested by the King's Troops, who were ready to Besiege it, he was constrained to deliver it up.  
During the Wars in Flanders, 
1663.  it was much against his Will that he assisted the King with four or five Regiments, as it plainly appeared the Year following, when he left nothing unattempted to debauch them.  
After the Conclusion of the Peace at Aix la Chapelle, it was the Wonder of all the World to see him augment his Troops, to make new Levies, and enter into new Alliances. The King was not wanting on his side to give him timely notice, that he was not ignorant of those Transactions; but his ill Stars having made him insensible of his true Interest, and incapable of receiving good Council, he continued his former course, till the King found himself under an absolute Necessity to drive him out of his Dominions.  
The Duke was so generally hated, 
The King seizes upon Lorraine, 1670.  that there appeared not any Body that showed the least inclination to espouse his Interest, much less to lend a helping hand towards his Restauration. He himself seemed not much concerned at his Loss, it being more suitable to his Inclinations to march from place to place at the Head of a good Body of his Troops, than to lie idle at Mirecourt, his ordinary Residence in the Dukedom of Lorraine. Living in expectation of the next War, he employed most of his time in making Cabals against France, being chief encouraged by the Hollanders, who at that time made it their Business to embroil Europe, and consequently were extremely glad to have met with a Prince of his Character, who might be very serviceable to them in spreading about fears and jealousies, thereby to raise against the King so many Enemies, as might, under pretence of protecting this Prince, serve as a Check to the Greatness of France. A fatal Maxim of State! which had almost proved the Destruction of the United Provinces, and in effect brought them to the very brink of ruin.  
This Commonwealth, 
Causes of the Dutch War.  which in the last Age was no more than a handful of Men confined to a small corner of the World, penned in betwixt the Fens and Waters, was since become so rich by its Commerce, so famous by several Victories; so dreadful for its Power and prudent Management, that they were the admiration of the World. But for four or five Years past they had been so much blinded with Vainglory, and their Affluence of Fortune, that by their Vanities they had drawn upon themselves the hatred of all their Neighbours. They had been so insolent as to cause several Medals to be made, containing very injurious Reflections against Crowned Heads; among the rest there was one representing Hollandia, leaning upon many Trophies with this Inscription; That she had restored vigour to the Law, reformed Religion, protected, maintained, and reconciled Kings; cleared the Seas and secured the Common Tranquillity, by the force of her Arms. After the Conclusion of the Peace of Aix la Chapelle, they made it their Boast, that it was by their means that the Spanish Netherlands had been preserved, and that they had stopped the Career of the King's Conquests and Victories. They did without intermission form Cabals in all Courts of Europe, being very prodigal of their Money to set on foot new Alliances against him, and that with so little respect to his Person, that they did not make any Secret of the matter, adjuging it to be of such a nature as to be passed all Dissimulation.  
The King to make a suitable return, and to prevent their Designs against him, resolved to attack them with vigour, and to try whether he could humble these proud People, and revive among them the Modesty and Moderation of their Ancestors; and put them in mind what Obligations they had received from the French Kings, his Predecessors, as also from him in particular. Who can be so ignorant, as not to know that without the Assistance of France they would have been so far from being able to make such a Figure in the World, that on the contrary it would have been impossible for them to defend themselves against the Power of Spain? It is to Henry IU. and Lewis XIII. they stand indebted for vast Sums, and a considerable Body of their best Troops expended and maintained for their Defence; and by the Confession of the Hollanders themselves, they scarce ever obtained a considerable Victory, but these Troops had some share in the Action; it was but lately that the King had espoused their Interest against the Bishop of Munster, and engaged himself in their Quarrel against the Crown of England; and upon all Occasions had given them such real Demonstrations of his Friendship, that they might have expected any thing from him, if by their Ingratitude they had not drawn his Anger upon them.  
The Enterprise was doubtless very Glorious, but withal very difficult; they were well provided with Money, they had a good Fleet at Sea, and an Army on Foot; their Frontiers were covered on all sides with Fortifications; besides that, they were encompassed betwixt the three Rivers, the Rhine, the , and the Yssel: Notwithstanding all these Advantages, the King was no sooner entered the Country, but he Conquered three of their Provinces, and in less than two months' time made himself Master of above forty of their best places: A strange Catastrophe! which ought to serve as a Lesson to the World, that soon or late God punishes the Proud and Ungrateful, and that it is his Pleasure to give us from time to time such remarkable Instances of the Frailty of all Humane Glory.   

AN ESSAY UPON THE HISTORY OF THE REIGN OF LEWIS the GREAT. LIB. III.  
THE King having taken a firm Resolution to declare War against the Hollanders, 
The Campaign in 1672.  he ordered New Levies to be made in all Parts; besides the Troops in his Garrisons, which consisted of fourscore Thousand Men, he had the like Number in the Field of his own Subjects; twenty Thousand Swiss newly raised, ten Thousand Italians, six or seven thousand English, and two Regiments of Swedes. This formidable Army was commanded by the King in Person, and under him by Lewis de Bourbon II. Prince of Conde, and Henry de la Tour d' Auvergne, Viscount of Turenne, the two greatest Generals in Europe. He had laid up vast Sums of Money for the Payment and Encouragement of his Soldiers, who were for the most part enured to the Hardships of War, and his Magazines were stored with every thing requisite for the Maintenance of so vast a Number.  
But tho' it might be reasonably supposed, that such extraordinary Warlike Preparations must needs strike Terror into all the Neighbouring Princes, their Eyes were so much dazzled with the imaginary Grandeur of the Hollanders, and with their vast Riches, that they imagined the King must have good Fortune, if in the first Campaign he could take one or two of their Frontier places. They were so strongly and generally prepossessed with this Opinion, that they thought it time enough to talk of relieving the Hollanders, and in the mean while to provide the best they could for their own Security. But the more difficulty they had proposed in attacking this Commonwealth, the more were they surprised a little after, when they received the News of the most stupendious Success of his Arms.  
All the Low Countries were put into such a Consternation at the King's March, that Boisleduc, Husden, and L' Illo, tho' at a great distance opened their Sluices. But they might have saved themselves that trouble, the Thunderbolt being not to strike on that side. After he had provided all the small Places round about Mastrick, with good Garrisons, to block up that place, he directed his March towards the Rhine, where having divided his Forces into four several Bodies, he ordered Orsoy, Wesel, Rhinberg and Burick to be Besieged all at a time.  
They being all Frontier Places, were very well fortified and provided with good Garrisons and all other Necessaries for their defence; notwithstanding which they made but a feeble Resistance, the King's Troops having forced them to a Surrender within four or five Days time.  
Rhinberg, which was Besieged by the King in Person, surrendered without Discharging a Cannon.  
The Duke of Orleans, the King's Brother, was forced to make use of his Artillery for a few Hours before Orsoy. For which reason the King, to terrify the other Garrisons from being so presumptuous for the future, as to refuse Surrendering at the first Summons, ordered that both the Officers and Soldiers should be made Prisoners of War.  
Burick was but one Days work for the Viscount of Turenne; and Wesel surrendered at discretion to the Prince of Conde, so soon as he had made himself Master of a certain Fort which commanded the place.  
The unexpected Surrender of these four Towns, struck such a terror into the Garrison of Rees, that they did not hold out above two Days, though it be undeniable, that its Fortifications were at that time as complete and regular as any in Europe. Emmerick was as soon Surrendered as Besieged; and Doctkum gave us no other trouble than to send thither a Brigade to take possession of it. Five or six more lesser places opened their Gates at the approach of their Victorious Enemies, without the least Formalities of a Capitulation.  
All this being performed within the space of eight Days, the King was for improving the Consternation of the People to his Advantage, and for pushing on his Fortune with the utmost Vigour; his first Resolution was to Besiege Nimeguen, and at the same time to force the Prince of Orange in his Entrenchments. This young Prince, the only Offspring, and true Heir of all the vast Possessions and noble Qualifications of those great Men of the same Name, (his Ancestors) who laid the first Foundation of this Commonwealth, lay Entrenched near the Banks of the Yssel, with an Army of five and twenty Thousand Men; but both these Designs being not to be put in Execution, without the hazard of a great many Men, and the loss of much time, the King changed his Resolution, and ordered his Army to march towards the Isle of Betaw, with an intention, to try, whether thereabouts they might not find a convenient Passage over the Rhine.  
The Waters of the Rhine were very low at that Season, 
The King passes the Rhine, 12. June.  by reason of the extreme Heats, and that there had not fallen any Rains for a considerable time before; so that as deep as it is at other times, it seemed then to be fordable in several places. Two Gentlemen living thereabouts, having showed the Ford to the Prince of Conde, he ordered it immediately to be sounded, which proved so shallow that Horse might pass without much danger, they being to swim no further than about the length of an hundred Paces. The King being extremely rejoiced at this welcome News, resolved not to stay for the perfecting of the Bridge of Boats, and therefore, without losing any further time, marches by Break of Day out of his Camp, at the Head of his Gens d' Arms, his Guards and Chevaux legers, besides a Detachment of two Thousand Horse, towards the Banks of the Rhine, where he was to be met by the Prince of Conde.  
It was observable, that the King appeared more brisk and resolute at that time, than he had done for a great while before; the Glorious Assurance that appeared in his Countenance, being a happy Presage of good Success to the Soldiery, he no sooner ordered the Signal to be given, but first a great number of Volunteers, the French Regiment of Curassiers, and the Troops of the King's Household threw themselves into the River, with an unparallelled Resolution, relying more upon their own Courage, than the use of their Arms. The Rhine, though of a considerable breadth in this place, yet runs with a Current so swift and violent, as if it were forced through a very straight Channel. Besides this, it having blown a Storm the Night before, the high Winds tossed dreadful Waves against the Shore, which well might have terrified the Soldiers from attempting the Passage at that time; but being by their King's Presence inspired with a Courage to despise all Danger, neither the swiftness of the Current, nor the dreadful appearance of the high Waves, nor the sight of their Enemies, who lay entrenched on the other side ready to receive them, nothing of all this could daunt their Courage, or stop their Progress; there were but a few lost in this Passage, who being carried away from the rest by the violence of the Stream, were swallowed up by the Waves, or perished in the Whirlpools.  
As they began to approach the other side of the Shoar, they were vigorously attacked by three Squadrons of the Enemy, who being entered the River, killed and wounded some of our Men; but finding our Troops to advance without being daunted, they after their first Charge retreated, and betook themselves to their Heels: Then it was that the French Horse encouraging one another by their joyful Acclamations, reached the Bank of the River, and though they were all dropping wet, pursued the Flying Enemy for above a League.  
At the same time the Prince of Conde attacked some Dutch battalions that lay entrenched at the Entrance of a Wood; they were so terrified at the very sight of the French, that in lieu of making good the Pass, they threw down their Arms. The Prince promised them Quarter, severely forbidding any Body to attack them; but his Nephew the Duke of Longueville, being ignorant of it, committed an act of imprudence, in firing one of his Pistols just near their Entrenchments, which cost him his Life; for the Enemy believing that they were advancing to cut them to pieces, betook themselves again to their Arms, and at their first Discharge killed the Duke with five more Persons of Quality, and wounded a considerable number, amongst whom was Armand du Cambout, Duke of Cosselin, a Peer of France; and the Prince of Conde, who was drawn thither by the noise and discharging of the Fire Arms, was wounded by a Pistol-shot in his Wrist. The French being exasperated at the loss of their Officers and Comerades, cut most of the Enemy in pieces, except some who saved themselves by flight.  
The King in the mean while saw the other Regiments of Horse pass the River one after another, Squadron by Squadron, with less danger than before, the great number of Horse that swum close together, breaking in a great measure the violence of the Waves, and swiftness of the Current. The next Day following, the Bridge being got ready, all the Infantry pass over it with the whole Train of Artillery.  
It is not to be expressed, what a noise this Action so bravely undertaken, and so prudently managed did make in the World; the Prince of Orange, for fear of being surprised, thought it his best way to quit his Intrenchments, and by long Marches retreated deeper into the Country. The generality of the People being filled with Consternation, put all the hopes of their Safety in the Mercy of their Conqueror; which they endeavoured to purchase from his Hands, by striving (as it may be said) who should be the first that should put themselves under his Protection. The Soldiers got an incredible Booty, wallowing for two Months together in Plenty and Riches.  
Doesburg and Arnheim did not hold out above four and twenty Hours after opening of the Trenches.  
The Fort of Skink (Shencken Skans) so famous both for its Strength and Situation, and the long and vigorous Attacks it has so bravely sustained at other times, surrendered before the opening of the Trenches.  
The Forts of Woerens and St. Andrew did the same.  
The City of Utrecht, though secured by several Places of good Strength, sent the Keys of their Gates to the Victorious Enemy at a good distance: All Places in the Betaw followed their Example, and there were very few Cities upon the Rhine, the , the Wahle and Yssel, but what readily opened their Gates and received Safeguards.  
In the Province of Holland, the Cities of Oudewater, Voerden, and Narden were also taken by the King's Forces, and Amsterdam itself, that proud and potent City, was upon the point of Capitulating, and notwithstanding all the brave Efforts of some of the Magistrates, would have been forced to submit to the King's Conquering Arms, if the Officer who commanded in our most advanced Quarters, had not been careless in entrenching himself immediately, in a small place called Muyden; from whence we might have battered all their Ships going to Amsterdam; a fatal Neglect, which preserved the whole Province from falling into our hands.  
Empires as well as other things have their certain Periods, and Critical Minutes, which if known and dexterously managed, prove commonly fatal to them. In the mean time Francis Henry de Montmorency Duke of Luxemburgh, having with a considerable Body of Troops, and many experienced Officers, joined the Forces of the Bishop of Munster, and of the Archbishop of Cologne, (who being dissatisfied with the Hollanders) were reentered into a League with the King against them) had Conquered a third Province.  
The Duke after having put Safeguards into seven or eight small places, Besieged in conjunction with the Bishop of Munster the City of Groll. This strong place having surrendered without making any resistance, the Archbishop's Forces being joined with the rest, they Besieged the City of Deventer, which being soon forced to come to a Capitulation, those of Zwoll and Campen, and generally all the other Places of the Province of Overyssel followed their Example.  
To make due reflection upon these surprising Events, they appear so extraordinary and prodigious, as to be almost past belief; for it is scarce possible to imagine, that so many brave Cities, which hitherto had passed for impregnable, should, without making any Defence, have surrendered at discretion, especially, if it be considered, that most of them being provided with good Garrisons, and that in a Country, which for a considerable time had been accounted the School of War in Europe, scarce any of their strong holds to have defended themselves above four and twenty hours, except Zutphen and Nimeguen, the first of which held out four, and the last nine days.  
But, when People after the Fatigues of a tedious War, enjoy the fruits of a glorious Peace, they begin to abandon themselves to their pleasures, which renders them careless of their own security, and of improving Martial Discipline, one of the Pillars of the State. A Nation being thus inveigled and dazzled with their present good Fortune, are soon brought into confusion, at the least mischance.  
The Hollanders being reduced to this extremity, and seeing themselves in most imminent danger of becoming an absolute Prey to the K's Conquering Arms, judged it most conducible to their present condition to sue for Peace; for which reason the States deputed some to the King, to know upon what terms he would be pleased to grant it, and at the same time sent to Charles II. then King of England, to be informed concerning his Pretensions against them.  
For it is to be observed, that it was not the French King alone, who was offended at the Hollanders; they had given great causes of complaint to the King of England, by their Insolence both to him and his Subjects, by troubling their Commerce, and especially by fomenting divisions betwixt that Prince and his People, which ever since the Peace concluded at Breda, they had looked upon as the main pont of their own security. Our King being not ignorant in the Art of improving so favourable a juncture, and how to represent the injuries received by the Dutch to King Charles II. it made so lively an impression upon that Monarch, that he quitted the Triple-Alliance, and declared open War to the Hollanders.  
Having equipped a Gallant Fleet, the same was joined by the French in the Channel, and the Dutch threatened with a most powerful Invasion by Sea; but the Enemies had secured themselves so well at Sea, and had provided a Fleet so numerous, and well manned, that when the Fleets of both Crowns engaged them on the 7th of June, they could, after a most bloody and obstinate Fight, boast of no other advantage, than to have chased them towards their own Coasts, and made them retire to their own Ports.  
The Propositions of Peace made by the two Kings were looked upon by the Dutch as so extravagant and intolerable, that they resolved rather to bury themselves in their own Ruins, than to purchase the Peace at such a Rate. Being therefore reduced to that Extremity as to be forced to take such Measures as were most suitable to their present desperate Condition, they had recourse to their Sluices and Dikes, which they opened and pierced through in many places, and put the Country under Water, to serve them as a Barricado against their Enemies, who were upon the Point of snatching from them their so much admired Liberty: The Remedy appeared so dangerous in the Eyes of all the World, that the most considered it to be of worse consequence than the Evil they feared; but nevertheless it proved the real cause of their Safety.  
For our King finding all his Measures broken by this insurmountable Obstacle left Holland, leaving the Duke of Luxemburgh to Command in his Absence, with Orders to take the opportunity of the approaching Winter, to push on his Conquests with all the vigour imaginable, under the favour of the Frosts and Ice. At his Return into France, the People charmed with his Presence after so Glorious a Campaign, received him in Triumph, and accompanied him through all places wherever he passed, with all the joyful Acclamations and Vows due to a Conqueror.  
The Dutch Troops having taken new Courage after the King's Departure, Besieged Voerden under the Command of the Prince of Orange, with fourteen Thousand Men. All the Country round about it lay under Water, there being only one Passage left to approach it, which was a Dike on the side of Utrecht. To cut off from the Town all Communication and hopes of Succours, the Prince had caused two Forts to be erected on each side of the Dike, and betwixt both a Battery strengthened with a good Entrenchment. But all these Fortifications were not strong enough to frighten the Duke of Luxemburgh, who after the Siege had lasted two Months, advancing early in the Morning, attacked them in the Front; but being repulsed there, he was so far from giving over his Design, that having caused the Depth of the Waters to be sounded, and finding them not above four Foot deep in a certain place which he judged convenient for the Attack, he led his Men with a marvellous Resolution through the Waters, and taking them in Flank made himself Master of one of their Quarters on that side, from whence assaulting the Forts, he took them not without a great Slaughter on the Enemy's side, who being obliged to raise the Siege, the Duke provided the place with a sufficient Garrison, and marched back again to Utrecht, with a considerable Booty, and a good number of Prisoners of War. 
The Prince of Orange raises the Siege of Voerden.   
The bravest and most courageous Action that ever was undertaken, especsally if it be considered, that the Duke had not above three Thousand Men with him, by reason that he was not joined by some Troops which he expected to have met him in his March according to Orders, and because that the French Troops were not very numerous at that time thereabouts, the Viscount of Turenne having lately been reinforced from thence with a good Body of the best Regiments, to observe the Motions of the Elector of Brandenburg.  
The more all the Neighbouring Princes were surprised at the stupendious progress of the King's Arms, 
War with the Elector of Brandenburg  the more they judged it for their Interests to put a stop to his Conquests. It is not to be imagined that it was so much out of Compassion, or the Consideration of the deplorable Condition, to which this so flourishing and potent Commonwealth had been reduced within the space of two Months, that made them take these Measures to prevent its ruin by their assistance; but their own Fears and Jealousies, which represented to them Europe in Chains, and as a Vassal of France, if the King should Conquer the United Provinces; what Wonder then if all were ready to lend a helping hand to preserve that from whence depended in a great measure their own Safeties; whilst some therefore endeavoured to obtain their aim by secret Intrigues, others presented themselves with their Swords in Hand.  
The Elector of Brandenburg was the first who showed himself most concerned for the Preservation of the Dutch, whether it was that their Money had had more influence over him than the rest, and made him more Zealous for their Interest; or whether it were that he was dissatisfied at our King for not restoring to him some Places, which belonged to him, and were taken by our Troops from the Dutch, I will not pretend to determine. It is unquestionable that he was a Prince very aspiring and ambitious, one of the bravest Men living, and of great Experience in Martial Affairs, who maintained at that time an Army of twenty five Thousand Men, who wanted to be employed some where or other. Add to this the Solicitations of his Nephew the Prince of Orange, who earnestly entreated him to employ his Forces for the Relief of Holland, which might serve as the most effectual means in the World to establish his Reputation among them. So sure it is that all the Ties of Consanguinity are weak, if not strengthened and linked together by Interest. The Hollanders offered to one of the Elector's Sons all the Dignities belonging to the Prince of Orange in Holland, if that Family should happen to be extinct; the Prince of Orange was of a weak Constitution, and Unmarried at that time, who exposed his Person unto the hazard of War upon a thousand occasions. These glorious Hopes, though very remote, a good Sum of ready Money, and the Glory of being the first that had so much Courage as to oppose the Victorious Arms of our King, and consequently to prove the Deliverer of so great and famous a Commonwealth, all these Considerations, I say, joined together, induced the Elector to declare against France.  
The number of his Forces was very considerable in comparison of ours at a time when the King having been obliged to disperse most of his Troops in his late Conquests, which amounted to fifty or threescore strong places, there was but a slender share left to keep the Field. So soon as we received Intelligence that the Elector's Army was ready to march, the Viscount de Turenne was ordered to march with all speed to meet him on the other side of the thing with his small Army, consisting only of twelve Thousand Men; the Elector's Army by several Reinforcements, was near thirty five thousand. But if the Elector was stronger in number of Men, the Viscount was superior in Officers, and such as were all true Soldiers, who being all chosen Men, and flushed with their late good Success, did breath after nothing so much, as fresh opportunity of acquiring new Glory.  
No sooner had the Elector been advertised of our March, but he first made a Halt, and perceiving that the Viscount intended to expect his coming, he retreated, and repassed the River Weser; if it was a Surprise to all the World to see the Elector fly from an Army much inferior in number to his, it was the more astonishing to see the French pursue him over the Weser, with an incredible Swiftness, to force all the Places that durst oppose them, to ravage the flat Country, and to take up their Winter-Quarters in his Territories.  
In the mean while the Prince of Orange having got together an Army of near fourscore Thousand Men, 
Siege of Charleroy  was advanced towards Mastrick, with an intention to free in some measure his own Country from the Burden of the War, by carrying it into another; for which purpose after several Marches and Countermarches, seeming to threaten sometimes Tongres, sometimes Mastrick, he at last Besieged Charleroy, a place situate upon the Sambre, and of no small consequence to us, by reason of its most convenient situation to conduct our Convoys and Recruits into Holland.  
The Spaniards, though they had very lately given the King fresh assurances of their sincere Intentions, and that they desired nothing so much as to cultivate a good Understanding with him, nevertheless had furnished ten Thousand Men for the better carrying on of this Enterprise.  
The Place was at that time unprovided with a sufficient Garrison to make a vigorous Defence, the Governor was absent, and the French had no Army ready at hand to relieve it, so that every thing seemed to concur for the advantage of the Prince of Orange, who, it was believed, would be Master of the place in eight Days. But our King in the same moment he received the News of the Siege, dispatched his Orders into Flanders, to assemble his Troops with all possible speed, he himself left Versailles in a few Days after to hasten their March, and to put himself at the Head of them in order to relieve the Place.  
The Rumour of the King's Departure being soon spread in the Enemy's Camp, 
Siege of Charleroy raised.  struck such a Terror among them, that without more ado they raised the Siege.  
This was a kill stroke to the Elector of Brandenburg, who being in hopes that by so powerful a Diversion the face of Affairs would soon change for the better on his side, and that the French would be obliged to recall their Troops out of his Territories, in order to succour Charleroy; but finding himself absolutely disappointed in his Expectation, he took other Measures and sued for Peace. The King, to make him sensible of his Error, kept him in suspense for two or three Months, in the mean while that his Troops consumed all what was left in the Countries of Marck and Ravensbergh. This obliged the Elector to be more pressing than ever for a Peace, which he at last obtained from the King, who in consideration of his Submission granted him more than he could have expected to have got by the War, and his own Courage. For the King promised to restore to him, within a certain time limited, all the Places belonging to him in the Duchy of Cleves, which was executed accordingly in the next following Year; but the Treaty was but little observed on the Elector's side, who was no sooner got into possession of these Places, but took up Arms again, and declared against France.  
After the Conclusion of this Treaty, the King having now laid aside his design of Conquering Holland, nevertheless had taken a Resolution to make himself Master of Mastricht, at the beginning of this Campaign, knowing it to be one of the main Bulwarks of the Dutch.  
This City has been famous ever since the last Age, when it was first surrounded with a good Fortification, by the Duke of Alva, afterwards taken by the Forces of the States, and retaken by Storm by the Duke of Parma, and in the Year 1632. once more taken by the Dutch, after a Siege of two Months. It's situation is one of the most convenient in the World, being built on purpose to keep the whole Province of Brabant, the Bishopric of Liege, the Country of Limburgh, Cleves and Gueldres in awe, which together with the Fertility of the adjacent Country, 
Description of Mastricht.  its Traffic, Number and Industry of the Inhabitants, has made it at all times to be considered as the Key and Bullwork of all the circumjaceat Provinces, which has been the reason the Dutch have not been sparing in any thing which might add to its strength. It is situate upon the , which separates it from the Suburbs called the Wick, very well fortified and joined to the City by a Stone-Bridge. The Body of the Place, to the Landside, is fortified with the finest and most regular Fortifications that are to be seen in all Flanders, with Ravelins, Demilines, and many Hornworks, all secured with deep Ditches. Their Magazines were at that time well provided with all things necessary to sustain a Siege. There was in the Place without counting the Inhabitants that were capable of bearing Arms, a Garrison of six or seven thousand Men of their best Troops, under the Command of an old Officer, whose Name was Fariaux, a Man no less Brave than expert in all Matters relating to the Defence of a Place of such importance; and the States seemed to be resolved to Sacrifice every thing for the preservation of it. Nevertheless, in spite of all these Advantages, this strong City so courageously defended, was not able to hold out against the King above thirteen Days.  
For the King was no sooner arrived in the Camp, 
Siege of Mas●●icht  but having taken an exact view of the whole situation of the Place, he ordered immediately the Lines of Circumvallation and Contravallation to be made, and assigned the Quarters for their Batteries. Five of these were in a condition to play within three Days, and the Lines perfected much about the same time, though the Lines of Circumvallation contained eight Leagues in Circuit, and that both of them were ten Foot high, and twelve broad. The next following Day the Trenches being opened, they advanced the first Night within a small distance from the convert way. It is next to an impossibility to conceive with what dispatch Matters were carried on in this Siege. But it must also be confessed, that if the King's Subjects were not sparing in their Labour, and undergoing all the Fatigues that can be imagined; he on his side gave such Proofs of his Valour, Liberality and Conduct, that all the World must acknowledge him to be worthy to Command such brave Fellows. For he appeared every where, ordered the Attacks in Person, animating them by his Presence, by his Liberality, Praises and Promises of Rewards; he never rested all Night, not going to Sleep till Six a Clock in the Morning, and getting again on Horseback immediately after Dinner. Amongst the Variety of Business which distracted his Thoughts without intermission, in an Enterprise of such consequence, he was never forgetful to inquire after the State of the Wounded Soldiers, and would sometimes take his Round among them from Tent to Tent, even of the Common Soldiers, to see whether they stood in want of any thing for their Subsistence or Recovery. The King having thereby gained the Hearts of all the Soldiery, as his Liberality and Promises had raised their Courage, they were ready to Sacrifice every thing for his Service, which was the reason that the Siege advanced so successfully, notwithstanding the Besieged did all that could be expected from Mortal Men to defend themselves against us, the Governor being not sparing either of his Soldiers or Workmen, who seemed to outdo the French in repairing their Breaches, and placing new Pallisado's instead of those ruined by our Cannon.  
But the most memorable Action was performed in the two Attacks made at once upon the Counterscarp; and it may be said without the least Contradiction to truth, that never was a more dreadful Night known since the Memory of Man; for what with the continual Fire from the Firelocks, Cannon, Mortars, and Hand-Granado's, what with the Cries and Lamentations of the fight and wounded Soldiers, what with the Horror and Slaughter which lasted from the Evening till Break of Day, it is confessed by the consent of all the most experienced Officers there present, that never any thing was seen like it before. Both Attacks were carried on with equal Bravery, and by the confession of both Parties, both the Assailants and Besieged, gave a thousand Proofs of their Valour, which were for the most part buried by the obscurity of the Night.  
The Granadeers followed by the Grand Musqueteers, all brave young Fellows, and eager after Fight, began the Attack, and were received with an unparallelled Bravery by the Besieged, the Governor having posted there all the chosen Men of the whole Garrison, and a good number of Volunteers, who had thrown themselves in on purpose to signalise themselves upon so extraordinary an occasion. Thus the Engagement lasted with equal Bravery on both sides, till the Besieged were forced out of a Halfmoon; this was taken and retaken three times in four and twenty Hours, before the French could secure themselves in it against the furious Attacks of the Enemy. Two Days after, they took also from them the Horn-work, which the Governor Fariau endeavoured to regain, but with so ill success, that having caused a small Mine to be sprung in hopes to ruin ours, it sprung backwards, and carried five hundred of his Men up into the Air.  
This new disaster, the fear of being Plundered, and the Miserable Condition into which the whole place was reduced by our Cannon and Bombs, made the Inhabitants resolve upon a Capitulation: Having accordingly made their Address to the Governor, he refused to hearken to it, but they earnestly insisting upon their Demand, he answered, That he was resolved to hold it out to the last Extremity. But after a little while dreading a double Misfortune, to wit, the effects of the enraged Multitude, and of the Enemy, he thought it more prudent to Capitulate upon Honourable Terms, than to expose the Garrison, of which there was but one third part remaining fit for Service, to the Slaughter; accordingly he beat a Parley, 
Mastricht Surrendered  after having defended the place thirteen Days after opening of the Trenches, with all the Conduct and Courage that could be expected from a brave Officer.  
The Garrison marched out with Drums beating, Matches lighted, and two pieces of Cannon, the King being not unwilling to grant these Honourable Terms to Men that had behaved themselves with so much Bravery.  
The taking of Mastricht would in all likelihood have been followed by the Conquest of Boisleduc and all the other places of the Dutch Brabant, if the Storm that arose on the Germane side had not drawn the King that way.  
To disperse these Clouds, 
The Germane War.  or at least to prevent their Effects, the King, after having given his Orders for the repairing the Fortifications of Mastricht, set forth on his Journey to Nancy, where he likewise ordered the Fortifications to be put in a State of defence, which was put in execution with incredible Diligence in less than three Weeks; at the same time he secured Colmar and Schlestadt in his Interest, where, as it was believed, the Imperialists had a secret Correspondence; and having obliged the City of Strasburgh by his approach to embrace a Neutrality, he possessed himself of the City of Treves, to be even with that Elector for the Breach of his Word, and to make it a frontier place, to cover his Dominions on that side. These so necessary Precautions proved of such consequence afterwards to his Affairs, that among all those Enemies that were engaged in a League against him, during the space of five Years, whilst the War lasted, and threatened to Invade his Country, none of them could boast to have been able to enter his Dominions with so much as one single Squadron.  
The Dutch Money, 
League betwixt the Emperor, Spain, and Holland.  of which they were very prodigal in most Courts of Europe, and the Intrigues of their Ministers, who had every where raised great fears and jealousies against the King, had at last drawn the Emperor and Spain into their Party, who having concluded an Offensive League with them, the Emperor brought together an Army of thirty thousand Men, which he ordered to march towards the Rhine. At their approach the Viscount of Turenne, who was General of the King's Army on that side, met them as far as in Franconia, in hopes to draw them to a Battle; but they being careful in avoiding an Engagement, the Viscount could not prevent them from passing the Rhine, in conjunction with the Prince of Orange, and besieging Bonn.  
This place was without a Ditch, its Fortifications being not quite brought to perfection, notwithstanding which, the French Governor, with his Garrison, consisting only of fifteen hundred Men, defended himself so valiantly against so powerful an Army, composed of three several Nations, that they did not become Masters of it, till after a fourteen Night's Siege. As the Conquest of this City, as well as that of Naerden, 
Siege of Bonn.  a small but well Fortified Place in Holland, taken from us in the foregoing Month of September, by the Prince of Orange, seemed to be the happy Forerunners of the good success of this Alliance, so the Emperor and Spain flattered themselves with the hopes of all those Advantages which the Dutch Ministers had put them in hopes of when they entered into the League.  
The Emperor entered into the Alliance not only upon that score, as having in view thereby to put a stop to the greatness of France, which if it should overrun Holland and the Low-Countries, would, like an impetuous Torrent spread all over Germany, but as looking upon this as a favourable juncture to increase his Authority in the Empire. It is very well known that for a considerable time passed, it has been the main design of the House of Austria, to make themselves absolute in Germany, by reducing these Princes under their Obedience; This seemed to be the most Critical juncture that could be, to put this so long projected design in execution; the King's Conquests in Holland, and his taking the City of Treves, were the most plausible pretences in the World to bring a good Army into Germany, without giving any suspicion to these Princes, whom they hoped to ruin one after another, by drawing them into the Quarrel, under the glorious pretext of taking up Arms for the defence of the Empire.  
As for what concerned the Spaniards, they were cajoled into a League by the fair promises of the Dutch, who offered no less than the Restitution of Maestrick, after it should be retaken, and engaged themselves not to make either Peace or Truce with us, before the French King should have surrendered to them all what he had taken from them since the Pyrenean Peace. A mere Tinsey wherewith to dazzle the Eyes of the Spaniards, their intention being, to keep no further to their promises, than they should find it suitable to their own Interest; as it sufficiently appeared at the Treaty of Nimeguen, when they obliged the Spaniards to accept of the same Propositions as they were projected by our King.  
The Alliance of so many powerful Princes seemed to foretell something extraordinary against France; but thinking themselves not in a condition to undertake any thing of moment, unless strengthened by the Power of England, they left no stone unturned all that Winter, to bring that King over to their side. But all their great offers, and fair promises, would have proved fruitless upon this King, who stood  in his Resolution of adhering to our Interest, if at last some of the Parliament Men, who being perhaps overcome with the charms of the Dutch Gold, 
Peace betwixt England and Holland.  had not pressed so hard upon that King, that being no longer able to resist their importunities, he made Peace with the Hollanders, without declaring against France.  
Our King was no considerable loser by the conclusion of this Peace, his chiefest loss consisting in the recalling of a few English Troops; for what had been concerted betwixt these two Kings about a Descent to be made upon the Dutch Coast, had been found impracticable, they having been sufficiently convinced by Experience, that nothing of great moment ought to be expected from Sea Engagements, as to the decision of the Fate of a War; witness those three several Sea fights betwixt the Fleets of the two Kings, and that of the Dutch, in all which, the balance appeared so little different, that it was no easy matter to determine which of them ought with Justice carry away the Honour of the Victory, there having been scarce any other advantage obtained on either side, but to make a great noise without doing any considerable hurt. Thus the Hollanders imagined, that being now Masters at Sea, they could not want an opportunity of ravaging our Coasts, and to make themselves Masters of some places in France; but they have been sufficiently convinced by their ill Success, that unless an Enemy be assured of a good Port, it is a very difficult task to make a Descent, and cannot be undertaken without vast Charges, which scarce ever quit cost.  
However, the Peace betwixt England and Holland appeared to be the Signal to all the other Princes of Germany, who now began to throw off the mask one after another, and declared against us, except the Elector of Bavaria and the Duke of Hanover, who continued steadfast in their Neutrality. For the Electors of Saxony, Mayence, of Treves, and the Elector Palatin, 
Germany and Denmark enters into a League.  as well as the Landtgraves of Hesse, and Princes of Baden, with most of the Circles of Germany did immediately take up Arms in favour of the Alliance. The Elector of Cologne, and Bishop of Munster, left our Party, to embrace that of the Allies; and tho' the King of Denmark, the Dukes of Brunswick, and the Elector of Brandenburg did not immediately declare against France, yet did they engage in the Alliance from that time, and promised to put themselves in a posture of assisting and promoting the common cause.  
Now it was that the Hollanders had all the reason in the World to rejoice at their good Success, seeing they had by their good Management transferred the Burden of the War from their own into their Neighbour's Countries; the King, surrounded on all sides by his Enemies, which the Dutch had raised against him, having been obliged to abandon all his Conquests in the United Provinces, (except Grave and Mastricht, which served to bridle them) to make use of these Garrisons against the numerous Armies of the Allies. Notwithstanding all these Advantages, the States desired nothing so much as Peace, considering that having now recovered what they had lost, it would be very hard for them to maintain at their own Charge a War, where now they had no further Interest, but what they had in common with their Allies.  
After a whole Twelve months' Debate about a Peace, all Parties concerned having at last accepted the Mediation of the King of Sweden, sent their Plenipotentiaries to Cologne, the place appointed for the carrying on of the Treaty. The Conferences were frequently interrupted by several Accidents, and new Difficulties which arise from time to time, the Plenipotentiaries of the States-General applied themselves with great Assiduity, and were not without hopes of bringing this grand Affair to a happy Conclusion, if the Emperor, who was for continuing the War, had not caused Prince William of Furstembergh (since made Cardinal) to be seized by force in the open Streets, without the least Respect to his Character, he being Minister and Plenipotentiary of the Archbishop of Cologne, and carried him afterwards Prisoner to Vienna. He also caused a House to be Pillaged about fourteen Days after, where there was some Money belonging to the French King, and refususg to give any reasonable Satisfaction for these Outrages, the Conferences broke off, and both sides renewed their Preparations with more vigour than ever for the prosecution of the War.  
All Europe stood in expectation of the success of this War, there being very few but what were of Opinion, that the King would be forced to be upon the defensive, forasmuch as it was sufficiently known, that the Allies, had entered into a mutual Engagement not to hearken to any Peace, unless Lorraine were restored to that Duke, Alsace to the Emperor, and to Spain all what had been taken from them since the Pyrenean Peace. But they were not satisfied thus, they had laid their Designs to invade Burgundy, Picardy and Champaign, and to ravage as far as to the very Gates of Paris; but those vast Projects were less difficult to be conceived, than to be put in execution.  
For whilst the Allies were concerting measures, 
The Campaign of 1674.  and buoying up one another with these Chimeras, the King laid a real Design to make himself once more Master of the Franche Compte, thereby to cover his Frontiers, which lay almost exposed on that side, to encourage his Subjects by some great Enterprise, and to make his Enemies sensible, that he was in a condition not only to defend himself, but also to act offensively against them. When the State is threatened by some great and imminent danger, it must needs be oppressed under the weight of it, unless the Prince do uphold and cherish his Subjects by his good Conduct and firm Resolution; for if the Head prove defective, the Functions of the whole Body begin to cease.  
When the Spaniards declared War against us, the King proposed a Neutrality for that Province, and the Swiss Cantons did all what in them lay to second the King's Endeavours, as being unwilling to see a Province bordering so near upon them to become the Seat of War; but the Allies refused to accept the King's offer, which in lieu of proving advantageous to them caused the loss of it, or at least facilitated the King's Conquests there; the Cantons being exasperated at their refusal, having not only given their Consent for the King to attempt the Reduction of it, but also denied a Passage to those Troops that were intended for its relief. This was the only Obstacle the King had to surmount, or at least the most difficult; for though the Spaniards, since the Conclusion of the Peace of Aix la Chapelle, had refortified most of their Places, yet it was looked upon as a much harder task to dispose a Free People to give their consent that a Potent and Victorious King should settle himself in their Neighbourhood, than to conquer two or three strong Holds, that were without hopes of relief.  
Accordingly the King ordered his Troops to march into the Franche Compte, 
Conquest of the Franche Compte.  who immediately in the Month of February made themselves Masters of Grace and Vesoul, besides many other small Places. But this being only the beginning of the Fray, the rest was reserved for the King's coming in Person. For Besancon being invested by his Forces in May following, 
Siege of ●esancon.  the King came himself into the Camp, his Presence being absolutely necessary there, to qualify the Minds of the Soldiers, who were forced to undergo incredible Hardships in this Siege. It was extreme bad Wether when the Court set out for the Camp, and grew almost insupportable soon after, which continued thus to the end of the Siege. The great Rains that fell without intermission, the high Winds and cold Nights, the Waters that overflowed the Trenches, and the whole Camp, where the Soldiers stood Knee deep in Mud and Dirt; all these Fatigues would questionless have tired out the Patience of the Soldiers, if the King who exposed his Person to the same Hardships had not by his Example and Liberality upheld their drooping Courage.  
Besancon is situate in a small Plain upon a very ill Ground, so rocky and full of Stones, that we had much ado to carry on our Trenches. It is divided into the higher and lower Town, the last is surrounded by the River Doux, which serves for a Ditch, and being at that time overflown by the frequent Rains, did extremely annoy us in the carrying on of our Trenches. The place was provided with a Garrison of four Thousand Men, one half being of the Militia, besides a good number of Volunteers, all under the Command of an Old and Brave Officer. Notwithstanding all this, they made but a slender Defence, the Citadel itself which was esteemed impregnable, not being able to hold out above eight Days. This Citadel was newly fortified on the very point of a Rock very near perpendicular on all sides, having no more than one Avenue leading to the top, which was well fortified with several Intrenchments, strengthened with Bastions and Halfmoons.  
The place however had this disadvantage belonging to it, that it was commanded by two adjacent Rocky Hills, but of so steep and difficult an Ascent, that in all humane appearance, it was impossible to bring any Cannon to the tops of them. As they lay on the back side of the Citadel and within full reach of the Cannon, the King went in Person to view them. The Attempt seemed to be the boldest and most dangerous that ever was undertaken, but Nature having not framed any thing unaccessible to the Courageous, the King commanded, That all the Night long, by the light of a great number of Torches and Links, they should draw up the Cannon to the top of one of these Hills, and he did not stir from thence till he saw it put in execution. The Besieged surprised at the boldness of the Enterprise, however plied them warmly with their Cannon; but in spite of their Fire, which played without intermission, they continued their Work, and raised a Battery which the next following Day began to play against the Citadel.  
The inside being all built of Stone, the Cannon Bullets made a most terrible havoc in a Fort which was of no great compass, so that you might see at every moment the Stones fly about as thick as Hail, which did great execution among the Garrison, many of whom were slain by the Stones, the rest not daring to appear but in the Night time. Thus the Out-Works being taken in a few Days, the Governor was forced to Capitulate.  
After the taking of Besancon, the King laid Siege to Dole, the Fortifications of which place being not quite brought to perfection, it did hold out not above nine Days. Salins defended itself seven Days, and the strong Castle of St. Anne, which was hitherto esteemed inaccessible, beat a Parley as soon as a Battery erected upon vast Wooden-Piles, began to thunder against it. Thus the King conquered the whole Franche Compte in four or five Weeks.  
After the Conquest of this Province, he divided his Army, one part being sent into Germany to reinforce the Viscount of Turenne; and the greatest part into Flanders to join the Army commanded by the Prince of Conde. Then he returned into France, to suppress by his Presence some Cabals, which it was suspected had been set on foot by the Allies in some of the Maritime Provinces. The Kingdom was at that time threatened on all sides; it was in no small danger of being Invaded on the Germane side: The Allies had three Armies in the Field in Flanders and Spain, another in Catalonia; and to make sure Work, the Dutch threatened either to make a Descent upon us, or at least to Bombard some of our Seaport-Towns. But all these vast Designs vanished into Smoak; for our Frontiers remained unattempted all this Campaign, and the King had taken such sure Measures, that the Allies had nothing else to boast of, but of their own Disgrace, having been defeated by the King's Troops much inferior in number to theirs.  
They were no less than threescore Thousand effective Men in Flanders, all select and old welldisciplined Troops; whereas the King's Army commanded by the Prince of Conde, 
Battle of Seneff.  did consist only of forty Thousand Men. The Enemy advanced towards him, but he was so advantageously posted, that they did not judge it advisable to attack him; thus failing in their aim, they decamped. The Germans cammanded by the General de Souches had the Vanguard; the main Battle was made up out of the Dutch Forces under the Command of the Prince of Orange; the Spaniards Commanded by the Count de Monterey Governor of the Spanish Netherlands, had the Inner Guard, being covered in their March by a Body of five Thousand Horse, detached from the several Bodies of the three Nations. The Prince of Conde, who was advised that in their March they were obliged to pass several Lanes, judged not without reason, that as they passed through these Defiles, they must march at such a distance, as not to be able to second one another timely enough, in case of an Attack. Looking therefore upon it as a most favourable opportunity to fall in with them, he was resolved not to let it slip out of his Hands.  
Having therefore suffered the Imperialists and Hollanders to pass the Defiles unmolested, he charged the Spaniards so furiously, that he absolutely routed them, taking many Standards and Colours, and a great many Prisoners, among whom were several of Quality. This first Victory did not cost the King above an Hundred, or an Hundred and fifty Men, whereas the Enemy lost above three Thousand; a happy Days Work, if the Prince could have been contented with his good Success! But having afterwards Attacked the main Body, and likewise brought them in Confusion, matters seemed to tend to a total Rout, if the Imperialists had not found means to come to their relief. The Flying Enemy having got leisure in the mean while to Rally, and the three Generals to put their several Bodies in order of Battle, upon an Eminency, being covered with Bushes, Hedges and Ditches, and Cannon planted on all the Avenues, the face of Affairs began to change, and the Fight was renewed with more obstinacy and fury than before. The Enemies were posted in such a manner, that it was impossible to come to Handy Blows with them, without sustaining the Fire of their whole Infantry; but the greater the Danger, the greater the Honour; all this it seems was not sufficient to startle the Invincible Courage of the Prince of Conde, nor to terrify his Soldiers flushed with Success, but being resolved to complete this Days Work by a third Victory, they fell on with incredible Bravery. As Despair is the most powerful Motive to inspire Courage even in the Faint-hearted, so the Enemy defended themselves with great Obstinacy; the Engagement lasted from Noon till Night, and the Slaughter did not cease on both sides, till Moonlight about Ten or Eleven a Clock at Night. The Enemy took few of ours Prisoners, and among them scarce any Body of note; but we lost abundance of brave Men and Officers, seven or eight Standards, and had about five or six Thousand killed and wounded. The loss of the Enemy amounted to above seven or eight Thousand; we took near five Thousand Prisoners, among whom were four Princes of the Empire, a great number of other Persons of Quality, many of their Colonels, and two Hundred Officers; an Hundred and seven Standards and Colours, three Field-pieces, two Mortars, several Kettledrums, ponton's, three Thousand Wagons, with all their Ammunition, and three hundred Thousand Crowns in ready Money, designed for the Payment of their Armies.  
About a Month after, 
Siege of Oudenarde.  they laid Siege to Oudenarde, but no sooner had they got notice that the Prince of Conde was marching to its relief, but they quitted the Siege with so much Precipitation, that they left behind them in their Trenches part of their Baggage and Ammunition, besides most of their Utensils used in carrying on of the Trenches.  
Another Army composed of the Dutch Forces, 
Siege of Grave.  and joined by some Brandenburg Troops, were for two Months together busied in the Siege of Grave. The City of Grave is considerable for its strength, and was at that time very well provided with Ammunition, a good Artillery, and a numerous Garrison; but the Besiegers being surrounded on all sides by their own Country, had great plenty of every thing in their Camp, and the place being but small, there was little appearance it should hold out long, the Place being given over for lost by the French, without the least hopes of being able to relieve it. The Dutch had made many Attacks upon their outworks, but with so little success, that they were repulsed without being able to maintain themselves in any of these Posts. The Besieged made continual Sallies, nailed up their Cannon, filled up their Trenches, killed abundance of their Men, and carried a great many Prisoners into the Town. Their bravery and resolution in undergoing with undaunted constancy all the Fatigues of War, the continual thundering of their Cannon, and their frequent Mines, which, for the most part, did great execution, had struck such a terror among the Besiegers, that they Deserted by whole Troops, and got into the Town.  
To revive in some measure, the drooping Courage of the rest, the Prince of Orange marched to their assistance with a Body of ten thousand fresh Men, who being also repulsed in several Attacks, it was the general Opinion that the Dutch, would in all likelihood have been forced to quit the Enterprise, if the Governor, the Marquis of Chamilly, had not received Orders from our King to Capitulate, who, after he had given a thousand Proofs of his Conduct and Courage, surrendered upon such Conditions as he himself thought fit to propose; the Prince of Orange being willing enough to grant him any thing, partly in consideration of his Bravery, partly for fear, lest the Siege, by the obstinate Defence of the Besieged, should protract, till Winter, when the Season would oblige them to raise it. The Garrison was extremely diminished, not so much by the Enemy's Swords as by Sickness; and tho' they were straightened for Provisions, yet were they resolved to have endured all the extremities, and bury themselves under the Ruins of the Place, if the King, who would not suffer that so many brave Men should Sacrifice themselves for the defence of a Place, which he judged of no great consequence to his Affairs, had not sent them his Orders to Capitulate. The King had, at the beginning of the War, made himself Master of this Place without the loss of one single Man, but the Dutch did not take it till after a Siege of three Months, with a prodigious Charge, and the loss of twelve thousand Men; besides, they run no small hazard of coming off with disgrace.  
But they were less successful in their Expedition at Sea this Year; they had near an hundred and fifty Men of War, and after the Peace with England, were become absolute Masters of the Ocean, the King having sent most of his great Ships into the Mediterranean. One part of this great Fleet was sent to endeavour the Conquest of the French Plantations in the West-Indies, the rest were to be employed in making a Descent upon our Coast; but the best concerted measures prove not always infallible.  
For Admiral Ruiter did not succeed in his Enterprise against the Isle of Martinico, and Admiral Trump, who for four or five Months threatened our Coasts with a descent, did no other feats, but to Land in a small Island, from whence he carried away some , and plundered a certain Abbey. The ill success of the Allies in this Campaign seemed to be very ill presages to the League, especially if it be taken into consideration, that the King's Arms were Crowned with the same success in several other places; for Frederick Duke of Schomberg had beaten the Spaniards in the Plains of Russilion; as the Viscount of Turenne had been Victorious over the Germans in three or four several Encounters.  
For, after he had prevented the Duke of Lorraine from passing the Rhine, and consequently secured the King's Conquests on that side, he received Orders to hinder, if possible, the conjunction of the Duke with a Body of Imperialists, commanded by the Imperial General the Count of Caprara. Pursuant to these Orders he marched three Days and Nights without intermission, and on the fourth came within sight of the Enemy, whom he found so advantageously posted, that it seemed impossible to attack them without the greatest hazard in the World. For they were drawn up in order of Battle upon a rising Ground, being secured in the Front by a small Town, with a deep Rivulet, and many Hedges and Ditches, all which must be passed before they could be attacked. But what is so strong or inaccessible to a Man who has an equal share of Conduct and Courage?  
To be short, the Town was taken in less than two Hours, and the Enemy's Infantry which defended it, either cut in pieces, or taken Prisoners. But this was only the Introduction to the rest; our Troops were extremely fatigued with so long a March, and the heat of the Season; besides that, the Enemy having the advantage of the Wind, they were incommoded with the Smoke and Dust which almost choked them as they advanced towards the Enemy, where the Enemy stood ready to receive them: Notwithstanding all these disadvantages, they were resolute in attacking them; the Viscount of Turenne's Army consisted of nine or ten thousand Men, and that of the Duke of Loerain was near equal in number to his, with this difference only, that the last had more Horse, the other exceeded in Foot. The first attack was made with equal bravery on both sides, there being not a Squadron but what charged four or five times, and the Duke's Forces rallied and returned to their charge seven or eight times, neither were they put to the rout till after a bloody and obstinate Fight of eight Hours.  
About three Weeks after, the Prince of Bourneville General of the Imperial Forces, being with a Body of seven or eight thousand Men joined to the broken remainders of the Confederate Army. 
July 6th.  The Viscount of Turenne passed the River Neckar at Ladenburgh, in sight of them, and followed them so closely, that he fell in with their Rear, which he put to the rout, forcing their Infantry to seek for shelter among the neighbouring Woods and Mountains; but their Horse being briskly pursued by the French, did not face about till they came to Franckfort, twenty Leagues from thence, where being covered by the River Maine, the Viscount could not pursue them any further; but they were scattered to that degree that they were not in a condition to appear again in the Field, till being reinforced with fresh Supplies and Troops from the Emperor, from the Elector Palatin, the Elector of Cologne, Bishop of Munster, Duke of Wolfenbuttel, and all the neighbouring Circles, they made up an Army of thirty five or thirty six thousand Effiective Men.  
But this great Body was commanded by five Generals independent from one another, who being swayed by so many different Interests, did not agree in what measures to take; one being for the attempting the recovery of the Dukedom of Lorraine; another for the Siege of Treves or Philipsburgh; another for attacking the Viscount of Turenne with their joint Forces, thereby to retrieve their former disgrace. The French Army was at that time not above fifteen thousand strong, but the renown of their General, and their late Victories had made them so dreadful to the Enemy, that they durst not attempt to attack them.  
With this small Army he kept them in play for two Months together in the Lower- Alsace, till having at last received a reinforcement of some Regiments, he marched directly against the Allies to give them Battle, before they could be joined by the Elector of Brandenburgh's Forces, and those of the Duke of Brunswick. The Name of the Viscount of Turenne famous by so many Victories, was become so terrible to the Enemy, that most were of opinion they would scarce care to face him, but beyond all expectation they received him with all imaginable bravery, so that the fight was very obstinate and dubious for some time, till at last, 
Victory of Entsheim, Octob. 4.  having brought them into confusion, they were forced to quit the Field with the loss of three thousand Men, ten pieces of Cannon, and thirty Colours and Standards. The French were so eager in the pursuit, that the Enemies, to fly with the more conveniency, threw away their Cuirasses and Arms, of which there was a great quantity found all round about the Field of Battle.  
This Action, as brave as it was, yet was not the most glorious of this Campaign: For the Allies having been joined by the Troops of Brandenburg and Brunswick Zell, about the middle of October, were near threescore and ten Thousand strong in the Field; an Army so numerous, it was feared, would like a Deluge overrun all our Conquests on that side, but that the King, with an incredible resolution, without being in the least surprised at their number, knew by his Prudence so to manage the Matter, that all their Designs turned to their own disgrace.  
For immediately after the raising of the Siege of Oudenarde, he had ordered a considerable Detachment from Flanders into Germany, to join with all possible speed the Viscount of Turenne; at the same time he dispatched his Orders to him, to keep upon the Defensive, and as much as possibly could be, to provide for the security of those Places, which were of most consequence.  
The King wisely foresaw that this vast Multitude would soon be forced to disperse, by reason of the Divisions that were among the Generals, for want of sufficient Magazines, and the Incommodities of the Season, which must needs occasion many Diseases among the Soldiers; or that at last whenever they should come to separate themselves, there could not be wanting an opportunity to engage and vanquish them. Accordingly the Viscount of Turenne quitted his Camp to secure a certain Port so convenient and commodious for its situation, that with his small Army he conquered both Haugenan and Sauerne. The Allies, who did not judge it adviseable to attack him in this advantageous Post, marched directly into the Upper Alsace, with an intention to take up their Winter-Quarters in this Province, and so to march in the Spring directly either into Lorraine, or the Franche Compte; thus they lived at discretion for the space of two Months, over secure in their own strength, till the Viscount of Turenne beat up their Quarters, and sent them back to the other side of the Rhine.  
After he had received the abovementioned Reinforcement from Flanders, his Army consisted of scarce five and twenty Thousand Men; and though he was sufficiently informed of the strength of the Allies, who had near three to one against him, he marched in the Month of December, taking a great compass about, as if he were retiring from before them, and shunning to come to an Engagement. Thus, in lieu of taking the direct Road, he marched through Lorraine, and having traversed the Mountains without any other Obstacle, but what proceeded from the natural situation of these Hills, 
Dec. 29.  and the inconveniencies of a far advanced Season, he entered the Plains, where he found the Enemies scattered up and down in a fatal Security, without the least Apprehension of danger from an approaching Enemy; at the sight of whom they were struck with such terror, that they were above half vanquished before they were attacked; fourteen French Squadrons (a thing incredible, if it were not unquestionable, that when an Army is seized with a sudden and general Consternation, they have no leisure to reflect upon the number of the approaching Enemy) having passed the River Illin, a place which they found fordable, put their whole Cavalry to Flight.  
Being recovered from their first Consternation, 
Victory of Turkheim 5th Jan. 1675.  they resolved to stand the Brunt at a place called Turkheim, but with no better success than before, they being routed a second time, and forced to retreat in great confusion to the Rhine, which they repassed on the 11th of January, in the Year 1675. there being not above twenty thousand left of that vast Army; the rest were either taken Prisoners, or perished by the Sword, Famine, Debaucheries, and Distempers.  
All these Victories as they were the happy Products of the King's Vigilancy, 
Campaign of 1675.  and the Bravery of his Soldiers, so they struck such a Terror among his Enemies, that they were resolved to try their utmost, the next following Campaign. The King finding their Preparations suitable to their Designs, set out early in the Spring for the Army, and having ordered the Siege of Dinant and Hue after the Reduction of these two Places, the first by the Marshal de Crequy, the second by Henry Lewis Dalenny de Rochfort, likewise Marshal of France, the City of Limburgh, famous for its strength, and being the Capital of the Province of the same Name, was immediately Besieged by Henry Julius Duke of Enguen, since Prince of Conde, which was forced to surrender within eight Days after.  
It is true, the Governor of the Spanish Netherlands, in conjunction with the Prince of Orange, marched to its Relief with an Army consisting of fifty Thousand effective Men, but finding at their approach, that the place was surrendered, they retreated without doing any thing further that Campaign, than to consume all the Forage in Brabant, and to ruin their own Territories.  
But Germany was the Theatre of War, where the most glorious Actions were performed during this Campaign, Fortuneseeming to keep an equal Balance betwixt Us and the Allies on that side. The Enemy's Army upon the Rhine appearing more numerous in the Field than it had done any time since the beginning of this War. The last Campaign there had been so many Factions as there were Generals among them, that, to speak impartially, they were without a Head to Command them.  
But now things appeared with quite another Face, the whole Army being Commanded by the Count of Montecuculi, the same who two Years before had the chief Command of the Imperial Army upon the Rhine. He was an old and experienced General, very well versed in the whole Art, and all the Stratagems of War, always upon his Guard, whose Ambition was, not so much to gain any particular advantage upon his Enemy, as to bring a whole Campaign to a happy Conclusion.  
The Viscount of Turenne; General of the King's Army on the Rhine, was not inferior to him either in Experience, or any other Qualification belonging to a Great General; and it may be said without Flattery, that his Name was more famous, and his Reputation better established by an infinite number of glorious Actions, in all which he had given most ample demonstrations to the World, that never any General was comparable to, or at least never surpassed him in the Art of War. Among the most Renowned Heroes in former Ages, who by their great Actions and Conquests have rendered their Names so famous to Posterity, there are few who can boast of the same Skill wherewith this Great General used to Discipline his Troops, to provide them with all Necessaries, and to make use of all Advantages to thwart the Designs of his Enemies.  
It was without all question a thing worth the notice and attention of all Europe, to see these two great Captains to use their utmost Endeavours to outvie one another in their swift Marches, in their Encampments, and to make use of all the most refined Stratagems, to prevent one another from gairing the least advantage. The Viscount de Turenne had nevertheless the good Fortune to pass the Rhine almost in sight of the Confederate Army, which done, he possessed himself of so advantageous a Post, that without the least fear of being forced in his Entrenchments, he might cut off the necessary Convoys from the Enemy.  
An Action so Glorious which had broken all the Measures of his Rival at one stroke, was looked upon by all Europe to be equivalent to a Victory. But the Viscount de Turenne not satisfied with this Advantage, unless he had also routed the Confederate Army, had enclosed them so narrowly on all sides, that it was impossible for them to march off without coming to handy Blows.  
In order to this he went out of his Camp on the 27th of July to view a certain place, where he intended to raise a Battery the better to annoy the Enemy, where he was unfortunately slain by a Canonshot, 
The Death of the Marshal de Turenne.  which struck against his Breast, and laid him dead, upon the Ground.  
Never was any General more universally lamented, neither did ever any one deserve it better. He was a Person of extraordinary Merit, a Great Captain and excellent Politician; a Man equally modest and agreeable in Conversation, who despised Riches, and was an Enemy to Pride, who was never backward in doing all the good he could, and never known to do harm to any Body, all his Passion being directed to glorious Actions. It is not to be expressed how sensibly the King was touched with the loss of so great a Man, he heaped Honours and Riches upon his Family; 
The Viscount died without Children.  and to give the most ample Testimonies of the Value he put upon his passed Services, and to Crown the Virtues of so great a Man with due Rewards, he caused most magnificent Obsequies to be made in the Church of Paris, and ordered his Corpse to be deposited in the Abbey of St. Denys, the ordinary Burying place of the Kings of France. But the greatest ornament of the whole Funeral Pomp was the inexpressible sorrow which appeared in the Countenance of all the Chief Men of the Kingdom, and the everlasting Memory of his great and Glorious Actions.  
But to return to the Rhine, the Viscount de Turenne having not communicated his design to any of his Lieutenant-Generals, the Count de Lorge, his Nephew, afterwards made Duke, Peer and Marshal of France, took upon him the Command of the Army, and immediately after his Death repassed the Rhine, and entrenched himself on the other side, till further Orders from the King. The Enemy during his Retreat, Attacked him in the Rear, but were so vigorously received by the French, that they lost above four thousand Men upon this occasion; nevertheless the Count de Lorge was not strong enough to prevent Montecuculi from passing the Rhine, and marching into the Lower Alsace.  
The French Army was at that time in a very ill Condition, in want of Provision and Forage, much diminished by Sickness and Mortality, and so dejected by the loss of their General, that it was feared they would have been quite dispersed, if the Prince of Conde, who by the King's Orders posted in all haste thither from Flanders, had not found means to raise their drooping Courage by his Presence. Notwithstanding which the Count of Montecuculi laid Siege to the City of Hagenau in August, and in the Month of September following fat down before Sauerne, but upon intelligence that the Prince was marching to their Relief, he quitted both these Erterprises. At last towards the latter end of the Campaign, the Imperialists were obliged to repass the Rhine, and to take up their Winter-Quarters in the Confederate Territories.  
But the Dukes of Zell and Lorraine had much better Success in the Siege of Treves. 
Siege of Treves.  For these Princes being advertized that the Marshal de Crequy, at the Head of an Army, was marching to the Relief of the Place, left a good Body for the guard of their Trenches, and other Works, and marched with a Body of near twenty Thousand Men to meet the Enemy. The Marshal had not above nine or ten Thousand Men with him, notwithstanding this inequality of their Number, he resolved to try his Fortune. There are certain happy Moment's, when we have known a handful of brave resolute Fellows to have driven before them, and cut in pieces a whole Army, but these Fortunate Moment's are so rare, that it is more expedient to rely upon the number and equality of our Troops, than upon these Accidents.  
To be short, 
Defeat of the Marshal de Crequy  this Day proved unfortunate to the Marshal de Crequy; for his Infantry being ill seconded by the Cavalry, he was entirely defeated, and his small Army put to the Rout, and dispersed in such a manner, that he himself, with only three more, was forced to shelter themselves in an adjacent Wood, from whence he found means to get into Treves. He defended the place for three Weeks after with incredible Bravery against his Victorious Enemy, and would not-hearken to any Propositions of Surrender, though all the Outworks were taken, and that there were several large Breaches in the Walls of the Place. The Garrison headed by some mutinous Officers, were so exasperated at this desperate Resolution, that they resolved to capitulate without him, and accordingly surrendered him, and many other of the French Officers to the Allies.  
This being the first Campaign which since the beginning of this War had proved prosperous to the Confederates, they were so puffed up with their late Success, that forgetting their former Misfortunes, and the many Advantages we had over them, they began to boast, that in the next Spring they intended to put their so long projected great design in execution.  
But it was not long, before the King made them sufficiently sensible, that by the loss of a Place and four or five Thousand Men, he was not become less powerful than before. For after having Besieged and Taken the City of Conde by assault, 
Conde taken April the 26th.  towards the latter end of April, he ordered the Duke of Orleans to Besiege Bouchain. whilst he himself with the head Army covered the Siege to make head against the Enemy, in case they should come to its relief. The Governor of the Spanish Netherlands, and the Prince of Orange brought together a good Army, in order, as it was believed, to attempt the Relief of the Place; but judging it not advisable to attack the King, they entrenched themselves under the Cannon of Valenciennes, in hopes to meet with a favourable opportunity to throw some Supplies of Men and Provisions into Bouchain, but they reaped no other advantage by it, than to be Eye-Witnesses of the Reduction of the Place. The King endeavoured by all means possible to bring them to a Battle, but they were as careful to avoid it, not having made the least motion, but remaining in their advantageous Station for two Months together, whilst the King remained on the Frontiers.  
But no sooner had the King left the Army, 
Siege of Mastrich  and was returning into France, when the Prince of Orange with the Dutch Army, in conjunction with the Spaniards, and some Auxiliary Troops of several Germane Princes, who commanded their Forces in Person, laid Siege to the strong City of Mastricht. The King being sufficiently assured, that the present condition of the Place, provided with all Necessaries for a vigorous defence, together with the Bravery of the Garrison, and the invincible Courage and Experience of the Deputy Governor the Count de Calva, a Catalonian by Birth, who commanded in the governor's Absence, would keep the Enemy in play for some time, before they should stand in need of any relief, took the advantage of this opportunity, and whilst the Enemy was busied in that Siege, he ordered the Marshal de Humiers to sit down before Air, one of the strongest and most considerable of that Country, situate on the Frontiers of the Province of Artois. The Marshal having made himself Master of it in five Days, he attacked the strong Fort of Link, which being soon forced to follow the Example of Air, the whole French Army by easy Marches, moved under the Command of the Marshal Duke Frederick of Schomberg, towards Mastricht.  
The Besiegers had been employed in the Siege for near seven Weeks, without having been able to make themselves Masters of the Counterscarp or any Outworks; they had made many and very furious Attacks, but had been always repulsed with great loss; and their Army being by the many Sallies and Mines of the Besieged, as well as by Mortality reduced to one half of what it was at the beginning of the Siege, they judged it most advisable to decamp, 
Siege of Mastricht raised, Aug. 26.  and to quit the Siege so soon as they saw the French Army approach towards their Lines, they retreated with so much Precipitation, that they left behind them fifty pieces of great Cannon for Battery, six Thousand Muskets, all their Provision and Ammunition, with a great number of sick and wounded Soldiers.  
The-Fleet which the States-General had sent into the Mediterranean, 
Victories obtained in Sicily.  to endeavour the Recovery of Messina, which City two Years before had shaken off the Spanish Yoke more out of a hatred of the Spaniards, than a real love of Liberty, had no better success than the rest. It is certain that France had not been in the least concerned in this Rebellion, but the King being two wise not to lay hold of so favourable a juncture and to improve it to his own advantage, he sent them some Supplies, which at first were but inconsiderable, but were by degrees strengthened by several Reinforcements.  
Lewis Vivone, 
Spaniard's beaten at Sea.  Duke, Peer, and Marshal of France, beat the Spanish Fleet that blocked up the Harbour of Messina, and brought a good supply of Provision and Ammunition into the Place on the 11th of April, in the Year 1675. and in the same Summer in the Month of August, made himself Master of Agousta, a Port of no less consequence and conveniency than the former.  
The Spaniards being put under no small apprehension of losing the whole Island of Sicily, solicited the Hollanders to send a Fleet to their assistance into the Mediterranean, and at the same time obtained from the States, that the said Fleet should be commanded by Admiral Ruyter, the most famous Commander at Sea, at that time, in all Europe. Our King gave the Command of his Fleet to another brave Seaman, who, though less famous, yet was not inferior to the other in Skill and Experience in Maritime Affairs. This was one called Duquesne, born at deep, who from a simple Seamen, as well as Admiral Ruyter, had raised himself to the Supreme Command of a Fleet.  
Both Fleets joined in Battle in January, in the Year 1676. The Engagement was so terrible and furious, that according to the Letter written by Admiral Ruyter himself, he never faw any thing like it in all his Life before. But Duquesne forced the Hollanders to retreat, and to leave a free Passage for his Ships into the Port of Messina, which he entered in Triumph with his whole Squadron, and the Convoy.  
In the April next following, the Dutch in conjunction with the Spaniards, having attacked the Port of Agousta, Duquesne forced them to quit the Enterprise. This Engagement was very bloody, 
Admiral Ruyter killed.  Ruyter himself received three Wounds; one in the Head, another in the Thigh, and the third in the Foot, of which he died in ten Days after. The Enemies being put into a great Consternation by the loss of their Admiral, durst not appear any longer at Sea, but retired to Palermo to refit and to expect a fresh Reinforcemont.  
But the Marshal and Duke de Vivone resolving to give them a Visit before they could be reinforced with fresh Supplies, set Sail with his Squadron towards Palermo, where he arrived on the second of January following, he found them riding at Anchor at the very entrance of the Port in very good order; but no sooner had he sent some Fireships among them, which set two or three of their Ships on Fire, but the rest either ran , sunk themselves, or blew up in the Air; some few getting into the Port. The Enemies lost twelve of their best Ships in this occasion, 
The Dutch Fleet burnt in the Port of Palermo.  six Galleys, with seven hundred pieces of Cannon, and above five thousand Men. The Houses odjoyning to the Port, and the whole lower Town were much endamaged by the pieces of Iron Bars, and the broken Cannon and Ships, which, by the force of the Powder were thrown into the place and crushed all to pieces wherever they happened to fall. The Marshal having obtained this Victory, which was one of the most complete that had been obtained for many Years before, without any considerable loss on his side, made all Italy tremble, especially when they saw the French within two Months after, Masters of Taormine, of Sealette, of St. Placida, and many other small places along the Sicilian Coast.  
The Confederates took in the Month of September the strong Fortress of Philipsburgh, 
Philipsburgh taken by the Allies.  which, after a whole Years Blockade, and a Siege of three Months, had been forced to Capitulate; but the taking of this Place was looked upon as a slender equivalent to counterbalance the losses the Allies had sustained this Campaign in other places. It must be confessed that Philipsbourg is a Place of great consequence, both in respect of its Fortifications and Situation, as being the inlet into Alsace, and a Bridle to the Palatinate; but it ought also to be considered, that this long Siege cost the Enemy such a vast number of brave Men, that a conquest bought at so dear a rate, may well be judged less advantageous, when attended with such fatal Consequences. For the Confederate Army was reduced to so ill a condition after this Siege, that the French, who observed them narrowly in all their motions, soon after obliged them, as they did the Year before, to seek for Winter-Quarters in their own Territories, and to recruit their broken Troops.  
The next following Year the King opened the Campaign with the Conquest of Valenciennes, Cambray, and St. Omer, 
Campaign of 1677.  and a Signal Victory obtained over the Confederate Army in a pitched Battle; one of the most famous Expeditions that has been undertaken for these several Ages past, whether in consideration of the renown and strength of the abovementioned Places, or in respect of the little time the King spent in conquering them in a Season, when for want of Forage, there was but small likelihood of succeeding in such an Enterprise.  
The City of Cambray is Situate at the very entrance of Flanders, where it joined on our Frontiers, and was consequently very incommodious to us, the Garrison having often carried Fire and Flame into our Territories, as far as the Isle of France, from whence they used to draw great Contributions, sufficient to entertain a good number of Troops, who frequently played the Masters over us in these parts, when for the rest we gave Laws to all the Spanish Netherlands. The Situation of St. Omer was such, as to be in a condition to make frequent Excursions into the Province of Artois, and the Boulonnese Territories, Valenciennes was of as great consequence to us as the other two; but, tho' the King was not ignorant long before of the advantage of the Conquest of these three places, yet considering their strength, we durst scarce flatter ourselves to be able to undertake such an Expedition, as to Besiege them all three at once, or if we did, there appeared but little likelihood of succeeding in so great an undertaking.  
There was in Valenciennes at that time, 
Valenciennes besieged.  a Garrison of three thousand Foot and a thousand Horse, besides two thousand of the Inhabitants trained up in the Exercise of Arms, and a considerable number of Gentlemen, who had thrown themselves into the Place to signalise themselves in its Defence. The City was secured on one side by the Watery and boggy Grounds, on the other, by many large Out-Works, surrounded with deep Ditches full of Water. The Inhabitants over-confident in the strength of the Place, and recalling to their Memory the disgrace which the Marshal de la Ferte received before that Place in the Year 1656, were puffed up with so much Vanity, that, when the King sat down before the Place, in lieu of being alarmed at it, they showed not the least concern in the World, but passed their time in Feasting and other rejoicings, and gave Balls upon their Bastions. But this Vainglory soon vanished, and it may be said, without the least contradiction to Truth, that there is scarce an Example to be found, where a place of such strength, and so much reputation, has made a more faint resistance than this.  
In the foregoing Year the King had made himself Master of Conde and Bouchain, one of which being situate above, the other below Valenciennes, he by posting a good Body of Horse near these two places, had kept this City blocked up thegreatest part of the Winter.  
It was Invested on the first Day of March, and the King being arrived on the fourth of the same Month in the Camp, the Trenches were opened betwixt the eighth and ninth, and pushed on the same Night for above sixteen hundred Paces. The chief Attack was carried on against a Crownwork, containing within its compass a half Moon, and behind that a Ravelin, called the Pastry. Our Cannon and Bombs had done great Execution upon these Out-Works for several Days together, when it was resolved to give the Assault on the next Morning by eight a Clock. The Troops Commanded to give the Assault fell like Lions in four several places upon the Counterscarp with so much fury, that the Enemy not being able to sustain them, first gave way, and soon after betook themselves to flight. Being pursued by the French, they retreated into the Crownwork, but with so much precipitation, that our Men entered pell mell with them, and attacking them in Front, Rear, and Flank, cut eight hundred of them in pieces; the rest, who endeavoured to save themselves by flight, were beaten from Post to Post with such an incredible Courage, that being quite frighted out of their senses▪ they neglected to draw up the Bridge which joined to the Out-work. The Conquering Soldiers encouraged as much by the opportunity as the good Success, make themselves Masters of the Bridge, and whilst the rest are busy in breaking open the Gates with Hatchets, some got upon the top of the next Bastion by the help of Ladders, turn the Cannon against the Town, whilst their Comerades that were got in through the Gates marched into the City, and barricadoed themselves in the great Street, in sight of the Garrison, and the City Militia, who being struck with a Panic fear at the boldness of the Enterprise, 
Valenciennes takon by Assault.  threw down their Arms, and without any further Capitulation, surrendered at Discretion.  
Who is so ignorant as not to be sensible what prodigious Disorders used to be committed in the ransacking of a Town taken by Assault, when the enraged Soldier makes the Inhabitants, without the least difference of Age, Quality, or Sex, feel the effects of his Fury. The dreadful Idea of all these Disasters, their late unseasonable Bravadoes, and that implacable hatred which they had shown against the French upon many occasions, made the Inhabitants, not without great reason, tremble at the sight of their Conquering Enemies. But it was not long that they were in fear of becoming a prey and Victim to the French Soldiers, a few Minutes having delivered them from these direful apprehensions; for, no sooner had the King been advertised of what had passed, but he sent Messenger after Messenger, to forbid the plundering of the City.  
The Soldiers had already began with some of the adjacent Houses, five or six had been forced to feel the effects of those misfortunes which happen in the pillaging of a Place taken by Assault; and 'twas feared that the unruly Soldiers would scarce be prevailed upon to let slip so fair an opportunity of satisfying both their Avarice and Revenge, and to be deaf to the Orders of their Commanders; but no sooner were they forbidden in the King's Name to plunder the City, but all violence ceased in an instant, to the great astonishment of the whole City, who could not but stand amazed at the submission of the Soldiery in the midst of their fury, who gave such eminent marks of their Obedience to the King's pleasure, by their alacrity in gaining the Victory, and their entire submission in relinquishing the Fruits of their Bravery. The whole Garrison which consisted still of two thousand eight hundred Men, were made Prisoners of War; but the Citizens had their chiefest Privileges confirmed to them. In the Afternoon every thing appeared as quiet in the City, as if they had not changed their Master. A most remarkable Victory, where a handful of Men, in half an hours time, carried several strong Works by Assault, passed four or five Ditches, and made themselves Masters of one of the strongest and most populous Cities in all Flanders, and that with the loss only of Forty Men on our side.  
The taking of Valenciennes, did, like a dreadful Thunderclap, make the whole Country round about tremble for fear, there being scarce one City, tho' never so strong, in those parts, which did not dread to undergo the same Fate. To raise their drooping Courage, the Prince of Orange marched at the Head of an Army of thirty thousand Men, composed of the Dutch Forces, to endeavour the relief either of Cambray, or St. Omer, which were besieged both at the same time, the first by the King in Person, the other by the Duke of Orleans, his Majesty's only Brother. Cambray being of such a strength and advantageous Situation, that it was reported, the Spaniards made more account upon it than all the rest of Flanders; it was generally believed the storm would fall that way, but beyond all expectation, the Enemy rather chose to relieve St. Omer than Cambray, partly because they might with less difficulty possess themselves of some advantageous Posts near St. Omer, partly because they had flattered themselves with this Opinion, that without much resistance they might force our Quarters on one side, where they were not very well secured.  
The Enemy's march was so far from causing the least disturbance among our Soldiers, that both Sieges were carried on with the same Vigour as before, there being such an Emulation among the Soldiery, that one strove to outdo the other in performing their duties, the more, because they were plentifully provided with every thing necessary for their subsistence. For it is to be observed, that the King took always this sure Maxim, to have his Magazines every Year very well provided during the Winter, with all manner of Provisions, to be in a condition to prevent his Enemy's designs, and to appear as early in the Field as he judged it convenient.  
Cambray was so furiously attacked by the King, 
Cambray surrendered April 5.  that the City was forced to Capitulate within six days after opening of the Trenches; the next following Day the King ordered a Detachment of nine battalions to march with all possible diligence to join the Duke of Orleans, before the Enemy could force his Lines, or engage him. This Prince had in the mean while advanced so briskly in the Siege of St. Omer, that at that very time he had made himself Master of the most considerable Fort near the Place, and on which depended hitherto the whole safety of the Town. It was at that very instant he received certain intelligence that the Enemy were advanced within six or seven Leagues, in order to relieve the Place. His Troops were much harassed, and less numerous than the Prince of Orange's, but having received the King's Orders to march against them, he marched out of the Lines, and having left only a Body of Militia, with some regular Troops, to guard the Trenches and Works, directed his march towards Cassel, being confident that the King had taken his measures so surely, as that the expected reinforcement would come time enough to his assistance; neither did he find himself in the least mistaken in his hopes, the abovementioned battalions having joined him at the very nick of time, as he expected, and so a propos, that if they had come sooner, they would have been less useful.  
The Duke of Orleans strengthened by this reinforcement, and finding himself not inferior in number to the Enemy, sought only for an opportunity to execute the King's Commands; in order to which, with a generous resolution, he passed the next Day with his Army a small Brook which separated the two Armies, and attacked the Enemy with great fury. 
Battli of Cassel April 11.  The first Encounter was the most terrible that had been seen in the memory of Man, both sides fight with an equal bravery, so that the success remained doubtful for some Hours, just as if Fortune had taken a particular delight to see so many brave Men dispute Victory to the utmost of their power. But after the Enemy had stood their ground bravely for three Hours,, they were at last forced to give way, and soon after being broken on all sides, to seek for their safety in their Heels; leaving as a pledge of their defeat, to the mercy of our Soldiers all their Ammunition and Baggage, seventeen Standards, four and forty Colours, thirteen pieces of Cannon, three thousand Prisoners, and the Field all covered with dead and wounded Men; Six thousand of them were counted to be fallen upon the spot, the rest saved themselves under the favour of the Hedges and Defiles; the approaching Night, and the vast number of small Channels, in which the Country abounds serving them for a safeguard against their Enemies, who durst not pursue them but with a great deal of caution.  
The Duke of Orleans acquired immortal Glory in this Action, having shown himself as great a General in the disposition of his Army, as he behaved himself a brave Soldier during the whole Engagement, having received two Shot in his Armour, as he was rallying some battalions and leading them on again to Charge the Enemy; he continued with his Army for 2 Days after, near the Field of Battle, the better to give his Orders for the pursuit of the Enemy, and to see whether perhaps they might be in a condition to try their Fortune, and attempt the relief of the Place a second time; but having received certain intelligence that they were retreated far into the Country, he returned with his Troops to the Lines, to continue the Siege of St. Omer without any further interruption.  
In two Days after his new Batteries began to Play against the Body of the Place, and the Trenches were carried on to the Glacis. The Counterscarp being taken, 
St. Omer taken.  a wide Breach was made, the Ditch filled up in Order to give a General Assault, the Town Capitulated after having defended itself with a great deal of Gallantry and Resolution.  
Three days before the Citadel of Cambray had likewise been forced to a Surrender by the King. The Garrison was composed of seven old Regiments, whereof two were Spaniards, two Lorrainers, and three Walloons, under a Governor who had an equal share of bravery and skill in Martial Affairs. The Place was well provided with every thing for its Defence, and of such a strength, that its Fortifications were looked upon as impregnable. Every thing seemed to concur for a Vigorous Defence against the King's Forces, who were not above nine or ten thousand strong. This seemed to be a very slender Force, and little suitable to the greatness of the Enterprise, but the King, by his Presence, Vigilancy, and Example, did animate his Soldiers to that degree, that redoubling their Courage and Activity, they, in spite of the continual Fire and frequent Sallies of the Besieged, carried all the Out-Works in nine or ten Days time. Our Cannon having soon after made a Breach in one of the Bastions of the Place, large enough for thirty Men to mount abreast, the Governor despairing of being able to hold out the Assault, demanded a Capitulation. It would have been no difficult matter for the King to have obliged him to surrender at discretion, but being free to show Mercy to one that had behaved himself so Gallantly, 
The Citadel of Cambray surrendered.  he agreed to certain Articles to serve him as a comfort in his present affliction, pursuant to which the Garrison marched out at the Breach, with Drums beating, Colours Flying, and two pieces of Cannon.  
The Conquest of these three important places, and the Battle of Cassel, put the Affairs of the Confederacy into such a confusision, that it was a considerable time before they could recollect themselves. For it was not till three Months after that they held a Congress at Wesel, to deliberate concerning some Enterprise of moment, by which they might in some measure recover their former Reputation and Hopes. The Elector of Brandenburg, the Duke of Nieuburgh, who had lately declared against France, the Ambassador of the King of Denmark, the Pensionary of Holland, Admiral Trump, and the Envoys of the King of Spain, and several other Electors were present at this Conference, where the Siege of Charleroy was resolved upon, and the execution thereof committed to the Management of the Prince of Orange. No sooner was the Place invested with threescore thousand Men, but the King's Army posted themselves betwixt the Enemy and those Cities of Flanders, from whence they must draw their Provisions, so that their Convoys being intercepted, they were in a manner blocked up, and began to want Provisions in two Days time. There was no other remedy left, than either to fight us, or to quit the Siege, but the Confederates not judging it for their purpose to hazard a second Battle, they decamped not without some Confusion before eight Days were expired, laying the fault upon one another, and consuming what Forage they could meet with in the Country, without showing any great inclination to oppose the King's Forces, who ravaged the Country, and exacted great Contributions.  
The King's Arms were attended with the same success in other parts. 
Victory in Catalonia.  Philip de Montaut Duke de Novailles, had ravaged the whole Lampourdan, and defeated ten Thousand Spaniards, as they were repassing the Pyrenean Mountains; there were three Thousand five Hundred of the Enemies killed upon the place, and eight Hundred made Prisoners, with the loss of only two Hundred Men on our side.  
In Germany the Troops of the neighbouring Circles commanded by a Duke of Saxony, 
In Germany.  had been worsted in several Encounters, and were at last forced to seek for shelter in one of the Islands of the Rhine. But what they intended for their Preservation, had very near proved their total Destruction, being in eminent danger of perishing either by Famine, or the Enemy's Sword, if upon the intercession of the Magistrate of Strasburgh, the King had not granted them a Passport to retreat from thence in security, under condition that they should not bear Arms against the King the same Campaign.  
The Passport being signed by the Marshal de Crequy, who commanded at that time on the Rhine, the abovementioned Forces, with their Saxon General, were marching homeward, being conducted by a strong Guard, their main security against their Enemies, when Prince Charles of Lorraine came in timely to their Assistance to deliver them from so ignominious a Retreat. But it was not long before he paid dearly for the Glory of having rescued the Germans, for within few Days after, the Cavalry of his Right Wing was totally routed and cut to pieces.  
This Prince was Heir and Nephew to the old Duke of Lorraine, who died in the Year 1675.  
After his Death, the Emperor to bring him over to his Interest, made him General over his Army on the Rhine, promising to give to him in Marriage his Sister the Queen Dowager of Poland, and to make use of all his Power and Interest to put him into the Possession of Lorraine, which belonged to him by right of Succession.  
His projected design succeeded but ill in the Year 1676. But at the beginning of the Campaign, in the Year 1677, he thought himself so sure, that he puts this Motto upon his Standards, Maintenant ou jamais; that is, Now or Never. Full of these fair hopes, he passed the Saar, and advanced as far as Mouson; but the Marshal de Crequy followed him so closely upon the Heels, that he scarce ever missed any opportunity to intercept his Convoys, and thereby to cut off his necessary Supplies of Provisions; he kept his Army in continual Alarm, and by his Marches and Counter-marches, harassed them to that degree, that he broke all the Duke's Measures, who was at last forced to repass the Rhine, without having been able to do any thing of moment all that Campaign.  
The Germans had no sooner repassed the Rhine, 
Friburgh taken.  but the Marshal de Crequy invested Friburgh, the Capital City of Brisgau. This City is of a considerable bigness, and its Citadel very strong both by its Situation and several good Works; notwithstanding which, the Marshal attacked it so briskly, that he became Master of it in less than eight Days time, before Prince Charles of Lorraine could come to its relief.  
About a Month after, 
St. Gillian besieged and taken.  the King caused St. Gillian to be Besieged; this Place is situate in the midst of the Province of Heinault, of very good strength, and well provided with every thing necessary for its defence. The Soldiers were not only to fight against the Enemy, but also against the cold Season, it being in the Month of December; notwithstanding all these Difficulties, they carried the place in nine Days, a convincing Instance, that the King's Troops were used to outbrave all the Rigours of the Season.  
These frequent Losses, and continual Disappointments made the People of Holland wish as much for a Peace, as the Prince of Orange had reason to oppose it. For it being the Interest of that Prince to keep in his Hands as long as possibly he could, that great power wherewith he was invested as long as he was supreme Commander both over their Sea and Land Forces, he left no Stone unturned to prevent the States from making either a general or particular Peace with France. But this small and troublesome War, which had already lasted four Years, having exhausted all the Parties concerned, both of Men and Money, the Prince judged it most for his Purpose to make his application to the Court of England.  
The English at that time overflowed in Riches, they had in a manner managed all the Traffic of Europe alone for three Years last passed. Their great affluence of Riches, had made them jealous of our King's growing Power, and being besides this desirous of Glory, and of signalizing themselves abroad, they earnestly wished for a War with France, which had made them more than once to solicit King Charles II. to enter into the Confederacy. This appearing a favourable juncture to the Prince of Orange's Design, he undertook a Journey to London, as well to engage that King in an Alliance against us, as to espouse the eldest Daughter of the Duke of York. The Prince of Orange being K. Charles II. his Nephew, was much beloved and esteemed by him. The Prince's Religion, his great Capacity and Riches, his Aversion to France, and his great Interest in Holland, had procured him great and many Friends in both Houses of Parliament. It is easy to be imagined, that upon this occasion he made use of all his Engines to draw his Uncle into the Confederacy, for which reason he persuaded him to project certain Propositions of Peace, and to declare against those that should refuse to accept of them. 
League betwixt England and Holland.  France being unwilling to hearken to these Conditions, great Levies were made in England, and some of their Troops were transported into Flanders. But neither this New League, neither the English Auxiliary Troops were sufficient to stop the Progress of our King's Victorious Arms, or to hinder him from making new Conquests in the next Spring.  
The better to cover his design, 
Campaign in 1678.  he took a Progress into Lorraine, the beginning of February, where he continued all that Month with the Queen and the whole Court.  
During this Progress, his Armies in Flanders, in Germany and Lorraine were continually in motion, so that these Marches and Countermarches did amuse the Enemy to that degree, that it was impossible for them to judge which of their Places was most in danger, and consequently to take any sure Measures for the security of such places as they thought most exposed, for fear of leaving others unprovided in case of an Attack. For the King having his Magazines well provided with every thing necessary for the carrying on four or five Sieges at a time from the Sea to the Rhine, the Confederates were put under a necessity of fearing all, without being able to guests whereabouts the Storm would fall.  
Whilst they were under this perplexity, the Marshal de Humiers made a faint, as if he intended to Besiege Ipres, which obliged the Governor of the Spanish Netherlands, to send thither a great part of the Garrison of Ghent. But scarce were they on their March towards Ipres, when the City of Ghent itself was invested by threescore Thousand Men, who were ordered thither from all the circumjacent places; and at the same time Ipres, Charlemont, Namur, Mons, and Luxenburgh, where the Confederates had disposed most of their best Troops, were blocked up by several flying Armies.  
Ghent has always been esteemed the largest City of the Low Countries; 
Siege of Ghent.  it has a good Citadel with very fair Outworks, a strong Wall, surrounded with a large and deep Ditch. Its Fortifications, the number and Martial Inclination of its Inhabitants, besides its low situation in a Marshy Ground, at the Confluence of three Rivers and two Canals, which serve for a Barricado against an approaching Enemy, did render this Enterprise so difficult in the Eyes of all the World, that after the Siege was begun, the News of it scarce met with credit in the Neighbouring Countries.  
The King had taken such measures, and his Orders were obeyed with such exactness and alacrity, that, tho' the Place had not been Invested above three Days when he arrived in the Camp, the Lines of Circumvallation, which contained eight Leagues in compass, were very near brought to perfection, notwithstanding the rainy Season, and the many difficulties which were to be surmounted in these marshy Grounds. It was extremely bad Wether when he set out from Stenay, notwithstanding which he traveled above sixty large Leagues in less than three Days, and arrived in the Camp before Ghent on the 4th of March, when without dismounting from his Horse, or taking the least refreshment or repose, he took, in Person, a view of the Place, and all the Works; the Governor of Ghent having the same Day opened the Sluices, the King ordered so many Dikes and Ditches for the draining of the Ground to be made, that his Forces received no considerable damage by the Water, and were preserved in so good a condition, as to make themselves Masters the next Day of the Counterscarp, and some Out-Works. Nevertheless this great City defended itself for some time longer, till the Inhabitants being made sensible of the effects of our Bombs, Carcases, and fiery Bullets, which flew as thick as Hailstones, and destroyed their Houses, they beat a Parley. The next day after the Citadel was besieged by Noonday, 
Ghent taken.  which being defended by four good Bastions, and a Garrison of a thousand Men, yet was forced to surrender on the third Day after opening of the Trenches.  
After the taking of Ghent, 
Ypress besieged.  the King without losing any time marched directly to Ipress, a well Fortified City, and conveniently situated for the King to keep correspondence with, and secure his other Conquests thereabouts. The Spaniards had lately drawn out of the place two battalions of their best Men, whom they sent to Bruges to reinforce that Garrison; nevertheless there was, at the beginning of the Siege, a Garrison consisting of three thousand effective Men, old and well disciplined Troops; besides a great number of brave Officers and Volunteers, who, by their Example encouraged the Soldiers to make a vigorous Defence. But by the bravery of our Troops, the Trenches were carried on to the Glacis and Counterscarp, and after a bloody Engagement taken with Sword in Hand, so the City and Citadel being without any hopes of relief, Capitulated at the same time. The Siege cost us abundance of Men, tho' it lasted not above nine Days after the opening of the Trenches, by reason that the French were not only to overcome the obstinacy of the Besieged, who defended themselves very valiantly, but also the rigour of the cold Season, and the inconveniencies of continual Rains.  
The King's Arms being thus every where crowned with Success, it seemed that nothing was able to resist his Power; those Princes that were entered into a League against him, having, for four Years together raised no other advantage by the Confederacy, than to add new Lustre to his Glory and Power: He had at that time two great Fleets at Sea, and five Armies on Land, which, together with his Garrisons, consisted of sixty thousand Horse, and two hundred and forty thousand Foot, all well disciplined Troops, and inur'd to the Fatigues of War. His Frontiers were enclosed on all sides with strong Forts, and well Fortified Cities; his Treasury in a good condition, and the whole Kingdom in a profound Tranquillity. He himself both delighted in and understood the Art of War. His Affairs being in so flourishing a condition, what could hinder him from making new Conquests, if his desire of Glory had not been Counterbalanced by his Inclination for Peace, and seeing that his Enemies were reduced to a state of moderation, and his Frontiers secured on all sides, he resolved to restore tranquillity to Europe.  
After Charles II. King of England was entered into the Alliance with the Dutch, 
King Ch. II. Mediator at the Treaty of Nimeguen.  his chief aim was, to make himself a happy instrument in procuring a general Peace, in which he succeeded so well, that his Mediation was accepted. For hitherto matters had advanced but slowly at the Treaty of Nimeguen, where two Years were spent in settling some Preliminaries of little moment, in respect of the great Work they were to transact; to wit, in Disputes about the place of Treaty, in fixing the bounds of the Neutrality, in exchanging their Credentials, and examining their Commissions, and such other Preliminaries as are commonly made use of to protract these Conferences, whilst in the mean while the longest Sword decides the principal differences in the Field.  
It is sufficiently known, that scarce a Year had passed since the Declaration of the War, wherein Spain had not been a considerable loser, nevertheless, they were the first who protested with all the solemn expressions in the World, that they would never consent to the Peace, unless our King did restore all what he had taken from them: and the Emperor's Pretensions were as exorbitant as those of the Spaniards. For which purpose the King made his chief application to the Hollanders, being sensible that if he could draw them from the Interest of the Confederacy, and persuade them to accept of a separate Peace, the other Princes would soon follow their Example. The King was sufficiently convinced that the Jealousy fomented by a certain Faction in Holland against the Prince, and their fear, lest, if the War should continue much longer, they might be involved in some troubles by the Prince's departure for England; the decay of their Trade, and the immense charges they were at by bearing the burden of the War in maintaining not only their own Troops, but also most of the Confederate Forces, made them very desirous after a Peace; but the more it was their Interest to promote it, the more difficulties were to be surmounted before it could be brought to a happy conclusion.  
For, tho' the Emperor and Spain had acted but with indifferent success in this War, yet on the other Hand the King of Denmark and Elector of Brandenburg had had considerable advantages over Sueden, which had declared for us against the Confederacy in the Year 1675. In three Years time that the War lasted betwixt the Northern Princes, the Suedes had gained three Battles by Land, but they had been worsted in three several Sea-Engagements, and had lost the Isle of Rugen, and all Pomerania. This success against the Suedes seemed to intimate to the Confederates, that the French might also be vanquished in their turn: The Emperor and Spain showed more inclination for the continuation of the War, than for the Peace, tho' it be evident, that their hopes were built but upon a very slippery foundation, to wit, upon the chance of Fortune, and those continual vicissitudes which are the constant Attendants of all human Affairs.  
This was the reason, that notwithstanding all the earnest applications of the States-General to obtain a General Peace, yet the Treaty advanced but slowly, and might, perhaps, have been quite rendered ineffectual, if the King had not taken a firm resolution to see it brought to a happy conclusion, by taking such measures as should oblige the rest of the Confederates to accept of the Peace. The King himself drew up the Articles which he sent to his Plenipotentiaries at Nimeguen, to be communicated to the Mediators, under this condition, that in case the Confederates did not think fit to accept of them in forty Days, the King should be at liberty to alter them, or to propose some new time. By virtue of these Articles, he was to remain in possession of all his Conquests, unless Maestricht, and six Places in Flanders, to wit, Ghent, Courtray, Aeth, Oudenarde, Charleroy, Limbourgh, and St. Gillian demolished.  
That the King promised to restore Maestricht to the Hollanders, and the six  places to the Spaniards.  
That the Peace of Munster should remain in its full force.  
That if the Emperor kept Philipsbourg, the King should remain in possession of Fribourg.  
That the Prince of Furstemberg should be set at Liberty and restored to his Honour, Dignities, and Estate.  
And that lastly, the Northern Princes should restore to the Suedes what they had taken from them in this War.  
Most of the Confederates exclaimed against these Articles, but notwithstanding all their Protestations and Clamours, their Threats, Intrigues, and Cabals, they were at last obliged to accept of the same terms.  
The Hollanders had no sooner embraced the King's offer, but the Emperor and Elector of Brandenburg loudly exclaimed against their Proceed, upbraiding them with breach of Faith, and Ingratitude. But who is so unacquained in public Affairs, as to look for acknowledgement among Princes, or to imagine they think themselves obliged to one another for the assistance they give, when it is evident, that the same proceeds more from a motive of Interest than Friendship? how can a State therefore be charged with Ingratitude, unless it be called so when they search too narrowly into the true causes of a benefit they have received? But, to be short, these reproaches made but slender impressions upon the States, who were so far from changing their opinion, that they prevailed upon the Spaniards to follow their Example; but when the Spanish Ambassadors were upon the point of signing the Articles, there arose an unforeseen difficulty, which was likely to have broken off the whole Treaty.  
For in the Article concerning Spain, wherein the King had promised to restore to them six Places in Flanders, there being no certain time limited, the States had interpreted it thus, that the Evacuation of the said Places should be made immediately after the Ratification of the Peace betwixt France and Spain. But the King's Intention being not so much that by restoring these Places to Spain, they should serve as a Barricado betwixt him and the Hollanders, and to remove the Jealousy they had conceived at the Neighbourhood of so potent a Prince, as to be in lieu of an equivalent for those Places that were to be restored to Sweden, he refused to surrender these Cities into the Hands of the Spaniards, before the Swedes had received full satisfaction as to their Demands.  
This Spark was like to have proved the occasion of rekindling the Flames, and renewing the War with more Vigour and Animosity than before, the Emperor and Spain not being wanting to lay hold of this Opportunity to revive the Jealousies, and to persuade the Hollanders, that the King had no real Inclination for Peace, his only design being by withdrawing them from the Confederacy, to surprise them hereafter with the more ease.  
Our King had given most evident Proofs of his sincere Intentions for the Peace; to promote which, he had recalled his Forces out of Sicily, under the Command of Francis de Aubusson la Fevillade, Duke, Peer, and Marshal of France; he had at the Intercession of the Hollanders, 
The French leave Sicily.  prolonged the Term which he had fixed to the Allies for the accepting the Propositions of Peace; and though he had within the last Month extended his Conquests both in Flanders and Catalonia, by the taking of two considerable places, yet was he so far from taking any advantage of his good Fortune, that on the other hand he offered to restore them without any equivalent. But notwithstanding all these Demonstrations of his most fervent Inclinations for Peace, Matters hung in suspense for some time, neither could the Treaty be brought to a Conclusion, till the King of Sweden declared by his Ambassadors, That he not only consented, but also prayed His Most Christian Majesty to restore the above mentioned Places to Spain, and not to delay any longer to give Peace to Europe, on account of the particular Interest of the Crown of Sweden. This grand Obstacle being removed, the Peace was signed betwixt the King and the States the 10th Day of August in the Year 1678.  
Within four Days after, the Prince of Orange attacked the Duke of Luxemburgh, who, whilst they were contesting at Nimeguen, kept Mons blocked up with an Army of forty Thousand Men. 
Peace of Nime●uen.  The Prince of Orange had in view no less than the breaking off of the whole Treaty, or at least to obtain some more advantageous Conditions, if he happened to succeed in this Enterprise. The Duke of Luxemburgh could not in the least suspect his Intention, as having received fresh Assurances, that the Peace was signed; 
Engagement near St. Denis.  but by his brave Resolution he diverted the danger that he had put himself into by his being too confident of his own Security by the Peace.  
The Action was very bloody, which was ended at Night without any considerable Advantage on either side, unless that the Enemy retired in some Confusion, and were pursued to their Camp. The next Day there was a Cessation of all Hostilities, the Peace was proclaimed the same Day in the Camp, and ratified within a Month after.  
After the Conclusion of this Treaty with the Dutch, the Spaniards found themselves under an indispensible necessity to accept of those Conditions the Hollanders had procured for them. It was in vain for the rest of the Confederates to make use of all their Persuasions and Intrigues, to prevent the Spaniards from accepting of them, who signed the Peace on the seventeenth of September following.  
This done, the King without losing any further time, ordered his Troops towards the Rhine, with an Intention to attack the Emperor and Empire with the utmost vigour before the Winter; some of the Germane Princes dreading the Storm that threatened them, began to withdraw from the rest, and to make their Applications to the Spaniards and States-General to be comprehended in the Treaty. But Spain, pursuant to asecret Agreement (as it was supposed) betwixt those two Branches of the House of Austria, made several Delays in the Ratification of the Peace, so that the time prefixed for the said Ratification, (notwithstanding it had been twice prolonged at the Request of the Dutch) was very near expired.  
In the mean while the French Forces made frequent Excursions into the very Heart of Flanders, not sparing even those places that had hitherto escaped from being visited by them; they exacted such vast Sums from all the circumjacent Country, and pillaged all such as refused to pay them Contributions, that according to the computation and confession of the Enemies themselves, the flat Country suffered more from the time of the signing till the Ratification of the Treaty, than it had done in the heat of the War. The Cries and Lamentations of the People did at last overcome the Resolution of the Spanish Council, who in spite of all the opposition made by the rest of the Allies, caused the Peace to be ratified in December in the Year 1678.  
Immediately after the King ordered his Ambassadors at Nimeguen to declare to the Emperor's Ministers, that in case their Master did not think fit to accept of the same Conditions as they had been proposed in the Project of the General Peace, within a limited time, that after that there should be no further talk of Peace. This Declaration and the fear they were in of the King's Forces that were approaching the Rhine, made the Emperor and Empire at last resolve rather to choose the Harbour, than to expose themselves in the open Sea, to so dreadful a Tempest, as threatened their Destruction.  
Thus a Peace was concluded betwixt the Emperor and our King in the Month of February in the Year 1679. upon condition, that the Peace of Munster should remain in its full force, and that the Emperor should resign all his Right and Sovereignty over the City of Friburgh, and the whole Alsace to our King.  
During the Treaty at Nimeguen, the King at the Intercession of the Emperor, and the rest of the Confederates, had left it to the choice of Prince Charles of Lorraine, whether he would accept of the Possession of the Duchy of Lorraine, without that of Bar, pursuant to the Pyrenean Treaty; or whether he would be satisfied, if the King restored him to the Possession of both those Dutchies, reserving only to himself the City of Nancy, and all the Grounds and Highways by which the King's Armies were to march into Germany. The Prince at first chose the last of these two, but soon after repenting his Choice, refused to accept either.  
But though the Peace was signed betwixt the Emperor and the King, the King of Denmark, and Elector of Brandenburg, protested against it, continuing to make vast Preparations to maintain themselves in their Conquests taken from the Swedes in Germany. But when the French Troops began to approach the Frontiers of Brandenburg, these Princes were soon brought to a compliance, and showed as much eagerness for the Peace, as they had shown aversion against it before. The King of Sweden received full satisfaction, they being obliged to restore all that had been taken from that Crown, without any other Equivalent, but a good Sum of Money, which was paid them by our King.  
It will, without all question, appear surprising, and perhaps past belief to Posterity, how France should have been strong enough to withstand so many Enemies at one time; and that after they had been vanquished, they should have been obliged to accept of a Peace upon the same Terms, as they were proposed by our King. It is certain that France never made a Peace which proved more Glorious, or more for its Interest than this, or which has been managed with more dexterity. The chief Glory of it is due only to our King, who not only himself made the first Project, but also, according to the different progress of the Treaty, directed every step to be taken by his Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries Godfrey de Estrades Marshal of France, Charles Colbert Marquis de Croissy, afterwards Minister and Secretary of State, and Anthony de Mesmes Count de Avaux.  
Thus Crowned both with Laurel and Olive-Branches, he was ever after the Object of Admiration, not only of his Subjects, but also of all Europe.   

AN ESSAY UPON THE HISTORY OF THE REIGN OF LEWIS the GREAT. LIB. iv  
THE King having restored Peace to Europe, employed all his care in rendering it as durable as possibly could be; and having now laid aside his further thoughts of extending the limits of his Kingdom, he judged it most conducing to his Affairs, to secure his Frontiers on all sides, by good Fortifications. For which purpose, after he had consulted with his best Engineers, he himself made the Draughts of the most considerable Fortifications, appointed the Charges and all other particulars belonging to the perfecting of the Works, according to the best modern Rules. Never were any places seen exceeding either in strength or beauty some of those that were, by the King's Orders built in Flanders, and Alsace, the Franche Compte, to defend the Passages of the Lies, the Rhine, the Saar, the Moselle, the , and several other Rivers that border upon his Dominions; it has been computed, that since his accession to the Crown, two hundred and twenty Towns, Forts, Citadels, Ports and Harbours have been fortified by his Orders. As he was not insensible that the best safeguard of a Prince is to maintain his Respect among his Enemies, so not contented with having fortified his Frontiers, unless they were also guarded by a good number of Troops, he did only disband some of his Forces, retaining the best in his Service, to render himself at all times invincible, though his thoughts were now more bend to preserve Tranquillity in his Dominions, than to conquer his Enemies.  
He kept all the Officers of the Disbanded Regiments in Pay, and that he might never want a constant supply of good Officers, 
The Academies for the Cadies.  even in time of Peace, he erected many Companies of young Gentlemen; these were brought up in all Warlike-Exercises, and entertained at the King's Charge in the Citadels, and when a Captain or Lieutenant's place became vacant, it was these that supplied those Posts proportionable to their Deserts.  
The better to encourage his Troops to glorious Actions by the assurance of a safe Retreat in their Native Country, 
The Invalids.  he caused that Hospital called the Invalids, to be built in one of the Suburbs of Paris, a truly magnificent Structure, where those that are rendered unserviceable either by Age, or their Wounds, find an honourable Retreat and Reward for their past Labours and Toils.  
To afford also foam relief to such Gentlemen as often ruin their Estates in the Service of their Country, 
The House of St. Lewis at St. Cyr.  he founded a Community for three Hundred young Gentlewomen at St. Cyr. These young Ladies are educated in this House with particular care from the Age of Seven till Twenty, when they are either provided with some advantageous Match, or else, if their inclination be otherwise, are sent into a Nunnery. This Noble Community is without parallel in Europe.  
For the rest the King ordered his Troops to encamp every Year, when he used frequently to take a view of them in Person, and in his Progress to visit some of his Frontier Places, to keep the Governors and Overseers of his Works and Places in awe, and to encourage them by his Presence to perform their Duty.  
As he was in the Year 1683. returning from one of these Progresses, 
Death of the Queen of France.  where he had been accompanied by the whole Court the Queen Maria Theresia of Austria, fell dangerously ill of a Fever, which put an end to her Life on the 30th of July, after four Days Sickness. She was a Princess endowed with extraordinary Qualities, very Devout, Charitable to the Poor, Liberal to her Domestics, and Affable to all the World. She had the Happiness, before her Death, to see the Dauphin (who was Born at Fontainbleau in the Year 1661. the first of November seven Minutes after Twelve a Clock at Noon) Married to a virtuous Princess, and a Father of a very fine young Prince.  
Of six Children which she had brought into the World, 
The Dauphin of France.  Lewis the Dauphin of France, was the only surviving, a very Handsome, and Wise Prince, of great Moderation and Vigorous Constitution, as active and dextrous in his Military Exercises as courageous in encountering of Danger.  
Never any Prince had the advantage of a more Noble Education, in respect of the Ability of those to whose Care and Tuition he was committed; the King having made choice of Charles de St. Maurice Duke of Montausier, and Peer of France for his Governor, and of James Bossuet Bishop of Meaux, so famous for his many Works, for his Preceptor; but not satisfied with this, he never was sparing in his Paternal Care, to give him in Person all the necessary Instructions for the Accomplishment of a great Prince. A King, who really loves his Subjects, does in vain strive to raise the Glory of his Country by his great Actions, unless he also be careful to instruct his Successor to follow his Footsteps, and to preserve by his own Courage and Conduct the Reputation which he has acquired. It is easy to be imagined that there was never a Court in Europe, but what most earnestly desired to be joined to us in Alliance by so advantageous a Match, especially since that Engagement which was some Years before negotiated with the Elector and Electoress of Bavaria, on the account of Marriage betwixt the Dauphin and the Princess of Bavaria, seemed to be broken by the Death of the Parents of the said Princess; but notwithstanding this Change, and that the said Match was not attended with the same Advantages as before, 
Dauphin Married.  the King jealous of his Honour and Royal Word, Married the Dauphin to their Eldest Daughter, on the 7th of March in the Year 1680.  
Notwithstanding all the Obstacles and Difficulties raised by the Imperial and Spanish Ministers about the execution of the Treaty of Nimiguen, Europe enjoyed the Fruits of a Happy Peace for three Years: In the mean while the King looking upon it as a most Glorious Work to turn his Arms against the Enemies of the Christian Name, he resolved to employ his Forces against the Corsairs of Africa, a Nation whose chief Glory, Commerce and Employment, consists in pillaging and plundering; several of their Ships were sunk, the Sieur Du Quesne burned eight more in the Port of Chio, in the Year 1681, and the Marshal de Estree, Vice-Admiral of France, 
Tripoli Bombarded in 1685.  Bombarded Tripoli four Years after, till at last at the Intercession of the Grand Signior, the King was pleased to grant them a Peace a second time.  
The Algerines the most famous of all the Pirates on the Coast of Barbary, for having in the last Age outbraved the power of that great Monarch Charles V were so presumptuous as to declare War against France. To chastise their Insolence, the City of Algiers was Bombarded three several times; 
In the Year 1682, 1683, 1684.  after the second Bombardment, they were forced to release six hundred French Slaves without Ransom; and in the third they received so much damage, that notwithstanding the Offers of the Genoveses and Spaniards to assist them against us, they sent their Deputies into France to sue for Peace. The Genoveses had also given great occasion of Displeasure to our King. They were accused of having fomented and encouraged a Conspiracy which was laid to burn the King's Ships and Galleys in the Ports of Marseilles and Thoulon; they had lately embraced the Interest and Protection of Spain, and had built four new Galleys in order to join them with the Spanish Squadron. To make them sensible of their error, the King ordered the City of Genova to be Bombarded. Thirteen Thousand Bombs were thrown into the City with good Success, and the proud City of Genova would certainly have been laid quite in Ashes by a second Bombardment, 
Genova Bombarded  if by the Intercession of the Pope, and their timely repentance, they had not prevented their own ruin.  
The King of Spain had at that time among other Titles, taken upon him that of the Protector of the Republic of Genova, but could not prevail with our King that the said Commonwealth should be comprehended in the Truce, which was about the same time concluded betwixt these two Crowns; but to extirpate their former Miscarriages, they were forced to send in the Year 1685. in May, their Doge with four Senators, to make their Submission to the King in the Name of the whole Republic, to implore his Mercy, and to receive such Conditions as he was pleased to grant them.  
But we have detained ourselves too long in relating these Trifles, there are so many things of greater consequence to be taken notice of in the glorious Reign of so great a King, that these frivolous Matters ought only to be touched upon en passant, that we may have the more leisure to pursue the Thread of our History in relation to other Affairs of moment.  
By Virtue of the Treaty of Nimeguen, the whole Upper and Lower Alsace being granted to the King with an absolute Sovereignty over it, and all its Dependencies, the King sent the next following Year his Summons to all the Princes, Cities, and other Vassals depending on the said Province, to give their appearance to do Homage and Swear Fealty to him. Some obeyed, but the most refused to appear. Upon their Refusal, the King erected a certain Chamber of Reunion at Brisack, who adjudged their Lands and Fiefs forfeited to the King, according to the Laws of Fiefs, which enjoin the forfeiture of the Estate of a Vassal, who either neglects or refuses to pay the Homage due to his Lord.  
At the same time the Chamber of Reunion established by the King's Order at Brisac, 
Chambers of Reunion at Brisac and Metz.  took the same Method in respect of those Fiefs, which had formerly belonged to, and were since dismembered from the three Bishoprics of Metz, Toul, and Verdun. As these reunions extended over a vast Tract of Ground, so the Neighbouring Princes taking the alarm, made their complaints to the Diet at Ratisbonne, soliciting for aid to stop the further progress of these Proceed. They were not wanting on their side, to represent to the Diet the pressing necessity of applying a speedy remedy, but they were very slow in their Debates, and much slower in their Resolutions. These reunions being looked upon by some of the Princes of the Empire as an infraction of the Peace, whilst they pretended to evince them to be no more than the natural consequences of the Treaty of Nimeguen, the first were for taking up Arms for the Defence of the Empire, the others representing the danger of coming to these extremities in so critical a juncture.  
Whilst they thus spent their time in contests, 
Strasburgh Surrenders.  without coming to any final resolution, the City of Strasbourg, the Capital of the Lower Alsace, and one of the most considerable in all Germany, submitted to the King in September, in the Year 1681, before the King's Forces, that were on their March from all the circumjacent Ports, in order to Besiege it, came in sight of the Place.  
They entered the City on the same Day that some of the King's Troops took possession of the Citadel of Casal in Italy, 
Casal Surrender'd.  which the King had bought from the Duke of Mantua.  
As the King set out on his Journey to Strasburgh, (before he had received the News of its Surrender) he pretended to take a Progress to one of his Country Houses, but turning short, took the Road towards Germany. Before he came to the Frontiers he was advertised that his Troops were already received within the City, but this did not hinder him from pursuing his Journey thither, where he received the Oath of Fidelity from his new Subjects.  
The taking of this City, which was of vast consequence, served only to augment the divisions among the Members of the Empire at the Diet of Ratisbonne, the more, because the King proposed to adjust all those Differences, if they pleased, in an irreconcilable way. The Ministers of the House of Austria at first rejected these Propositions, but dreading an Invasion from the Turks, they gave their consent, so that Plenipotentiaries were appointed on both sides, to meet at Frankfort upon the Main, for settling the limits betwixt the Empire and France.  
But a whole twelve Months being spent, before the Conferences were opened, by reason of some contests about Titles and Precedency, betwixt the Deputies of the Emperor, and those of the Empire, the King thought fit to recall his Plenipotentiaries, and to remove all occasions of further delay, declared by his Minister Lewis Verjus Count of Creci, then residing at the Diet of Ratisbonne, that he was willing to renounce for ever to all the other Dependencies of Alsace, and the three abovementioned Bishoprics, notwithstanding that his Pretensions comprehended a vast tract of Ground, provided the Emperor, and the Empire, would, within a limited time, oblige themselves to resign to him the City of Strasbourg with all its Territories, and those Lands which he was possessed off by virtue of the Reunion before the meeting of the Assembly at Frankfort. These Propositions were advantageous enough, forasmuch as thereby the limits of the Empire and France might be settled upon a sure Foot, and a firm Peace established betwixt these two Potent Neighbours. The Electoral College were of opinion to accept of the Conditions, but most of the Princes being of a contrary sentiment, two years passed without coming to a final Resolution, the King having from time to time prolonged the prefixed time, out of a pure motive to generosity, finding in most of the Members of the Diet, a favourable Disposition for a Peace, at a time when they dreaded an Invasion from the Turks.  
It was not long before, the Ottoman Army, like an impetuous Torrent, overrun all Hungary, and carrying all before them, marched up to the Gates of Vienna, which was Besieged by above an hundred thousand Turks. 
Siege of Vienna in 1683.  The Siege continued two Months, and the place was reduced to the last extremity, when upon the approach of the Imperial Army, and the Auxiliaries of the Empire, in conjunction with the Poles, commanded by John Sobieski their King, who with great Bravery attacked the Enemy in their Lines: The Visier was forced to raise the Siege. The Ministers of the House of Austria puffed up with their late good success, pressed the Diet more than ever, not to conclude either a Peace or Truce with France. But as such vast Empires have many ways to recover their losses, the Turks, notwithstanding their late defeat, appeared again so formidable, that the Emperor and Empire, the better to enable themselves to resist them, or to extend their Conquests, accepted of the King's offers, and about ten Months after, concluded and Signed a Truce betwixt the Empire and France for twenty Years.  
Spain also agreed to a Truce upon the same conditions, 
Truee for twenty Years.  to put an end to the differences for that time, arisen betwixt the King and them about the limits in Flanders. After the Ratification of the Treaty of Nimeguen, the King made reiterated instances to the Spaniards, to send certain Commissioners to adjust matters concerning the Dependencies of such Provinces and Cities as were granted to him by virtue of the late Peace. But the opening of these Conferences was delayed for some time, till the King of Spain had sent his full Power and Instructions, which, when they were produced, it was found, that amongst his Titles, that of Count and Duke of Burgundy was left out. The next Year the Commissioners appointed by both Kings met again at Courtray, but the Ministers of Spain intended nothing less than to terminate these differences, but in lieu of it, left no Stone unturned to create new Jealousies (as much as in them lay) betwixt our King and the Hollanders. The City of Alost furnished them with a fair opportunity to accomplish their design; which place being accounted to be among the dependencies belonging to France, the States-General began to be extremely alarmed at this Pretention. They alleged, they had in vain bestowed so much labour and cost to fix a certain Barrier betwixt the King and them, if this place so near to their Frontiers, whose Territories reached to the Gates of Antwerp, should be put into his possession. The King, to calm their minds, and deliver them from what they dreaded so much, offered to be contented with an equivalent; and the Council of Spain endeavouring to gain time by various Intrigues, he ordered the Bloccade of Luxemburgh; but having received intelligence of the great Preparations made by the Turks to invade Hungary, he sent his Orders to him who commanded in Chief, to raise the said Blocade.  
Spain was so far from being satisfied with this retreat, 
Courtray and Dixmuyden taken.  that in a little while after they began to commit open Hostilties. Whereupon the French besieged Courtray in November in the Year 1683; both the City and Citadel Surrendered in five Days; Dixmuyden without striking one stroke. The Spaniards, tho' without Money or Troops, or any other hopes of relief, but what they expected from their Allies, whom they supposed would not leave them destitute upon so necessitous an occasion, declared, in a Month after, War against France. But it was not long before they paid dear for their folly, the King's Troops having overrun, during the whole Winter, all Flanders, to the very Gates of Brussels, pillaging and exacting Contributions from the flat Country; and towards the end of April in the Year 1684, a strong Body was sent to form the Siege of Luxemburgh.  
This Place is very strong both by Nature and Art, it being situate upon a Rock, 
Luxemburgh taken 1684.  surrounded on all sides by a River. The King ordered a good Army to advance betwixt Conde and Valenciennes to cover the Siege. The Emperor was not wanting in his solicitations to the Diet; and the Governor of the Spanish Netherlands, as well as the Prince of Orange, made use of all their Interest, to engage the Hollanders to endeavour the relief of a Place which was of such consequence. But all in vain, for no succours appearing, the Place was forced to Surrender, after a brave defence of seven and twenty Days after opening the Trenches.  
This done, the King offered to restore Dixmuyden and Courtray, and to renounce all his pretensions, provided the Spaniards would put him in quiet possession of Beaumond, Bovines, and Chimay, three small places without any strength, betwixt the Sambre and the , and would resign all their pretensions to Luxemburgh, which was to be the King's for ever, with the fifteen Villages belonging to it. The Spaniards refused at first to hearken to these Propositions; but the Dutch, who made serious Reflections upon the present condition of the Empire; the heavy War wherein the Emperor was engaged with the Turks, and the little hopes there was of receiving aid from England, partly by reason of the misunderstanding that was at that time betwixt King Charles II. and his Parliament, partly because they were too well acquainted with the Inclinations of that King, who preferred Peace and his Pleasures before a War, obliged them to accept of these conditions. Thus in the Year 1684 a general Truce was concluded for twenty Years; the Emperor, Spain, and the Empire having Signed the Treaty within four days one after another.  
But in the mean while that our King was applying his thoughts to re-establish Peace in Christendom with good success, 
Differences with the Pope.  the differences arisen betwixt our Court, and that of Rome increased more and more every Day; the Pope being so far from harkening to those gentle means that were proposed for an accommodation, that on the contrary his whole behaviour sufficiently testified to the World, that he was resolved to carry things to the utmost extremity.  
The occasion of the Quarrel was given by the Regale, which is a certain prerogative belonging to the Sovereign, by virtue of which they enjoy the benefit of the Revenues of the Bishoprics, and the right of bestowing all Dignities and prebend's, during the vacancies of the Episcopal Sees. But it is to be observed that the Provinces of Guienne, Dauphine, and Languedoc, pretended to be exempted from this rule, whether it were that the Law of Fiefs (which is supposed to be the Offspring of the Regale, and by virtue of which the Lord enjoys the Revenues of the Fief, after the Death of a Vassal, till the time of the Investiture of his legal Heir) was never introduced in those Provinces, among a People that were very tenacious of their natural Liberty, or whether they enjoyed this Prerogative by virtue of some particular privileges granted them by their Princes, before they were incorporated with the Crown of France, I will not pretend to determine.  
In the Year 1608, the Parliament of Paris, (which alone takes cognizance and decides matters concerning the Regale) on occasion of a contest about a Deanery, vacant in the Church of Bellay, declared by their Sentence on the 24th of April, that the King's prerogative or the Regale, aught to take place in all and every place belonging to the Kingdom, enjoining the Lawyers not to argue any thing to the contrary. The Clergy being much alarmed at this Novelty, made their application to King Henry IU. who ordered that this Sentence should not be put in execution, till the whole matter had been further debated and adjudged by King and Council. Accordingly these Provinces, by their Deputies appeared before the Council, and produced their Titles, by virtue of which they laid claim to these Privileges; they were taken into consideration, but it hung in suspense till the Year 1673, when after many Proceed, which lasted near threescore Years, the Council confirmed, in February, the Sentence of the Parliament of Paris; to wit, that the Regale ought to take place in all the Provinces and Territories under the King's Jurisdiction.  
The pointed contest being chief concerning the Province of Languedock, all the Prelates of the said Province submitted to thi● Decree, except the two Bishops of Alets and Pamiers, who made their appeal to the Pope. He was a Native of Cosmo in the Milaneze, his Name being Benedict Odescalchi, and afterwards assumed that of Innocent XI. a Man of very Virtuous Inclinations, but sullen in his Temper; zealous to an excess, and too much addicted to his own Sentiments, which is the frailty of Men, that even the most Virtuous are too apt to indulge their own Humour; these Prelates having by their Letters, and Agents in their Audiences, represented the Regale to the Pope, as a point of Heresy sufficient to destroy the true ancient purity of Religion, he sent two Briefs to the King; and in a third, threatened the King no less than with the Fulmen Papale, or Thunderbolt of the Church, adding these following Words; That he would be made sensible in time, that he did not oppose him alone, but Jesus Christ himself, against whom all human Force and Prudenc could not avail.  
Most People of sense and unbyass'd judgement, who made it their business to dive into the Mystery of this matter, could not but be amazed, to see the Pope oppose with so much violence so potent a King, and who had so lately given such eminent proofs of his Zeal for the Catholic Religion, barely on the account of the imaginary notion of the two Prelates. It was alleged by these wise Politicians, that the subjection of the Province of Languedoc under the Prerogative of the Regale, could not be imagined to be the true cause of the pretended affliction of the Church, no more than the same could be imputed to other Provinces, that at all times had submitted to the same Prerogative.  
A difference of this nature might have proved of very ill consequence under another Reign, there being too many examples, when such a spark has broke out into a flame, which all the art of Men has not been able to quench. It being unquestionable, that those contests which arise with the Church are to be managed with a great deal of caution, and that it is sometimes more conducible, to suffer with Patience, than to go about to set up a Reformation, which generally proves unsuccessful, unless with the hazard of occasioning a Schism in the Church.  
There were not a few, who making serious Reflections upon these differences, were of opinion, that the Court of Rome was not ill pleased to have met with this opportunity of the Regale, and some other matters of the like nature to serve them as pretences to come to a rapture with us; it has been, said they, the general Maxim of all the Popes for many Years last passed, to keep up, as much as in them lay, the balance betwixt the most Potent Princes in Europe, for fear, lest one of them should be put in a condition to prescribe Laws to the rest, Italy, and the Popedom itself might be in danger of being swallowed up by the most Potent. That it was upon this score the Pope had laid hold of this specious pretence, to join with the Confederates against France; the King's Reputation, Prosperity, and Power being raised to that pitch, as to give more occasion of Jealousy and fear to the other Princes at this time, than the overgrown greatness of Charles V did in the last Age. The firm resolution the Pope showed in adhering to his first sentiments, without giving the least ear to the remonstrances made on our side, seemed to intimate to the World, that these conjectures were not ill grounded.  
The King, both for his own satisfaction, and to endeavour by all means possible to persuade the Pope to a compliance, sent the Cardinal Cesar d'Estree, in the quality of his Ambassador to Rome, a Man of a vast understanding, a great Divine, and a greater Politician, who besides that, had attained to a degree of Learning much above the common rank; but neither the Conduct of this great Minister, nor the submission of the King, were prevailing enough with the Pope to make him alter his Sentiments.  
The Bishops of France taking into their serious consideration, 
Assembly of the French Clergy 1682.  this unfortunate conjuncture, made their application to the King, desiring leave to call an Assembly of the Clergy, in order to concert such measures as might either satisfy the Pope, or if that did not succeed, might prevent the effects of his threats. The Assembly was very remarkable for its number, and the great capacity and known virtue of those that composed it. After having examined the Briefs, and well weighed the matter concerning the dispute about the Regale, the Clergy, with the King's approbation, came to this Resolution, that his Majesty was willing to renounce any thing depending on the Regale, that should be found contrary to the Discipline and Practice of the Church. This Medium appeared to be much more advantageous to the Church in general, than the pretended exemption from the Regale could be to those of Languedock; but this was so far from giving any real satisfaction to the Pope, that he looked upon the whole transaction to be a Crime committed against his Authority; for which reason he sent no other Answer to the Letter written to him in the Name of the Assembly, but a thundering Brief, in which he had annulled all what had been done by them in this case.  
The Clergy finding him more exasperated than ever, to put some bounds to his Zeal, and to make him sensible that his Power was not unlimited, published their Opinions, in which they represented to the People, that they ought to pay all due respect to the Authority of the Vicar of Jesus Christ, but that they ought not to stand in fear of his Power and threats, if they transgressed their due bounds. It was at that time that the Clergy of France published these following Propositions.  
Propositi- made in the Assmbly of the French Clergy. 

That the Pope, nor Church itself have any absolute or indirect power over Kings in temporal Affairs, that they can neither be deposed, nor their Subjects Absolved from their Oath of Allegiance.  
That the General Councils are above the Pope.  
That the Pope's Power ought to be limited and regulated according to the Canons prescribed by the Church; and that his decisions are not infallible, unless with the approbation of the Church.    
These Propositions met with a very different reception in Foreign Countries. Some opposed them with all their might, and even in opposition to their Sovereigns, condemned them, as containing a new broached Doctrine. But there were also many others who being of a contrary sentiment, maintained in their Writings, that this Doctrine was so far from being new framed, that it had been always taught and practised in the Church, before the eleventh Century. They represented to the World, that Pope Gregory VIII. upheld by the vast Treasures of the Countess Mathilde, had been the first who had been so bold as to pretend to depose an Emperor, laying hold of the opportunity that offered to increase his Power by the Intestine Divisions and Civil Wars, which at that time had reduced the Germane Empire to the brink of destruction. That for the first thousand Years, the Popes had always submitted themselves to the Authority of the General Councils, and that by their own confession, they had acknowledged themselves to be under a more strict obligation than others, to observe their Canons and Decrees.  
There were others also, who looked upon this Declaration of the Assembly of the French Clergy as very seasonable, at a time when the Court of Rome in all outward appearance, had no other difference with the King but only to maintain the Privileges of some of the French Churches: To be short every one judged of the matter according to his Passion, it being no new thing that Interest is for the most part the fundcmental Rule of any Doctrine.  
But certain it is, that the Pope was so incensed at the Declaration of the French Clergy, that when the King afterwards had nominated some of the Members of the Assembly, to supply the vacant Bishops Sees, the Pope refused to approve of them, alleging that they had given their consent without sufficiently weighing the matter, to a Doctrine directly opposite to the Rights and Prerogatives of the Papal Chair. It was represented to him that these contests were no Articles of Faith, but in vain, for without being moved at our Remonstrances, he left above thirty Churches vacant in France, rather than he would grant his Bulls to any of those that had been Members of the Assembly.  
The Pope's refusal was looked upon as very unseasonable, at a time, when most of the Churches in France, stood more than ever in need of the presence of their Bishops; the King applied all his care to root out Calvinism in his Dominions. 
Calvinism rooted out in France  A most surprising undertaking, both in respect of the greatness of the design, and the many difficulties that were to be surmounted before it could be put in execution. This Sect began first under the Reign of Francis I. neither appeared they very considerable in the time of Henry II. but under the Reigns of his Children, they began to be so formidable, that they seized upon many Cities, demolished the Churches, beat down the Altars, and broke the Images, committing such unheard of outrages in all places where they were Masters, that they did even not spare the grave of the Dead. After above a Million of brave Men who were destroyed in the Massacre, in four pitched Battles, in the Sieges and Defence of several hundred places, and in above three hundred Engagements, they remained yet so Potent, at the time of Henry IU. that to restore Tranquillity to the Kingdom, he was forced to grant them liberty of Conscience, many Churches in all parts of France, Judges of their own Persuasion, and besides, a free access to all places of Honour and Dignities, to give them great sums of Money to pay off their Troops, and an hundred places as pledges of their future security, and to settle certain Funds to maintain both their Preachers and Garrisons.  
King Lewis XIII. having, after a most bloody War which lasted seven Years, taken from them and destroyed these Sanctuaries, the public Nurseries of Sedition and Rebellion, they were ever since without any places of Refuge, or Head, being divested of all their Troops and strong holds; nevertheless they increased daily in number, so that at the time of the King's accession to the Throne, they were computed to exceed two Millions.  
The King immediately after he had taken the management of Affairs into his own Hands, prompted by a most laudable Zeal for the true Religion, and taking into serious consideration their many revolts, their dangerous correspondence with Foreign Princes, the several Conspiracies fomented by them within the Realm, the Cruelties executed by them in former Reigns, had at that time taken a firm Resolution to root out that Faction. But the first Years of his Reign being for the most part taken up with the reformation of the State, and the heavy Wars he was afterwards obliged to carry on against his Neighbours that were grown jealous of his prosperity, had made him to lay aside this design, or at least, till a happy Peace should furnish him with a more favourable opportunity. After a Sect has once got sure footing in a State, the most violent must serve only to make them the more inveterate, as too much lenity makes them on the other Hand the more bold and encroaching. The best way to humble them, and to make them dwindle away to nothing, is a prudent mixture of severity and indulgence, according to the different circumstances of time, the greatest part of Mankind being more inclined to be governed by fear, than the dictates of right Reason.  
The King being willing to make use of all possible means to suppress this Heresy without much noise and trouble, exhorted the French Bishops to take care, that the points in Controversy betwixt the Catholics and Calvinists, should be fundamentally treated of in the Pulpits, especially in those places that were mostly inhabited by the last, and that a good number of Prudent and Zealous Missionaries should be sent among them, who by their Instructions and good Examples, might bring back these lost Sheep to the Sheep-fold. To back their Zeal and Endeavours by his Royal Authority, he promised ample Rewards, Honours, and Privileges to such of his Subjects as would return into the bosom of the Church. and to punish those that remained obstinate; he not only excluded them from his Household, and all other employments of Honour or Profit, but ordered also that Soldiers should be quartered in their Houses, till such time that they might be prevailed upon to change their Opinion. In such a case as this it is not sufficient to give good and wholesome Instructions, there being a certain benummedness (as it may be said) in Mankind, which oweing its Offspring to a long Custom, makes them look with too much indifferency after the means of their Salvation, unless they be spurred on by fear. Most Men are so prepossessed with prejudices, especially if degenerated into a habit of carelessness, that they think it scarce ever worth their while to make a due search after Truth, unless they be forced thereunto by the apprehensions of danger, and the desire of living in quiet.  
The King ordered all the Courts of Justice, erected by virtue of the Edict of Nantes, to be abolished, and in lieu of them made several Laws in favour of the Catholic Religion, which debarred them from that pernicious liberty of abjuring the true Religion, and those of the Protestants who had embraced it, to return to their former Errors, and Heresy, under severe punishments; to shut up all such Churches as receive them, and to forbid the Ministerial Function to their Preachers. But these were too fond of maintaining and encouraging their Faction, to give ear to the King's Commands, who, to punish their disobedience, ordered many of their Churches to be pulled down, and laid level with the ground; especially in such places where the had exercised their Divine Worship, contrary even to those Edicts which were made in their behalf. It is in this place that with all the reason in the World may be applied this saying, That there are certain Truths which appear so little probable, that they resemble more a Fable than Truth itself. Will it not appear incredible to Posterity, when they shall read that we have seen in our times so strong a Faction dwindle away to nothing, without any violence or commotion? For in four or five Years time whole Cities were reunited to the Obedience of the Church, who had this comfort to see by the conduct of her eldest Son, Two Millions of her Children return into her Bosom. Thus the King in the Year 1685, on the 22th of October, annulled the Edicts of Nantes and Nismes, their Churches were all laid level with the Ground, their Ministers banished the Kingdom, and Calvinism was entirely rooted out without the least commotion.  
As by these so many and great Actions the love which the People bore to the King increased more and more every Day, so it is scarce to be expressed with what a general consternation the whole Kingdom was seized, when about a Year after, his Life was in danger. For seven or eighth Months before, 
In Decem. 1678.  he had been much out of order, having at several times been seized either with a Fever or some other Distemper, till at last it breaking out into an Ulcer, an incision was judged the only remedy against the Evil, which being applied accordingly, proved so dangerous, that he could not possibly have escaped with his Life, if the Fever had returned. But the cause of it is attributed by many to the excess of fear, which seizes the faint hearted Patient in such an operation; so the King having born it without the least commotion, he scarce found any alteration, having received the visits of many the same Day, appeared in Council the next, and during the whole time he was afflicted with this Evil (which lasted above five Weeks) he managed all State-Affairs, and dispatched his Orders with the same activity as he was used to do before.  
As long as he was judged to be in danger, the whole Kingdom offered up their Vows for his recovery. Nothing was more frequent than to see the Handycrafts Men leave their Employments, and to run in prodigious numbers to the Churches, which were always full from Morning till Night; the People flocking in vast numbers to Pray for the King's Health. But as they had given most evident proofs of their sorrow and grief hitherto, so they strove to outdo one another in their demonstrations of Joy at his Recovery; the rejoicings made upon this Occasion being risen to that degree of extravagancy, that it was judged convenient to put a stop to them by public Authority. But if his recovery filled all his Subjects with joy and satisfaction, his Enemies, jealous of his greatness, were the more surprised, when they found themselves deceived in their expectation.  
It was above a Year since the Prince of Orange, the Ministers of the Emperor, and the Duke of Neuburgh had fomented the jealousy, which the other Princes of Europe had conceived at our King's Prosperity. The Duke of Neuburgh especially, being a very active Prince, and a great Politician, who never missed the least opportunity of promoting his own Interests, had made many Cabals against France, especially in Germany, and Spain, where by his persuasions he animated these Princes to enter into a League against us, insinuating to them, the danger that threatened them smee the conclusion of the Truce made at Ratisbonne in the Year 1684, which he represented to them more disgraceful than the Peace itself made at Nimeguen, and that therefore it would be more for their Interest to take up Arms for the recovery of their Losses and Reputation, an open War being less dangerous, than to suffer France to bid defiance to them in the midst of Peace; that they could scarce hope for a more favourable juncture than this, the present greatness of France being owing to their King, whose health being now impaired to that degree, as not to be able to get on Horseback, and to animate his Subjects by his Presence.  
These insinuations and intrigues were at last so prevailing, that in the Year 1686, in July, an Alliance was concluded at Augsburgh against France, betwixt the Emperor, the King of Spain, the States-General of the United Provinces, the Elector Palatin, and the Electors of Brandenburg and Saxony, many Catholic, and generally all the Protestant Princes of Germany.  
After the taking of Luxemburgh, and the conclusion of the Truce, the King had shown more inclin●… than ever to maintain the Peace of Christendom; he had let the Emperor gain several Battles, and Conquer a whole Kingdom, without any opposition, or making the least Diversion, which might in all probability have prevented the Imperialists from extending their Conquests, and ruining the Ottoman Empire, which seemed at that time to be brought to the very brink of destruction. And notwithstanding that the Duke of Neuburgh by his Conduct, had given sufficient reason to the King to make him feel the effects of his Indignation, nevertheless he resolved rather to sacrifice his present resentments to the interest of Christendom, than by sending an Army towards the Rhine to obstruct the progress of the Christian Arms against the Infidels.  
In the mean time the Elector Palatin happened to die without Issue, who being succeeded in the Electorate by the Duke of Neuburgh, 
The first Spouse of the present Duke of Orleans was Henriette Anne, Daughter to K. Ch. I. of England.  Charlotte Elizabeth. of Bavaria, the lately deceased Elector's Sister, and now Duchess of Orleans, demanded from the new Elector all the moveables, Allodian Lands, and Fiefs belonging to her Family. The new Elector did consent to give her all the moveaables, but refused to restore the rest, of which he had taken possession. The better to back his pretensions, the Duke of Orleans was forced to make his application to the King, to lend him a sufficient number of Forces to put himself in possession of those Fiefs, which by Inheritance belonged to his Duchess. This seemed to be the most favourable opportunity that could be expected for the King to chastise the Elector Palatin; but his inclinations for the maintaining Tranquillity in Christendom prevailing over all other considerations, he would not consent at that time, that the Duke of Orleans, his Brother, should prosecute his right by force of Arms, but prevailed with him to leave the whole matter of the decision to the Pope.  
The Heads of this new Confederacy imputing this condescension of our King either to the present condition of his Affairs, or the ill state of his health, left no stone unturned, especially in the Court of Rome, to prepossess the Pope with fears and jealousies against us. He being extremely rejoiced at the happy progress of the Emperor's Arms in Hungary, it was not without a great deal of satisfaction, that he saw our King give such eminent demonstrations of his moderation, as not in the least to obstruct their Conquests, besides which he could not be sufficiently sensible of these fresh demonstrations of the King's confidence in him, in having left the difference about the Inheritance of the Palatinate to his Arbitration. But the Emperor's Ministers had so much the ascendant over him, that by their insinuations, they stifled all the favourable Sentiments he had conceived for the Interest of France; and on the other Hand, had so deeply engaged him in their Party, that he only wanted an opportunity or a pretext to come to a rapture with us; it was not long before he thought to have met with the most favourable one that could be wished for, when a dispute arose about the Franchises of the Quarters of Ambassadors.  
The Palaces of Foreign Ambassadors belonging not so much to themselves as those Kings and Princes whom they represent, 
Differences about the privileges of the Ambassadors Quarters at Rome.  aught at all times to be respected as such, and for this reason it is, that by the Law of Nations they are accounted Sacred and Unviolable. The Ambassadors of Crowned Heads residing at Rome entertain generally a vast Retinue, so that their Palaces being seldom large enough to contain so great a number of Domestics, they are frequently obliged to dispose of some of them in the next adjacent Houses, which upon that account were always esteemed at Rome as belonging to and enjoying the same Privileges with the Ambassador's Palace itself. for which reason the Officers of Justice were not allowed to do their Office in these places, which were looked upon as a Sanctuary. But it happened frequently, that the Ambassadors Domestics, and sometimes they themselves made but ill use of this Privilege, which made several Popes forbidden their Subjects, under very severe punishments, to seek for refuge in the Ambassador's Quarters, and ordered their Judges not to suffer any thing like it for the future. But notwithstanding all these precautions, the Ambassadors had maintained themselves in their right, till Pope Innocent XI. seemed resolved to abolish them for ever.  
For which purpose, he immediately after the Death of Francis Hannibal, Duke d'Estrees, (Brother to the Cardinal of the same Name) the King's Ambassador at Rame, by his Bull Excommunicated all such as should pretend to maintain the said Franchises of Quarters, and all those Offenders that should pretend to seek for refuge in those places. His judgement appeared too much inclining to severity by the consent of all the World; it being alleged, that since the Thunderbolt of the Church ought not to aim at any others but heinous Offenders, why should it strike at these, who perhaps, by misfortune being fallen into an error, or debts, shelter themselves in those places for the preservation of their lives and liberty. After the publication of this Bull, Henry Charles de Beaumonvil, Marquis of Leverdin, who succeeded the Duke d'Estrees in the same station at Rome, and been present at Mass at Christmass-Eve in the Year 1686, in the Parish Church of St. Lewis, the Cardinal Vicar taking it for granted, that the Ambassador was fallen under the censure of the abovementioned Bull, ordered the said Church to be shut up; but two Months after the said Judgement was revoked, and the Church opened again, notwithstanding the said Ambassador had not given the least satisfaction, or any demonstrations of Repentance.  
The said Ambassador being, since his arrival at Rome, not admitted to the Audience of the Pope, no body knew whether he had put himself into the possession of the Franchises of the Quarters, in order to maintain, or else to resign them into the Pope's Hands; having hitherto acted with so much circumspection, as to this point, that it was the opinion of most People, that he had received Orders from the King to renounce them, since he had not forced all suspicious Persons to leave his Quarters, but also giving strict Orders to his Domestics not to give reception to any for the future. As there had not been any body to see him from the Pope, so he had not received the least notice of this Bull against the Franchises of the Quarters, tho' it was evident that it had been published a considerable time before his arrival; so that if the high Character he bore in the Romish Court had not been a sufficient protection for him against the censure of this Bull, it would have proved a very difficult task to evince that considered only as a private Man, he had fallen under the said Censure. Notwithstanding all this the Pope remained inflexible to all the remonstrances of the Ambassador, who could never obtain to be admitted to his Audience.  
The Allies finding the Pope's resolute disposition so highly favourable to their present design, made use of this opportunity, to bring over some of the Catholic Princes, that hitherto had not showed much forwardness to enter into the Confederacy, by which means they hoped to strengthen their Party to such a degree, as to be able to cope with the power of France; for which reason also the Elector Palatin made pressing instances at the Emperor's (his Father-in-Law's) Court, to conclude a Peace with the Ottoman Port, and to sacrifice some of his Conquests in Hungary to enable them to prosecute the War with the more vigour near the Rhine. The Turks showed about that time great Inclinations for a Peace, which they stood much in need of, to recover themselves of the losses and troubles, which their misfortunes abroad and Intestine Divisions at home had caused in their Empire; But having observed the Imperialists to act with too much eagerness in what they desired themselves, they began to take fresh Courage and Resolution not to make Peace, unless upon very good terms. Peace is a thing so good and desirable in itself, as ought not easily to be refused, when offered, but nevertheless it is not always advantageous to act in a matter of such consequence with too much precipitation. In the mean while the Confederates left no stone unturned to strengthen their Party near the Rhine, by the choice of a new Elector of Cologne, such a one as they knew to be absolutely devoted to their Interest, and who should grant a free passage to their Troops upon all occasions. The old Archbishop was so aged and decayed in strength, 
The Affairs of Cologne 1688.  that seeing but little probability to live many Years longer, he gave leave to the Chapter of Cologne to choose a Coadjutor. The Elector Palatin being a Prince who knew how to improve all opportunities to his own advantage, made use of all his Interest to advance one of the Princes his Sons to that Dignity, being sensible that if he could succeed in this design, to make one of them Coadjutor of this Bishopric, and consequently thereby to make himself Master of two Electorates, there was nothing so great, that he might not hope for in time; and there were not a few who suspected, that notwithstanding this strict Alliance with the House of Austria, he had not laid aside all thoughts of meeting with a favourable opportunity to make way for his Sons to the Empire. However it was, both the Emperor and Hollanders made use of all their Interest to back his pretensions, but all their intrigues proved of so little effect, that of two and twenty of which the Chapter was composed, nineteen gave their Voices for William Eugene of Furstembergh, Cardinal and Bishop of Strasburgh, Dean of the Church, and Chief Minister of the Archbishop of Cologne. The extraordinary merits of the Cardinal, his great Age and Experience, his past Services, but above all the recommendations both of our King, and the Archishop of Cologne had been so prevailing with them, as to prefer him before all others. But these reasons were not convincing enough to his Holiness, who in opposition to all the remonstrances made to him in the Cardinal's behalf, persisted in his resolution of not confirming the said Postulation, tho' it was confessed on all sides, that every thing had been transacted in due form, and that his Confirmation was looked upon as the most proper means to secure the Peace of Christendom. The King writ a Letter to the Pope with his own Hand, which being given to a trusty Messenger, the said Envoy showed the Letter to the Ministers of his Holiness, and without discovering to them his Instructions, told them that he had something to propose to the Pope in the King's Name, which would give him all imaginable satisfaction. But what is more frequent, than to see even the wisest to be mistaken, when they are only guided and rely too much upon their own Counsels? For, how dangerous soever the consequences of this refusal were represented to the Pope, he could not be prevailed upon to receive either the Letter, or to admit the Envoy into his presence.  
In the mean while that these contests were in agitation in the Court of Rome, the Archbishop of Cologne came to die, and the Confederates to counter-balance the Interest of the Cardinal of Furstenbergh, raised up Prince Clement, Brother to Maximilian II. the present Elector of Bavaria, as a Competitor against him. He was a young Prince of no small hopes, but being not then above seventeen Years of Age, and no Member of the Chapter of Cologne. the Pope was forced to recede at this juncture from his wont rigour and the strict rules of the Church Canons, and to grant him a Dispensation to qualify him to be Elected Archbishop of the said Church. The Confederates strengthened by the Pope's Brief spared neither threats, offers, nor promises or intrigues. And the Emperor's Envoy told in the Assembly of the Chapter, and in the presence of the Cardinal himself, that if they chose the Cardinal they must expect to be deprived of all their privileges. But notwithstanding all these violent proceedures, fourteen remained steadfast to the Cardinal, there being only nine that gave their voices for Prince Clement of Bavaria.  
The decision of this grand affair belonging to the Court of Rome, 
Prince Clement of Bavaria Elect●r of Cologne.  both these Competitors backed by the interest of those Princes that had espoused their Quarrel, made all their credit to obtain their Confirmation by the Pope's Bull, who called together a Congregation strictly to examine the matter in all its circumstances. But a business of such vast quence, and that in so nice a juncture, was not likely to be decided by such formalities as those, but by the powerful influence of the stronger party. The Enemies of France were not backward to represent to the Pope, that by making the Cardinal Archbishop of Cologne, was in effect, to put our King in the possession of Cologne and the whole Electorate; that the King when once Master of Cologne, would in a little time be also Master not only of the Low-Countries, but also of the Empire itself, Cologne being the Gate which opened the way into the Empire to overrun the neighbouring Countries at pleasure. There needed no more to create a jealousy in the Pope, who being already prepossessed either with a prejudice or ill will against the Cardinal, and with a fear of augmenting the King's Power, was ready enough to give ear to the insinuations of these Emissaries, and to exclude the Cardinal from the hopes of the Archbishopric, in preferring a Prince of seventeen Years, before him, whom he himself thought worthy of the Cardinal's Cap.  
Our King having thus in vain tried all possible means to preserve the Peace of Christendom, 
The King takes up Arms in 1688.  took at last a resolution to come to a rapture with the Pope, and without any diminution to the respect due to the Holy Chair, to defend himself against his Aggressors, choosing rather to carry the War into his Enemy's Countries, than to expect it in his own. To divert the storm that was arising from Rome, he ordered his Attorney-General to bring in an Appeal to the next General Council, against all the injustices received, or which for the future might be to be feared from the Pope's partiality: This kind of Appeal, when founded upon just reasons, making void and ineffectual all the Church Censures intended against this Act, the King could not have pitched upon a more Prudent and Commodious expedient to prevent the Pope's future resolutions of hurting him, or at least to take away the means of putting them in Execution.  
He published at the same time a Manifesto, 
In Sept. 1688.  containing the reasons which had obliged him to take up Arms once more; and, as his chief design was rather to be upon the defensive than to act offensively against his Enemies, the said Manifesto had much more resemblance to a new project of Peace, than to a Declaration of War. For the King proposed.  
To put an end to the differences in Hand by an amicable composition, in reference to the Succession in dispute, concerning the Fiefs in the Palatinate.  
He offered to demolish Friburgh and Philipsbourg, after he should become Master of the last; provided the Emperor and Empire would agree on their side to convert the twenty Years Truce into a Peace, and would leave the Cardinal of Furstemburgh in the quiet possession of the Archbishopric, and the Chapter of Cologne in the enjoyment of their Rights and Privileges.  
To back these pretensions by the force of his Arms, 
Philipsburgh taken in 1688  he ordered a good Army to advance towards Philipsburgh, which was besieged by the Dauphin on the sixth of October. This being the first time that the Prince appeared at the head of an Army in the Field, he gave such eminent proofs both of his Valour and Conduct in this Campaign, which lasted not above six Weeks, that thereby he gained the esteem of the whole French Army. There were many difficulties to be surmounted in this Siege, the far advanced Season, continual Rains, and situation of the Place, which was surrounded with marshy Grounds, and the resolution of the Governor, who defended himself with great bravery, were such obstacles as seemed to render the success of this Enterprise very doubtful. But the Place being destitute of all hopes of relief, and not in a condition to resist any longer the fury of our Bombs, and vigorous Attacks, was forced to Capitulate on the twenty ninth of October, and the Dauphin celebrated his Birthday three Days after being the first of November, by his Solemn Entry into the Place.  
During the Siege of Philipsburgh the King reiterated his former instances for the conclusion of a Peace, in hopes, that these lightnings being the forerunners of those thunderclaps that threatened the adjacent Countries, might serve as a warning to the Confederates. But finding all his endeavours in vain, and foreseeing he must prepare himself to sustain a long War, he ordered the Dauphin to make himself Master of the whole Palatinate, 
The Conquest of the Palatinate in 1688.  by the Conquest of the strong Fortresses of Manheim and Frankendal, and at the same time, sent several flying Armies towards Spires, Mayence, Treves, and Worms, to take possession of these places; by which means he did not question but to oblige the Enemies either to accept of a Peace, or at least to put them under a necessity of regaining these places with vast charges and great loss of their Men, which had only cost him the trouble of being seized upon by his Troops.   

AN ESSAY UPON THE HISTORY OF THE REIGN OF LEWIS the GREAT. LIB. V  
THE whole Germane Empire was extremely alarmed at these Conquests made by our King's Forces, but they were so far from being cast down at their loss, that on the contrary, they seemed to have assumed new Courage; each Circle in particular dreading the neighbourhood of so potent a Prince, strove to outvie the other in making new Levies with great expedition, without entering upon the dispute (as they used to do formerly) about the Quota each of them was to furnish for the defence of the Empire. All the Electors and Princes of Germany, not excepting even the Elector of Bavaria, declared unanimously against France, notwithstanding the Sister of the last was Married to the Dauphin. He had signalised himself upon several occasions in Hungary, and was now resolved to maintain his Brother in the Archbishopric of Cologne; besides, that he was flattered with the hopes of Succession in Spain. These Obligations were so prevailing with this Prince, that contrary to the Maxim practised in the House of Bavaria for many Years past, to balance the power of the House of Austria, he became one of the Heads and the most passionate adherents to the Confederacy.  
It is scarce possible to be conceived that so many Sovereigns as compose the Germane Empire should be swayed by the same interest, 
The whole Empire declares against France.  and be all of the same opinion, the more, since History can scarce furnish us with an instance for many Ages past, when they have been thus united in one League, especially in espousing the Emperor's Quarrel, it being looked upon as one of the fundamental Maxims to maintain the Liberty of the Empire, rather to diminish than to favour the designs and growing power of their Emperors. It appeared to most Politicians, a thing the most improbable in the World, to see these Princes so forward in running themselves in a War, the benefit whereof would only redound to the Emperor, whilst they in the mean while disenabled themselves to resist his power, when at any time hereafter he should meet with a favourable juncture to fall upon them.  
Notwithstanding the conjunction of the forces of Germany, the Emperor and Empire scarce thinking themselves strong enough to resist the King's Victorious Arms without further supplies, they made their applications to all the Princes of Europe, even the King of Poland, and to the other Northern Princes, who by their vast distance seem'd to have but little concerns in the affairs of those parts of Europe. The Swiss Cantons were more than once solicited to enter into the Confederacy, or at least to grant a free passage to their Troops. But as they did not fear their threats, so they rejected all their advantageous offers, persisting in their resolution, to keep an exact neutrality, according to the examples of their Ancestors, who thereby drew the Money of the neighbouring Countries into their Country, and made themselves to be esteemed and courted by the most powerful Princes of Europe: among all the Princes of Italy, tho' there were very few but what were glad to see a check put to the King's power, yet not one declared against us except Victor Amadeus II. the present Duke of Savoy.  
The Glorious Name of being Generalissimo over a great Army, which the Confederates had promised to send to his assistance, the fair prospect of enriching himself by the great subsidies from England and Holland; the hopes of having a share in the Conquests which the Allies proposed to make upon France, and to make a better Figure in Europe than he had done hitherto; all these fair pretensions, I say, were motives strong enough to induce that Duke to refuse all the King's offers of a Neutrality, 
The Duke of Savoy enters into the Confederacy.  and to join with the Confederates against us. The War in Piedmont is always extremely chargeable to France; all the Cannon, Ammunition, and Provisions, must be carried upon Mules through impassable Roads, and out Troops could not but suffer great inconveniencies in passing and repassing these inaccessible Mountains, so that nothing could be more advantageously contrived for the Interest of the Confederates, than to oblige our King to carry on a War on that side, where besides all the beforementioned inconveniencies, our Frontiers lay exposed to our Enemies; it having been always the Interest of Savoy to keep a good correspondence with France, and the strict Alliances betwixt these two Courts, the King's reputation and strength having been looked upon as a sufficient safeguard and Bulwark for the security of our Frontiers in those parts. It was upon this account that the Allies flattered themselves with the hopes of making a powerful irruption upon us, and to penetrate into the very heart of the Kingdom on this side, where it was least defensible; but tho' they promised themselves no small advantages from this diversion, the main foundation of their hopes was laid on the expected change of affairs in England, which proved to their satisfaction, at a time when it was not so much as dreamed of by us.  
There seems to be a great sympathy betwixt the Climate and the humour of the English Nation, the Government being subject to as many Revolutions, as the weather is changeable in that Island, which, tho' very frequent here, yet are nothing the less surprising in their events. The great diversity of Religions, which has been introduced since the time of their separation from the ancient Church, is an inexhaustible scource of the many intestine troubles and divisions, which at several times have brought this Monarchy to the very brink of ruin.  
James II. when Duke of York, 
Revolution in England 1688.  was upon the point of having been excluded from the succession of the Crown by one of the Houses of Parliament, notwithstanding which, he mounted the Throne, after the Death of his Brother, with the general Acclamation of the People, at a time when he made public profession of the Roman Religion. This Noble confidence of not dissembling his Religion, stood him in no small stead with the English, who looked upon this his greatness of mind, as a pledge of their future safety, and that his Word would at all times stand inviolable to protect their Laws and Liberties. But it was not long before they changed their sentiments, the whole Nation being alarmed at the Zeal they observed in him of advancing the Roman Catholics, which was improved to the King's disadvantage by a contrary Faction, who noised it about in the ears of the People, that his main design was to overturn their Laws, and to establish upon their ruins an Arbitrary power. The whole Kingdom being put into confusion and fears, they began to enter into an Association, headed by the Chief Men among the Commons, and most of the Nobility, who under hand treated with Holland, and obtained powerful succours with so much secrecy, that there was not the least thing discovered of it, till a few Months before the arrival of the Prince of Orange at the head of an Army in England. The train was so well laid, and the whole matter so well timed, that when the Prince of Orange landed in Torbay with twenty thousand Men, both the Nobility and Gentry flocked to him in great numbers, all the Cities opened their Gates, both the Fleet and Army declared for him, and abandoned their King's Interest, that to save his Life, or at least to preserve his Liberty, he was obliged to fly and seek for refuge in France. A most notable instance of the instability of all human greatness! If this Prince had accepted of our King's offers, Things would in all probability never have been brought to that extremity; for no sooner had his most Christian Majesty been advertised of what was in agitation in Holland, but he sent word to the King of England, that he would either send a French Army to his assistance, or else by giving a powerful diversion to the Dutch, prevent their design against him. But the King of England, who flattered himself with these hopes, that the Prince of Orange being his Nephew and Son-in-Law, would scarce be prevailed upon to head a Faction against him, and that if he should have any such intention, his Fleet and Army were a sufficient guard to him against any attempts of the Dutch, was not, till it was too late convinced of his mistake. For no sooner had the Prince of Orange set Foot upon the English shore, but he found the whole Nation ready to receive him, and every thing was thus disposed, that after the departure of the King of England, the English Nation showed more forwardness in advancing him to the Throne, than he did, in all outward appearances, in accepting of it. For at the first meeting of the States of the Kingdom, the Throne of England being declared vacant, the Prince of Orange was Proclaimed, Crowned, 
K. Will. III. acknowledged King of England.  and acknowledged as Lawful King of England, not only by the English Nation, and all the Protestant Princes, but also by the Emperor, Spain, by the Electors of Germany, an all the other Catholic Princes in general, that were entered into the Confederacy.  
It having been always looked upon as a thing past all dispute among the Confederates, that the power of England, if joined with the Confederacy, would overbalance, or at least equalise that of France; they now believed themselves to be arrived at the highest pitch of their prosperity; for which reason they boasted in all places, that France would fcarce be able to hold out two or three Campaigns, after the Prince of Orange (King William III) should have joined the Forces of three Kingdoms with the Confederate Armies. There were some who were foolish enough to imagine, and to represent the Kingdom of France as reduced to the very brink of destruction, blocked up both by Sea and Land, scarce able to withstand five or six Armies that were to attack it on all sides at a time; but these unexperienced Politicians were soon after convinced that they had triumphed before the Victory was obtained. These vast preparations made by the Allies against France, rather served to augment than diminish the Glory of our King, who in nine Years time gained several Battles, and took many of their best Towns, some of which they have been forced to regain with incredible charges, and greatloss of their best Men.  
However, 
Campain in 1689.  the Revolution in England was so considerable an addition to the reputation and strength of the whole Confederacy, that the same appeared terrible in the Eyes of all the World, except to our King, who was so far from being terrified by this unhappy conjuncture, that by his indefatigable care and activity, he surmounted all these difficulties, which afterwards served only as an Augmentation of his Glory. He received the King of England with all the imaginable testimonies of generosity, and demonstrations of honour and respect, allotting both to the King, and the Queen his Spouse, a sufficient allowance to keep a most magnificent Court, and showing a great readiness upon all occasions, to satisfy them in any thing they could desire, and to find out means to afford t●em seasonable comfort in their affliction.  
A great part of the Kingdom of Ireland remaining as yet steadfast in the Interest of their King, our King without any delay, 
French Forces sent into Ireland.  sent thither a good number of Troops in the Year 1689, with a sufficient quantity of Arms, Ammunition, and other necessaries. The King of England having put himself at the head of these Troops, in conjunction with the Irish Forces that had taken up Arms for him, he advanced against the Enemy with indifferent success, there happening nothing of moment all that Campaign, as there was no great action in other parts, the Prince of Orange (King William III) judging it more for his advantage at that time, to establish himself in England by his Presence, and our King having taken a resolution to be upon the defensive this Campaign, the better to enable himself to send more powerful Supplies into Ireland, and to try whether perhaps by some means or other, the Confederacy would not dissolve itself against the next Campaign. It is easy to be imagined, that among Princes of so many different Inclinations and Interests, the War is generally not carried on with the same Vigour as it is undertaken, there being frequent Examples that the strictest Alliances have been broken with as much ease as they were made.  
For, near the Alps there scarce appeared any Armies in the Field. The Duke of Noailles took Campredon in Catalonia, which was demolished quickly after. The Armies in Flanders did nothing but look upon one another, there having been scarce any Action there abouts all that Summer, but the Assault made upon Wall-Court.  
This being a place of small defence, the Marshal d'Humiers thought to have carried it by Storm, without making a Breach; but the Euemies who were retired before the Marshal, having posted themselves upon some eminencies behind the Town, so as to keep a communication with one of the Gates, they sent from time to time as many fresh Forces as were requisite to defend the Place; so that the Marshal was repulsed with the loss of five hundred Men killed and wounded, among whom were thirty or forty Officers, and many brave Volunteers, who paid with their lives for the mistake of the Marshal, who had been misguided by his Spies.  
The Allies Forces near the Rhine consisted of threescore and ten thousand Men, divided into three several Bodies, under the Command of Prince Charles of Lorraine, and the Electors of Bavaria, Saxony, and Brandenburg. To prevent the Enemies taking up Winter-Quarters too near our Frontiers, we were obliged to ravage all the Country of Wirtemberg, and the whole Palatinate, and to lay all desolate as far as Strasburgh. The Cities of Spires and Worms were laid in ashes, and all the other Places thereabouts, of which we had taken possession the Year before, were demolished, except Mayence, Bonner, Philipsburgh, and Keyserwaerth; the last of which being a small Town of little strength upon the Rhine, was by Frederic II. Elector of Brandenburg, (Son to the Famous Frederic William, who died in May in the Year 1688) taken in four or five Days.  
The City of Mayence was Besieged by the Imperialists, 
Siege of Mayence.  under the Command of Prince Charles of Lorraine, the Electors of Bavaria and Saxony, who joined their Forces with the others. This Place was the Year before, when the Elector of the same name received a French Garrison into the Town, so inconsiderable in its Fortifications, that tho' a great number of Workmen were employed all the Winter long to put them in a state of defence, they could scarce bring the Outworks to perfection. It's chiefest strength at that time consisted in a good Garrison of nine or ten thousand Men, all resolute brave fellows, who unanimously resolved to hold it out to the last extremity. If it was Attacked with all imaginable Vigour, there has not been a Place in the memory of Men defended with more bravery, In forty eight days after opening of the Trenches, the Besiegers had only made one Lodgement upon the utmost point of the Counterscarp. The Besieged made frequent Sallies at Noonday, with their Colours flying, and Drums beating, sometimes three or four times in one Day, within two hours of one another. They marched out sometimes with a Body of two or three thousand Men in order of Battle, engaged the Enemy, cut in pieces those that guarded the Trenches, nailed up their Cannons, filled up their Works, and once drove the Enemies back at such a distance from the Place, that their main Horse-guard took Post at the very Head of their Trenches. The Confederates having often felt the effects of the desperate resolution of the Besieged, resolved to Attack and carry the Counterscarp, let it cost what it would. Pursuant to this resolution, all their Batteries played most furiously by break of Day, and thus continued, till by the throwing of certain Bombs, the Signal was given for the Assault. In a few moments you might have seen the Ground covered with dead Carcases, the Cannon of the Besieged, their Hand-Grenadoes and Bombs, their Fire-Arms, but especially their Swords made such havoc among the Enemy, as is rather to be conceived than to be expressed. The Assault lasted five Hours, when the Besieg'dbeing at last overpowered by the great number of their Enemies, who without intermission, seconded their Men with fresh Troops, were forced to give way, and to leave them Masters of the Counterscarp, but with the loss of four thousand Men on the Confederate side. The Besieged having, besides this, lost, during the Assault, all their Ammunition, by a Bomb which blew up their Magazine, they offered to try the next Day to regain the Counterscarp with their Swords in Hand, but the Marquis d'Uxelles, their Governor, being unwilling to Sacrifice so many brave Fellows in the attempt, beat a Parley, and the Allies being not backward in granting him very Honourable Conditions, the Garrison marched out of the Place with their Colours flying, and six pieces of Cannon.  
Whilst they were busied in the Siege of Mayence, the Elector of Brandenburg, 
Siege of Bonn.  who commanded a separate Body, Invested Bonn. The Place was battered for two Months together, with an Artillery of an hundred pieces of Cannon, and most of their Houses, and some of their Out-Works were laid level with the Ground by the Bombs; notwithstanding which the Besieged defended themselves with a great deal of resolution, endeavouring to outvie the Garrison of Mayence in the defence of this Place; they were very successful in their Sallies, in one of which they missed but narrowly of the Elector himself, who being left by his Guards, was in great danger of having been carried Prisoner into the Town. After the taking of Mayence, the Prince of Lorraine marched with a considerable reinforcement to Besiege the Place in due form, but could not make himself Master of it till a Month after, the brave Governor Bidal, Baron of Asfelt refusing to hearken to a Capitulation, till all the Outworks were taken, and that he had neither Provision nor Ammunition left, nay not so much as room enough to make new Entrenchments behind the ruin'd Bastions.  
These two Sieges cost the Enemies near twenty thousand Men, and the remainders of their Army were so harassed, by these continual Fatigues, that they were forced to seek for Winter-quarters in October following, in their own Territories.  
The bravery the French had shown in the vigorous defence of these places made such a noise in the World, 
Campaign of 1690.  that most People began to alter their opinion concerning the success of the Confederacy, who had been forced to buy their Conquests at so excessive a rate. But all the World stood amazed when they saw the King's Arms Crowned with Victories on all sides in the next following Campaign.  
The Confederate Army in Flanders consisted at that time of forty thousand Men, under the Command of the Count of Waldeck, an old General, and in great esteem among them. The Duke of Luxemburgh General of the King's Army at the same time in Flanders, Commanded a Body not inferior in number to the Confederates, and being come within sight of them, prepared to Attack them, according to the King's Orders, at Noonday, being the first of July. 
Victory of Fleurus.  The Enemy having posted themselves as advantageously as the time and ground would give them leave, with their Infantry in the Centre, covered on both sides by their Horse; they fired prodigiously on us for a whole Hour, their Cannon charged with Cartruches, making most terrible havoc among our Troops as they were advancing against them; but this was their main effort; For their right Wing being broken at the first Onset, the left did not hold out long; the Cavalry soon gave way, but their Infantry charged three times with a great deal of Bravery, till they were put to the rout in the fourth, when what escaped the Sword, retired and sheltered themselves in the adjacent Woods. The loss of the Enemy amounted to six thousand killed upon the spot, and five thousand wounded, and near eight thousand that were made Prisoners of War, among whom were nine hundred Officers. We took from them forty nine pieces of Cannon, fourscore and twelve Standards, eight pair of Kettle Drums, and an hundred and fifty Wagons loaden with Ammunition. We had on our side three thousand killed or wounded, among whom were many Persons of note, who were much lamented. After the loss of this Battle, the Elector of Brandenburg came with a strong reinforcement to join the broken remainders of this Army, but they did nothing further this Campaign than to pillage Flanders, 
Victory at Sea.  which after this Battle became a prey both to Friends and Foes. Scarce ten Days were expired after this Victory, when the King's Arms were blessed with another at Sea, over the Confederate Fleet of the English and Dutch. In the Reign of Henry IU. there was not one Galley or Man of War in all the Ports of France. King Lewis XIII. was the first who began to settle our Maritime affairs, which yet he left but in a very indifferent condition. The present King, immediately after his accession to the Crown, spared no costs to draw into France from the Neighbouring Countries, as many able Seamen and good Officers as he could; notwithstanding which, his Naval strength was for a considerable time much inferior to the English or Dutch, till in the Year 1681, he gave such effectual Encouragement to the Seamen, that in the same Year threescore thousand of them were Registered, of whom twenty thousand are in their turns employed in the King's Service, and the other forty thousand in Merchantmen. His next care was to encourage the building Men of War, to keep his Ports in such a condition, as to be able to contain a good number of stout Ships, and to erect Magazines in convenient places with all sorts of Naval Stores, in all which he succeeded so well, that without reckoning thirty Galleys, which he always maintained in the Mediterranean, he had a Fleet of an hundred Men of War for the line of Battle, in the Year 1690, in the Ocean, so well equipped and provided with every thing, that there were some, who affirmed, that one of ours was equivalent to three of the Enemies.  
The King had no sooner received intelligence that the English and Dutch Fleets were joined in the Channel, but he immediately dispatched his Orders to the Count of Tourville Vice-Admiral in the Levant to fight them. The Count de Tourville is a younger brother of a Family in Normandy, a Man of Fortune, 
The Count de Tourville.  but who in lieu of an Estate, had all the Qualities belonging to a great Commander, so that even in his younger days, he gave all the imaginable hopes of becoming one Day one of the best Sea Commanders this Age has produced since the Death of de Ruiter and Duquesne, and his gallant Actions have been most evident demonstrations to the World, that if he did not surpass them, he alone did not fall short of them both.  
The Enemy's Fleet consisted of thirty Fireships, as many Frigates, and fourscore Men of War. The French Fleet was not above threescore and fifteen Men of War for the Line of Battle, besides twenty Fireships, six Frigates, and twenty other Ships loaden with Provisions and other necessaries. The Enemies had the Wind of us for seven days together, but showed no inclination to come to an Engagement, but not being able to avoid it at last, 
Engagement at Sea with the English and Dutch.  they made towards us, being favoured by the Tide. They were received by the French with an unparallelled bravery, the Count de Tourville, and all the rest of the Sea-Commanders showing upon this occasion, their utmost skill in the management of a Sea-Engagement, which lasted seven hours, and did not cease till the Enemies bore away towards their own Coast. The loss on our side was very inconsiderable, one of their Bombs carried away the Stern of one of the King's Ships, the rest received very little damage. There being not one among them that had lost her Masts. The Enemies had at least four thousand Men killed in this Action. The English bearing away in good time, came off without much loss, on their side, but the Hollanders fight like Lions, we took one of their Ships of sixty Guns; another was sunk, and a third burnt; besides, there were twelve more of their best Ships so much disabled, in their Masts and Riggings, that not being able to carry them off, they were forced to sink and to burn them. The Count de Tourville pursued them for two days after, and would in all probability have destroyed their whole Fleet, if the Wind had not turned against him, which gave the Enemy opportunity to bring the rest of their Ships into a place of security.  
This disgrace put the Enemies into no small consternation, forasmuch as they had flattered themselves that they were much superior to us at Sea, and that no body hitherto had been bold enough to dispute with them the Sovereignty of the Sea. The Prince of Orange (King William III) laying the cause of this disaster to the mismanagement of the English Admiral, he was tried and acquitted of what was laid to his charge. But, whilst the English and Dutch made heavy complaints on both sides, laying the loss of the Battle at one another's Doors, the French obtained another signal Victory about five Weeks after, being the eighteenth Day of August.  
For the Spanish Auxiliaries, 
Defeat of the Duke of Savoy.  with a good Body of Imperial Troops having joined the Duke of Savoy, he took the Field, and after several marches and counter-marches, encamped boldly within sight of the French Army, being covered on the Right by a large Wood, on the Left by boggy Grounds, and having in the Front a small Rivulet. Both the Armies were near equal in number, that of the Allies being Commanded, under the Duke of Savoy, by some of their best Officers. The Sieur de Catinat, Commander in Chief of the French in those parts, appeared the first time in this Campaign at the Head of a great Army; He was descended from a Family that owed its Offspring to the Gown, but by his many Services rendered himself not inferior to any of our age, that have raised their Families by the Sword. This wise General having taken a view of, and found a passage through the Bogs, attacked the Enemy on that side with incredible bravery, that their left Wing was brought immediately into confusion; the right Wing held it out for some time after, but being likewise broken at last, a great slaughter ensued, most of their Infantry being cut to pieces, and their Cavalry saved themselves by repassing the River Po, leaving the Field, and their whole Artillery, (except one piece of Cannon, which was thrown into the River) with I all their Ammunition and many Colours and Standards to the mercy of the Enemy. Four thousand of them were killed upon the spot; whereas on our side we had not above an hundred and fifty dead, and four hundred wounded Men. The Conquest of Savoy, which with some part of Piedmont submitted immediately after to our King, was the first Fruit of this Victory. For Saluzzas opened its Gates the very next Day after the Battle; The Town and Castle of Suza surrendered soon after, so that we remained Masters of the Field, and all the flat Country, till the time of withdrawing our Forces for the conveniency of our Winter-Quarters. As we had been successful even beyond hopes near the Alps, so there passed nothing of moment near the Rhine, the Germans being very careful in avoiding an Engagement. For, no sooner had they received intelligence, that the Dauphin had passed the Rhine, but they entrenched themselves so strongly on the other side the River Neckar, that it was impossible to force them in their Post, or to bring them to an Engagement. Thus this Campaign would have proved as successful as any since the beginning of the War, if the French Troops in Ireland under the Command of the King of England, had met with the same success on that side.  
For after the Prince of Orange (King William III 
Battle fought in Ireland near the Boyne in July. ) had taken a resolution to pass over into that Island in Person, to reduce it to his Obedience, he gave Battle to the Irish within twenty Days after his arrival, near the River Boyne. Seven thousand French, seconded by the Irish Horse, who behaved themselves very well, sustained for some time the whole power of the Enemy; but the Irish Foot being immediately brought into confusion, the rest were entirely routed. The loss of this battle put the whole Kingdom into such a consternation, that the King of England not thinking himself secure there, immediately repassed the Seas, and arrived safely at Breast. The Marshal and Duke of Schomberg, who had acquired immortal Glory whilst he was in our King's Service, was killed in the Engagement. His obstinate perseverance in the Calvinism had obliged him to quit France, and to engage himself in the Service of the Prince of Orange (King William III) who also received a slight hurt. About five Weeks after the Battle he besieged Limerick. The Garrison of the Town consisted of near six thousand French, under the Command of Monsieur de Boisleleau, Captain of our King's Guards, who had, after the last Engagement, thrown themselves into the Place. The Siege was carried on with the utmost Vigour, but by the bravery of the Garrison, and the help of fresh Supplies brought into the Place, together with the scarcity of Forage, continual Rains, and sickness that had infected the Camp, the Prince of Orange (King William III) was obliged to raise the Siege.  
After his return into England he applied all his care to make the necessary preparations for sending a considerable Body of his Troops into Flanders, 
Campaign in 1691.  and to appear at the Head of them in Person, for fear lest some of the Allies might in his absence enter upon a separate Treaty with France. He was met at the Hague by the Electors of Bavaria, and Brandenburg, by the Landtgraves of Hesse, three Dukes of the House of Brunswick, 
Congress at the Hague.  besides thirty other Princes; by the Governor of the Spanish Netherlands, the Emperor's Envoy, those of Spain, and several other Electors, and of the Duke of Savoy, and all the General Officers, who were at this Council of War, to concert measures concerning the operations of the next Campaign.  
But whilst they spent their time in debates, they received the unexpected News that the City of Mons had been invested by the French on the fifteenth of March, and that the King was expected in the Camp by the twentieth or one and twentieth of the same Month. This sudden News, like a Thunderclap, dispersed the whole Congress. Most of the Princes there present returned straightways into their respective Countries, either because they did not think it convenient to be Spectators of the taking of the Place, or to hasten their Troops to march to the relief of it.  
The City of Mons is situate upon a rising ground, surrounded with Boggs, and consequently strong, both by Art and Nature. It is a very large Town provided with good Out-Works, having three several Ditches, which are always full of Water, by means of some Sluyces built for that purpose. There was within the Place a very good Artillery, the Inhabitants were trained up in all sorts of Military Exercises, and the Garrison consisted of five or six thousand Men, all well disciplined Troops. But the time of the Winter-Quarters being not expired, most of the Officers were absent from their Commands, and the Lines of circumvallation were so well guarded, that notwithstanding all their endeavours, not one of them got into the place. The Lines being brought to perfection, the Cannon began to play from the Batteries with incredible fury, one battery seconding the other without intermission, and with so much dispatch, that by the confession of the most expert Engineers, never any Artillery did greater execution. 
Siege of Mons.  Four and twenty Mortars, and sixty pieces of great Cannon were continually employed against the Place; there was above a million of Powder laid up in the Camp for the supply of them; so that wherever you turned your Eyes you saw nothing but Bombs and hot Bullets flying in the Air, which set the whole City on Fire, so that you might behold the Flames rise beyond the tops of the highest Steeples. The King was Day and Night in motion, there passed not a Day but that he visited the Trenches once or twice, encouraging by his presence every one in his station to do his Duty, with such success, that both the Officers and Soldiers shown so much eagerness in outbraving one another, that the King, to moderate their heat, saw himself obliged to forbid them not to work uncovered, and to carry their Fascins (as they did frequently) at Noon day, in spite of the continual fire of the Garrison, to the Trenches; for they seemed to have put their chief hopes in their Artillery, they having not made one Salley during the whole Siege. The only place which was defended with much gallantry was a Horn-Work, which the French, making their way through the Granades and Carcases of the Enemy, which fell as thick as Hall among them, carried with Sword in Hand. The Citizens of Mons were all along in hopes that the Prince of Orange (King William III) would come to their relief; and in effect he marched with an Army of forty thousand Men as far as Hall, within six Leagues of Mons, but finding himself not strong enough to Attack our King, he remained in that post till after the Surrender of the Place, which finding itself not in a condition to sustain a General Assault, came to a Capitulation, after a Siege of sixteen Days.  
After the taking of Mons, the Troops on both sides returned to their Winter-Quarters, and the following Campaign was spent in marches and counter marches, without any remarkable Action. The Confederates had boasted ever since the beginning of this Summer, that they would Besiege some Place or other in Flanders; they Attacked Beaumond, a small Place without defence, the Garrison consisting only of one hundred and fifty Men. This done, the Prince of Orange (King William III) leaving the Army in Flanders to the Conduct of his General Officers, went to the Hague, in order to his return into England; but at the same time that he imagined the Campaign to be over, he received the unwelcome News of the defeat of his Cavalry.  
The Marshal of Luxemburgh had so narrowly observed the motions of the Confederate Army for some time, 
Engagement near Leuze.  that on the eighteenth of September he found an opportunity to fall in their Rear. He advanced with eighteen Squadrons, at the head of whom were the Troops of the King's Household towards the Enemy, who with threescore and fifteen Squadrons, posted in three Lines, covered with a deep Ditch, and a Rivulet on each side, received us very briskly: But the Troops of the King's Household advancing without firing, received the Enemies first discharge at twelve paces distant, when breaking in upon them only with Swords in Hand, they attacked them so furiously, that the first Squadrons were immediately brought into confusion, after they had returned four several times to the Charge. The Enemy's loss amounted to fifteen hundred, besides which we took three hundred Prisoners, and forty Standards. Their whole Cavalry was engaged in this Action, except five or six Squadrons, which being posted too near their Infantry, we durst not attack them. This brave Action was performed only with the loss of four hundred Men killed and wounded on our side.  
In all other places the King's Arms were Crowned with the same success. The Duke of Noailles had Conquered the whole County of Sardagne. The Marshal de Lorges had ravaged the Germane Territories, and had by continual marches so harassed the Confederate Army on that side, commanded by the Duke of Saxony, that without striking one stroke they were ruined for want of Forage and Provisions.  
The Marshal de Catinat (I call him so at present, tho' he was not invested with that Dignity till two Years after) had since the Month of March taken Villa Franca in less than fifteen Hours; the Town and Castle of Nice in five Days after opening of the Trenches. Villa Franca is a very good Port, and the only one in Piedmont. The Castle of Nice is one of the strongest in Europe, built upon a Rock surrounded on all sides with precipices. But both their Magazines being blown up with Bombs, and five hundred of their Men killed, the Governor was forced to Capitulate. After the taking of Nice, Carmagnole and Veillane surrendered at the first Summons. Coni was likewise besieged to open our way to Turin; but he that commanded in Chief being terrified, raised the Siege with much precipitation, before he could be reinforced with necessary Supplies. But the Duke of Savoy had no better success before Suza; for tho' he received a considerable reinforcement of Brandenburghers, yet he was forced to quit the Enterprise at the approach of our Army.  
The Marshal de Catinat to put a glorious end to this Fortunate Campaign, and to make himself Master of the Chief and only remaining Key both of Savoy and Piedmont, besieged Montmelian about the middle of November. This so famous Fortress defended itself very courageously; but the French, in spite of the bravery of their Enemies, and the rigour and inconveniencies of a far advanced Season, forced the Garrison to a surrender, after a Month's Siege. All these most glorious Conquests were looked upon as inconsiderable, in respect of the hopes we had conceived of the restauration of the King of England. 
Gampaign in 1692.  But we found ourselves frustrated in our expectation. The hour of this Prince, was, as it seems, not yet come, and all the efforts made on our side in order to assist him in his design, served for nothing else but to give us new proofs of the aversion of his People towards him, and that his ill Stars were as powerful as ever to render him unfortunate. He had lately lost the Kingdom of Ireland, which was Conquered by one of the Prince of Orange's (King William III) Generals, who had taken Limerick, and obliged the French Forces to return into France. In recompense of this loss he was buoyed up the next following Spring, of being suddenly restored to his Throne. There were many of his Adherents and Creatures left in England, besides a good many of his old Servants who being employed in bringing over the Officers of the English Army and Fleet to their side, persuaded themselves to have managed matters with so much dexterity, that it was impossible to fail in the Enterprise. Full of these hopes, this Prince craved assistance from our King, who granted him a good Fleet, and a sufficient number of Land-Forces to be transported into England. Then he marched with his Troops into Normandy, expecting the success of our Fleet, which under the Command of the Count de Tourville, Vice-Admiral of France, was gone to Sea in quest of the Enemy.  
But we found ourselves soon mistaken in our fond expectations, for the English were so far from running before us, or to declare for the King of England, (as we had been persuaded they would) that they gave Tourville a very warm reception. 
Loss of fifteen Fr. Men of War in May.  The French Fleet was much inferior in number to the Enemies, consisting only of forty four. Men of War for the Line of Battle, whereas the Confederate Fleet was fourscore and ten strong. Notwithstanding this great inequality, the French Attacked them so briskly, that for three hours together they had the advantage over the Enemies, who were extremely damnified in their Masts and Rigging, lost one of their Ships, which was sunk, and most of their Fireships, whereas we lost not one Ship during the whole Engagement. Both Fleets being separated by a thick Fog and the Night, Tourville fearing, not without reason, that considering the inequality of their Forces, he should not be in a condition to cope with the Confederate Fleet a second time, thought it most advisable to take this opportunity of making the best of his way towards the French Coast. But his Fleet being separated by the darkness of the Night, one and twenty of his biggest Ships gained the Port of St. Malo, where they were sufficiently secured against any attempt of the Enemy: But fifteen others not being able to steer the same course, by reason of the contrary Winds, were so closely pursued, that being in danger of being taken, they run , and after having taken out all their Cannon, and most of their Rigging, the French set fire to them, rather than to leave them a prey to the English and Dutch. Nothing is more common in the World than to lay the ill success of an Enterprise at the Door of him who has had the supreme Direction and Management of it, most People looking upon a disaster of this nature to proceed chief from the ill Conduct of the General; whereas they attribute the happy success of a Battle merely to Fortune. But it must be confessed, that Tourville had the satisfaction to hear his Enemies give him this Character; That he had acquitted himself upon this Occasion as a great Commander.  
But the taking of Namur did surprise the Confederacy and all Europe in such a manner, 
Siege of Namur by the French.  that our success in Flanders soon effaced the remembrance of the disgrace received at Sea.  
Namur is situated at the confluence of two Rivers; the City lies in a Plain; the Castle is built upon a Rock, both are very regularly fortified; this being one of the most considerable places in all Flanders for its Situation, and of such consequence, that in the last Age, this being the only Place in the Netherlands remaining in the Spaniards Hands, they by the help of it, recovered all the rest of the Low-Countries, which have been in their possession since. The several Works belonging to the Castle were like so many Citadels, each of them being provided with its Out-Works, Ditch, a particular Garrison and Commander. In the Fort William alone was a Garrison of two thousand Men, and a train of Artillery, sufficient to defend a great City. These Forts being built upon an assent which reaches up to the body of the Castle command one another. And defend the avenues leading to it. At the time when it was besieged by the King, the Place was provided with a Garrison of eight or nine thousand Men, with great store of Ammunition and Provision of all sorts, under the bravest and most expert Officers among the Confederates. The Prince of Orange (King William III) was at that time in Flanders, and the Confederates were so numerous on that side that they could bring together an Army of an hundred thousand Men. But all these obstacles were not capable of altering the King's resolution, who, after every thing was in a readiness for the carrying on of so great an Enterprise, ordered two separate Armies to take the Field in Flanders; the less numerous of the two was employed in the Siege, the other to cover it against any attempt of the Enemy. These two Armies consumed every Day two hundred and fifty thousand Rations of Bread, and thirty thousand French bushels of Oats, allowing half a bushel for each Horse a Day. And the King had taken such sure measures as to all the necessary Supplies, that as long as the Siege lasted, there was always in both Camps no less than for fifteen Days Provision. Twenty thousand Pioners were employed in making the Lines of circumvallation and contravallation, and the Trenches were opened in three Days after. The City made at first a vigorous Defence, but capitulated on the eighth Day, finding itself not in a condition to sustain a general Assault. The surrender of the City made the Enemy fear, that the Castle, tho' accounted impregnable, might follow the example of the City; for which reason the Prince of Orange, (King William III) Count Waldeck General of the Dutch Forces, and the Elector of Bavaria, who had lately been made Governor of the remaining part of the Spanish Netherlands, advanced and posted themselves near the Banks of the River Meheigne. These three Bodies made together an Army of near an hundred thousand Men, which was continually in motion to intercept our Convoys, or to endeavour to force our Quarters, if they should find an opportunity. The Marshal de Luxemburgh, not inferior in number to the Confederates, being encamped on rising Ground on the other side the Meheigne, at about half a League's distance from the River, expected them in good order, there being a large Plain betwixt them and the Enemy. But the Prince of Orange (King William III) had either no inclination to hazard a Battle, or else could not meet with a favourable opportunity to put his design in execution; for he caused five or six several times Bridges to be laid over the River, but they were immediately broken down again. Thus these two great Armies encamped within sight of one another for a whole Month, exactly observing and following one another's motions, frequently saluting one another with their Cannon, without coming to handy-blows. In the mean while the Siege was carried on with all imaginable vigour, the King not only giving his Directions upon all occasions of moment, but also seeing them put in execution. Being seized with the Gout when they were just ready to attack a covert way, he caused himself to be carried in a Chair to a certain Place, from whence he could see all what passed, and give the necessary Orders, as occasion should require.  
Here it was that Lewis Alexander Count of Tholouse was wounded by his side. It was observable that there did not appear the least change in this young Prince's Countenance at this mishap, a happy presage of those many courageous Actions, he has since that time given such eminent proofs of in the following Campaigns. The King's Forces being animated by his Presence, and Example, never behaved themselves so well in any Siege whatever, giving every Day innumerable demonstrations of their Courage and Patience, for the besieged fired without intermission. The weather was extremely bad during the whole Siege, the Soldiers being continually fatigued by the Rains and Tempests; besides which, they met with so many Rocks in the carrying on of the Trenches, that they could advance but slowly, and with a great deal of difficulty, they being forced to carry them round about several great Hills, and large Valleys, which took up a vast compass. But all these obstacles served only to augment the Patience and Courage of our Soldiers. It was next to a prodigy to see some of them crawl up boldly to the Breaches, and to endeavour to keep their Post only with their Swords in Hand, against a vast number of Enemies, who powered whole showers of smallshot at them, whilst they returned them as many Hand-Granadoes as they were able to throw. The first and the bravest Action that happened in the whole Siege was near a certain Eminency, where the Enemy having strongly Entrenched themselves, we were forced to drive them from that Post before we could open our Trenches before the Castle. The King's Troops attacked them with Sword in Hand, and Bayonetts in their Fusees: They fired very briskly from their Entrenchments, which our Troops having sustained with great bravery, the Enemy at their approach quitted the Post, after they had lost two or three hundred Men. Within six Days after we forced their retrenchments and redoubts of the Hermitage. The Fort William defended itself ten Days: On the tenth we carried the Covert-way, not without great slaughter on both sides, when the Dutch Garrison came immediately to a Capitulation. This done there was remaining as yet the Castle with all its Outworks. This was the most difficult task, but by the King's presence the Works were carried on so vigorously, that in five Days time we made an Assault upon the Counterscarp. The Besieged defended themselves with all the courage imaginable, but were at last forced to way to the numbers of the Besiegers, who were from time to time seconded with fresh Troops; soon after all their Cannon being dismounted, one of their chief Magazines blown up by two of our Bombs, and another being fallen into the great Cistern which furnished the Castle with Water, and our Mines ready to spring under one of the Bastions of the Horn-work, what with hunger and thirst, what with fear of not being able to sustain a General Assault, for want of Sleep, occasioned by the continual throwing in of Bombs, they were necessitated to hearken to a Capitulation, notwithstanding that the body of the Castle was entire, and that they had as yet a Horn-work left which would have cost us no small trouble to take. Out of eight or nine thousand Men, of which the Garrison of Namur consisted at the beginning of the Siege, there were but twelve hundred left in the Fort William, and two thousand five hundred in the Castle, when they marched out. The rest perished either by sickness, or were killed by our Bombs, or in the several Attacks and Sallies.  
The taking of Namur in the sight of an Army of an hundred thousand Men, put all the Spanish Netherlands under a most terrible consternation; the common people being extremely dissatisfied that the relief of a place of such consequence had not as much as been attempted by the Confederate Army, affronted, nay assaulted the Dutch at Brussels, and several other places, and did not stick to grumble at the Prince of Orange, (King William III) who to appease them, and to raise their drooping Courage, resolved, within a Month after, to give us Battle.  
Every thing seemed to conspire for his advantage: 
Battle of Stenkerk, Aug. 3.  He was now thirty thousand Men stronger in Insantry than the Duke of Luxemburgh, who laboured also under another inconveniency, that his Cannon was left behind, his Artillery not arriving till the Night before the Engagement. The Grounds on that side where the Enemy intended at Attack us being full of small Bogs and Rivulets, with very thick Hedges and large Ditches, was only fit for the Infantry to Engage in. Here it was that the Troops of the King's Household were posted, who being covered by one single Brigade, (the rest of the French Infantry were at least a League's distance from thence) the Prince of Orange (King William III) did not in the least question but they would soon be overpowered by the whole English Infantry, that were to begin the Attack; all the circumstances appearing so favourable on his side, that he thought himself assured of Victory. To amuse the Enemy's Spies, he issued out his Orders the Night before the Engagement, that they should go a Foraging the next Day, which done, he kept all the General Officers of the Army with him in his Tent till ten a Clock at Night, when having sent them back to their respective Posts, the march was begun about half an hour after, to be within sight of the French Camp at break of Day. There appeared so much satisfaction and joy both in his Countenance and Words, that when they arrived at the appointed place, without being discovered by the French, he spoke out a loud to his Soldiers, that they were going to an assured Victory, not to fight, but to cut to pieces their Enemies; tho' many were of Opinion, that this assurance he gave to his Soldiers of an undoubted Victory, was rather done with an intention to inflame their Courage, than to express his own sentiments, it being unquestionable, that it was always considered as one of the chiefest qualifications belonging to a General, to know how to inspire his Soldiers with a seasonable assurance of Victory. It is more than probable, that if at that instant he had led his Army towards the Enemy, his design would have succeeded; but whilst he stayed for the coming up of the Elector of Bavaria, and Count Waldeck, who stayed above an Hour longer than was expected, the French had leisure given them to put themselves in a posture to receive them. It is in vain to choose one's time, unless it be improved to the best advantage. For in the mean time the Duke of Luxemburgh ordered his best battalions to advance with all speed, who being posted where the Enemy must Attack us, sustained by the Troops of the King's Household, and these again by several other Bodies of Horse. The Pass was so narrow that not being able to extend our Lines in Front, we were forced to double them. For the first two hours they fired most terribly on both Sides, the battalions advancing so near, that they discharged their Muskets cross one another. The Enemy fired more briskly than we for some time; they got Ground of us, and made themselves Masters of four of our Pieces of Cannon; but the French perceiving that their Muskets were not likely to do the Work, threw them down, and being led only by their Officers, but esspecially by the Princes, the Duke of Chartres, the Duke of Bourbon, the Prince of Conty, Duke de Maine, and others, charged the Enemy with their Swords in hand, so furiously, that they forced them to retreat, many of whom were cut in pieces, the rest saving themselves in an adjacent Wood They were pursued for an hour after, and the Field of Battle for a League together, was covered all over with dead Carcases, which in some places lay six Foot high upon one another. This Victory cost us two or three Thousand of our best Men, among whom were many Persons of Merit and Quality; especially the Prince of Turenue, eldest Son to the Duke of Bovillon, who died the day after the Battle, of his Wounds. The loss of the Enemy amounted to nine Thousand killed upon the spot, and as many wounded. We took nine Colours, and ten pieces of Cannon, but only thirteen hundred Prisoners, the English refusing to ask Quarter.  
It was much about the same time that the Duke of Savoy made an Irruption into the higher Dauphine, 
The Duke of Savoy invades France in August.  where he lost abundance of his Men without striking a stroke. The Confederates had for a considerable time before, form a Project of entering Dauphine and Provence, flattering themselves with hopes, that the new Converts would revolt and join them from all Parts of France. To put their so long projected Design in execution, the Governor of Milan, and the Imperial General Caprara, joined with their Troops the Duke of Savoy; They carried along with them Arms for thirty Thousand Men, and were provided with Ministers, who in all places, through which they passed, endeavoured in their Sermons to sow the Seed of Rebellion and Calvinism among the People. But they found themselves entirely mistaken in their Expectation, the new Catholics being so far from showing the least Inclination for a Revolt, that they were the most forward upon all Occasions to do what Mischief they could to the Enemy, by drawing them into Ambushes, and killing without Mercy, all such as they met with straggling, or otherwise detached from their main Body. This was the Reason why the Confederates made but little Progress, and their proposed Conquest turned to a very slender Account. They took Guillestre in three days; Ambrun held out six, Gap being only provided with ten Men to keep the Gates, received them without the least Resistance. Guillestre is at present no more than a Country Town, without any other Defence but two old ruin'd Bastions. Ambrun is indeed a small City, but defended only by a single Wall; But the Besieged supplying the defect of their Fortifications by their own Courage, defended the Place so well, that the Enemy's nemies were not Masters of it, but with the Loss of above fisteen hundred Men. Thus ended this Expedition of the Duke of Savoy, who being fallen ill, and finding his Army considerably diminished by Sickness and Fatigues, repassed the Alps, carrying no other Spoils along with him, but the Bells of Ambrun and Gap.  
In the same Month the Marshal de Lorge obtained a Victory over six thousand Germane Horse, in the Country of Wirtembergh, if the Pursuit of a flying Enemy, vanquished without effusion of Blood, may be dignified with that Name. For no sooner did the Germane Horse perceive the Vant. Guard of the King's Army, but they betook themselves to flight, 
The Germans routed near Phortzheim towards the latter end of August.  nine hundred of them were killed in the pursuit, and six hundred taken Prisoners, among the last was the Duke of Wirtembergh, who commanded this Body in Chief. The City Phortsheim was taken the next day by our Forces, where they had laid up all their Provisions for the rest of the Compaign. The Landgrave of Hesse was at that time taken up with the Siege of Eberenburgh, a small Place, fortified by the French, for the conveniency of their Magazines; but as soon as he received the News of this Defeat, and the approach of the Marshal de Lorge, in order to relieve the place, he raised the Siege with so much precipitation, that they left behind them some of the Cannon, with all their Ammunition, and all other Necessaries belonging to a Siege.  
Most people were of Opinion, that these frequent Distasters would have both exhausted the Strength and Hatred of the Confederates; but flattering themselves with these vain hopes, 
Campaign of 1692.  that these Conquests would at last turn to the destruction of France, they resolved to abate nothing of their Resolution in vigorously prosecuting the War, and remaining steadfast in the Confederacy; especially since the Prince of Orange (K. William III) did not cease to insinuate to them by his Ministers, that this was the only way left for their mutual Preservation, since if they were not able, when joined together, to balance the Power and Success of our King's Arms, it would be no difficult Task for him, to vanquish them singly, whenever he should take a Resolution to dispossess them of their Estates, after the breaking of the League. Both sides therefore, made all imaginable Preparations to prosecute the War with more vigour than ever; The Confederates to defend themselves against the Power of France, our King to attack them afresh in the next Campaign. This Campaign was opened in Flanders in the Month of January, 
Furnes taken.  by the taking of Furnes; its Garrison consisted of four thousand English, and the Elector of Bavaria made all the necessary Preparations to Relieve it, but it was surrendered in fifteen Hours, being a Place of great Consequence to us, to cover our Frontiers, and to disappoint the Confederates in their Design of Besieging Dunkirk.  
The Prince of Orange (K. William III) had at several times promised the Allies to make a Descent in France, which he now being resolved to put in Execution, ordered a Fleet to be Equipped for that purpose, provided with a good number of Flat-bottomed Vessels, for the Conveniency of Landing his Forces, which were drawn together near the Seaside, opposite to the French shore. The King being not ignorant of this Design, to encourage his Subjects, and take all necessary Precautions, the King ordered a good Army to serve as a Guard of his Sea-Costs, under the Command of his only Brother, the Duke of Orleans. The precaution, as it was founded upon a sure Maxim of Prudence, so it proved useless in its Consequence; For, all these vast Preparations and Threats vanished into Smoak, the Troops designed for this pretended Expedition being sent into Flanders; which was only made use of to oblige our King to remove part of his Forces from the Frontiers to defend his own Coasts. But this Amusement, which was not carried on without vast Expenses, turned but to a very slender Account on the Enemy's side, without reaping any other Advantage by it, than to Alarm our Seacoasts, with the danger of an Invasion, which being soon vanished, the People took fresh Courage, and were prepared to encounter it with less Surprise for the future. For the King was so far from showing the least Fear upon this Occasion, that he attacked the Enemies with new Vigour on all sides.  
The Marshal de Noailles besieged Roses in Catalonia, which place, 
Roses taken.  tho' considerable for its Strength, he took in eight days after opening of the Trenches, to wit, on the 29th of July. 
Smyrna Fleet intercepted by Tourville.   
The Marshal de Tourville, was ordered towards the straits, to intercept the Smyrna Fleet, of the English and Dutch, of which, he, on the 29th of June, betwixt Cadiz and the Bay of Lagos, took, burnt, and sunk, above fourscore Merchant men. The rest were dispersed, and the Squadron of Men of War, which served for a Convoy, made the best of their Way towards the English Coast.  
For many Years before, neither of these two Nations had received such a Check in their Trade, their Loss being esteemed at thirty Millions of Livres.  
In the beginning of this Spring, our King appearing in Person in Flanders, it was the general Rumour, that he aimed at Liege; but after having given his final Orders concerning the Operation of the Campaign, and detached near thirty thousand Men, under the Command of the Dauphin, to reinforce his Army near the Rhine, he returned into France.  
The Mashal de Lorge had in the Month of May, 
Heidelbergh taken and razed by the French.  made himself Master of Heidelbergh, the Capital City of the whole Palatinate, before the Enemy could march to its Relief; and after having razed the Fortifications, both of the City and Castle, was marched directly against the Prince of Baden, who Commanded the Confederate Army on that side, and at the approach of the Marshal, retreated before him; but after the arrival of the Dauphin, with the beforementioned Detachment, he entrenched himself strongly at a Pass, which he knew impossible to be forced, choosing rather to undergo the Inconveniencies of Famine and many Distempers, which afflicted his Troops in these inaccessible Places, than to hazard a Battle, or to decamp before the Dauphin, for fear he should force him to come to an Engagement.  
The Prince of Orange (K. William III) did not entrench himself, but kept the open Field in Flanders, yet so as to avoid all Occasions of Fight. The Duke of Luxenburgh, who had positive Orders from the King, to engage him, feigned to march towards Liege, to attack the Lines and Redoubts, which surround that great City. This succeeded according to expectation, for the Confederate Army advancing near to the Duke to be ready to secure the City, the Duke marched directly towards them, and arrived in sight of their Camp, about six or seven a Clock at Night.  
The Prince of Orange (K. William III) was not a little surprised at the suddenness of his March; but finding himself under a Necessity to stand an Engagement, the next Day he improved those few Hours he had, to his best Advantage, in putting his Troops in Order of Battle, raising Batteries in convenient Places; in fixing Pallisadoes at the Avenues leading to his Camp; he caused two Villages, which covered his Right and Left to be Fortified, and lined the Houses and circumjacent Hedges with his best Infantry; and strengthened his Front, which reached to, and took up all the Ground betwixt these two Villages: He employed a great number of Pioners all the Night long, in making a Ditch six Foot broad, and three quarters of a League long, strengthened without with good Pallisadoes, and defended within by a good Line, and Redoubts, upon which were mounted near a hundred pieces of Cannon. The main Body stood behind this Entrenchment, sustained by the Cavalry, which was posted behind them in two Lines. They were the finest Troops that could be seen. On the other hand, is it possible to imagine, that our Soldiers could be so courageous, or rather Foolhardy enough to attempt the attacking of sixty thousand brave Men, guarded by such strong Entrenchments.  
The great Artillery began to play at break of Day, 
Battle of Neerwinden. 29. July.  on both sides without intermission, till four a Clock in the Afternoon. That of the Enemies did great Execution among us, being placed upon an Eminency, which commanded the Plain. The oldest Officers did acknowledge never to have seen Cannon to play with so much Fury, and at so little a distance, for so long a time together, which at a distance resembled more a Sea-Engagement, than a Field-Battle. The Enemies fired more frequently than we, and their Artillery did much more Execution, so that this Victory must be merely ascribed to the invincible Courage of our Soldiery; and it must be acknowledged, that Philip, Duke de Chartres, the Duke of Bourbon and de Maine, the Prince of Conty, and the Count de Thoulouse, had a great share in the Success of this Day. There was not a battalion in both the Army's but what was Engaged in the Battle; but the chief Attack was at a Village, called Neerwinden, which covered the Right Wing. This Village was taken and retaken twice with great Slaughter; till at last our Troops, having maintained and strengthened themselves in this Post, they entered the Plain, and attacked the Enemy both in Front and Flank, who received us very Courageously, especially the English in the main Body, who Charged six times with incredible Bravery; but their Cavalry being brought into Confusion, and drove into a River, the whole Army begun to disperse, and to quit the Field by whole Troops and Companies, leaving the Victorious Enemy Master of the Field, with threescore and sixteen pieces of Cannon, eight Mortars, nine Patteroons, twelve pair of Kettledrums, abundance of Arms, threescore Standards, two and twenty Colours, and above two thousand Prisoners, among whom were two hundred Officers. The French lost above three thousand Men killed, and four thousand wounded. The Loss of the Enemy amounted to near twenty thousand Men, both in the Engagement and Flight, there being a great number drowned in endeavouring to Ford the River, which for a considerable time after was rendered passable by the Bridges made by the dead Carcases of Men and Horses. This vast Army was dispersed in such a manner, that they could not get together in a Body again till six days after, when being reinforced with fresh Troops; and especially with the Detachment commanded by the Prince of Wirtembergh, they appeared again in the Field.  
It is to be taken notice of here, that since the beginning of this War, our King had ordered certain Lines or Entrenchments to be made from Mabeuge to the Seaside, to serve as a Barricado to cover his Conquests on that side. The Duke of Wirtembergh having been detached from the main Army with a Body three times stronger than the French, that guarded these Lines to attack them, had forced these Entrenchments, and was just then preparing to ravage the Country, when receiving the News of this Defeat he was forced to turn back in order to join with all speed the Prince of Orange (King William III)  
Within two Months after, 
Victory of Marsaglia the 4 October.  the Marshal de Catinat obtained another no less complete, but less bloody Victory over the Confederate Army in Italy, under the Command of the Duke of Savoy. The said Marshal's Army had hitherto been much inferior in Number to the Allies, which was the Reason that he had not undertaken any thing of moment, but only to observe the Enemy's Motions, and to harress them with Marches and Countermarches. The Duke and Spaniards willing to improve this Opportunity, resolved to besiege Pignerol; but being discouraged by the Resistance they met with in the Taking of St. Brigitt, which being built but a Year before, at some distance from the Town, commanded the chief Avenues leading to it, and had held out fifteen days before it was taken; they altered their Resolutions, contenting themselves with throwing a vast number of Bombs and red hot Bullets into the Place. Whilst they were flattering themselves with the hopes of either reducing or destroying the City of Pignerol by Fire, Messengers after Messengers came to bring the sad News to the Duke of Savoy, that not only the French had burnt one of his Country Houses, but that also the Marshal de Catinat, having received a Considerable Reinforcement, had made himself Master of the Plains. The Duke immediately directing his March towards those Plains, he was met by the Marshal. The Battle began about nine a Clock in the Forenoon; the right Wing of the Enemy was brought into confusion at the first Encounter, the left followed not long after the Example of the right Wing, yet they Rallyed, and returned to the Charge twice or thrice, but without any great Effect, for their Cavalry being entirely routed, the rest were cut to pieces, except those who saved themselves by flight; and to fly with the less Inconveniency, threw away their Arms, enough to Arm sixteen thousand Men. The flying Enemy were pursued to the very Gates of Turin, the whole Plain being covered with dead Carcases, and in some places with entire battalions, especially of the Spaniards and Hugonots. The Enemies lost nine thousand Men in this Engagement, besides two thousand taken Prisoners, a hundred Colours, forty five Standards, and thirty four pieces of Cannon. We had twelve or fifteen hundred killed and wounded on our side. The Gens d'Arms behaved themselves to a miracle; Our Infantry fought with their Bayonets in their Fuszees and Sword in hand. After the Loss of this Battle, the Duke being reinforced with the Germane Troops that blocked up Casal, yet durst not appear in the Field; so that the Marshal de Catinat, without opposition, overrun all the flat Country, and carried away a prodigious quantity of Provision.  
The King received the News of this Victory, and of the Surrender of Charleroy in one day. This place is situate betwixt Mons and Namur, and was besieged in November, when the Prince of Orange (K. William III) was just ready to pass over into England; 
Siege of Charleroy  but upon the News of this Siege returned into Flanders, and advanced with an Army as far as Brussels, but did not attempt the Relief of the Place, which, tho' considerable for its strength, was forced to surrender in six and twenty days.  
About the end of the same Month, 
English Expedition against St. Malo.  an English Squadron was sent towards St. Malo, to attempt the destruction of that Place, not so much by their Bombs, as a certain Engine, by which they hoped to blow up that City, or to lay it in Ashes. This Engine was a three Deck'd-Ship, of about four hundred Tuns, lined and vaulted within with Brickwork. Betwixt each of these Decks, there were placed many Barrels with Gunpowder, mixed with a certain Composition of Tarr, Pitch, and Rosin, a great number of Bombs, Carcases, and other Casks, filled with all sorts of Combustible Matter. It was a fair and clear Night, very calm and Springtide, when this infernal Engine came swimming up with the Tide, but by good Fortune was forced upon a Rock, within Pistol-shot of the Walls of the City. The Engineer, who had the management of this Vessel, perceiving that she took Water was so overhasty in setting her on Fire, that both He and his Attendants were blown up in the same moment, before they had time to get out of reach. The springing of this Engine made a most dreadful Noise, and shook all the circumjacent Ground for three or four Leagues; The whole City felt a most violent Confusion, and in a moment all the Streets were covered with Slates and Tiles, which, like a Shower of Hail, poured down from the tops of the Houses. This was the whole Loss sustained by this dreadful Engine, which carried along with it, more Terror than Damage, there being not one House in the whole City that received any further Damage, neither was there one single Person killed or wounded. For the Powder having taken vent, and being besides that, spoiled by the Water, did not answer the pretended Effect in throwing the Bombs and Barrels full of Combustible Matter into the Air. At low Water, near seven hundred Bombs were taken up from the Sands, and abundance of Powder out of the Wrack of the Vessel.  
We could scarce have wished for a more prosperous Campaign on our side than the last; 
Campaign in 1694.  but as there is no human Felicity without some mixture of Adversity; so when the State suffers within, all its outward Prosperity appears to be but superficial. I say, we could not have wished for a more glorious Campaign, if a general Scarcity had not almost ruined several Provinces in the Kingdom; but especially the City of Paris, with the circumjacent Parts. France is a very fertile Country, abounding especially in Wheat, so as to be able to furnish its Neighbours with a considerable Quantity of this useful Commodity; which, for several years before had been so cheap, that the common People lived easy enough, tho' by reason of the long War, and the decay of Trade, there was but slender Gain among them. But the Harvest in the Year 1693, both for quantity and quality of the Corn proved so excessive bad, that it was sold for four times the Price than before. In this unhappy Conjuncture, the King sent a great number of Ships, both to the North, and the Coast of Barbary, 
Dearth in France.  to supply our Wants; he obliged the Corn-Merchants to carry their Stores to Market, to furnish the Country with Seed for the next following Year; he caused a great quantity of Bread to be distributed to the poorer Sort, at half the price it cost him, and gave every Week a good Sum for the Sustenance of the Poor of each Parish. To these Supplies and human Aids, he joined the Prayers of the Church, and God was pleased so to bless his Endeavours, that his Subjects were soon Relieved, and freed from their present Misfortunes, the next Harvest proving so plentiful, that within five Weeks time, the Price of Corn fell to such a degree, that it was sold at the same rate, as before the time of the Dearth.  
This general Scarcity however (the constant forerunner of a great Mortality) was a sufficient In ducement to persuade the Prince of Orange (K. William III) that this was the most seasonable Juncture that could offer to Invade the Kingdom of France, The Confederates encouraged by the hopes of Success, augmented their Forces on all sides with fresh Troops; and the English, who ever since the beginning of this War had not been sparing of their Money, being now more liberal than ever in granting new Supplies, he Equipped two Fleets to back his Design. But the Success was in no wise answerable to these vast Preparations. For in Piedmont, the Campaign passed without any Siege or Action of Moment. In Germany the Confederate Army had passed the Rhine, in order to ravage the Lower Alsace, but no sooner did the Marshal de Lorge march against them, but they repassed the said River without any further Action.  
The Dauphin Commanded at that time in Flanders, attended by the Flower of all the French Nobility, his Army was composed of the best Troops, but did not exceed fifty thousand Men. The Confederate Army consisted of fourscore thousand Men, under the Command of the Prince of Orange (K. William III) and the Elector of Bavaria; and it was given out that they intended to Besiege Namur and Dunkirk, but notwithstanding the inequality of their Number, there passed not any thing of Moment all this Campaign.  
Towards the latter end of the Month of August, the Confederate Army decamped from about Liege, directing their March towards our Lines, in hopes to force them, and to put our Conquests under Contribution, and to open the way for some Enterprise of more moment. To put the Design in Execution, they advanced towards the Shield, in hopes to be able to lay their Bridges over that River without much opposition, there being not above seven or eight thousand Men, (as they imagined) to guard our Lines; But their Astonishment was such, as is passed all Expression, when they saw on the other side of the River several Batteries mounted with Cannon, and the Dauphin's Army ranged in Battle-Array, ready to receive them. It was a good while before they could believe their own Eyes, thinking it impossible, that, whereas they had got two days march before the Dauphin, and the Road they had taken was by one half shorter, they should be prevented by the French Army, which had many Defiles, and four Rivers to pass. For, no sooner had the Dauphin received Intelligence of their March, but he immediately dispatched his Orders, to get every thing in readiness upon the Road, which might conduce towards the hasty March of his Army, to prevent, if possible, the Enemy's Design. His Orders were so strictly observed, that in all places through which they passed, they found Forage, Provisions, and all other Refreshments in abundance, many Bridges were laid ready over the Rivers, great Numbers of Wagons and Boats attended every where, to carry the Soldiers that were unable to follow the rest, or to convey these with more Expedition, who were intended to be the first, that should join these Forces that kept the Guard of the Lines. Never were any Solders seen to March with more Alacrity. Neither the Weight of their Arms, nor the Heat of the Season, nor the Fatigues of so long and Expeditious a March, did abate the least of their Vigour and Activity; they strove on the contrary to out-viegh one another in their March, aiding and encouraging those who stayed a little behind. This generral Emulation proved so successful, that the whole Army, with their Cannon and Baggage, marched forty large Leagues in less than four days time. The Confederate Army was so much surprised at this unexpected Sight, that they retired immediately without attempting any thing further, that Campaign; But before they went into Winter quarters, they sent a strong Detatchment towards Liege, which in conjunction with the Forces of that Bishopric, took the Town and Castle of Hue in six days, a small place; and one of those, that commonly fall to the share of those, who are Masters of the Field. Threescore pieces of Cannon, and thirty Mortars were made use of in this Siege; an Expense suitable to a much greater Enterprise, but scarce worth the taking of a Place of so little Consequence.  
The Conquest of Hue seemed to be but a slender Recompense to the Allies; for the disappointments of this Compaign, which had passed without any Action of moment, and for the loss of a Battle, and four considerable Places in Catalonia.  
For the Marshal de Noailles, having immediately after his arrival in those Parts, received the King's Orders, to find out, and fight the Enemy, he found them entrenched to the number of sixteen or seventeen thousand on the opposite shore of the River Ter, which is pretty broad, but fordable in many places. The French Army was not inferior to that of the Enemy, 
Battle near Ter. 27 May.  consisting of twelve thousand regulated Troops, the rest of the Militia. Several Squadrons of Granadiers, and of the Carabiniers, having thrown themselves with break of day into the River, some with only their Swords in hand, the rest with their Fuscees and Bayonets; the Enemy fired very furiously upon them; notwithstanding which, they advanced with an undaunted Courage, and attacked them with so much Bravery, that they entering Pall-mall with them in their Camp, forced them to quit their Entrenchments. In the mean while, the best of the whole Army, having passed the River, advanced in good Order to give them Battle. The Spanish Horse received them with an extraordinary Courage, whereby their Infantry got leisure to retire. The Cavalry was brought several times into confusion, and Rallied as often, till at last being quite broken, most of them were cut to pieces, they being pursued for three Hours together to the Defiles. A good part of the Infantry underwent the same Fate; so that we obtained a complete Victory, with the loss of only two or three hundred Men on our side. The Enemies had betwixt four or five thousand killed and wounded, and we took above three thousand Prisoners, all their Baggage, Provision, Ammunition, and sixteen Colours. Immediately after the gaining of the Battle, 
Siege of Palamos.  the Marshal de Noailles besieged Palamos, a small Maritime Town, but well fortified. There was a Garrison of three thousand Men in the place, which did defend themselves only five days after the Place began to be Battered by our Cannon, both by Sea and Land. For whilst the Marshal attacked it by Land, a French Squadron of Men of War, battered it by Sea. After we had made ourselves Masters of the Counterscarp, there were two Breaches in the Wall, but so narrow, that not above one Man could mount it at a time in Front; Some Soldiers having taken notice of it, showed it to their Officers, who approving of their Design, they mounted the Breach, entered the City, and taking advantage of the general Consternation; this unexpected Sight of the Enemy upon the Ramparts, had put them into, they soon made themselves Masters of the City, on the 7th of June: The Fort or Castle, being forced to Surrender at Discretion, within three days after; the Marshal, without losing time, sat down before Gironne  
This Place was so considerable for its Strength, that in the Year 1684, 
Gironne taken.  it obliged the French Army to raise the Siege. But our late Victory near the River Ter, the taking of Palamos, the furious discharges of our Batteries, and the vast number of our Bombs, which did great Execution, and set the Town on fire; besides the little hopes there was of being relieved, obliged the Inhabitants and Garrison to Capitulate in five days. We made ourselves Masters of several other places betwixt Gironne and Barcelona, and all the Country round was seized with such a Consternation, that their Capital City itself would scarce have been able to hold out a Week against our victorious Arms, if the Heats had not been so excessive, as to prevent us from undertaking the Siege; and the Confederate Fleet was so seasonably to their Assistance, and had supplied them both with Ammunition and Men. This was the only Fruit they reaped from the Equipment of so numerous a Fleet, it being feared otherwise, that the Spaniards might have concluded a separate Peace with us, if they had not come to their Relief; It was also supposed that at the Solicitations of the Duke of Savoy, this Fleet was to endeavour the regaining of Villa Franca. It was composed of one hundred and thirty Sail, among which were threescore and fifteen for the Line of Battle. It was given out that they were to Retake Nice, to Bombard Thoulon, and to lay Marseilles in Ashes. There were also some who pretended that they were to chastise Genove, for refusing to join with the Confederacy. But all these Projects vanished into Smoak, they being disenabled for want of Provisions, and by the many Distempers that reigned among the Seamen, to undertake any thing of moment; they kept the Sea for some time after, till the approaching Winter Season forced them to seek for a safe Retreat in the Spanish Ports.  
Their Fleet in the Ocean made more Noise, but did not much more Damage. 
Descent in Camaret- Bay.  They made an attempe upon Camaret-Bay, at the neck of a Land, which juts into the Sea, near Forest. Of eight or nine hundred Men, who Landed by the help of their Chaloops, betwixt three and four hundred were killed, the rest made Prisoners. The rest of their Forces that were to second the Attack, being deterred by the ill Success of their Comrades, and the continual Fire from our Entrenchments upon the Seashore, did not judge it advisable to attempt any further Descent; but under the Protection of some of their Frigates, returned to their Ships. On the 22th day of July, 
deep Bombarded  they Bombarded deep, which was laid in Ashes; most of the Houses of this City being of Wood, and closely built; the Inhabitants fled from their Habitations, with their best Movables; the Fire consumed the whole City, there being no body to stop its Fury. But the Enemies were great Gainers by this Bargain, it having been computed, that this Expedition cost them more than the re-building of the whole City could amount to.  
On the 20th of July, they appeared before Haure de Grace, which they likewise Bombarded for some time, as well as Calais, but without doing any considerable Damage; the Fire having been soon extinguished by the Care of the Inhabitants. This done, they made an attempt upon the Forts which guard the Entrance of the Port of Dunkirk; two Engines, not unlike to that they had made use of at St. Malo's, advanced towards the said Forts with an Intention to blow them up; but by the help of the Cannon mounted upon several Batteries along the Seashore, these two Vessels were blown up into the Air, at about a thousand yard's distance from the Mole.  
The little Success of this Campaign on the Confederates side, 
Campaign 1695.  did in some measure abate the Heat of the English and Dutch, who for these seven years last passed, had boar the greatest Share in the vast Expenses of the War. In Holland, the common People cried out aloud for Peace, in London, tho' they did not do it so publicly, yet they were very desirous of it. The Parliament took an Account of the Supplies granted for the use of the War, and what Share each of the Allies ought to have in the Expenses, pursuant to the Treaty's, concluded for that purpose. They excluded the Speaker of the House of Commons from their House, and imprisoned several of their Members. They also Summoned the Earl of Danby (Duke of Leeds) Precedent of the Privy Council; but these Proceed ceased with the Session of Parliament.  
There were some who looked upon this Affront put upon one of the Prince of Orange's Favourites (K. William III) as a Spark of Fire, which being couched for some time under the Ashes, might in time break out into a Flame. And their Conjectures seemed not ill grounded, considering that since the Death of the Princess of Orange (Queen Mary) eldest Daughter to the King of England, who died on the 18th of December, in the Year 1694. 
Queen of England's Death.  King James' Party began to appear more formidable than before; and that the Differences betwixt the Court and the Princess of Denmark, only Sister of the deceased Princess (Q. Marry) might furnish them with an opportunity to Foment the intestine Divisions in that Kingdom; or that perhaps some of the Confederates, discouraged by the change of Affairs in England, might not prosecute the War with the same Vigour as before. But it was not long before these Hopes were frustrated in the end. For the Prince (K. William III) either by his good Fortune or Conduct, prevented all these Dangers, there being not the least appearance of any Commotion. On the contrary, he showed such an unparallelled Resolution in the whole management of his Affairs at that time, that he seemed to bid Defiance to all Dangers, and inspite of all the Intrigues, and the Hazard of quitting the Helm, at so critical a Juncture; he passed over into Flanders in the next Spring; to encourage and promote by his Presence, the Zeal of the Confederate Princes, who having augmented their Forces, made all imaginable Preparations to attack us with more Vigour than ever.  
According to the measures concerted betwixt the Confederates, they were to undertake three several Sieges at once; one in Flanders, another in Italy, and a third in Catalonia, whilst two good Fleets were to Alarm our Coasts, and to destroy our Seaport Towns. It must be confessed, that the Confederates were at present in a much better Condition than ever since the beginning of the War, to undertake something of Moment to raise the drooping Courage of their Subjects; and it must also be allowed, that they were more successful this Campaign than before, tho' at the same time, they succeeded but in one of these three. For the Germans were not in a capacity to act offensively, having been much diminished by several large Detachments, sent to reinforce their Army's in Flanders. The Spaniards besieged Castle Follit in Catalonia, but at the approach of the Duke of Vendosme, who Commanded instead of the Marshal de Noailles, who was fallen sick at the opening of the Campaign, they quitted the Siege.  
Towards the end of the Summer, they sat down before Palamos, but with no better success, for after five days of opening the Trenches, they raised the Siege, upon notice that the Duke was marching against them.  
For these two years past, the Emperor and Spain had pressed the Duke of Savoy, to lay Siege to Casal, a Place situate upon the River Po; and so considerable for its advantageous Situation, betwixt Savoy and the Milaneze, the Petty Principalities of Mantua, Modena, and Parma. The Spaniards (who within fifty or sixty years have besieged this Place five several times) have for a considerable time been very ambitious of becoming Masters of this Place, which for its convenient Situation would open to them the way to the Conquest of all Italy. The Emperor's Design being founded upon the same Maxim, the Duke of Savoy, for fear of endangering his own Liberty, had hitherto refused to join with them in the Siege of this Place. But the Council at Viena having at last found Means, to remove all Jealousy, persuaded the Duke to consent to it. Accordingly they made prodigious Preparations for the carrying on of this Siege, and that with so much Expedition, 
Siege of Casal.  that the Lines and Batteries were finished in the Month of April. But the first Attempt proved fruitless, the Snows and cold Season having obliged the Confederate Army to return to their Winter Quarters; so that the Siege was not renewed till five Weeks after. The neighbouring Italian Princes finding them to persist in their Resolution, were extremely Alarmed at it, being sensible that the Emperor, who had already under the Pretext of providing his Forces with Winter Quarters, got a footing in Italy, would by the Conquest of a Place of such Consequence, open himself a way into Italy. To ward this Blow, these Princes took a Resolution, either to endeavour to oblige the Allies to desist from this Attempt, or else to intercede with our King to restore the said Place to the Duke of Mantua, with its Fortifications razed, under Condition that he should be reimbursed what this Place had cost him; for which the said Princes engaged themselves to be Guarantees. The King had bought this place for five Millions of Livres, and it had cost him three more since, without reaping any other Advantage by it, than to be ready at hand to secure the Princes of Italy; whereas we were obliged to maintain in it a constant Garrison of our best Troops, who might be better employed elsewhere. The King having well weighed the Matter, and that our Army in Piedmont was at that time not strong enough to engage the Enemy, or to oblige them to raise the Siege, rather accepted their Propositions to raze the Fortifications of the Place, than to sacrifice four or five thousand Men in the defence of it. The Swiss Cantons, and the Venetians, having prevailed with the Duke of Savoy to consent to this Treaty, the Emperor and Spain were obliged to accept of the same Terms. 
Casal Surrendered.  Accordingly Casal was surrendered on the tenth of July, when the Enemies were not as yet Masters of any of the Outworks after thirteen days of opening of the Trenches.  
Whilst the Confederates were before Casal, the Grand Confederate Fleet, which had been this Winter in the Spanish Ports, appeared continually upon the Cost of Provence, to oblige our King to employ part of his Forces for the defence of his Seacoasts on that side, and consequently prevent the sending of relief to Casal. The Fleet was but in an indifferent Condition by reason of the great Mortality among the Seamen, occasioned by the want of fresh Provisions, and many other Necessaries, which they could not be furnished withal, but from England; yet they appeared so formidable, that it was given out they intended to Bombard Thoulon and Marseilles; but knowing us to be ready to give them a warm Reception, they did not think fit to attempt it. They were cruising the rest of the Summer in the Gulf of Lions, in the Seas of Cardaigne and Liguria; and having been over-taken by a most violent Storm, in which they lost five of their great Ships, they came to an Anchor before Palamos; Having received Intelligence that we began to equip at Thoulon, they chose the open Sea, cruising from one Place to another, without any other Design than to pick up now and then some of our Privateers, and to disturb our Commerce.  
The Second Fleet of the Confederates in the Ocean consisted of Thirty great Ships, 
St Malo bombarded.  Twenty Bomb-Vessels, and many other Ships loaden with Ammunition, and other Necessaries. This Squadron bombarded St. Malo, but did no further damage than to burn Ten Houses, and to endamage several others; the whole Loss being computed at One hundred thousand Livres. But Dunkirk being the Place which the Enemy aimed at, they were so well prepared for their Reception, that they appeared rather like Men, with hopes of a Victory, than discouraged with fear at the Approach of an Enemy; the entrance of the Harbour being well provided with Batteries, with Chains, and a good number of Chaloops full of armed Men, commanded by our best Marine Officers. 
Attempt upon Dunkirk.  The first Bombs of the Enemies falling above two hundred yard's distance from the Town; the Inhabitants, even to the Children got on the top of the Houses, and upon the Bastions, to be Spectators of this Bombardment. Four Fireships approached the wooden Forts that defend the Mole, but were met by the Chaloops, who blew them up into the Air, in the open Sea, in the Sight of the People; the same Chaloops also boarded and took one of their great Ships, which they set on Fire. They threw in all betwixt eleven and twelve Hundred Bombs, which did so little damage that it might be all repaired for thirty Pistols.  
In hopes of better Success, 
Calais Bombarded.  the same Fleet Bombarded Calais twice in the Month of August. But the loss sustained by both these Bombardments did scarce amount to ten thousand Crowns. Another convincing Instance of what we said before, that their Erterprises at Sea succeed but seldom, and that they rarely prove answerable to the vastness of their Expenses.  
The main effort of this Campaign, as well as of most of the others, was made on the side of Flanders. The Armies Encamped very numerous in the Field on both sides, and thirty Thousand brave Fellows lost their Lives, without coming to a Field Battle. For these three years last past the Confederates had form a Design to attack our Lines, to ravage our Conquests, and to besiege Dunkirk. To prevent their Design, the King ordered new Lines to be made from the Schelde to the Lies, and from Courtray to the Seaside. Twenty Thousand Pioners made a Ditch of fourteen Thousand Foot long, fifteen Foot broad, and twelve Foot deep, with an Entrenchment behind it of ten Foot high, in less than eight days time. These Lines being a fresh Obstacle to the design of the Prince of Orange (King William III) he assembled the Confederate Army with all possible diligence near Ipres, to endeavour to obstruct the Perfecting of this Work, the Lines on that side being not quite brought to Perfection. Our Army was above five and twenty Thousand Men inferior in number to theirs, and much harassed by a long March of twice four and twenty hours, and consequently not in a condition, without taking some repose, to make any considerable resistance; besides that, not above one half of their Train of Artillery was arrived in the Camp. The Confederate Army consisted of above an Hundred Thousand Men, all fresh Troops, provided with a prodigious Train of Artillery, so that every thing seemed to concur to their advantage; but they let slip the opportunity of attacking us at the right nick of time; for in a few hours after our Cannon arrived in the Camp, and our Troops having refreshed themselves a little, the Lines were brought to Perfection the next following Night.  
Thus having missed their aim, they made an attempt upon Fort Knock, 
Attack of Fort Knock.  which they attacked three several times, and were as often repulsed, with the loss of two Thousand Men, so that in eight days time they had not got an Inch of Ground. But a little time convinced the World that a much greater Design was carrying on under the pretence of this Attack. For in the mean while the Prince of Orange (King William III) had sent some of his best Troops towards the Mesue, and so soon as he had received advice that the Troops of Liege and Brandenburg had invested Namur, he and the Elector of Bavaria followed in Person, with the rest of the Army to assist at the Siege, leaving only thirty Thousand Men under the Command of the Prince of Vaudemont in the Lower Flanders.  
Namur was so well provided with every thing necessary for its defence, that it was not questioned but it would make a long and vigorous resistance. Lewis Francis, Marshal of Bouflers had thrown himself into the place the same day it was Invested. There was a Garrison in it of ten Thousand eight hundred Men, many good Officers, and a great number of brave Volunteers, and Ammunition more than was requisite for its defence; all which advantages appeared to be such obstacles to the Enemies, that most were of Opinion they would be too many for them to surmount, and that they would be forced to quit this Enterprise. The Marshal de Luxenburgh died in the beginning of January of a Pleurisy, 
Death of the Marshal de Luxenburgh.  which proved a considerable loss to the King, there being not a General left who surpassed him in Experience and Conduct, by which he had made his Name glorious to the World, and dreadful to the Enemy.  
The King having received news of the Siege, sent his Orders to Francis de Neuville Villeroy, Marshal of France, who succeeded the Duke of Luxenburgh in the Command of the Grand Army in Flanders, to enter the Lower Flanders, and if possible, to fight the Prince of Vaudemont. 
Retreat of prince Vaudemont  Pursuant to these Orders he advanced towards the Enemy, who would infallibly have been put to the rout, if the Prince, pursuant to his Orders of avoiding any Engagement, had not found means to make a safe Retreat; so that in lieu of routing the whole Army (of which in all humane appearance but few could have escaped) we were forced to be contented with the defeat of two of their Regiments, who were most of them cut to pieces in the Pursuit. The most Fortunate Retreat that ever was made; for if the Prince's Army had been routed, the Confederates must of necessity have raised the Siege of Namur.  
Ten days after this retreat the Duke de Villeroy Besieged Dixmuyden, 
The taking of Deinse and Dixmuyden.  which place surrendered in four and twenty hours; Deinse opened its Gates at the approach of our Forces. There were above eight thousand Men of well disciplined Troops in these two places, who were all made Prisoners of War, besides which, we found the Magazine as full of all sorts of Ammunition, and this part of the Country having been preserved on purpose by the Confederates, our Soldiers got an incredible Booty.  
By the Conquest of the two Places, our Forces having opened themselves the waytowards Ghent and Antwerp, the Flemings as well as the Hollanders were extremely alarmed at it, especially when they saw them advance but slowly in the Siege of Namur, tho' they were plentifully provided with every thing for a vigorous Attack, and that they had the advantage of very fair Wether, whereas at the time when we besieged it, our Forces were not only to fight against the bravery of the Garrison, but also against the Inconveniencies of a Rainy and Stormy Season. They had raised before it thirty Batteries, upon which were mounted an Hundred and thirty pieces of Cannon, 
Siege of Namur by the Allies.  and Fourscore Mortars. This dreadful Artillery played without Intermission against the Place, as long as the Siege lasted, in which they consumed three Millions of Powder. Their Army was very formidable, and constantly reinforced with fresh Troops; what Place is able to hold out against such an Attack? Notwithstanding all these Advantages, the Confederates could not be Masters of the whole, till after a Siege of two Months, the Besieged, like brave Soldiers, disputing with them every Inch of Ground. Of this we saw an Instance at the taking of the Entrenchments, which were made only in haste at some distance from the Town, to hinder the sudden approach of an Enemy. Monsieur de Regnac, who commanded them in Chief, made so many Sallies as filled up their Trenches, threw up whole battalions by the springing of his Mines, into the Air, that it cost the Enemy eight days time before they could make themselves Masters of them, after they had been repulsed in the first Assault, and that the French had been reduced to these straits as not to have room enough left to make new Entrenchments. 
The Trenches opened before Namur, betwixt the 11th and 12th of July.  The City did not Capitulate till after four and twenty days of opening of the Trenches, all their covert ways, and other Outworks being so entirely ruined by the Enemies great Artillery, that without the utmost hazard they could not pretend to sustain a third Assault. The first assault was the most terrible that had been seen in the Memory of Man, it being no less obstinate than bloody. It was a most dreadful Sight to behold the dead Carcases lying in great Heaps, and to hear the doleful Groans and Cries of the dying and wounded Soldiers. The Allies renewed the Attack four several times, without being able to lodge themselves within either of the Trenches, though all the same time these were seconded by a shower of Carcases, Bombs, 
The City of Namur taken.  and red hot Bullets, which were shot within the Works of the Town.  
This brave Resistance giving us all imaginable hopes that the Castle would be able to defend itself much longer, the Marshal de Villeroy advanced with his Army towards Brussels to Bombard that Place, unless the Confederades would agree not to Bombard any place for the future without a formal Siege. Never was any Enterprise more advantageously undertaken, and more dexteously managed than this Bombardment. For within the place was a very strong Garrison, 
Brussels Bombarded.  and the Prince of Vaudemont with his Army was Encamped under the Walls; besides that another flying Body of at least Twelve Thousand Men was continually in Motion to observe us, and one side of the Town was laid under Water. At the end of a great Causey (the only way by which we could approach the Town,) the Enemies had made an Entrenchment of twenty Foot high, having before it a low way, which served for a Ditch. But all these Obstacles were not sufficient to hinder the Marshal de Villeroy from opening his Trenches, and raising his Batteries in spite of all their Entrenchments, neither the Garrison, or of Prince Vaudemont's Army which laid Entrenched on the backside of the Town, making the least Motion, either at our Arrival before, or at our Marching off from before the Place. All the Batteries being ready to Play, the Marshal de Villeroy sent his Propositions, of not Bombarding any Place for the future without a formal Siege. But the Elector of Bavaria, whose Intention was to gain time, being come to Brussels, the Marshal threw four Thousand Bombs in three Night's time into the Place. 'Tis impossible to express the Confusion and Terror occasioned by the fury of our Bombs in so populous a City. The best and strongest Edifices being destroyed, and two thirds of the whole City either Burnt, or laid Level to the Ground.  
From hence our Army Marched towards Namur. The Prince of Orange (King William III) having received Intelligence of their Approach, and being joined by the Prince of Vaudemont, and another Re-inforcement drew up his whole Army behind his Lines, leaving only Twenty Thousand Men to guard the Trenches, with a Resolution to avoid Fight as long as possible he could, and to keep on the Defensive, being covered on all sides by unpassable Bogs, thick Wood and Hedges, and defended by double Entrenchments at all the Avenues. The Marshal de Villeroy left nothing unattempted upon this Occasion; he himself went in Person to take a View of the Woods and Defiles, to see whether by some way or other it were not possible to force the Enemy's Quarters without too much exposing the Soldiers to the Slaughter, but found all the Avenues so well secured, that it was impossible to attack the Enemy,  
All the hopes of Relief being cut off by the Retreat of the French Army. The Confederates attacked the Castle with new Vigour. Their great Artillery had done such terrible Execution against the Castle, that all the Outworks appeared not otherwise than like so many heaps of Stone or Rubbish, the poor Soldiers being for the most part forced to shelter themselves in the Vaults against the Fury of the Bombs and Bullets which made Breaches every where, each of which was big enough for a whole battalion to Mount in Front. The Marshal de Boufleurs having refused to hearken to the Summons sent him by the Confederates, they prepared for a general Assault, which was made in eleven several places at once.  
The day appointed for this Bloody Action being come, the Besieged saw about ten a Clock in the Morning the Enemy's Infantry appear in two Columns above the Trenches, advancing in good order towards the Breaches. Three Thousand of their best Men, at the Head of whom were the English Granadiers, did outbrave all the rest in attempting to mount the Breach made in the Body of the Castle. There was at least six Hundred Yards distance betwixt the head of the Trenches and the said Breach, defended on both sides with several Out works, well provided with a sufficient number of Soldiers But those brave Fellows made their way through all these Obstacles, and advanced so briskly in spite of the Enemy's Fire, which galled them so in Front and Flank, that the first battalion planted their Colours on the top of the Breach. This battalion being brought into Confusion by the irresistible Bravery of the Besieged, the second took their place, till being quite broken as well as the former, the flying Soldiers pressing upon one another, brought the rest that were to Second them likewise in Coufusion, who thereupon retreated in great disorder. All the other Assaults were made and repulsed with the same Bravery, notwithstanding the Garrison was quite exhausted of Strength by the continual Fatigues, and for want of Rest; but being animated by the Example of the Marshal▪ and the rest of the Officers, who also remonstrated to them that the Honour of the Nation laid at Stake, and that their safety depended only on the points of their Swords; they gave such Signal Proofs of their Bravery, that the Enemies were repulsed in all their Attacks with great Slaughter, which lasted till five a Clock in the Afternoon. This was a most glorious day for the Besieged; but they had lost so many of their Men in this occasion, that finding themselves not in a Capacity to sustain another Assault, the Marshal de Bouflers was forced to Capitulate, 
The Castle of Namur surrendered.  and to surrender the Castle on the first day of November. Namur was purchased at a very dear rate by the Confederates, who, beside the immense Expenses bestowed in the carrying on of this Siege, lost twenty Thousand Men, the Flower of their whole Army.  
The Confederates being flushed with this Success, 
Campaign 1666.  boasted every where of this Conquest, but the wiser sort among them were not much overjoyed at this Advantage, as looking upon it as a means to retard the conclusion of a Peace. For the People being exhausted with Taxes, wished very earnestly for a Peace, as the only means to free them from those heavy Impositions. Their Commerce was considerably diminished, our Privateers, who continually infested their Coasts, taking some of them every Day; it having been Computed, that the English alone have since the beginning of this War, lost four Thousand two Hundred Merchant Men, valued by themselves at thirty Millions of Sterling. But there appeared in England many other Causes of Intestine Divisions and Confusion. For the Money began to be very scarce, and was so much Clipped of late Years, that its intrinsic value did not amount to two thirds, sometimes not to one half of what it ought to be. As nothing is more pernicious and destructive to Commerce than the adulteration of Money, so these Disorders made many grumble against the Government, it being a customary thing for the Common People to impute any public Disaster to the mis-management of those at the Helm, which was also improved by a Party, who insinuated into the People that great store of the English Coin was Transported into Holland. The Agents of the King of England believing the present juncture very favourable to their Design, set all their Engines at work for his Restauration. They brought over many to their side, some out of Novelty, others being moved by a seasonable Repentance, others out of Affection to their King joined in the Design of restoring him to the Throne. They could scarce have wished for a more favourable Opportunity, the Prince of Orange (King William III) having left the Kingdom destitute of Troops, and without a Fleet to guard the Coasts. All his Troops were transported to Flanders, the grand Fleet was at Cadiz, and a good Squadron of his best Ships lately gone out of the Downs, to join those in the straits. The King of England encouraged by these hopes of Success, came to Calais with a Body of Sixteen Thousand Men of old Troops, under the Command of several experienced Generals, who were ready to Embark at an hours warning. But the Winds proving contrary for some time, the whole Design was discovered, and we lost at once both the time and hopes of putting it in Execution. For no sooner had the Dutch received Intelligence of this intended descent; but they put to Sea with a Squadron of twelve stout Ships, which cruised before Calais. The Prince of Orange K. William III. without showing the least Concern at the greatness of the Danger, soon found means to disperse these Clouds. He secured many suspected Persons, recalled his Fleets, and some of his Troops out of Flanders, and secured the Seacoasts on that side, which was most exposed to danger, with a good Body of the Militia. A Plot, when once discovered, seldom takes effects, and in lieu of proving destructive to those against whom it was intended, prroves generally the chief means of their Establishment. Both the Houses of Parliament gave upon this occasion new Demonstrations of their Zeal and firm Adherence to the Interest of the Prince of Orange, (King William III) by entering into an Association not only to maintain his Interest against all Pretenders, but also to revenge his Death if he should happen to be snatched away by some sinister Attempt against his Life. Having received these fresh Assurances of their Zeal for his Person and Interest, he took such sure measures to prevent all future Danger of this kind, that without any further delay he passed over into Flanders.  
At his Arrival in Flanders he found the King's Armies in the Field before him, and in the Spanish Territories. The King having taken a Resolution to be upon the defensive, and sent his Orders to the Marshal de Villeroy, who was to Command the French Army in the Lower Flanders, to possess himself at the beginning of the Campaign of some advantageous Post, from whence he might both observe the Enemy's Motions, and prevent their Designs, and subsist in their Territories till the end of the Campaign. The Army near the  was Commanded by the Marshal de Bouflers, who, pursuant to the King's Orders, had divided his Army into four several Bodies, at such a convenient distance as to be able to join upon any occasion, and at the same time to cover the French Conquests. All the measures taken by the Confederates being broken by these seasonable Precautions, they were forced to consume their own Territories, all the Summer long, without being able to undertake a Siege, or come to an Engagement, though they appeared more formidable now than ever. Their Fleet consisted of an Hundred and Thirty Sail, but did no other feats but to burn a few Houses at Calais, near the Sands of Cologne, and at St. Martin's. They had three Armies in the Low-Countries, one consisting of five and twenty, or thirty Thousand Men, under the Command of the Prince of Vaudemont in the Lower Flanders, which however was not strong enough to Encounter the Marshal de Villeroy, who Foraged to the very Gates of Ghent, and exacted Contributions from all the circumjacent Countries. Their Grand Army at least half as strong again, threatened sometimes one, sometimes another Place with a Siege, but could not meet with a favourable opportunity to put it in Execution. A third Army of eighteen or twenty Thousand Men, all Germans, advanced towards the side of Namur, under the Command of the Landgrave of Hesse-Cassal. They remained in that Post for about a Month, when for want of Pay, or opportunity of being employed in Flanders, they returned towards the Rhine.  
Neither did the Confederates act with much better Success on the Germane side. The Prince of Baden keeping close within his Lines till the latter end of August, not thinking it adviseable to meet the Marshal de Choiseul, who had passed the Rhine with the French Army, and stayed on this side near six Weeks. After the return of the Landgrave of Hesse, the Prince of Baden passed the Rhine, and in Conjunction with the rest, Marched towards Philipsbourgh, without attempting any thing against the Place. They afterwards advanced nearer the Marshal, but spent the rest of their time in Cannonading one another's Camp, without coming to an Engagement.  
The Duke of Vendosme had but a small Army in Catalonia, more considerable for the goodness of his Troops than their Number. Yet he remained Master of the Field all that Campaign, being beloved and esteemed by the Inhabitants of the Country, and dreaded by the Spaniards. He defeated the Body of their Cavalry, much Superior in number of Squadrons to his. He demolished many of their Castles which served them for places of Retreat. He observed so closely the Motions of their Army, that he enclosed them betwixt the Mountains and their Entrenchment, where, without striking a Stroke, they lost more Men than they could have done in an Engagement.  
In Italy the Marshal de Catinat appeared in the Field with a very numerous Army, composed of some of our best Troops, the King having taken a resolution either to Conquer all the Country as yet remaining under the Obedience of the Duke of Savoy, or to oblige that Prince to accept of a Peace. So soon as the Enemy received Intelligence that the French were preparing to pass the Mountains, they employed a great number of Workmen to cover the City of Turin against any Attempt, by making strong Lines and Entrenchments, they carried all the common Cattle into places of Security, and by their Army, and numerous Parties which they sent abroad every Day, endeavoured to hinder our Communication with Pignerol. Our Army finding nothing else to subsist on but what they were supplied with by our Convoys, did suffer Extremely in their March, which was not very hasty, we being at the same time in Treaty with the Duke of Savoy, and upon the point of concluding it.  
After the Breach of the Truce, the King had in his Manifest sufficiently testified his Intention of Sacrificing all his Conquests to the re-establishment of the public Tranquillity, and that he had not taken up Arms to enlarge his Frontiers, but to defend himself against the Attempts of the Confederate Princes. Upon the same score it was, that both before the Siege of Philipsbourgh and after the reduction not only of that Place, but also of the whole Palatinate, he pressed the Allies to change the Truce made at Ratisbonne, in the Year 1684. into a lasting Peace. Upon the same account also after taking Villa Franca Nice, and Montmelian, he offered the Duke of Savoy to restore to him all the Conquests he had made on that side. Casal being demolished since that time, the Duke of Savoy's Inclinations began to bend strongly towards a Peace. Peace is so desirable in itself, that when offered ought not to be refused. Happy is that Prince who knows how to improve such an Opportunity to his own Advantage.  
'Tis true, the Duke made some Preparations in the next Spring to Besiege Pignerol, but his Intention was rather to oblige us to demolish it than to reduce it by force of Arms. He had Espoused one of the Daughters of the Duke of Orleans, only Brother to our King, who having no Daughters, had Married the eldest of his Nieces to the King of Spain, the second to the Duke of Savoy. The Queen of Spain died without Issue, but the Duchess of Savoy had had three Princesses; to one of these the King resolved to Marry the eldest of his Grandsons, to renew by this Marriage the ancient Alliance betwixt France and the Duke of Savoy.  
This Alliance and the present Advantage of removing these inconveniencies which attended the War at so great a distance, made the King consent to the demolishing of Pignerol, and to restore the Duke into the immediate Possession of all his Territories, except Susa, Nice, and Montmelian, which were to be left in the King's Hands till the Conclusion of the general Peace.  
The Duke on the other Hand obliged himself by a separate Article, 
Peace with the Duke of Savoy in August.  to propose to the Confederates a Neutrality in Italy, and if they refused to accept of it, to join his Forces with France to oblige them to it.  
During the Treaty with Savoy, the King had granted a Truce for one Month, which afterwards was prolonged at the Request of the Pope, and the rest of the Princes of Italy, who were not willing to let slip this opportunity that offered, to rid their hands of the Germane, and other Foreign Forces.  
But the Confederates were so far from accepting the Duke's Propositions, that on the contrary they left no stone unturned, by threats, and Promises, to persuade him to alter his Resolution. But he stood immovable to all these Insinuations, and the time of the Truce being expired, 
Siege of Valenza.  joined his Forces with those of our King's, who advanced towards the Milaneze Territories, to form the Siege of Valenza.  
The Marshal de Catinat Commanded both these Armies under the Duke of Savoy, and the Trenches being opened before the Place towards the end of September, we carried on our Works with such Success, that the Place was just upon the point of Capitulating, 
Neutrality for Italy  when a Messenger arrived in the Camp on the ninth day of October, with this agreeable News, that at last the Ministers of the Emperor, and Spain had accepted of the Neutrality; the chiefest Conditions were,  
That the Princes of Italy should allow a certain Sum to the Emperor, to redeem the Winter-Quarters.  
And that the Germane Forces should begin their March, in order to return into their own Country, the same day that the King's Army in Italy, should return into France.  
The King gained great Advantages by the Peace of Italy; Thirty Thousand Men of his best Troops, with a great General, who had hitherto been Employed on that side, might be made use of with much less Expense against the Enemy in another place, which must needs oblige them then to make a Peace with us, or to continue the War with more Vigour, and greater Expenses than before.  
We reaped also another Advantage by it, which ought not to be passed by in Silence, which was the Princess Maria Adalaida, 
The Duchess of Burgundy.  Eldest Daughter of Victor Amadeus II. Duke of Savoy, and Anna Mariae of Orleans, Spouse to the Duke of Burgundy. After the Ratification of the Peace, this Princess was conducted into France, though the Consummation of the Marriage was deferred for fifteen Months longer. She was all that time not quite Eleven Years of Age, but showed such a vivacity of Wit, and so much Conduct in all her Actions, that she was the admiration of the whole Court; the Duke of Burgundy being not then above fourteen years;  
Maria Victoria of Bavaria, Dauphine of France, died in the Year 1690. in the Flower of her Age; 
Death of the Dauphiness.  she was a Princess of Extraordinary Merit, of a great Soul, whose chiefest aim was to see the Princes her Sons Educated in the love of Virtue and glorious Actions.  
Betwixt this Princess, and Lewis, Dauphin of France were begotten three Princes, Lewis Duke of Burgundy, born the eighth day of August, in the year 1682. Philip, 
The three sons of the Dauphin.  Duke of Anjou, born on the 29th day of December, in the Year 1683. and Charles Duke of Berry, on the 31st of August, in the Year 1684. Never had any Princes in the World more noble Education, their generous Inclinations being improved, not only by their Governor Paul, Duke de Beauvilliers Saint Aignant, and their Tutor, Francis de Salignac Fenelon, Archbishop of Cambray, but also by the singular Care of the King and Dauphin, who with so much Application did show them the way to true Virtue, that following both the Footsteps and Instructions of such Guides, there never appeared in any Princes in the World more noble Sentiments, and generous Inclinations, than in these three; the Eldest having given already to the French Nation, by his happy disposition to Virtuous Actions, all the imaginable hopes of becoming one day a great Prince. If the virtuous Inclinations of Princes are like Springs, which derive their noble Effects, and Communicate them to their Subjects, nothing is so great but what may be expected from the happy Marriage of so accomplished a Prince, with a Princess, whose Merits equalise, if not surpass her high Extraction, and that most eminent Station she is placed by Providence in the World.  
The Peace of Italy proved the happy forerunner of a general Peace. It was two years since, several Proposals had been made upon that Account, which were often changed, according to the several change of Affairs in Christendom, matters being at that time not brought to a perfect Maturity. But towards the latter end of this Campaign there appeared more disposition in the Confederates for a Peace, than before; and the People both in England and Holland showed much eagerness for it, the Allies were for the most part discouraged by the many Disappointments they had met with, and most of them having no particular Interest in the War, began to hearken to these Proposals, which were made on our King's behalf, to give Satisfaction to some of the Confederate Princes; thus every thing seemed to tend towards the Conclusion of a general Peace, if an unforeseen Obstacle had not overturned all these fair hopes.  
Charles II. 
Charles II. K. of spain.  the present King of Spain, happened to fall ill in the beginning of October, so as to have three several Relapses in less than six Weeks time. This Prince having no Issue, and all Europe taking Interest in the Quarrel which was like to arise after his Death about the Succession; the Confederates showed not much forwardness to bring it to a Conclusion, till after the recovery of this Monarch. It was perhaps upon this score that the Ministers of the Emperor, and of some of the rest of the Confederate Princes, found means to raise many difficulties concerning the Passes, and the place where the Ambassadors were to meet to carry on the Negotiation of Peace. The Conferences were already begun at the Hague, as being the Centre where the Ministers of the Confederacy used to meet, besides that the Dutch shown more Inclination for the Peace than the rest, and made use of all their Endeavours to promote so great a Work. Money began to be so scarce among them, that they were hardly put to it to find means for the raising of new Troops, to furnish their Quota of Men and Money, which made up the largest share of the whole Confederacy. They were also under some apprehensions that the Catholic Princes might be prevailed upon, either by the Mediation of the Pope, or of the Duke of Savoy, to conclude a separate Peace. For since the Conclusion of the Peace in Italy, the Emperor's Minister remained still at Turin. The Governor of Milan had also taken several Journeys thither; the Count de Tesse resided there in our King's behalf, and the Marshal de Catinat had stayed there for some time before he repassed the Alps. The long stay of these Ministers in a Court which so lately had changed its Interest, their frequent Conferences, the many Messengers that were continually sent forwards and backwards, betwixt Paris, Vienna, and Madrid, raised no small jealousy in the Dutch, and made them fear, lest, if the Emperor, the King of Spain, the Elector of Bavaria, and the other Catholic Princes should make a separate Peace, they would be left a Sacrifice to France.  
But whilst these debates lasted, both Parties began to make greater Preparations than ever for the Prosecution of the War. 
Campaign of 1697.  The King's Power appeared more formidable than it did nine Years ago, for he had more Money, more Troops, and better Officers, than at the beginning of the War. His Forces, both in Garrisons, and in the Field, were counted to consist of four hundred and twenty thousand Men, to wit, three hundred and fifty Thousand Foot, and threescore and ten Thousand Horse, without reckoning those Employed in the Sea-Service, who were no less considerable this Year than at any time before, the King having applied all his Care to Arm in all his Ports, and Equip all the biggest and best of his Ships. The Confederates on the other side having taken a resolution to make their last Efforts this Campaign, the Prince of Orange, (King William III) and the Dutch made a defensive League with the King of Denmark, by Virtue of which he was obliged to furnish them with a certain number of Troops, and a Squadron of Men of War.  
But in the midst of all these vast Preparations, the Plenipotentiaries of all the Princes that were engaged in this Bloody War, began to open the Conferences for the Conclusion of the Peace. Delft and the Hague were pitched upon for the Places of Residence of these Ministers, and the Castle of Riswick, which lies betwixt these two Places, to hold their Conferdnces in. A considerable time before the opening of these Conferences, 
Neutrallty proposed for Catalonia.  a Negotiation had been set on Foot at Turin, to conclude a Neutrality for Catalonia. The Spaniards cannot be more sensibly touched in any part of their Dominions than in Catalonia, which lying so near to the Centre of the Kingdom, and Danger threatening from that side, puts the People of Spain into a Ferment, which is more dreadful among the Spaniards than other Nations. The King of Spain wanted the necessary Funds for the carrying on of the War; the Duke of Savoy having not disbanded any of his Troops, either because matters were thus concerted betwixt our Court and him, or because he intended to improve the present Conjuncture to his Advantage, the Spaniards could draw but few of their Troops out of the Milaneze. The Confederates had no Fleet in the Mediterranean, and were consequently not in a Condition to secure them with any of their Troops in Catalonia; besides, that these Foreign Auxiliaries proved more troublesome to the Inhabitants than the Enemy; considering all these disadvantages the Council of Spain were inclined to accept of this Neutrality, if it had not been represented to them by the Emperor's Ministers, that if our King should be freed at once from the War, both near the Alps, and the Pyrenean Mountains, it would be so great an Addition to his Strength, that the Confederacy would be reduced to a necessity of preventing their Ruin by the Conclusion of a disadvantageous Peace: These Considerations were so prevailing with the Spaniards, that they neglected their own Interest for that of the Confederacy, and refused to accept of the Neutrality with Catalonia.  
The glorious success of the French Arms for these nine or ten Years last passed, had given new occasion of Jealousy to the Emperor The Continuation of the War was a plausible pretence to augment his Authority in the Empire; he had all the Reason in the World to be afraid of the ill state of the King of Spain's Health, and his infirm Constitution; he did also imagine that after the Conclusion of the Peace, the Germane Princes would not be very forward to assist him against the Turks; all which Inducements were sufficient to diminish the Emperor's Inclinations for a Peace.  
It was supposed that the Prince of Orange (K. William III) was also rather inclined to continue the War, but considering that both the English and Dutch so earnestly desired it; there was not any reason which could oblige him to oppose this Negotiation. For the several Plots which had been contrived against him since his Elevation to the Throne, the decay of Commerce, the vast quantity of false and clipped Money and the scarcity of good Coin had caused ' such Confusions in England, as could not be better repaired than by a speedy Peace, especially since the English sustained such considerable Losses, both by our Privateers, and the heavy Taxes, that many of their richest Merchants were ruined by the War. Add to this that the People in Holland were so pressing for a Peace, that for fear the States-General should be prevailed upon to consent to a separate Peace with France, the Emperor and the other Princes judged it most adviceable not to delay any longer to send their Plenipotentiaries to assist at the opening of the Conferences.  
The King had for some time before sent Francis de Calliere, a person in whom he put a singular Confidence, to the Hague, to adjust the main Preliminary Points with the State's General of the United Provinces, and to remove all Obstacles which might retard, or obstruct this grand Affair, he kept upon the defensive, for fear of raising new Jealousies against him among the Confederates. But finding that this only served for a means to retard than promote the Peace, some of the Confederates being buoyed up with the vain hopes of obtaining more advantageous Conditions by these delays, he took a resolution to act with more Vigour this Campaign.  
Since the end of the last Campaign the King had ordered his Magazines upon the Rhine to be filled with all manner of Provisions: The French Forces which hitherto had been Employed in Italy, were put into Winter-Quarters in Alsace, and other adjacent Countries, and our Troops had been in Motion all the Winter, the better to amuse the Enemy. The Neighbouring Princes being greatly Alarmed at these vast Preparations, caused their Territories to be covered by strong Entrenchments, defended by a vast number of Pallisadoes; and Batteries, with Redoubts, and Forts built on all the principal Avenues, as if they all were to sustain the whole Force of France the following Campaign. A Rumour being also industriously spread abroad, which was confirmed by the Motions of our Forces on that side, that the King intended to have two great Armies in Germany, one near the Upper Rhine, to give a Diversion to the Enemy, the other under the Marshal de Catinat, to undertake a Siege upon the Lower-Rhine, the Confederates fortified Mayence, and provided this as well as other places thereabouts with fufficient Garrisons. This Rumour continued till towards the end of April, the King having managed the whole Design with somuch Conduct and Secrecy, that the Generals, who, were to serve under the Marshal de Catinat, were upon the Road towards Germany, in expectation to make the Campaign there, when they received Orders to the contrary; and that they should with all speed repair to Flanders, whither the said Marshal was gone to form the Siege of Aeth.  
This Enterprise was looked upon as the most glorious that could be undertaken, 
Siege of Aeth.  the Place being strongly fortified with eight Bastions, surrounded with a broad and deep Ditch, full of Water. It was the sixteenth day of May, when the Town was Invested, at which time, there was a Garrison in it of three thousand seven hundred Men. Never was a place attacked with more precaution, and so much vigour; at the same time the King having given express Orders to the Marshal, to spare as much as possible could be his Troops, but to play against the Place the more furiously with his great Artillery. But the besieged made but a feeble Resistance; they fired not very briskly, nor made one Sally, when our Men made the Assault upon the covert Way, they left their Post after the first Discharge; so that as soon as we had made two breaches large enough to mount them, this strong Place, which by reason of its many Outworks, 
Surrender of Aeth.  was feared would cost us a great many Men, surrendered by Composition the 6th day of June, in thirteen days after opening of the Trenches, with the loss only of a hundred Men on our Side.  
The Confederates had at the same two great Armies in Flanders, being both computed at a hundred and twenty thousand Men. Our King, to disappoint the Enemy's design of relieving the Place, had ordered the Marshal de Villeroy, to post himself on that side, where there was the most appearance of danger. The Marshal de Bouflers was Encamped on the other side of the Town, and three other Bodies were to guard some other Avenues leading to it; all which were posted at such convenient distance, as to be able to second one another in case of an Attack; so soon as the Enemy had been advertised of the Siege, they advanced towards our Lines, but whither it were that they feared the Desertion of many of their Soldiers, who were very ill paid, or that they did not think it for their Interest to hazard a Battle at this juncture of time, when the Peace was so near a Conclusion, for fear, that if the Success should not answer their Expectation, they should be forced to rest contented with the less advantageous Conditions, they divided their Army into several Bodies, the better to cover their other Places in Flanders, without attempting the Relief of Aeth.  
Soon after the taking of Aeth, they received a fresh Reinforcement of eighteen thousand Men, but notwithstanding their vast Number, they Entrenched themselves in their Camp, which they made impregnable by many Redoubts and Batteries. The French Army's continued all this Summer in the Spanish Territories, without being distubred by the Confederates, who avoided a Battle or Engagement. The remaining part of the Campaign was spent without any further Action, the Allies seeming to have no other Aim, than to prevent our Forces from undertaking any thing of moment; and both Parties being actually inclined to expect the issue of the Siege of Barcelona, and of the Diet Assembled in Poland, for the choosing of a Successor to their lately deceased King John.  
John Sobieski, Grand Marshal of Poland, owed his Elevation to the Throne of Poland, not so much to his own Credit and Interest, as to our King's Protection, and the prudent Management of the then Bishop of Marseilles, 
Coll. Johnson.  and the King's Ambassador in Poland; a great Politician, and one of those extraordinary Persons, who by their singular Merits become honourable to their Age, and Highly Serviceable to the Church and State. This King acquired immortal Glory about nine Years after, when he left his Kingdom, and marched in the year 1683, to the relief of Viena. But ever since that time he had altered his measures, and in lieu of prosecuting the War with vigour against the Infidels, had given himself over to Idleness, his main Care being to heap up such Treasures for his Children, as to put them in a Condition either to obtain the Crown after his Death, 
John Sobieski, K. of Poland.  or at least to put them beyond the want of it; whereas the best Treasure he could have left to his Children, would have been to bless them with the Love of the People. But these gave such evident demonstrations of the little esteem they had for his Family, by pillaging his Estate during the Interregnum, that it sufficiently appeared to the World, that his memory was become odious to them.  
After the Death of this Prince, a general Diet was called together, in order to choose a Successor to the Crown. At this critical Conjuncture, when most Princes of Europe were engaged in a War, it was no wonder, if each Party pretended to maintain their Interest at this Election. The Election of a King of Poland inclining either to the Interest of France, or the Confederacy, being looked upon at this juncture of time of such Consequence, as to carry along with it no small Influence towards the raising or diminishing the Hopes of the Confederate Princes; each Party therefore were not sparing in making Intrigues for or against the Interest of such a Person, as they either wished to be elevated, or excluded from the Throne of Poland.  
Among the rest that pretended to the Crown, was the present Czar of Muscovy. His Empire is of a very vast extent, 
Candidates for the Crown of Poland. Czar of Muscovy.  reaching from the Boristhenes to the utmost Confines of the North, and on the other side from the Frontiers of Sweden, to the River Tanais. It was represented to the Poles, how glorious 'twould be to their Nation, to choose a King, who Commanded over so vast a Country; but they wisely considered that their Liberty would be in no small danger under so Potent a Master, who was able to bring them under Subjection, by the Force of his own Arms. 
Duke of Lorrian.   
The young Prince of Lorraine, eldest Son to the late Prince Charles, entered also the List of the Candidates, not so much in hopes of succeeding in it, as out of an Ambition of being put in the same Rank with the rest, in his younger Years.  
There was also much Discourse of Prince Lewis of Baden; 
Prince Lewis of Baden.  This Prince was a great Master of the Art of War, and had had great Success against the Infidels in Hungary, whom he had vanquished at several times. The Emperor, in acknowledgement of his Services; and the Prince of Orange (K. William III) out of a particular Respect for his person, would without all question, have espoused his Interest; if by joint-consent of the Confederates, it had not been judged more advisable to support the Faction of Prince James Sobieski, 
Pr. James of Poland.  Brother-in-Law both to the Emperor, and the Elector of Bavaria. Every thing seemed to concur for his Advantage; He was eldest Son to the late King, he wanted not Riches to purchase the Voices and Protection of the Great ones. The Princes of Germany had espoused his Interest, as well as the Dutch; the Emperor, and Prince of Orange (K. William III) made use of all their Credit to promote his Elevation to the Crown; But all these Advantages, which in all outward appearance seemed to be the most proper means to compass his Design, proved perhaps the true cause of his Disappointment. For, his near Alliance with the House of Austria, had raised a Jealousy in the Polish Lords, lest, he should, when once their King, improve it to their disadvantage, and be encouraged by the Neighbourhood of the Emperor to make use of his Power, to the prejudice of their Liberty. The pressing Solicitations made in his behalf by the Germane Princes, began to be suspected by the Populace, by reason of a certain Jealousy and Emulation, which is always to be observed betwixt two Potent neighbouring Nations. He was as Liberal in his Promises to pay the Debts of the Crown, in case he was elected King, as profuse in his Money to gain the Hearts of the Poles, but in vain, nothing being able to remove the Aversion they had conceived against him.  
The Confederates finding the Poles thus disposed, began to despair of the Success of the Prince, for which Reason they raised a new Faction, for the Elector of Saxony. The Elector promised to turn Catholic, and there were not wanting those, 
Elector of Saxony.  who assured them that he had abjured the Lutheran Religion two or three Months before, notwithstanding that since that time he had made public Profession of it. He offered ten Millions for the Payment of Arrears due to the Army, who during the time of the Interregnum had revolted for want of Pay. He promised also to maintain at his own Cost, fifteen thousand Men, and never to make Peace with the Turks, till he had restored all what they had taken from the Poles. These specious Offers would perhaps have influenced the Poles to prefer the Elector before the rest, if the Eyes and Hearts of the Polish Nobility had not been guided by the real Prospect of more solid Advantages.  
The French Ambassador the Abbot Malehoor de Polygnack, recommended to them, Francis Lewis de Bourbon, 
Prince of Conty.  Prince of Conty, the eleventh Prince of the Royal Blood of France, who promised to pay their Troops all their Arrears in ready Money, and to retake Caminieck, without the least Expense to the Commonwealth. The Prince of Conty had gained the Esteem of all Europe, not only by his Courage, but also by many great and generous Actions, and his unparallelled Moderation. He had Signalised himself in the War in Hungary, and since his Return, had given many Demonstrations of his Valour to the World. At Steenkirk, and in the Battle of Neerwinden, he had showed himself both an expert General, and a brave Soldier. These great Qualifications, which made very favourable Impressions in the hearts of a Warlike People, received a new Lustre by our King's Recommendation to the Chief Men of Poland. But, this Negotiation met with no small Difficulties, as being opposed by almost all the rest of the Princes of Europe. The Ministers of these Princes insinuated without intermission to the Poles, that to choose a French Prince, would be to put all their Neighbours into a continual Alarm; that this, whether true or false, would at one time or other, turn to the disadvantage of Poland, which thereby would change its present happy Condition for the Miseries of a long War. That their Riches and Forces would be employed to promote the ambitious Designs of France; the Prince of Conty, tho' invested with the Royal Dignity, not being discharged from the Obligations due to our King, whom both in point of Gratitude and Interest, he could not be able to refuse, whatever he desired.  
They were also not sparing both in their Threats and Promises; but the King's Interest prevailing over all their Intrigues, the Prince of Conty was Elected by the plurality of Votes. For of thirty two Palatinates, that appeared in the Field, eight and twenty declared for him, the Elector of Saxony having only four on his side. This Prince being so much superior in Number of Voices to his Competitor, was immediately proclaimed King by the Archbishop of Guesna, 
Pr. Conty proclaimed King of Poland.  Primate of Poland, who has the Administration of Affairs in Poland, during the Interregnum, and who alone has a Right of Proclaiming a King.  
But the Elector of Saxony, against all the Laws and Customs of the Kingdom, was likewise proclaimed King by the Bishop of Kujavia, who falsely pretended to this Power. The Elector's Faction raised great Disturbances in the Kingdom, 
Elector of Saxony proclaimed King of Poland.  endeavouring to maintain themselves by Force and violent Means. The most speedy way to disperse these Clouds, and to restore a perfect Calm in the Kingdom, and to remove all future Danger of any civil Commotions, was the calling of a new Diet, to determine the Difference concerning this Election, and to maintain the Prince de Conty in his Pretensions, and to confirm his Election by the Authority, if not of all, at least of the major Number of the Palatinates.  
The issue of this grand Affair kept all Europe in suspense for some time, but the Siege of Barcelona, which had been carried on for two Months together with the utmost Vigour, 
Siege of Barcelona.  was looked upon by most to be of no less Consequence. Barcelona is one of the most Considerable Forts in all Spain. It is a very large, rich, populous City, Famous for its Traffic. It is tolerably well Fortified on the Land side, having a Fort at a quarter of a League's distance from the Town, built upon a steep Rock. The Place was at that time provided sufficiently with Ammunition, besides which, they received constant Supplies, the Town being not begirt on that side where the Fort lay. The Garrison consisted of eleven thousand disciplined Troops, besides four thousand Miquelets. They played without Intermission with their Cannons, Bombs, Granado's, and other Fire-Arms, and sometimes made four Sallies in one Night. They disputed every Inch of Ground with us in their Outworks, some of which they retook twice or thrice, and at last made new Entrenchments within the old Bastions, and inspite of the Prayers of the Inhabitants, and Threats of the common People, they stood it out, with an unparalelled Bravery to the last Extremity. The Count de la Corsana, Governor of the City, and the Landgrave of Hesse Darmstadt, Commander in Chief of the Garrison, acquired immortal Glory in the Defence of this Place. On the other hand, what Pen is able to give due Praises to those who vanquished such brave Men, who by their invincible Courage overcame their Resolution, and were not discouraged by the Fatigues and Dangers of so long and bloody a Siege? The number of the Besieged did bear no proportion to the Besiegers, the Duke of Vendosme's Army consisting of no more than thirty thousand Men, at the beginning of the Siege, and the Reinforcement which he received from Provence and Languedock, not above eight or nine thousand strong, being all Militia. But what is unaccessible to a General, who has an equal share of Courage and Conduct, who knows how to manage his Troops to the utmost Advantage, who by his Example teaches them to outbrave all Fatigues and Dangers, and to be rather encouraged than dismayed at the Bravery of their Enemies?  
Thus the Siege was carried on with all imaginable Vigour, tho' for want of sufficient number of Forces, we could not carry our Lines quite round the Place. The covered Way was attacked three several times, 
Attacks upon the covered Way.  and in three several places. In the first assault we lodged ourselves upon one of the Angles, but were beaten back from the two others. We had a second Assault the next day, but without Success, not being able to maintain us in our Posts till the third. Then the Batteries on the Counterscarp began to play most furiously; The Bombs and red hot Bullets laid two thirds of the Town in Ashes, and the dead Carcases buried under their Ruins sent forth such a nauseous Scent, as infected the whole City. Soon after we had made Breaches both in the Bastions and Courtines; but the Duke of Vendosme did not think it convenient to give the general Assault, till he had routed the Viceroy, to take away all hopes of relief by Land, from the Besieged, of which they had no hopes left by Sea, the Allies having at that time no Fleet in the Mediterranean, and a Squadron of nine French Men of War, many Frigates and thirty Galleys laying before the Port. The Count d' Estree was Commander in Chief of this Squadron; the Forces and the Officers that were embarked on board of these Ships, did great Service in this Siege; The taking of the covered Way in the third Assault, being as chief owing to the Valour of James de Noailles, Lieutenant General of the French Galleys. All the remaining hopes of the Besieged, were in the Relief they expected from the Viceroy, who kept the Field with four or five thousand regular Troops, and a good Body of Miquelets. They had also another small Body of about seven or eight thousand Horse, and a thousand Foot, which being posted betwixt the Mountains, made frequent Incursions to annoy and intercept our Convoys, and to prevent our Peasants from carvying Provisions to our Camp.  
The Enemy's Design was to attack our Lines in two or three places at once, and to force them, if possible, under the favour of a General Sally, to be made by the whole Garrison at the same time. 
The Spanish Army surprised.  The Duke de Vendosme, thinking it the safest way to prevent them in their Design, and having received Intelligence by his Spies, that they were very carelessly Encamped, marched out two hours before break of Day with six thousand of his best Men, and at the same time fent a Body of three hundred Horse, two hundred Dragoons; and a thousand Fusiliers, under the Bommand of the Count d' Vsson, to surprise the Spaniards that were posted betwixt the Mountains.  
The Cavalry and Outguards being cut in pieces, the Duke advanced without the least Resistance to the Viceroy's Quarter, where there was nothing but Confusion, as may easily be supposed to be the Effects of such a Surprise. Every one was for following the Example of the Viceroy, who saved himself in his Shirt, without being able to take along with him his Papers, or Scrutore, in which was a good Sum of Gold. Two or three hundred of the bravest among them, who made some resistance, were cut in pieces, and the rest dispersed in an instant. The whole Camp, with all their Baggage fell a Prey to our Soldiers, who burned their Tents and every thing else that was not portable.  
The Count d' Vsson, having at the same time had the good Fortune, to drive the Spaniards from their Post in the Mountains, we had all the reason to believe that the Besieged, being discouraged by this ill Success, would alter their measures, and give over their Design of holding out to the last Extremity. 
Assault up on Barcelona.  But we found ourselves deceived in our hopes, for they received us with incredible Bravery, as we were giving the Assault about a Week after, upon the Breaches of the two Bastions. They retook one of these Bastions with great Slaughter, and after they were driven from thence a second time, retreated into a strong Entrenchment they had made behind the Breach of the Bastion. Thus we were to encounter the Danger of a new Siege, there being behind the Entrenchment a strong old Wall, fortified with Towers. Our Miners were set at Work, and every thing ready for a general Assault, when the Besieged were again summoned to a Surrender; but without being in the least terrified at the Danger that threatened them in case the Town should be be taken by Assault; they refused to hearken to a Capitulation, till at last, being overcome by the Lamentations of the Cirizens, and the Consideration of their present Condition, which was such as not to be able to sustain another Assault, without hazarding all, they accepted of the Conditions offered them by the Duke de Vendosme, who, to show the Esteem he had for their Bravery, allowed them very honourable Conditions, to wit, to march out through the Breach, with six Mortars, and thirty pieces of Cannon. Besides which, we found in the place six Mortars, 
Surrender of Barcelona.  more and one hundred pieces of Cannon. This Siege cost the Lives of many brave Men; we having lost betwixt four and five thousand on our side, and the Enemy above six housand.  
It was was much about the same time, that we receiveed the welcome News of the good Success of an Expedition against Carthagena, a Place belonging to the Spaniards in the West-Indies. The Spaniards are so over-jealous of their great Riches and vast Possessions in the new World, that they do not suffer any Foreigner among them there. This Project had been in Debate several times before; but never came to Maturity, till the Sieur de Ponty obtained Leave from the King, to undertake this Eppedition in Person. The King, to encourage the Design, provided the Ships; many particular Persons furnishing their Quota for the Equipment of them, in proportion to the Share they expected to have in the Booty. The Sieur de Ponty was an expert Seaman, and had rendered himself Famous in several Exploits.  
Accordingly he set Sail in the Month of January, 
Expedition against Carthagena.  with seven Men of War, three Frigates, two other Ships, and one Bomb-Vessel He met with all the imaginable Success in his Voyage; and in the beginning of March following, without having met with any Tempest, or other Encounter at Sea, came to an Anchor before the Port of St. Domingo, where being reinforced with fifteen hundred Buckaneers, he pursued his Voyage to Carthagena, where at his Arrival, he found the Enemies, who had received Intelligence of his Design, making preparations to receive him.  
Carthagena is one of the most Famous and best Ports the Sponiards are Masters of in America. 
Description of Carthagena.  It is a very large and populous City, built upon a Peninsula, its Avenues is being guraded by several Forts. There the Lower and the Upper City; The last is defended by several Bastions, and the first by a strong Fort. There were above one hundred pieces of Cannons mounted upon their Walls and Forts, their main Hopes; they avoiding all Opportunities of coming to Handy-blows; Our Troops acting not with the usual Precautions, betwixt eight and nine hundred of them were killed at their Landing by the Enemy's Cannon. In the Assault of the first Fort, the Buckaneers attacked them with such Bravery, that they took it with little Resistance; the other Forts were also abandoned by the Spaniards, without striking a Blow. They defended the Fort which guards the Lower Town for some time; but that being carried by Assault, we fired so furiously with our great Artillery against the Upper Town, that they were forced to capitulate on the third day after. The Sieur de Ponty entered the City in Triumph; 
The taking of Carthagena.  and after he had put them to Ransom, he demolished all their Bastions and Forts. We got a prodigious Booty in the Place; For, without reckoning the vast Sums which each Officer and Soldier squeezed out of their Landlords, betwixt eight and nine Millions of Livres in ready Coin and Ingots were brought into France, and a Million more in Emeralds; other precious Stones, Movables and Gold, and one hundred Brass Pieces of Cannon. With this vast Treasure they set Sail from Carthagena, but were not long, before, at about fifty League's distance from that place, 
Ponty escaped the English.  they were met by a Squadron of twenty English Men of War; they made a running Fight for two days; but on the third, the Sieur de Ponty sound means, under favour of a thick Mist, to alter his Course, and to escape the Danger, without losing any thing of his Booty.  
The Expedition made much Noise in all Parts of the World, every body standing amazed at the Boldness of the Buckaneers, it being chief owing to their Bravery, that this dangerous Expedition was brought to a happy issue, tho' carried on with a much less Number of Ships and Men than seemed proportionable to the Greatness of the Enterprise.  
These Advantages so lately obtained on our side, proved very instrumental to hasten the Peace  
The Jealousy which the Confederate Princes had conceived at the King's good Fortune and Power, 
The General Peace.  and the hopes of reducing him into more narrow Bounds had been the chief occasion of this War. But finding themselves deceived in these great Expectations, there was nothing left now, but to restore Tranquillity to Europe, by a solid and durable Peace, founded upon the same Basis with that of Nimhegen. In this nice Conjuncture, the Prince of Orange (King William III) acted the Part of a great Politician; and finding that the Desires of the People were absolutely bend for Peace, he made the first steps towards Accomplishing it, and by his Persuasions, prevailed upon the rest of the Confederates to follow his Example.  
Accordingly the Peace was Signed with Spain, England, and Holland, on the twentieth day of September; and with Germany, about six Weeks after.  
Among other Conditions, 
Peace Concluded.  one was, either did propose to the Emperor, one was, either to keep Strasburgh, and to give an Equivalent, or else to keep the Equivalent, and to restore Strasburgh; and, that, in case the Empire did not within a certain limited Time, accept of the Equivalent, he would be at his own Liberty to alter the whole Conditions of the Peace. The Imperial Cities opposed the Session of Strasburgh, and were seconded by most of the Electors, who, knowing that the Places offered as an Equivalent for Strasburgh, must be surrendered into the Emperor's hands, were not a I●t●le Jealous of this increase of his Power. The Circles of Suabia and the Upper Rhine made their Complaints against it, alleging, that if our King was left in the possession of Strasburgh, they would be forced to keep even in time of Peace, a good number of Troops on Foot, for their defence against so Potent a Neighbour. Whilst these Contests were in agitation in the Empire, our King at the Intercession of the Prince of Orange (K. William III) granted a further delay, that by the Interposition of the said Prince and the Hollanders, the Germans might be prevailed upon to grant the absolute Possession of Strasburgh to him.  
They succeeded so well in this Negotiation, that at last this Famous City, which had been so long the main obstacle of the Peace, was at last surrendered for ever to France.  
Our King restored to Spain, all that had been taken from them since the Conclusion of the Peace of Nimeghen.  
The young Duke of Lorraine was restored to his Estate, under certain Conditions.  
The Elector of Treves put again into possession of his Capital City of the same Name.  
And to remove for the future, all Pretences of Contest betwixt the Empire and France, it was agreed that the Rhine should be the common Boundary betwixt these two Nations; That France was to remain in Possession of what they had Conquered on the other side of this River, and to restore, or demolish all Places on this side.  
King James II. 
K. Will. a knowledged as King by France.  having several times requested our King, not to delay any time to put a happy Conclusion to he General Peace of Europe, in respect of his particular Interest. William III. Prince of Orange, was acknowledged King of Great Britain by the French Plenipotentiaries.  
Let us trace the most authentic Monuments of Time. Let us view the most ancient Histories of all Nations, to be convinced whether they can furnish us with an Example parallel to the Greatness of our King. Will not Posterity stand amazed, when they Read, that there has been a King in France, who, alone, for ten years together, has been powerful enough to carry on a War against so many and great Enemies, with such Success! France never was fensible of its own Strength till now; but it must be confessed, that it is owing to the Conduct of their Prince, who knows how to improve it to the best Advantage.  
FINIS.   

ERRATA ' s.  
PAge 2. for of famous Victories, read of two famous Victories. p. 3 f. revived, r. revive, p. 6. f. Clove, r. Clou. p. 8. f. Command, r. Commands. p. 22. f. real Esteem, r. so real an Esteem. p. 27. f. this Trust r. his Trust p. 57 f. Eruption, r. Irruption. p. 59 f. into to, r. into. f. Justice on the Just, r. Justice on account of the Just. ibid. on the Duchy. r. upon the Duchy. p. 61. f. but besides the, r. but the. p. 70. f. that his, r. that by his, ibid. f. received, r. revived, p. 80. f. having a disgust, r. having taken a disgust. p. 83. f. adjudging, r. as judging. p. 99 f. hazard r. hazards. p. 112. inst. of where, r. wherein. p. inst. of Flanders and Spain, r. Flanders in Spain. p. 118. inst of the Inner Guard, r. Rearguard. p. 121. f. and buries, r. and to bury. p. 123. f. so strong, r. too. p. 124. f. to their Charge, r. to the Charge. p. 126. inst. of Port, r. Post. p. 135. inst. of Count Calva, r. Count Calvo. p. 147. f. himself a brave, r. himself as a brave. p. 152. f. small and troublesome, r. cruel. and troublesome. p. 156. f. of Glacis and Counter sharp, r. Glacis of the Countersharp. p. 159. f. some new time, r. new ones. p. 171. f. Nimiguen, r. Nimheguen. p. 174. f. whilst they pretended, r. whilst others pretended. ib. f. Ports, r. Parts. p. 175. f. Irreconciliable, r. Amicable. p. 176. f. to Generosity, r. of Generosity. p. 180. f. to the Souvereign, r. to Sovereigns. p. 181. f. by King and Council, r. by the King and his Council. ibid. f. pointed Contests, r: Point in Contest. p. 182. f. which is, r. such is. p. 187. f. Bishops the, r. Bishops, and when the. p. 189. f. violent must, r. violent means. p. 192. f. But the, r. But as the. p. 295. f. of the Decision to the Pope. r. to the Decision of the Pope. p. 197. f. and been read, r. and having been. ibid. f. not forced, r. not only forced. ibid. f. giving, r. given. p. 199. f. this, r. his. p. 214. f. Wall-court, r. Wallcour. p. 249. f. Patteroons. r. Pontroons. p. 252. f. Confusion, r. Concussion. p. 260. f. was so, r. was not come so. p. 261. f. Genove, r. Genova, ib. f. Forest, r. Breast. p. 262. f. were great, r. were not great. p. 267. f. Cardaign. r. Sardaign. p. 268. f. Men with, r. Men flushed with. ib. f. that their Erterprises, r. that Erterprises. p. 273. f. or of Prince, r. or Prince. p. 276. f. who also, r. who at. p. 279. f. Cologne, r. St. Olonne. p. 281. f. all common Cattle, r. all the Cattle. p. 284. f. all that, r. at that, p. 294. f. actually, r. covally. ibid. f. Coll. Johnson. r. Cardinal Johnson. p. 294 f. till he had, r. till they had. ibid. f. Malehoor, r. Melchior. p. 302. f. Forts, r. Ports. p. 302. f. as chief, r. chief.