A NARRATIVE Of the Progress Of his most CHRISTIAN MAJESTY'S ARMS AGAINST THE DUTCH, WITH The Names of the several Places taken. Likewise A LETTER from his said Majesty TO THE Queen of France, Giving an Account of his passing the Rhine at Tolhuys: With a LIST Of the French Nobility Killed and Wounded in that ACTION.  
In the SAVOY: Printed by Tho. Newcomb. 1672.   

A Narrative of His most Christian Majesties Conquests obtained over the Dutch; with the Names of the several Places taken.  
Likewise a Letter from His said Majesty to the Queen of France.  
YOu have with too much impatience, expected the opening of this Campagne, to be any longer deprived of the Account of those prosperous beginnings which have already signalised it, wherein the Success of the King hath evidenced and asserted the Justice of his Arms. However Historians must acknowledge they are obliged to a more than ordinary diligence, to be able to keep pace with that swift course of Victory that attends his Majesty. We scarce had heard, that this glorious Monarch was preparing to undertake an action of the highest reputation to his designs, but that we were immediately told he had gone through with it, with all the advantage imaginable; but I fear I do too long provoke your appetite, it is now time to satisfy it. I shall enter upon the matter with the particulars of the defeat of a considerable part of the Garrison of Rhineberg, which was but a praeludium to the rest.  
The Viscount de Turenne (being arrived the Twenty ninth of May with a Body of Horse, at a small Place situate upon the Rhine, within a League of Keiserwart, belonging to the Elector of Cologne, which they began to fortify towards the River) went to see part of the King's Troops, to the number of 10000 Men, who lay entrenched near the Head of a great Bridge of Boats which they had fitted up in that Place, besides another built over the Rhine, which is of a particular make, and is defended by a Floating Redoubt, that bears both Men and Artillery.  
After having well viewed these Troops, which he found in excellent order, he appointed the Count Montal (that commanded them) to go the next night and discover the Country, in order to the Armies marching securely by Rhineberg, and Burick, up to Wesel. The Count set out to execute this Command with 200 Horse, belonging to His Majesty's Guards, under the Command of the Sieur Mombrun, Captain Lieutenant of the second Company of the King's Musketeers, with the like number of Light-horsemen under the Command of the Marquis of S. Gelais, Colonel of the Regiment of Dauphine, and Thirty Dragoons.  
After having marched all night, he arrived next morning by break of day at abbey de Camp, within a League of Rhineberg, where he heard, That the Garrison of that Town went out very often to cut Wood, in the adjoining Forest which belongs to the Elector of Cologne, for the making of their Palisadoes, and desiring to make his advantage of it for the King's service, he resolved to lay an Ambush for them about a League and an half from the Abbey. To that end, he went to a place which was showed him by his Guides, but not finding that convenient, he would choose one nearer to Rhineberg: so leaving his Troops there, he only took with him three of the Guard, as many Musketeers, and six Dragoons, with whom were the said Sieur de Mombrun the Count de Druy, the Chevalier de Bethune; these two serving as Adjutants, and the Sieur de Bois aid Major of Charle Roy.  
Being come into a close Road, he discovered 150 Musquettiers which came from Rhineberg; whereupon (Fortune seeming so to favour his Design) he sent back the said Sieur de Mombrun in all haste to his Troops, to bring him a 100 Horsemen and the Dragoons, hiding himself in the mean while from being seen. But the Enemy continuing their march on that side where he was, he commanded the three Musketeers and six Dragoons that were with him to light off their Horses, and go in to a Ditch, hard by the way. But the Vanguard of the enemy, which marched near fifty paces distance from their Body, perceiving them, and crying out, Who are you for? they fired at them.  
The Enemy immediately filled all the way, and discovered the Count of Montal, who was forced to charge them with those few people he had with him, who bravely broke through them, after having received great part of their shot, and got between two Hedges very thick, set with Bushes that grow all along on the sides of the Ditches.  
The noise hastened forward the Sieur de Mombrun, with the Troop of Gensdarms, consisting of Fifty Men, who set upon the Hollanders; but they (without being any way disordered) going into the Ditches, shot so thick, that he was forced to cause all his Dragoons, Gensdarms, and the King's Musketeers to light off their Horses.  
The Enemy seeing that, and that the other Troop of Light-horsemen came on, began to think of taking the safest course, which was to retreat cross a Corn Field, to other Hedges which were yet stronger; by the means of which, they might get into Rhineberg, not imagining that our people should have been able to pass a Ditch ten foot deep.  
But Fortune presented a Passage to the Count of Montal, which he leapt over with his Horse, being followed but by a few by reason of its difficulty; and those that were on foot, getting over in other places, the Hollanders saw the way was intercepted, and so were forced to return to their old post, whence they continued their shooting; but were immediately set upon by those that were on foot, and by the Fifty Light Horsemen, at the Head of which, was the Sieur St. Gelays, and at the same time the Count de Montal fell upon them in the way, where every one behaved himself so gallantly, that they came up to one another, till at last the Hollanders were forced to call for Quarter, after having had Fifty of their number killed. So the rest were made Prisoners, the greatest part of which were wounded, in which number were a Lieutenant, two Ensigns, a Lieutenant-Colonel, that commanded the party; the Governor of Rhineberg's Son in Law, who was wounded in the Body with two Musket shots. The Count de Montal, brought them that night to the Camp, where he found the Viscount de Turenne, and the Marquis de Louvoy, who were extremely satisfied with the success they had against the Enemy, who were almost equal in number to the Assailants, and had besides an unquestionable advantage of the Ground.  
And one may justly say, That never did Soldiers fight with greater courage than these did on this occasion, as if they had represented to themselves, That it was the first exploit of the Campagne, and were thence encouraged to signalise in a particular manner their Zeal and Valour. But the Sieur de Mombrun, the Marquis of St. Gelays, the Chevaliers de Bethune and de Marsillac, and several others, were prodigal of their persons, in imitation of the Count de Montal, who hath merited the greater share of glory, by his wise conduct and forward valour in this Action: Which is so much the more memorable, in that there was killed on our side but two Private Soldiers, three of the King's Musketeers, one Guard du Corpse some Horsemen, and three Horses. There were two Dragoons wounded and the Chevalier de Marsillac Cornet of Light-horse, who was shot in the Body with a Pistol, but if he escape, we shall obtain a Victory an a very easy mate, and teach our Enemies not to dare to venture our while our Troops are abroad. But I shall leave this for to give an Account of the Conquest of Four Towns, which were almost as soon taken as attempted. I here send you the first Advices from the Camp, still expecting the farther particulars.  
The King having resolved the 30th passed to form these four Sieges, arrived the 2d. Instant about Nine in the Morning before Orsoy; that day being spent in observing the Situation of the place, it was Resolved, to begin the Siege the night following: Which was put in execution about Ten at Night, according to the Orders of the Duke of Orleans, to whose care his Majesty had committed the Conduct of this Attack, whilst the Prince of Condé Besieged Wesel, the Viscount Turenne Burick, and the rest of the Troops Rhineberg, whither His Majesty was gone Himself to the Cavalry, Commanded to invest that place, and their several Posts, afterwards returned to Orsoy. It was Ordered to make two Real, and two False Attacks, the former to be Commanded by the Duke of Roanez, Lieutenant-General, the Chevalier de Lorraine, Maistre de Camp, and the Marquis de Beringhen, Colonel; and the False Attacks to be made by Two Companies of the King's Regiment, under the Conduct of the Count de St. Geran, and the Marquis de Moussy. The Assault was made with so much vigour and bravery, that they began to lodge their Men at the foot of the Counterscharpe, the Breach having been made at the head of it.  
His Majesty, who no more spares Himself, than the least Officer or Soldier of his Troops, Resolved, being accompanied by Monsieur, to observe Himself the Opening of this Breach, behind a small Battery, to preserve Him from the Canon of the Enemy, though with so little security, that the Chevalier d' Arquien was killed there upon the place.  
As well the Besiegers as the Besieged, continued shooting very furiously all Night; the besieged not being wanting to make some Resistance to favour the Humour of the French, to whom no Action seems to Merit any Honour that is not accompanied with some Difficulty.  
About Nine next Morning, Monsieur sent a Trumpeter with the Count of Grammont to Summon the Town, but notwithstanding that, he assured the Governor, that they could not hold out two days longer, and in case he deferred to Surrender the Place, that all the Garrison should be put to the Sword, and the Town left to the Pillage of the Soldiers: The said Governor answered with all the Courage possible, That the States-General had not entrusted to him that Post, to quit it so easily. But, notwithstanding this Dutch Bravado, he quickly cooled, and was obliged to surrender the Place, upon no other Terms, then that he and his Garrison should remain Prisoners of War.  
All those that were employed in this Attack, strove to outdo each the other in performing wonders; The Count de Grancé, and the Sieur de St. Hilaire, were dangerously wounded with Musket-shot, the one in the Knee, and the other in the Reins. The Sieur de Beauviré Captain in the Dolphin's Regiment was mortally wounded, the Count de Valin was killed, with a Lieutenant, and about Eight common Soldiers, there having been only Five wounded.  
The Fourth Instant, the Viscount Turenne, who had opened the Trenches before Buricke the day before came early in the morning to acquaint His Majesty with the taking of that Place, on the same Conditions that Orsoy was; The same day the Prince of Condé sent likewise to give His Majesty an Account of the Surrender of Wesel upon the first Attack they had made on the Fort on the Lip, not far from the said Place.  
So that only Rhynbergh remained untaken, where it was resolved to open the Trenches the next day, at night, but the loss of these three other places had so disheartened the Garrison of this, that not daring to expect an Attack, they Implored the King's Mercy, who accordingly permitted the Garrison to draw out the next morning with Drums beating, Colours flying, and with their Baggage, having ordered a Convoy to conduct them to Maestricht.  
Thus Victory and Glory delight to heap their Crowns upon the head of this great Monarch, who with so much ardour undergoes the Toils of the War, that the seems to Merit the Favours of the one and the other, having subjected under his Power Four Places, in so small a time, and with the Loss only of 100 Men, who have been killed in these Actions.  

From the Rhine near Wesel, June 9  
THe Eighth Instant His Most Christian Majesty arrived at Ossembergh, where he received advice from the Viscount de Turenne, That Rees had Surrendered upon the first approach of the French Troops, without making the least resistance; And the same day the Prince of Condé sent to acquaint His Majesty with the taking of Emmericke.   

From the Camp at Rees, June 10.  
HIs Most Christian Majesty arrived here, having received Advice, That the Sieur de Beauviré with 600 Horse, and 100 Dragoons had taken Doetechem, and that on the other side the Sieur de Choiseul had taken the Castle of ulme, and in it 150 Soldiers, whom he made Prisoners.   
His Most Christian Majesties LETTER to the QUEEN of France.  
From the Rhune near Tolhuys.  
YEsterday before Night I received the News of the taking of Groll by the Bishop of Munster, who Besieged it in Person with the Forces of the Elector of Cologne and his own, Commanded by Monsieur de Luxembourg, 'tis one of the best places the Hollanders had, it held out but four days. The Prince having given me an Account of the Fords and Passages that I had ordered him to discover along the Rhine, from Schenck as far as Arnheim; I passed through Rees with my Gensdarmes, and came into his Camp near Emmerick where I supped; and, as soon as I risen from Table, took b●●se together with him, after I had given Orders for the drawing out a Thousand of his Foot, and the Marching of a body of Horse and Dragoons with some Artillery, and the Boats for Transportation, and arrived this morning before day. I had with me a Guide that knew exactly all the Fords of this River, upon whose Information I Commanded the Count de Guiche to discover a part of it over against a place called Tolhuys, which upon trial he found Fordable. I planted two Batteries upon the Bank of the Rhine, to play upon them that should offer to oppose the Horse I intended to send over on the Right and Left of the Batteries, while I was making a Bridge of Boats in the mean time to pass over the Foot upon; upon the Information brought me by the Count de Guiche, I commanded Two Thousand Horse of the Left Wing to pass the River under the Command of the said Count, at the Ford which he had discovered over against Tolhuys; The Regiment of Cuirassiers was to pass first, of which ten or twelve commanded men to pass over, sometimes by Fording it, and sometimes by Swimming, espied Three Squadrons advancing towards them from behind the Hedges and Willows, and were at first briskly charged by the Officers of the First Squadron, they Drawing back some few steps in the River, till those that followed to second them could come up, made their way afterwards with their Swords in their hands so bravely and resolutely, that the Second and Third Squadron (with the fright of it) discharged at random in the Air, and ran. The First, which hitherto had set a good face upon it, gave back as well as the others to which the continual Fire of our Canon did not a little contribute; and now the rest of the Horse were all passed over at the Ford, one party of them advanced towards the Enemy under the Command of the Count de Guiche, and the rest stood in Battalia on the Bank of the River.  
This Action was accompanied with all the Success and Glory we could desire, having lost very few Horse in the Passage. Nogent being the only Person of Note that was drowned: But afterwards, as ill Fortune would have it, the Prince, to whom I had sent, not to pass the River, was already gone, before my Orders reached him, in a small Boat, to see what Men we should put into the Castle of Tolhuys, and to inform himself better of what passed on the other side of the Water; so that not knowing any thing of my Design, and seeing the Prince of Condé and Duke de Longueville advance upon the Spur towards a Barricade, where the Three Squadrons I mentioned before had joined themselves with some other Horse and Foot, he made all the hast he could thither, and was followed by several others, who now began to keep no Measures, after such an Example.  
At first, the Prince, and those other Gentlemen astonished the Enemy with their Threaten, and their Presence, and besides the Count de Guiche surprising them in the Rear with some Squadrons, had pressed them so close, that they put themselves in a posture of yielding, on Condition they might have Fair Quarter; But, Monsieur de Longueville having passed the Barricade, and crying, Kill, kill, No Quarter; and, as some say, discharged a Pistol upon them; out of pure despair they made one Volley more, in which the Prince of Condé had the bone of his left Wrist broken, Monsieur de Longueville and Guitry were killed upon the Spot, and several others were killed and wounded, which you will see in the following List. If we had had a little patience, not one of those men had escaped our hands, the Comte de Guiche had begirt them close on one side, and should have fallen upon them on the other with the other Squadrons, and the Foot which by this time were almost all passed in their Boats; whereas through our own precipitation, the routing them has cost us very dear; this excepted, all things are in a very good condition as to the Bettaw, and I have much cause to praise God for the happy Success of this Enterprise, and to promise myself great advantages by it.  

Dead and Wounded.  

Dead.  
Monsieur de Longueville.  
Monsieur de Guitry.  
De Nogent, drowned.  
Daubusson.  
Marq. de Teobon.  
Brovilly mortally wounded.  
Some Gentlemen wounded.  
The Chevalier des Essars, dead of his Wounds.   

Wounded.  
The Prince his Wrist broken.  
Mons. de Marsillac his Shoulder-Bone broken.  
Mons. de Vivonne lost his Hand.  
The Comte de Sault, wounded in the Chin.  
De Beringhen through the Body.  
The Duke de Coaslin his Hand broken.  
Terms cut cross the Face.  
La Salle Aid de Camp Five Wounds with a Sword.  
Renelle, of the Cuirassiers, wounded in three places.  
Du Mesnil Montauban, wounded with a Partisan.  
The Marq. D'Aubeterre.  
The Marq. de Maurevert, Five wounds.  
Beauvau, Aid de Camp to Mons. de Rochefort, wounded in the Face.    
FINIS.