CERTAIN LETTERS DECLARING IN PART THE PASSAGE OF AFFAIRS IN THE PALATINATE, from September to this present Month of April.  
Together, With the Articles of Agreement between the Princes of the Union and the Lord Marquis SPINOLA.  
AT AMPSTERDAM Printed this present Month of April. 1621.   

CERTAIN LETTERS declaring in part the passage of affairs in the Palatinate, from Septemb. to this present month of April.  
COunt Henry of Naffaw with 36. companies of the State's horse, assisted with 4000 Musketeers out of Gulick conducted the Lord General Sat Horatio Vere.  
On the 15. day of September we drew near to Coblens with a resolution to pass over the Rhine, and to go to Frankford. The Town of Coblins showed us their good will in shooting with Musquits at us, but our fare distance kept us from hurt, though some were hit with fowling bullets. The Prince Henry not withstanding commanded boats out of Coblens for our transport, threatening to burn their village if they should refuse to send them. And soon the 16 and 17. days of September we passed the Rhine some two miles below Coblens, and taking our way through Naffaw towards Hannaw which lieth on the North about Frankford, we lodged both horse and foot the 21. and 22. day in two Dorps called upon Marlowe and neither Marlowe. We had before sent 95. of our sick men, among whom were Captain Rhae and Captain Dexter with some of our baggage from Coblens by boat to Bracrack, where they arrived the 21. of September, being thursday, and the 22. they together with the Town were taken by such as Spinola sent thither, and there they yet remain till their ransom be paid (which is now in handling) all save two or three that are dead, and three that were disarmed and stripped, broke away, and brought us this news to Worms.  
While we came to neither Marlowe Count Henry Vandenbergen drew all the enemy's horse out of the camp at Oppenheim and 4000 foot with some artillery, with intent to cross the Main betwixt Ments and Frankford to surprise us the same night of our arrival there, whither we came tired with a long march and hunger, not doubting any such attempt. God only saved us at this time from the enemy. For the enemy having passed all his horse at a ford, and drawing out his munition and foot, was suddenly recalled by Spinola, being himself present at the drowning of some of his foot, carried away by the force of the stream, and some of his munition.  
We marched from neither Marlowe on Saturday the 23, And on Sunday the 24▪ we marched to the Main side, nearer Hannaw then Frankford, and passed the river, the horse and wagons over the ford, and some foot, the rest by boats, and lodging in a dorp, had two false alarms of Spinola his approach, which our men took with excellent silence and courage.  
The next day we marched almost 20. English miles, and got Vinstall a Town in safety from Cammissadoes, by which diligence Spinola who sent to interrupt us, fell behind our Rear; but by this long march many of our men became weary and sick, who being left there, have since gotten to us as they recovered. We sent to Heidelberg for their recovery. God showing us this mercy, that few of our men do die, though many fall sick; whereas of Spinola his army do every day as is thought 60. die a days From Vinstal we coz on Tuesday, and quartered in a dorp, from whence the next day we got into the straits and mountains of the Pallatinate, and lodged at Bensheric, about eight miles from Worms on the North. Thus in a month space our journey to the Pallatinate was ended; in all which time we had fair weather, and not so much as one hours' rain. Victuals in the Bishoprics of Ments, Tryer and Cullen were by the command of the Bishops, as was discovered, kept from us what they could, through we offered to pay and did pay for what they sold unto us: but as necessity made new laws unto our men, so the providence of God watched over us, that sometime their swine and their cattles came out of the woods into our quarters, and at one time of our great need came 500 sheep out of the jurisdiction of Ments, from the wood thereof, when our men with a long march and want of meat were almost discouraged: with this we feasted at neither Marlowe, where we should have been stain, being by the enemies appointed as sheep to the slaughter. At Bensherie we rested all Saturday to repair our solues and our arms, where on Saturday the 30. of September we marched and lay within two miles of Worms, unto which we marched on Sunday, the Princes of the Union viewing us twice in those two days march, with great content, the people with new hopes, and so day at the Dorp called Hovenhein about 7 miles from the enemy's camp at Openheim, and near to the quarter of our friends, on the West side of Worms.  
From Hovenhein we marched the third of October towards Altzen, and lodged that night within two miles and a half of that Town into which Spinola had put 200. horse and 1800. foot, and some artillery, and an old Commander called Bellanzoom to secure it, and had also fortified, the town, but especially the Castle. The purpose of the Princes was to take this town again, to which end their army, all save 4000 foot and 1800. horse lest to command Worms, were drawn near to it, the English nearest of the foot.  
But on Wednesday morning the Princes sat in counsel, and by Count Henry advised rather to turn back to Openheim to brave their enemy, then to hazard there their foot in so cold a time, for the regaining of a town so well manned, which being got, must either be left again with scorn to us at our departure, or kept with a stronger garrison than might be spared. Hereupon we rose to go towards the enemy; a bruit being first spread amongst us, that Spinola was marching towards Worms, which made our men rise with readiness and without dispute why they went not to Altzen.  
By this advice given by Prince Henry, and seconded by the Lord General Vere, we snare ourselves, and had cast it unawares on our enemy's necks, though we made no great advantage of it: for Spinola supposing us busied about Altzen, marched towards Altzen with his whole army, hoping to surprise the foot before they could be entrenched, the very night after their coming thither, which could not have been avolded, our horse being dispersed as they must. Thus God broke that snare, and delivered us. The same day we marched towards the enemy's camp, not of knowledge of purpose to meet him, but only to brave him and provoke him to sight, which was supposed he would refuse. About noon came word that Spinola was marching towards us, which put so much life into our noble General as I never saw in him before, and generally in all our troops, for we marched in battalion, the English in the Van next after the guard of the Princes, the Dutch foot next after ours, who with ours made up the number of 6200 foot. About half an hour past two we came in sight of some of our enemy's troops, and perceived some skirmishing in a bottom, in which we after heard of four of our horse and two of our men shot, but we did not know what damage they did. On we marched; but Spinola rewarding him very royally that brought him the news of our marching, smiling his stick on the ground, saying, Battalio, Battalio, yet upon view of our coming upon him, and of the number of our horse, which were one third part more than his, as his foot was almost a third more than ours, he drew back almost two miles, and within two of Openheim placed himself in Batalio horse and foot upon a hill, whither by reason of a deep valley we could not approach but by one passage of but reasonable width, in which he planted his artillery, which that we might know to be there, was discharged eight times at a cornet of horse that lay under a wood, and slew a dog, or else did not hurt Right a 'gainst this of his we planted our artillery on another hill, embatteld our horse, drew our foot into the valley before it, where the Dutch guard pleased to glue our English leave to take the Van: by this time it was 3 of the clock; and thus we stood at a mile and half us distance facing one the other, still expecting order to charge, till the night and the news of an impassable way took off our hopes. There also took I upon me to go to the heads of our English troops, to every division apart, to encourage them, which they received with much affection, and generally shown the bravest resolution to fight that could be seen or wished of men. It was the hand of God that did strangely disappoint us of that work, by which if it had succeeded, this poor afflicted people might have been relieved, and the war in a manner ended in one day, or at the least Openheim and the bridge might have been taken, yea, without stroke of battle, if we had but put our army betwixt Spinola and it, which was moved by some, but not followed. Count Henry and General Vere as loath to overgage their horse too fare, and distrustful of the foot, being most High Dutch, and unexperienced, though well disabled. The Princes of the union which had lain about Openheim, remembered not the passage in time, till the advantage was lost. The night came on, at the approach whereof Spinola was retired without sound of drum or Trumpet, and shouted for joy when they had thus escaped; and leaving us in the field all night, returned to his quarter, never (I suppose) more glad of any escape, which hath rather taken from his glory, then added to ours. It is true, that when we came after the day to discover our possibilities, we are much more ready to censure our greatest Commanders for that oversight of advantage, then to acknowledge their foresight for our preservation.  
The opinion is, that except the Prince foot be reinforced by more English, of whom they have a great opinion, the Princes will hardly give battle to the enemies, and consequently the poor people be eaten up as well of their friends as enemies.  
The Towns which Spinola hath taken are of no strength, and yielded without any stroke, also did also some strong forts possessed by the Boors, whom the very name of a soldier conquered. In the mean time God pursueth our enemies with mortal sickness, and judging them fit to be punished, but not by us: nor do I marvel at this our outrage considered; for even we that in respect of the cause fight for God, do in our behaviour fight against him, I speak not of all, but of many of our troops, who do plead greater abuses in other instead of their own virtues, and reckon some deboyses to their callings, which only spring from their own personal wildness.  
Since the fourth of October, we have twice removed, and now lie at Nitersein between Worms and Frankindal, uncertain whether we shall be called to business or garrison. On the morrow after our return, some went to Arwen, the place where our enemies stood, and there found some 7. or 8. Italians and 26. Spanish women, which Captain Proud took there prisoners. The same morning Spinola sent certain troops of horse to observe our rising, whereof 600. were charged by the Duke of Brundswicke, and Sir William Dalford with 300. of our horse, who also cut off and took six of the enemies.  

Frankindale, january 9 1620.  
COncerning the late lamentable defeature of the King of Bohemia his army, I suppose you have heard enough, perhaps more than truth. The loss of men was little, for on both sides there fell not above 22, hundred, insomuch as some did blame the cowardice of our party, which others called treachery. The loss of honour, munition, of treasure and baggage was great, but the loss of the Kingdom much greater, which except one place of strength, is said to be revolted to the stronger party, though of that so ill entreated, as if occasion were, they would quickly show to whom their hearts were subject, even the Romish part itself.  
The King (and Queen great with child) having received the oath of Allegiance from those of Silecia, and promise of their uttermost assistance, as being firm in their Religion, have retired themselves into the country of Brandenburg, together with the Prince of Anhault, and there both of them (the Queen especially) do make all comers to be witnesses of their singular moderation, patience, devotion, and confidence in God. And this I would have you to believe, that the world in many ages did hardly see such a pair of that rank, and surely this tribulation shall do them good.  
A report was spread in these parts that the Queen was dead in child, bed a month since, but I spoke with one that came from her presence within these nine days, and and left her in good health, and daily expectation of deliverance, which God grant, and I trust we shall hear well.  
Bethlem Gabor beheaded the General, and some other officers of those forces he sent into Bohemia as soon as they returned into Hungaria, for their cowardly running away; and threatened that if hereafter any of his made the like fault he would raze out their posterity: those troops were 10000  
We say without variance, that he prepares to aid the King of Bohemia with 30000 men, which he may the better do; because the Polanders which found him work at home, have been lately broken by the army of the Turks, and Tartarians, which lately, slaughtering 20000 of them, have succeeded fare into that kingdom, and are like to possess it. A remedy worse than the disease.  
There is much speech here of the King of Denmark his purpose to show himself in person, and with an army for the King of Bohemia, and some hopes they have that England will help to repair that loss, of which the world makes it too blame, whiles the treatise of peace foreslowed some helps for it, and shadowed the resolution of the enemy but this perhaps is but a part of that liberty which men take to judge of colours by candlelight.  
Before that late battle by Prague was fought, one Pr●torius Minister of Adorpe in the Palatinate called Treshiem, addressed himself to the King's Council at Heidelberg; and persuaded them to hasten a Post to the King, to wish him to shift for himself, for within eight days Prague should be taken, (which indeed fell out) adding that the King in or before 1623. should with an army recover that kingdom, and be made Emperor. Of the latter men think the more, because the former fell out so right.  
In the Palatinate the distress is great, and greatned by scare that the Empererours' forces left in Bohemia will make their way through the upper Palatinate unto Spinola in the lower, and (if Bethlem Gabor divert them not by invasion of Bohemia or Austria; it is probable.)  
The bishop of Tryer hath re-edified a sort upon the Rhine beyond Tryer, which the King of Bohemia had some four years since suddenly in one night surprised. This is now finished, and furnished with 3000 men and sixteen pieces of Ordinance, and lies sit to cut off all succours which might from those parts come to us, or to be a bridge for the enemy into that part of the Palatinate which lieth on the East side of the Rhine, and is yet untouched.  
Count john of Nassaw who commanded the natives of this country and the trained Boors, is censured for suffering this work, but he dischargeth himself on the Princes of the Union, in that he did weekly advertise them of it; therefore the people do blame and boldly call their fidelity into question, not considering that if they had sent forces convenient to stop that work, they should have exposed the City of Worms, Frankindale, and other towns near the enemy; to apparent danger, their at my being weak enough to encounter the enemy when it was all together.  
The Dorpes are miserably taxed and foraged by the enemy, and almost as much by their own horsel, whose outrages have darkened those of our troops, and gotten us reputation.  
Our troops have been very disorderly and vile in pillages and quarrelling amongst themselves, and chief in swearing and drunkenness, against which the noble General and some of his Officers and myself in my place have made what resistance we could, myself with some danger; and though we have not been able to stem the current yet have we by God's mercy much prevailed of late so we labour with much grief and some hope, Pray for us, and for me.  
God hath also set upon us, for about 300 of ours are dead of a contagious Fever, which as our wine and drunkenness thereby abounded, did increase both in quantity of infection and mortality of disease, and on some persons by botches and spots appeared to be the Plague. Those which by example or toleration of their Captains were most notorious, have borne this stroke in proportion; among whom this also fell out, that some of the first disordered with drink, fell even then into madness with their sickness, which even arrested them, and never left them till they died; which being observed, and by myself publicly pressed, caused some to haste from us into England with their faults on their backs, and some others by God's mercy do scare and refrain.  
This rod of God is in a manner removed, for sew fall sick of late, and of them scarce one dieth, yet have we not been smitten as our enemies, for of them we have of certain, that 10000 are wasted, and most by sickness.  
Three thousand of Spinoldes men lately returned into Flanders, being those which were last sent upon Count Henry's coming and ours they in their return summoned Fryburg an Imperial City (as stake in Nassaw) took it by composition, and after (contrary to promise) carried thence fifty pieces of artillery and great store of come down the Rhine, which caused them of Frankford to abhor the rendering of the City into their enemy's hands to which they were before inclined. How good is he that draws good out of evil?  
Our troops never came to blows, but are eager of it beyond all belief, and now by daily experience well brought to know their weapons. Or their valour the Country takes general notice, and namely of their defending thirty of them, an open Dorp from the foraging of 200 horse of their own party, wherein the English repulsed them stoutly, and made them retire with loss. Oh if God would give us more to fear him, how would he honour us? By this you see what need I have of many prayers, and this poor people also: and how it concerns our nation to yield what comfort they can to this afflicted state and Church, to which God enlarge all men's hearts.   

Frankindale, january 29. 1620.  
SInce our coming Spinola hath been stopped, and himself three several times been forced rather to retreat then join battle with us: so far hath God blessed our small ●roupes, and made them defenders, though not deliverers ●of the Palatinate. And though our troops by that mortality we had, and by the departure and running away of many, were much lessened, yet are they filled up with such, as from under Colonel Grace and others have come to us out of Bohemia, so as with Officers and all, we are not less than 2000 men, who being exercised with the use of their arms, will be unto us twice themselves, if God will use them. You have a contrary opinion of us in England, but this I say is true.  
The Princes of the Union are wonderfully cheered with the money & message which his Majesty sent them by Sir Albertus Mourton, and are now drawing toward Holbrun, where their diet is appointed on the 28 of this Month to consult of further courses.  
Some conceit they have of peace, but besides our Kings, mediation for it, I hear not of any ground they have unless the working of their desires, which you know produceth oftentimes the fume of false hope, no hope indeed  
In Bohemia Count Maunsfield hath taken some small Towns, and assured some others to the King; and Prague itself is so weary of their curb, that if any mean succour be sent them, it is probable they will, it is certain they desire to shake it off.  
The King and Queen of Bohemia do bear their afflictions with such patience & piety, as have added more true honour to them then victory could have done; and makes me hope that God will in his time lift them up again, to the astonishment of their enemies, and joy of his people. From them lately came a command for a solemn day of fasting and prayer, besides their monthly bid days, and daily Church-prayers, which was accordingly performed January the 14.  
The Queen was brought to bed of a young Prince the sixth of january, and baptised the eight of january, 1620. his name is Mauricius.  
Bucquoy is passed through Moravia without resistance, and is as they say resisted by Bethlem Gabor in Hungaria.  
For repress of swearing in our army, our worthy General hath caused memorable punishments to be executed on them, as boring through the tongue, the Strappado, and banishment.  
Your loving friend, I. B.   

Frankindale the 26 of February, 1620.  
BY letters written the 29. of january last, I hope you understand are this how things then stood in the Palatinate.  
About that time the Princes of the Union met at Helbrun in the Dukedom of Wittenberg, where they yet remain in consultation, and amongst them the Margrave of Ausburg, General of all their forces in the Pallatinate, and some other chief Officers, Count Solms being left to command in chief at Worms in their absence. Spinola taking the advantage hereof, did with some of his troops assault in the night a walled Dorp called West Oven some five English miles from Worms, and did the next day about noon take it, and in it 300 foot soldiers there quartered and thirty horse, with loss of 50 of his men. The soldiers spoiled of their arms, were the next day put to their choice, of returning to the Princes, or serving the enemy. The one half returned, the other revolted. This was done the fifth of February, at which time the town was put to ransom of 10000 Count Solms took the alarm, and drew out the horse troops, when all was done: so he only overtook and took some six of their straggling horse prisoners. Upon this occasion the Margrave of Ausburg was suddenly recalled to Worms, but after few days went again to Helbrun, and in his stead came the Marquis of Bauden, who lies now at Worms full of the gout, but a valiant Prince.  
On the 23 of February the foresaid town of west Oven and East Oven by it were both burnt to the ground, being each of them bigger than Bromingham, by command of the Marquis, upon intelligence that the enemy had designed to lodge his men, and there to watch his opportunity of assailing Worms or Frankindale, which he might from thence have done in three hours' march.  
This thing though necessarily done for the safety of the rest, yet hath brought a marvelous fear upon this people: every man either pitying the misery of those many ruined in habitants, or fearing that his own turn is not fare off to be undone.  
We have had many alarms, and have been drawn out of our garrison sundry times, but to no use, only our troops have had the opportunity of showing their alacrity and willingness to sight, which is admired of this people.  
Count john of Nassaw who commanded the natives of the Palatinate, being threatened with the loss of his own country, unless he would quit his service, hath now withdrawn himself, and left his name to construction.  
It is much feared that the Princes will provide for their own peace, and abandon this poor country, which is like to be left upon the merciful hand of God, who is able to deliver them, and in his good time will do it, though we yet see not the means.  
Mean time in Bohemia Count Mansfield hath rifled much, and taken sundry towns, and is like enough to recover Prague, if he had but means enough to pay his men, which he utterly wants.  
Colonel Gray's regiment being reduced to 300, was lately besieged in a town of Bohemia, and did in three assaults repulse the enemy bravely.  
In Moravia Bucquoy his forces have lately received two great overthrows by Count de Turn assisted with Bethlem Gabor's troops, in which the Imperialists are said to have lest 27 or 28 Ensigns.  
The Emperor hath put out the Banne against the King of Bohemia, the Prince of Anhault the Marquis of Brandenburg, and all the King's assistants.  
Our troops continues 2000 by the supplies we have met withal, and are much better disciplined and ordered than they were before, and some there are whom God I trust hath effectually called by his word and rod unto true grace.  
Our noble General (thanked be God) is in good health, and grows in all goodness, etc.  
Thus beseeching God to bless you with all yours, and praying you to stir up all the prayers you can for the distressed people of God here, and even for our troops, and for me, that I may do the great work of God faithfully and fruitfully in this employment, I take my leave, and remain  
Yours, much bound and much affectioned to you, I. B.   

Frankindale, 31 of March 1621.  
SIr, I received your second letters the 23 of March, and thank you hearty for them. News out of any fare country brings some delight, how much more out of a man's own country, when he is fare from it, and specially when it is all very good, or not very ill. From hence I shall not be able by exchange to make retribution to you, not because I am unwilling to do it but because the exchange goes so low at the present. But take it as it is.  
We yet are and have been a month in treaty of truce for six weeks. This day the Margrave of Ausberg and Spinola, with the Bishop of Ments and Count de Ormstat (which two last have been interposers for peace) do meet at Ormstat, a day's journey from Worms, to finish this Treaty, in cessation (as is hoped) from arms for two months: upon which, Spinola, with most of his, will look back, not so much for love of Flanders, as for fear of the State's army now drawing forth.  
The French King hath lately encouraged the Princes to hold their union, with promise of aid; whether really; as jealous of the Austrian greatness, or more maiorum that with less distaste of these Princes he may afflict his of the Religion, pendre le temps.  
Bathl. Gabor is said to be off his treaty with the Emperor by the Venetians persuasions, and in arms upon the revolters of Moravia with 30000 men.  
From the Kings of Denmark and Sweden, and the Duke of Brunswick and Haunce towns, 3000 men are in readiness, if not already in their march, for the King's aid; but whether here or in Bohemia, is yet unknown to us, because both ways reported.  
Count Mansfield grows daily in strength, and hath recovered the seven pieces of Cannon left by Prague. The great Turk is expected in Polonia this Summer in person with 300000. All which things will in likelihood move the Imperial party to take thankes for giving that peace in the Palatinate, which they might better have given thanks to take: if that point had been stood upon. But in appearance God will give this poor and good people peace, which shall be to them the best. And blessed be the peacemakers. This being all that I have for the present, I commend you Sir to the protection and blessing of God our Father, and remain  
Your loving brother and friend, I. B.    

Articles of Agreement, by the mediation of the Lords the Princes the Elector of Ments and Lodowick the Landgrave of Hassia, and concluded betwixt the Lord Marquis Spinola Captain General of the army of the Emperor's Majesty in the Pallatinate on the one part, and the Lord joachim Ernest of Ausburg General of the army of the Euangelik Union, and john Frederick Duke of Wittenberg, as well for themselves as other Princes and States united on the other part.  
FIrst of all it is agreed betwixt the said Princes and States henceforth wholly to forbear all hostility betwixt them, so as the said Princes & States of the Union and their army shall at no hand from henceforth impeach the Lord Marquis Spinola, nor his forces or places which be in his power, nor any other comprised in this treaty, or their lands or dominions: neither shall assist Frederick the Palatine with money, men, or by any other means directly or indirectly by themselves or by others means: and shall not prorogue their union formerly made, neither in favour of Frederick the Palatine, nor against the Imperial Majesty make a new one, but before the expiration of the term of the Union, that is to say, the 14 day of May next coming, all their forces as well private as common shall draw off out of the Pallatinate of other place seized on for defence of the Pallatinate, and cause the same to departed, and shall continue themselves faithful and obedient Princes and States to the Emperor's Majesty, as they have often before this time professed to do.  
On the other side the Lord Marquis Spinola shall from henceforth attempt no hostile thing against the Lords and States united, their persons, soldiers, officials, subjects, castles, cities and lands, neither by pillages, exactions, excursions, nor by any other means.  
And in this Agreement are comprehended as well those mentioned in the concord of ulme's as other Electors, Princes, States and Nobles of the Empire, whether of the Catholic or Euangelick Religion, yet so that the parties aforesaid mean not in this place to determine any thing concerning the land of julier.  
And as concerning the Palatine Frederick (whom the things forespoken touch not) the said Lord Marquis Spinola, at the request of the King of Great Britain, hath promised from henceforth until the foresaid term of the 14 of May, not to proceed in the execution of the Pallatinate, to him committed, but for so long to suspend the execution, yet on the condition, that the Princes of the Union shall provide so, that the proper forces of the said Palatine, whether being in the said Palatinate or the bordering places, practise no hostility against the said Marquis Spinola nor his army, or the places which he hath taken, or others the loyal States of the Empire, their ministers or subjects.  
And to the end that the neighbour Princes and States, and their subjects and others resiant in their territories, may not be grieved or indammaged by the soldiers of either party, the aforesaid Chiefs of both armies have promised seriously and faithfully to procure that all excursions, pillages, and other annoyances in their territories and provinces shall be wholly restrained and forborn, and safety of the ways and traffic advanced.  
For the better assurance of all which promises, they often forenamed Princes of both parties, together with the Princes Intervenneng have confirmed this same with their hands and seals; and Marquis Spinola shall with all speed procure that the same shall be ratified by the sacred Imperial Majesty and the Lord Archduke Albertus.  
Acted at Mentzes the 12 of April 1621. Ambr. Spinola, Io. Ep. of Ments, Lod. Landgr. of Hassia, Ioach. Ernest Marg. of Ausburg, joh. Duke of Wittenberg.  
FINIS.