The True Copy of a LETTER Written by a Gentleman in BRUSSELS, To his Friend in LONDON, Giving him a Brief Account of the State of those Provinces, in Relation to the WAR. As also some Remarkable passages Relating to his Grace JAMES Duke of Monmouth Since his Arrival in those Parts.  
SIR,  
ACcording to your Request, which with me are Esteemed no less than Commands, I have from time to time given you as near the Truth as possible, a particular Account of the Transactions in these Provinces, as to Martial Affairs, especially Impartially Relating them as they came to my knowledge, without the least alteration either in affection to my Country or prejudice to the Enemy, who indeed has wasted the Fruitful part thereof with so great a Devastation, that the Revolution of many years cannot restore the face of things, as they were, nor have we as yet any certain hopes of a Peace, with our too Potent Neighbour the most Christian King, the Increase of whose Army daily fills us with new fear; The Villagers for the most part bordering upon the Province of Luxemburg, have disserted their Habitations, and retired (with the little Substance that remains) into Walled Towns and Fortresses of great Strength, as not being able to pay the unreasonable exactions of the French, which by way of Contribution they demand as Dependants on that Subjected Province, nor is our Army as yet in a capacity to enter upon any considerable Action though greater Rigour should by the Enemy be Imposed upon, the Suffering People who groan under the oppression. The French Horses Eat up their Hay and Corn, and the Soldiers all that comes to Hand, yet if they comply not with their Demands their Houses are Fired, and the poor Possessors turned out Naked to wander in the Fields and Woods, where some of them are compelled to Feed on what the Bushes and Wild Trees affords, or else Miserably Perish for Hunger, and indeed such is our wretched State, that we Endure the extremest Miseries attendant on a Cruel War, yet hope e'er long (if matters conclude not in Peace, which is to be preferred before the Justest War) we shall be able to Retalliate our Misusages, or at least put a stop to the further Progress of the Enemy. Our worthy Governor the Marquis D'Grana omitting no diligence to forward things to be best advantage, & indeed had not the Province of Holland etc. unexpectedly withdrawn their Forces, Luxemburg that Famous City, so bravely Defended by the Heroic Valour of the Renowned Prince De Chimay, and other worthy Persons had not fallen to the share of the Enemy; But however our Forces daily Increase, especially by the coming of many Voluntary Gentlemen of most Nations, Christians, but especially English, in whose Valour we have not a little confidence, but are more especially encouraged, by having amongst us the Heroic Pattern of true Valour, and Conduct James Duke of Monmouth, whose brave Achievements at Monse are not, nor never will be Razed out of our Memories, his Name being there such a Terror to the French, that past doubt next Heaven, it mostly contributed to that Happy Victory; as yet I cannot learn that he is Inclinable to take upon him any Public Command in the Army, though 'tis strongly Reported some advantageous Overtures have been made, and his Grace highly pressed to accept them, the which that he would do, is the wish of most; Since his Arrival divers of our Nobility have been to Visit him, and pay their Respects to a Person so highly descended, and he in Compliment hart. Returned their Visits, Behaving himself with such a Noble mean, so well becoming a Person under his circumstances, that both the Gentry and Commonalty Respect him with a Sarrow compounded of Love and Pity. His Retinue is but small, by reason he has no certain place of Residence, but is therein mostly accommodated by the Gentry of the Country; having since his Arrival been to view divers places, and especially such as are of strength, observing the Works, and Curiously taking notice of such parts and places as are defective, showing himself therein not only a Soldier but an expert Engineer: And when he is not so Employed, he recreates himself with Racing and other Noble pastimes beseeming his Character, not appearing inclineable to return for England till the Campaign is over, which induces us to believe that he will at last be prevailed upon to take a Command if the War continue, & Peace puts not a Period to its dreadful Progress: 'tis further reported that his Grace before his departure intends to pay a visit to their Highness, the Prince & Princess of Orange, and that suddenly he will be at this place to Compliment our Governor upon his return.  
As for the Discourse, that his Grace had a Challenge sent him by an unknown hand with some reflections on him, supposed to be sent by Count Charles John Cuningsmark, it proves altogether a false and groundless Report, as far as the most … gent inquiry into that Affair is capable to define.  
Sir, thus, having, given you a Brief Account of the State of Aaffairs in these Provinces, I take my Leave till the next opportunity of serving you in the like Nature and Subscribe myself  
Brussels, August the 10th Stila Nova, 1684. Sir, Your Humble Servant P. L.