It
if
.7
f
matur,
GILB. IRONSIDE
Vice-^Iancel. Oxon,
1^88.
Impri
ACCOUNT
OF THE LATE
Persecution
Of the Protestants, in the V allys
OF
Tiemont;
By the Duke of Savoy and the French King,
. IrTthe Year i6%6.
Never before Publijht.
0 X F 0 J{^Dy
Printed at the Theatreiot john Croflty^ 1688.
^^-i OF PRT^^
OCT 22 1941
VoLr. CdU.
T O T H E
R E A D E R
IT is to be hoped the Gentlemen of the Church
of Rome here at home^ mil give over expeSl^
ing we jhould fall in love , with either their
Religion^ or good natures if they allow us the li-
berty of refledling on their ways of makj.ng Con*
verts abroad ; and That they will^ at lengthy be a-
jhamed of their attempts , againfi a Church ; on.
which they could never yet fajlen^ the leajl colour of
thefe deceits^ and cruelty s.
It's very hard^ •and even contrary to the ingenui-
ty of Human Nature ; and more to the principles
of Chrifiianity^ to be unconcern d^ at the; fufferings
of thofe^ who are not only men^ as well 06 our felvs\
but members too of the famemyfiical body.
Our Church enjoyns us to pray for all thofe^ who
in this tranfitory life are in trouble^ forrow, need ^fick:-
nefs^ or any other adverfity. But how fhall we do thvs^
if we mufi tak§ no notice , have no compaffionate re-
gards to thofe^ who fuffer^ on the file account of a
Religion, which they dare not relinquifb^ out of ter-
ror of confidence ; and unfieignd love of the truth ^
. To the Reader.
Till thofe of theChurch o/Rome do fincenly abo^
minate thefe principles ^ and praSfi/es ; tbeji muft
not take it ill^ if they be often put in mind ; that
thefe ufages of thofe^ who differ from them in opini-
on^ do unavoidably put a man on choofmg, to tye at
the mercy of Turks and Heathens, ( who tho equal-
ly zs^lous J yet happily differ- from them in this ,
That a man may live under them^ tho be be no Ma-
home can.
An
( ^ ;
account of the Perfecutton of thoje in
the KaJlys of Piemont.
IT'S notourprefent defigutogive a large and par-
ticular relation of whatever has hapned on this
occafion: feeing what we fhall briefly declare,
will fhew That there was never a more cruel and
unjuft perfecutioa, than this lately exercis'd on the in-
habitants of the Vallys of Piemont on the lole ac-
count of their Religion.
The Churches of the Vallys of Piemont, or of the
Vaudoifesy as they were commonly call'd, were the an-
cienteft of all thofe, who drew their original from
the Apoftles whofe dodtrine they have ever taught
and follow'd.
They had no need of Reformation j having never
partaken of the errors and Idolatrys wherewith the
Romanifts have infeded the Chriftian Church. The
fimplicityot their manners agreed fo well with that of
their dodrins, as has forced their Enemys to confefs>
that this has elpecially contributed to their prelerva-
tion. They did not content themfelvs with a bare
not entring into an Idolatrous and fuperftitious commu-
nion j but took all proper occafions to declare their ab-
horrence of iti with as great courage and freedom
of mind, as any of the ancient Reformers; who have
all ('on full enquiry) approv'd of their dodrins; as
very agreeable to the Apoftolic fimplicity.
A Its
•
( )
It's no marvel then, if thefe Churches, have been ever
theobjed of the Popifti rage and fury : if Popes have
publiQi'd crufado s, and engag'd Jeveral Princes againft
them; it leveral famous Inquifitors have employ'd at
all times whatever their devilifh malice oou d invent to
exterminate thefe poor people ; and if the Council de
propa^ganda fide^ ^ extirpandis hcereticis have omitted
nothing for the obtaining their defiga. But here we
cannot enough admire the cfpecial providence ot God,
in his particular proted:ion of thele Ciiurchesj feeing
maugre all thele violent perfecutions i the perfidioul-
nefs and treacherys wherewith their Enemys have ever
recompens'd their fidelity ; notwithftanding 27 or 28
invafions, which their Religion has drawn on them;
and the Maffacres which have fo many times bathed
the Vallys with the Bloud of the Faudoifes ^ yet has
God ftill preferv'd them, by the continual turns of his
providence.
All Hiftorians, even thofe of the contrary party, arc
agreed, that thefe Churches were in an immemorial
polTeffion of the exercife of their Religion, before they
were under the government of the Dukes, or Earls of
Savoy i for it was only in the year 1233, that Thomas
Earl of Savoy became Mafter of the Town of Pignercl
and the Vallys of Fiemont, under pretence the race of
the Princes of PzVotow^l was extind:.
It is alfo certain, the Vaudoifes fubmitted themfelvs
to the Earls of Savoy ( whence his prefent Royal High-
nels is defcended, ) on condition of being maintained
in all their priviledges. And in effed: , it's on this
foundation, that thele Earls being become Princes ot
Tiemont ^ have maintain'd and confirm'd the Vaudois
Churches, in the exercile of their Religion, and their
other
( 3 )
Other rights and priviledges. They have granted them
for this end, from time to time, feveral authentic con-
ceffions i efpecially in ijdi, 1602, and KS03, which
having been verifi d and entered in the fenate and cham-
ber of T^rin, in the year 1^20 by means of a confide-
rable fumm of money, ( which the Vaudoifes had paid
for this purpofe j as appears from the authentic ad: : )
thefe conceffions therefore paft into the form oi an ir-
revocable deed, and perpetual and inviolable law,-
whole execution was enjoyn'd by feveral folemn decrees
of the Dukes of Savoy ^ from the years 1^58, 1^49,
i6S^) and
The Council de propaganda fide which is oblig'd by
it's foundation, title, and oath, to procure the ruin
of thofe, file terms Heretics ; oMerving with extream
regret the calm which the Vaudoifes enjoy'd, by means
of thefe patents j took all poflible meafures to trou-
ble it.
To this end the Council, which then confifted of the
principal Miniflers of the Court of Savoy^ taking ad-
vantage from the minority of Charles Emanuel Di^Q of
Savoy, caus'd to be publifh d in the Month of January
i6sT an order, which oblig'd all the Inhabitants of
the Vallys, to quit the plain in days ; and to retire
into the Mountains, on pain of death j cou'd they not
make it appear, they were become Catholics.
The f^audozfes obey'd this order, as unjuft and cruel
as it was: but their obedience, which took away all
pretences from their Enemys, cou'd not preferve them
from that horrid Maflacre in 16 f^, of which pofterity
will freely fpeak as an action the moft inhuman and
perfidious, mention'd in any writing.
This MafTacre was likely in all appearance, to have
A z cut
( 4)
cut off all the Vaudoifes ; but there were many of themi
who efcaping out of the hands of thefe Butchers, re-
lolv'd to defend their lives. They executed then this
refoKition , with fjch Vigor and Courage, that they
put their executioners to flight, in feveral rencounters;
till the Proteftant Princes and States became mediators
in their behalf.
Thefe generous protestors having heard of this dread-
ful MafTicre, were not contented to open the Bowels of
their charity and benificence ; but interpofed earneftly
for them with the Duke of Savoy by their interceffions.
The Evangelic Cantons amongft others, fent for this
reafon four Embafladors to the Court of Turin, who
joyn d themfelvs to the envoy of France, who was to
be arbitrator in this affair for his Matter j all which
joyntly foUicited this matter, and obtained for the
Churches and inhabitants of the Vallys, the confirma-
tion of their priviledges definitively and irrevocably,
by a folemn patent which the Duke of Savoy granted
the 9'^ of Auguft 16s ^, enter/sd according to form in
the fenate and chamber of Turin.
It may feem, that after a patent of this nature,
which carrys the title and charader of a perpetual and
inviolable law, giv'n in the prefence, and at the inter-
Ceffion of the Embafladors of France and Switzerland;
and of which the King of France had declared him-
lelf guarantee it wou'd feem {'Ifay ) that ih^Faudoifes
fliou'd enjoy the fruits of a peace, purchafed by the
Bloud of above 6000 of their Brethren but all this
cou'd not prelerve them from the violence of their
Enemys.
The Council for propagation violated this patent in
the moft effential points, and perfecuted the Vaudoifes
by
( f )
by divers unjuft and wrongful means. And they offering
only complaints againft thele perfecutions, their Ene-
mys took their patience, for want of courage, and
thinking they cou d opprefs them without any reliftance,
they brought in again amongft em the difmal effeds
of Fire and Sword j and renew'd in j66s the miferys
and violencys of kJ/^.
The Faudoifes knowing by experience, that the de-
fence was their only means of lafety, were therefbre
forced to ftand on their guards which fucceeded fo well,
that they had procured their peace, and fettled their
affairs towards the end of the year id^fj.
Then It was, that the Evangelic Cantons, fent again
EmbafTadors to the Court o£Tun'n, to be mediators of
the peace 5 which EmbafTadors being joyn'd, as the
preceding were, to the French refident at Turin^ they
procured again for the Vaudoijes a folemn, perpetual,
and irrevocable patent in the Month of Feb. i/, till fuch
time as they had laid down their Arms, of which the
Embaffadors gave advice to the Deputys of the Vallys^
which had bin at 'Turin, by a Letter of the 13 inftant,
which they wrote them on this occafion.
On the 14th the Commons call'd a general Aflembly
l{pcheplate, in which having examin d the terms and
conditionsof the edid:, they judged that their enemies
had nothing farther from their intentions, than to
let them have the benefit of the pretended pais, and that
this edi(5t was but a Inare to entangle them, the more
eafiiy to work their dtftrud:ion. They relolved then ,
not to accept it ; to follow the example of their Fathers,
and to remit the events to God's providence. So that
thisEdidt which was only given for the dividing them,
had a dired: contrary efted, and turned to the uniting
them, in the fame particular judgment.
The chief reaions which hindered them from accept-
ing this Edidt were firft, that feeing it enjoy ned the
perfect execution of the declaration of the 31 of Jan.
which commands all the Churches to be demoliflit in
eight days time, bccaufe theedid: exprefsly fays, that
if in eight days they perform not what it contains, they
are deprived of the favors and benefits which it offers
them. To perform then the commands contained in
the Edidl, the Vaudoifes themfelvs muff demolifh their
own Churches or their enemies for them. The yaudoifes
could never bring themfelves to the doing this, with
their own hands , they mufl then have Soldiers fent
them, who under pretence of this demolition, would
have infallibly fal'n on them. Secondly, hadtheybin
permitted to depart fairly, why was not the execution
of the order of the 3 1 of Jan. fulpended, till fuch time
as
(2l)
astliey could poffibly get away? why fhould taey be
obliged to demolifli their Churches in the eight days
time allowed them to prepare themfelvs to leave for e-
ver their Country > What is this for, but to render their
efcape impoffible. Thirdly, this Edidt commands they
fhould lay down their Arms, and lay bpen their Coun-
trys to Popifh Priefts , and other EmifTarys. Now it's
plain, that in laying down their Arms, they muft lyc
at the mercy of their Enemies and at the fury of the Sol-
diers, who would not have fail'd entring in upon them,
to hiuder their efcape j and torment them till fuch time
as they had changd their Religion, as they have done
in France. And their dreadful apprehenfions had too
certain grounds, feeing they had no afTurance given
them, That the Troops fhould not come down into the
Vallys. Fourthly, the Vaudoifes arc alio oblig'd to de-
part in three feparate Companys , and to render them-
felvs in fuch places, where the Soldiers being encamp-
ed, they could not fail of having their throats cut.
Fifthly, The permiffion which the fame Edi<5t gives the
Vaudoifes of felling their goods, was to them of no ufe.
For befides that Sale could not be made, till after their
departure, to Catholicks, and that too by Popifh Officers,
fo alfo out of the money rais'd from the Sale of the fame
goods muft be indemnis'd, the Fryers, the MiHionarys,
the Ancient, the Modern, and the future Catholicks for
the dammages and interefts which they might pretend
to, and which they would not fail to make to amount
to above the value of theeftates fold. Sixthly, the Ed id:
imports, that befides thofe who fliall leave the Vallys
of their own free will, the Prince referves to himfelf the
power of banifliing fuch as he fhall think good, to fe-
curethe peace of thofe who fhall remain i which fup-
pofes
(22)
pofes not only that the conditions of the Edi(St were fo
difadvantagious, that there miift be (everal Faudoifes,
who wou d not accept of them, nor move thence : but
moreover that the departure it felf was to be lookt on,
not as a favor, but as a punifhment to be impofed on
ieveral Vaudoijes^ feeing they referv'd the power of ban-
nifliing thofe, who were willing to remain. Seventhly,
the EmbalTadors were not named in the Edidt, and the
faudoifes had no fecurity for the faithful performance
of the things therein contained. They had then reafon
to be in a great diftruft i but the coftly experiences
which they had had in feveral occafions of the perfi-
dioufnefs of their Enemys , and particularly in this,
wherein were violated all the laws of juftice, made their
fufpicion but too well grounded.
In fine, the Duke of lyaz/oy having declared, that he
was not the Mafler of this affair, by realon of the en-
gagements he lay under to the King of France^ it was
not to be pretum'd thzt his mok Chrifiian Majefty, who
had interefs'd himfelf in the bulinefs, wou d be more
kind to the Vaudoifes^ than he had bin to his own lub-
jedts.
The Vaudoifes fent then their determinations to the
EmbalTadors, who ufed all poflible means to procure
them more certain and advantagious conditions, than
rhoie contain'd in the Edid:, but neither their reafons
or foUicitations cou'd obtain any thing for them. They
were continually told , that as long as the Vaudoifes
were in arms, there cou'd be nothing granted them,
or any politive promifes made. So that the Vaudoifes
being perfwaded, that the defign of difarming them,
was to deftroy them with lefs difficulty, cou'd by no
means aiTent to fo foolifli propofals, and therefore per-
fifled
( ^3 ;
fifted in the refoluticn of defending themfelvs, in cafe
of invafion.
There hapned a pafTage which ferv'd greatly to con-
firm them in thisrefolution. For 2 or 3 days after the
publication of the Edid Mr. Tholo^an, Mr. Gautier ,
Mr. Gavante^ Mr. Cabriol, and ten or twelve others of
the inhabitants of the Vallys, came to the Intendant
to acquamt him, that they and their familys delign'd
to be gon out of the eftates of Fiemont , conformably
to the ^didii and therefore requefted of him pals-ports,
which he refuled them, on pretence they mult Itay to
go out with the reft.
And farther, there being feveral, who refufed to yield
to the foliicitations he made them, for the changing
their Religion, he caus'd 'em to be putinPriion, where
they have many of 'em perifhed. There needed no
more to lliew they intended, not to let them leave the
Country, or tarry behind without turning Papifts.
However the Vaudoijes having read a letter from the
EmbafTadors, afTembled themlelvs again at J^cheplate,
onthe i jrf^ of April, where they found it necefTary to
Hand on their own defence. It was alio decreed in this
afTembly, that all the Miniflers fliou d preach, and ad-
minifter the Sacrament, the Sunday following, which
was Eafter day.
Some of this Vally chang'd their minds, without com-
municating their pnrpofes to the reit. And the dire-
d:ors of the Church of Villefeche, wrote to the Embaffa-
dors, which were then at Turin, on the point of their
departure, a letter dated the zoth of April, in which
they declared, they wou'd obey the Edidt, and on this
account entreated them, to procure them a pafs-port
and fome time to prepare themlelvs.
One
( 24 ;
One of the Embaffadors took the pains to goto the
Camp, to make this requeft, but it was refuled him,
under pretence that the time was expired. For it was
always too foon or too late.
In the mean time, the Duke of Savoy came to the
Camp fome days after the publication ot the Edid, to
difcourage the l^audoifes by his prefence, and to oblige
them to fubmit to the conditions impofed on them.
He had made a review of his troops, and thofe of France^
who were encampt near the plain, at the foot of the
jilps. His army confifted of the troops of his houftiold,
of all his forces, both horle and foot, of the militia of
Mondoviy Barjes^ Bagtiols, and a great number of free
Boaters. And the French army confifted of feveral Re*
giments of horfe and Dragoons, of 7 or 8 Batalions of
foot which had paft the Mounts, and part of the garri-
fon of Pignerol and Cafal. He had moreover fet all
things in order, to attack the Faudoifes, afloon as the
limited time fhou'd be expired, having appointed his
army to force the Vally of Lucerna, and the commo-
nalty of Angrogne'. and the French army to attack the
Vallys of St. Martin and Peiroufe,
The Vaudoifes on their fide, had taken fome care to
defend themfelvs. They only held one part of the
Vally of Lucerna. For the Town which gives the name
to this Vally, and feveral other confiderable places was
in theEuemys hands. The Commonalty oi Angrogne ,
to which feveral give the name of a Vally, by reafon of
its great extent, was not wholly in the hands of the
Vaudoifes^ They were Matters in the Vally of Peiroufe^
only of fome places which depend on the ftates of Pie-
mont ; for this Vally is divided between the French King
and the Duke of Savoy s but they held all the Vally of
St. Martirty which is ftronger than any of the reft by it's
fituation.
They had f'ortify'd themfelvs in each of theie Vat-
lys, by feveral Retrenchments of Wood and Stone Be-
ing about zsoQ men able to bear Arms, having chofen
their Officers from the moil: confiderable Perlons of
their own Countrey, there being no Forreigners amongft
them, and they thus expected the Enemy with great re-
folution. But as on one hand they had no regulated
Troops, nor experienc'd Officers, and on the other, there
were ieveral Vaudoifes who had bin corrupted or fai n off
from their refolutions, during the Negotiation, fo it is
not to be marveld at, if they took not all neceflary
precautions. One of the greateft faults they committed
was their undertaking to keep all their Polb. For
had they abandoned thofe at the far theft diftance , and
retired into the Retrenchments, within the Moun-
tains, ther's no likelyhood they could have bin attackt
with any luccefs.
The 22 of ^;77 being the day appointed for the On-
fct, the French Army commanded by Catinat Gover-
nor of f^/a/, marcht two hours before day by Torch-
light, againft the Vallys of Peirouje and St Martin, keep-
ing along the River of Clufon, being the French King's
Country.
Catinat drew out a Detachementof Foot, command-
ed by a Lieutenant Colonel, who having paft
over the River on a Bridge, entred into the vallyof
Peiroufe Piem§ntoi(e. He poireft himfelf of St. Germain.z.
Village which the Vaudoifes had forfaken, and came
and infulted over a Retrenchment, not far off, wherein
there were 200 men.
The Vaudoifes , after fome refiftance , quitted this
D Pofti
Poft ; and betook themfelvs to another, which lav more
advantagioully. In the mean tsme , a new Detach-
ment ot Horfe and Dragoons, having iaLke manner
paft the River, came to the afliftance oi the Infantry,
who had began thehght. Thev did all they could to
gain the J'audoifes Retrenchment which thev thought
no hard task; ieeing they were iix to one i but they found
here fuch vigorous defence, t at having loft a great
many men , they Retrench d themfelvs within Piftol
flior. Bo:h parcys held continual firing for lo hours,
but in fine, the Vaudoifes ifTued out from their Trenches,
with their Swords in their hands furprizing the French^
who did not expect luch a bold adion, and drove them
into the plain beyond Clufon, where by good hap, they
found a Bridg, which fa v'd them from drowning.
There were in this Rencounter, above yoo French
kil d, and wounded and amongft the reft, feveral 09i-
cersofnotej and the Vaudoijes, on their fide, loft but
two men, and had fome few wounded. The relation,
which the contrary party has wrote, on this fubject, in-
titled an account of the war againit the ReJigionarys
called Barbets, agrees touching the great lols. the French
made; faying the Fauaoifes fought fo deiperatelv , as
forced the French to an unhandfome retreat beyond
Clufon. In this defeat , Ville-Vielle betook himfelf to
the Church of St. Germain, with 70 Soldiers, and fome
Officers J who being furamon'd to furrender himfelf on
terms of good Quarter, herefufed, and fhew'd great re-
folution, tho leveral of his people were kil d.
The Vaudoijes had certainly forced him to yeild, had
not the approaches of the Night, and the wearinefs of
that day's exercife induced them to give over. Having
therefore left a euard at the Church door, the reft went
to
{ 27)
to fee'; fome refreflimencs. Ville'Vielle was carry 'd ofF
at break of day, by the affiftance of fbrae Troops, which
the Goveruour of P^^?/(fro/had fent fecretiy in the night.
The Vaudoifes then return'd to their Retrenchments, ex-
pediing to be again attackt, but the Enemy, altho re-
cruited by frefh forces, contented themfelvs with En-
camping about Piftol Ihot diftance, without firing on ei-
ther fide, for two days together.
Whilft things thus palt in P^/ro?//^, the body of the
- French King's Army advanced from Clufon, to the Fort
of Peiroufe. V/hen Catinat drew out a Retrenchment of
Horfe, commanded hy Melac, which having pait over
the River, on two Bridges, went wheeling about to gain
the high grounds, which feparate the Valiy of Sc. Mar-
tin by a Village named l^oclarct. But thofe who com-
manded in this Vally, not exped:ing to be attackt after
their offers of compliance v/ith the terms of the Edid:;
efpecially coafidering the day, denoted for their depar-
ture out of this Vally, was not come. They therefore
had not put themfelvs into a condition oFdefence,. nei-
ther did they make any refiflance j whereupon they
chofe to lay down their Arms and to implore the pitty
and com,paffions of the Vidors.But the French, being
enraged, at what had paft,at St. Germains, contented not
themfelvs with burning, ravifliing and plundering, but
MafTacred, without diftind:ion of age andfex with un-
heard of fury, all thofe , whom flight could not fave
from their cruelty. Catinat having ravag'd all the Coun-
trey oi J^ociaret, in the moft barbarous manner imagi-
nable, left fome Troops in the Vale of St. Martin, and
traverft with the main body of the Army, the Moun-
tains , which feparate this Vally, from that of Peiroufe ;
and went and encampt, without finding any refiftance,
D 2 in
(^8)
rnthe oiPciroufe ; where the Souldiers IMafTacred'
all thofe, who tell into their hands } without fparing-
men, women, or children. In the mean time the De-
tachment, which Melac commanded, having encampt
one night on the rifings of the Vally of St. Martin, en-
tered through feveral parts into this Vally, diredted by
thz Vaudotfes , who were fo wicked to lead them, thro-
unknown ways, to all others, but only the inhabitants of
the Countrey.
He left in ail places, where he paft, the marks of an
unheard of fury; and went and ]oyned himfelf to the
reft of the Army, which lay encampt at Pr«;w/?/. We
fnall not give here a particular account of the crueltys
exercis'd , in thelc occafions, and leveral others but
content our felvs in reciting in the fequel of this rela-
tion, fome initances, which may make us judg of the
reft.
We muftof neceffity, break off the relation, of what
the French did in Peiroufe; feeing there happen'd fuch
things in the Vallysof Lucerna , and y^n^rogne, which
fliould be firft taken notice of.
The Duke ot Savoy s Armv being come to the plain of
St. John the 22 of y^pril, were drawn out into feveral bo-
dy* which attackt diverfe Retrenchments , which the
Vaudoifes had in the Vallys ot Lucerna 2iXidi Angrogne.
The Vaudoifes wot being able to withftand the Enemy s
Cannon*, in fuch places, which likewife lay open to the
Horfq , were forced after fome refiftance to abandon
part of thefe Retrenchments, and to betake themfelvs
to a Fort, more adrantagiouily fituated, near y^w^r^^w^,
to the number of 700 men.
The Enemy having burnt all the houfes which they
came near , they afterwards affaulted the Fort of the
Vaudoifes^
( 29 )
Vaudoifes, who defended themfelvs io vigoroufly, with"
Ihot and ftones, againft this great body, that they kept
their poft all that day, with the lofs only of five men.
Wheras the Enemy loft 300, altho' defended by an ad-
vantagious retrenchment.
The Vaudoijes fearing they cou'd not keep this fort,
becaufe the army continually grew bigger , betook
themfelvs to another, at 200 paces diftance, that was
better fitaated; where they expeded the army with
great courage, which advanced to affault them, when
advice was fent them, that the Vale of St. Martin had
furrendred, and that the French was coming on them
behind ; for to this Vally, there is an eafy pafllige from
Lucerna and Angrogne.
This news oblig'd the l^audoifes, to enter into com-
pofition, with Don Gabriel of Savoy, Uncle and General
of the Duke of Savoy's army, and with the reft of the
other Officers, who on notice of his Royal Highneis s
will and pleafure, pofitivcly promifed, as well from him,
as from themfelvs, that the Vaudoifes fhou d receive a
full pardon, and be remitted to the terms of the order
of the ^th of April, provided they ftood to his mercy.
But the Vaudoifes making fome fcruples at the confiding
on this promife ; DonGabriel, who had notice of it, fent
them a letter, writ and fign d with his own hand in his
Royal Highnefs's name, and in thefe words.
Lay down immediatly your arms, and throw your Jelvs
on his J^oyal Highnejs's mercy, in doing which, ajfure your
Jelvs, he grants you pardon ; and that no violence Jhull be
offered to your Jelvs, your wives , or children.
An afTurance of this nature, one wou'd think, flioud
be fufficient, for the fecuring the VaudoiJ'es lives and
libertys. For befides that this promile was made in
D 3 ' the
( ?° )
die name, and on the part of the Duke, it muft have
leera'd no lefs valid, had it only cau:.efrom Don Gabriel,
and other Chiet Officers.
The Vaudoifes then laid down their arms, in relyance
on this promile, and went moft of them to furrendcr
themfeivs to their Enemysi hoping they flioud be im-
mediatly relealed. But all thofe who put themlelvs
into their hands, were made priloners, and led to the
Town of Lucerna , under pretence, they were to be
brought to his Royal Highoels, to make their fub-
niiffions.
The Enemys aUo feized on all the pofts, which the
Vaudoifes had held in Angrogne. They contented not
themfeivs with facking, plundering, and burning the
houfes of thefe poor people i they moreover put to the
fword a great number ot Vaudoifes of both lexes. Old
and Young. They Raviflit feveral Women and Vir-
gins, and committed, in fine, luch brutidi actions, as
ftrike with horror all perfons, endued with any fenfe
of humanity. Yet there were levcral Vaudoifes , who
after this compofition, flipt privately out of their hands,
unwilling to deliver themfeivs to the mercy of fuch bar-
barous wretches, before they knew what wou'd become
of their companions, who had yielded themfeivs. See-
ing then on one hand , that the army exercis'd horrid
crueltys, wherever it paft ; and on the other, that they
detain d all thofe who furrendred themfeivs, they there-
fore hid themfeivs in the woods, and fent a requeft to
Don Gabriel by one Bartholomero Frafchie ^ to entreat
him to releafe their brethren, detain d contrary to pro-
mife; and to forbear thofe a<^ts of hoftility, which were
carry'd on with fuch barbarous cruelty. Don Gabriel
made no anfwerto this humble requeit: but fome Of-
ficers
( 31 )
ficers told Frafchie, that the l^audor'/es were C3.rry'd to
Lucerna, only to beg pardon of his Royal Highnefs,
and that after this, they fliou'd be releaft.
In the mean time the Marquefs de Parelle gain'd the
rifing ground ot the Vallys of An^ro^ne , with a de-
tachement from the army, who finding no refiftance,
made up to the moft confiderable lort of the yaudoifes-y
and in which they had moft of their cattel. The Mar-
quefs gave the Vaudoifes to underftand, that the peace
being made, by the capitulation of An^ro^ne y it was
their fault, they enjoyed not the fruits of it. He aflu-
red them, for this effed:, on the word of a man of ho-
nor, that if they wou'd put themlelvs into his hands,
neither they nor their wives or children, fiioudbe har-
med ; and that they might carry with them, whatever
they pleas'd, without any fear of it's being taken from
them. That nothing wou'd be required of them, but
to make their fubmiffions. And that as for thofe, who
wou'd become Catholics, they might return in all fafety
to their familys and Eftates, and as to the reft, who were
willing to leave the Country,they fliou'd have free liberty
to depart, according to the order of the ^th of April.
Thefe /^^a/z^^^oz/fx then furrendred themfelvs again on
the faith of thefe promifes, which were no better ob-
lerv'd, than the others. For the Enemys were no fooner
entered into the fort, but not only whatever the Vau-
rt'o?//?/ there had, was delivered up to the Rapin of the
Soldiers, and Banditi of Mondavi , their capital Ene-
mys, who enriched themfelvs with their fpoils: but
thefe poor people, the greateft part of which were an-
cient Men, Women, and Children, were made Prifo-
ners, with fome Minifters, who were amongft them^
and conducted with fuch fury; that thole whofe age,
or
( 32 ;
or other infirmitys permitted not to travel faft enough
to the Soldiers minds, were llain with their Swords, or
thrown down from Rocks.
To return to tho, French, whom we have left at Pra-
■mol, in the Vally ot Peirou'e, they behaved themfelvs
after the lame manner, as the troops of the Duke had
done at Angrogne^ and in the Vale of Lucerna. They
had encampc themfelvs in a part of the common of
Pramol, cali'd the l{?ia y which is about halt an hour's
march from another place, term'd Pieumiati, where a
party of thofe of Praniol, St. Germain , Prarujiin and
J{ecbeplate had retired, to the number of i joo perfons.
Men, Women, and Children. The French m\^x. eafily
from their quarter come down to St. Germain^ and fall
on the 200 Vaudoijes, who had fo valiantly defended
themfelvs, and had refettled themfelvs in their trenches..
But havmg notice of the lofs of the Vally of St. Martin,
and the Enemys march, they thereupon left this re-
trenchment, for fear of being attackt behind, and went
to their brethren in Pieumian.
Whilfl they deliberated on the courfe they fliou'd take
to defend themfelvs, againfl the French, who were pre-
paring to invade them i fome Inhabitants of the Vallys,
being fuborned and won over to the Enemy, came and
told them , that the Vallys of Angrogne and Lucerna
had fubmitted to the will of their Prince, who had ta-
ken em into favor, and granted them the terms of the
order ifTued out the f)th of April. They alfo told them,
it was in their power , to end a warr, the burden of
which they were not able to fuftain alone, and to pro-
cure for themfelvs an advantagious and lafting peace.
Which news having taken from the Vaudoijes part of
their refolutionj they fent Deputys with a Drum, to
( 33 )
the French General, to treat of peace- Who told them,
that the intention of his Royp.l Highnels was to pardon
them, and pofitively promiied them from his part and
his own their lives and liberties, with leave to return
with all fecurity to their houles , provided they layd
down their Arms immediatly. And the Deputys telling
him they fear'd left French awdigd at what had paft,
at St. Germain, would take vengeance, on the Vandoifes,
when they had nothing to defend themfelvs : he made
them great proteftations and oaths, that luppofing their
whole Army fliould pafs by their doors, they would not
offer the leaft violence.
This compofition being made, ^a^/'wa^ retained one
of the Deputys with him, and fent the others to give ad-
vice to the Vaudoifes, to oblige all thofe who had dif-
perft themfelvs, to repair the next morning being the ^^fr-
land, might do it, and even thofe who had promis'd to
change their Religion j becau(e the promifes which had
bin made inprifon, were to be confidered, as forced,
and confequently void. He added they were at liberty
either to go or ftay, if they became Catholicks. Yet
the prifoners had not all the liberty of choice which they
pretended was granted them. For the Monks and Offi-
cers of the Prifons, who were prefent at this publication,
endeavor d to avert the effedt of it. Sometimes they
were told that the rigour of the feafon, and the cruelty
of the Soldiers which condu<5ted them would deftroy a
great part of them in the way. Other times, they were
flattered with the hopes of returning into their own
houfes, if they would abjure their Religion. But thefe
coniiderations not being able to prevail on them, they
were many times grieveoufly beaten, as it happen'd in the
Prifons of -Aji where the Governor gave them a thoufand
blows, with a Cane, in the prefence of the Auditor Leo-
( !9 )
nardy. They were fhut up in Dungeons, and in the moft
noyfom, and filthy parts of the Oaftles of G^eirafque and
others. In fine, there were fb many obftacies, layd be-
fore them , that fome fell under the temptation, and
yielded to a change of Religion. But iniftead of refet-
ling them in their houfes, they were lead ( as it were)
into captivity into the Province of Verceil , the leaft
grateful, and moft barren place in all the Duke's Domi-
nions. Wemuftnot omit fome Circumftances, which
are coniiderabie enough , the one, that feveral young
children, as well thofe who were brought up in prifon,
as others who were difperft over Piemonty having known
that liberty was granted the prifoners , preft earneftly ^
to go with their Fathers and Mothers, but this could not
be obtained ; the other, that the germiffion of depar-
ture, was not publiflit, in the Prifoiis of Lucerna, but on-
ly fixt up at the place, to the end the prifoners might
not have the advantage of itj and in fine the prifoners
who were in the Dungeons of Afl and their familys ,
which were in the Cittadel of Turin, had not the benefit
of this Declaration.
Soon after this publication, the Vaudoifes were made
to let forth in feveral Troops or Companys, which were
conducted to Geneva by the Duke's Officers and Soldiers.
It was promis'd by this treaty made with the Count de
Govon, that the Captives fhould be cloathed , and yet
there were nothing given them, but fome ragged old
coats.and breeches j but it was not only in this point,
that the Treaty was not executed, it was violated in fe-
veral others, of greater importance. For befides the
crueltys which were exercis'd on feveral Compan\ s, they
were bereaved of a great many of thejr children,! a their
journy. There hapned two things araongft othe/s, from
H z which
which one may judge of the reft. The one regards the
priloners which were 2it Mondovi, who about Chrtjlmns
were told, there was an order the Contents of which
was, thatifthey did not immediatly depart, this liber-
ty would be revoked the next morning.
Thefe miferable poor creatures were all in a fick and
languiihing condition. Yet did they choofe to be gon
immediatly without any convoy, and to expofe them-
lelvs to eminent danger, rather than to groan any lon-
ger, under this cruel Captivity. They let out then in a
night, the moft cold and incommodious imaginable,
and travelled 4 or j- Leagues without refting on Snow
or Ice, but with that misfortune, that there were above
ifo who fell by the way and dyed ; their brethren not
being able to give tl^em any affiftance.
The other refpedls the prifoners which were at For fan.
There were a company of thefe poor Captives, who hav-
ing layn at Novalaife , at the foot of Mount Senis^
perceiv'd the next morning , at their fetting out ,
that a great ftorm was rifing on this Mountain. Some
of this company fhcw d the ftorm to the Officer , who
conduced them J and entreated him to ftay till it was
paft, and not to expofe them to apparent danger, and
to have pitty on fo many perfons, moft of which were
without any ftrength or Ipirit they alfo told him, that
if he would be fo charitable to them, they ftiould ask
him for no bread j chooling rather to abide without any
nourifhment, than to throw themfelvs into this danger.
But this Officer*had the cruelty to make them travel
immediatly, and to Sacrifice apart of them to his bar-
barity. For there were fourkore and fix who perifhed
on the Mountain by the ftorm. Thele were Ancient
infirm people, women and fmall children^ who had not
ftrength
( 61 )
ftrength to refift the feverity of the weather, and whom
their friends were forced to leave, as a prey to the wild
Beafts. This Officer not fuffbriug them to pay them any
charitable Office. The following Compauys, and feve-
ral Merchants, who paft foon after over this Mountain,
faw tl.e bodys of the^e poor creatures, ftretcht out on
the Snow; the mothers having ftill their children in their
arms. i
The Evangelic Cantons ^ having bin inform'd of the
taking away of the children, from their parents, and
other bad ufages of the Faudoijes, in their way thought
themlelvs ftill oblig d in charity, to endeavor their re-
lief They fent Deputys for this end to the Court of
Turin, as well to favour the journy of the feveral Com-
panys, who were not then zrriv'd at Geneva, as to de-
mand the reftitution of the children, taken up in the
way, and other young people of both Sexes, who were
difperft in Piemont , at the lurrender of the Vallys.
And receiving at the iame time a Letter from the
Count de Govon, by which they were inform'd, that his
Mafter had referred for fomc time the deliverance of'
the Minifters, and would not releafe fome prifoners,
who had bin taken with their Arms in their hands, and
were condemn d to work all their lives on his Royal
Highnefs's fortifications. The Evangelic Cantons there-
fore commanded their Deputys to demand the liberty
of the Minifters , and all other prifoners, according tO'
the treaty made with the Count de Govon. Bat before
we fpeak of the fuccefs of this Negotiation, we muft fee-
in what coaditioathQ Fa udoi/es were, when they arriv'd
at Geneva.
They came thither at feveral times, and in feveral^
Companys, which in all made not above 2foo perfonsj
but
{6z)
but they were all ia (o bad and deplorable a condition,
that it is not poffible toexprefsit. There were feveral
of thefe poor people who dropt down dead at the Town
gates > and who met with the end of their lives, in the
beginning of their liberty. Others were fo di(pirited
with ficknels and grief, that they were exped:ed every
moment to expire, in the arms of thole who had the
charity to fuftain them. Others were fo frozen with cold,
that they had not the power to fpeak j fome ftagger'd
under the weight of their diftempers and wearynels, o-
thers were deprived of the ufe of their limbs, and could
not hold out their hands to receive the alEfta nee which
was offered them. The greateft part of them were na-
ked, and without fhoes, in fine, both one and the other
carry'd fuch marks of an exceflfive fuffering and excream
mifery, that the hardeft heart muft needs be grieved
at it.
The Gompanys ftaying fome time at Geneva, to refb
and refrefli themfelvs, before they parted for Srvtt^er'
land; thofe who were firft arriv'd, went out to meet thofe
who came next, to inform themfelvs touching the con-
dition of their relations, of whom they had not heard,
fince the troubles in the Vallys. A Father demanded
news of his child, a child what was become of his Fa-
ther, an husband of his wife, a wife enquired after her
husband, and every one endeavor d to learn what was
become of his friend } but this being commonly in vain,
feeing moft part of them were dead in prifon, thisocca-
(lon'd fuch a fad and lamentable Spedacle , that all the
beholders melted into tears , whilft thefe poor people
oppreft and overwhel m'd with excels of their grief, were
not able to weep and bemoan themlelvs.
But if it be difficult fully to reprefent the mifery of
thefe
thefe poor Peoples condition, it's no lefs hard a task to
exprels t^-.e abundant Charity, thofe of Geneva fliewed
in thefe occafions. The Inhabitants ftrove fo faft to
meet thefe piteous cbjedts to bring them into their
houfes, that the Magiftrat was obliged to forbid the
peoples going out of the Town, to avoid the inconve-
niencys which this b'ltry cauled. Every one ftrove who
flioud have the raoft of thsfe lick and diftreffcd Perfons,
to have the more occafion *^o: the exercile of their cha-
rity. They were tended not only .with the fame care,
as their own Children, but moreover as Perfons which
brought peace and ablefling into their familys. There
has been an extraordinary care taken of the fick, of
which feveral have dyed at Geneva i and fome of which,
do ftill carry the marks which the worms have made
in their bodys. All the Vaudoijes, who needed deaths,
have been f urnifht, cither by thofe who lodged them,
or out of the Italian ftock, the mannagers of which have
fhew'd from the beginning, totheeiad, the marks of a
tender compaffion and ardent charity.
But it was not only m Geneva , where the Vaudoifes
were fo kindly encertain d, they met with the fame
compaffion in Swit^^erland, where the Evangelic Trtw^owj
receiv'd them, in the moft generous and Chriftian man-
ner imaginable. And tis not only in refpedt of the
Vaudoifes, but alfo of the other Proteftants, that one
may fay, that the Country ot Switzerland is an afTured
port of divine appointment, for the reception of thofe,
who are expofed on the waves of Perfecution.
The Deputys the*n of the Evangelic Cantons being
arriv'd at Tunny demanded the liberty of the Minifters,
and other Prifoners, and the reititution of the Children,
as well of thofe who were taken away from their Pa-
rents«
( H )
rents, in their Journy, as, of thofe who were difperfed in
Piemont^ at the time of the furrender of the Vallys.
They ihewd that in refped of the Minifters, there cou'd
be no lawful pretence to detain them, not only becaufe
they were comprehended in the treaty, made with the
Count de. Govon ; but moreover becaule they were the
principal objects of the Swit:<^er,s interceffion befides
that it's very juft to remit the paftors to their flocks, to
comfort and encourage them under their fufFerings. As
to the Prifoners, condemn'd, for all their life time, to
work on the fortifications, they likewife fliew'd, they
were not to be diflinguiflit from the reft, under pretence
they are more faulty. For ifi. the treaty makes no
exception to their prejudice .• and fays that all the Pri-
foners m general Qiall be releafed. zd/y. The Count
Govon has himlelt declared in a letter , which he has
wrote on this iubjedt, on the part of the Duke his Ma-
iler j that they pretended not to retain any Prifoners.
'^diy. That feeing his Royal Highnefs was willing to
grant fafe condud:s to thofe who were ad:ually armed,
on greater reafon, liberty flioud be granted to the Pri-
foners in queftion, to departs who have been always
confidered, as far lefs criminal. And as to the little
Children, they fhew'd, that as well thofe ought to be
releafed, who had been taken away in their paffage, as
them who had been difperfed in Fremont, becaufe both
one and the other were retained contrary to the engage-
ments of the treaty. But neither the foUicitations nor
arguments of thefe Deputys, produced anyeffed:, they
only ferv'd to procure the reftitution of fome of the
Children, which were carry'dawav in the paffage. For
the furplus are ftill in the itates of Piemont. It s true
that the Court of Turin hath promis'd to deliver the
^lini-
( )
, Minifters but wou'd not fix the time. As yet they are
dilperft, with their farailys which confift of forty feveii
Perfons, into three Prifons or Caftles, where they be
ftridly kept, and expofed op feveralincomodioulneffes
and miferys, without any appearance of their libertys.
And thus you have an abridgement of what has paft
that is moft confiderable on the occaiion of the diflfi-
pation of the Churches and Inhabitants of the Vallys
of Piemont. There needs ^o more to fhew, there was
never any perfecution more unjuft and violent. As to
thefepoor People themfelvs, they hope that all the Re-
formed ftates, will look with an eye of pitty on their
fufferings, and have lome feeling of their griefs. They
are the remains of thofe Mother Churches, that can
claim the greateft and pureft antiquity, who from the
bottom of their Alps had enlightned a great part of
the Vniverfe. But they are fuch lad remnants, and thole
reduced into fo fmall a number, and fuch a deplorable
condition, that we cannot behold either their diminu-
tion, or their mifery, without being pierced with ex*
tream forrow. They implore then the prote(9:ion of
Kings and Princes, and Proteftant ftates, and in fine of
all true Chriftians. They entreat them by the remem-
brance of what Chrift has done and fuffered for them, to
give ear to the forrowful crys of the opprefTed, and to
continue their charitable exhibitions to a remnant>
whom God has delivered from both a corporal and fpi-
ritual bondage. By which means they fhall be ena-
bled to pray without ceafing for their Benefadors, that
God wou* d reward their charity with uninterrupted
peace, health and plenty, in this life, and with immor-
tal glory, in the world to come.
I
His
( 66 )
His Ro^^al Highne(s ot Savoy'i letter to the Inhabi-
tants of the Vallys.
To our moft dearaud faithful fiibjeds of the Vallys
Lucerna, Peirou/e, Si. Martin and parts of Prarj/j^/«,
St. Bartholomeiv^ and B^cheplate.
The Dake of Savoy Prince of Piemont, of O'*
prus &c.
MoH Dear and faithful Subj eds.
HAving taken very kindly the ^eal and readineft
ivherervith you have provided us Men j rvho have
ferved us to our entire fatisfaBion in the occajions which
we have had with the Genoifes ; roe are therefore willtng
to give you this prefent tefiimony of it, ajfuring you we
Jhall not lofe the remembrance of tt, that you may find in
all necejfitys the benefits of our 'R^yal ProteUion, as you
jhall more particularly underjland from the Count and In-
tendant Boccaria, whom we have commanded to declare
more fully to you. our thoughts in this matter , and who
is to take an account of the Officers and Soldiers, tvho were
kil'd or remain Prifoners, to make to us a report of them
that we may not be ignorant of their condition. In the
mean time thefe presents will jerve you for an ajfured te-
fiimony of our fatisfaUiont and Prayers to God to defend
you from all evil.
From Turin the ^tb of November i67i,
figa'd. C.Emanuel.
To
( 61 )
To the Commonaltys of the Vallys of Lucerna, St.
Martin, ?cirouje,?raruJiin, St. B»rtholomeiv, znd J^oche-
plate.
The copy of a letter written to the Count Boccaria
by his Royal Highnefs.
My Lord and moft Dear, &c,
THE Men whom the Commonaltys of the Vallys of
Lucerna ^c. have fo rvell Jerv'd us^ that heingvoil-
ling to tejiify to them our fatisfaHion, rve therefore have
direBed to you the letter fubjoyn i to this, that you may
deliver it to them, and may more: fully exprefs to em the
goodwill we bear them, ^jequiringyou liliewije toajfure
them, that when ever their needs require, we Jhall have
a particular regard to their affeUion , and at the fame
time do you take a note of the Officers arid Soldiers who
were 1^1 dor ta\en Prif oners to make a report to us thereof,
that we may take order accordingly, 'thus remitting to
your care, whatever more is neceffary to fgnify our fatif
faUion and pleafure in tj/eir 'X^eal andreadynefs , we befeech
God to preferve you.
At Turin the ^th of November i67z.
fign d C. Emanuel.
To the Count Am. Boccaria Councellor of State and
fuperintendant General of the Vallys.
The order of Don Gabriel of Savoy in favor of the In-
habitants of the Vallys.
Don Gabriel Savoy, Marquefs of J^ve, General of his
R. Highnefs's Army both of Horfe and Foot.
The Officers here below mentioned of the Vallys of Lucer^
na ^having given fuch proofs of their \eal for his ^yal High'
nefs's
nefss fervice^ in all occajions, which have offered, efpecially
in the commotions of this Province ; That rve thinJ^ our Jelvs
ohligd to give them this tejiimony j to the end that in other
exigences, wherein his 'Royal Highnefs s fervice /hall be con-
cernedy they may be encoraged to continue thefe proofs of
their ^eal, jind therefore by vertue of the authority which
we have from his ^yal Highnefs, we permit the below-men-
tion'd tq wear and carry Arms, provided they maJie no ill
ufeofthem. And we command all tho[e depending on our
erders of General, that they neither give nor permit to be
given them any trouble for fo doing, this being his ^yal
Highnefss will and plea fur e,
GivenatMondovithe aj^/^ofSept. i6%i.
FINIS.