Diatelesma. The fifth part or number comprehending the principall actions of Germany, France, Spaine, and the Neatherlands, continued from November, 1637.

DIATELESMA : THE FIFTH PART OR NVMBER . Comprehending THE PRINCIPALL ACTIONS OF GERMANY , FRANCE , SPAINE , AND The NEATHERLANDS .

Continued from November , 1637.

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 — Hom. Odyss. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hic libere utere , & fruere .

LONDON , Printed by Tho: Harper , for Nath: Butter and Nich : Bourne . 1639.

TO THE INGENVOVS READER . Claudere quae Coenas Lactuea solebat Auorum , Dic mihi cur nostras inchoat illa dapes ?

IT may be questioned , why the Businesse of the Neatherlands , which used to stand in the Reare , should leade the Van , in this discovery ; It is here , as in a ranged Battell , Faces about , alter not either Files or Ranks , but the Posture onely : and it first presented it selfe to my Fancie , was first brought downe Methodically , and first came to the Presse . If it be a mistake reprehensible , it was Error Protographi , and the Printer is not to be blamed . But the confusion , in the disposition of this Relation , by mistaking the Title over-head , in the 3. Chap. and interrupting the Title of the Low-Dutch Story , by interweaving a New one , was Erratum Typographi , herein excusable , that it was brought unto him by loose sheets , who perhaps , was willing to have ended it with the Tournament , more pleasant than the confusion of Warre : or else , as the best of Latine Poets doth sometimes make a Breach in his Verse , upon the Breach of a Speare ; would shew his Fancie , in expressing the tumultuary Actions of Warre , by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his Papers . However it hapned , he craveth your connivence at this Errour , and doubteth not to obtaine it from such as you , who can more easily reduce the last sheet of that History to its proper place , than he can recompose it .

THE TABLE . AN Anslaught upon Rhyneberke . Page 2 Vndertaken upon good grounds . Page 3 Is prosecuted valiantly . ibid. Yet disappointed happily . Page 4 The Spaniards surprised at Hanuit . Page 6 The Romanists banished from Breda . Page 13 Some persons prescribed by the Liegois . Page 14 The Liegois require the Governour of Hoy to submit and come in . Page 15 The Senate of Hoy returne their answer , and preseribe the Liegois . Page 16 The order taken by the Liegois , to defend their Country against the Spaniards . Page 17 The Cardinall Infants preparation for Warre . Page 18 A Tournament intended at the Hage , at the Marriage of the Countesse of Solmes . Page 19 The Cavaliers divide themselves into parties . Page 20 The Batavians send out the Challenge . ibid. And are answered by six Mauritanians . Page 21 Secondly , by five Teutons . Page 22 Thirdly , by the Knights of Rome . Page 23 Fourthly , by the Knight of the Teares . Page 24 Fifthly , the Chimists Reply to the Batavians Challenge . Page 28 The entry of the Challengers . Page 29 Their devices . ibid. The entry of the Mauritanian Knights . Page 30 Their devices . Page 31 The entry of the Teuton Knights . ibid. The entry of the Roman Knights . Page 32 Their devices . ibid. The entry of the Knight de Larnes . Page 33 The issue of the Tournament . Page 34 Seckinguen surprised by Duke Bernhard . Page 43 Waldshut surrendred to Him . Page 44 John de Werth sent to Benfieldt . Page 55 The Bryssackers sent to rescue him upon the way . ibid. Are utterly defeated by Cullembach . Page 56 John de Werth desires to be exchanged for Horne . ibid. Rhinefelden rebesieged and surrendred . Page 57 The Articles . Page 58 The Dukes proceedings . Page 61 A Treason at Mastricht . Page 62 Discovered . Page 63 And the Traitors executed . Page 65 The Abbey of Beff plundered by the Viscount Turenne . ibid. Count William Nassaw at the Blocker-dyke . Page 68 Is assaulted by the Cardinall Infant . Page 70 And forced to flye . ibid. The consequents of this Victorie . Page 71 The Castles of Saint Paul . ibid. Saint Martin de Fresne . Perne . Page 72 Therovenne , and other Forts and Abbeys taken by the French . Page 73 The Siege of Saint Omaers . ibid. The description of Saint Omaers . Page 74 The order of the Siege . ibid. A French Captaine of horse surprised by Forgatz . Page 75 Forgatz defeated . Page 78 Saint Omaers succoured by Prince Thomaso . Page 77 Saint Omaers relieved by Piccolomini . ibid. The Siege is raised . Page 79 The Siege and taking of Freyburg . Page 80 A worthy Adventure of two English Gentlemen , but unfortunate . Page 81 The Towne surrendred . Page 82 Five Regiments of Butlers Infantry defeated by Kanoftky . Page 84 120 Curriassiers surprised by Tupadell . Page 86 200 Crabats and 6 Companies of Dragons slain and taken by Rosa . ib. Altkirken taken in . John de Werth removed into France . Page 87 400 Crabats slaine and routed by Duke Bernhard . Page 88 2 Dunkercks men of Warre , taken at Port du Passage . Page 91 Divers places taken by the Prince of Conde . ibid. Bechara summoned , and not yeelding . ibid. The Duke de S. Simon bath order to enforce it . Page 9● Encounters 1200 Spaniards . ibid. Defeateth them . Burneth Bechara . Page 93 3000 Spaniards defeated neere Fontarabie . Page 94 And 2 Spanish Ships sunke . Page 95

The Occurrences in the Netherlands . CHAP. I.

FOrtified Townes , though by the best Politicians they are thought unnecessary in Kingdoms , and absolute Monarchies , defended by nature from the invasion of forraigne Princes , save only in the Frontiers , as those Realmes , which are inclosed with unaccessible Mountains , or surrounded by the Ocean , yet in Aristocraties , for preservation of that state in its first species , and Kingdomes open to the incursions of neighbouring Princes , they are not only requisite for ornament , but the safety of the state , those defences standing as Bulwarks against the hostilitie of strangers , and sometimes stopping the course of their designes , though the presidiary souldiers and inhabitants be unprepared at their first approch to resist them till both may arme , and make head against the violence of the assaylants ; yet require the art and industry of men to manage them , being otherwise easily assaylable .

Prospera prudenter : A discreet moderation is as necessary in the smiles , as the frowns of fortune : to endure the last with a well governed patience , is the way to vanquish her : and to abide secure in confidence of perpetuall good successe , is not seldome the cause of utter losse , often of jeopardy . The happy event of the Prince of Orange his travels before Breda , had filled the hearts of the people under the Government of the united States , with joy ; and the Catholike Kings Allyes with emulation ; The losse of so important a place , was not easilier digested , and the Spanish men of warre , expected an opportunity , to recover some thing which being added to their late prizes of Venloe and Ruremund , might counterpoyse the losse at Breda ; Octob. 16.26 , was the day , which presented the occasion which was undertaken prudently , prosecuted valiantly , and might have ended gloriously , had not the Epimethean wits of the Statish Garrison been better then their Promethean . It was then a day of jollity at Rhinberck , An Anslaught upon Rhineberck . ( a little but strong peece in the Frontiers of Gelderland ) for joy of the Prince his late atchievment : the bonfires made the night seeme as glorious as day , the great Ordnance thundred out a Proclamation of triumphant victory , the souldiers and inhabitants kept Revels and feasting , and as if there had been no enemy neer them , and after their feeding , lay downe to sleepe . The Spanish Garrisons of Guelders , Gennep , Ruremund , Venlo , and other places upon the Maze , conjecturing what the issue of that dayes froliking might be , mustered up 1500 men , and armed with Petards and such like instruments , marched up thither-ward to surprize the City .

Each circumstance answered their hopes for execution of the Enterprize ; Undertaken upon good grounds . the Lord of Wynbergen was the person to whose care the custody and government of the Towne was deputed . He was then absent from his charge , and his absence was no small encouragement to the undertakers : Common men will assume more liberty , when their prime Commander is away , then they dare think of while he is with them : The darknes of the night concealed their approches , and the loud reports of the Canon , and out-stretched shouts of the people , their actions . An artificiall bridge , was laid over one part of the outward Moat , and a pile of brush-wood and bul-rushes dammed up another ; the Canons were ready to play , and the enemy to enter , yet nothing was suspected , much lesse perceived by the Garrison and inhabitants . How happy a presage was this of their wished end ? their counsels hitherto found no reluctancy , in a still silence they stood armed to give the assault , till the triumphs being past , and as still a silence in the Town , as was observed in the Army , gave the assaylants some evidence , that then was their time for action . The word was given , Is prosecuted valiantly . and each man conformed himself to an active obedience . The assault was made with such violence , that one of the gates , which was made only for the ingresse and egresse of friends , was therby become under the command of the enemies . Heere only was the rub which stayed the race of their conquest , the draw-bridge was up , and that being wanting stopt them in their full carreer . But it only hindred their speed , and could not divert the resolved Spaniards from prosecution of this ( thus farre fortunate ) beginning . True valour is not heartlesse upon each disadvantage , and a right souldier accounts it his honour to encounter with difficulties .

Though the way was thus hedged up , yet on they went , but not with such speed as they intended , nor with that happinesse , which their hopes had promised . The assault was discovered then by a Sentinell , whose fear made the danger greater then it was , his throat proclayming the state of the Town to be past danger , as already in the absolute power of the Enemy . The Citizens stood like amazed men , and were ready to buy their lives , with the voluntary surrendry of their goods to the victor ; only the Lievtenant Governours heart fainted not , hee made good use of the little breathing time , the yawne of the bridge had given him , beat up the Alarum , drew up his Companies together , and wisely ordering his half distracted men , who by his example took fresh courage , fell upon the Enemy with an impetuous violence , when having scaled the walls , hee ganto cry victoria .

The end crowneth the work : And disappointed happily . had the conclusion bin answerable to the premises , the Governour of Gelders , the principall adventurer in this expedition had got much more profit , by the Catastrophe then glory by his well advised Enterprize . Wesell had bin blocked up , though no Enemy appeared in the field ; the Spanish Garrisons had incircled it , nor could it have received relief from the States conveniently . The valour and vigilance of the Lievtenant Governour prevented al with his new awaked men , he made an assault upon the over-watched adversary ; who neither prepared perfectly to defend himself , nor offend the Garrison ( some of his men being upon the wal , and rather seeking the way down into the City , to endamage the defendants , then tosecure themselves , others got over the Moat , and more expecting the assistance of their companions & friends then affronts of their foes ) and in conclusion , with the losse of his own life , and 60 of his men , repulsed the besieger with the slaughter of some hundreds of his men , and many prisoners leaving the name of Wike ( so was he called ) more glorious after his death then it was in his life by dying victoriously .

Yet nor his valour nor fate was all , to which the Town was obliged , for this deliverance . Some other accidents intercided , which forwarded , if not perfected it . The Spanish Canon was not good , two old Peeces were planted to scoure the streets , when the Gate was laid open , and those ( crasie things ) upon the first discharging , fell on pieces : and then , the noyse of the Guns within the Town being heard at Wesell , not above four English miles thence distant , some companies were sent out with 3 Drums , to assist their confederates which according to direction beating the marches of 3 severall Nations disheartented the Spaniards from presuming too far , as not knowing what Enemy might be behinde them , and so caused them to leave their weapons , to save their persons , their Petards , Granadoes , Pikes , Halberts , Harquebusses , of crocks , and other military instruments , being thus made a prey to the victorious Hollander .

Stratagems in warre are like goodly houses in eminent Cities , one is but the model of another . This designe of the Spanish garrisons was the pattern of the like to the Statists of Mastricht , against the little city of Hanuyit , which was undertaken as advisedly as the other , and ended more happily , though not prosecuted so eagerly .

Their intentions were different , as their issues : these last adventurers had no designe upon the place , which desired neutrality , but upon four companies of Spanish foot and horse , which were thrust upon the city as Presidiaries , whom the duke of Bovillon intended to surprise by onslaught , and to restore the city to its antient liberty . To this purpose the fifth of November new stile , Surprised at Hanuit . withall the Cavallery , and some fire-lockes drawne of each company in the garrison , nine out of each companies , under two Captaines , three lievtenants and three ensignes , armed with petards and hand granadoes , hee marched about eight at night towards the city , which lieth in little Brabant upon the frontiers of the Bishop of Liege , and arrived there the next morning before day . His approach was suspected by the sentinell , but not knowne perfectly : the Watchman heard a noyse , and called his Corporall , who comming from the Corps dugard , and listning a while in vain for a better information , ( the army upon the sentinels word keeping strict silence ) returned , checking the scout for his vaine feare , which he concluded to have troubled his fancy with an ungrounded suspition of an approaching enemy . Facile credimus quod volumus , Mens understandings are often fooled by their corruptible appetite ; which presenting things to the sence otherwise than they are , deludeth the reason , and by a false conception produceth a Phrygian Monster , too late repentance . The departure and security of the corporall was not hid from the camp , which presently scaled the walls , opened the gates , fell upon the weake corps du gard , of which they slew some , and tooke others prisoners , to the great amasement of the soldiers , who for their safety , with Priests ranne into the church-yard , church and steeple . The church & hallowed ground about it prooved a fanctuary to those which had retyred thither , they desired quarter and had it . But the steeple could not secure them within , the Priests unwilling to yeeld , jangled the bells as in a common combustion , hoping by that meanes to call in some of their neighbouring allyes to their succour , and not depend upon their enemies mercy . But whilest they thus flatter themselves with help from abroad , death attends them from within , ten barrels of gunpouder placed in the tower as in a store-house ( whether casually or otherwise it is uncertaine ) taking fire , and blowing up the priests and seventy others , which were fled thither with them .

The next day the duke returned to Mastricht , waited upon by an hundred and eighty soldiers prisoners , two and forty horses and their equipage , one Antient , one cornet , and onely one Ensigne , the rest being burned and lost , but without any pillage from the citisens , having commanded his soldiers by proclamation , that they should re-deliver all they had taken from the inhabitants , into the hands of the auditor , to be restored to the right owners , which they did accordingly , and the auditor performed it faithfully .

Newes of the good successe of the States designes had in Brasil , were brought about the same time into the Netherlands , the summe wherof was this , That the Hollanders got ground daily there , ever since the time that the Spaniard with twenty five souldiers having passed the river S. Francisco , had taken some Hollanders prisoners , upon whom they set so high a ransome , that each common man was valued at three hundred gilders , and each Captaine at a thousand .

That they expected every day a good account from those nine men of Warre , the Amersfort , the Neptune , the golden Sunne , the Rotterdam , the Gray Wife , the Pinnace Sperrhewer , the Pinnace Fernambucke , Endract , and the Halfe-Moon , which they had sent with eight hundred souldiers under the command of Kein the Captaine of the Guard , and foure hundred mariners under Captaine Iohn Wendel , against the castle of Myne , with assurance that they had taken it .

That the ship called the Wesell , sayling towards the West Indies , about twenty one degrees of Northerne latitude had taken a Spanish-vessel laden with two hundred and forty chests of sugar , and sent it to Pariba . That the Crescent had brought from Guinee a hundred seventy eight Negroes , which were sould for 258000 Ryals of eight , that is , each man at one hundred and ten French Crownes , a price set upon them for their service in the sugar Mills , wherein they expect not any other worth , that being the staple trade of the countrey . That their ordinary traffique was highly improved , both in general by the way of policie , their Ferries , weights , and Offices , being set at an high rate : and in particular , a strange encrease of trade . All which jointly were no small encouragement to the Commons : but that which rejoyced them most , was to be eye witnesses of a prize taken by their sea Captaine Cornelius Cornelison Ioll , who the very day that these novels were brought to the States , brought into the Texel fifteene thousand pounds sterling , taken from the silver fleet ; and left his confederate Captaine Abraham Michael Rosendale tugging for another , of whose successe he gave them some probable evidence .

— Pax una triumphis Innumeris potior : —

Halfe a loafe with quiet is better than a table stuffed with variety of dishes , where Ate sits as mistresse of the feast , and brawles bring up the services . The people tooke some pleasure in hearing of their successe abroad , by the means of their souldiery : yet were more inquisitive after some neerer negotiation at home : a treaty ( as it was supposed of peace ) begun at Rosendale , betwixt the Deputies of the Cardinall Infant and the Prince of Orange . But the end answered not their expectation , the Treaty ended only in concluding a set rate upon the ransome generally of prisoners taken in the Betwe & Velew , namely at a moneths pay for a man , according to their severall states , and particularly of the Governour of Geldres , who was taken at his last designe upon Rhinberg , and so after two moneths deliberation , the parley ended , and the deputies returned home .

Winter now grew on , and the armies not able to keepe the field were designed to their garrisons and Winter quarters ; the States souldiers being lodged in Breda , S. Hertogenbosch , Berghen-up-Zoom , Graves , Nimeghen , and the frontiers of Brabant , to preserve the inward parts of that Aristocracy from invasion by the Cardinall Infants forces . And those Spanish troups which were mustered up about Antwerp , Lyer , and Mechlen , were garrisoned in the frontiers of Artois , Flanders and Henault , where we will leave them . Onely Piccolomini found some trouble before he could dispose his army for Winter . The diocesse of Liege was first appointed for his residence . But the Luicklanders , who would not entertaine him , stood upon their gard , and kept him out , and in the end Gulick-land was forced to receive him , where how welcome hee was may be collected no lesse by the opposition made by the duke of Neuburg against him , who first sent his Agent to treat with him , and to perswade him ( if his oratorie could prevaile so much ) to remove the Sceance of his forces , and to lay it elsewhere : and this course not prevailing , assisted by the States of Berck and Gulicke , fortified Mulheim both by water and land , lest the Italian Count should attempt to inforce it . Then by the flight of the Natives and inhabitants of Sittert , Susteren and other places of that dukedome , from their dwellings , upon the newes of his comming . And with what difficulty he got his admittance might be gathered by his letters sent to the Lords States of the United-Provinces , desiring them not to oppose his neighbouring sojournment , as suspecting him for an enemy to their government , but to repute him as a Neutrall , that Imperiall army over which hee then commanded never being brought or imployed against them , but to the aid of the Spanish Cardinall against the Christian King . Yet hee prevailed with the States for Neutrality , by the frequent negotiations of his Agents , and with the duke of Newburg by his power , and about the beginning of December , his whole forces consisting of seven regiments of horse , and as many foot , though not halfe full , were brought and billeted in the Bercke , Gulicke , and Cleveland , under the commaunds of the Sergeant Major Generall Lamboy , and the Baron of Suys , whilest he in person went to Cologne to refresh himselfe , and to consult with the Elector there , about preparations against the Spring .

It little availes to stuffe a City with numbers of men , if they have not the hearts to resist a daring enemy . An handfull of souldiers armed with resolution will doe more than a timorous multitude . Mulheim was sufficiently provided for by the care of the Duke , who to secure the city layd in an accrewt of 500 men ; but exposed to the pillage of the Imperialists , by the remisse cowardise of those to whom the keeping therof was committed , who yeelded upon the first sight of the Roman Eagles , and had the reward of their falsehood and cowardise , beeing stript starke naked and expelled by the Caesareans , who immediately began to plunder the city , and had utterly spoyled the Inhabitants , had not the Generall Major Lamboy expressely forbidden them to goe on so roughly against that people to whome they came for succour in extremity , without any commission to use them as enemies .

Santen a smaller City , and not so strongly guarded , stood upon its liberty and maintained it . The Presidiaries there were fewer in number than those at Mulheim , yet of more valour and better fortune ; they punctually denied to admit any part of the Caesarean army to be billited there : and when Piccolomini would have forced them to it , they took up their armes , stood upon their defence , and twice repelling those troupes which came to compel them , made them seeke their winter station elsewhere : and here the Polemicke occurrences betwixt the Prince Cardinal of Spaine , and the States of the United Provinces and Allyes have their period . Only about Artois and Henault something was done betwixt the cardinal of France and Infant of Spain , the Duke de Candale surprising the little city of Semay , three leagues from Avennes , November the nineteenth or twenty ninth ; and the Infant recovering it soone after , as also Beaumont , which in the Summer had bin taken by the French Forces , but was now regained by the Spaniard in Winter .

Policy was now the object of all their studies , preparation for war , reforming the regiments , execution of justice , and other attendants of a peaceable state , as marriages and triumphs , the cold breath of Winter giving some time of respit from military actions & a short resemblance of quiet . The Prince of Orange to settle himselfe in a sure possession of Breda , more fearing the practice of intestine then forraigne enemies first commanded all those of the Roman Religion to depart the City , and the order not prevailing , soon after effected it upon this occasion , Novemb. 15 , The Romanists banished from Breda . 25 ( being Saint Katherines day ) the Romanists which lurked in the City undiscovered intended a Masse in the Cloyster of the Capuchines , assembled together , and for feare of apprehension in the very act , barricadoed the doors , shut up all the windows and so fell to the service . Their Counsell , and their act were both discovered to the Governour and Sheriffe of the place , who , in that nick of time , commanded a party of the Garrison to attend them , marched to the Cloyster , forc't open the doores and windows , laid hands upon the Priest that sung Masse , and by him discovering the rest of that Religion , which lay secretly there , banished both him and them immediatly .

The Liegois , though of the same profession with the Elector of Collen , yet rather affected the Christian King , then him ; and upon pretence of their liberty , and revenge of the death of their late affected Governour Ruelle , published a Placard , December 7 17 , against certaine spirituall , and civill persons , whom they suspected more to adhere to the Elector of Collen , then their State , the tenor wherof is as followeth .

Upon the proofs given in Court of the number of the late Magistrate of this City , and about the seditions , conspiracies , sieges , blocking up , and other violent attempts against this City , Some persons proscribed by the Liegois . and Territory ; the Counsell hath condemned and judged as Traytors and Enemies to their native Country , the Lord de Iehen , de la Capelle , Godfrey de Bocholt , Horion de Heele , the Burgomaster , Rausin , the Sheriffs Dormael , and Zorne , Lambert Tournaco , Anthony de Marets , Ernest de Marets , Iohn de Henneff , Francis Bertrand the Major of Hoy , Kelenis the Quartermaster , the Baron of Hollinghoven , the Lord Chancellour Blocquerie , Chockler and Proces both Canons of the Church of Saint Lambert , and Doctour Dawuns Pastor of the 11000 Virgins ; Promising : that if any of those condemned persons , can deliver his fellow , or any one of them , though hee were one of those who had a hand in the murther of the Burgomaster la Ruelle , he shall have besides his particular pardon 200 * * A Patacoon is a Royall of eighth , four shillings sterling . Patacoones for his guerdon : and if any of the Citizens can apprehend or kill any of the lay proscribed men hee shall have 300 Patacoones ; but , who ever can bring in one of the Spirituall persons , hee shall have 500 Patacoons , and whosoever can deliver up Iohn de Werth , or bring an authentike attestation that hee hath killed him , shall have for his recompence 1000 Patacoons : withall , prohibiting all and each person , to support , mayntain , or lodge any of these proscribed men , upon paine of suffering the same punishment , which is sentenced upon them . Subscribed H. le Clercy .

Thus they expressed their love to the memory of their late Magistrate , but their care in preserving their franchises more . The name of a deceased Patriot yields a sweet odor to the survivors , but stands in no equipage with the love that is justly challenged from every Citizen by the Common-wealth . The Liegers declared both , though in a different measure , according to their severall objects . Ruelle was reverenced for his care in preserving the publike state ; the state , for it selfe , and the publike good of the Denisons . The Placard was proclaimed instantly , and two Prebends of Saint Lambert were presently dispatched to Hoy ( a City upon the Maze 28 English miles West , and by South from Liege ) with authority to command the Governour there , to surrender up the place , into the hands of the Liegers ; who without deliberation returned first , The Liegois require the Governour of Hoy to submit and come in . this doubtfull answer , that he would first be paid 25000 Gilders , which he was out of purse , for maintenance of the Castle and Garrison ; and then a Categoricall deniall of the proposition , adding that he was bound by oath to hold it for the Elector of Collen , and with that answer dismissed them .

All this was done by word of mouth ; another course was followed , advised , and concluded of by the Governour , the Senate , and the Counsell of Warre Decemb. 17 27 , and that was by way of retaliation to return Placard for Placard , and proscription , for proscription ; the Governour of Hoy , or Huy , being declared guilty of treason by the Leigois , the tenor wherof runneth thus .

The Senate , and Counsell of Warre at Huy , who have taken a solemne Oath , to live and die in the Neutrality , which hitherto they have happily mayntained , cannot but wonder at the barbarous proceedings of the Senate , and Counsell of Warre at Liege , The Senate of Hoy returne their answer , and proscribe the Liegois . held there December the 7 , 17. without authority , or reason , and concluded meerly out of passion against all Humane and Divine Laws , the fundamentall Statutes of the Diocesse , and against the peace and power of Caesar , and the Archbishop Elector of Collen , to whom they owe obedience : not only by dishonouring the present Governour with the false imputation of treason against his Country ; but also by tyrannizing over the consciences of their Christian brethren , by continuing their inhumane , and cursed bloud-shedding , and exposing the life of the now Commander at Hoy , to sale for the prize of 300 Patacons : And now because , that neither the Law of Nature , nor Nations can give any security for the proscribed persons : it is resolved to proceed against them by way of Retorsion . Wherfore after a solemne protestation before the whole World , of their unwillingnesse to take this course , if any other meanes for their safety might happily be devised ; they , the Governour , Senate , and Counsell of Warre at Hoy , judge likewise all Colonels , Captains , Lievtenants , Ancients , and others of the Counsell of War , at Liege apprehensible , and guilty of treason ; and promised 200 Patacons for each of those Colonels , 150 for each of those Captains , and 100 for each of the rest so apprehended , and brought in either alive or dead : Reserving withall all other Retorsions for our use , if the Counsell of Liege do prosecute their late Placard , or invent any new one , pronouncing all those which shall lodge , or receive any of the fore-mentioned , and condemned men lyable to the sentence pronounced against them : and admonishing all good Patriots , and wel-wishers to their Native Country ; to continue faithfull to their Prince . Subscribed

By order of the Counsell of Warre at Hoy and a little lower .

Le Recht Secretary .

Thus the Condrusii Agrippinenses or Luicklanders were divided ; but the capitall City , which should give the law to all the rest , and the major part of the Province held out for the Christian King , levied forces for his Majesty , supplyed them with arms , The order taken by the Liegois to defend their Country against the Spaniards . & necessaries ; and the King again to confirme his amity with them , understanding the distraction of their state , by his Agent Ian : 30 old stile , and letters signed by himself , offered the forces which were levied there for him , to their service , promising to assist them with more if need required it , and to pay them out of his own Exchequer . It was a gracious offer , and worthy of so Royall a King ; but the Liegeois were not so distressed , they provided sufficiently for their owne safety both by a Martiall and Politike way ; Daniell de Rive a valiant , and experienced Souldier was made Generall over 4000 men , whom they armed against all such as they imagined would offer to infringe their liberties : and he performed his charge so well , by keeping a carefull , and strong watch in the Countrey , and Hesbay , that he secured them from the private practices of the Malecontents , and publike injuries , which might otherwise have been put upon by their professed Enemies : One thing still remayned , which was to take order for the common Magazine of victuals , that the Natives might not want bread , and that the Chapiter of Liege , which pretends a dominion over the whole Province , provided for , by an Edict , dated Ianuary 17 , 27 , commanding all the Boors to thresh out their corn , and to bring it to the capitall City , where it should be laid up in the publike Granary , and be delivered out at a certaine rate for the use of the people . And this order took so good effect , that the peasants reserving only so much as was necessary for their owne use , brought the remaynder to the publike storehouse ; whence , the seller was supplyed with mony , and the buyer with bread for his family .

The Cardinall Infant at Bruxels , though not then imployed in Acts of warre , was busie in preparing for it against the spring : and because men and mony are principally required for such expeditions , The Cardinal Infantae's preparation for warre . hee sent to his brother the Catholike King for both ; the King answered his desire , and in a Fleet of 32 sayles of shipping sent him 45 tuns of gold ( if the figures deceive me not ) and 4000 fresh souldiers , all which arrived successefully at Dunkerke , about the midst of December where the gold is to be coyned , save one Frigate loaden with Salt , which stragling from the Fleet , fell into the hands of Swartk , a Statish man of War , who surprized it , and brought it into Zeland , Decemb. 7 , 17.

Occurrences in the Netherlands . CHAP. II.

THe new yeare came in with a new dresse . A Tournament intended at the Hage , at the marriage of the Coun●●●●e of Solmes . The rough habit of war was put off for a season , and a solemne Tournament more usuall in peace then in War was performed at the Hage , by some noble personages designed therunto . The occasion was this Monsieur de Brederode , Generall of the States Artillery a man of so noble a house that the old Marquesse Spinola accounted him the only Gentleman in the United Provinces , was to marry with Madamoselle the Countesse of Solmes sister to the Princesse of Orange . And to honour these Nuptials , the gallantry of the Batavian Court to shew themselues not meer Courtiers but Souldiers , also did not content themselves with bare Revels , but resolved to run at the Ring . And the Bride again to gratifie them , designed a rich jewell for him that could oftenest take it in three courses . To make the action beare some forme with the bravery of old times , they divided themselves into parties , one wherof stood as challengers , and the rest as defendants . The Cavalliers divide themselves into parties . The Challengers were five Batavian Knights , who under the disguised names of Bator , Classicus , Arminius , Civilis , and Mandrubace , being indeed Monsieur de Bredode the Bridegroom , the Vicount de Manshaw , Monsieur de Verneul a Major of Horse , the Baron de Vaustar , and Monsieur de Chart , published first a generall challenge in these words .

The Batavian Knights having for 3 years space given notice by their Heraulds , Five Batavians send out the Challenge . whom they have sent abroad to that end , to all the Knights of the World that Feb. 6 , 16. 1638 , they would keep an open Camp at the Hage in Holland , their ordinary Randesvouz , where every Knight that would return an answer to their Challenge might safely enter and try with them at 3 courses with the Lance or sharp Sword , or what other arms they pleased with assurance that he got the victory , might safely carry away the prize that the Ladies of the Court had designed to him which could winne it : Now finding that the renown of their valour knowne through all the World , hath struck a terrour into the hearts of those that would oppose them , to the end that the Ladies might no longer expect the event they have agreed that 3 courses at the Ring , shall suffice , to give a testimony of their valour : though if any be so rashly hardy as to adventure further they will fight to the last , assuring them that they cannot find a more glorious Tombe . And ten days afterward a more speciall Challenge in these words .

The valour , wisdome , and admirable discipline of the Prince that commands the Batavian Knights , having hitherto made them invincible , there being no part of the earth which the Sun looks upon , which hath not felt some effects of their prowesse , protects them from any accusation of presumption or temerity in that resolution which they have taken to fight hand to hand against all Cavalliers which dare say that there are any Ladies more worthy to be adored then those that beautifie this Court , and that they can find any more fair and vertuous then these whom we reverence : And to make this truth the more known , they attend with more then impatience the comming of those which rather out of passion then truth dare speak otherwise that by their Arms always just and victorious , they may make it known that it is as easie for them to vanquish as to adventure : Given at the Hage , Feb. 6 , 16. 1638.

The defendants divided themselves into severall parties . First , six Mauritanian Knights appearing under that title and the faigned names of Almansor , Tindarache , Abdelmelec , Zelmander , Abindarae , and Algazair , being indeed the Prince Elector Palatine , his brother Prince Robert Duke of Deuxsport , the Rhinegrave , Monsieur de Vpdam , Monsieur de Berringham , and Sir Thomas Billingsley returned this answer .

The Mauritanian Knights to the Batavian , &c. And are answered 1 by 6 Mauritanians . Know yee that in a Land where your Acts are not known , the news of your strange adventure is arrived , and your vanity hath made you known where your valour durst never appear . And we are come at the day and place appointed being ready to punish your temerity . We who are descended from those whose lesser exploits have gained the title from the bloud of the Nation of Rodamot : and in the same Camp which you have opened , your glory shall find a Tombe and ours a Crown . But seeing that the Ladies desire no bloudy testimony of your fidelity we will content our selves with the victory of three courses at the Ring , where our activity shall make them know that there is but one thing wanting for their perfections , to wit , our valour to maintain them . And because we admire the courage and merits of your invincible Prince , we shal make it appeare to him , that there is neither force , valour , nor martiall skill in the World , more fit or worthy to expedite his designes then that of Almansor , &c.

The next party of defendants were five presenting Teuton Knights under the names of Nasva , Cingentorix , Induciomar , Cimber , and Arovistas , which were Count William of Nassaw brother to the Governour of Freezland , Resoar a Captain of Horse , Du Mey Hauten , and Marquet who thus replyed to the Batavians Cartell .

The Teuton Knights to the Batavians , 2 2 by the five Tentons . &c. It being made known by Proclamation to all Nations that in the Court of Holland in view of the most excellent Prince all Knights desirous of glory are met to contend for the prize designed by the Ladies to him that shall appeare most valiant and active : wee who have bin trained in the bloudy feats of War , and for our worthy Exploits deserue to be registred in the Temple of Memory , with the merited sirname of victorious ; present our selues in equipage to answer the conditions of your Cartell with such valour as the Prince shall approve to be more temerity for you to contend with us for this prize , then shame for us to refuse , and that to your confusion the Ladies shal avow that we so far surpasse you in loyalty and activity , that you shall be forced to do homage to our valour , and shall have only this comfort that you are vanquished by the best Knights of the Earth .

The next was a party personating Knights of Rome under the names of Servius , Sabinus , Voranius , and Vitellius , but truly Count Henry of Nassaw , 3 3 by the Knights of Rome . the Count de Waldike , Chevalier de Vaustar , and de Loge , who thus replyed .

The Romane Knights to the Batavians . Batavian Knights , The honorable Tournament which you have proclaimed to mayntain the beauty of the Ladies whom ye love , shall be the field where we will triumph in the titles of activity and valour which you usurpe unjustly , and claime from all others . The merits of her whom we adore shall serve to increase our courages , and her graces inforce your Ladies to submit to her . We are come from the heart of Italy to make it appeare that as there is no valour under Heaven equall to ours , nor beauty comparable to that of our Goddesses . All those proud Escripts which publish your presumption cannot divert us from combating with you with our Launce in rest and sword in hand to the utmost in a listed field as you dare . To this end the Mars of Princes ( having always knowne us to be victorious Cavalliers ) our Dictator who hath prooved us valiant Legionaries , condemnes your temerity in daring to defie us , and pronounceth that as the Romans have by their sword got the universall Monarchie , so there is no activity , prowesse , or valour , which must not give place to that of Servius , &c.

The next was a single man who presented himself under the title of the Knight of the Teares , 4 4 by the Knight of the Teares . and was Monsieur de Maurier a Gentleman serving the Prince of Orange , who in some sad Stanzaes having expressed his grief to the Knights defendants , his Highnesse and the Princesse of Orange thus replyed .

The Knight of the Teares forsaken of Love and Fortune , despairing to be regarded by the one who hath hood-winked her self from seeing him , and not to be discovered by the other , because she hath turned her backe towards him : is resolved to shew his courage where hee is perswaded to finde most resistance , either to terminate so miserable a life as his own , or to continue it with honour : and knowing that there is not a place where prowesse and valour are so common as in this Countrey where ( by the magnanimity of the Prince ) the miracles therof are ordinary ; is transported hither where hee believes he shall finde the strongest opposition , and by consequent ought to obtain the more glory . The Heavens sodainly cleered at his arrivall in the presence of such a grand Heroe , and in the view of such glorious Princesses which troubled with compassion of his miseries will suffer him either to perish gloriously or triumph bravely upon his destiny , and his ill aboding stars . This is that which hath moved him to oppose these gallants , who vaunt that they wil humble the best Knights of the world , and to be victorious over all the Sun shines on . His actions shall falsifie their words , and make it appeare to all whom either curiosity or valour hath drawn hither that the Challengers ( unworthy of their Master and their Ladies ) rather deserve for their vanity of the assaylant then the felicity they now enjoy . He will enter into the List where his enemy hath promised him a crowne by bringing him to the place where he may gain it being resolved to maintaine that the beauty of his Lady is beyond compare , and that the cause of his affliction is more just then that of their joy .

The last party was made up by Monsieur Reverwerd , the Count de Horne , the Baron de Pontasier , Monomaker de Fosse , and Moir who presented themselves in the habit of Chimicks or Mountebanks under the names of Faustus , Mondor , Don Ferrand de Matamorbe a Gentleman of Sivill , Macollo , and Braguets , who to conceale themselves first put out this Bill .

There are arrived in the City five Doctours , the most experimented in the World , who thorough all the Country where they passed formerly have chased Death before them , and fortified the seate of health . The diseases they will cure are done ordinarily by them , though they be extraordinary in their own natures . You shall see here a little Catalogue , and as it were a scrowle of all the miracles they can do : Their medicines are beyond price , and this City is not able to pay for the effects of their knowledge ; neverthelesse not regarding their worth for your love they have set such a price upon them as you may reach unto , and will aske no mony of the sick till they be perfectly recovered . Come Lords and Ladies to our houses , and lose no occasion . Knowing that health cannot be recovered without pain .

1 The dropsie of the spirit otherwise called vanity , we will easily cure with the powder of knowledge , of which wee have brought good store , knowing that this Countrey is subject to that malady .

2 We cure the Melancholy with a yellow oyntment , which is neither of our composition nor invention , and which is worst , we have but little of it left .

3 Wee cannot radically cure the malady of love , but wee have excellent Anodynes to asswage the pain therof .

4 Lunaticks , Mad men , and Hypocondriakes we cure by putting their braines in our Alembikes , and reposing them afterwards in their proper place , with a little of our Balme , and so they sodainly recover their sences .

5 For the Vertigo or swimming of the head we have no other ceremony than to open the Cranium , that so those evill vapors may breath out ; and after by sprinkling it with the water of Patience , the malady is easily cured .

6 The women which complaine of their husbands disability , must attend us at home , for though our common remedies should not profit them they not returne from us unsatisfied .

7 Such as desire to have children may easily obtaine them , if they will use our Balme , which is excellent and easie .

8 Against the failing of the heart our water of * * The word is an aequivocum , and signifies Cash , Mony , or Cossi● . Casse doth miraculously .

9 If the diseases of the eyes proceed from envy ( as according to Avicen an infinite number of them doe ) we can make an excellent Collyrie of Crocus martis , which will worke readily and rarely .

10 We have an excellent Balme against that pinching evill , which the antient Masters of our Art , Theophrastus Paracelsus , Rabbi Elemi , and others call want of money ; but it is very dangerous to practise it , and more dangerous to produce it , and therefore we conceale it , and that the rather , because we judge by all appearances , that because this secret or a better is not knowne in this Countrey , the Natives are more hardy and industrious .

11 We have also brought with us a Balme , with which the physitians of Rome long since would have cured Lucrece , if she would have permitted them : but wee thinke wee shall make little use of it in this countrey , because it is sayd that the Damosels here are so loving and willing , that they have long since banished all force and violence .

Thus these Gallants alluding to the windy promises of Mountebanks , first discouered themselves , and afterwards sent out this answer to the challenge of the Batavian Knights .

We are they which cal blacke life , and who by the knowledge of the best secrets of nature , The Chymists reply to the Bataviant challenge . renew youth , and restore that strength which age might or hath abated . As to such , the list which in this publike festivity is open to all the Knights in the world , might have beene justly kept shut : and truly if wee had no other quality than that of Chymists , the Heraulds ought not to admit us in till the end of the combat , to cure their wounded men . But wee are men of a more glorious condition , the fire of Love , more forcible than that of the Chymicall furnace , hath transformed us into other men , and by the view of the greatest goddesse on the earth wee are become Cavalliers . This Metamorphosis hath caused us not to endure that challenge which was penned by vanity , and published by temerity ; the contents whereof are , That there are Suns in the world more illustrious than that which shines upon us . We therefore demaund to have the list opened , that we may make these Batavians know , that our practise of keeping others in life , hath not deprived us of that skill that may acquire us the honour and glory of this Tournament . And as the world doth already judge of our rare skill by the events , so our will is also that you Knights may deem of our valour by our victory intending nothing else then a confession from your own mouthes , that the Ladies whom you reverence equall not her whom we adore : or if perhaps shee be set in that circle of beauties you shall avow that she alone is worthy of adoration , that your selves are unworthy to love her , and unfit to serve her both those Offices properly appertayning to us .

All these were the Proscaenia to the ensuing gallantry . The entry of the challengers Nor were the Challenge and severall Answers written more wittily then the Action was expressed with bravery . The day came and their entry into the List was in this manner . First came the Challengers , their Marshall de Camp before them attended with six Laqueyes in Carnation and Blue , 15 Trumpeters with their Cassocks and Banderols of the same colours laced over with silver lace : After them ten footmen in the same Livery with five lead horses , every two leading a horse betweene them : Then five Pages on horsbacke and five Esquires , the Pages carrying the Bucklers and Impresses , and the Esquires the Launces of the Knights , who followed immediatly in a triumphant Chariot drawn by six Lions ( the Arms of the house of Brederode ) attended with ten Lacquies more , and another Chariot ( drawn by six white Unicorns , and followed by ten Hawboyes and Sackbots on foot with long Cassocks of the same Livery with the rest ) wherin were Slaves and Musick both Lutes & Violins . Their devices were these . Their devices . For Monsieur de Brederode a Cypher of his Mistresse name and his own upon a silver Shield , and the word in Spanish , Antes muerto que mudado . For Monsieur de Verneul . A Hart wounded by the flames comming from two eyes , and the word in Spanish Chiero lo che me quema . For Monsieur de Chant , A Hart with a Crescent in it , and the word in French , Pourtant tou iours le mesme . For Monsieur le Baron de Vaustar , A Crocodile with a Dart in his mouth , and these words about it in the learned language , Mahal fyr algit Nabuth . For Monsieur le Viscount de Manshaw . Two hands joyned with sprigs of Lawrell and Mirtle in them , and the word in Latine , Ex fide gloria surgit .

Next to them entred the first party Defendants that personated the Mauritanian Knights in this equipage , The entry of the Mauritanian Knights . First , Sir Iames Sandelane their Field-martiall Colonell of a Scottish Regiment of Horse , and six footmen with Bows , Arrows , Shields , and Flat-caps , clad all in a striped Scottish stuffe like Highlanders . After him a Moore on horsback beating the Kettle-drum , then 18 Trumpets , then 12 Hawboys on foot , then 8 Pages two a piece for the Princes , and one a piece for the others , who carried the Shields , and six Esquires who carried the Knights Launces . After these came the six Knights with 3 Lacquies a piece by them , & 12 Lacquies following leading a horse between every 2 , after these a troup of Lanciers all upon white horses with snaffles and little saddles al' Angloise . The Knights themselves were all with gold or silver Turbants on their heads , Cassocks of the same that came downe to their knees , and underneath a Pantaloon of black . At the wrists , neck , and eares great store of pearle , and their Cassocks fastened before with pearle or diamond buttons , and both they and their train with their faces painted blacke . All their traine were in black Pantaloones , to make them seeme as naked Moores , with a little apron of cloth of gold or silver to hide their privities , and all with Cimeters by their sides . The Knights devises were these . For the Prince Elector a plain sable Shield , with this Latine Motto in a Scedule appendant : Maculas non contrahit ullas : and in his Bendroll a Lion in a toyle , with this word ; Quâ potero . For Prince Robert , Their devices a Sword and Speare and other Arms , with this French Inscription , Heritage de Cadets . For the Rhinegrave an Oake with a branch struck off by thunder : with this Latine Motto , Adhus Iovis Arbor . For Beringham a Sun in a black Shield , the word in Spanish , Nada Ensusia ni Limpiessa . For Vpdam , a Sunne and halfe Moon , and a wheele betwixt them , with this Motto ; Tolle Imples , which was proper and significant , hee suing for the government of Huesdun , and a Whale being the Arms of that City . For Sir Thomas Billinsley . A plaine silver Shield with only this written crosse it , in Latine . Fatum inscribit Eliza.

Next to them entred the second party Defendants that petsonated the Teuton Knights in this equipage ( their Camp-marshall being Armanville ; The entry of the Teuton Knights . brother to Monsieur de Beringham ) They came all clad like one another in green Velvet coats a la Polonish layed al over with gold lace , with five led horses , 15 Lacquies , 15 Trumpets , five Pages , five Esquires all in green and gold Liveries accordingly ; their Marshall de Camp being Armanville brother to Monsieur de Beringham . The Knights devises were these . For Count William of Nassaw , A Cupid with a Ring in one hand , and a Bow in the other . The word in French , Lue et Lautre . For Monsieur Resoar , a Fortune with a Ring in her hand , and a hand with a Launce in it taking the Ring . The word in French , En despit d'elle . For Du Mey , A Hart pierced with six Darts all headed with C the first letter of his Mistresse name . The word in Latine , Sic sic juvat ire sub umbras . For Monsieur de Hauten , An Eagle in the clouds amongst Thunder and Lightning , with this Spanish Inscription , Ni matarmi , ni Spantarmi . For Monsieur de Marquet , A Sunne in eclipse , with this in French , I'en sortiray .

The foure Roman Knights came in the next file ; The entry of the Roman Knights . their order was thus , Upon their Camp-marshall , Monsieur la Fountain were attendant four Trumpets , two Drums , a Flute , four Pages , and four Esquires , all on foot , and foure Horses led by foure footmen , clothed like the old Roman Legionaries , then the four Knights , each with a Lacquay by him attired a la Romaine , and a man on horseback with a Standard bearing the Roman Eagles , and these foure letters S. P. Q. R. all which though they made up the smallest number , and had the least train , were bravest in their assumed habits , no other shape appearing so gorgeous on horsback as the old Roman dresse . Their devises were thus set forth . For Count Henry of Nassaw a green Palme with a stone upon it , and this Latine Motto , Premitur non opprimitur . For the Count of Waldeck , Their devices . a Torch half extinguished ; the word : Reddant suspiria flammas . For the Chevalier de Vauslar , an Hart with Cupid upon one side , and Mars on the other , the word Accendor utroque . For Monsieur de Loge : a Shield full of flames , the word , Sursum movebor , donec extinguor .

Art was not wanting to set out this Gallantry ; hitherto the spectatours were ravished with such pleasure as might delight them ; an object of sadnes , though accoutred in the best trim , the wits of that Nation could attire him , came in next to qualifie the excesse of delight , The entry of the Knight , de Larmes . which might arise from the former glorious spectaeles : The Knight de L'armes , or teares himselfe , and retinew all in Sable , and black the evidence of a grieved soule ; his two Trumpets clothed in the Robes of sorrow , sounded a Surdine , his two Pages , Esquire and two Footmen which led his horse , both by their looks , gesture , and dresse , seemed to have a feeling of his misery ; and himself to make the people better acquainted with his sorrows rode in a Chariot , formed like a Tombe driven by Fortune , attended with six Lacquayes habited like himself , and the rest of his traine in black , with teares of silver , which like the deaw upon the Marble , hovered in drops upon it . His devise was : Foure great teares in a sable Shield , the word in French , Mon Soleif ou des Larmes : and in his Bandrolle , a Deaths head , with this Inscription : Mon pis est Mon Mieux .

The conclusion was more comicall . Those pretended victorious enemies of Death and his Harbingers , sicknesse and sorrow , entred the List in this ranke . Their Avantguard consisted of six Lacquies clothed in carnation and silver , and two Pageants , one presenting Charons boat filled with passengers , among which were Hippocrates and Galen , the two great Physicians , and the otherlike a Stage with a Mountebank , and his man acting and selling drugs , and two Buffones representing Don Quixote , and his Quire Sancho Pancha : the Reare consisting of the Pages , Squires , Footmen , led horses , & six Knights , whose leader Beavervard rode upon a Dromedary , all being clothed fantastically like Mountebanks . Their devises were thus . For Monsieur de Beaverwert a Death with this in French . Ie la donne aux autres . For the Count of Horn. All instruments of incision in his Shield . The word in Latine , Seco mel ùs , quam sano . For the Baron de Pontasier , ( who was dressed like a Don of Spain ) an Alembick with this word in Spanish , Alli dame el fuego d'Amor . For Monsieur Major , a hand catching of Flyes . The word in French , Bienheureux quien echappe . For Monsieur Monomaker . A Fortune presenting a cup. The word in Spanish , Non ti sidur . For Monsieur de Fosse , A hand holding out a bowle of wine . The word in Latine , Bacchica pocula praestant .

This was the preparation , their action and fortunes followed thus . The Challengers and the others repaired to one end of the List , to make their course successively according to the order which they observed at their entry . The issue of the Tournament . All confusion was avoyded , every man had his three courses , but the prize of that day was carried away by de Lege , whose fortune was more assisting to him then his art : though he was not unskilfull in managing his horse and launce . A Sun-shine day never seems long , the inhabitants neere the Pole , are said to expresse some griefe , when their long day of almost three months continuance is buried in its first short darknesse , and that this gallantry so full of delight might not be too soon finished , the most excellent Princesse the Countesse Dowager of the Palatinate of the Rhine , the illustrious and most high-borne Lady Elizabeth her eldest daughter , and the Princesse of Orange give three other Rings to the honour of such as could winne them , and prolonged the sport for three days , two of which were wonne by Pontasiere , and the third by Resear .

CHAP. III. A Relation of the late Battaile fought between Duke Bernhard Weymar ( Generall of the Swedish Forces ) and Iohn D'Werth , chief Generall of the Imperiall Forces , March 1638.

DUke Bernhard of Weymar , who had not unhappily imployed his forces about the Rhine , the last Summer and Autumne , in the extremitie of Winter , after he had victualled Ensisheim , Angelstein , and Pfefsinguen , and left 800 men to guard the Forts which he had built upon the Rhine , with an intent rather to abandon them honorably , then maintain them desperatly , they being not indefence ; repaired to the Valley of Delspery , or Delmont , in the Bishoprick of 〈◊〉 to refresh his weary Army ; where his active spirit would searce let him rest , rowsed him again speedily upon the report of the victorious proceedings of his Enemy , which made an advantagious the of his absence .

Let the Bavarian Baron tell his owne story ; and let his enemies pardon him if they imagine , he doth it too gloriously ; Modesty is not a Souldiers , but a womans ornament : and let the Orator spare him if hee doe it not Rhetorically , or smoothly ; hee professed not Arts but Arms ; & could manage his sword , better then handle his pen . Thus he exprest himselfe in a letter , Dated at Offenburgh , Novemb. 13 , 3. and directed 〈…〉 wee should rob him 〈…〉 part of his glory ; if ( since hee hath undertaken it ) we permit him not to be his own Historian .

Most Revorend Father , and most gracious Elector and Lord , die . I cannot but withall submission certifie your Electorall Highnesse , that assoone as I had received certain intelligence that the Duke of Weymar was gone towards Burgundy , to take up his winter quarter , and my self was able but to sit on horsbacke , ( though the wound I received in the last battail be not yet prosectly recovered , the bullet still lying in my body ) I thought it requisite to attempt and recover the bridge and sconces which the enemy had made over , and upon the banks of the Rhine , that so I might get a scoure hibernall station for my forces .

To this end , Octob. 31 new stile , I passed the Rhine at Brisack , with the Alinger Horsmen , a part of the foot forces , and certain peeces of Ordnance marching speedily day and night , with an intent to assault them both by water and land : Novemb. 1 , I arrived there , and viewed the out-most Sconces , and Retrenchments on the Burgundian side , where perceiving that expedition was required principally for execution , and that the foot forces by reason of the uncouth way , could not follow so fast , as I desired : I caused my life-guard to alight and assault the first bridge and Sconce on foot which they did so sunously , that they forced the defendants to flie and seek their safety elswhere . This was our first enterprize which though it succeeded happily , cleered not the way to our easie proceeding . The Enemy had thrown off the bridge , and so stopped the pallage that we had no other way to regaine it then by demolishing the Sconcs and making use of the timber to repaire it . This stay was no small advantage to the Enemy who made use of his time , and threw off another long bridge which lay over the second River , and took his Posto there : yet this losse was recovered by the industry of the horsmen who again assaulted and took in the two Sconces upon the next River , and forced the Defendants to run away unarmed into the fourth Sconce , where they threw off a great part of that bridge too , and gave such fierce fire upon us , that I was compelled to attend the comming in of my Musketiers and greal Guas , before I could attempt farther against them . At last they came and I planted them upon the banke of the River whence by playing continually upon the Iland and Scorce , they did much slaughter , though they did not break downe the bridge . Another Engine I had devised for that service ; and used it happily . Some old vessels filled with powder and fire-balls I caused to be bought from Brisack , which being calried downe by the violence or the strcame falling upon the Enemies artificiall bridge ; tore it in sunder , and so separated the Iland from the Reull Sconce which lay on the other side . This was a hight-work . The ensuing day presented mee with a new busines , The Enemy had in the Iland two Sconces , and there I perceived him fortifying and endrenching himself for his more safety : To prevent him I commanded the horsmen and Dragoons to passe through an arme of the Rhine , and the foot forces by boats which I had prepared for that purpose to make over into the Iland and assault the fourth Sconce lying behinde the locond bridge , which they did faithfully obeying my directions , and effectually not returning without the prize . The fifth Sconce lay before the bridge of boats neer before the Reull loōee . It was well manned with 200 men , and to take it in I caused the Cannon to bee carried over the River , and came my selfe in person before it . The strong preparation for all 〈◊〉 being perceived by the besieged , caused them to send out a Drum , and desire a parley . I heard them but gave them this short answer ; that I would not yield them conditions , nor accept the ●●●●esse they yielded upon discretion . My actions attended upon thy words . I presently assaulted and mastered it , forced the defendants to flie , a part whereof making towards the broken bridge of boats were takon prisoners , an other part chased into the Rhine , and drowned , and the last which sought for she lter among the bushes upon the Iland became a prey to the souldiers , and were put to the sword . Thus farre having gone fortunately on immediatly . I took out the foot-forces to assault the Reall Sconce which was guarded with 600 men , & defended with four peeoes of Ordnance : and to speed it the sooner I planted my Cannon against it , and played upon it with that violence , that I made an assaultable breach in the wall , and prepared to assault it . But he or the besieged hang out the white Flag , send but a Drum , and desired to treat , and receiving no other answer , but that they should yield upon discretion , or if they stood out to the last , they should be all put to the sword , they straight submitted to mercy , and were thus ordered . The Officers I kept as prisoners , the common souldiers which were willing , I took into service , and dismissed with white slaves . Whilst I thus laboured about taking in the forecamed Forts , the Sergeant Major Generall Enkenfourt , who had the command on the other side of the River , took in all the outermost Sconces and Retrenchments there , and the Lievtenant Colonell de Melli the Cappler Sconce , which was above the bridge in the midst of the Rhine , and was guarded by 50 French souldiers , and put them so hard to it , that all except 12 which had quarter , were either slain or drowned . This I have clecred againe the River of Rhine , and I thought it my duty to certifie your Electorall Highnesse therof punctually . Subscribed .

Your Electorall Highnesses humble and obedient servant

Iohn de Werth .

A victorious Army goes on like a devouring fire , carries all before it , till it meet with oppositions able to quell it . The Imperiall Colonell Mettanich was commanded by his Generall to make an Anslaught upon the Sconce at Drusenheim , hee did it , and carried it , and after that took the Fort at Kurtkenhowsen by composition , and lastly , blocked up Strasburg , an Imperiall City upon the Rhine , the King of Hungary having so ordered it as declining all neutrality .

Iohn de Werth thought himselfe now sufficiently loaden with spoyles , and returned with triumph to the Bavarian Court at Munchin , where for the time he was entertained graciously , feasted and honored , but was soon recalled back to the Rhine , a storme arising in the West , which like an Hericano threatned those parts of Germany , unlesse that hee himselfe by his presence should dissolue it . The Duke of Weymar who in the short time of his repose had well victualled both his Army and the City of Strasburg out of Switzerland , his discipline having gained the love of those Helvetians , and studied the meanes to repasse the Rhine , Ianuary 18 , 28. arose from his head Quarter at Delmont , and though the seasoargued against him by his resolute courage answred all the difficulties it could propound . His attendants were only some Gentlemen and choice men of his army with whom he marched the same day to Pfeffinguen , and thence to Inglesten , which are the keyes and inlets of Lauffen and Delmont , where was the first Randesvouz of his horse and Infantry . Here he made some stay but a short one , the time being only to instruct them for the order of their march , and himselfe departing the night following , wandred with this retinue , and furnished with six wagons loden with scaling ladders , Petards , and other ammunition of War . The wayes were myry and scarce passable , yet with much hardnesse hee reached the next morning at the point of day , an houres going below L●uffenburgh point-blank , against which lies the town of Seckinguen , the Rhine only parting them . The Dukes intention was to passe the River speedily , but his souldiers being wearied by the roughnes of the way , and sharpnesse of the season , found themselves unable to handle their Armes , being benummed with cold , and this caused him to repose there one day , not so much to rest their wearied bodies as to recover their limbes , which time was not lost , the Duke himselfe getting in the interim two little vessels , by which hee could at once transport eight men , and no more over the River .

These small Bottomes , Ianuary 20 , 30 , were conveyed to the River about three quarters of an English mile below Seckinguen , a place which the eye of the inhabitants of that City , could not reach unto by reason of the Woods and Mountains which hindered their prospect that way . Seckinguen surprised by duke Bernh . The Citizens being thus hood-winked from discerning the Dukes practice , by this small help at divers times 100 resolved Gentlemen , furnisht with ladders , Petards , & other necessaries , were ferried over to the other banke , with instructions to assault the Towne , and make themselves masters of the boates belonging to the City , and of one Fery , which the Burgesses suspecting the Dukes designe , had haled to the shoare , & placed it neeer the gates of the Town , as a Flanker to secure them . The enterprize was undertaken couragiously , and sped happily , his highnesse souldiers became Masters of the Towne , and Boats , but the Ferry-boat being boared in sundry places by the Townesmen , to make it unserviceable for the Duke in that attempt , detained them an houre and halfe , to repair it , that thereby , and by the other vessels which they had surprized Rosa's Regiment , and some more foot-forces might be brought to their assistance .

When one knot in a churlish piece of timber is rent , the rest cleave easily asunder . The Saxon Duke having advanced but thus farre prosperously , with a little wheeling about , Lauffenburg taken by Anslaught . assaulted and tooke in Lauffenburg the same night , the terrour and distraction of the citisens as much speeding his designe as his own directions , and his mens resolutions . Though his petards had done their worke effectually , the assaulted might have held out and kept the city , if their feare had not deprived them of counsell , by burning and demolishing the bridge ( a thing almost as feasible as imaginable , it being built of wood ) but their affrightment extinguished their reason , and in stead of opposition they fell to submission , cleared the way , and gave him admittance voluntarily .

By this successe , though the Baron de Werth had cut off his former , Waldtshut surrendred to the duke of Weymar . he regained a new passage over the river , and to take possession of it , he without delay sent the Count of Nassau with his regiment over the bridge , to joyne with Rosa , and with their united forces layd siege to Waldtshut , where the garrison perceiving an army incamped , and a banke raised against them , surrendred presently upon fair tearms , and so the Duke without blowes became Master of their forrest and free townes , but under the protection of the House of Austria .

Yet here was not the period of his fortunes : two companies of Imperiall horse , which were sent , though too late , to re-inforce the Presidiaries in Lauffenburg , came in unhappily for themselves , to inlarge his victories . They met him unexpectedly , and were no sooner discovered than vanquished , some being slaine , others captivated , and few escaping death or imprisonment ; as were also a Regiment of foot , which followed them , though with some difficulty , the place of fight giving the Caesarian Infantery conveniency to fight advantagiously , & opportunity to retyre more conveniently , though not securely , in the end they were discomfited with some slaughter , and pursued almost to Brisack by the victors , which strewed the way with dead corpses , and returned to the campe with about sixty prisoners .

It was an ingenious device of the old Romans , to set the temple of Fortitude in so direct a way to the Temple of Honour , that no man could come to the last but through the first ; Glory is not gained without danger . The Dukes next designe was upon a strong city Rhinfelden . Here he found a strong erreluctancie , and by the issue added not few graines , but many massy weights to his former gotten glory . The Christian King had sent him money to pay his army , and that supply gave his men fresh spirits : but he wanted amunition , and so might seeme to want ability to go forward with this great designe . From Schaffehousen hee expected what hee wanted , pouder , which was sent him downe the Rhine , but stayed by the Romish Cantons at Coblen : yet hee proceeded in his course daringly , not desperately , being certified that the city was sick of the same maladie , by some intercepted letters which hee found in the hand of a messenger sent from thence to Brisack , whom hee apprehended and hung in the sight of the garrison souldiers . Being also supplied from Benefeldt , Colmar , and other townes in the Alliance , and under the command of the French King : and now he raiseth batteries , imployes his pioners to undermine it , spares no more paines to subdue it , than the city to defend it selfe . When having with some small losse to his army got a good advantage upon the city , his mines and batteries having broken an assailable gap in the walls , and hee preparing to assault it , his designe was thwarted by the report of a knowne enemy , an army of old souldiers comming upon his backe , under experienced leaders , Iohn de Werth the Bavarian , the Duke de Savelly , the Austrian Generall , and the Generall Majors Sperrhewther and Enkenfourdt . And this for the time caused him to raise his siege to attend their arrivall .

February the 18 or 28 , the Saxon duke began his expedition by that day the Imperial army was advanced into the Blacke forrest , by the helpe of the Peasants , who first informed the Generall de Werth of the Dukes actions , and after cut out his way thorow the brambles and thicke under-woods with their Bills and hatchets , to hasten the march of him and his confederats forces .

Vna cademque manus vulnus opemque tulit : The same tongues which by their clamor drew the Caesarian army thither , reported their comming and place of residence in the campe , and mooved the Duke with six regiments of horse , amounting in all to twelve hundred ; and three hundred musketiers , and sixe field pieces , to meet him in companie , and to adventure the fortune of a battell .

The Imperialists under the command of Savelli , were placed in the right Wing , and the Bavarians led by Iohn de Werth , in the left of that Army . The Duke of Rohan , which was casually come to the D , of Weymars Camp , and would make one in the fight , commanded the left , and Duke Bernhard himselfe , the right wing of his forces . And now the battels joyn , the field-peeces , play awhile at some distance , but the adversaries in the end come neere together , and then the Musquets and lesser Guns vomited bullets like hall-stones mingled with fire upon their dischargers Enemies . It had been too violent a fight to have continued , had not the carelesnesse of the souldiers in the left wing of the Dukes army , which gave the first charge , given the Imperialists opportunitie to renew the combat ; Wolff the Imperiall Colonell which led the Avant-guard ; was mortally wounded and taken prisoner , with some other Officers and eleven Cornets , by which the common souldiers , judging that the battell was ended , slackt their hands , and fell on pillaging to the advantage of the Caesareans , which rallyed again , and joyned with the other part of the army , intending tobe avenged of the Dukes left wing , as in part they were , breaking its Ranks , & seizing of the D. of Rohan as their prisoner , though he was presently rescued by a Major of the then Rhinegraves , now the Count of Nassaws Regiment . The Saxon Duke , whose vigilant eye was over his Army , and tooke notice of each losse and gain , perceiving where his Enemies pressed hardest upon him , drew up his foot-forces , to make head against them ; but the Imperialist , repulsed them too , and got from him four peeces of Cannon , and three Cornets . The Duke as scorning this check without delay , came in with his Cavallary , and charged the Caesareans so furiously , that he brok their Ranks , and it came to pell mel , in an horrid confusion upon both sides . What slaughter might have followed this tumultuary combat , a souldier can judge by experience , and reason may informe us by the consequents , three of the Dukes Colonels , Schavelitzhi , Dannenberg , and Erdman , or Erlach , being thereby made prisoners of War , and carried into Rhinefelden , and 150 of his men sodainly slain , as were also 300 of the Enemies . But the night drew on , and both the Generals sounded a Retreat , unwilling to strike at randome , Iohn de Werth taking his way towards Rhinefelden , into which hee thrust 300 fresh men to strengthen the Garrison , and Duke Bernhard yet keeping the field , whence hee dispatcht a Messenger to the other side of the Rhine , with a command to his Campe there to rise , and meet him neer Seckvingen , Feb. 19. March 1 , where those 4 Regiments of Horse , and five of Infantry , which lay on the West side of the River , met him at the time prescribed .

Some time was spent there by the Counsell of Warre , but not much , and some few houres to refresh himself , but not many ; for the next day , March 2 new stile , himselfe marched with his Infantry and Artillery , along the River toward Rhinfelden , having sent his Cavallary before under the command of Tupadell through the blacke Forrest , and both of them met again the next morning by seven a clock neere Biken , the place designed for their common Randezvouz . Counsell and Discipline doe more then strength : The Duke used all , he drew his Army into a close body to conceale its number , and therby amused the wary Bavarian , who being misinformed by his Scouts , tooke the whole number , but for a party , and as thinking the prey caught , invironed them round with all his forces , presuming that none should escape . His order was thus , He placed some choice men in a Spinny neere Rhinfelden , with three of those peeces which hee had gotten in the former battell , himselfe encamping with Wahls Regiment , in the Forrest somewhat further off , whiles his Cavallary was ranged in an adjacent field , giving order that at the signall , they should all arise together , and joyntly rush in upon the Weymarish ; fearing least otherwise they might attempt to save themselves by flight , upon the view of his whole Army . The Duke had his desire , by his Enemies preparation against him , suffered him to come on , not discovering his strength , till one part of the Caesareans which appeared upon their march , the rest being laid in a ditch , to conceale them , came within 100 paces of them , when sodainly the Duke unlocking his close body , appeared in his true proportion , discharged his Cannon crosse-ways thrice , amongst the thickets where the Caesareans were lurking , hee did much hurt amongst them , and played with his small shot upon the rest . The divine wisedome can at pleasure , and often doth infatuate the best counsels of men . The Bavarian Baron in all appearance to the eye of Reason had so ordered his troups , that in probability , hee might conclude of a certaine victory ; but what he imagined , would make for him , turned to be most against him , an higher power , to which the conquest must be ascribed , so perverting his designes , that what was intended for his helpe , turned to his ruine , and the sword of God in that battell , might be apparantly seen above the sword of Gedeon . Those Regiments of foot , which were laid in Ambuscado for the Duke of Weymar , were armed with those 3 peeces of Cannon , which they had gotten two dayes before from him , and great store of lesser Artillery . Some troups of Cavallary were sent from the Bavarian Army towards the Dukes , with order to fain a flight , assoone as the Dukes forces should come neer them , that so they might be allured to pursue them , into the trap which was laid for them : the project was hopeful , yet proved harmfull to the Caesareans , for the Weymarish Colonels , Collembach & Bodendorff pursued the Caesarean horsmen , and made them change the nature of their flight from a counterfeit to a true one , the Infantery which lay in Ambuscado not being able to relieve them , or helpe themselves , spending their powder vainly from so low a ground to the hils , where the Swedes abode till they perceived the violence of the storme past , and collected more then probably that their powder and shot was spent , and then assaulting those poor unarmed foot men with all their power , rowted them , and regained 3 of the Cannons lost in the former battell . The Bavarian Generall had ordered the Garrison of Rhinfelden , to sally out assoon as the battell was joyned , and to gall the Swedes in Flank , yet this counsell was defeated to by the providence of the Duke , who placed two troups of horse , and one company of foot behind the hedges , by which they were to march , who looked to their charge carefully , be haved themselves manfully , and forced the garrison back into the City . Tupadell all this while was charging upon the Imperiall Horse , who stood the first and second shock bravely , but fled at the third , as unwilling to encounter with the Swede again . The Bavarian Generall , whose great heart knew not how to yield , stil hoped that the fortune of the day might alter , and with 1500 horse maintained the fight , till 300 of them being slaine , the rest fled leaving the lately victorious Generall with his Confederates to proove the vicissitude of fortune , and become either examples of weaknesse , by a timorous and confused flight , or the spoiles of time by an immature death or sport of Fate , by imprisonment and vassallage , or patterns of inconstancy by changing their Copy , and serving under the Colours of their late Enemy .

The totall of these two Battails I finde thus summed up .

On Duke Bernhards side in the first battaile were slain , the Lievtenant Generall Rhinegrave Iohn Philip , the Ritmaster Barsletter , and 150 men common souldiers . The Generall Commissary Schavelitzky , the Colonell Dannenberg , Colonell Erdman , or Erlach , and two Standards of Okeims Regiment , were taken prisoners , and carried into Rhinefelden . The Colonell Keller , Ritmaster , Plech , and Captain Kein were wounded dangerously . In the second battaile , Colonell Bodendorff , two Ritmasters , Vorbinger and Klepper yielded to fare , with as many ordinary souldiers , as fell in the first battaile .

On the Imperiall side in both battails , these became prisoners of War . The Duke de Savelli , who escaped out of the fight , but was pursued by Rosa , and taken by Rosa , though he had disguised himself in the habit of a Friar ; the Generalissimo of that Army Iohn de Werth . The Count of Enkenfourt and Sperrhewter two Generall Majors of note : Three Lievtenants Colonels the Baron de Zell , Scharftenzel and Rouger : 4 Colonels , Neinecker , Goldt , Hinderson and Wollff 4 Majors , Rivarius , Anthony de Werth : The Major of the Generals Regiment , and Iohn Philip Ionas : 17 Ritmasters , 14 Captaines , amongst which is a Count of Furstenburg , 22 Lievtenants , 32 Cornets : 4 Ensignes , two Aides de Camp , seven Serjant Majors or Watch-masters , 39 Corporals : one paire of Kettle-drums , 1800 foot , which tooke service under the Duke of Weymar : and twelve hundred horse , all which almost did the like ; there were slaine upon the place in the first fight betwixt three and foure hundred , and in the last six hundred , and foure hundred upon the pursuite ; thus the sword was tincted in bloud that day , yet as if the dye had not been in grain , thirsted after more . Three hundred Caesarean horse were gotten into Rhinefelden , and so escaped , but the next day , perceiving the Dukes great preparations to re-besiege it , and not thinking themselves secure there , would have sought their safety elsewhere , and attempted to go to Brisack , but were surprized by the Swedes of the Dukes Army , and in a generall defeat , the Colonell Newhans Lamboy the Count Albert Lamboy , the Count Albert of Furstenberg , the Baron de Ferents , and Newenstein the Commissary Generall of that Army were forced to crave quarter which was given them , and they redeemed their lives , by submitting to a necessitated captivity .

The Duke thus victoriously quit of the Army which had undertaken to stop his progresse , makes preparation for a fresh siege ; but before hee put it into execution , would first see his noble prisoners , and dispose of them in their designed places . To supper he invited them , and entertained them with like fare generally , but not a like aspect . Iohn de Werth and Sperrheuter found themselves not so well reputed or nobly welcome as the rest . The falutation betwixt his Highnesse and the Generall Werth was in an ironicall complement , the Duke often jerking him with some private nippes , by remembring some disrespective words which the Bavarian had oft spoke of his Highnesse ; and in fine placing him at table below the Duke of Savelli , to his greater griefe , who looked for place above him in this his eclipsed fortune , because he had a command above him whilest he was in his glory . Hinc surgit orexis , hinc stomacho bilis . This passage mooved the Bavarian to such an indignation , that his wounds fel fresh a bleeding , and that he might dishonor the duke his fellow prisoner , translated the losse of the day from himselfe to the others cowardise , unskilfulnesse , or carelesnesse .

It could not be grievous to the Saxon Duke to heare them retort injurious words , yet as if hee had taken no pleasure therein , hee advised them to give place to their fortunes , sent for a Surgeon to dresse the Barons wounds , and supper being done sent them to their lodgings , committing the custody of their bodies to his intrusted Deputies . Then he betooke him to bed , but that gave him no rest , something remained yet to be done before he undertook a new expedition : he knew it was not his own arm which got the victory , and to ascribe the honour to him to whom it was properly due , hee ordained a publique thankesgiving to bee celebrated the next day at Sauffenburgh , and his prisoners were not yet in that sphear of restraint to which he meant to confine them . Order was taken for this too : the General de Werth , Enkenfourd and some others were to bee transmitted to Benfieldt , the duke of Savelli to Lauffenburg , and Sperrheuter , Goldt and Hinderson to H●henwiel , a strong fort antiently appertaining to the duke of Wirtemberg , but of late seised on by the king of Hungary , and newly recovered by Duke Bernhard , where they are under a strict watch , and more closely restrained , because the duke de Savelli had escaped from Lauffenburg and evaded their hands .

The manner of his escape is related diversly : the excuse of his Guardians making way to this fable ; That a woman which waited on him to bring him victuals and dresse his chamber , by night let him downe by a rope from the windows of his lodging , and afterwards over the city wall . The most probable is this , The person to whose trust hee was committed had formerly served under the Imperial colours , and now to make his peace with the King of Hungary , offered his helping hand to the Dukes evasion , upon promise that he should mediate with his master , procure his pardon , and restore him againe to grace ; which the Duke accepted , vowed , & was dismissed secretly .

This report is the more probable , not onely in respect of that aphorisme of the Politicians , There is no trust to be given to a reconciled enemy ; but in regard of the juridicall proceedings which ensued it : a criminall processe beeing sued out against a Major and two Sentinels of Schombecks regiment , and three or foure of the Burgesses , who were all convicted of conspiring or conniving at the Dukes escape , and executed according to martiall law .

The Duke escaped out of prison , by consent of his Keepers , and Iohn de Werth was in hope to have been rescued before he was brought to prison , by some of his friends in despight of his Convoy . March 2 , 12. Io. de Wert sent to Brisack . the Colonell Cullembach attended with three hundred horse , was commanded by his Highnesse , to carry the Bavarian Generall , and some officers which were surprized with him in the last battail to Benfieldt . The Garrison of Brisack , of which the Baron was much honoured for the services hee had done formerly , The Briss●kers . attempt to rescue him upon the way . had notice of each particular concerning that designe ; the day , way , and number of his Guardians ; ( only they knew not how well they were armed , but supposed them light horsmen which were Equites cataphracti , armed Cap-a pee ) & made out a strong party to encounter with the Convoy , and with hazard of their lives , to attempt the recovery of the Generall . The provident Colonell , who expected such adventurers , no sooner discovered them , but guarded the Waggons wherin the captives were with 20 Carabins , charging his prisoners not to stirre upon forfeit of their lives , and his Souldiers which attended them , without respect of persons to kill the first which should offer to moove in hope of liberty ; himselfe and the rest of his Retinue falling instantly with all their strength upon the Brissackers , And are utterly defeated by Cullembach . whom , unable to endure that shock , he rowted totally , slaying some , taking others to mercy , and suffering a very small number to escape death or captivity . The way thus cleered , hee drove on without any obstacle delivered up his charge at Benfeldt , and giving this instruction to the late Generall , to endure patiently what was beyond his power to amend ; visited Ensisheim , Colmar and Strasburgh , which last City he furnished with many commodities , returning in liew therof , with store of powder , bullets , and four great Cannon , to the Campe at Rhinefelden , which he brought thither , March 9 , 19. in 22 Waggons , to hasten the period of that siege .

Duke Bernhard was now setled in his sphere of activity , but the Generall de Werth cooped up , and barred from action . Til this their brains were equally working for honorable atchievements , but now their thoughts are fastened upon divers objects , Io. de Werth desires to be exchanged for Horn. the Bavarian is hammering out the way for his liberty , either by ransome or exchange , and sent a Trumpet towards Munchen , March 5 , 15. with petitionary letters to the Duke his Master , that he might be redeemed or exchanged for Gustavus Horne ; in which thoughts we must leave him ; and the Saxon Duke to prosecute his victory is again returning to Rhinefelden , whither this Narration must follow him .

Assoone as hee had re-begirt the Towne with his Army , it was bruited in the Campe that the Generall Goetz , by a speedy march was comming to relieve it ; a report it was which carried some shew of truth there , being then a cessation of Armes , till the first of May new stile , concluded of betwixt that Imperiall Commander , and the Hessian Lievtenant Generall Melander . And this something delayed the Fate of the Towne ; the Duke in person with 1500 horse and as many foot ( the rest of his Army being then disposed about Strasburgh and Brisack ) going to visit him . But the journy was soon accomplished , the grand Mountain brought forth a Mouse , the Enemy was only a crew of ragged Crabats and undisciplined Boores , which had entrenched themselves in the the Waldt-schwartz , which before the Duke could reach them were rowted and defeated by the Ritmaster Benheuraiah , which shortned his Highnesses Expedition , and caused him to returne the next day to Rhinefelden .

The Leaguer was laid on both sides the River , where batteries were raised , and nothing omitted , which might be any way available to endamage the defendants . The Commander and Garrison within for five days expressed a brave resolution , once fallying out , and with losse of 80 of their owne men , making some spoile amongst souldiers , from whom they carried away a Lievtenant and a Serjant as prisoners of War . But in the end their victuals , Rhinefelden rebesieged and surrendred . and Amunition failing , their hearts fainted , and March 12 , 22. after they perceived that Cullembach was returned , that his Highnesse had sent to Hohenwielt , for more and greater Ordnance , and made great preparations for the assault , they sent out a Trumpet to desire a parlee , wherein first were offered them the conditions of Nordlingen , and afterwards these ensuing , which they accepted .

Articles granted by Bernhard Duke of Saxon , Gulick , Cleave and Bergue ; Lantgrave of Thuringen , Marquesse of Misnia , Count of Mark and Ravensberg , Lord of Ravenstein , &c. to the Major , and Commander in the Town of Rhinefelden .

1 The Articles . THe Governour and Garrison of Rhinefelden shall be permitted to depart with their baggage , Horses , Waggons , Wives , and Servants ; high and low armes , matches burning and Drum beating , with all the Officers and Souldiers , which are retired thither since the two last battails , except such as have voluntarily come in to their party , not being pressed therunto , who shall have licence to depart too , but without their high Arms.

2 It shall be lawfull for all Ecclesiasticall persons , Noblemen , Boors & as many Burgesses as shal desire it , to depart with the Garrison , or afterwards with their goods and baggage , and as many as will stay to inhabit there , shal be protected from injuries , and enjoy their estates .

3 All his Highnesses Officers and Souldiers , which have been taken prisoners , and shall be found in the Towne , shall be set at liberty without Ransome .

4 Those , which have left the Campe , without leave or Pasport , and are found to be in the Town , shall neither openly , nor privatly be conveyed away but left there or restored .

5 All victuals and amunition of Warre shall be left in the Town , except that which the Souldiers can carry in their Knapsacks and Bandeleers .

6 The wounded and sick men which are unable to march away with the Garrison , shall be permitted to abide in the Towne , till they can conveniently be carried away , or are able to follow their Colours .

7 Assoon as this accord is sealed on both sides , the Commander shall be bound to open , and surrender one of the Ports , but none of the Campe shall enter into the Towne thereby , till the Garrison be departed .

8 The Garrison shall depart punctually on the morrow , March 14 , 24 at eight in the morning .

9 The Commander and Garrison shall have a safe Convoy , and be carried neere Brisack , and for assurance of the Convoyes safety , the Commander shall leave behinde him sufficient Hostages , which shall be dismissed peaceably at its returne . And for the better surety and confirmation of this Accord , two indented Copies shal be drawn & interchangeably signed and sealed , one by the Lord and Colonell Arsidius Forbush , of the one part , in the name , & by the command of his Highnesse ; and the other by the present Governour of the Towne on the other part , to each of which persons , there shall be one Copy delivered .

Given at the Campe before , and in the Towne of of Rhinefelden , March 13 , 23. 1638.

This agreement was more truly observed amongst Enemies in this time of War , then many civill contracts are amongst neighbours in time of peace , 600 Imperiall Souldiers left the Town the next morning , to the Victor , but were not all conveiged to Brisacke , yet none were detained violently , the Convoy was ready for as many would make use of it , but two hundred of them presently offered their service , to the Duke of Weymar , and the most part of the rest , no sooner understood of the place to which they were designed , but they did the like , more fearing the famine , which already rages there , then hoping for reliefe from these inhabitants and presidiaries . The time spent before the Towne was not lost , it being a place of strength and importance , and honoring the Dukes atchievement , with eleven Ensignes which were saved there in the last battell and two old Ensignes belonging to Pappenheims Regiment , which escaped and were kept there , since the battell of Lutzen : besides the gain of two faire Culverings , many Bullets , yet but one Quintall of powder , and some small store of provisions .

His work is not yet done . The care of the Town was committed to Forbush , who imployed himself to repaire the breaches , supply the Magazine , and to work about new Fortifications , while the Duke diposeth of his Army ( now grown stronger by 6000 men than it was in the first battell , The Dukes proceedings . and dayly expecting a fresh supply of a thousand , who by that time were come as far as Monbeliard ) one part part wherof was sent against the Castle of Rotelu , where they forced the garrison to yeeld upon discretion , retayning the souldiers in their pay , but detaining their pay , but detaining their Captain and his Lievtenant prisoners : and found an hundred Muyds of wine , much corne , cattell , and other provision , which should have bin transported to Brisack : another under Rosa toward Wirtemberg , who had before taken in Duthlinguen , a passage upon the Danube , and some other places , himselfe going with the grosse of his army towards Fryburg , a towne in Brisgaw three leagues from Brisack , which as they write from Basill is already sensible of the inconveniences which attend them by his neighbourhood .

In a part of the third Chapter the titles over the head beeing Occurrences in the Netherlands , should be Occurrences in upper Germany .

Further Occurrences in the Netherlands .

The jollity in the Netherlands before spoken of , bore a resemblance of a firme peace , and their Triumphs might have made a stranger beleeve , that the States of the united Provinces were then so secure , as they needed neither feare any hostility of an open enemy , nor the clandestine practises of a private . But Novit paucos secura quies , the condition of all sublunary things is subject to change , and The smiles of Fortune are more to bee suspected than her frownes .

The Cardinal Infant a potent adversary , and one which tugged not meerely for honour , but laboured as much to reduce that Aristocracie to the obedience of the Crowne of Spaine , which claimed a title and dominion over the seventeene Provinces by marriage with the daughter and heire to the house of Burgundy ; as they to preserve it , made strong preparation against them both by sea and land ; and some secret conspirators ( the more dangerous by their privacy ; for God defend me from my friends , saith the Italian , and from my foes I will guard my selfe ) inhabitants and garrison soldiers of Mastricht , had plotted treacherously to deliver up that city into the hands of the Spaniards : who attending the time for execution , had drawn together six or seven thousand men , and lay neer the city , wel provided of scaling ladders & other military instruments . The chief conspirators were Veynck a friar , A treason at Mastricht . Padre Rector of the Minorites , Iohn Lundsman or moone a Brewer , Claudi de la Cour a Burgundian gentleman and his wife , two Burgundian souldiers of Hauterives Regiment , and two Brick-layers inhabitants of the city ; and their plot was layd thus , and thus discovered : The Brewers house was sited upon the small River of Ecker behinde the Cloyster of the Minorites , and abutted neere the port de nostre Dame , at a place where formerly there had been a Posterne , but was made up slightly in the time of the last siege . This weaknesse in the wall he first discovered to the Burgundian and La Cour , who willing to returne to the Spaniard from whom they had revolted , and hoping there by to get both gold and honour , first discovered it by private letters to the governor of Geldres , and being incouraged by him , revealed it to the Brick-layers , promising them a good sum of money to breake downe the new building privatly . La Cour whose pregnant braine longed to bee delivered of this monstrous conception , while it was an Embrio , appointed a certaine day March the first new stile , for its birth , and to facilitate the worke for his midwives the Brick-layers , often repaired to the place , surveyed it diligently , and observed the proportion betwixt the thicknes of the old wall & slendernesse of the new ; til at last being seene by a Burger , suspected as a Spy because hee was an Alien , and threatned with the Racke ( nescit tacere commissorum scelerum trepidatio ) confessed the treason & his complices therein . Discovered . His confession saved him from that torture , but not his fellow Conspirators , who being detected by him , and seized on by the officers , at first denied the fact , and stood upon their justification . But it is vaine to plead not guilty , before such as conclude them so : The Padre Rector pleaded his monastick life , which being piously contemplative , could not entertaine any such vile intentions : the Brewer and Burgundian gentlewoman pretended their infranchisement in that city ( the one beeing a free Denizen by birth , the other by purchase ) which must or should engage them to loyalty , and arme them against treachery . The brick-layer ( for one fled ) pleaded ignorance , confessing the matter de facto , but excusing his intention by circumstance , saying that he worked for wages , that he was hired therunto by the Padre Rector and the brewer , who claimed an inlet and outlet by that posterne , in and from the city , and that this was the onely end for which they consented to undertake it . But the magistrate and commander , knew that of old Catiline who was a native Roman , as well as of late their Barnevelt , that a cloyster hath sometimes bin a cage for unclean birds , and that hell-hatched treason doth not seldom palliate it selfe with the borrowed garb of seeming sanctity ; That no man could or ought to be so ignorat , as not to know , there are any private proprietaries in the walls of a city , which are Bonum publicum , and not to be broken down for any privat mans use , without license , tooke not their words for a satisfactory answer , but try if the materiall racke would inforce that from them , which their seduced consciences , though lashed with a dumbe beadle , could not make them to reveale . The first torture wrested out the truth from all , but the Frier , who bore his first torture with a Stoicke apathie , and though accused by the rest joyntly , as the first moover of this divellish engine , denied all , till the second tortures being presented him , and overcome with feare , he opened himselfe really , begging that mercy humbly , which had hee not beene false he might have enjoyed freely , but could not now expect . He was sentenced to be first degraded , then executed : but the Ordinary proceeding slowly , as not willing to have such shame fall upon the Clergy , the execution was not done till the end of May. And the traitors executed . The others suffered Aprill 20 , 30 , had their heads cut off , and set upon high poles ( long living witnesses of their perfidiousnesse ) behinde the Minorites Cloyster , with their faces toward the Sconce . Navagi de la Cour was quartered , and the foure quarters set upon the foure gates , those towards Bruxels and the Bosh , Saint Peters and the Wyck port , but the bodies of the others were buried .

One day giveth a remedy to the troubles of another . The magistrat and commander in Mastricht had bin much perplexed with this intended treason , because after the execution of the first revealed conspirators , they found others both Churchmen and Burgers of note , to have consented thereunto ; and therfore apprehending them and committing them to prison , they intended to take vengeance of their professed enemies , who had prompted their people to this prodition . In the Cloyster or Abby of Beff , which stands besides Hanuyt and Namur , lay five companies of Spanish horse , and two of foot , and thitherward the Viscount of de Turenne , General of the army newly formed in the Bishoprick of Liege , for the service of the Christian King , The Abbey of Best plundered by the Vicount Turenne . marched with his own Cavallery and the horse of Mastricht , foure hundred foot and two pieces of ordnance , Aprill 2 , 12. The next day following they appeared before the Cloyster early in the morning ; when the Spanish horsemen discovering them , presently mounted and fled for their owne safety , leaving their own baggage , the foot , and the religious people to bee a prey for the assailants , who tooke the Abbot , a captaine , a Sergeant , and a hundred common men prisoners , pillaged the Abby , burnt down a fair house which stood neere it ; and the next day met with a party of Imperiall horse , whom they defeated , and tooke from them sixty horses , which with the spoil of the Abbey , and the prisoners taken there , they returned into Mastricht .

What the Spaniard lost there by land , hee got againe with advantage about the same time by sea : five ships of Amsterdam , the white Swan , the black Lion , and three other comming from the Streights laden with rich merchandise , fell into their hands and became their lawfull prize . A frigat of Dunkerke chased the white Swan when it was almost at home and tooke it . Two other Frigats pursued , burnt and sunke the blacke Lion , which alone was valued worth five or six tunne of gold , yet got no other spoile but sixteene men , which alone escaped the fury of the sea by the mercy of their enemies who tooke them prisoners and brought them into Dunkerk . The other three fell into the mouth of the Spanish navy neere the Bay of Biscay , and were forced to yeeld . This losse came into the foot of the Hollanders account , who by their owne computation , with the losse of the Nassaw , which comming from Fernambuck laden with foure hundred & thirty chests of sugar , and other rich wares , was cast away upon the coast of Ireland , had then lost within the space of a few moneths six and twenty sayle of ships .

Now the Spring was well entred , the Sunne had cloathed the earth in a greene suit , and exhaling the moysture , which made the high-wayes pulpish and unfit for man or beast to tread upon , began againe to make them passable ; when both the Cardinall Infant and the States prepared against each other for an offensive and defensive war. Isthoe est sapere non quod ante pedes modo est videre , sed etiam illa quae futura sunt : Wisedome considereth how it should suffer , as well as what it should doe : A wise man looketh as well behinde him as before him , both in peace and war .

Before either part went to field , their first care was to secure those places which were most exposed to danger . To this end the Count Iohn of Nassaw was sent by the Prince Cardinall , to view and fortifie with victuals and amunition , the forts and cities upon the Maze , as Genue , Geldri , Venlo & Ruremund : as the cavallery of the States was dispatched from the Bosch , Huesdon , Emmerick , Rees , Nimmegen . Wesel , and other places towards the Grave and the Maze , for the same purpose . The French on the South side , which menaced the Cardinal as ill as the Hollanders on the North , required contribution of the Brabantiers , threatning such as should deny it : and the Cardinall Infant published an Edict at Brussels , Aprill 13 , 23. in the name of the Catholique King , wherein hee straitly charged all his subjects not to pay it : adding withall , that hee which could bring in any of the French Agents which came to demand it , should receive for his guerdon fifty Gilders : and commanding all victuallers and inholders in cities or villages , not to lodge or entertaine any such French guests , though their neere kinsmen or dearest friends , upon the paine of five and twenty gilders : enjoyning also strict watch to be kept upon all towers and steeples , and the Boores to arm upon the first alarme : and because hee was surrounded with enemies , by advice of his Councel of War it was concluded , that Don Andrea Cautelmo should be Generall of the foot , and the Marquesse Sfondrato , of the horse in Brabant , Count Iohn of Nassaw in the North of Flanders ; and Prince Thomaso , Balanso , and Isolani , in the Southwest Henault and Artois , who then began to appear about Saint Aumars & Graveling . Yet that this order should bee changed upon occasion , and doubled all his garrisons upon the frontiers of Picardy . Whilest the Prince of Orange was mustring up his forces , which by the 12 , 22 , of May , he had conveyed by shallops to their Rendezvous at Lithoyen .

The Prince Cardinall was rather upon a defensive than offensive war , and stood looking a while where the storme would fall . The Prince of Orange removed from his first rendezvous to Berghen up Zoom , where he lay with the maine of his Army some dayes together , but about the end of May and beginning of Iune : Count William of Nassaw was sent with sixe thousand men to invade Flanders , and like a sweeping raine which drives all before it ; scarce finding opposition , tooke in the sconces of Verbroeck , Count Will . Nassaw at the Blocker-dyke Steland , . and Callo , and at last assaulted the Mary-sconce , the principall of all upon the Blockerdike , was master of an half-moon , which he held for the space of twelve houres , yet then was beaten from it by the garrison .

The Cardinall Insant beeing advertised hereof , and knowing how Antwerpe the noblest Empery of the West and Marquisate of the Empire was indangered , if those neighbouring sconces should remain in the fingers of the Hollanders and united States , drew all his forces together to stop his further proceedings . Some troupes he sent before him , to skirmish with the assailants and hinder them from fortifying , while himselfe with the grosse of his Army might bee ready . The avauntgard of the Spanish marched so fast , that Iune 7 , 17 , they had fought with a party of Hollanders whom they found without their quarters , where the commander of that Holland party Maurice the only son of Count William de Nassaw , an hopefull young gentleman wise and valiant , fell by two mortall wounds , the one by a musket bullet shot into his breast , and the other by a Rapier run through his belly .

The Count Piccolomini , by this time was come to Antwerpe , to aide the Prince Cardinall , who calling Groebendoncy to counsell with them , Iune 10 , 20 , resolved to assault the Count William in his Quarters with all their forces , and the same night prosecuted the course on which they had concluded . The Spanish Army consisting of eight full Regiments , was divided into three severall parts under these three Generals , and led along the Dike towards Callo , Beveren and Verbroeck , that they might fall upon the States Army at once in its three severall Quarters , the first of Count William , the second Colonell Enreutters , and the third the Scots Quarter . The assaults began at twelve in the night , and continued untill 8 the next morning with such fury , that the reports of the Guns were heard five leagues off , the defendants neither being terrified by the number of the assaylants , Is assaulted by the Cardinall Infant . nor the assaylants disheartned by the defendants courage , and well ordered fight . It was too violent a storme to last longer , for the ground began already to be dyed with the bloud of the slain men , and how long should the sword devoure ? The slaughtered corsps must have a sepulture , and both parties gave free licence for buriall of the dead . Till then , neither of their losses appeared but now , the States found some Officers of note slaine , as Lieutenant Colonell Hinderson , the Lieutenant Colonel to the Lord of Beverwerth , Serjeant Major Levenstein , and foure others , Captains and Lieutenants , besides above 400 common men . The Cardinall Infants losse exceeded this , there being above 3000 of his souldiers found dead upon the ground , besides such as were wounded ; and himselfe being as sensible of the losse of his men , as of his own honour , presently renewed the assault , and continued it without intermission , And , forced to Bie . so furiously , that the Count of Nassaw was forced to flie in a storme , and returne the same way which he came , leaving behinde him eight cannons , two great shallops , and 60 lesser , 2300 of his men prisoners , and almost as many slaine by their Enemies ; and stifled in the myre .

How unexpectedly may the designes of men be frustrated ? The Provinces under the Catholike King , seemed till this day to be almost under the command of the Christian King , and United States ; But the fortune of this day ( to which Heaven it selfe assented , by contrary windes , The consequents of this victory . hindering three Regiments sent by water , upon the information of the Lievtenant to the Count of Solms , Iune , 11 , 21 in the morning , of the former nights work , to the assistance of Count William , from comming unto him ) supported the state of the Spanish Government ; the Prince of Orange , who then lay with his Army at Nord gheest , instead of invading , was fain to lie upon a defensive ward ; the Cardinall Infant , with his own forces was able to deal alone with his disheartned men ; the Forts lately gotten by the States were yielded up . Enreutter retyring as well as hee could from the Verborech Sconce , the Scots forced to furrender the other , and Piccolomini with 11000 men had opportunity , to aide the Prince Thomaso , against the French , in the Southwest of Flanders .

Chastillon the French Marshall , having passed the Sommer , May 8 , 18 brought his Army to the Castle of Saint Paul , May 12 , 22. The Castles of Saint Paul . which he presently summoned and had surrendred unto him upon these conditions ; that the Governour and the Garrison both horse and foot should march out with baggage and arms half an houre after the Capitulation , and safely goe to Bethune ; that the inhabitants of the place might have leave to do the same with like assurance : that they should be conducted by a hundred horse of Cassions Regiment a league upon the way ; and thence by the Trumpet of the same company , with a Pasport to Bethune , and that the inhabitants religious persons or others , might have liberty to remain there ( if they pleased ) taking the Oath of Alleagiance to the Christian King , which conditions being signed and subscribed , there marched out 120 men , above 300 women and children in Waggons , and the Fort was Garrisoned with the Regiment of Navarre .

Halfe a league from thence stood the Castle of Saint Martin de Fresne a passage of importance , Saint Martin de Fresne . and a ready way for the Spanish to Saint Paul . This he summoned the same night , and having prepared to assault it , the Garrison capitulated upon the same termes , as the former , and the French Marshall laid into it 50 Musqueties under the command of a Lieutenant the day following . May 13 , 23. the Marshall encamped neere Perne where there was a Fort , Perne . but abandoned by the people , whose hasty flight caused them to leave behinde them great store of beverage , corn , and cattle . The Country about it , abandoned with forrage , and thither the Marshall sent some of his forces to make provision for the Horse , who returned at night with a good booty , & 600 prisoners , able to pay their ransomes ; besides the Religious persons and women , whom dismissed freely , yet hanged up some Boutefeue for example sake , and so abated their number .

May 14 , 24 , the French Army came to Theronenna a place famoused by Historians , where the remayning Ruines of the buildings , are still witnesses of its ancient glory . The inhabitants loath to alter their government retired presently into the Church , which standeth in an Iland of the River , and thence made some unhappy shot against the French ; but after three volleys of Cannon bullets , they yielded , and some being slain , the rest were taken prisoners . Therovenne , and other Forts and Abbeyes taken by the French . And now the Army , May 15 , 25. tooke up its Quarters betwixt Ardres & Blandeck , a quarter of a league from Saint Aamers , upon the River Aa , which falleth down to Graveling .

Before hee raised any bank against the City , or would give order for the Circumvallation thereof , the Marshall dispatched 3000 foot , and 2000 horse with two Culverings , two peeces of 12 pound Bullet , and other necessary equipage under Fert Imbaut , to cheer the Spanish Forts , The siege of Saint Omars . betwixt Ardres and Saint Omar , that he might have a free passage for his victualers and Convoyes ; and himselfe with the principall Officers went to scoure the causey-wayes , which were filled with armed Peasants , and might otherwise have much impeached him in his designe . Both these parties did their Offices in the space of two days , the Colonel Ferte Imbaut , having first taken in three small Forts which stood upon the way , then the Castle , de Maule , which was defended by a good Garrison , and some peeces of Cannon , and lastly the Fort d' Esper legue , which after the departure of 36 Walloons , 10 Spaniards , and 150 Paysants , was committed to the care of the Governour of Ardres , who put into it an Officer with 80 souldiers , which promised to keepe it eight dayes , or till 1000 Cannon shot were made against it , though it should be surrounded with the Enemies Army . The Marshall himselfe defeated , the 700 Peasants which guarded the causey-wayes , took in the Fort de Mewfosse , or Newdike , and the Abbey of Clermarais ; and to leave no rub in the way , Hallier took the Abbey of Watiene , where the Count de Fountaine lay , and had much ado to save himselfe , whilst for a conclusion at the last houre , and at the same time , the Marquesse de la Ferte took by assault Saubrevit , and Chastillon Sommeline , by the surprize wherof Saint Omars was fully blocked up .

A faire house well sited , The descripti-of Saint Omars . and fitted with competent demesnes , never wants clamours in the propriety : nor a rich wel qualified Virginsuiters : such was the conditions of Saint Omars , a place of as much pleasure as consequence , yet giving pregnant testimonies of both , to compasse which , the French left no stone unmoved , nor the Cardinall Infant to preserve it .

This City a part of the Territories , of the ancient Morines subdued by Iulius Caesar was begun by a Bishop of Therovenna , who built there a Monastery called by his owne name , and by his supposed sanctitie ( devotion in that time of superstition , commonly causing a confluence of people ) made it very populous . It is at this present reckoned in the second Ranke of the Cities of Flanders , well flankered and fortified , being in the territories of France , of stately building throughout the Abbey , especially which is the richliest endowed of al the Covents in that country . The French Marshall that he might have more freedome to settle his Army before it , May 18 , 28. gave order to 1000 horse , The order of the siege . and 1200 foot , to repaire unto his head quarter , the same day by noone , but his men not meeting at the peremptory houre , hee deferred his designe till the day following ; his intention being to be master of a Ferry , by which passengers were transported into the City . It was an attempt of a great spirit , with so small a number , without defensive coverture , to encounter with almost as many , who had immured themselves with earthen walls , and were by that meanes almost shot-free . Two Regiments of Scots and Walloons , were appointed by the Prince Thomaso to guard the place , which perceiving the French almost upon them , spent their powder prodigally , against the assaylants which in fine , forced them to leave their Trenches , and cast themselves disorderly into a Ferry-boat , and seven or eight other Bottomes which they had prepared for their use , and so prevented them of their purpose , which was to entrench themselves there , that they might keep the way open for importation of men , and victuals into the City . This Rub thus taken away , and the French Army re-enforced with 27 new Companies , the lines of circumvallation were drawne out , Iune 2 , new stile , which though they were of so large an extent as five leagues in compasse , the pioners with the help of the common souldiers promised to finish , or at the least make defensible , in the space of eight dayes , if they were not disturbed by the Spanish Army .

Five or six days passed without any action commenced by the Spaniard against the Assaylants : A French captain of horse ; surprized by Forgatz . and then Forgatzs the Crabat , with his Regiment was advanced to aire a place , two leagues and a half distant from Saint Omars ; where having nottice , that a French Captain of Horse by name Vitenwall , was scouring the field , accompanied with twenty men at Arms , he sent out 200 horse against them , who defeated the French Cavallary , and having first deadly wounded him , took the Captain prisoner . This atchievement prompted the Crabats to an higher attempt , which was to assault the Quarter of the Marquesse of Ferte Imbaut , which they did , with 200 men , boldly though not happily , these being beaten back to the grosse of the Regiment , which was affrighted , if not endangered upon this occasion .

Chambot a Captain of Horse , and Valliere a Cornet to the Field-marshall , had been abroad with 200 men of Arms ; who upon their return , were within a quarter of a league of the Marquesse his Quarter , Forgatz defeated . at the time when it was assaulted by the Crabats , when hearing the Alarme , they spurred up to helpe their Comrades , and over-reaching the Arriere of the Crabats in their retreat , pursued them to the place , where their companions expected them , when Forgatz ( as feare alwayes presents the worst of dangers to the imagination ) supposing himself caught in a trap , and dreaming of an Ambuscado , fled confusedly , leaving 30 of his souldiers slaine by the French Cavallters , and himself pursued to the gates of Aire his Garrison .

Fortune this day played her own part , and shewed apparantly her mutability . The same time Iune 9 , 19 two Regiments that d'Espagny and Fouquesoles , were commanded by the French Marshall to march to Momclin , or the Feroy-fort , to secure it from the Spaniards ; but the next way not serving for the portage of their Waggons and Baggage , Saint O murs succoured by Prince Thomaso . they were forced to take a compasse of two leagues , and in the way , re-encountred with Prince Thomaso , attended with 2000 horse , and 4000 foot , who enclosed them with his troups , and with the losses of above twenty of them , amongst which was the second sonne of the Camp-master d'Espagny , who was wounded , & made a prisoner with his third sonne , Lievrenant to his brother , and Fouquesoks forcing them to yield upon composition , thrust in 800 fresh men into the City , which were carried over in boats , by the channels out out through the Morasse , sent from the City to that purpose .

One place is sometime fortunate to one party , and fatall to another . By the same way which the Prince Thomaso re-enforced the Garrison Piccolomini , in the beginning of Iuly , relieved it with victuals , and Ammunition ; the French Army by Iune 5 , 15. had fortified themselves in their earthen walls . Chastillon had his Quarter at the head of the Morasse . Hallier had his next to the Marshall , and so the rest of the Colonels respectively . Three strong Redoubts were built in the place betwixt the Ferry and Hallier : Two Forts upon the plain of Nieube ; the Marshal la Force , was come to the Campe with his Army ; the batteries were raised , the Ordnance played , the Towne was so straight besieged , that there was neither ingresse nor egresse for any ; Famine beganne to rage within , Saint Omars relieved by Piccolomini . the inhabitants and presidiaries were in three weeks brought to a small allowance of meate , and that none of the best , the powder and Ammunition began to faile , the French seemed as full of fire and courage , as their stomacks were of victuals , and before the victory , sang an Epinicion . But Iuly 4 , 14. the Scene altered , Piccolomini projected a way to relieve it , and by the courage of Serjant Major Norris , who that day commanded an English Regiment , and led the Avantguard in the Expedition , performed it . It is thus related by Letters from Antwerpe , and reported to mee by an English Gentleman who was in the Action .

Piccolomini directed the Generall Norris with the English , an Italian and Walloon Regiment to attend as neer the Ferry as they could , without being discovered , whilst himselfe with his forces might either amuse Hallier , or with advantage assault him in his Quarters . The English Commander took the charge upon him , and while the Italian Count with skirmishes and pretenses of a sharp battail held the French in play , conveyed ( at noon day ) 1000 men , 300 barrels of powder , and as much Bread , Cheese , and Bacon , as loaded 400 Waggons by land , by Boat into the City ; which being afterward made known to the French Field-marshals , as loath to consume themselves there , they retyred orderly towards Ardres ; with the losse of their hopes of gaining Saint Omars , The siiege is raised , getting a small victory upon the Prince Thomaso Colleague to Piccolomini in this action , in his return cutting off 1500 of his men ; and seizing of 1200 of his horse , which they sent the next day to Calis .

Further Occurrences in the upper Germany .

April the first new stile , was the day when the Saxon Duke first raised a banke before Freyburg . Some other pieces stood in his way , and hee spent a few dayes to take them in , before he pitched his Campe there , though there wanted no inducements to perswade him to hasten thither as namely the scituation of the place , it beeing an inlet into Switzerland from Swaben , a false report of a slender garrison , the weakenesse of the fortifications , and the Imperiall preparations against him , Goetz being already upon his march with those forces which he had under him , to meet the Generall Walh and his troupes , and the Duke of Bavaria , who was forming of an army about the Danuby , and was expected in person with the Duke de Savelli , to bring it down to Nordlingen ; the generall Rendezvous of the Caesareans and Bavarians , which were joyntly to oppose him .

The Castle of Roetele or Rotelen , the Key of the Marquisate of Dourlack , guarded with 70 Presidiaries , was the first place which presented it self to his eye , March 27 , 7. the Duke of Weymar summoned it , and next Sunday being Palme-sunday carried it , forcing both the Commander and the Souldiers to yield upon discretion . The Castle was well provided of Ammunition , and that with the Citadell , though he might justly have reserved it to his own use , he gave to the Marquesse of Dourlach , who was then in the Campe , and by this atchievment seemed to gain a new possession , and re-investiture into his inheritance which he had been deprived of , ever since the fatall battell of Nordlinguen .

The day of this conquest seemed to bring as good an Augury to the growing hopes of the Marquesse , as the Palme which grew at the feet of Caesars Statue did to him before the battell in Pharsalia , though he was newly possest of this fort , he would not make his personall abode there , but committed the keeping of it to some selected souldiers , and himself accompanied the Army which hitherto went on prosperously . Rosa was commanded immediatly toward the Danuby , where he encountred and discomfited one Company of Imperiall Horse , and a Regiment of Crabats , and a thousand Horse , and some Foot were sent back toward the Rhine to make head against Charles Duke of Lorraine , and young Mercie who were comming with a Convoy of 40 Waggons loaden with Corn and Salt to re-victuall Brisack whom they defeated , and therupon tooke in Newenburg a place of good strength upon the River ( but then abandoned by the Imperialists who were fled from thence for feare of the Dukes forces ) and then having laid in a competent Garrison returned to the Army , which by that time was newly set down before Freyburg .

The siege here was of more difficulty then was at first imagined : The siege and taking of Freyburg . The Town was well fortified with a strong wall and deep ditch , well mann'd with 900 resolved souldiers , and inhabitants as resolute for the defence of the City as were the men of War . The field afforded no convenient place , where the Duke might plant his Ordnance for battery : The Towne was abutted withthree Suburbs which hee first tooke in , and after imployed them to that service : There he mounted his Cannon , which by often discharging made an assaultable breach in the wall , and then he gave order for the assault , which was undertaken by his souldiers cheerfully ; but not successefully . The Ditch was deeper then it was supposed , the scaling Ladders were too short to reach the lowest part of the broken wall , the besieged of all sorts , Religious persons , old men , women , & children repaired thither , to make it good against the assaylants , and with musket shot , stones , Grenadoes , and wild fire beat them off , having slain the Lievtenant Colonell to whom that service was entrusted , and forty common men besides our worthy Country man and resolute Gentleman Master Thomas Cambell , whose story is thus related to mee by Captain Iohn Scot who was a coactor , and had command in the Army at that Expedition . A worthy adventure of two English Gentlemen , but unfortunate . A Lievtenant by name Sandelands being upon the top of the Ladder , seeing the hearts of the ordinary men to faile , looking back , called to Cambell , second me , let us not lose the Honour which our Nation hath purchased with bloud , which he did ; these Colleagues in that service , assisted only with two Dutch Souldiers , and a Scottish Serjant of the Red Regiment , behaving themselves so bravely , that in despight of the defendants , they scaled the breach , slew some of those , which mayntained it , and put the Burgers into such a Feare , that as they confessed afterwards , they had then begged quarter , had they not at the instant perceived the smal number of the assaylants . But an Apoplexie is cured by a Fever , Anger doth chase away Feare , and now offended with themselves , for starting at a shadow , the Souldiers and Townsmen came on furiously , wounded both Sandelands and Cambell , who for all this went on and sent one soul more to Charons Ferry , when a Country Gentleman marking how bravely Cambell behaved , shot , and wounded him mortally , throwing him not yet dead barbarously into the midst of a burning pile , which was ready for their defence , Sandelands in the mean time retyring , and though charged by the Enemy returning safely , by the valour of a Souldier , who with his Pistoll kept the sealing ladder , for his safe Retreat .

Duke Bernherd was not a little moved with this losse , yet as the purest spirits are most active , in the heat , reneweth and increaseth his batteries , lengtheneth his ladders , and prepares for a fresh assault . The preparations of a potent Adversary are terrible to a weak one , he was observed by the Garrison , and without more blows the Town capitulated , and was surrendred Ap. 5 , new stile . Thus this City once the Metropolis and Capitall of the Brisgow , at this present more glorious , though not so strong as Brisack , changed her Lord ; a City famous for the Academy , famous for excellent Rock , Chrystall , some of it being of that bignesse , that a cup therof , containing two English quarts artificially ingraven , and two doozen of Spoones were presented to Duke Bernhard , famous for 20 rich and sumptuous Cloysters , and lastly for the goodly church and tower of curious stone .

The conditions concluded at the surrendry ( which I would not have rehearsed but upon the occasion following ) were these , That all the Priests should march away with the commander , officers and souldiers . That no Burger of what quality soever should depart . That those which went away should have a convoy of horse , &c.

The breach of the second article had like to have exposed all to the conquerors mercy : A rich merchant was found in the waggons , and thereupon the convoy pillaged them , and brought both him and the rest backe as prisoners to Fryburg .

Thus captain Iohn Scot relates this accident : but a letter directed to Rhinacker from duke Bernh . ( the copy whereof I have seen both in French & Dutch ) expresseth more : take it thus abstracted :

Yours , dated at Brisack , April 6 , 16. I have received ; wherein you complaine of an abuse done to the garrison of Freyburg at their departure , and desire a release of the prisoners belonging to your regiment . A copy of the accord I have sent you here inclosed , by which you may perceive that Colonel Esher the late Governor there brake it in the beginning ; first because in the articles he had no colours and standards , yet he caused four to be caried away before the garrison . Secondly , the garrison should not pillage the towne , yet he tooke away the townsmens horses , plundered the cloysters , and mounted the cavalliers which wanted horses , upon the Burghers beasts . Thirdly , their desire to carry away some cattell , was expugned and denied by us , yet they attempted to drive away many . Fourthly , That such as had run away from our army with their horses and armes , should abide therein : yet contrary to the accord , they were not onely concealed in the waggons , their cloathes being changed , and shuffled away over the wall , but the Imperiallists got upon their horses and would have stollen them away , and this caused a broile betwixt the convoy and the garrison , and the reducement of the Caesarians to captivity .

It was a faire answer , and relished as much of military justice , as his after act did of grace ; he set them at liberty without ransom , meekly blaming the convoy , and advising Escher to use more sincerity in observing the tearmes of capitulation .

The city was wonne , and now hee adviseth how to keepe it : first hee layd into it the red Regiment , with one captaine and officer of each company ; but having notice that the enemy with a powerful army was comming to furnish Brisack ( at which hee had an emulous eye ) with victuals , he removed the Red Regiment , and appointed Karosky to that province , with a regiment of horse to scour the waies betwixt Fryburg and Brisack ; and another of foot to maintaine the city . And now to omit his severall Campings and discampings , which may puzzle , cannot please the Reader , we will set downe his and his Officers actions till his battell with Goetz the Generall of the Caesarian and Bavarian forces .

Kanofsky having according to the dukes directions commanded out a party towards Brisack , 5 5 regiments of Butlers Infantery defeated by Kanossky . sixe of his cavalliers spurring up before the avantgard , fell upon the place where our Irish Butler , newly come from the French County , lay with his Infantery , consisting of fifteen hundred men divided into 5 regiments , lay intrenched neer Brisack . The governor Rhinacker for want of provisions being unwilling to entertaine them , they had thought to have amased them by a sudden alarme , and unexpectedly to have surprised them ; but the project failed , that place did not give them hope of glory , but ministred cause of feare . Yet their moderation crowned them with a victory , whose rashnesse might have brought them not to losse onely but ignominy . The Imperiallists kept a good watch , were upon their gard , and inforced the adventurers to fly so affrightedly , that their countenances discovering their hearts , the whole vantgard was possessed with the same cold passion , and all the other cavalliers . The troupes of Kanofskies horse were then upon a cosse-way , hemmed in on both sides with Moorasse , not able to turn to the right hand or left : there was only one way for their safety , which was with their faces about to return as soone as might be . This course they tooke , and the Caesarians supposing them to fly cowardly , pursued them eagerly , till having field roome , and being not confined by the Moorasses , they changed their posture , and assaulting their enemies unexpectedly , they flew three hundred of them , and took no more than 26 prisoners ( amongst which were two Captaines , 3 lievtenants and one ensigne ) for they would give no quarter to any but this small number .

Generall Major Tupadel about the same time had sent out a party after some Caesarians , 120 Cuirassiers surprised by Tupadel . but missing them they re-incountred with 30 cuirassiers neere Aurach in the dukedome of Wirtemberg , which presently fled , and were so pursued that the Saxons forces entred with them into Aurach so suddenly , that they tooke the towne before the rest of the garrison ( being an hundred cuirassiers , whom they put to the sword ) could have notice of their entry , or betake themselves to the castle .

Roza at the same present was as active and fortunate as either of them : he sent abroad 300 horse of his owne Regiment to descry the enemy , and observe his posture ; who first met with 80 crabats , the major part whereof fell by the sword ( that Nation seldome giving or desiring quarter ) and the rest were taken prisoners , by whom hee was informed , that another party followed him , consisting of 120 cuirassiers : 200 Crabats and 6 Companies of Dragons slain and taken by Rosa . the certaine place where they lay was shewed him , and thither hee posted in speed , slew some and defeated the rest : and being informed by his prisoners , that eighty of their comrades were at Altkirken , an Imperiall towne in the dukedome of Wirtemberg , to conduct sixe companies of Dragons , with their standards and baggage to the Barbarian Rendezvous neer Nordlingen ; he placed an ambuscado for them , attended their comming foure and twenty houres , when seeing them upon their march they charged them so roundly , they they slew the most of them , gained all their baggage , amongst which were two carvaches and four standards . The Major which commanded the regiment ( their Colonel Wolfe being slain at the first battell neer Rhinfelden ) escaped with much adoe , beeing shot twice acrosse the body . The Lievtenant Colonel and all the officers became prisoners of war , and Rosa by this happy occasion master of Altkirken , where hee refreshed his Dragons , and reinforced his Regiment with a new accrewt of 400 men , as did also most of his highnesses Colonells about the same time .

These checks the Imperiall and Bavarian Armies received before the battell ; Altkirken taken in . which much abated their number , whilest the Saxon Dukes forces encreased , a new supply both of men and victuals being brought him out of France and Elsas Savern by the Count de Guebriant .

Many cares attend him which enjoyeth much . Io. de Werth removed into France . The Duke had now two things which required his vigilant eye , the safe keeping of his prisoners , Iohn de Werth and Erkenfourt , and the anticipating of Goetz for his intended victualling of Brisack . The first the Christian King tooke from him , by sending for the prisoners and carrying them to Boys S. Vincents , distant about three leagues from Paris .

The other burthen lay upon the Dukes shoulders , who in the end of May understanding that Goetz lay incamped neere Rothywel and Villinguer , marched thitherward with foure great Cannons , twelve field pieces , nine thousand foot and foure thousand horse , to give him battell . But Goetz , who labored more to revictual Brisack before the battell , than after , being advertised of his march , discamped presently , and removed to the Schwartz-Waldt , that he might more covertly performe his task , lending his provisions through the valley of Kintzinguen and towne of Offemburgh . And at that time hee relieved the Brisackers with corne enough for 4 or five dayes and no more ; only 150 of his Cavalliers entring into the towne , each with a bag of meal behind him . Goetz himselfe still delining the battell , and shifting from place to place , one part of the Imperiall army taking its way toward Constance , the other following their Generall toward Hailbrunne .

The Saxon duke was busie all Iune in seeking his enemy , 400 Crabats slain & routed by D. Serub . but could not find him , but was in danger to have been found himselfe by 400 crabats , who being advertised that the Duke was lodged in a small village named Brombach , with a small retinue , thought to have surprised his person . But the Duke was not ignorant of their designe , and sending incontinently to the grosse of his army , which was not far off , his succours came in so opportunely , that he surrounded the wood where the crabats lurked , put 200 of them to the sword , and routed the rest utterly . The enemy not yet appearing , the Swedes made an inrode into the Blacke forrest , and at one time brought to the campe 1000 oxen , which the duke caused to be fed in the medows for his use .

But at length the opposite armies met and joined battell , Iuly 9 new stile , wherin the duke was crowned with a glorious victory . The particulars whereof because they fall not within the prescribed time for this history , I shall referre to another discovery , wherin our Swedish Fabius Bannier , who hath without blowes ruined the great Imperial and Saxon armies , and the rest of those Heroes , whose worthy acts are not here expressed , shall be remembred at large , and have their history continued to this present day .

Here I would make a concluding period , but the siege of Fontarabie must have an abortive birth in the relation , as it had a prodigious end in the action .

CHAP. IV. The siege of Fontarabie .

HOw uncertain the issues of War be , if there were no other Example left , this story alone , might sufficiently testifie : never was Expedition undertaken more cheerfully , the Nobles and Gentry of Guienne , and the South of France , engaging themselves therin voluntarily , never was an adventure made more gloriously , begunne more auspiciously , nor continued more fortunately , till the last Act , and yet there is scarce a Record of any which ended more fearfully .

The Prince of Conde appointed by the Christian King as Generall , accompanied with the Dukes d' Espernon , de Valette de S. Simon , the Marques de la Force & other men of eminent note , 18000 foot & 7000 horse , was to attend this businesse by land , and the Archbishop of Burdeaux with a good Navy by Sea , the Coast of Provence committed to the sole care of the Earle of Hartcourt , and the Archbishoprick not engaged therin : Two Dunkerks men of War taken at Port du passage . Fortune at first attended them both by Sea and land , the Admirall , Iune 30. Iuly 10 , took two Dunkerkers men of War , transporting of souldiers to the Port du Passage , kept the Bottomes for the King his Masters service , and sent the prisoners , to Bayon . The Prince before that day had removed all the Remora's which might hinder him , taken in Iron , Viarson , Renteria , Loys , the Port du passage , Divers places taken by the Prince of Conde . Charlon the Castle upon the Harbour , where hee mounted his Cannon , and began to play upon the Town , Iuly 3 , new stile , which strook off a Pinacle from the Castle , and beat downe some houses , and then having sent a Trumpet to summon Bechare the principall Towne in the Valley of Seringueville , he began his approches and Earthen Fortifications . The Garrisons and Inhabitants tugged with death , and danger to hinder their entrenching , but could not : Iuly 10 new stile , they sallyed forth upon the Pioners , and spent foure vollyes of Cannon shot upon the Campe , but were forced to retire . The next day there issued through the Sally-port , 100 men well armed in battell array , seconded by as many others with Pick-axes and Spades to rayse the Trenches , but were surprized by a Regiment of French , whose charge was to guard the labourers : who slew above 120 of them , and wounded many others , constraining as many as could to fly in a disorderly confusion .

Bechare thus summoned , Bechare summoned , & not yielding . the inhabitans sent a a Drum to the Prince , Iuly 4 , 14. to tell him that they had order from their Vice-roy , to mayntayne the Town for the Catholike King , and that they hourly expected the succours which hee had promised them , His Excellency being fully resolved to relieve them . The Prince incensed with this answer , gave order instantly to the Duke De Saint Simon , to draw 1000 foot , and six Cornets of horse , out of the body of the Regiments , The Duke de S. Simon hath order to enforce it . and with those troups , and one piece of Cannon to compell them , giving leave to the Souldiers to use them with all hostility , that they might be exemplary to others .

The next day , Iuly 5 , 15. the Duke Saint Simon , marched from Iron , with his designed troups of Horse and Foot , these being commanded by Marin an Aide de Campe , Mun , Bevidu , Beaupuy , and Merinville Camp-masters , and encamped at Sarra the last Town of France , where hee met with Amon Grand Bayliffe of the Country de Labour , who presensented him with 300 Basques ready for his service . Here , by advise of the Counsell of Warre , hee appointed Amon to surveigh the ways , and make them fit for the portage of his Cannon , furnishing the Basques with Axes , and other tools for that service , and then himselfe , with the Army marched after them .

No Enemy , which could oppose him , was yet expected , Encounters 1200 Spaniards yet it was suspected , that such an one there might be , and Marine with a 100 foot Perdu's , was sent to see if any such appeared . He had scarce travelled half a league upon the Spanish ground , but he spied two Battalions of the Spaniards upon a Mountain Estward from Bechara , prepared to fight , as hee judged , by their orderly march and shouts , like those which are usuall when battels joyne . Nor did his conjecture faile him ; a selected party drawn out of the Spanish body , which consisted of 1200 men , came up to him roundly , charged upon him furiously , and were received bravely , and after them followed the Grosse of the Army , which had doubtlesse surprized him , had not the Duke de S. Simon come in happily to his Rescue . And here began an hot fight , wherein the Commanders of both sides shewed both courage and dexterity , Defeats them . yet in the end came off with victory , and though the Infantry was tired , and some of their Cavallary , as well as of the Spanish slaine , they forced the Foe to flie over the Mountains , where ( not knowing the wayes ) which of themselves are rough and uncouth , they could not follow them . This brunt being past , 200 of his Basques were sent to burn and pillage Bechara , Burneth Bechara . which they did so expeditiously , that in foure houres space the Town was burnt to ashes , maugre the resistance of the inhabitants , & 300 Castilians , which laboured to preserve it , though these last were martiall men drawn out of the old Bands , and the Nobility of the Frontier Towns . The Duke thus rid of the Spanish forces , and sufficiently avenged of Bechara , intended to Rally up his forces , and pursue the late Enemy into the Valley of Saque , but understanding that the Grand Prior of Navarre was at Saint Estefe , but half a league off with 3000 men , hee changed his minde and marched to Challar and Sourgaramourdi , where he summoned the inhabitants which came in , supplyed him with victuals , promised obedience to the Christian King , and assured him that they of Saques had burned the Magazin , which the Grand Prior of Navarre , had erected there , for the mayntenance of his forces , and so returned to Sarra .

The Duke was no sooner disengaged of his charge abroad , but the Prince of Conde was ingaged in another at the Campe before Fontarabie , or Fuente Rabia . Three thousand Spaniards were brought from Saint Sebastians by Sea in Pinnasses and Shallops , and landed at the Port du passage , but covered from the Garrisons eye by a Mountain betwixt the Sea and them , their intention being to regaine the place , as appeared afterwards by an Adviso found about their Commander from Madrid , wherin hee was enjoyned to recover it , if it were possible , and to assault it , 3000 Spaniards defeated neere Fontaraby . in what state soever he found it : It was a desperate attempt , so neer an Army Royall , to adventure with so few men upon a place of such consequence , nor was the Chieftain insenfible of it , his most familiar friend , confessing after the French victory , that upon the march , hee rounded him in the eare , saying , we march to our death ; yet this taske was enjoyned him , and he to shew his loyalty to his King and Country undertook . But though the attempt was desperate , it was not unpossible , hee might perhaps have attained his end , if hee had not been discovered by 200 Saylours , which were imployed by the Archbishop of Bourdeaux , to mend the Vessels lately taken from the Dunkerkers , who perceiving them climbe the Hill as they were at work , fled presently , and were pursued to the Barricadoes of the Campe , which these Spanish troups assaulted in seven places , till the Prince of Conde who was there in person , drew his forces together which changing these Adventurers home slue 11 of their Officers , above 600 common men , wounded their Chieftain , and took him prisoner , forced the rest to use their heels , & pursued them to the Mountains and Cliffs of Saint Sebastian .

During this fight by land another happened by Sea , where the Sea-men sped no better then their Land-men : six Spanish Pionasses , And two Spanish ships sunk and 12 Vessels of burthen fell upon eight ships , which the French still kept before Fontaraby ; but after a fight of 2 houres , two of the biggest Spanish Bottoms being sunk , the rest hoysed saile , and with the helpe of a faire winde recovered Saint Sebastians .

The Prince by this found no opposition abroad , he had free liberty , and freely used it , to apply himself to the siege , wherby hee brought the Town to extreme necessity , but how successefull the Catastrophe was , though the French will not , a Spanish Capuchin , by his Relation penned modestly , like an Historian , though with some interlarded superstition , and printed at Madrid , Sept. 2 , 12 will inform you .

The Siege of Fontaraby raised . A Relation written from the Campe by Father Fryer Francis of Tarrazona , Reader of the Arts in the Convent of Capuchins of Pampelona , vnto Father Guardian of the Capuchnis of the Convent of Zaragosa .

FAther Guardian . Seeing that the receipts of benefits are the pledges of thankfulnesse , it could not seeme just in me if I should omit to amplifie my thankfulnesse to your Paternity by not declaring and imparting unto your knowledge so singular a blessing , and so ful of divine mercies , as was our late Victory whereof I have been an eye-witnesse and now shall make a plaine narration without complements , addressing my selfe to truth only , which shall be sufficient to incite your Paternity to exercise your devotion in a serious and affectionate thanksgiving . The great strait and difficulty in which the French held the strong Towne of Fontaraby is not unknowne to your Paternity , and how our Councell of Warre had resolved to relieve it so soone as sufficient forces might be raised to encounter with so great an Enemy though the execution was most dangerous . Vpon Tuesday August 21/31. the Lord Admirall of Castile , and the Marquis of Veles Generals of the Forces of Navarre , and Guiapuscoa resolved to releeve it , their Army consisting of 16000 Foot and 600 Horse , which to that purpose being devided into 3 Squadrons , the Lords Generals with the grosse of the Army marched to the descent of a hill which is scituated and runneth from the gate of the passage unto the Fort , and there mounted 8. Pieces of Artillery in the place where the Marquis of Mirtaca was enquartered with the third part of the Conde Dukes Army and the Irish forces . By the descent of the valley the Marquis of Torrecusa marched with a good Squadron of Soldiers , and Don Piedro Giron with 2000 Foot marched towards Irun where the Enemy was fortified . In this posture was the Army the 20/●0 . of August with purpose to relieve the besieged the next day following by 4 of the clock in the morning : But it pleased the Almighty ( not without a mystery as it appeared afterwards ) to frustrate their resolutions by this occasion . The night following was tempestuous with Lightning and thunder , and the clouds dissolved into raine which fell without intermission the space of five dayes : The valley was bare of wood and trees , and neere the Sea , and the toilsomnesse of that night is inexpressible , our travell so much increasing that we could not secure our lodgings nor make Barracadoes , but for want of wood we were forced to discampe , the Generals compassionating the Soldiers licensing them to retire and refresh themselves in the places next adjoyning .

The Lord Admirall and the Marquis of Veles were in the Sally from Munday to Friday , when the raine not ceasing and the waters descending to a place called Tezo they commanded the Artillery to retire , that the Soldiers leaving their Tents in good order might be refreshed : By which meanes the valley became so desolate , that they much feared the Enemy would salley forth upon those which remained behind thus harazzed and wearied with the rigour and extreamity of the weather .

The foulnesse of the weather overjoyed the Enemy , which thence concluded , that God assisted them against the Spaniards , arming the Heavens to crosse their intentions : and to this purpose , the Prince of Conde sent a Cartell to the Governor of Fontarabie , the summe whereof was , That to shew himselfe a mercifull and Catholick Prince hee advised him to render the place , offering him that honorable Quarter , which could no wayes impeach his Honor who had so long maintained the place , and so valiantly , and that the rather because all hope of succours was now taken from him , the Generals being already retired : and that hee was not ignorant of his want of Soldiers , ammunition , and Victuals , by which the besieged should be enforced to yeeld : which if they refused to doe of their owne accord , they would be exposed to the edge of the Sword , the Commander should be made shorter by the head , and the rest used with such cruelties as happen in cases of assault , the Officers not being able ( though willing ) to restraine the fury of their Soldiers .

Don Doming Leguia a Knight of Biscay then Governor of Fontarabie , answered well in the courage of a great Souldier , as the Gentilizza of a Courtier , approving the advise , and returning due thankes for the offered curtesie and counsell : but in the point of impossibility of succours hee was not dis-harted there being nonecessity thereof , nor himselfe being lesse confident to keepe the place then he was before , being already provided and abundantly furnished of all things whereof his Excellency supposed him to be destitute , and for the point of loosing his Head , hee was confident no such disaster could befall him , resolving rather to dye like a valiant Soldier , then to become a Prisoner and have his head cut off , and what hee believed impossible to winne he had no cause to feare , his praesidiarie Soldiers being resolved to oppose the valour of the Besiegers .

The Prince of Conde being moved with this answere , caused 3 assaults to be made , in which divers of the French were slaine , and vpon Saturday the 4. of September New stile , they advanced so farre as within 30 foote of the height of the wall , but they were all slaine two excepted , which infected those which should have beaten them on and seconded them , with such a contagion of feare , that they forbare to assault the Garison .

The Admirall the Archbishop of Burdeaux assisted with 30 other Bishops came thither also , who hindred the importation of any succors into the City by Sea : and hee seeing the place not surrendred after so many assaults , told the Prince of Conde that he appear'd an unexperienced Souldier , to make so many assaults from the Baletta with so small reputation , intimating that he would have the place assaulted vpon the Birth of our Lady , by 4 of the clocke in the morning , but the Prince opposed saying , that the Arch-bishop was Generall at Sea , and that it did not concerne him to intermeddle with the affaires by Land . Hereupon ensued more contention occasioned by the Duke , and d' Espernon siding with the Archbishop : and vpon the overture the Prince of Conde hasted to renew the assault for the respect he gaue the Archbishop : but his Highnesse entring into a more serious consideration , and judging ( not without reason ) of the various events of Warre , especially our men being couragious , and well fortified , intending to disingage himselfe from the obligation wherin he was involved , in an angry moode replyed to the Archbishop , that being generall at Sea it did not concern him to giue the assault by Land , and that he would not loose the glory of the assault which properly belonged to his place . To appease all , his Highnesse prepared a mine which he intended to spring vpon the Vigill of our Lady , and placed therein 29. barrels of Gun-powder , by which no doubt a great part of the wall would haue fallen , it being torne by other mines and batteries : To effect it the Archbishop commanded out the ablest Souldiours in the Nauy , and promised 4000 Doblons should be destributed amongst the adventurous which should first make the assault the most couragiously and readily . The assault was made in 4 places , the French being confident that the Towne would be rendered when the mine was sprung by reason the defendants were but few , and they grew weary by toyle and unable to hinder their approaches .

Hitherto God was pleased that wee should suffer , but vpon Sunday at 5. of the clocke the raine ceased and the weather holding vp , our Generals placed all their forces in the same posture wherin they had beene formerly ranged a League from the Enemy . Vpon Munday at night the Generals assembled at the place called Lezo , desirous to succour the Towne with all expedition , for the day before some sallied out of it , to certifie them that if they were not relieved within 3 dayes the French would bee Masters thereof : and thereupon they resolved to assayle the Enemies vpon Tuesday the Vigill of our Lady .

The time did not then serve to muster the forces , but it is supposed that 3000 were lost by the deluge of raine and waters . Vpon Tuesday in the morning the troopes were devided into 3. squadrons . By the descent of the hil which runneth from the passage to the City was the Marquesse of Mortara with 2000 of the Conde Duke , the Irish , and others , 1000 Navarrois , and Provincials , who were so ordered and quartered , that the right wing of the Vantguard should consist of a third part of the Conde Duke his Regiment . The Battaile and Reare should take vp the other people amounting in all to 4000 with some Companies of Horse .

At the lowest part of the hill to the Southward lay the Lord Admirall of Castile and the Marquesse of Veles with the grosse of the Army , with the Master of the Campe Generall the Marquesse of Torrecusa with 2000 selected and choyse Souldiours of Don Fausto de Ludioso .

The ablest Souldiours were disposed in the most eminent places , that the Enemy might not bee able to cut off our forces . On the other side of Irun marched Don Pedro Giron with 2000 men , the most of them Castilians with the Campe-master Sebastian Granero Generall of the Artillery , and a troope of Horse to possesse the most eminent places about Irun , and to hinder the succours which might come from any of the French Quarters at Fontarabie . We that were Capuchns devided our selves into 4 parts distributing our selves with our companies of the Religious which were then there .

In this posture we advanced towards the Enemy in front the same day by 4 of the clock in the afternoone , and the Marquesse of Mortara immediately gayned the ascent of the hill whereof hee had beene Master before but had then willingly abandoned , and now compassing the little hill above , he gayned the eminent places untill he approched within Musket shot of the Enemies trenches , from whence hee received some round charges . The Horse and Irish wheeled to the left hand towards the Sea to secure themselves from the offence of the Enemy which lay behind the hill .

The Marquis of Torrecusa immediatly seated himselfe in the secure place below the Hill , after hee had gained two Quarters from the Enemy over against a Redoubt scituated at the end of the Trench , which was the greatest Fortification the Enemy had . His troopes immediatly assaulted their Enemies , some with Pikes , others with Sword and Target , and others with Muskets , which brake into a troope of French Horse , forcing them twice to recoyle : But the Camp-Master Generall drawing up the Corslets caused his Companies to renew their charges , and joyning their Musketiers together , they charged the Enemy so forcibly that he was not able to endure the assault , but gaue ground .

In this first encounter foure or 6 men entred the Redoubt fighting like Lyons , but the Enemy overmatching them in number enforced them to retire . But wee returned with such fury to the assault of the Redoubt , that having killed many French wee regayned the place at the very point of the Fortification , and though they were many and well defended with artificiall and intricate trenches , and a ditch of very great depth , yet they abandoned the place .

The Enemies Campe removed it selfe a Musket shot , the Horse before , and the Foote behind : where they stood amazed whilst you will repeate the Creed 6 times , determining as farre as wee could perceiue to beate us backe , driving them back out of the Redoubt , and assaulting us by troopes . But our men being Masters of the place grew so couragious-instant , they charged them so roundly , that they were enforced to turne their backes with much losse at one instant , none of the French appearing aliue in their Trenches , but leauing many dead therein , and some Canons of a middle size wherewith they had much endamaged us , Our forces followed the chase . Some of the Enemies that is the Cavallary flying towards Iran , other towards the Sea , the most whereof were drowned , the Tide running with great force and more then ordinary because of the Land waters : wee flew many of them when they were up to the middle in water , when they who had entered the small Boates and could not row against the Tide rendred themselves , and with folded hands and mournfull voices , cryed Vive le Roy de Espagne , God quarter for Gods sake : Our Companies hastned towards the Sea in extreame danger to the judgement of all beholders to doe our Christian duties in relieving the afflicted , and it was our great good hap , that in so great hazard wherein wee were involved our people having lesse resistance then the poore French , wee exercised our Charity to the comfort of those that were at the point of death . Those which fled towards Iran wee could not pursue , but if wee had but stopped their way onely with 200 Musquetiers , without doubt they had beene all cut in peeces or become our Prisoners , which was impossible to fore-see , we not imagining to have obtained so notable a Victory , our counsels onely tending to relieue the Port , not suspecting that so puissant an Enemy , so well fortified in his Trenches would so soone turne his backe , though many of them drowned themselves in the passage of Bobia .

Those of Fontarabie could not salley forth , being reduced to so small a number , which neverthelesse if they had done , no doubt they had made a very great slaughter .

Our Generals met together about 5. of the clock in the afternoone , and entred Fontarabie , where they were received with incredible joy by a people which that day and before had endured so many broyles and toyles , and had spent all the morning in viewing the Hills a farre off , to see whether the expected succours would come ; and were almost past hope , because they could descry no part of them .

The Lords Generals , like most devout Catholike Princes , went instantly to expresse their pious acknowledgement of so graat a Victory , and sang Te Deum , which though it was not attended with the greater Musicke , was done with greater Zeale and affection , Drummes , Trumpets , and Artillery , beeing not necessary for such a Solemnity .

Their devotions ended , the Lords Generals , saluted the inhabitants with most loving embracements , thanking them in the name of his Catholike Majesty , for their constant Loyalty , by which they had pleased God , and defended their King , and Country .

Don Pedro de Giron had order to make no assault vpon the French Campe , till 4 of the clocke in the morning of our Lady Day , but the Enemy fled that Night , and concealed his flight by many false fires . They left behind them much warlike provision , ammunition apparell and riches , not burning the baggage as they intended , and Don Pedro might without resistance have possessed himselfe of Iran in the morning if hee had followed it .

Hee that did best for gayning this victory , was the Marquesse De Torrecusa , with the Navarroyes and Neapolitans . Concerning the Particular Cavallieres I can say little most of them beeing unknowne to mee . Some affirme , that Don Francisco de Garro was the first , which entred into the Enemies Trenches , other say the Earle of Xaviers though he was beaten out againe by the blow of an Halbert , which had undoubtedly slaine him had not his Gorget saved him . Captaine Pedro de Maravidis Knight of the order of Saint Iames entred also into the same Redoubt , whence he brought away a French Colours having slaine the Ensigne in sight of the whole Army , others report the ficst that entred to have beene Don Iuan D' Eques a Knight of Navarre , and that a Neapolitane of Valentia charged very brauely .

There were slaine of the French 1200 , which were seene floating upon the Son , most of them men of quality as it seemeth by their outward Habit ; wee lost not many , the generall vote is not above thirty , yet the Lord Admirall saith more , nor had we many wounded . The Prisoners taken that day were above 1000. and the number increaseth daily , mamy which had hid themselves in Brakes and Thickets , being compelled abroad by Hunger . It is said , there were 50 of the French Nobility wanting ; but that is scarce credible . A French Trumpet came into our Army the Friday following , who affirmed , they had lost 6 thousand men : and being demanded what the French conceived of the Spaniards , hee answered ; the Spanish are Couragious , and the French want Government : which hee meant perhaps of those which betrayed the Cause by their feare and flight ; for they could not bee ignorant , that their Forces then consisted of two and twenty thousand Foot , 1000 Horse , fifty good Ships well provided , and that a re-enforcement of 6000 men was expected daily from Baiona : the Spanish Army consisting onely of 3000 Foot , and five hundred Horse , more or lesse , and the Enemy being fortified , and wee having no place of strength , how could so shamefull a flight , and so glorious a Victory bee expected ? The Booty was great , and the pillage was increased , the Enemy vainely conceiving ( according to the relation of a Capuchin prisoner ) to winne ground upon Fontarabie , and then to fall upon St. Sebastian a place of lesse importance , and so to passe victoriously throughout all Spaine even to Madrill without resistance , which was also beleeved by them as a matter of faith .

They came to the Siege very rich in Plate , Gold , costly Lodgings , Pavillions very curiously wrought , Cabinets , and other precious furniture . Wee seized the Wardrobe of the Prince of Conde , wherein wee found much and very rich enamelled Plate , and a most rich Ensigne of the Order , which was of such estimation , that the next day hee sent a Trumpeter to the Admirall of Castile , intreating him to returne the Plate and the Golden Fleece and hee would allow the true worth thereof for the same . The Arch-Bishop of Burdeaux wardrobe also they seized , and part of his owne wearing Apparell , and the foure thousand Doublous which hee promised to deliver amongst his Souldiers , to encourage them to the assault .

It is thought hee was present in the Campe at the time of the skirmish , and it is not knowne how hee escaped . Because hee falls not downe towards the Sea , it is thought hee betooke himselfe to the Cittadell of Saint Elmo , from whence the next day it was observed the French vayled their sayles having given fire to their Cittadell , cloyed it with Artillery . Their Muskets , Harquebuses , and Pikes were all left in the place being too heauy to beare away and might hinder their escape . Their cassocks of Skarlet , and other of finest cloth with the orders of the Holy-Ghost were very many . One of our Souldiours had 3 of them , and sold one for 16. Royals which was then worth 100 Duckets . The hangings were of unshorne greene Velvet broy dered with Gold , embossed with Iewels , and tufted with greene water Grograynes , buttons of gold and rich galownes . The Iewels , chaines , watches , and many other rich ornaments , were found vpon the dead bodies in the Sea . In such Fishings the Irish were very skilfull diving under the waters to find them .

The Ensignes gained from the enemy were about a hundred , though the Admirall had not so many , many of them were in the hands of particular persons , desirous to place them in their severall countreyes , as Trophies of their Victory : notwithstanding the old souldiers made no account of them , saying , they would only place in their Countreyes those which were taken and wonne from the hands of the enemy . The pieces of Artillery which were left , during the Siege , were 23 , and many of them Spanish , with the Armes and Names of the Kings of Spaine : others affirme that there were many more left , they left there also many barrels of powder , and about three hundred Granadoes , which made such spoyle within Fontarabie ; It is a divellish invention , an instrument of warre , weying about 150 pounds of Castile Iron , three fingers thick , with a narrow mouth , fastened with knots , cimented with toe , and this knot lying higher , the powder is moistned and wet , that it may continue a time in the Aire , before the report , which afterwards recoyleth from the mouth , which penetrating an house , though it hath five floores , it will passe through them all , and pierce through the whole edifice , and hath left the Bullet , which is a little Morter , with a large mouth , like the Granadoes , but narrow on the contrary extremity . It is reported they cost 70 Duckets a piece .

The morning before the battell arrived to the French , 4 or 5 Pinnaces , loaden with White-meates , Wine , Sweet-meates , daynties , and necessary provision , all which was left in the Field , and gave our Army good refreshment . In one of the Pinnaces were 6 pieces of Ordnance , and amongst them one curious piece belonging to the Cardinall Richeleau . The Fleete was onely in want of men , most of them leaving the Sea , to give the assault by land , and it remaining at sea , till the day of our Ladies Birth , without a convenient tide , if there we had had but a small Army by sea , we had gained that also .

The Forts and Walls of Fontaraby , were much ruinated , especially a Curtaine called the Queenes , which looked towards the Mountaine , which being broken by twelve Mines , the breach was so large , that there was no difficulty to enter it , and if wee had not erected a rampire or Countermure , fortified and supported with timber , which the demolished houses afforded , wee could not well have held it .

The Artillery did no great damage to the wall , but rather to the Parapelts , on which the Battery was made in foure places , by innumerable Cannon shot , for there passed not a day naturall ( which consists of 24 houres ) wherein there were not accounted 1200 , and the quantity of the great shot was such , that ( as the French observed ) our Artillery was cloyed thereby , and could not be of any use to us , without new carriages .

We had not beene so well assured of the place , had wee not beene assisted by the Women , who were very cheerefull , some helping to dig in our trenches , others charging our Musquets with great expedition , and bringing powder and shot in their lapps , that we might discharge the oftner , others apparrelling themselves in the habits of men , having the courage to skirmish with the enemy , wheresoever they should give the assault , with greatest fury , which we daily expected .

It is affirmed that the Marquesse of Veles encountred a noble Lady in that posture with her Musquet , rest , and white safeguard : who seeing him said , let not your excellency marvell , for every day since the siege , I have discharged two Musquets , but this day more : And immediately she discharged very gracefully , his excellency shewing a respective remonstrance of Honour to her feminine valour .

The Inhabitants of Fonteraby were so feeble , that it was an extraordinary griefe to behold : for their houses for the most part were battered , and unserviceable for use or shelter : and they had not above two Quintals of powder , having wasted 800. The French gained many places in Reutoria , where onely were remaining , but 15 houses .

The Covent of Monkes were halfe burnt , ours scarce received any losse at all , before some of the Fathers of Bayona came thither : and when wee thought we had lost all , God was pleased to offer us a meanes of restitution , and by the great piety and affectionate devotion , wherewith the Lord Admirall was pleased to honour us , having vowed to reedifie and repair all the dammages of the Monasterie caused by destruction of the Buildings ; I presented my selfe to give thankes to his Excellency , who assured me that he had acquainted his Catholique Majesty ( whom God preserve ) therewith , and hath wrote earnestly to the Conde Duke , praying that it might be put to his account , to repaire the dammage which the Capuchins had received ; whereof his Majesty tooke notice , and over and besides , undertooke to provide some accommodations , which were wanting to the said Fathers , and we owe this noble Prince an extraordinary measure of respect , for his favour towards a prisoner of our habit , which was amongst the French : for whom the Prince sent his Trumpetter to Bayon , accompanied with two Fathers of our order : The father Francis Barnard of Pompelona , the Father Iuan of Loarra .

Thus farre this Capuchin , who de facto relateth a truth , though he may erre perhaps in the circumstances , imputing that to feare , which was in probability occasioned by faction , as may bee gathered by the Consequents , which are to bee remembred in our next Relation .

FINIS .

London Printed for Na. Butter , and N. Bourne . Feb. 6. 1639.

With Priviledge .