From Prage the 22 , of October , 1631.

IN this Kingdome are many thousands of Soul diers enquartered for the ensuring of the same . Vnto these forces shall be adjoyned the Generall Dieffenbach , with 6000. foote and 800. horsemen . Don Balthazar shall Command as Generall . His Imperiall Majestie hath granted many Commissions more for the levying of new forces ; in so much that the Drummes beat in all places . From Silesia we haue newly received tydings that the Commander Gotsen hath taken the Cities Gorlits , Sittau , and other places in Lusatia , and newly are adjoyned to him fifteene hundred Hungarians .

From Prage the 27. of October , 1631.

The Imperialists haue abandoned the vpper and lower Lusatia , which places are againe possessed by the Duke of Saxony , The said Imperialists after they had made great spoyle in the Duke of Freidland his Countrey , and within his owne Territories , were at last enquartered in the Earledome of Glatz . The new levied forces of Tertzich are vtterly defeated at Great Glogaw in Silesia , yea quite destroyed . And the same Citie over and aboue that is delivered vp , and taken by the same forces of the King of Sweden , and now fully in the possession of his Majestie .

The Swedish horsemen waiting their opportunitie , defeated some Imperiall troupes neare vnto Vlm , between Schorndorf and Augsburg . Which forces convoying along with them some treasure , became good bootie to the Swedish .

From Gotlitz in Silesia the 25. of October , 1631.

This day the Imperiall Feild-Marshall hath sent hither to this Citie a warlike Commissary , with a request that wee-would be pleased to afford the Imperiall Army free passage , and grant them to be enquartered thereabouts . After this Commissary had waited with his Convoy before the Gates of the City for an answer , from twelue of the Clocke till two in the afternoone , was at last suffered to enter , and caused to propound his errand vpon the Towne-house , after he had made his speech and ended his proposition , he was wished to returne backe to his lodging , vntill they had fully deliberated concerning his demand of so high a nature . This Commissary Generall finding the time of his expectation for an answer somewhat too long and tedious , returned backe to the Citie gate againe , before he was sent for , but was not suffered to enter before fiue of the Clocke . And when he had conferred with the Peeres and Counsell , they could in no wise agree together , whereupon he departed peaceably for that time . Afterward his Feild-Marshall commanded hither certaine Regiments of Souldiers , with some Ordnance , and demanded obedience from the Citie , and willed to yeeld . Which we perceiving to be so earnestly intended , yeelded our selues , after some Articles of agreement considered and concluded vpon , and our Garrison departed out of the Citie , and we suffered eleven Companies of the Emperours forces to enter . Lately also the Commander Four was sent to Baudissen , and the Commander Illo to Sittow , but those of Boudtsen will resist : for they expect ayde and reliefe : and some Regiments of horse and foote are alreadie marching thither .

The Imperialists presse hard vpon this Citie and Country , ayming to extract provision from vs for the whole Imperiall Army ; but hitherto is nothing granted . Neither can wee learne what is their intention , because the absolute resolution for the whole matter must come from Vienna , and they must be directed and guided by the order that they receiue thence . Wee doe exceedingly long to perceiue which way the Duke of Saxony will convert his proceedings , but it is very doubtfull .

Now we doe at this instant receiue tydings , that the Imperialists haue beene constrained to forsake the vpper & low er Lusatia , which they haue abandoned , and diverted them selues toward Bohemia . At Dresden is lately arrived one Imperiall and another Spanish Ambassador .

From Kitzingen the 26. of October , 1631.

The King of Sweden will suffer no posts or Messengers to passe these wayes . Certaine it is that he hath taken Wirtzburgh , with the Castle neare vnto the same Citie . His Majestie by reason of the great confluxe of Souldiers , daily comming to him , cannot but exceedingly augment his Army .

Another from the same place , the 27th .

The King of Sweden by the sword , with his valorous proceeding hath subdued and brought vnder his subjection this whole Bishopricke of Wirtzburgh . Which Bishopricke is bound to contribute vnto him monethly a great summe of money . All the Cities in this Country , and almost all the houses in the Cities are full of Corne , Wine , and other good provision , for it is a rich Country : so that the Souldiers are come into a good harbour , and will speed well , for they find great plentie of all things . The Cattle strayes and doe erre about the high wayes and streets , without any keeper . A good Cow is sold here for one Ryx Dollar , and a sheepe for a very small value . His Majestie of Swedens Army is very strong , as it is certainly esteemed , consisting of 60000. men , for ever since his great victory , and since his comming into these parts , he hath had a great conflux of forces comming to him . The principall parties and heads of Bamburg ( since their Bishop hath forsaken them ) are agreed and haue compounded with his Majesty of Sweden , vpon these 4. Articles set downe .

1. That they shall be bound to pay to his Majestie without further delay , three Tun of Gold , 2. That they shall yeeld vp to his Majestie the two strongest fortified places in the Country , as namely , Fortheym and Kronnach . 3. That they shall monethly contribute to his Majestie as great a summe of money , as the Catholike League formerly received from them . 4. They shall abandon all the forces of the Catholike League , & casheere them , renounce the agreement between them , and cleaue to his Majestie of Sweden .

From Leyprich the 28. of October , 1631.

From Dresden is written that certaine thousands of Crabates came before Old-Dresden , and their intention was to take in the old Iaggers-Castle . But those that were within , played so furiously with Canon vpon them , that they were constrained to retire , but not without doing mischiefe , for they burnt downe some houses and barnes , and went their wayes .

After that Garlits-Bautsen and some other places more were taken by the Commander Gotzen , our Prince Elector of Saxonie , with his Army went against him , wherevpon Gotzen not being able to abide the power of his Army , retired , and hath quite abandoned both the higher and lower Lusatia . And all the Cities are beset by the Duke of Saxony .

The 22. day of October this present moneth , but few dayes agoe , the water in the Burgg-wall behind S. Thomas Church in this Citie was changed suddainly into a colour as red as bloud , which was beheld and admired by many thousand Spectators .

From Augsburgh the 25. of October .

The Spirituall and Clergy men , especially the Iesuites flie in great number from Dillingin , Inglestadt , Ratsboone , and other places , very confusedly , with all their moveables bag and baggage , and take their refuge to this Citie , and so forward . The Spirituall persons in this Citie dare not stay here , but doe also depart hence into other Parts , so that they cannot be furnished susticiently with Carts and Wagons for their conveyance .

The Marck-Graue of Barut 8 dayes agoe , sent am hundred load of haye to Weysenstadt , for there-abouts are many thousands of the King of Swedens men come , namely , at Moninghsbergh , Rausteyn and Lichtenbergh : they haue taken all the places of note betwixt Coburgh and Norimberg . It is certainely thought that his Majestie will make towards Eyckstadt and Bauaria .

The Duke of Saxonie is vpon the very Frontiers of Bohemia , and it is for a truth , that he hath taken Eger which is a City of great moment , vpon the said Frontiers of Bohemia .

Some Swedish Horsemen haue lately taken 200000 Rix-Dollors appertaining to Commissary Wolfstiere , with some other treasure sent to Munchen . These Horsemen were but a 100 in number , but had with them a troupe of Footmen , they tooke their occasion neere vnto Vlme , and so carried away this maine bootie .

From Selingstadt the 6. of November . 1631.

Vpon Sunday last the Generall Tilly from the head-cheife quarter of his Army , sent forth 3000 men Horse and Foote , to take in the City of Wertheym , which his Majestie of Sweden tooke but lately before , where 14 Companies of his Majestie of Sweden were enquartered . The King having advertisement hereof , caused divers thousands of men to lie in Ambuscado ( parted in two parts ) in a place named the Taubergrond , he had also given notice to the Governour of the City of Wertheym , and charged him to retire if in case he saw occasion , and leaue the City , his Maiestie intending some exploit that way . But before it came to that , the Kings foresayd Troupes consisting of some Horse and Foote , which lay in Ambush , before they could come neere the City , environed these Imperialists round about , before and behind , and assaulted them so furiously , that 2700 of them were slaine dead on the place , so that but a very few of them escaped : 14 Ensignes were delivered to his Maiestie at Wirtsburgh , and this exploit afforded the Souldiers very good bootie .

But in the meane while the Imperialists haue taken the Castle and City of Bobenhausen , where they doe ensconce and entrensh themselues ,

His Maiestie of Sweden was invested at Wirtsburge , a few dayes agoe , and received very willingly by the Citizens for their Lord and Protector .

From Hanaw the 29. of October .

It is now confirmed that his Maiestie of Sweden hath also taken the Castle of Wirsburgh by the Sword and many assault , therein were slaine 2000 men : onely one Gentleman saved his life , whom the King graciously pardoned , the said Gentleman revealed vnto the King a hidden great Treasure .

Last Saturday his Maiestie was in person at Karelstadt by the Maine , where he brings a maine Army together . The Lord Witzdom hath fore-warned the Citizens of Aschenburgh , to convey their goods into the strongest and surest places .

Eight dayes agoe the Swedish haue taken Rottenberg on the River Tauber , whether the Commissary Masen was fled . This City was yeelded to his Maiestie by agreement . The Garrison which was 700 strong , mutined when they heard of the Swedish comming , and rent their Ensignes all in peeces from the very shafts , and most of them betooke themselues into his Maiesties service .

The Swedish haue also taken Dunckenspill , and divers other places there-abouts .

The Citizens of Northingen ( an Imperiall Towne in Wirtenbergh ) haue by force of Armes expelled the Imperiall Garrison of 600 men , which was within the Citie , and they haue freely surrendred vp the City to the King of Sweden .

On Friday last some thousands of Swedish Forces lodged at Newstadt , and the next day marched to Haylbrun , and those parts towards the River of Necker , doubtlesse having some great exploit in hand .

His Maiestie of Sweden causeth the City Wertheym , and the Castle of Wurtsburgh to be fortified . He hath placed for Governour at Konigshouen , Duke Ernst of Saxen Wymer .

The Army of the Duke of Loraine , and the Generall Tilly in person were two dayes since at Mildeburgh , Most of the said Army is yet betwixt Mildeburgh and Aschenburgh , and some of them about Nyterburgh and Heytbatch . It is supposed , that the Generall will goe towards Bischopsheym on the River Tauber , and there pitch his Army . His Forces in the Bishopricke of Mentz commit great insolencies , and doe great mischiefe .

From Bremen the 26. of November .

It is now confirmed from all parts that the Landgrave of Hessen hath taken Paderborn and many other places , as also Niewenhouse . Where hee caused the Armes of the Bishop of Collen to be pulled downe , and the armes of his Maiesty of Sweden to be set up in the roome . He hath also demanded Hexter to be delivered to him and Hamelen and thence will passe on forward to Osnabrug .

Letters from Norimberg and Leypsich newly received , relate , that a very bloody fight lately happened betweene the Duke of Saxons forces : and the Imperiall forces which came from Lusatia . And that the Saxon at the first by reason of the furious assault of the Imperialists was mooved to retreat , but being seconded by some Swedish forces they obtained a great victory . In time we shall have farther intelligence and be able to certifie you concerning the truth hereof .

From Maestricht the 3. of November .

Here doe daily passe many souldiers horse and foot over the Maze toward the Rhine . The Prince of Barbancon shall command 4000. horse , the Lord of Wittenhorst causeth also his regiment of horse to be augmented and reenforced . The Earle of Solmes , and the Lord Roveroy follow them with two dutch regiments of foot forces . These all of them march to the Generall Tilly , or to the Palatinate .

From Collen the 9. of November .

The Land-Grave of Hessen hath since the taking of Paderborn , Munden , Warburgh , Felckmersen , Arenstbergh , and Wee l , summoned the Peeres and chiefe of the Bishoprick of Paderborn to appeare before him and take the oath of fidelity , as likewise to agree and consult concerning the payment of the monyes that are to be contributed , and concerning the Enquartering of the souldiers , hath also distributed commissions for the levying of 4. regiments of foot , and 3. of horse . In those parts he marched with his Army towards Hexter and Corway . And now tidings is come that he hath taken Hexter . Our Elector with the Bishop of Osnabrug and the Elector of Mentz are here yet together at the Dyet : Where the Peeres have concluded to contribut 200000. Ryxdollers but with Condition that all their agreements shall first be remooved , and than the monyes Contributed be imployed for the defence of the Countrey . And whereas that money is not sufficient long to maintaine many souldiers , our Elector is very earnest for a larger contribution to be granted . And because the Spirituality ought not herein to be exempted , especially since all this war and Commotion had from them it 's originall , it is thought fit that they shall bee large Contributors , and with their Church Ornaments &c. and revenues , they shall helpe to maintaine a defensive Army . But in the meane while there is a great flight , of Priests , Monkes and Iesuites with their Church Ornaments to the Citty St. Liborius . Yesterday the Spanish troupes 14. Cornets in number were expected about Duringen commanded by Wittenhorst , and 4. or 5000. foot under the command of Colonell Roveroy , among these is comprehended the Regiment of Ysenborg and the new Italians . They take their way toward the Mosell through the Eyffel , so to Trarbach and Cochum . The 4. of this Moneth passed 3. or 400. men over the Mosel-bridge under the command of Everfeeld , these passe to the Palatinate .

Here is much amunition and great store of Armes bought .

The Commander Newhousen levies 1000. Curassiers , Dislingen 500. Light horses , Angstell 500. more , Overlachen one Regiment foot , and one horse . Commander Lambach wil likewise have a regiment . All these for the service of our Elector of Collen .

The Duke of Bavaria levies the tenth man for defence of his Countrey .

From Hamburgh the 30. of October .

The Garison which yeelded up Rostock to the King of Sweden , the 19. day of this Moneth , passed by Dutzaw in the Dukedome of Mechelenburgh , and so to the River Elb Wismar is not as yet agreed , being resolved to defend it selfe , and hold out as long as one man shall be left alive .

Assoone as Rostock was delivered up to his Maiesty of Sweden , the Imperialists for very feare forsooke Ratsenburgh two Leagves from Lauwenburgh . At Blanckeneese those Imperialists passed over the river Elbe to Boxteheede and Stade .

From Hamburgh the 6. of November .

From Mechelburg is written that the Army is come from Rostock before Wismar , those within Wismar fell out of the Citty a thousand strong , so that an exceeding hot fight happened on both sides . The besieged were driven back into the Citty with great losse leaving behind them many dead men , and many wounded . Among the dead was their great Commander Aldessa Barry an Italian , who commanded there for the present in lieu of Gabriel de Roy , as Governour of the said Citty , many were also carried prisoners to Weryn . On the other part of Mechelburgh were also divers of them slaine , among the rest Leiutenant Generall Berenbach .

Duke William , Governour at Erfort , causeth a new army of 8000. foot and 4000. horse to be raised . And we understand farther , that the Swedish Chancellor Oxenstern is daily expected with an Army of 12000. men , with these to take the Citty Magdenburgh and Wolfenbuttel which have beene so long besieged .

From Collen the 4. of November .

The Lant-grave of Hessen with an Army of 12000. men , besieged the City Munden by the river Weser , and in one day shot very strongly from two batteries , thus attempting to take the City by force , those within yeelded up themselves by agreement , they departed out of the City with Bag and Baggage , and were convoyd to Gottingen . The said Lantgrave hath also taken Waerburg , Selkmersen and other places by agreement . And so marched to Paderborn which Citty yeelded presently , and gave 50000. Ryxdollers to be freed from pillaging , and as we understand hath since taken that whole Bishoprick . The leuy of our Elector continueth still , but there are hardly any men to be gotten .

The Generall Tilly could not parswade those of Hanaw by faire meanes , intreaty , or any other wayes , to take into their City any Imperiall forces . And as now we have received information , the same Citty is yeelded up to some Swedish forces for his Maiesty .

The Generall Tilly marched lately above Francford on the Mayn toward Selingstadt , and there passed over the Mayn , thence he marched toward Berghstraet , and laid still certaine dayes in the iurisdiction of Darmstadt , where his Army did great hurt . It was formerly supposed that the said Generall would have marched to Hedelbergh and Manheym by that meanes to defend the Palatinate , but now we doe understand that he takes his way to Margentheym and so forward to Bavaria . The Duke of Bavaria causeth the 10. person , nay some say the 4. person to beare armes for defence of his Countrey , many thousands of them he hath enquartered in Donawert .

Duke George of Lunenburgh hath beene with his Maiesty of Sweden at Wurtsburgh , where he had Commission granted him from the said King for the raising of 20000. men .

From Berlin Letters affirme that part of the Duke of Saxons Army is going with the Generall Bannier and some Swedish Commanders into Silesia . And that the English were marched upon some exployt from Crosses accompanied with some horsemen .

From Paris the 2. of November .

Our King is yet at Chasteaulery and God be thanked our whole Kingdome is at peace . Onely Monsieur St. Romyn is taken in hold , because he would have levied a regiment of souldiers for his Mai. brother .

In the businesse of Marillac there is taken great paines the goods of all those that ioyned with the Duke of Orleans his Mai. brother , are confiscated and annexed to the Crowne , as namely the Dukedome Delboeuf the Dukedome of Bellegarde , the Earledome of Moret , Rovanes and others . The Cardinall of Savoy is here yet , but the Prince of Cariano is departed for Piedmont . It is most certaine that the Duke of Savoy delivered Pignarola , Susa , and Avigliana , into the hands of his Maiesty to ensure the passage into Italy . What his Mai. hath granted the said Duke in recompence wee know not yet .

At Verdun is a great Treason discovered whereupon 5. Captaines are imprisoned .

The Army of his Maiesty is still upon the Frontiers the same is daily augmented , but wee cannot learne to what end .

From Antwerp the 9. of November .

This weeke here arrived a Spanish post from Lisbon , relates that a Caravel is arrived in Spaine from the Babia de Todos los fanctos , sent from Don Anthonio de Ocquendo the 6. of August : To certifie his Maiesty that in eleven weekes he was safely and happily arrived with his fleet of 25. ships and the Marchants fleet with him , which caused great ioy in the Bahia . They met with no Holland Armado by the way , they will now expect the Hollanders comming with great courage and resolution .

From Bergen up Zoom , the 11. of November .

The 27. of the last moneth , his Excell : the Prince of Orange , commanded the baggage of the whole army to bee shipt . The 29. the whole army of the Archdutchesse went into garrison , 18. companies of their horse were commanded to the Rhyne , to march into Germany .

The 31. all our Canon was shipt , and the 26. of November all our drawing horses .

The 3. of November the souldiers broke downe all their huts and all the army departed , his Excell . with some Earles and Colonels are come into this City the 4. of November from whence they departed .

The Emperour causes 3000. souldiers horse and foot to be levied in the Land of Liege .

The troupes of the Duke of Lerma , and Feria are reduced into 17. companies and are marching into Germany .

The late Governour of this Citty the Lord Ryhoven was buried with great pompe the last weeke , according to the manner of warre . The States Generall , his Excell ; the Prince of Orange , and the States Deputies , with all our gentry of our Army accompanied the Corps to the Enterment . Colonell Morgan is chosen Governour in his stead .

Extract out of a letter from Maintz the 16. of November .

SIR , If you did now come hither againe , you would marvell at the alteration that is here , you know there was but three Moneths agoe such boasting amongst us and such writing of pasquils against our Neighbours especially those of Vlm , and the Duke of Wirtenburg , where the Monkes , Priests , and Nunns had taken into their possession many a goodly and rich Cloyster ! But now we doe heare amongst us here , nothing but complaints , deliberations whether to flye and what to doe , & on the other side we do heare , there they are now taking their turn and pay us in the same coin they lately received from us . Thus goeth the world : Our Generall Tilly , whose name I doe beleeve is rather vsed to encourage us then to affright the Enemies , who ( we do well see ) doe neither care whether he be alive or dead , is said to have a great Army and I beleeve he hath it ; But what he doth with it I cannot tell . Hee hath beene long about to take the towne of Wertheim ( as we have beene often enformed by letters ) wherein are but 5. or 600. Swedes ! And yet he cannot master them , and meanwhile there is still one regiment and troupe or other of Imperialists , and of Loraines beaten , and I can assure you that the Loraines have no more mind to meete with the Swedes , for they solicite still to be put in garisons in such places as are farthest from their Enemy , and likely to be not troubled or assaulted at all . Thus we suffer more already by those that will make us believe to be our defenders , then we could feare at the Swedes hand , if we do no worse to them then the Countrey of Wirtzburg hath done , who is now in their Kings possession , but withall in peace and quietnesse . But of this I dare not say , what I thinke . The Kings troupes have lately assaulted one of the Imperiall quarters which was betwixt B●shopsheim & Mergenthal , out of which almost all the Imperialists ( having gotten notice of the Swedes comming ) ran away and so by their light heeles saved their lives ; For those that were not so quick were soone put to the number of the dead by the Swedes , who slew about two hundred and tooke threescore prisoners , and withall all the Baggage that was left there , which was laden ( but could not so speedily be convoyed away ) upon above two hundred Waggons , all which besides many other Horses , Mules , and other cattell was seized by the sayd Swedes without any Notary , and carried away towards their royall Campe neare Wirtsburgh .

I am sorry I cannot tell you of so great matters and victories as formerly I did oftentimes , when both Wallstein ( whilest hee was upon our stage of Warre , and playd his part ) and Tilly did every weeke , nay day , get some notable Towne , Castle , and place , where they found no body that durst oppose them , there having never appeared any great Army resolutely against them , except that of the Bores in Austria ; Howsoever , I will give you what I receive , and tell you the truth , though it is not liked amongst us here . We had yesterday Letters , and I have heard it confirmed this morning by a Colonell of ours , that 13. Finlanders ( Horsemen ) met with 60. Lorraines , and although the Finlanders saw them a farre off , and could have fled and saved themselves ( for the Country is thereabouts not open ) yet with a boldnesse and courage that defies and scornes death it selfe , they set amongst them ; and without any delay , layd downe to the ground the most part of the sayd Lorraines ; and made the rest which were yet 16. to yeeld , and so these 13. Finlanders ( which our Country people feares now as if they were Fiendlanders ; that is , of the Land of the Divell ) brought away to their King 16. Lorraines , without any complement , for I assure you , that they could understand never a word the one of the others .

Our Army of the Imperiall and Catholike and Lorraine troopes , doth onely endeavor ( as I doe perceive ) to hinder the Circle of Swaben , and other Townes of Alsatia & the Countries thereabouts to joyne or to yeeld to the Swedes : But yet neverthelesse we doe heare , that the sayd Countries and the chiefe Townes and Imperiall Cities have already or doe yet send and accommodate themselves with that King , and put themselves under his protection .

The City of Norimbergh is altogether in love with him , and wil be trimmed after his owne desire , having already Swedish Engineers , that give order for new fortifications thereof ; and there are made leavies for the sayd City , which they will entertaine in the sayd King of Swedens service .

Those of Vlm we heare are doing as much , although I have yet no particular notice of what they are resolved : But this I know , that they ( having some troopes for their owne defence ready ) have hereby beaten backe some Imperiall forces , that were come out of Italy with much paine and labour , and craving from those of Vlm , ( but with some threatnings ) some reliefe ; namely , for every Horse 10. dollers , and for every Soldier 6. dollers ( and there were of them 12. Companies ) they were for all answer , contribution and comfort , and without any compassion of their wearinesse and sufferings they indured by passing the Alpes , beaten back and driven to lie upon the Archduke Leopolds dominions , and so it is thought they will disband .

The K of Sweden hath caused the Castle of Wirtzburg againe to be mended and fortified , that now it may be called what before it was esteemed , an impregnable place in the hands of Swedes . Let this suffice for this time , I hope for better newes shortly .

Extract of another Letter the 18. of November .

I Doe not doubt but you have already beene informed , that the Swedish forces have taken in the midst of the Catholike army the Old and new Towne of Hanaw , making the beginning with the Castle which they tooke by Pettarding and Escaladoes . We heare Francfort hath also made some accommodation . But thereof you will be pleased to expect my next Letters . The Elector of Maintz hath kept some of the Spanish forces , that are sent towards the Rhine & Palatinate , for the defence of his own Country , wherat his people ( how great soever the feare is amongst their Churchmen ) is very ill pleased All the Spanish forces that are come and comming hither towards the Rhyne ( which amount already to 7000. foot and 32. Cornets of horse ) are to be enquartered ( as I doe heare ) along the Country called Rhinegow and so lye along the Rhyne , to hinder the King of Sweden to passe the same River .

Now concerning the Landgrave of Hessen , who hath a good army and in good discipline , he hath already taken all the Bishopricks both of Paterborne and Corvay , where he hath made great store of money by way of contribution , whereby hee makes still new leavies : And withall he hath published a Proclamation in Westphalia , whereby he doth call and admonish all Westphalians that serve either the Emperor or Catholike league , to withdraw themselves out of that service , giving them terme of 6. Weekes , which past , and they not appearing and obeying , he will proceed against them ( for many Noble and Gent: of that Country serue against the K. of Sweden and his Allies ) and their goods , with all rigour , &c. More you shall have the next Post .