From Rome the 14. and 24. of Ianuary , 1631.

WE heare from Naples , that processions are holden there , to giue God thankes , that that Citie is now free of the danger of the ashes from the Mountain Soma , which were so carried by the force of the winde , that they appeared like Clouds . In Appuleia much Cattle are dead for want of fodder , which the ashes spoyled . On munday it was here concluded in the Consistory , that the Spiritualtie should contribute a summe of money vnto the Emperour towards the warre in Germany : To which end also the great Duke will maintaine 6000. Souldiers for his Imperiall Majestie .

From Spaine we vnderstand that his Majestie bendeth all his forces for Italy and Germany ; And , that he may be nearer those Affaires , will take vp his Residence at Barcelona . He hath also appointed foure Millions of Gold to be paid in Italy and Germany .

From Venice 20. and 30. of Ianuary .

From Piemont we heare that more Frenchmen doe still daily come into the borders of Montferat and Millan , to whom the Duke of Savoy giues Passes . Also we ●eare that the Duke of Lorraine hath not onely prepared divers places for the K. of France , that he may haue the passage into the Elsas , but also hath given vnto him divers men and provision .

From Zurich the 31. of Ianuary , 1631.

Monsieur Mennie Ambassadour from the Duke of Roan is arrived here , he desireth 2000. men for defence of the passages , to which there will be answere given this next weeke .

From Berlin 23. of Ianuary , Feb. 2.

The Wismarish Garrison is now in their March , there are aboue 3000. gone out . Amongst which arose a great difference between the Swedish Generall Todt , and Colonel Gram , for that Gram shot a servant of Todts , vnder pretence that he was a Spy ; And , as some say , Gram tooke with him twelue great peices and three hundred Musquets , more then was agreed on . Whereupon the said March is stayed and hindered , 500. men are slaine and dispersed , 2000. men haue submitted themselues , and Colonel Gram is carried to Gripswald till he maketh satisfaction . In the meane time , the rest are marched towards Prignitz . There are 300. men at Perleberg , if money and necessaries be not ready , not one man , saue onely the Officers , will come into Silesia .

From Lyons we heare , that the Duke of Loraine hath beene with the King at Metz. But when hee vnderstood that the King would take his journey to Nanzi to view the Citie , the Duke was intended to travaile thither before to entertaine the King , but the King would not suffer him , but commanded him to waite vpon him . Whereupon the King , together with the Duke , and one Regiment travailed towards Nanzi ; Wherefore it is thought that he will take possession of it , and not so soone quit it .

The King of France hath sent an Ambassadour to the Archduke Leopold , to cease treatie with the Switzers , and to lead away his Souldiers that lye in those parts , and that he should be more earnest in the affaire , seeing the Switzers are entertained vpon the King of France his pay .

At Schorndorff the Ordnance and Munition , are taken away and carried to Dionsburg , also the Emperours Garrison is shortly to depart from thence , from which many Souldiers ranne away , and betooke themselues to the Swedes . It is said that the Swedes haue taken in Elwang , and the Garrison therein removed to Dunkelspiel , whether the Swedes are also presently to March .

From Minden the 5 of Ianuary .

The Duke of Weymar , Collonell Bannier , and Hamilton , are joyned together , they are about 20000. strong , and draw neare to the Weser , they haue fallen vpon six Companies of foote , that lay in Damitts , and slaine fortie of them , the rest , except onely the Coulers , are taken prisoners . The Lord Marshall of Papenheim , remaines still with his Souldiers at the Weser , about Hammeln and Hexter . Those of Brimen haue taken Verden againe , and besieged Long Wesel , and as some say , taken it .

The Swedish troupes that lay in the Province of Pinnenberg , are come over the Elbe , & are joyned with Duke George of Luneberg , who blocked vp Nienburg .

Papenheym lyes in the Bishopricke of Hildesheim , Landgraue Wilhelme waits for him behinde , and Generall Banier before , Eisfeld is againe , especially Duderstat , and Russenberg is fast blockt vp , and it is hoped they will presently yeeld .

From Hamborough the 28. of February .

The Duke of Lunenburg , who lately tooke in Buxtehuid for the King of Sweden , now besieges Stoad with 15000. men ; giving the Towne but two dayes to consider of the termes of yeelding . And whereas the Prince of Denmarke ( the second brother ) had with a Fleete taken the Fort of Friburg at the mouth of the Elbe , built by the Imperialists ; the Duke sending to him to know whether he did it for the King of Sweden , or not : the Prince the next day quit the place , which the sayd Duke immediately tooke in .

From Regenspurgh the 10. of February .

This day 1000. Bavarian Souldiers are come over towards Amburg , they make themselues exceeding strong on this side , where 6000. men are to meete .

The Drumme is beaten here for his Imperiall Majestie , but few resort to be enterteined . The Duke of Friedland also maketh himselfe strong . And the Saxons may haue enough to doe .

From Gravenhage the 10. of February .

A few dayes agoe an Ambassadour from the King of Sweden , called Oxenstern arrived here ; He had audience three dayes since , and to day is to haue another , what he comes about about is kept secret , yet it is reported that , amongst other things , he admonished and put the Lords States in minde , that they should be timely in the field with their forces , that vpon all occasions they might the better joyne one with another . This Ambassadour was enterteined at the charges of the Lords States , and lodged in their Pallace .

It is supposed that his Excellence , about the middle of March wil be in the field with his Armes , for there are great warlike preparations as well by Sea as by Land .

Those that would haue betrayed Schencken-sconce are most of them brought to Halft , a short dispute shall serue them .

From Colen 15. of February .

There are here at this present Count Mansfield , Count Gronsfeld , the Lord of Nersen , and many other Commaunders and it is thought there will be a great new Levie of Souldiers on their side .

From Nurenberg the 29 , of Ianuary .

Here the Suburbs called Gossenhofft is broken downe to build Sconces there , the most part whereof , as also all the other Out-works are almost finished ; Field Marsh : Gustavus Horne , who hath lately beene here , hath viewed them , which pleased him very well , and he hath given commaund speedily to make an end of the rest , for that they should without doubt haue need of them .

From Vienna the 28. of Ianuary .

Here is great lamentation , as likewise all the Countrey over ; For although the Officers of the Countrey haue yeelded to his Imperiall Majestie halfe the Contribution required , yet is his Majestie not therwith content , but will haue the whole ; albeit the Commonaltie is agrieved & cannot pay the halfe . A siege is much feared here : and the people already beginne to betake themselues into Hungaria ; and his Imperiall Majestie is removed to Gratz and Clagenfurt , to make a Court-Leaguer there , to the end he may make vse of it vpon occasion .

Whereas his Majestie of Sweden hath sent out Patents into all Countries , that all Merchants should be safe and free without question of Religion , to trade and commerce this next Lent Mart. The Emperour on the other side , hath caused a Contra-Mandate to be published , that every Merchant whosoever he be that shall trade to Franckfort in the said Mart , shall be proclaimed a Rebell of the Empire .

From Nurenberg the 3. of February .

At the end of the Truce , Gustavus Horne with his Armie of about 18000 men went towards Bamburg , he sent a Companie of foote before towards Hochstat ; but were in the way driven backe by those of Bamburg , that lay in a Village neere-by vpon advantage , being about 50. men : but as soone as succours came , they did not onely fall vpon the Bamburgers , and beate them backe into Foreheim , but also assaulted Hochstat with 9. pieces of Ordnance , which the next day yeelded it selfe : which when the Garrison in Bamburg vnderstood , they pillaged the Towne , and forsooke it .

Horne still gathers more men together , with intent to fall into the Vpper Pfaltz , or into Bohemia .

Prince Ernest of Anhalt with 8000. of the Saxon Forces is risen from Eger . It is supposed he will lead them against the Emperor , who doth much mischiefe in the Vpper Pfaltz , having this day burnt to ashes a fine Village called Mitterteich , and tooke away from thence about 2000. head of Cattell towards Weiden .

His Majestie of Sweden , hath given the Count of Solms , that rescued Nurenburg , the Earledome of Swertzenburg , and all that there vnto belongeth ; and hath made him Generall overa flying Armie .

The Bishop of Bamberg hath made suite vnto Lieutenant Generall Schlammersdorff , to make intercession for him ; but it is thought it will little availe him .

The States of the Empire are to assemble at Hailbrun , and the Nurenburgers , Strasburgers , with the halfe of Wurtenburgers , are to make more provision for their safetie .

From Augsburg the 4. of Ianuary .

The spirituall Catholicks here , haue taken away all the Church ornaments of gold and silver . They must now make a shift with wooden Idols .

Tilly hath taken 13. pieces of Ordnance from the Fort of Wilsberg , and caused them to be carried to Costnitz and Lindaw , which will not please the Switzers . Dunckelspill is now also yeelded to the Swedes .

From Franckford February the 11 , 1631.

Ten thousand Spanyards came lately vp from Brussells to Triers , and there had passed two Regiments ouer the Mosell . Vpon the rumor whereof , the King of Sweden was marching towards them with his Armye : but the Rhinegraue had encountred them before he came to Mentz , defeated one whole Regiment , caused the other to retyre into a wood , and sent 7. of their Colours in tryumph to the King at Mentz . Since this they haue againe passed over the Mosell , and caused the Rhine-graue to retreat ; but without any considerable losse , and hearing that the Kings Army was comming towards them , are gone back once more . The King of Bohemia arrived on Friday about ten a clocke ; is received with great joy and acclamations of the people wheresoever he passeth .

From Delfe the 10. of March .

The King of Sweden goes well on ; the French King hath let the Duke of Bavaria and the three great Bishops and others know , that if they doe not renounce the house of Austria , and their league , restore all honors , lands , and townes to the late distressed and oppressed Princes , and others : quit their Armies to the King of Sweden , and pay them ; and render such Townes and Forts as he shall demaund ; he will not onely leaue mediating for them , but will assist the King of Sweden against them .

The said King of Sweden hath called an Assembly of the States of Germany at Franckford on the Maine , instantly after he will be in action some where ; he is making three Bridges one over the Mayne , one over the Rhyne , and the other over the Mosell .

The King of Spaine ( our good Friend ) is much startled he may finde too much to doe at home , that he may leaue others to themselues .

From Overland the 12. of February .

The Imperiall Army is still at Gingen in the jurisdiction of Heydenheym , is about to march ( as the rumor goes ) to Franconia . To this end the Commissary Ossa is broke up from Augsburg , and causeth all the Ordnance & Munition , to be convayed from Augspurgh to Donaweert . The Army which still goes under the name of Tilly , will also breake up ere long , and abandon the whole Country of Wurtzburg : in which Country , they are much terrified for , feare of the Swedish forces . Many of the Inhabitants flye thence , and transport their moveables and goods into Switzerland . As present tydings relate , the Swedish have also taken Elwang , and convoyd the Guarrison to Dunekenspill , whither the Swedish are now marching to assault the same Towne also .

From Franconia the 14. Dito .

The 8. of this Moneth , the Field-Marshall Gustavus Hoorn , did incorporate Hooghstadt , at the taking whereof , the Major was wounded , and some of the souldiers slaine , 300. of the Garrison have betaken themselves into the sayd Field-marshals service . While this place was besieged , the Imperialists 500. foot , and 500. horse , under the command of the Commander Despagni , came out of Forcheim , and on the other side of the Eysch , they came towards the horsemen of Solms , which were thereabou●● thinking to relieve Hooghstadt . But the Solmish forces being but three companies in all , they called upon the Commander Rochetzky , for ayd and pursued the Imperialists : but they could not get them to battaile untill they came within a mile from Forchiem , where the foot-forces of the Imperialists were constrained to stand , whereupon there some of them lay in ambush neare unto a Village , the rest betooke themselues upon the Church-yard in the Village , by which advantageous meanes , they waited for the comming of the Swedish , and fought with them very stoutly . In this skirmish besides some ordinary soldiers were slain two Lieutenants , and 3. Cornets , forty or fifty horsemen sorely wounded , and two Ritmasters of the Swedish .

In this encounter it fell out worse for the Swedish at the first , but afterward they gained the better of it , for after the Rochtezky ( who was shot in one of his armes ) was rescued by his Lieutenant , they fell on with a renewed courage , and utterly defeated the Imperialists , chased them out of the Village , and slew abundance of them both horse and foote .. By reason of this defeate the Imperialists presently pillaged Bambergh and forsooke the same , notwithstanding that they were 2000. strong . Forcheym must also yeeld ere it be long , for they are already prouiding for their departure ,

The whole Bishopricke of Bambergh were hereupon constrayned to come to an agreement with the said field-marshall Gustauus Horne , and to yeeld him 400000. Ryxdollers .

Wee doe at this instant understand that Forcheym is yeelded , there remaines no more now but onely Crouniach in that Bishopricke which is not yet taken , but doubtlesse will bee ere long .

From Berlin the 16. Dito .

The Commander Gram who was Governor of Wismar by reason of his infidelitie and treachery is carryed prisosoner to Gripswald , his troupes are most of them scattered and dispersed , 300. of them are now about Pereleborgh .

From Francfort the 19. of February .

His Maiestie of Sweden departed hence upon Munday last to Hnxe , and as yet resides there . Captaine Marara with his Ancient-bearer , who were taken prisoner at the taking of Manheym , and afterward ransomeds were brought to Heydelbergh , and there beheaded through the command of the Governor by reason of the losse of Manheym .

Since the last great skirmish about the Honserugh in which encounter the Regiment of Torpaert , and the Regiment of Count Iohn of Nassau onely sustayned the losse , the Rhyne-grave with 600. horse hath againe fought with some Spanish forces

But whereas the Spanish were 1800. strong of Horse and a whole Regiment of Spanish lay in ambush . the said Rhyne-Graue was constrained to retire with some losse , leauing behind him the young Earle of Serbruggen who was wounded and taken prisoner .

His Maj: of Sweden causeth two new bridges to bee made : the one over the river Rhyne at Meinz ; and the other over the River Maine at Costum . All his forces both horse and foot are now marching to Mems .

At Heydelburgh very lately happened a most greuious and terrible fire which was palbably seene three leagues off . The same hath done much mischeife in the Citty , hath ruinated and burnt downe to the very ground some of the Cheife buildings , especially hath the same done great harme in the Tower named Glazenen-sael and the buildings of Otthenrycks .

At Spiers are 600. men vnder the Commander Horneck , who requiers more forces vnder his command , and doth dayly a ugment his troupes . 2000. soldiers lately made an excursions out of Franckendale , their intent was to attempt something against Wormes , but they were driuen back into Franckendale by the horsemen of Wormes . The besieged here sent all their women and children our of Frankendael , notwithstanding they report that they are well prouided with corne and wine . But the Plague is very hote amongst them .

Vpon the 16. day of this moneth February , a Regiment of souldiers marched from hence to Ments . whether all the Swedish forces must resort . In the Citty of Ments a certaine Captaine is imprisoned who had held some correspondencie with the Spanish .

The Commander Dubalt armed his Regiment here in this City vppon the 16. of this moneth , beeing 12. Companies of the said Regiment .

Vppon Yesterday being the 18 of February , Frederick the Prince Elector Palatine arriued at Hanaw where he wsa worthylie receiued .

Copie of a Letter written by Phillippus Christopher , Arch-Bishop of Trier , and one of the Princes Electors , sent vnto the Citty Trier , and rest of his subiects from Hermersteyn .

I cannot conceale from your Honors , how graciously it hath pleased Almighty God to deliuer us and our Byshopricke , from the apparent , cruell , and fearfull destruction , by our terrible enemy the King of Sweden , as also from the lamentable and vnchristian percecution of the Spanish . By meanes of the Prince Elector of Bauaria , who through the faithfull , well meaning , & Heroicell meditation , interposition & assistance of his Maj of France with the King of Sweden , hath not onely for himselse but also for others , concluded and agreed vppon a Neutrality with the saide King of Sweden . In which matter we haue not been slack or negligent , but with the Godly and Religious assiststance of the said his Maiestie of France , obtained so much , that the said King of Sweden hath declared vs and our Archbishoppricks to bee neutrall . By which meanes , the Peeres , of the whole Romish Empire , and all the allyed Christian Potentates , and Republicks , if they please may live together with more peace and contentment then ever they haue done formerly , and you and they may aswell by the Swedish as the Spanish hold your selues excused .

Now to the end that this Neutralitie may remaine inviolable for vs and ours , and that by that meanes no incumbrance nor misery may befall vs and our poore subjects , the said his Maj: of France as interponent , hath proffered his Royall assistance to vs and all other Catholicks , yea ( if need bee ) the King of Spaine himselfe also . And promised us , to afford vs all helpe and assistance and to take away and remoue all difficulties , and come with their Armies into the Empire to this end .

With these things you may comfort and helpe your solues , and giue thankes to God for the same . And withall pray , that the deed may follow so favorable a promise , and so this great punishment which now layes vppon vs , cease . And in the meane time it must be your care , that al Spanish Insolencies dayly committed , and the persecutions amongst vs may be shaken off effectually , wherefore you shall publish and declare in all places the said Neutrality , and withal : make knowne that the glory thereof must not bee ascribed to vs , but onely to God , and the Prince Elector of Bauaria , who hath beene the meanes to obtaine this Neutrality for himselfe and others .

If now then after all this procurement , any will notwithstanding persecute us , or ( as it happened at Mentz ) if hereafter under pretence of Spanish assistance , our whole Archbyshopricke should chance to fall into the Swedish hands , by murdering , burning and pillaging , which God deliver us from , and the Catholicke Religion , should be exterminated ; we shall remaine guiltlesse , and the occasioners thereof shall he bound to answer for the same to God , the Popes Holinesse , and all Christian Princes and Potentates .

Vnder neath Philippus Christoper . These Articles following were delivered up at Trier , the 24. day of January . 1. The passage at Cobelenitz over the bridge to be granted . 2. The strong hold Hermerstein , with all the Ordnance , to be delivered up to his Maj. of Sweden . 3. The soldiers which lay in Garrison there shall take the oath of fidelity to his sayd Maj. 4. A reasonable competent summe of mony to bee contributed towards the payment of his souldiers .

But the City Trier would in no wise condiscend nor yeild to these Articles . And therefore have taken the Spanish to assist them , who do incorporate the whole Country , so that all the subjects , & the whole Country doth oppose the Elector .

From Minden the 17.

The Armies of the Duke of Wymeren , Bannier , and my Lord Hamelton are now at the Weser , their forces have in the jurisdiction of Wieckesen surprised sixe Companies of foot forces , which formerly were in Garrison at Damnitz , they slew forty of them and tooke , the rest Prisoners with their Ensignes .

The Bremash have againe taken Verden , and blockqued up Langeuell . The Swedish troupes which lately came from Pienenberg over the river Elve , are joyned to the Duke of Lunenburg his forces to blocke up Nieuburg .

From Cullen the 16. of February .

Our Lords are still at Franckfort , they will doubtlesse obtaine the neutrality , if they will but subscribe to these Articles following , propounded to them by his Majesty of Sweden .

1. A Church to be allowed for those of the Confession , of Auspurg , and one for the Reformed Religion . 2. To desist from and renounce the League . 3. To afford his Majesty free egresse and regresse with his Army , and to yeild him provision for his mony . 4. To contribute 200000. Ryxdollars to his said Maj.

But this City will in no wise agree to the sayd Articles , they will rather see what shall be the uttermost .

Our Prince Elector hath caused Proclamations to bee published throughout his whole jurisdiction , that the Country people should bring their goods and victuals into the City .

The Earle of Papenheim is at Paterborne , 6. of his Regiments are neare unto Bielveldt . As we understand he will enquarter his forces again in the Country of Berg and Gulick , wherefore his troupes are already come to Ham.

The Regiment of Giles de Haze , which was marching toward the sayd Earle of Papenheym , is beaten back by the Boores in Marckland .

Although those of the Protestant Religion in this City , thought that by reason of the great and successefull progresse of his Majj . of Sweden , no such vigilant eye should be held over them , yet they are not so secure as they made account they were . For but a few dayes agoe , complaint was made of one whose servants did but sing Psalmes . Wherefore a great mulct of mony was impo●ed upon him , and whereas he refused to pay the penalty injoyned , his goods were carried away out of his house by an Officer .

From Paris the 14. Dito .

The Kings Maj. hath divided his Army into two parts , the one being nearer to Elsatia , under the command of Monsier de la Force : and the other toward Piccardien ; under the command of Marshall de Scomberg , which two Armies , are strengthened with 30000. men . The Marquis de Fiat , is gone towards their Armies , with 40. tun of gold , and ten tun more are sent to Italy , to the Duke of Rohan .

From Munster is written that the Generall Papenheym caused two Burgemasters at Lemgo to bee hanged at the Gates of the sayd City , because they did not speedily at his demand , open the sayd gates for him . Hee is departed thence to Reda , where he received the wofull tydings , that two of his Regiments were defeated by the Weser .

The 16. of this month , most of the companies in Breda , marched to Herentalls , they were convoyd with 8. Cornet of horse . In lieu of these , some other new levied troups are brought for Garrison into the sayd Citie .

From Vienna the 6. of February .

Here are certain Commissioners ordained , who go about from house to house , to enquire what kind of people lurk in this City , and all those that do not shelter under some good Lord and master , are taken up for soldiers ; for the Army of the Duke of Freedlandt is not yet raysed , wherefore the levying of soldiers continues very strongly . The Commander Diepenbach hath yielded up his forces to the sayd Duke , so that his Army hegius to be very strong . He hath given a strict charge to all his Officers , to have all theyr Companies compleat against the latter end of March.

The Turke hath againe done great mischiefe by an incursion about Presburg , whence he hath taken away captive above 200. Christians .

From Vlm the 18 : Dito .

The Emperiall troupes passe by here dayly towards Bunten , to open the passage , and to bring an ayde of 8000. men , through the same into Germany . But the French keepe the sayd passage strongly , so that there is no possibility the same shall be obtained without the spilling of much bloud .

From Brunswick the 20. Dito .

The Duke of Wymeren hath taken Goslaer , with an extraordinary stratagem , which Citty he required to pay 100000. Ryxdollars , to be freed from pillaging . Where upon , the Councell in all haste layd downe 10000. Ryxdollars and proffered all manner of good love and usage , so that they escaped the pillage . The Duke and General Bannier , presently left the City , and layd a thousand soul diers in Garrison .

From Franconia the 23.

The Bishop of Bambergh assembles some thousands of men together in the upper Palatinate , to relieve Forcheim . The Duke of Bavaria , gets also many forces together , to hinder the proceedings of the Duke of Saxony , in those parts .

From Hildesheim the 19.

All these parts are taken up with Swedish troupes , insomuch , that the Imperialists for very feare have left and abandoned Boeckelen , Toesken , Bronnau , Lawensteyn , Allefeldt , Pladsen , Patenes , and Saesteden . Levenberg is also yielded up by agreement , and yesterday , the City Pynes was also rendred . But the Castle holds out still , whence they cast fireballes continually , and are resolved to defend themselves to the last cast . To morrow let Marienburg and Steurwalat looke to themselves for they must either suffer or come to composition .

All places hereabouts are full of fugitive Popish Priests , Moukes , Fryers , &c. For they are banished by the Duke of Brunswick , who places Protestant Preachers in theyr roomes .

The Swedish in the last noted expedition , tooke at least 400. Prisoners , of Papenheyms souldiers , and many Ensignes with very rich booty .