From Voytland the 7. 17. of December .

IN these parts wee had some rest for divers moneths , but now we are like to be againe over-runne and ruinated by both Armies , because all the Imperiall forces , which were gone already to their Winterquarters , have received expresse order from Ratisbone to march towards Bohemia ; whereof 6. Regiments of foote and 4. Regiments of horse lying enquartered about Swinefurt , are broke vp already whilest Generall Bannier is marching forward with great speed , the Swedish Generall Major demands quarter for three moneths in Saxonie for his troupes , and besides great summes of mony of all the Cities in Saxonie , and yet it is to be feared , when those summes shall be payed , that Generall Bannier ( who is likewise comming hitherwards with 6000 horse and 12000 foot ) will demand as much or more which will be the vtter vndoing of these Countries . The said Gen: Bannier hath left 6000 men on the River of Wesar , for the most part enquartered in the County of Shaumburg , what way he will take with his army is not knowne as yet , some say he will march towards Egra , some towards Bohemia to prevent the Imperialists , and to cut off the passage from them , and to make his forces the more willing to incommodate the Imperialists with this Wintermarch , he hath promised to give 3 moneths pay vnto every souldier for the Winterquarter .

Ratisbone the 8. 18. of December .

Here are daily expected the Luneburgish and Hessish Ambassadours , and some doe assure that assoone as they shall be arriued , the treaty of peace , which hath beene put aside for a time , by reason of the enquartering of the Imperiall Army , shall be reassumed , mean while the Imperiall cities are much afraid , that in case the Princes of the Empire , which are very liberall in their promises , doe condescend to great contributions , the payment will afterwards be laid vpon the said cities necks , and the Princes shift it off from themselves : The particular treaty so much spoken of but not beleeved , betwixt both the Palatinate and Bavarian houses , is sayd to be delayed and appointed for the moneth of March ; The truth will appeare with the time .

Brunswick the 8. 18. of Decmeber .

In these Countries we have now againe the Warres , because the city of Wolffenbuttle is block'd vp by the Luneburgish forces and the train'd Bands , and with Sconces and Redouts , that no body can more get in or out to fetch or carry in the contribution , and the report goes heere for certaine , that the Duke of Luneburg to make the besieged the sooner to yeeld , is resolved to change his blocking up into a siege , to which end , some Artillery is to be brought before it to cast Granadoes and fireballs into it . Divers reformed Officers about 20 in number for feare to be coop'd vp in the said city did attempt and endeavour to breake thorough , but they were apprehended by the Luneburgish train'd Bands and some of them were slaine and the rest taken prisoners , the said train'd Bands being very ready forward to revenge the harme and losse , which they suffered by the Imperiall garrison of the said city , and to be free themselves at last of such ill neighbours .

Basel the 9. 19. of December .

On Sunday last Baron de Oissen ville tooke out of all garrisons as many as could be spared , and marched towards the French County to succour and releeve there a Castle , in which lyes a French garrison , and is besieged by 1500 Burgundians . The Imperiall Colonell Keller , is come back againe from Inspruck to Constance , and hath reduced the rest of the Spanish troups into one company of horse and two Companies of foote , and cashier'd for the most part the Colonels , Lievetenant Colonels , together with the rest of other Officers , of all those new leavied forces , there remaines no more but 150 horse , and 400 foote , which are gone now to their Winter-quarter , and Colonell Keller hath the command over them .

Leipzigk the 11. 21. of December .

The 5. 15. of this moneth the Swedish Generall Major Pfull with his troupes , having presented himselfe before the Castle of this city , is since marched away towards Rochlitz , leaving in Grimme one Regiment for garrison . The 7 , 17. of this moneth the Swedish troopes mastered the outworkes before the Castle of Heldrungen , wherevpon the Governor in the Castle desired immediately to come to a composition , and yeelded vpon discretion standing to the mercy of the Swedes , who ( against their own expectation ) tooke the strong Castle without the losse of one soul dier , the Swedes have likewise besieged the castle of Wendelstein , which lyes vpon a high Hill . In this city we have for a garrison 1000 musquetiers and some 100 horse , and we are also well provided with victuals and ammunition .

Leipzigk the 13. 23. of December .

The Swedish Generall Maior Pfull with his troupes hath beene about Dresden , Meissen and Oshatz , where he caused all Market Townes , Villages and Noblemens houses to be pilladged and all the cattell and horses to be driven away , and the city of Meyssen and Oshatz he forced to pay a great ransome . Now hee is marching towards Koditz and Bornaw and drives along with him some 1000 heads of cattell and horses of the city of Torgaw , he demanded likewise a great ransome . We receive also advise , that he is breaking vp with all his forces to joyne with Generall Banniers army , some thinking , that Generall Bannier will march towards Franconia , others are of opinion , that hee will march towards Egra and the vpper Palatinate , this is certaine , that Bannier carryeth along with him great store of fireworkes , which maketh men to presuppose that hee hath a great designe in hand .

Franckford the 14. 24. of December .

As for newes we have but little to write from hence , the Weymarish army is mustered , and found stronger , then it was thought , whereof some Regiments are already come againe into the Wetteraw , there taking some contributions yet due . What other designe they have is not knowne as yet . The city of Creutznach hath been kept block'd vp from a farre off for a time by the Imperialists , but now the Imperialists are departed from every man both of horse and foote as well common souldiers as Officers should receive every moneth , and that they should receive their pay halfe in money , and th' other halfe in provision , as likewise that every horseman should daily receive for every horse sixe pounds of Oates , 10. pounds of Hay , and three bundels of straw .

Paris the 17. 27. of December .

It is written from divers parts , that Prince Thomas hath fully agreed with the Princesse of Savoy , and that thereupon the French Army went presently to field , and tooke by a stratageme the City of Ast , and batters now the Castle : If the report of the accommodation be true . The said Prince Thomas will be expected heere in a short time . Generall Major Erlach Governour of Bryssack is yet here expecting order and commission to leavy foure Regiments of horse and sixe Regiments of foote .

Vlussingen the 17. 27. of December .

All our men of Warre here are preset to goe to Sea with all speed and this day sixe ships are to goe to Sea from hence and 2. from Ter veer vnder the command of our Vice . Admirall Iohn Everts . The Dunkerck men of Warre are for the most part in the Sea , if they meete one another , bloody blowes will fall out betwixt them .

Erfurd the 16. 26. December .

This afternoone Generall Bannier arrived heere in person accompanied by many chiefe Cavalliers , who is to continue here for some few dayes , and then to follow his Army which is marching towards Misnia , whether he will assault one place or other , or what his designe is , is not yet knowne .

From the River of Rhyne the 19. 29. of December .

Three Imperiall Regiments of horse , and one of foote of Fieldmarshall Hatzfeld his forces , enquartered about the city of Collen and in the country of Gulick , vse the Inhabitants most cruelly , they take from them all their provision , pull'd downe the houses , some they burne downe , breake downe their baking Ovens , and ruinate the Mils , in a word , what the enemies have heretofore spared , is now fully ruinated by our friends , we hoped every day , that they would depart and passe the River of Rhyne . The Hessens in Ratverwald strengthē themselves very much , and fetch great contributions out of the Bishoprick of Collen . At Collen the Drum is beaten for Generall Maior Lamboy , who takes vp fresh souldiers to make his Regiments compleat , but they can get but very few , that are willing to serve .

The Imperiall Generall Major Saradetzky at the command of the Electour of Collen , hath put a garrison into Wevelkoven , but presently after , he pillaged the same , and forsooke it againe , and marched with two Regiments of horse and two Regiments of foote towards Gladbeck to besiege the same place , which is guarded by foure companies of foote of the Duke of Newburg his forces .

Erfurd the 19. 29. of December .

The Castle of Windelstein was forced to yeeld vnto the Swedes vpon discretion , which is burned downe to the ground , the report goes also , that the Hessish forces have taken againe by a Stratageme the city of Friedwald , the castle of Weissenfels is likewise surrendred vnto the the Swedes together with the Castle of Moritzburg at Hall , that the Swedes have now free passage againe there over the River of Saala .

The 16. 26. of this moneth the Weymarish Army vnder the command of Conte de Guebrian , Fieldmarshall Shmitherger , Generall Major Tupadell are likewise passed by this city , and followed Gen. Banniers Army , & at this instant we receive advertisement , that Gen. Bannier is risen with his Army from Butstat and arrived this day at Jena , and that he intends totake his way towards Altenburg . The Swedes themselves give out , that they are to march towards the vpper Palatinat● or Egra , Generall Banniers Army together with the Weymarish Army consists of 50. Regiments of horse and 16. Brigads of foote in all 28600 strong , and the report goes , that Colonell Rosa with his troupes is likewise to follow the said Army through this Country .

Generall Bannier marcheth forward very speedily by this cold and frosty weather to put his designe in to execution , and being he carryeth along with him a great Artillery , many are of opinion , that h●e will fall vpon the City of Leipzigh , which time will shew , Hee hath beene sicke heere for some few daies , but now svery well againe and followeth the Army . Before Wolffenbuttle is arrived a Regiment of horse more , and two Regiments of foore and 2000 souldiers of the Hessish forces more are daily expected before it , the Duke of Luneburg continues still to make great preparations to assault the said city by force , being resolved to have the place though he should all burne it before .

Antwerpe the 19. 29. of December .

From Lyons is written , that the 4 , of this moneth are passed through the said city in the name of the States and Peeres in Catalonia three Deputies , one from the Clergy , one from the Nobility and one from the commons , which are going to Paris to treate of weighty matters with the French King : The said King is said to be resolved to ayd and assist the Catalonians against the next spring with 12000 men both of horse and foote , and with them shall joyne 20000 Catalonians , which are every day train'd and exercised .

From Millaine of the 2. 12. of this moneth is written that great forces are leavied in the said Dukedome for the King of Spaine .

The French in Piemont enlarge daily their quarters as farre as Cuneo , wherefore the Cardinall of Savoy hath sent a Regiment of Switzers from Nizza to Cuneo , to secure the same passage : At Legorne is arrived a ship ; which came from Catalonia with some passengers , many women and children , relating , that the Duke of Cordona , together with the Bishop of Tortosa , labour very hard to moderate the differences betwixt the King of Spaine and the Catalonians , but seeing Monsieur de Plessis Bisanson hath taken his residence in Catalonia in the name of the King of France , there is but small hope of any agreement , and the Catalonians continue to make great preparations for Warre . The Prince Cardinall Infan●● h●th chosen the Count of Isenburg to be Governour of Diedenhoven , and Col: Metternich Governor of Tryer.

Collen the 19. 29. of December .

The Gallish Regiment which lay enquartered at Bretheim not farre from Creutznach to keepe in the Weymarish garrison there , for feare of being surprised , hath forsaken Bretheim and is retired towards Meysenheim , in the meane time the Weymarish in Creuznach have surprised the castle of Waltbeckelheim , and found in it great store of corne and other provision . The Weymarish Colonell Rosa hath taken his quarter at Heuttenberg neare Giessen .

From Nordlingen of the 10. 20. of this moneth is written , that Arch Duke Leopold William , Generall Piccolomini and Marquis de Grana are in persons there , the said city must monethly contribute vnto them 20000 Florens , and though they made their complaints to the said Arch Duke Leopold William , that they were not able to raise such heavy taxations , but all the answer they received was , that they shouldmake it knowne to the Jmperiall Counsell . The 6. 16. of this moneth the Luneburgish and Hessish Ambassadours arrived at Ratisbone , what they treate now with them time will shew . The Turks have done again great harme in Hungarie with burning , robbing , and carrying away prisoners many Christians , wherefore the Emperour hath sent an Expresse to Constantinople to make complaints .

Collen the 20. 30. of December .

The Imperiall Fieldmarshall Hatzfeld continues yet heere , his horsemen are enquartered in the Country of Gulick and hereabout the city , & doe great mischiefe , notwithstanding the Hessish troupes straggle continually within two leagues of this city , and no longer then yesterday they pillaged a Village within two houres going of this City . In Holland great preparations for Warre are made both by Sea and Land to give worke next Spring to the Spanyards in Flanders and Brabant , the like doth the French King , who brings great forces together to fall againe ( as is said ) the next summer into the Countrey of Artoys , and to send againe another Army towards the River of Rhyne , and to attempt some thing against the city of Mentz and Tryer.

Lower Saxony the 20. 30. of December .

The Duke of Longueville is arrived at Bremen , from thence hee intends to goe from Holland and so for France , the report goes , that hee hath given order for sixe thousand Sutes of clothes to be made at Lubeck and Hamborough . The blocking up of Wolffenbuttle is still continued , in the said City lyes a strong Imperiall garrison . From all places is confirmed , that the Elector of Brandenburg departed out of this life , at Coningsberg the first of December new style , betwixt 6. and 7 of the clocke in the evening , his Death will much hinder and perhaps bring the new leavying of forces in Prussia to nothing . The Brandenburgish troupes , which were commanded towards the Lower Marquisate of Brandenburg , are returned backe againe without any expedition , because they had received intelligence , that the Luneburgish troupes were marching thitherwards to surprise them in their quarters .

Franckford the 21. 31. of December .

The Castle of Wendelstein is likewise surrendred to Generall Bannier , together with the Castle of Weyssenfels , some Swedish parties are gone towards the County of Henneberg to surprise the Imperialists , that lye enquartered there . At this instant wee receive advise out of Duringen , that Generall Bannier is marching towards Dresden , and that hee hath taken along with him from Erfurd 10 great Morter pieces and his whole Artillerie .

Ratisbone the 23. of December , the 2. of Ianuary .

Heere are preferred daily many complaints about the enquartered forces , because they feele the burthen almost in all places intollerable , which can now not bee remedied , in regard , that wee must keepe a watchfull eye to the Enemies actions , and we are forced to keepe together the Forces as much as possibly can bee , for we cannot know as yet which way Bannier will take , who hath received of the circle of Lower Saxenie three or 400000 Florens , in lieu whereof he hath promised to remove the seate of Warre into the Emperours here ditary Countries .

Norimberg the 25. of Decem. the 4. of Ianuary .

The 3. Imperialists Regiments , which lay enquartered hereabout this city have received order to breake vp , & to goe towards Egra , to secure that place . This day arrived here the foot post , which came from Newmarck in the vpper Palatinate , who bring newes , that Gen: Bannier with the most part of his army is arrived already about Hoff and Culumbach , which causeth great terrour & feare in the vpper Palatinate & Bavaria , many are of opinion , that Bannier will directly march towards Ratisbone , whereby hee will quickly make an end of the Dyete there , it is reported that the King of Denmarck hath sent a very moving letter to the Emperor to perswade him to a peace , & that the treaty betwixt the Princ Elector Palatine and the Duke of Bavaria may be taken in hand , which he thought would be a great meanes to procure a firme peace in Germany , but it is likewise reported that the Spanish golden arguments prevaile yet so much that most men are out of hope of any peace .

Amsterdam the 26. of December , the 5. of Ianuary .

Whereas the Hessens stragled continually with strong parties into the Countrey of Liege , and carried away many Prisoners , which they made pay great ransomes ; therefore the Magistrates of Liege have summoned all their trained Bands and mustered them , and have given a strict charge and command to give quarter to no Hessish souldier , but kill as many as they could meet withall .

This weeke are arrived in the Vlie 150 saile of Ships , which came from the East Countries and from Norway .

The last letters from Paris bring no other newes , but that in Catalonia a hot encounter hath passed betwixt the French and Spanyards , the French having got the better of the Spanyards in the beginning of the fight , and put them to flight , they pursued with 800 horsemen after the Spanyards so farre into the Countrey , that they could not come backe againe , but were environed by the Spanyards , dispierced and many of them slaine .

The Portugals continue still in their Rebellion , and will yeeld in nothing to the King of Spaine .

At Barcellona the Catalonians have slaine foureteene of the chiefest of the Towne , because they kept still correspondence with the King of Spaine , and went about to perswade the people to come to a composition with the said King .

The Prince Electour Palatine is safely arrived at Gluckstatt , and is now with the King of Denmarck .

Extract of a letter from Cassell of the last of Decemb. 1640.

Although this winter weather ( which proveth exceeding cold in these parts ) seemeth fitter for consultations than for action , yet doe the Commanders of the Union goe on in their designes and activitie , leaving for the Imperialists ( if they will take it ) that part of consulting and providing what to doe against the Spring . Howsoever because I have as yet no extraordinarie newes ( besides the blocking up of Wolfenbuttle , and the marching of Bannier with his Army ) of action for you at this time : I will supply the want thereof by communicating to you the copie of a letter written by Generall Bannier , dated at Erford the 25. Decemb. last 1640. saying thus :

Be pleased to understand , that on the 23. of November last I broke up with mine Armie from Pickenburg and am now here arrived : And having on the second of this moneth had a conference at Duderstat with the French and Wymarian Commanders , they thereupon took resolution and order with their Forces to march on , and follow me . Concerning mine armie , I can say ( and thank God for it ) that the little rest , which the same hath by my care enjoyed in those quarters I provided for them in Westphalia , Brunswig and Luneburg , both my Cavallerie and Infanterie hath much been mended & restored , so that I am come againe into the field with much stronger and better Troops than I had before : whilest I am advertised from divers places by prisoners , that the enemies remaine still in an ill condition , and are now dispersed into their quarters . Therefore I am resolved nothing to neglect , but observing and following my reason of war , to take speedily my way towards those parts , where by the power and help of God I hope to effect my designes : wherein , although I am not so presumptuous as to despise or neglect the enemy ; yet neverthelesse I am resolved , in case he come forth to stop , or hinder my endevours and progresse , upon any occasion that he shall offer me , still to be ready and in a good posture to give him battle , and to doe my uttermost for the good Cause , wishing onely and praying heartily , that Almightie God by his hand doe so conduct and prosper the armes of her Majestie of Sweden , and all other Protestants , & so resist those of their enemies , that at length we may attaine the desired scope , namely , a firme honest peace for all those that stand for the Gospell . The Forces of Brunswig , Luneburg and Hessen , are at this time in their quarters in Westphalia , Freesland , and other Dukedomes of their owne for particular designes , which neverthelesse doe conduce us in generall . But I hope ( according to their promises ) in case our enemies should againe so encrease against the future Spring or Summer , that my army should grow inferiour to theirs , our said friends and allies will then againe be ready to joyne , and march with us together , as necessitie shall require : that wee may with a generall resolution get a generall victory and honour together .

Thus much saith Bannier , who since that time is arrived at Seitz , and gone from thence to Altenburg , and so in Voitland , and the Wymarian Forces are two leagues from him , at Newstat : Their march being said to goe directly to the upper Palatinate , and to visit the Dyet at Ratisbone .

Genoa 8. 18. of December .

The Governour of Millaine , Marquis de Leganez , having expected a long time moneyes , promised for the payment of his Souldiers , but not sent , went himselfe to Millaine to urge the sending thereof for feare of want therof the five thousand foot and two thousand horse , which are yetremaining of his army , might perhaps change Master . Don Carolo de la Gatta is passed by this Citie , and gone for Naples .

Lyons 10. 20. of December .

The Catalonians have caused to be bought here armours for three thousand men , because the Spanyards have now made an invasion into the Countie of Rousillion , and burned downe about Conflance three Market Townes , wherefore Monsieur d'Espenan hath desired of the Prince of Conde , who is at Narbona , a speedy succour of some thousand men to oppose them .

Millaine the 16. 26. of December .

The French have sent againe two thousand men to Cazall to change the French Garrison there , wherefore the Spanyards re-inforce likewise all the Garrisons in the next neighbouring places , thereabouts : The Catalonians cause all the silver to be taken out of the Churches , and to bee coyned , to make a great provision of money . In France they continue still to make great preparations for war to goe betimes into the field , and the French King is sayd to have likewise renewed his league with the Crowne of Sweden .

Naples the 14. 24. of December .

They are here labouring to take up many ships and galleyes for the service of the King of Spaine , but it seemeth that there wants either money or hearts . The galleyes of Livorne are departed almost all out of this Harbour , craving leave of the Vice-Roy of this Kingdome , that they might follow their owne occasions , which hee granted : hereupon hee hath nominated the Councellour Capecelato an able man to goe forthwith upon Embassage to Madrid , to make remonstrance , as well of the necessities , as of the dangerous state of this Kingdome , who is to depart with the first opportunitie in the galleyes of this Kingdome , that are to carrie some Infanterie into the Dukedome of Millaine : There departed not long since three other galleyes of them laden with Souldiers , to srengthen the Garrisons along the Sea-coasts , which the King of Spaine holds upon the frontiers of Toscany .

The Vice-Roy of late carrieth himselfe more temperate and more plyable towards the Gentrie of this Kingdome , than formerly hee had done , some fearing , others hoping , that this his alteration of disposition comes too late .

The Duke of Laurenzana departs forthwith for Spaine , to bee employed against the Catalonians : the Marquis of Toralto hath beene declared Governour of Sabionette : They talke here of a Parliament Generall to bee held in this Kingdome occasioned by the unreasonable demands that are made of five Millions , which if the Vice-Roy and other Officers shall presse to levie ; it is to be feared , that the Catholike King will keepe as few good subjects in this Kingdome , as he hath in Portugall or Catalonia .

From Dresden the 18. 28. of December .

The sixteenth of this instant moneth , the Swedish Generall Major Pfuel made some turnes about this Citie , whence hee drove away a great number of Horse and other Cattle , but in his retreat the Saxon Colonell Vngar made a sally out upon him , and tooke prisoners some of his Souldiers , which were led into this Citie , amongst whom was found one Horse Captaine , and one Corporall , both of the number of those that burned the village of Grumpach , whereupon our Electour greatly incensed against them , caused to the number of nineteene , that were condemned as Incendiaries , to bee burned alive ; the which execution was appointed to bee done as yesterday ; but as the proverb saith , Many things happen betweene the cupp and the lipp , and as death many times comes unexpected , so doth sometimes life , for just as the Hang-man was ready with his linck flaming , and the said nineteene prisoners all fastened together with a long iron chaine , everie man with a bundle of reedes set in a pitch caske before him , and each two faggots behinde him , and standing thus in this dreadfull posture , expecting everie moment to feele the mercilesse rage of that cruell element , having just ended their confession , the last work of men leaving this world , behold two Trumpetters arrive from the Swedish Generall Major Pfuel , who then approached verie nigh with his Troops , which brought this message from the said Generall Major , namely , that without mercie hee would put all to fire and sword , if his Souldiers were thus handled : This threatning message caused our Electour to surcease this execution , and to send back the condemned againe to prison , which he scarce could find in his heart to doe , having taken a solemne oath , that hee would cause all those , that should be taken and proved Incendiaries , & burners of houses , to be burned alive , but hee was at last hereunto perswaded , through the entreaties and intercession of his Ladie the Electrice , and the other young Princes , & whole Councell , who apprehending the sequell of so extraordinarie a punishment , saved the lives of those prisoners .

Frankford the 18. 28. of December .

It is confirmed from all parts , that Generall Bannier with his Army is passed the river of Saala , and that the Weymarish Army followeth him , and that he tooke his way not towards Leipzygk and Wittenberg , as some did write , but directly towards Voitland the upper Palatinate , carrying along great store of ammunition and Artillerie of an hundred peeces . In Saxony and Misnia he hath left behind him Generall Major Pfuel with divers Regiments , to keep the Saxon Troops in awe , and to fetch in the contribution of the said Countrey , as also to bring the rest of the Townes under the same contribution , so that Saxony will be totally ruinated .

From the river of Rhyne the 19. 29. of December .

It is confirmed now , that the Hessish Troops have taken by a stratagem the Citie of Friedwald , and made the Impetialists that lay in it , to take service under them ; they have also taken the castle of Terburg , where they made the Imperialists to doe the like . Field Marshall Hatzfels Troops , which had laid for some few dayes together a siege before the Citie of Gladbach , have now forsaken that siege , and are returned to their old quarters .

Erfurd the 18. 28. of December .

The other day I certified you , that the Swedish Army marched from hence towards Genu , whom the Weymarish Army followed yesterday in like manner passing by this Citie , the Regiments are reasonably strong , and the Horse-men all bravely mounted , the Artillerie was drawne by verie faire and strong horses , the said Army is in the meane time commanded by Colonell Ohei●● , and the Count of Nassaw : Colonell Rosa with his Troops is to follow the Army to morrow , or next day after : Yesterday a moneths pay was given to the said Weymarish Army , and all dismounted Horsemen were mounted againe . The French Troops are commanded by Conte de Guebrian and the Generall Commissarie Chousy : Field Marshall Shmitberger and Generall Major Tupadoll are yet here , the said Shmitberger , we heare , is to command the Weymarish Army , as Lieutenant Generall : Both Armies carry along with them upon Waggons a great number of Boats , that they may passe any Rivers where they come . Of Banniers armie were told thirty eight Regiments of horse , and twelve Brigads of foot : of the Weymarish army twelve Regiments of horse , and foure Brigads of foot , which is confirmed by this weeks Posts .

Franckford the 25. of December , the 4. of Ianuary .

Here were have no other newes , but that the Weymarian troopes , under Colonell Rosa are gone after Generall Bannier , and from Basel they confirme , that Prince Thomas of Savoy , is fully agreed with the French King , and expected at Paris there to receive 400000 pound Turnois . It is also reported , that the Duke of Parma stands likewise in a Treaty with the French King . But all this must yet bee confirmed before wee can beleeve it .

Hamborough the 26. of December , the 5. of Ianuary .

The new levied forces , which Lieutenant Generall Arnheim , hath taken up in Poland and Prussia for the Emperors service , runne all away , and of nine thousand men , hee hath not left above one hundred men more : This levying hath cost a great summe of money , and comes all to nothing , so that Pomerania needs now not to feare any invasion , which those new forces seemed to threaten .

The Duke of Luneburg maketh yet great preparations , especially of fire-workes , to assault next Spring the City of Wolffenbutle by force : The Imperiall Governor in it ( Baron of Rustenburg ) defends himselfe stoutly , and fortifies the said place more and more , and is resolved to defend it to the last man ; the besieged sally dayly forth with some troops .

From the River of Rhyne the 26. of December , the 5. of Ianuary .

The 28. 30. of December departed from Coesfield fifteene hundred Souldiers , with many Scaling-Ladders , and other instruments : what their designe is , is not knowne .

In the Countrey of Beryk lye above one thousand Musquetiers and fire locks , with fixe hundred Horsemen of the Holland forces : the report goes , that the Imperiall Field Marshall Hatzfeld will fall upon them , and force them to depart from thence ; his Troops lye yet before Gladbach : at Collen are made ready three thousand suits of cloathes for Hatzfelds Souldiers .

Erfurd the 26. of December , the 5. of Ianuary .

The Duke of Luneburg with his troops continueth still the blocking up of Wolffenbutle , and fortifies his quarters more and more before it : hee hath likewise summoned in his Countrey a great number of Peasants , which as soone as the great Frost shall be past , are to fortifie the quarters on the side towards Halberstat ; divers of his souldiets runne away , because of the extreame cold weather ; in the meane time the besieged sally continually forth , and doe some harme to the Luneburgish .

The Swedish troopes about two thousand strong , which lay enquartered in the Bishopricke of Halberstat , besieged some few dayes ago the City of Tangermund on the River of Elve , belonging to the Elector of Brandenburg , the besieged , after they had endured the battering of the Swedish Canons for some few houres , yeelded upon discretion , and the Brandenburgish souldiers , which have beene 130. in number , were forced to take service under the Swedes . The King of Denmark is now at Coldingen , and the Queene Dowager of Sweden at Gottorff , with the Duke of Holstein .

The foure and twentieth of this Month , Generall Bannier rose with his Army from Newstat on the River of Orla , and marched towards Shlatz , where he intended to keep his Christmasse : his forces we heare are arrived already about Hoff , Wonsidle , and other places thereabouts , the report goeth yet strong , that he will march towards the upper Palatinate and Bavaria , some Regiments under the command of Generall Pfuel he hath left in Misnia to fetch in the contribution .

Antwerp . the 26. of December , the 5. of Ianuary .

From Naples is written , that in the same Kingdome for the reinforcing of all the Companies , a free releasement is published for all prisoners what fault soever they have committed , with condition that they shall serve faithfully under the King of Spains troopes . The Vice-Royes sonne takes likewise up some companies , and intends to put them under the command of Don Giofeppo Spagna ; all Millitary Officers serving under the King of Spaine , are summoned to come to Naples , to leavie with all speed some new Troops , because the they guard those Frontiers more than ever they have done , especially all places on the Sea costs of Toscanie , and they secure well the two Harbours Orbetello and Portorallo belonging unto the King of Spaine . At Naples are likewise mustered twenty Companies , which are commanded by the Prince of Bizignano .

At Paris are now at this presens the Deputies of Catalonia , which treate with the King of France as States of a free Republick : The siege before Tortosa is still continued by the Catalonians . At Marseilles are made ready divers Gallies to transport foure thousand Souldiers more to Catalonia .

From Italy is confirmed , that the French have taken the Castle of Ast , but the City is yet defended by the Spaniards , and both parties shoot fiercely one against another . It is confirmed ( how true wee know not ) that Prince Thomas of Savoy , is agreed with the French K. & is expected at Paris within few dayes ; and the Cardinall of Savoy is likewise treating his agreement with the French . The Count of Harcourt is expected at Paris every houre ; many Nobles and Gentlemen are to meet him in the way .

From Spaine is confirmed , that the Marquesse de Terracusa hath defeated some Troopes of the French and Catalonians , and afterwards befeiged the City of Terragona ; some will say , that hee hath brought againe the said City under the King of Spains subjection .

From Lyon of the 5. 15. of Decem. they write that the Catalonians and French after many affaults , had taken the citie of Tortosa , and that on both sides were lost about 4000 men , amongst which was the Lieutenant of Monsieur d'Espinan . They confirme also , that the common people at Barcellona have killed divers great men , which took yet the King of Spaines part , wherupon the Castillians have fallen upon som Catalonians in Perpignano , pillaged their houses , killed the men , and chased their wives and children stark naked out of the Citie .

Collen the 27. of Decemb. the 6. of Ianuarie .

Field Marshall Hatzfeld his Troops , which lye hereabouts , intended to take their quarter in the little citie of Munch Gladbach , but a company of the Duke of Newburg his Souldiers , which lies there in Garrison , hath beaten off the Imperialists by force ; wherefore the Imperiall Colonell Sparre , who lyes at Mulheim , is gone against it with three thousand men , but the besieged defend themselves not withstanding stoutly , and with their shooting doe great harme amongst the Imperialists , and have killed already divers high Officers , and many common Souldiers . The Imperiall Colonell , Count of Ridberg , who hath served these many yeares under the Emperour , died here in this Citie .

An Extract of a Letter from the Hague , the 31. of Decemb. the 10. of Ian.

With the last letters from Emden , wee have no other newes , but that the Prince Electour Palatine was yet there , from whence hee intended to goe to Gluckstat , thinking that the King of Denmark was there , but understanding that the King was at Coldingen , he resolved to goe the next day after with Count Volmar , the Kings naturall son to Coldingen . We have in these parts such a frost , that almost all the rivers are frozen over , so that men and horses can goe over the ice without danger .

Franckford the 3. 13. of Ianuarie .

It is confirmed from all places , that Generall Bannier with the most part of his Army is arrived about Hoffe and Plan , wherefore speedy order is given , that nine Bavarian Regiments , and divers other Imperiall Regiments , which are nearest at hand , shall march with all speed towards Erga , to secure that passage , and to all other Regiments that lye enquartered here abouts , in the Lower Palatinate , Wirtenberg , Franconia , Swaben , Mentz , and other parts , is likewise given speedy order to draw together from all places , and make head against Generall Bannier ; but seeing the Imperiall Souldiers have been so tired out and weakened , they have no great mind to it , and are verie unwilling to forsake their quarters , especially in this cold & frosty weather , and doubtlesse many will run away before they come to the Randevouz ; and albeit the Emperour sees himselfe now so weakened , and withall the whole Empire so wasted and ruinated , and in a most miserable state and condition , yet notwithstanding wee heare not the least motion of any peace ; but most men beleeve , that Bannier when he comes now into Bavaria , will perswade them with stronger arguments to change their minds .

An Extract of a Letter from Norimberg , the 1. 11. of Ianuarie .

It is most certaine , that Generall Bannier is passed with his whole Army by Hoffe and Plan , himselfe in person hath beene in the strong Fort and Castle of Pleissenberg neare Culinbach , where hee left his Lady , and himselfe followeth the Army , being above 30000 strong : no question but hee hath some great designe in hand , because hee makes such haste in his march . The King of Denmark having tryed all meanes , and sent sundry letters to the Imperiall Dyet held at Ratisbone , to perswade the Emperour , States and Peeres ( if it were possible ) to conclude an universall peace thorowout the whole Empire , but having understood now , that the Protestant States and Peeres there could not prevaile with the Emperour and Prelates , that a constant peace might be concluded , hath sent another to the Protestant States and Peeres , wherein he intimated unto them , that in case the said Prelates would continue to stand thus upon their owne heads , and not conclude a peace , they would force him to take another resolution , and to joyn againe with his old Confederates , to try whether they joyntly could procure what hitherto hath been refused : The Emperour and Prelates having heard of that letter , used the Protestant States and Peeres more kindly than formerly , and wee hope that this will moderate matters so , that we shall againe heare of some proposition for a peace . At the conclusion of this letter wee receive certaine advise , that Generall Bannier hath divided his Army into three parts , one part whereof he hath commanded towards Egra , which Citie is already said to bee taken by the Swedes ; another part hee hath commanded towards the upper Palatinate , some Troops whereof have beene a Gnadenberg , foure Germane miles from this Citie of Norimberg , where they pillaged a Cloyster ; the third part he hath commanded towards Franconia , to hinder the Imperiall Forces of their conjunction , which are summoned to draw together from all parts , though the frost be never so great , and they never so unwilling to march in this cold weather , and in so unseasonable a time , having hardly recovered themselves a little since the last march , which had wearied and tired them out so much : It is certaine , that this unexpected and speedy comming of Generall Ba●nier , causeth a great alteration and confusion amongst the Imperialists , that they doe scarce know what to doe .

With the last letters from France they write ( but how certainly we know not ) that the Pope hath put forth in print two Buls , in one whereof he confirmeth and establisheth the new crowned King of Portugall in his Throne and government : In the other hee threateneth all those that shall offer the said new King in his raigne and government , with excommunication . They write also from thence , that a great stir and confusion is likewise in Castillia , and other Kingdomes of Spaine , which the Duke of Medina being borne of the Spanish bloud layes claime to , pretending to have proper right to it , as if they would have no King more of the Germane , but onely of the Spanish bloud . The Imperiall Generall , Iohn de Werth , who was detained prisoner at Paris a great while , is now sent from thence to Nancy , to be exchanged for Field Marshall Gustavus Horn , who comes from Ingolstat . In holland are taken up for the French King some thousand Souldiers , where or which way they shall be employed , the next Spring wee shall heare in time . The losse which the French had in Catalonia is likewise confirmed from Paris , and that their Lieutenant Generall was taken prisoner , and sent ( after promise to beare no more armes against Spaine ) to Biscay .