OStend is a Sea Towne in the countie of Flanders, Descripti­on and si­tuation of Ostend. one of the most famous Forts of Christendome, scituated amongst downes, three miles from Newport, and foure houres iourney from Bruges, vpon a riuer called Yper­lehe, the which increased by others, casts an arme into the Sea by the west Sluce, the which hath sometimes bin a good Port, but now it is cut of by the enemy by meanes of a Trenche, and made altoge­ther vnprofitable by them of Ostend, with two dikes or causies vpon the side of Polder rampart, to take away all commoditie and aduantage from the enemie.

The Towne with the Ramparts about it containe halfe an houres iourney. Before the siege it was reaso­nably well built. For the situation, the inhabitants main­tained themselues with fishing. Before the warres they were about three thousand, but since the greatest part are retired to Camuehr in Zeland, so as there remaines not aboue one hundred and fiftie housholds.

The port whereof we haue spoken,The Port. stretcheth to [Page 2] the North Norwest of the towne, the greatest depth is towards the Norwest drawing to the sea. It flowes and ebbes euery sixe howers, as in other hauens of Flanders, and it remaines almost drie at euery ebbe, neither is it good but at halfe floud, and for vessels which drawe not much water.

Besides this Port,A new Gollet. within these few yeares, the Sea of it selfe hath opened a new gollet or Port, aboue a hundred foote broade, entring into the land when the tides are lowest, the depth of two Pikes, and before at the entrie a good halfe fadam, growing euery day more deeper, so as it is likely in time to be one of the best ports of Flanders. A new Port. Since the siege they haue made a new Port or Hauen betwixt these two, whereof shall be spoken more at large hereafter.

The fortification of this place began during the warres of the Lowe-countries,A dis­course of the estate of the towne since the warres and fortificati­on therof. in the yeare 1572. It was first inclosed with gates and Palissadoes against the incursions of the enemy, and sixe yeares after being better fortified by the confederate Prouinces, it hath continued almost alone in all the countie of Flanders faithfull to her partie, and hath couragiously withstood all the enemies attempts, and resisted their enterprises. The Duke of Parma in the yeare 1583. returning with his victorious troopes from the prise of Dunkerke and Nieuport, and hauing besieged it, after fiue dayes was forced to raise his siege.

Two yeares after, La Motte gouernour of Graueling, surprised the olde Towne vpon the Sea-shore, being then onely fortified with a simple rampart and a palli­sadoe, thinking to fortifie it speedily, and so to keepe it, but he was chased away with great losse, leauing vpon [Page 3] the place aboue fortie men of commaund, with all his munition.

Since it hath beene fortified, and first of all the East-downes, (the which by reason of their height and neer­nesse might much annoy the Towne) haue beene made somewhat plainer, and the Sea besides her ordinarie course brought round about the towne when it flowes, aboue 1200. paces to the South, and at Spring-tides it runnes a league into the countrie towards the West, and causeth much broken land there abouts, especially towards the West Sand-downes, whereas the enemie must campe, and whereas his onely passage lyes to goe vnto the Towne.

The fortification comprehended all the Polder, Those of Ostend a­bandon the Polder. (so they call a medow or field wonne from the sea or ri­uer) but finding it vnfit to be fortified, and requiring a great garde, a part of it was left out. They haue like­wise furnished their ditches with causies and dikes, so as whereas they were wonte to be drie at euery tide, they are now full of water.

The chiefe fortifications haue beene made since the comming of the Arch-duke Albert in the yeare 1596. and at the time when Calais and Hulst were taken, and lastly in the yeare 1600. the ramparts were made high­er, the Bulwarkes inlarged, and all reduced to a fit and equall proportion. Besides this fortification, those of the towne haue neede to ramper themselues with dikes and causeys against the sea, the which they feare more then the enemy.

This place imports greatly, that it should greatly auaile the Arch-duke,Impor­tance of Ostend. and that the losse thereof should much preiudice the confederate Prouinces: [Page 4] for (omitting to speake of the commodity of the hauen) the Archduke by meanes thereof is forced to entertaine warre in his owne countrey, and to haue a little extra­ordinary armie continually in pay, to the ruine thereof. Flanders particularly, (the which in time of peace was reputed for a third part of the seuenteene Prouinces,) is as it were abandoned to the souldier, and before the siege, the greatest part of the champion country to re­deeme themselues from spoile and pillage, haue beene forced to paie a tribute or contribution to them of Ost­ende.

The Flemings feeling this thorne in their foote, to bridle and restraine their ordinarie roades, haue built many forts there abouts,Forts built about Ost­end. and placed guardes vpon the approches, especially in the yeare 1599. by the aduice of a corporall fugitiue, who had beene long in garison in the Towne, and knew all their courses.

About the Towne from the West to the East, they recken 17. forts, the farthest of be, Nieudamme, Lef­fing, Snaskerk, Altemburg, Plassenthale, Stalhille, Nieu­uegen, Nieu munster, and Blanckenberg, in some of them country men do dwell; the neerest be, Albertus, Isabella, Grossendurst, Claire or the stone S. Iohn with his block­house, Colombie with his blockhouse and Bredene, wher­vnto hath beene added an eighteenth fort vpon the East downes: Bredene is the greatest, in the which there was the last winter a whole regiment in garison. Isabella is the strongest and neerest vnto the Towne, the which by meanes of a trench ioynes vnto Grossendurst, & both of them are commonly guarded by six ensignes: and so is Claire with her blockhouse. In Albertus there are two ensignes, and one in Colombie: the entertainement of [Page 5] which forts in the beginning did cost the states of Flan­ders ninty thousand Flemish crownes a month,Expences in garding these forts. & for all that they could not hinder the descēt of an armie, as ex­perience hath verified & oftentimes the mutinies of ga­risons, haue brought no lesse oppression & ruine to the Country then the incursions of the enemie.Cause of the siege. Which hath beene the cause why they haue often made suite to haue it beseeged straightly, among the rest after the ta­king of Calais in the yeare 1596. offering to paie extra­ordinarily 300000. crownes within three monethes. The Archduke seemed then to be resolute, and recei­ued a good somme of money, but he did nothing but shew himselfe with his armie before the Towne, and hauing viewed it he sodainely retired.

After all this they promised againe vnto the Arch­duke, (besides the ordinary contribution of 90000. crownes a month for the entertainment of the forts,) to giue him 600000. crownes, that is a 100000. crownes when hee should bring his armie within view of the Towne. a 100000. crownes when he had planted his Canon against it, a 100000. crownes when he had made a breach, and the other 300000. crownes when he had taken the Towne, and in trueth they deliuered this summe and more as shall appeare hereafter. They preuailed so in the counsel of the States (hauing practi­sed the Brabançons,) as a resolutiō was taken according to their desires,Diuersitie of opini­ons in counsell vpon the siege of Ostend. (although there were great opposition,) saying there was no reason to hazard an armie at the siege of a place so much to be feared.

As for the Archduke he was fully resolued to the siege, for that (besides the hope he had to carrie the place) he thought by this meanes to force the confede­rate [Page 6] Prouinces, to draw their armie from the siege of Reynberg, and with this money to pacifie his souldiers, and amongst the rest those of Isabella fort, which had beene long time mutined, and had intelligence with them of Ostend, the which did much trouble the Fle­mings.

Then followed the seege, the Arch-duke came to Altemburg, Ostend besieged. and the fift of Iuly 1601. he sent Cont Fre­derick de Berge first Marshall of the Campe before Ost­end with foure regiments of foote, who incamped vpon the East downes, from whence the next day he began to shoote with foure double Canons.

Within the Towne there were 21. Ensignes of di­uers regiments, and one of the inhabitants, vnder the command of La Northe, who prouided for their de­fence most of them sending away their wiues & chil­dren, into Zeland.

The 6. day Don Augustine de Mexia Gouernour of the Castle of Andwerp, came before the Towne with fiue other regiments, who incamped vpon the West very neere the Towne, betwixt the forts of Albert & Isabella. They of the Towne that day and the three fol­lowing discharged many a Canon shot at them, and in the end forced them to retire and to lodge vpon the West downes, they say there were aboue 400. hurt men carried to Neuport.

The mutines of Isabella fort were pacified with pro­mises and faire words, so as they went forth willingly to receiue their paie at Winoxberge, to the number of fiue hundred men.

The 10. and 11. of Iuly, the enemy caused the chie­fest forces of his campe to passe to the West-downes, [Page 7] leauing vpon the East about a 1000. men vnder the commond of Monsieur de Guson, who made a new fort vpon the downes with deepe ditches about it.

The enemie approched daily vpon the West, and fortified himselfe, planting twelue peeces of Canon vpon the plainest of the downes; he made also ano­ther battery vpon the Sea side, wherby they tooke from them of the Towne that olde Port or Hauen, so as euer sence they haue vsed the Nieu-port, The olde hauen cut off by the enemy. or Chanell which they had made expresly, whereby all great barkes or ships with flat bottomes entred,

Prince Maurice hauing intelligence of the siege of Ostend, his excellencie sent presently the ninth of Iuly from the campe Sir Francis Vere Generall of the Eng­lish with twelue companies of his owne nation &Graue Maurice sendes to Ostend. Colo­nell Vchtenbruch with seuen ensignes of lowe Country souldiers and some others, to the number of thir­ty foure companies, all which ariued happilie and entered the Towne by the North Port the fifteene of Iuly.

The besieged expected daily foure thousand En­glish men out of England.Succours from Eng­land. The 23. of Iuly there a­riued 1500. in red Cassackes, the which were pre­sentlye deuided among the twelue first compa­nies.

Generall Vere being ariued fortified himselfe present­ly in a certaine high place without the Towne, where the enemy could not annoy him.

The 13. they made a sally,A Sallie. wherein the Archduke (according to the aduice which came from Bruges) lost 600. men. Don Augustin de Mexia had a Musket shot in the hand, and a maister of the campe a Spaniard [Page 6] [...] [Page 7] [...] [Page 8] named Don Ierosme Monroy was slaine there: they of the Towne lost about thirtie.

The 18. of Iuly Generall Vere cast vp earth on the side of the Polder towards the West downes, & the e­nemie did the like right against him. Then he fortified himselfe at Cowe-bridge, the which his Excellencie had caused to be broken the yeare before: And the 25. he caused the place to be viewed, and put some Souldiers into it: at the same instant the Arche-dukes men issued forth in great numbers out of their approches and tren­ches, euery one carrying a Fagot or Bauin vpon his head, & passed on running at the mercie of the Musket shot from the Towne, to make a passage through the marish, and to seaze vpon a high place which lyes be­twixt Cowe-fort & Grossendurst, where in the night they planted three Canons: and there they lost many men.

The 26. of Iuly, the Archdukes men played all day vpon this new fortification, and at night came to the assault in three sundry places, they forced it and chased away them of the Towne, the which was easie to doe being but fortie men.

The 27.A Sailie. of Iuly they within the Towne made a sal­lie and wonne the enemies trenches, whom they cha­sed euen vnto the Sand-downes: the Canon of the Towne playing in the meane time to great effect vpon the Arche-dukes troupes. A Spanish prisoner said that there were 600. of their men hurt and slaine at this ser­uice, and amongst others, Don Diego Idiagues a Spanish Captaine, sonne vnto the King of Spaines Secretarie, was slaine.

The 29. of Iuly the Arch-dukes armie was supplied with ten Ensignes of new souldiers or Besognes, of [Page 9] the new troupes that were come from Italie, the same day the tide ouer-flowed all the enemies approches, euen vnto the West-downes of sand.

The same day the enemie sunck a Barke in the which were 18. men, whereof there were but sixe saued, the which did so amaze the Marriners, as they were driuen to great want in Ostend, vntill the comming of Iohn de Duvenuorde the Admirall, who tooke so good an order as they might easilie enter by the North-port and the gollet, and discharge their munition, victuales and mar­chandize in the Dikes towards the East-port, so as they haue aboundance of all things since that time.

The 31. of Iuly Cont Frederick with a regiment of Germaines began to make his trenches round about La pierre S. Iean, going on to this new fortification which they had wonne, the which they did couer with a new wing towards the Norwest, and vnited it to their first workes vpon the West-side of the Towne:The ene­mies tren­ches. so as the enemies trenches are continued from the west-downes belowe beyond the Fort of La pierre S. Iean. Vpon this wing the enemy hath built a little corps de garde, against the which Generall Vere made a retrenchment vpon the West of his chiefe rampart, from whence the Sol­diers entertained one another with their Musket shot, but it was razed two dayes after.

The same day the Polder rampart was put in defence vpon the North-east towards the Towne, and vpon the South-west it was raised in manner of a plat-forme to plant Canon thereon, and sixe double Cannons were brought from Zeland, whereof foure were planted vp­on Sand-hill, and the other two vpon the West Boul­warke, whether most of their ordinance was brought, [Page 10] for that they expected some great attempt of the ene­my there.

Don Catris commanded vpon the West at the Sand­downes, who desired extremely to doe some exploit a­bout the Porke epicke along the little Tummel-dike, and at the first oportunity when the tide should be gone to cast himselfe by the hauen into the old Towne.

The 3. of August, the Arch-dukes men made a trench vnder the fort of S. Claire on the South side.

The 4. day they aduanced their approches on the same side within Musket shot of the trenche, which Generall Vere had made vpon the West side of Polder.

The 6. of August, those that were camped vpon the West downes, approached fiftie yardes neerer vnto the Towne.

The 9. they began to shoote from Cow-fort, whilest the fortification of Polder was a finishing.

The same day the Arch-dukes men shotte 2200.2200. ca­non shot in one day against the Towne. Canon shot from their batterie of the side of S. Claires Forte, without making of any reasonable breach, they onely hurt and slue some poore miserable creatures, and spoiled some priuate houses, but it did nothing counteruaile their great expence of Poulder and shot, neither had they any thing aduanced their principall desseigne.

The defences of Sand-hill Bulwarke, Wester Bulwarke, and Helmont were beaten downe, but they were so well repaired in three or foure dayes, as in a whole Moneth the enemie could not much indomage them.

The eleuenth of August, a seruant to Sir Horatio Vere Liuetenant generall of the English was slaine, and [Page 11] a peece of the Towne-Towre beaten downe.

The Arch-dukes men stood euery night in armes to the number of three or foure thousand,The Arch-dukes men stand vpon their guard to receiue them of the Towne, who they thought would sallie out vp­on them.

The same day at night came a Fleete of 15.Ships from Zeland. vessels from Zeland with munition and victuals, the which were afterwards vnladen in the Towne. The same day a peece of the Tower of the olde Towne was beaten downe, and two prisoners were brought into the Towne, whereof the one was borne at Bruges, and the other at Namur, who among other things saide that the mutins of Isabella fort, had beene drawne forth with good wordes, and were gone to Winox­berge about 500. men; moreouer they said that the Archduke had caused all the fugitiues to be put in to prison, for that some of them had bragged to know the meanes how to take the towne, but the smale likelihood there was in their proposition, did shew sufficiently that it was but to winne themselues credit.

The 12.Of the Gouer­nors lod­ging, bea­ten downe with the Canon, and not by him a­bandoned. of August a small Tower of the Gouernours lodging was beaten quite downe and although it were pearced through with many a shot, yet did he not aban­don it.

The same day many of the inhabitants both men and women returned out of Zeland, who had fled for feare in the beginning of the siege.

The 13. of August, arriued 17. or 18. ships, the which entred into the Towne by the Gollet on the East side about mid-night, vpon whome the enemy plaied fiercely with his Canon, and one boy onely was slaine, this happened because it was moone light, for when the [Page 12] night or darke they passe safely, without discouerie of the enemy, whose neerest trenches on that side were a thousand or eleuen hundred paces of.

The enemie did also much indamage the ships that lay within the Towne, behinde the new Church, and slue a Mariner and some soudiers.

The Archdukes men which where in guard at Kat­zen-heubten, the which is a kinde of Caualier or plat­forme, plaied continually with their Muskets into the Towne, they hurt a Sargent of Captaine Anthonies company in the leg, and slue the Sargent of Captaine Kolue.

Those of the Towne tooke two peeces of great Ca­non, the which were vpon Wester Boulwarke, and planted them in the false Braie at the foote of Sandhill, for that they serued them to no vse whereas they were before, by reason that the enemy was come so neere the Towne, and had fortified their approches too well on that side.

The same day, three men thinking to flie vnto the e­nemie,Fugitiues taken. two of them were taken & put into Yrons; the e­nemy shot with foure peeces, from their neerest trench on the South side, and with others from the East and West, but their greatest effect was to ruine some hou­ses: from the first beginning vnto this day, they did not hurt aboue 18. persons of the Towne and some souldi­ers, the which was little in regard of the multitude of bullets which passed through all partes of the Towne,Bullets of 40. pounde shot into the towne. whereof the greatest part waied aboue 40. poundes a peece.

The 14. of August, there entred by the Gollet 7. or 8. ships laden with munition and victuals: the enemie [Page 13] ceased not to shoote day and night, breaking all the co­uerings of the houses, the which they complained most of, and sometimes they hurt a Towns-man or a souldier.

The same day, about eight of the clocke in the mor­ning Generall Vere was hurt with a peece of a CanonGenerall vere hurt. which split, for the which the enemy made great signes of ioy and triumph, discharging many Canon shot, so as they hurt six or eight persons, but not one of them died.

After dinner a Canonier was slaine vpon Sandhill, with a Musket shot in the head, the which came from Keiheubter, this was the seuenth Canonier which had beene slaine, besides there were fiue souldiers strook with one Canon shot in the ships, whereof some dyed, the rest were maimed.

The same day the Towns-men pearced their Coun­terscarfe, to lodge the ships within their ditches, that they might be more couered.

The 15. there was great shooting on either side, and there were 19. or 20. slaine of those which helpt to vn­lade the ships, from morning to morning, day & night there was nothing hard but the thundering of Canons and hissing of Muskets on either part.

The English men made the greene market place with­in the Towne hollow, fitting themselues with cabbines and lodgings in the earth, and they made hollow ano­ther void place vpon the South-west, yet there were still some of them hurt. Those of the Towne say also that they did often see them drawe dead men out of the enemies trenches, the which their Canon had slaine.

[Page 14] The 16. of August the Arch-dukes men in the night made a halfe Moone at their neerest retrenchment to­wards the West-downes, and so carried it along the Sand-downes, vnto their neerest approches, the which stretch from the Downes vnto the Polder, and there made a batterie of three Canons, fiftie yardes neerer then they had yet made any, from whence they began at the breake of day to shoote against the Bulwarke of Sand-hill, the which (after they had discharged some thousands of shot) seemed to be a wall of Yron, and they might heare the Bullets strike one against another. They made much sand flie into the ayre, but they could make no reasonable breache: the Towns-men prepared to vndermine a little dike which went neere vnto the enemies trenches vpon the West side of the Downes.

The Arch-duke caused many houses of Stone to be built in the Fort called Albertus by his name, see­ing that the siege in all shew would be long.

The same day the Sea swelled so high as the ap­proches and defences comming from the West­downes, towards the Towne, yea and those beyond towards the South, were all couered with water, so as the Souldiers were forced to recouer the neerest sande downes: the water was halfe a league about the Towne from the East to the West downes.The Arch-dukes men forced to retire by the tide. The Eng­lish-mens trenches were in like sort full of water, being forced to saue themselues vpon the highest ground. The Townes-men likewise expected this, beleeuing (as it fell out afterward) that it would make the ene­mie retire.

[Page 15] The 17. of August the Arch-dukes men aduanced their trenches from the West towards the Porke espike neerer then they had done, so did they vpon the South towards the trenches of the English, labouring there in such sort as if they would haue planted all their batte­ries, and lodged themselues as neere in a manner as it was possible.35000. ca­non shot against the towne. They had about the Towne 50. great peeces of brasse, and by that day they had discharged 35000. Canon shot, and yet could neuer make breach, and those places whereas the enemie (the tide being gone) might passe on drie foote were made stronger then before the siege.

The same day one of the enemies souldiers fled away and came into the Towne, discouering vnto them the enemies estate, and that they prepared to shoote balles of wilde fire into the Towne, hauing a deseigne to assault the West rauelin the which is vn­der Helmont.

That day the enemie shot arrowes with letters into the English quarter,Letters shot into towne with ar­rowes. promising ten stiuers a day to such as would serue him, the which they of the Towne did interpret, as if they had spent all their inuentions & de­uises. The tide did rise higher that day then before,The tide amazeth the townes men. and did drowne the plaine countrie a league round about, and did ouerthrowe 40. or 45. yardes of the East dike, which extends to the Northe, from the East Port vnto the olde Towne, the which did more amaze the be­sieged, then the Arch-dukes power.

The eighteene of August the enemie approached within 20. or 24. yardes of the West rauelin: at night there arriued a fleete of ten or eleuen saile with [Page 16] souldiers and all sorts of prouision and victuall, com­ming from England, and some from Zeland, whereof some barkes entred the Towne by night without any harme.

The 19. of August the Arch-dukes men planted by night two peeces of Canon in their neerest trenches, the which they of the Towne dismounted the night following, and brake them in peeces with their Canon.

The same day the enemies campe on the East side was fortified with three regiments, the which marched in view of the Towne, with many Wagons and much baggage: some said these were the troopes which had beene sent to the releefe of Berke vpon the Rhin, but without any effect, the Cont of Buckquoy came with them. This day as the former, the Canon played furiously on either side, and some inhabitants and soul­diers were hurt within the Towne.

The enemie had begun to mine, but this inuention succeeded not, they thought the earth was not fitte for it.

They turned a batterie of seauen or eight peeces against the West rauelin, the which did vsually shoote against the Sand-hill, finding they had preuailed little: with an artificiall bullet they fiered the commissarie of the victuals lodging, the which was couered with strawe, but it was soone releeued, and the fire quen­ched.

In the night some souldiers issued foorth, who pas­sing along the neerest trenches, slue foure souldiers of the enemies, and brought away one prisoner, who said that the enemie laboured in a mine whether no man went, for that the Colonell Don Catris had made a [Page 17] cabin from whence he neuer departed; right against it in the neerest trenches to the Towne, and that they had an intent to giue the Towne an alarme vpon the East, and to giue an assault vpon the West part.

The 20. of August the enemie in the night aduanced sixe yardes neerer to the halfe Moone, vnto a certaine dike right against the Porke epike.

Those of the Towne imagined that the Arch-duke would ioyne all his batteries together vopn his neerest trenches in the West dikes, without leauing any in the rest,

The same day arriued 2000.2000. Eng­lish come into the Towne. Englishmen well ap­pointed into the Towne. The besieged shot furiously day and night vpon the dike, where the enemies were lodged to driue them away, fearing that they would mine.

The 21. day, 50. or 60. souldiers made a Sallie out of the Towne vpon the enemie, being lodged vpon this dike, they slue some, but in the end by reason of the great numbers that came to succour them, they were forced to retire.

The same day the enemies discharged all their ar­tillarie, they of the Towne seeing there-with a great number of men vpon the Downes, thought that the Duke was there in person.

The 23.20. En­signes of French & other na­tions. there arriued 50. or 60. saile from Zeland, and in them 20. Ensignes of French, Walons, Scottish and Prisons.

The 24. of August they made a Sallie of 700. men, the which retyred without any great exploite.

The 25. some souldiers which had beene two nights in Flanders, returned to the Towne and brought with [Page 18] them three prisoners, whereof the one was a Cheese-monger of Bruges, the second of Procter of Dixmude, and the third a pesant, whom they had taken vppon the way betwixt Dixmude and Bruges, who saide there was small store of money in the armie,Prisoners brought into the Towne. and that the Marchants of Bruges were out of hope to see the Towne taken, the siege whereof had all ready (in their opinions) cost as much as all Flanders might bee worth.

They said also that the Archduke (to defend him­selfe against the suddaine sallies of them of the towne)The Arch-dukes in­uention. had caused to be laied at the neerest retrenchment, long plankes full of great nailes the points vpward, to runne into their feete that should assaile him: And for that it rained that day there was little shooting on eyther side, but towardes night the whether growing cleere they beganne in good earnest, yet the enemie short no Bullets aboue nine, ten, or twelue pound waight.

The 26. of August, foure corporals marching with a woman which had a childe in her armes, were all slaine with one shot.

They of the Towne finding that the enemy appro­ched to come in the end to an assault, prepared (a­mongest other things to receiue them) a great num­ber of plankes,Inuention for an as­sault. to euery one of which they did fasten twelue Muskets, the which by meanes of an instrument of white Latten with a traine of Poulder should dis­charge all at once.

The 27. of August, the great Barkes or Shipes of Warre in which there were some Captaines, en­tred the Gollet with ful sailes, the enemy shooting hard, [Page 19] but hee hurt no man.

The same day they of Ostend did write that ha­uing digged and cut a certaine peece of ground neere vnto the halfe Moone vpon the West part, they had made a new Gollet or mouth, so as there is a great Water the which makes a separation betwixt the Towne and the enemy, & takes from them all meanes to come to the assault.

The 28. the Arch-dukes men beganne againe to shoote into the Towne fiery Bullets and flints in their great Canon.

In the night the enemy repaired their trenches and beganne then at the halfe Moone, which had beene abandoned, but they lodged not in the Towne at this time.

The 29. of August, eight hundreed men of the troupes of the Lord of Chastillion came into the Towne.

The Arch-dukes men raised vp a little plat-forme on the East side of the downes declining towardes the South, to plant two or three Canons thereon, (as a prisoner saide) to shoote at the ships that went in and out.

They shoote also furiously at a little sluce which is in the Counterscarfe, along the Porke-espike, so as they of the Towne were resolued to stoppe it vp, but in the end they found the Canon could not hit it being placed so high.

The same day entred into the Towne with their coullors flying, the rest of the souldiers who the 23. day by reason of a tempest were forced to returne into [Page 20] Zeland: there were three prisoners also brought into the Towne.

There came an aduise from Callis, that the enemies began to faint, and yet notwithstanding the Arch-duke kept the Flemings still in hope, and said that he would vndermine the Towne, the which is impossible by rea­son of the Dike we haue spoken of before.

This day an English fugitiue was taken againe and presently hanged. There came also 60. or 70. saile out of Zeland laden with munition and victuals.

The 30. day, about 25. of these ships entred by night into the gollet, and without any danger passed into the Towne-ditch. There came also another fleete of 16. or 17. saile laden with munition and victuals.

The enemies had neere vnto their fortifications on the East part foure great barkes, from whence a canon shot pierced through one of the Towne Galleis: they would gladly with those haue taken some ship in the Fleete, but they durst not venter them.

The last of August in the night, a Fleete of about 32. saile laden with munition and victuals, entred the Towne without any losse, except one Barke laden with Bauins, the which was shot betwixt winde and water. They may safely harbour two hundred ships in the new Port, which striking their Mastes, cannot be seene nor hurt by the enemie.

One of the enemies campe flying into the Towne, said that the souldiers were not well paide, and yet the Arch-duke was resolute to haue the Towne, whatso­euer it cost him, and that there were yet about 20000. men in his armie.

An English Captaine who was also Sargent Maior, [Page 21] going the round with Colonell Horatio Vere, was slaine with a Canon shot.

As for the forme of the siege and Arch-dukes campe it was as followeth.The forme of the siege and of the Arch­dukes campe.

The Arch-duke hath made his trenches on the West part towardes the Palissadoes of the halfe Moone, the which the water hath since pierced through and ouer-flowne.

There are besides sixe or eight trenches one after an­other vpon the west-downes some higher then others, all well made with Sande and Fagots, and further into the countrie vpon the side of the West-downes, his trenches stretch vnto Cow-bridge, the which is aboue 300. yardes, along the which there are diuers Bulwarks planted with Canon: these trenches are betwixt the Towne and the trenches of the English, and the two Fortes called Grossendurst and Isabella. The South end of his long trenches, ends at the chanell which goes to Grossendurst and Isabella, and from thence to Bruges, and so through the countrie.

At the end of these trenches which go frō the South about a 100. yardes towards the West, betwixt Gros­sendurst and the English trenches, they haue built a Forte high and thicke, on the which they haue planted three Canons.

Vpon the Southe neere the channell and causey of Ipre, they haue another trenche, the which stretcheth from this channell to the South South-east, and so re­turnes to the East to a large and deepe Marish, which hath beene made by succession of time, and so goes in­to the Sea: There they haue likewise two or three Ca­nons which play vpon the towne on the South side.

[Page 22] Vpon the South and South-west of this trench they haue another trenche of a 150. yardes long; the which going towards the Fort of La Pierre, alongst the which there is a lowe ground, that is sometimes full of wa­ter, by the which the boates that bring them victuals must passe.

Iust vpon the West they haue brought great stoare of Sand and bowes, within a stones cast of the ditches and counterscarfe. Vpon the East they haue fortified vpon the downes, and haue made a platforme of sand and Bowes at the foote of the Downes, on the which they haue placed some peeces, the which they haue done vpon the shore to annoy the shippes that went in and out of the gollet or mouth, which peeces were be­fore vpon the downes.

The first of September, a Captaine came to Midle­bourgh with fiue prisoners, to present them to his Excel­lencie: they said the enemie did not shoote so furiously as he had done, and that the breach neere the halfe Moone was fiue yardes wide and deepe enough, with­out any annoyance to the Towne: and yet the enemie had made no meanes to stop it, but had onely gathered together a great quantitie of Bowes, yet by the opinion of the besieged, they might easily haue done it, for that at a lowe water it is not aboue foure foote deepe. They haue also planted their gabions along their trenches the which is vpon the Sea-side, and goes right against the old Port or Hauen: and for feare that they should be ouerthrowne or carried away with the Sea, they haue tyed them together with strong Cables and chaines of Yron to plant a batterie there of Field-peeces to commaund the North-hauen.

[Page 23] The 8. of September a Gentleman of Don Catris traine yeelded himselfe into the Towne, whome his maister the day before had struck on the head in Alber­tus-forte, and left for dead: he saide that Don Catris (who had the command of the armie) had an intent to giue an assault to the West-rauelin, the which is aboue that breache whereof we haue spoken, with ma­nie engines and Ladders of Yron. It was then our La­dies birth-day, who would not haue beene pleased with so bloudie a sacrifice, and the slaughter of so many men.

But when we shall consider the preparations which they of the Towne had made to receiue them, we can neuer be sufficiently amazed at the enemies blind­nesse, who without any likelyhood of good successe, hazard the poore Souldiers, and leade them with­out pittie to the slaughter, the which may iustly be called the rage of furious beasts, that runne with­out all reason or consideration to their deaths, and in steede of victorie reape nothing but dishonour. The vsuall meanes to take a place besieged, hath beene by Mines, Sappe, or Breache, and when that could not preuaile, to cut of their victuals and to famish them, wherein the Spaniards haue yet preuai­led nothing.

And to the end the reader may more easily con­ceiue what the enemy had done to come to the assault, he must vnderstand that he had approached as neere vpon the West side as was possible, else he must winne the halfe Moone, the which is before Sand-hill, but be­twixt him and it is the Port, the which is sometimes full of water, and sometimes drie, where he must of [Page 24] force take a counter-scarpe betwixt the halfe Moone and the Bulwarke, or else at a lowe ebbe to assault this Bulwarke, as the assault giuen in Ianuarie following shewed that it was their desseigne: but as it was excee­ding difficult, so could it not succeed well. From the beginning of the siege vnto this day the enemy hath still battered this Bulwarke furiously, and there were so many thousands of bullets in it, as some would haue vndertaken to haue made it new for the Bullets: and yet the enemie could not make a breache; the Bulwarke is a little disfigured, so as a man vnarmed and without any opposition might mount vp, but a man armed could not by any meanes, for that it is like vnto a mount of Sand, and very steepie, from whence they should fall rather then aduance a foote: besides they must force seauen Palisadoes, made of great Piles, which are within the Porte, one a Musket shotte from another, all which they must breake before they come to the foote of the Bulwarke, then in the way as they mount there are certaine mines to blowe vp: and in passing the Musketiers of the halfe Moone, and of the counterscarfe would so welcome them, as many of them would forget to returne vnto their campe: more­ouer there are 13. Canons hidden in the counterscarfe and other places, charged with chaines and peeces of Yron to scoure the place: In the meane time the tyde comes, wherevnto they must yeeld or be vtterly lost, the which happened in the like sort at the assault of Ianuary in the yeare 1602. Notwithstanding all these great difficulties, no aduise of the old Captaines, (who had considered of it,) could preuaile against the obsti­nacie of the States of Flanders; who notwithstanding [Page 25] al this, haue promised 300000. Flemish crownes month­ly for this siege: & 100000. crownes when the Campe should be lodged before the Towne, a 100000. crownes when the canon should be planted in battery, & 100000. whē a breach should be made, & 300000. crownes when it were taken. It may be they beleeued that (trying their fortune,) there might chance some vn­expected accident, which might cause a successe that all the Captaines had not dreampt of, but the successe was contrary to their expectations, for if we consider the new fortifications of the English, and the breaches which the Sea makes daylie, ouerflowing and breaking the little dummell dike, we shall finde the place stron­ger then before the siege.

The forts which the English men haue made vpon the South, are deuided from the Towne, and as hard to take as the other.

The Archduke had great reason to sweare (as his fu­gitiues saide) that he would not goe from the table be­fore they had serued him, for the besieged haue laied a wager that they will giue it him so hotte as they will burne his fingers.

This Gentle man of Don Catris saide, that there were already about 3000. souldiers slaine before the Towne, besides Pioners, and aboue two thousand hurt.

The 10.The Lord of Castilli­on slaine. of September, the Lord of Chastillon (be­ing vpon the high Bulwarke of Sand-hill) with Colo­nell Vchtenbruch a Scotish Liuetenant, and other Gen­tlemen and men of commaunde, at two of the clocke after-noone had his head strooke of with a Canon shotte aboue the teeth, his braines flew against the [Page 26] left cheeke of Colonell Vehten ruch, and made him to reele a little, the Scottish Lieutenant was also greeuous­ly hurt.

These be ordinarie accidents in warre, neither is the the besieger any thing more free from them then the besieged, the greater then the lesse, the strong and va­liant, then the feeble and weake.

That night 30. ships came into the Towne, and a greater number were dayly comming, the which staied at Flesingue for faire weather to waigh Anchor and set saile.

The 14. of September also in the night there en­tred 23. or 24. saile more, laden with victuals and mu­nition, after the which the enemie shotte furiously, but by reason of a cloude and miste which did rise, they could not hitte nor hurte any one, wherevpon they ceased.

A fugitiue of the enemies said, that there were ma­nie sicke men in the Campe, and that the Italians newly come out of Sauoye dyed by heapes; that the Canon from the Towne did euery daye kill many men, that the Souldiers fledde from the armie by troopes, and that many more would goe, if the horse­men kept not good guarde abroade, and that it was to be feared, that if the men of warre were long held in this constraint, being ill payed, they would mutine.

The 15. of September the enemy shot almost all night fiery Bullets and Flints into the Towne, the which the besieged returned vnto them againe in the same coine.

The enemie had then but 16. peeces of Canon before the Towne,The estate of the be­sieger. they had sent all the rest to diuers strong [Page 27] places, except foureteene which they had sent to Nieu­port to be new cast, for that they had beene spoiled and broken by the Canon of the Towne. They had like­wise sent away part of their troopes, and those which remained in the armie stood in the water throughout all their trenches.

At the same time were surprised sundry letters fromThe Fle­mings out of hope to take Ost­end. men of qualitie of Bruges and other parts of Flanders, which shewed that they had lost all hope to take Ost­end, and that the Flemings were much afflicted, and yet notwithstanding the bruite was that the Arch-duke would by no meanes heate speake of raising the siege, how long soeuer it did continue, or whatsoeuer it did cost.

The night before, the Duke of Holstein or Holsatia, brother to the King of Denmarke, and the Earle of Ho­henlo, entred the towne with eight or nine saile, where­in their baggage was and some Poulder: they conti­nued there two nights and two dayes, and then retur­ned to Middlebourgh without any annoiance or losse.

There came oftentimes men of qualitie both fromMany of qualitie goe to see Ostend. England and France, to see the place and the siege, but they staied not.

There went out also 18. or 20. ships without any harme, but one that was sunke and an anchor broake.

The Arch-dukes men made a halfe Moone or plat­forme in their trenches that are vpon the South at the foote of the Sand-downes, meaning to plant sixe Ca­nons thereon to batter the West-rauelin, vnder the West Bulwarke, where the besieged wrought dayly to make it higher and stronger.

The same day as the two former they did not shoote [Page 28] so much as they were accustomed, the which seemed very strange vnto the besieged.

The Noblemen whereof we haue formerly spoken, went the same day with the Gouernour and Colonels of Ostend, to see the fortifications of the Towne, and the enemies trenches which are about it. The enemy shot 25. or 30. Canon shotte at one vollee, against the South corner of Sand-hill, and brake a little bridge set vpon the corner to passe vnto the False-Bray, which hauing done, they ceased, whereby they might well see that they meant to giue an assault, and to take away all that might annoy them.

There went some out of the Towne with Loape­staues, which brought in a Spanish Lieutenant prisoner, who said, that many dyed in their Campe, and that ma­ny fled dayly, and more would flie, if the Horse-men in guard (which scoured all the passages to the ampe,) did not hinder them, as hath beene formerly said.

There was also made a new Hauen at the mouth or gollet,A new Hauen at Ostend. whereby the ships entred with lesse hazard and were more safe.

They built many houses in Albertus-fort, and round about, so as it might well be compared to a little towne, they thought the Arch-duke would make a Port or Hauen of the Sluce which is neere, to vse it insteed of that of Ostend.

The 18. of September there entred about 24. saile into the Towne, laden with munition, victuals, bowes, piles, stakes, plankes, and with diuers instruments and commodities, and they went forth by the gollet with­out any hurt or losse.

The same day they discharged thrice all the Canons, [Page 29] Muskets and small shotte of the Towne, in honour of the Queene of Englands birth-day: this thundring put the enemie in alarme, who presently began to shoote their fierie Bullets and Flints into the Towne, to the which the besieged like men of honour and resolution failed not to replie.

They of the towne hauing placed some Canons betwixt the vttermost Piles and the Rampart which lookes to the enemies Campe, and bends towards the Sea, were the cause that the Sea swallowed vp and car­ried away part of the ground, so as the opening or the breach of the little Tummel dike grew greater dayly.

The 19. Generall Vere being cured of his hurt,Generall Vere retur­ned to the Towne. retur­ned into the Towne.

Almost all this night the enemie shotte fierie Bullets and Flints into the Towne, but without any effect.

About ten or eleuen of the clock, when the tyde went out, they of the towne (to the number of 200.) made a sallie vpon the Sands, to fier certaine Gabions, but beeing too greene or wet, it would not take, where they lost one Souldier, & brought home ten or twelue hurt: in the meane time the enemies trenches were fraught with shot, and their Horsemen were vpon the Sea-shore, whether the Canon from the Sand-hill shot furiously, beeing a cleere Moone-light.

At the breake of day Generall Vere sent forth certaine aduenturers to the warre, to take some one of the ene­mies, who returned about two houres after noone, bringing with them two Wallons which they had taken in the armie, who said that the East quarter of the camp had beene fortified with the regiment of Asincourt, wherein were 900. men, but they were ill payed.

[Page 30] The same afternoone, the aduenturers or fributers brought in a Germane prisoner, who (besides that which they vnderstoode of the two wallons) said that the reason why they had fortified the Campe on the East side, was for that they expected the Arch-duke there, and that they had prepared a great number of bridges vpon wheeles, and many great sackes full of Sand, to stoppe the mouth, or at the least the opening or hole vpon the West, and that they had tried this inuention at the Sluces and found it good, and there­fore they had caused a great number of these sackes to be made throughout all Flanders. And that vpon the East there was great store of Bowes, great stones and many tumbrelles, to build a fort according to the aduice of the Ingeners. And hee saide also that the Arch-duke had caused a Fourrier or Harbinger, a volontarie Gentleman, and a Corporall, to be put in prison,The Arch-dukes ri­gour. for saying that in their opinions the Towne was not ready to be taken, and that they were in danger to be hanged: that the Spaniards were wonderfully incen­sed against them of Bruges, as hauing (aboue all other) pursued the siege of Ostend, saying they were all trai­tors to the king of Spaine and to the Arch-duke.

The 20. of September,The Earle of Nor­thumber­land, & the Lord of Kessel, came to Ostend. the Earle of Northumberland an English man came to Ostend, with the Lord of Kessel, brother to the Lord of Lockeren, one of whose seruants had his arme shot off with a Canon.

The same day the enemies did raise and fortifie their neerest trenches towards the Polder of the English.

The 21. of September, there entred 14. ships more in­to the Towne with victuals and munition, at whom the enemie made many a shot but could not hit any.

[Page 31] The same day the besieged had eight peeces of Ca­non sent them out of Zeland, and they sent back some that were spoiled.

The 22. a Burges of Scluse came to Flessingue, who brought newes of the siege of Ostend: saying that the Arch-duke was resolued not to abandon it vntill he had taken it, although he were the last, & should loose himselfe there: and that the Souldiers were very ill pay­ed, and might happily mutine: and that the countrie six leagues round about, was spoiled and vndone; and that the Souldiers were vp to the knees in water in their trenches, and had made little bankes to sit vpon, and to keepe their armes drie, and that all the Hospitalles of Flanders, Brabant, Lisle, and all the neighbour Townes were full of hurt men, which were in all seauen thou­sand at the least.

The same day there came towards night eight saile more into the Towne, with munition and victuals, at whom the Arch-dukes men did not shoote, being not able to see them by reason of the darknesse.

The 23. of September it was written from Ostend, that Colonel Vehtenbruche had beene slaine in the Eng­lish quarter with a Musket shot the night before, which strooke him in the backe and came out at his throate: and that a little before a French Captaine named Po­merade, had likewise beene slaine with a Musket in the head.

The same day there entred two ships by the mouth or gollet, laden with all kinde of Munition and victu­alles, and two Dromlers laden with bowes: the same night the enemie brought great store of bowes vpon the East-side vnder the Fortes, labouring very much [Page 32] betwixt the Catteyes and Reisern-heubt; they brought also vpon the South a great number of Wagons laden with bowes, as if they ment to stay there ten yeares.

On the other side they of the Towne laboured as earnestly in the English trenches, vpon the West and Southside of the Towne,Fortificati­on of the besieged. and ioyned them together with certaine forts, that is, with the Boulwarke which is within the Polder without the Towne, and the two abandoned trenches with the halfe Moone, the which is before the trenches on the west part, so as these foure peeces were made all one, without all danger of water in Winter.

The English trench vpon the West was made stron­ger and thicker, and also more aduanced towardes the South and North, euen vnto the causie (the which is about 50. or 60. foote long) where before it was open, so as the enemy might easily shoote vpon the Polder Bridge, and did commonly hurt and kill some soul­diers.

The halfe Moone on the West side was ioyned with Cattey fort, to the West trench with a Ditch and Piles, and Yron pikes before it, so as this halfe Moone was exceeding strong.

Those of the Towne placed two Canons in the case­mate, the which is betwixt the West Boulwarke and Helmont, to batter the enemies trenches, right against the Porke-espicke, the enemie did all he could to dis­mount and breake them, and in the end they drew downe a double Canon against the Porke-espike, and from thence plaied vpon these two peeces, but they shot so furiously from the Towne, as the enemie was forced to cease his battery being broken: after that the [Page 33] enemie brought downe two other peeces, vpon the waters side, which runnes by the little broken ditche, with the which they shotte against a Palisadoe which they of the Towne had made round about the Porke-espike, to defend the foote of this fortification, least the force of the water should carry it away: those of the Towne hauing discouered their desseigne, plaied vpon this batterie from Sand-hill, and the False-Bray, which is vnder Helmont, and from the West-port, so as they were forced to cease.

About noone, a Frenchman of the enemies armie came and yeelded himselfe into the Towne, where he had sometimes serued:Conut Buc­quoy made Lieutenant generall to the Arch-duke. He said that Count Boucquoy had beene made Lieutenant generall in the place of Don Catris, and that they without made a chaine to carrie vpon boates from the Old-hauen, thinking therewith to doe some great exploite being in their power. The same day a Marriner and a Souldier fled out of the Towne to the enemie.

The 24. of September, a Souldier of Lorraine came from the enemies campe into the Towne, who said that many Souldiers fled from the campe, and that they were out of hope to take the Towne, and that those of the Towne did so annoy them with their Ca­non, as the company vnder which he was (being at the first a hundred and ten men) was reduced to 40. both by reason of the Towne Canon, as of such as were run away for want of pay.

That night three Shippes with a Barke entred the Towne, being laden with victuals, at whom the enemy discharged some vollees of Canon shot, and slew in one of them a woman with a childe.

[Page 34] They brought out of the English trenches into the Towne 22. men slaine and hurt by the enemies Canon, which shott among them that laboured.

Vpon the West side they discoured great store of Bowes, Trees, and such like things, which the enemy caused to be brought in Carts.

Vpon the West-Bulwarke of the towne they plan­ted a new batterie with defences about it, to play vpon the enemies trenches, and vpon their battetie which was belowe betwixt Reisernheubt and the Cateis.

They also made an other batterie vpon the entrie of the Hauen in the new Towne, along the bridge by which they passe, from whence they plaied vpon the Cateys, to dislodge the enemies shotte which played vpon the Souldiers, and others that were in the False Bray, and made great slaughter of them: thus they dayly changed their counter-batteries, as the enemy al­tered his batteries; the enemy did not play so whotly with his Canon as he had done, but sought onely to spoile them of the Towne with his Musket shotte.

The enemy came to view a trenche that was falne, the which his Excellencie had caused to be made the yeare before, vpon the South and East side to defend the ships entring by the gollet and the East-port.

The 25. of September, a ship laden with plankes was cast away, yet all the men were saued: there entred some others into the towne, at whom the enemie shott but hit no man.

In the morning the enemie shott some fierie Bul­lets and Flint-stones into the Towne, but they ceased by reason of a great Raine. About ten or eleuen of the clock did rise a great Northerne winde, the which on [Page 35] the East-side by the gollet, and on the West by the lit­tle broken dike did driue great aboundance of waters vp into the Country, so as the enemies trenches were so full as they were forced to flie from them to their Platformes and Caualiers, the which they had raised along their trenches, wherevpon their Canon was planted: which they of the towne seeing ranne vp to the Ramparts, crying; Charge, charge: Generall Vere hauing intelligence thereof, commanded presently that they should shoote among them, so as many of the enemies Souldiers were slaine.

A little Gallie of Zeland striuing to enter by day in­to the Towne, had her Maste broken with a Canon shott, and was in daunger to runne on ground, the enemy shotte furiouslie at them, and killed a Marri­ner: in the end the Galley entred the Towne without any more harme.

The water before mentioned, carryed away part of the enemies trenches right against the Porke-espike, without doing any harme to the Towne.

The 26. of September they shotte fiercely on ey­ther side.

That day the enemies trenches were still full of wa­ter, and the breach of the little dike was risen the night before, and their batterie betwixt the Cateys and Re [...]sern-heubt was much indamaged: the countrie was ouer-flowed a good league about the towne, so as their forts from the South to the West were all inuironed with water, that is Colombie, La pierre S. Iean, Isabella and Grossendurst: besides this the new Fortes at Cowe­bridge, and all the trenches from the West vnto Cowe­bridge, and so to the South & East, euen vnto the great [Page 36] marrish and behinde it were couered with water, a­long which trēches they had made diuers plat-formes, whereon they had planted some Canons, whether the souldiers retyred themselues, and during these great waters they could not go one vnto another, these o­uerflowings were vsuall vnto them euery new and full Moone.

The enemy did also make a new fort at the foote of the East downes, planting some Canon there to shoote at the ships, the which must passe towardes the South before they could enter into the Towne ditches, by reason of the length of the hauē. They had made two o­ther batteries before vpon the East, there is one vpō the North at the foote of the downes, to shoote at the ships when occasion serues, before they come into the Ha­uen or vnder the Towne; the other is vpon the West at the foote of the West downes: and this new batterie is 25. or 30. yardes Southward of the downes, as farre from the Towne as the rest, and all are made to shoote at the ships when they passe by the South to enter into the Hauen.

The same day the enemie plaied from the West vp­on the Towne with 18. Canons, and from the South with two, and on the East side, from whence with one only Canon shot they did some hurt.

The Towne was much indamaged by the tide be­fore mentioned, in the false Braie of Sand-hill, in the olde dike of the Sea, which is of the North side of the olde Towne, and in the dike of the East Sea; but by the wisedome of the confederate Prouinces, there are al­wayes worke-men within the Towne which haue charge to repaire all breaches of the Sea, and there is [Page 37] also good prouision of stuffe fit for that purpose, the which is very well appointed for the preseruation of the Towne.

The 27. of September, the winde was some thing laid, whereupon the waters did fall a little, and did no more harme to the Towne: but without, there were many trenches and fortifications broken: that day the Canon did not playe on either side but onely Musket shot.

All night the 28. of September, the Archdukes men shot many firie Bullets and Flint stones into the Towne, and certaine little vesselles full of Nailes and Bullets chained togeather, with such like things, whereof one fell behinde the Gouernors lodging, and burst against a wall, making a noise as if it had beene full of diuels, but it hurt no man.

The prisoners said that their men thought to kill a hundred men at a time with this inuention.

All the enemies trenches were broken and open, the water was within and without, and they were forced by reason of the water to abandon the trench neerest to the Porke-espike.

Those of the Towne made a new peece at the North-east corner of the Bulwarke, to plant two peeces which were vpon the mouth of the Raye, in the new Towne to entertaine the enemies Muskitiers which lie in Ray­heubten when it is drie.

The 29. of September, at night the great Constable of the Hargubuziers was slaine, and betwixt the day & the night, there were 40. men slaine and hurt; and for that the winde held North-east, and North-west sixe-dayes together so as no ships could get out of the Ha­uen, [Page 38] there were three hundred hurt and sicke in the ships to go into Zeland.

That night the enemie shot furiously into the Towne with firie Bullets, and in the morning they dismounted one of the Towne Canons which was vpon Sand-hill, the which hurt seuen or eight men, whereof Maister Henry one of the chiefe Canoniers was one. The ene­mies trenches were still full of Water, and by reason of the winde no man went into the Towne, nor out by Sea.

The 30. of Septemher, as they set the watch, fire tooke the Poulder at the rauelin of the Porke-espike, which spoyled sixe English men and hurt many o­thers.

The same day, the Smith of the Towne aduancing too farre (being drunke) was slaine.

The same day also, came foure English Shippes la­den with victuals, whereof one entred the Towne by the Gollet, the other three (by reason of the great Winde,) were forced to passe on and to recouer Ze­land, and so did all the Ships of warre.

The Arch-duke had drawne much money from them of Flanders for the siege of Ostend, and had done all they could to take it, as hath beene shewed: but in the beginning of October (according to the opinion of the Counsell of Warre, and the admo­nitions of most of the Townes of the low Coun­tries)The Arch-duke re­solues to raise the siege. they had resolued to raise the siege from Ost­end, and to keepe Garisons in the fortes, but whilst that Winter lasted: the Flemmings aduertised here­of sent the Bishoppes of Gaunt, Bruges and Ypre with some other men of qualitie vnto them, [Page 39] who went to Niewport casting themselues at their highnesse feete, and shewing them the great mise­rie and desolation where-into the Countrey of Flan­ders should fall if Ostend were not taken, the which they laied open vnto them with manie patheticall reasons, the which mooued their highnesses (con­trarie to their first resolution) to promise by the faith of Princesses, not to forsake the siege, and that they would trie all meanes possible to bring the enterprise to good effect, so as they might be succored by them of Flanders, the which the de­puties promised to doe to the vttermost of their pow­ers and to that ende they would giue sixe hundred thousand Crownes more besides the sixe hundred thousand Crownes promised the fourth of Iuly, and vpon the conditions specified in the letters of con­sent which were then drawen, and that without any diminution of the tribute of ninety thousand crownes monethly, the which they had already paied many moneths.

And to satisfie the curious reader I haue added heerevnto the letters of the fourth of Iuly, contayning the aboue mentioned conditions.

Although this summe of 600000. Crownes was to be payed at two times: that is; the one halfe ready downe, and the other after the taking of Ostend, yet their Highnesses made this demaund presently, which followeth.

The superscription was. To the reuerend and wor­thy Lordes and fathers in God, our welbeloued, faith­full and wise, the Clergie and foure members of our Country & County of Flanders, as cōmanding there.

The Clergy & foure mēbers of Flanders yeeld to this demand, & for the speedy leauying of this sum they writ vnto the Townes and Castelles in manner following.

Let vs returne to our siege.

THe first of October, the enemie shotte firie Bul­lets and Stones into the Towne, and in the mor­ning againe more furiously, so as a firie Bullet fal­ing behinde a Burgesses house, set fire of a barrell of Poulder, the which burnt all the house, and no man knowes how that Poulder came there. The weeke be­fore two Marchants of Poulder, buying Poulder of [Page 46] the souldiers which they had stolne, and sould it for lit­tle or nothing, were taken and punished, the one who was a Burgeois was banished the Towne for three yeares, the other who was a Marriner was fined at 18. crownes to the poore.

The breach of the little dike grew still more large and deepe, by which did passe a great quantity of Wa­ter vp into the Countrie, the which did much hinder the enemies desseigne.

The Arch-dukes men laboured earnestly to carrie fa­gots from their battery which was neerest to the towne vnto Alberts fort.

The 2. of October, there went out of the Towne by night about 60. sailes, whereof some had atten­ded eight dayes, and were kept in by ill weather, but then they went all out without any hurt.

Those of the Towne made hollow a ditch to cause the Water of the Gollet to take a right course towards the enemies trenches, the which came beating against their Counter-scarfe, which worke was made by 60. souldiers, euerye of the which did gaine a Doller a day.

The Earle of Northumberland went out of the Towne by night with some others, the Bourge-mai­ster and officer of the Towne went with him into Ze­land, to recouer stuffe to repaire the workes which were broken.

The 3. of October, there entred thirty foure shippes into Ostend by the Gollet, vpon whom the enemie dis­charged aboue seuenty shot, but they onely slue but one Marriner, and hurt some others, and tore their sailes. There were three laden with Poulder, [Page 47] some with Bauins, and other stuffe fit for fortificati­on, the rest with munition and victualles, and with three double and eight demie Canons; there remained yet fiue ships without, towardes the South vnder the the Sea dike, to stay for more Water at night: right a­gainst these ships there was a little dike broken wherein they of the Towne laboured all the could to stoppe it, vpon whome the enemy plaied furiously both from the East and the South, but the Bullets flue ouer them.

About noone the enemy did beat in peeces the bridge which went betwixt the Polder and the West trenches of the English, so as they of the Towne were forced to make a longer, to go from the Polder to the English quarter.

Captaine Nicholas Van-den Lier, was by them of the Towne made generall of the Artillery, in the place of Vchtenbruch.

The same day there came great store of money into the Towne for the payment of the souldiers and other necessities.

The fourth daye, the fiue Shippes whereof we haue spoken, were still at the mouth of the Ha­uen for want of Water, the enemie shotte conti­nuallye vppon them but they hurt no man.

There were also two ships ready to depart from the Towne, but they could not stirre for the same rea­son.

The night before a small English barke was sunke, the which laie at Anchor in the Gollet on the South­side of the Towne.

[Page 48] At the breake of day they made a Sallie of 500. men out of the Towne on the South-west side vpon Cow-bridge, where they tooke two halfe Moones from the enemie, who fled away: they slue thirtie sixe, and brought away ten prisoners. Of those of the Towne an English' Captaine had his legge shotte off, and two French Captaines with some seauen or eight Souldi­ers were hurt; but seeing that aboue 2000. of the ene­mies came vpon them, they retired themselues in time, bringing many Cassockes and Spanish Hattes into the Towne.

About noone Count Frederick Vanden Berg, set fire on all his lodgings, and went with his troopes to Alberts forte, they of the towne thought it was to fortifie their trenches vpon the West-downes against their Sallies.

The Prisoners of whome we spake, which were Burgonions, sayd, that when his Highnesse came be­fore Ostend he had 9000. foote, and 1500. horse, and that since there were 5000. more come vnto him, but now they were not aboue 8000. and that they were in great want, and many sicke, and that many fled by rea­son of the bad pay, for euery Souldier had but two sti­uers a day and a loafe and a halfe, and sometimes they receiued not a penny in three weekes.

The 5. of October there entred 8. ships by the gol­let, whereof two were shotte through and greatly in­domaged by the Canon, for that they stayed too long at the entrie of the Hauen, yet there was but one man slaine.

That night the enemie shotte fierie Bullets and stones into the Towne, without any great hurt doing, [Page 49] by day they shot likewise against the English trēches & the Poulder, where they of the Towne labored, where­of they hurt some: a Canon shot beat in peeces a planke which a souldier carried vpon his shoulder, without hurting him.

The regiment of Cont Frederick descended to the Sand downes mid-way betwixt the Towne and Alberts fort.

The 6. day, the enemie shot not against the Towne on the East side, but onely brought certaine stuffe to make some worke, and about noone they did see them carrie many Bauins to the next fort or halfe Moone, into their trenches neere vnto the English trenches, towardes Cow-bridge: about the same time the Sargeant-Maiors Liuetenant was slaine vpon the West Boulwarke.

The 7. of October, the enemy shot furiously with their firie bullets and stones into the Towne from mor­ning vntill night.

The same night, they discharged al the Canons in the Towne, with many vollees of small shot, for ioy of the birth of the French Kings sonne.

That day towardes night a small English barke was lost being laden with Beare and victuals, hauing stroake against the piles right against the olde towne, yet all the men were saued, and that night there entred two ships into the Towne laden with victuals.

The 8. of October, they without raised vp a newe Plat-forme and batterie on the East-side to­wardes the South at the foote of the downes, the which aduanceth towardes the Hauen, to plant foure Canons thereon, (as they might discerne by the Ca­noniers) [Page 50] to annoy the shippes, they laboured not all that day on the West part; after dinner they slue three men within the Towne with one great shot, and hurt many.

The 9. of October, they without shot vehemently into the Towne with their firy Bullets and flints, & hurt some souldiers in the day and night.

At night about 25. saile, entred into the Towne by the Gollet, with munition and victualles, and fiue Shippes with some Barkes went forth: the enemie shot aboue sixty Canon shot after them, but could not an­noy them.

They without brought the batterie or plat-forme which they had begun vpon the East, three yardes nee­rer, but they did not yet shoote from it.

The 10. day they of the Towne discouered that the enemie had laboured much in their fort, which is be­twixt the Cateyes and Reisern heubt, and that they had made it very high and large vnder the Sands, or mid­way to the Port, as if they had intended to make a Bul­warke there.

There came a great Ship to the South-east of the port of the Towne, the which had laine there 14. dayes on ground, and could not stirre for want of water, there went out three or foure Marriners to helpe to draw it from thence, but whilst they were busie at their worke the enemy came and slue one cruelly, giuing him aboue 40. wounds, and setting fire of the shippe, the rest saued themselues.

The same day a little English barke came towardes the Port, but being a great calme two of the enemies barkes came to him with owers and tooke him, they [Page 51] of the Towne thought that this had bin done of pur­pose, for that the English & the French might trafficke freely in the enemies Campe.

Vpon the East the enemy made a great trench on the East-side of their new battery, and likewise along the South, stretching out right against that which goes from the South to the North, at the East of their fort which is at the downes, as if they meant to lodge some troupes there: they beganne to worke there presentlye after the flight of a French Cor­porall, who went and presently yeelded himselfe vn­to them.

The 11. of October there entred sixteene or seuen­teene vessels laden with victuals and all kindes of mu­nition into the Towne, they without shot furiously at them on the East part, yet did no other harme but sunke one laden with Bauins; all the men and Bauins were saued.

A Bullet comming from the West part fell into a ship and stroake off both a boyes legges.

The enemies did raise vp their halfe Moone, the which is betwixt the Cateyes and Reisern-heubt, and did likewise labour hardly at Cow-bridge, where they did raise a great plat-forme neere vnto the English trenches, and vpon the West they did not cease to labour in their trenches.

They of the Towne shot nine Canon shot in the day time from the Shippes, but the enemy answered them not,

The 12. of October beginning to growe darke, some of the enemies came vppon the South-side of the Hauen, to spie and discouer the Townsmens workes, [Page 52] who hauing discried them, they sent 6. or 8. leapers af­ter them, who slue one, and brought away three pri­soners, whereof the one was a Sergeant, and all of the countrie of Henault.

This night there went forth 48. ships, at whome the enemie made not one shotte, although it were so light as he might easilie discerne them: there entred no ships but a small Barke.

Captaine Grenu sallied forth at night with some of his men, but for that the enemie did not present him­selfe so soone, he sent back most of his men into the towne, and remained behinde with 15. or 16. of his Souldiers, beyond the gollet, to attend what the ene­mie would doe, who comming forth vpon him, he charged them, and slue some at the push of the Pike, but seeing 150. horse comming on the backe side, he re­tired without any losse.

The Arch-dukes men did not labour so much as they were accustomed in the trenches which they had made vpon the East, nor in the Fort betwixt the Cateys and Reisern-haupt, the which they did raise with Sande and Fagots, neither were they seene to labour at all vpon the South or West.

The same day, two women great with childe sit­ting together at a doore, were slaine with one Ca­non shotte.

The 13. of October early in the morning, the ene­mie began to shoote his fierie Bullets and stones into the Towne, but there was no hurt seene or heard of.

They of the Towne had begunne a Trenche be­fore the Bridge which is vpon the mouth or gol­let, with a Pallissadoe, and before the trenche they [Page 53] made a little Palissadoe with Pikes of Yron.

In the night the enemies raised vp their batte­rie which is at the East side of the Sand-downes, stretching towards the North of them: but they did not then plant any Canon. They laboured also with­out intermission at their batterie betwixt the Cateys and Reisern haupt, vpon the West-hauen, raising it very high, and neuer went from it all the day.

There were moreouer the very same daye, eight or ten Souldiers slaine and hurt by the enemies Ca­non.

The 14.Six or sea­uen horse­men giue the alarme to the Towne. of October there grewe a great alarme in the Towne. Generall Vere with the Gouernour Colonelles and Captaines, ranne to the West tren­ches where the alarme was: sixe or seauen of the enemies men at armes had giuen it, passing at a lowe water from the West to the East through the olde Towne and the Gollet, they of the Towne shotte at them, yet fiue of them escaped.

This night two ships entred by the East-hauen with­out any annoyance.

The enemies laboured daylye at their Trenches towards the East, as also vpon the South at Cow-bridge, and vpon the West at their batterie betwixt Cateys and Reisern-haupt, there were eight or ten Souldiers hurt with the enemies Canon.

The 15. day at night, the enemy shotte many arti­ficiall Bullets and Flintes into the Towne without any great harme dooing. The same night there en­tered nine shippes laden with munition and victuals into the Towne, at whome the enemie shotte much but in vaine.

[Page 54] The enemie had two Frigats built like Galleys, in euery one of the which they might place 18. or 20. men, whom they sent sculking along the coast, to surprise some ship, but fearing a storme, they strooke their sailes and retired with their Owers towards the West, pas­sing along the towne, and neuer forsaking the coast.

The weeke before they had taken three ships, and hurt about 30. men in them, whome they cast ouer­borde, bringing them only in, that were sound, one of the hurt recouered the fleete with swimming.

The trenches without vpon the West vnto Cowe-bridge, and those which stretch towards the South and East, were full of water, so as the enemie was for­ced to retire to his Plat-formes: and yet there was no storme.

The 16. of October, sixe ships laden with victuals and munition came into the towne, after whome the enemie discharged aboue 50. Canon shot, but did them little or no harme.

They brought many Cart-loades of Bauins and other stuffe to the Forte, which is in the East without the towne, to fortifie it.

That day the Canon plaide little, but there were six Souldiers hurt with Musket shott in the towne.

The 17. the enemies shotte very furiously with their fierie Bullets and stones into the towne.

In the night they did cast themselues into the halfe Moone, which is beyond the gollet before the bridge, in the which (according to the order which was giuen by the commanders) there were none but labourers which did presently abandon it: the enemies being en­tred, they were presently welcomed with Canon-shot [Page 55] from the Bulwarke of the Spaniards, and from Pekel, the which had beene planted there expressie: as also by a troope of Musketiers from the Rauelin which is vpon the counterscarfe right against the Spanish Bul­warke, so as they left many of their men there▪ there were but foure of the towne hurt: the Chirurgians of the towne went thether afterwards, and brought away Sacks full of mans grease which they had drawne out of their bodies. There was as great aboundance of bloud, as if there had beene a great combate fought, and there was much without the halfe Moone: the ground was strowed of all sides with armes, legges and hands: such as went thether first, found much money vpon the dead men, and garments of good price, with perfumed Gloues, whereby it seemes that many Spa­niards and men of commaund were slaine there. They had also brought with them many prepara­tiues and deuises to burne the Bridge, and many Spades, Hammers, Hatchets, Pike-axes, and other instruments, as it were to make some fortification.

The enemie carryed his batterie from betwixt the Cateyes, vnto the Sea side towards the North.

At night there went forth foureteene shippes, and not any one came in. A Burguignon prisoner said, that in this last assault there were not slaine aboue eightie fiue or eightie sixe vpon the place, amongst the which there were some men of commaund: hee sayde moreouer that they would stay it out all Win­ter, and that his Highnesse had made prouision of stuffe to builde lodgings for the Souldiers round about the towne.

The 18. there was nothing remarkeable, but that [Page 56] two French men fled to the enemie.

The 19. of October, the enemie made high defen­ces vpon their battery at the East: afternoone they of the Towne discouered a great troupe of their ene­meis going from Alberts fort to the fort of La Pierre S. Iean, and vpon the East side many Wagons laden with Bauins the which they carried to the fort they haue at the downes.

The same day, there were 9. or 10. souldiers of the Towne slaine and hurt.

The 20.The Arch-dukes men approched neerer by a 130. yardes. day at night, the Arch-dukes men made a long trench neere vnto the lower end of the Gollet, 120, or 130. yardes vnder their new battery, and appro­ched neerer vnto the Towne with 32. Gabions in length and foure in thicknesse: it was for this purpose that the troupes (we spake of) passed the day before from the West to the East, to defend them that should labour in this worke, and that by day they conducted so manie Wagons laden with Bauins, to imploy them in the night worke.

This day the enemy shot from this new batterie, and to aduance this trench they left their trenches vpon the South and West part.

At night there came into the Towne foure ships and one barke full of men, the enemie shot at them in vaine, they discouered their Gabions nine thicke.

A Germane of the enemies Campe came & yeelded himselfe into the Towne, who said, that there was ex­ceeding great want in it: that all souldiers which could finde any meanes to flie forsooke the armie; and that the enemy would plant nine Canons at his Gabions.

Afternoone the water being retired they began to la­bour [Page 57] againe at their batterie, betwixt the Cateyes and Reisern-heubt. which they drew down along to the Sea, to batter the ships on the North-side of the olde towne, as well on the West side as on the East, wherein they spent all that night.

The 22. of October, 44. ships past out of the Towne, and two entred, one laden with English Beare and the other of Breda, at whom the enemy shot little.

The same day before noone the enemie brought ma­nie cartes laden with bauins to the fort which is at the downes, and did lengthen the new trench, which is at the lower end of the Gollet with three Gabions, and after dinner there past a great troupe of Souldiers from the West to the East.

The foresaid fugitiue said that the enemies resoluti­ons was to make his chiefe attempt vpon the East-side, and he said moreouer that if he could stoppe the entrie of the ships, he would be maister of the Towne within 14. dayes.

They plaied both with Canon and Musket on either side all that day.

After dinner they of the Towne discouered aboue a 100. carts which the enemy conducted to the East, to the fort which is beneath the downes.

They of the towne labored continually at the Blindes (the which are workes of earth, of a meane height, square or in cubit, to couer them which go in the streets, and to receiue the Bullets) against the enemies batteries and trenches which are at the Cateys; that day the fire tooke their lodgings on the East-side.

The night of the 22. day there was much shooting on either side, both with Canon and Musket, so as it [Page 58] hindered the enemies worke, whereas they had late­ly planted their Gabions: yet they did not leaue to con­duct many cartes with Bauins towarde their new battery, from whence they made eight or ten shot that day, as also some from their batteries which are at the downes.

About ten of the clocke at night 25. or 26. ships went out at the Hauen and the enemy neuer shot at them: there entred two laden with English Beere and other victualles, at whome they made two shot, but hurt them not.

The 23. of October, the enemy shot all night with his firie Bullets and stones into the Towne, the which hurt some souldiers.

The same night as the former, they of the Towne shot furiously vpon the Gabions which are neere vnto the Gollet, and hindred the enemies worke: there went forth also three or foure Shippes at whom they neuer shot.

They without, although they laboured not, yet did they cause great store of Fagots to be carried to the East: they were continually busie at their workes which are betwixt the Cateyes and Resern-heubt, the which they carried tawardes the North: where (in my opini­on) they did them of the Towne a great pleasure, free­ing the North-east part from the furious waues of the Sea, the which did much endomage them before the Porke-espike and Helmont,

The 24. of October they shot firie Bullets and stones into the enemies Camp.

A Shippe going out of the Hauen at night did runne vpon the Sands on the enemies side, the maister and a [Page 59] little boy saued themselues, two Carpenters were drowned thinking to recouer the towne by swimming: there were besides three sicke men, with a woman and her childe, whom the enemy tooke and then set fire of the shippe.

They did nothing but carry Fagots to the East, they of the Towne did not see them worke, but they found that their Gabions were seuenteene large and thir­ty fiue in length. The continuall shooting of the be­sieged did much annoy them in their worke. As for their batteries of Cateyes and Reisern-heubt, they labou­red continuallye, raising them and fortifying them daylie.

The 25. of October, a Captaine of a Shippe went in a cocke boate round about the Gabions, which are vpon the Gollet to view them, where he found no man, nor any one neere, but onely three which had bin slaine with the Towne Canon.

That day there went no Shippe in nor out, and for that it rained much, there was no shooting, and like­wise for the same reason the enemy left labouring,

The night of the twenty sixt day, was foule weather and a great tempest, which was the cause that the Canon plaied not, but in the morning they saluted one another.

The Sea (being swelled extraordinarily by reason of this tempest,) carried away some of their Gabions which were not yet fully filled nor fastened.

The Water at the very same time was risen ten or twelue yardes vp into the trench which is vppon the Gollet, so as the enemie had no man there, and vpon the South and South-west a League and a halfe vp [Page 60] into the countrie, which couered most of the enemies trenches: and there was no thing to be seene drye but their Plat-formes, whether they had retyred them­selues, this torment was the cause that no ship went in nor out. It did somewhat indamage the towne at the Porke-espike, and the False-Braye, yet not so much but it was in few houres repaired.

The 27. at night, according to their commendable custome, they shott store of fierie Bullets and Flints of eyther side. There entred an English Barke laden with Beere.

The enemie was fortified with a regiment of Itali­ans, and some Wallons.

The night of the 28. day, foure Barkes went forth, at whom they did not shoote; but none came in.

The same night they of the Towne made a Sallie of 200. Souldiers, and some Marriners, the water be­ing high, and went vpon the enemies Gabions, many of the which they brake and cut, with many sacks full of earth which they found within them, whereof they brought some into the Towne.

After noone they might see passe towards the East quarter, two troopes of Cartes laden with Bauins.

That day they shott but little on eyther part, and there was but one man slaine within the towne.

The 29. there went no vessell in nor out.

There were a great number of Gabions which they of the Towne had not broken: The enemie began to worke behinde them, and did not leaue for all the Canon of the Towne which played furiously vpon them.

They without had made a great worke vpon the [Page 61] East, which they of the towne thought to be some new Forte or Batterie, but in the ende they found it was a Chanell or Conduict to passe from Plassenthale to the Conduict of Bruges, conteining about halfe a League, that they might more commodiously fur­nish the Forts of the East with munition and victu­als, as well as those of the West, called Saint Pierre Isabella and Albertus, which receiue their prouisions by water.

About ten of the clocke they of the towne made a Sallie of 60. or 70. men, and some Leapers and Fri­boters, charging vpon the enemies Gabions the which they tooke. There were about 60. men labouring in them, who fled: presently there came 35. or 36. of the enemies Horse vpon them, so as hauing viewed well the gabions, they were forced to retire: one of their souldiers was slaine, and three or foure hurt with the Canon. The Canon of the Spanish Bulwarke and of Pekel (which had beene planted to that end,) played through the enemies, and ouer-threw some of their horse-men, one of them was drawne by his horse euen vnto the towne Trenches, who being searched, there were found about him eleuen Rose-nobles: an other was taken & brought neere the Towne, where he was slaine. there were also many footemen slaine with the Canon, in the meane time the enemie short from the West part vpon the Towne, where they did no other hurt but strooke off a Souldiers arme.

The 30. of October no vessell went in nor out: the Towne was much indomaged by the great torment, who presently sought to repaire what had beene broken.

[Page 62] After dinner some Carts laden with Fagots, muni­tion and victuals, were conducted towards the Forte which is at the East on the Downes: the enemy made some shott from the West against the Porke-espike, and from the East into the towne.

The same day some traitors were taken within the towne,Traitors taken in the towne. of whom we will speake in another place.

The last of October there went no vessell in nor out.

The enemies laboured still behinde their Gabions, they of the towne shott vehemently vpon them from Flammemburg (a high Platforme so called being with­in the Towne): they without laboured also vpon the East at their new chanell, to make it deepe enough, for that the countrie is high in that place.

At foure of the clock in the afternoone, a great flote driuen with the Nor-west winde ouerthrew nine Ga­bions, which they without had planted to couer their labourers from the towne Canon, but for that they were tyed together with Cables, they remained in the same place.

The new battery on the East side vnder the downes, was all drownd, the tide hauing neuer beene so great on that side.

They discouered more Cartes laden with Bauins on the East part then the day before.

Vpon the South and South-east, the countrie was all couered with water aboue a league about, & all the trenches on the West vnder the Sand-downes, and to­wards the South and South-east were full of water, so as the enemie was forced to flie vp to their highest plat-formes and caualiers, the which they had to the number of eight along those trenches, in their retiring [Page 63] there were many of them stayed by the way by the Canon from the towne.

The enemie during this great water shott furiouslie vpon the Porke-espike to shake it, and to ouerthrow it, but they preuailed little more then the hurting of some Souldiers that were vpon it.

They of the towne ranne by troopes vpon the Rampars to see if the Sea and the violent winde would not carry away their Gabions, in the meane time the enemie shott at them but hurt no man.

The first of Nouember, the besieged began to re­paire that which the Sea had carried away of the Porke-espike.

They without were not seene to labour in any part, there were many volees of Musket shott on either side, but without any notable losse.

There was a Germaine brought prisoner into the towne, who was lame of halfe his body, and simple, they could drawe nothing from him but olde stale newes, that many of their Souldiers fled, that they were ill payde, and that there was great pouertie and many sicke in the campe.

They of the towne thought that the Block-house vpon the South should be carried away by the water, for that the enemie drew foorth much wood out of their retrenchments.

The 2. of Nouember there went no shippe in nor out.

In the night the Arch-dukes men did lengthen their Gabions which are vpon the Gollet with 30. others, at the end which is towards the South: and whereas [Page 64] the first doe stretch from the South to the North, these leane something towards the East, to couer their work-men; the place where they are set is rough and some­what high, the which helpes them much, so as the Towne cannot discouer them in their workes: yet it is to be supposed they labour, for that the same day (the which was the first time) they did see horse-men in guard at the foote of the downes, by the new battery as if they had feared a Sallie.

They of the Towne thought that the enemy had o­ther worke then to charge them, they were farre besides their compt, for the Sea did euery day make new worke for them, their trenches vpon the West (which are right against the Porke-espike) were opened aboue forty yardes by the last tempest, so as the Gollet or mouth became daily, greater and larger, and did little harme vnto the Towne.

Before noone they shot little, presently after the Gene­rall Sir Francis Vere came vpon the Spanish Boulwarke and to that of Pekel, commaunding them to shoote earnestly at the Gabions, which was the cause they spent some fifty shot sodainely.

The 3. of Nouember they of the Towne made a sal­lie of a 150. men as well leapers as souldiers, and seuen horse-men, who surprised the gabions & cut the cordes and Cables with the which they were tied, and ouer­threw some at the East end: in the meane time some of the enemies horse wēt towards the rauelin of the towne to cut off their way: the horse-men of the towne (wher­of I haue spoken) seeing that, went to meet them with a 150. muskateers of the rauelin which is on the other side of the Gollet, before the bridge of their enemies side, [Page 65] who repulsed them: then they of the Towne gaue fire to the Canon, which slue fiue men with one shot among thirty or forty which shewed themselues a farre off to­wrades the new batterie: there was also a horse-man and some souldiers slaine vpon the rauelin; during this incounter the enemies gathered togeather behinde the new batterie, there went foorth three troupes of horse against them of the Towne: As for the foote-men they skirmished with them that first sallied out of the towne: these three troupes with that which had beene chased came with a full carrie towardes the rauelin of the Towne, but being come neere vnto the foote-men, they were beaten backe by them, and by the Ca­non from the Towne, which thundred furiouslye from the Spanish Boulewarke, and from that of Pe­kel, so as they returned as fast as they came: and see­ing that they of the Towne had made hedde against them they retired behinde their battery, and they of the Towne did likewise retyre into their rauelin, In this skirmish there were foure of the Towne slaine & six hurt, as for the enemies they lost a good number, they of the Towne recouered sixe or seuen Launces with banderolles, and among them the Cornet of Count Aremberges wherein were his armes: the enemy had gathered togeather another troupe of souldiers behinde their new battery, which durst not shew them­selues neere, but retyred presently, during which time they of the Towne sent them many vollees of Canon.

As for the Gabions they were in verye badde estate, they did see through some part of them which were in single ranke, others were ouerthrowne, and the enemies themselues thinking that they of the [Page 66] towne were hidden behinde them, shotte through them, and their Bullets came euen vnto the gollet, but they of the Towne found no man working there.

At noone the enemies transported much wood out of their Trenches into their Block-houses, and vpon the West they razed certaine Plat-formes, and carri­ed away the Bauins to Alberts-fort and to his Block-house, whether it seemed they would retire them­selues, and it was held for certaine, that a great part of the Souldiers had beene drawne out of the campe and sent into Brabant with a good number of the horse-men.

They of the towne made an other sallie, but the enemies did not abandon their forts, shewing them­selues onely a farre of, so euery one keeping his ad­uantage, there was nothing done.

At the same time a great and dangerous treason was discouered, the which was practised in the towne.

An English-man named N. Conisbye, Great trea­son disco­uered in the towne. hauing ser­ued the enemie long, and beene Captaine of a com­panie of foote in their armie, returned through France into England, where he preuailed so much (by meanes of his friends) as hee obtained Let­ters of commendation to Sir Francis Vere Gene­rall of the English forces in Ostend. Hauing these Letters hee went to Ostend, and presented him­selfe vnto Sir Francis Vere, desiring him to admit him of his company, at which the Generall could not re­fuse him, being a Gentleman. This traitor being thus crept into Ostend, began to play his part: he receiued [Page 67] letters and other things weekely from the enemie, and gaue them intelligence what past within the towne, and of the meanes to annoy it, making his practises and proiects according to the instructions he receiued from them. To send his Letters to the enemie he car­ried them into a broken boate, the which in the be­ginning of the siege had beene sunke by the enemie, and was vpon the drye ground betwixt the Towne and the enemies Campe, making a shewe as if hee went to vntrusse, knowing well the place where he should hide them: the enemie came at night to fetch them with a little Boate, and vpon certaine dayes brought him an answeare to the same place: and sometimes money for his entertainement and his practises, the which he went to fetch in the same man­ner: When he was discouered, he had corrupted foure men, and amongst others a Sargent called William N. who reuealed it: This Sargent comming out of prison, where his Captaine had caused him to bee layde some dayes in Yrons, being all mal­content, mette by chance with this Conisbye, who sayde vnto him that hee was very glad to see him out of prison, and asked him what was the reason that he had so great and greeuous a punishment: to whom the Sargeant (rayling vppon his Cap­taine) sware earnestly that hee would be reuenged of the wrong he had receiued, although it should cost him his life: Conisby thinking to haue found a man fit for his purpose, said that there was good meanes with­out loosing of his life, but contrarywise he should make his profit and aduance himselfe, wherein he [Page 68] might helpe him much, and if he would follow his counsell he should want no money. The Sergeant be­gan to giue eare vnto his words, and seemed to be well affected to his desseigne, and to doe what he would aduise him. Conisbye (after he had made him to sweare not to reueale any thing that he should say,) disco­uered himselfe vnto him, and presently asked him if he had the resolution, and would set fire of one of the Magazins of munition, with a certaine inuention of Poulder, of Leade, & of Match, the which the Sargent promised to doe, saying that it was very easie, for that he was often sent to fetch Poulder for the Soldiers; Conisbye sayd moreouer vnto him, that he had practi­sed some others, and would haue more, to the number of twentie, and then would execute his desseigne in this manner. One of the Magazins being set on fire, he would worke so as he would haue the guard of a Sluce which is in one of the Bulwarkes of the towne, neerest vnto the enemies Trenches, where they should giue the assault, and take the towne by that meanes: the Sargent made shew to like well thereof, demaunding onely of Conisbye a promise of his hand for the assurance of his recompence, when the worke should be done: hauing this promise, he goes present­ly to the Generall Sir Francis Vere, and discouers vnto him this practise: Conisbye being apprehended and put to the Racke, confesseth all, and that he came to Ostend with that intent, together with the instructions and pro­mises he had from the enemie: his complices were like­wise imprisoned.

The 4. of Nouember there were many volees spent of Musket shott and some of Canon.

[Page 69] The night before there went foorth fourteene saile, at whome they neuer shott, and not one came in.

The enemie this night raised a mount in the mid­dest of their Gabions, the which is a long trenche of about 70. or 80. Gabions of rancke.

They also set Gabions at the two sides of their new batterie, which is at the foote of the Downes, and di­rectly at the East of the trenche of their Gabions, sixe or seauen on the North-side, and towards the Sand-downes thirteene or foureteene to serue for blindes and to couet their men from the Towne Canon, who shotte very vehemently when as they did see day.

About noone an English-man went out of the trenches and yeelded himselfe to the enemie, it may be to carrie them newes of the imprisonment of his com­panions.

All that day the Canon and Muskets ceased not, yet was there not any man hurt in the towne.

The 5. of Nouember they of the towne shotte some fierie Bullets into the enemies Campe, and all the night was spent in Musket shot.

At night there went out one shippe, but none came in.

The enemie was busied to deface some plat-formes and trenches vpon the South and North parts, which the water had ouerthrowne, carrying the Bauins vnto the Downes and to their Block-houses.

About noone a horse-man entred into the Gollet of the towne, but as he went slowly seeming to be drunk, three or foure other horse-men followed him, and one [Page 70] amongst them (who had a great red scarfe about his neck) ouer-tooke him and gaue him many wounds with his Courtelas, and ouer-threw him, one of them tooke his horse, and so they returned to their tren­ches, leauing him for dead. Some of the towne ha­uing seene this, cast themselues into the gollet to swim and fetch him, but presently foure or fiue of the ene­mies horse came, who tooke him and marched to­wards their quarter, but before they could recouer a place of safetie, they of the towne shott amongst them and ouer-threw one of them that carryed this Caualier, the rest fledde, leauing two dead for one.

The same day the aduenturers brought a priso­ner into the Towne, whom they had taken betwixt Bruges and Dixmude, foure leagues from Ostend, who sayde that the regiment of Count Frederic de Berg, and some Ensignes of the Counte de Bouquoy, and Fresin were gone to succour Hertzegenbusch which his Excellencie had besieged: and that many of the Arch dukes Souldiers fled dayly, that they were ill payed, and had many that were sicke among them.

They without brought great store of Bauins and other wood, by the new Chanell of the East-side to the fort which is at the Downes.

The 6. of Nouember they shott furiously with stones into the towne.

In the morning they might see the Gabions to­wards the Northe of the new batterie ouer-throwne, so as they might see through them, there were one­lye foure standing the which were emptie, and serued [Page 71] onely to take away the sight that they might not shoote at their men: more-ouer they did see them transport great store of wood by the new Chanell towards the East.

In the after-noone they did see the enemie la­bour very earnestly behinde their Trenches and Gabions, at whome they of the Towne shotte some-times: they did also see them transport much Wood and Bauins to the new Block-house at the Downes.

The prisoner of Bruges taken the day before, be­ing examined, sayde, that at Bruges and through­out all Flanders they made them beleeue, that in Ostend they dyed by heapes, of hunger and thirst, and that many Souldiers forced by extreame neces­sitie fled dayly: that there was nothing but muti­nies and seditions in the Towne, and that the Arch-duke should haue them soone at his plea­sure, and that no man durst deliuer any ill newes to the preiudice of the Arch-duke for feare of his life.

The seauenth of Nouember they without shotte no fierie Bullets, but onely many Stones into the Towne.

They laboured dayly behinde their Gabions vp­on the Gollet, although they of the towne shott of­ten: they began also a new Corps de garde in their new batterie, which is East-ward of the Downes behinde the Gabions and lookes to the bottome of the Gollet.

The 8: of Nouember they of the Towne did see the [Page 72] enemie labour very earnestly behinde the Gabions, some casting vp sand, others beating in piles, as if they would raise a Plat-forme to plant Canon thereon.

The enemies came neere vnto the halfe Moone of the Towne which is at the end of the bridge on the o­ther side of the Gollet, but seeing them of the Towne issue forth to entertaine them with resolution, they re­turned after they had discharged some shot.

After dinner an Ensigne-bearer a Frison was slaine with a Musket shot being in the Polder.

They without shot stones into the Towne day and night.

The 9. day they shot many stones with their great Ca­non, yet they slue no man: in the night they raised their batterie which is vpon the North betwixt the Cateyes a­bout three foote, and there made Canoniers to plant three peeces.

About 10. of the clocke at night there entered a Barke laden with Beere with a boate into the Gollet, the ene­mie shot furiously at them from their batteries on the downes and at the foote thereof, & likewise with their Muskets from their Gabions, which was the first time they shot from that place, yet the Barke entred happily without any harme.

They of the Towne discouered the fleete which was come from Zeland, who prepared to enter at night, the which did reioyce them very much, for there were three weekes that no vessell had entred.

The enemies according to their custome shot ma­ny stones into the Towne but did little harme.

The 10. of Nouember there entred 13. Ships by the Gollet, the enemy shot at them with his Canon, and [Page 73] with his Muskets from the Gabions, without hitting of man or Shippe, they onely shotte through some sailes.

At night the enemies with their Barkes borded two ships, the which they tooke and spoyled, and carried a­way the men that were in them.

There were many that laboured in the Gabions vpon the Gollet.

There was one ship had passed on two farre and stai­ed before the Bulwarke of Spaine, the enemy shot all the day at it, their were 9. or 10. others had entred with it, but they had cast Anchor behinde the halfe Moone, which is vpon the Gollet for the defence of the bridge, and could not be hurt.

The plat-forme which the enemy had begunne be­hinde the Gabions, which are vpon the Gollet, did now appeare aboue them, and it seemed they would plant Canon thereon.

The 11. of Nouember, there were some of both par­ties which parled together betwixt the Gollet & them, but a Canon being discharged from the Towne euery one retired.

The Archdukes men laboured continually to finish the plat-forme behinde their Gabions, by meanes whereof they thought to stoppe the entrie of the shippes into the Towne, and held it for certaine that within fifteene dayes after this worke was per­fect, the Towne was theirs: but they of the Towne found out a new secret, for the safe entrie and go­ing foorth of their Shippes, and to make this infinite charge of the Arch-dukes fruitlesse.

The shippes which had remained the last night be­hinde [Page 74] the halfe Moone, entred this night into the hauē, & there was no other losse in this goodly fleete of 52. or 53. saile, but onely that which had beene on ground be­fore the Bulworke of Spaine, was shot through with the Canon.

Vpon the East-side, they did see about twēty fiue wa­gons laden with bauins and wood, come from the new chanell to the fort that is at the downes, and some from Bredene.

That day there was not any man slaine onely three or foure hurt.

The 12. of Nouember, they shotte many firie Bullets and stones of eyther side, with much small shot.

That night the Gouernour called the Lorde of North, accompanied with Captaine Rolle Grenu and Bronchaulx, dela Digne, two Ministers, & two other men of the Towne went out with two shippes for their con­uoy to go into Zeland.

They might see vpon the high plat forme which the enemy had made behinde the Gabions, foure Canoni­ers to plant Canon at, to stop the entry and going out of the ships, for the effecting whereof they wrought all they could, else they shot little.

The night of the 13. day they shot not; in the morning they saluted one another with their Muskets.

The enemy laboured still at their battery behinde the Gabions, making it higher and larger, and neglected their other workes.

They made a great Corps de garde neere vnto Albert fort, although that both within it and at the foote [Page 75] of the downes there were many faire houses.

About noone they discouered a great fire in Albert fort, & they said it was fire fallen from Heauen, it burnt so violently as it could not possibly be quenched: there was lost for 150000. Florins in Iewels: the Estates of Flanders to repaire this losse made a present of a 100000. Crownes to the Arch-duke.

The Shippe which had beene three dayes before on ground in the Gollet before the Bulworke of Spaine, entred at night into the Towne Ditch, the e­nemie made ten or twelue shot at it but could not hitte it.

The enemies whole hope for the taking of the Towne, was to stoppe the entrie of ships, they thought to haue effected their desseigne by meanes of their new plat-forme which they made behinde the Gabi­ons, but they of the Towne made a new Hauen,The townsmen make a new Ha­uen. the which is not much commaunded by the plat-forme, & by that means the enemies hope vanished to smoake. The Arch-dukes trenches vpon the west-side were neg­lected and fell daily, and the water from the Sea increa­sed so in the West Gollet, as at this day it is a deepe and goodly ditch.

The 14. of Nouember at night the Canons and mus­kets shot vehemently on either side: and in the night there went out 7. or 8. ships, but the enemy neuer shot at them.

They without laboured continually at their battery vpon the Gollet, making strong defences there: and they of the Towne were busied about their new Ha­uen.

After dinner two of their souldiers that were [Page 76] within the halfe Moone vpon the gollet fled to the enemie: and presently fiue or sixe horsemen came from their batterie at the Gabions to receiue them, and at the same instant they began to shoote at the towne, and at those that wrought in the halfe Moone, yet they hurt no man: they might then easily discerne fiue Ca­noniers in their batterie.

The Arch-duke had beene in person at the Campe vpon the West, where he had changed some quarters and garrisons; they of the towne shott at the Souldi­ers assoone as they appeared vpon the trenches.

There was more Canon-shot that day then the foure before, but more from the towne then without, there were but three hurt in the towne, and not one slaine.

The 15. of Nouember being darke they shott a lit­tle on both sides to entertaine the custome, and in the night the enemy shott great stones.

That night there went 18. or 20. ships out of the Ha­uen, but none entred, the enemie shott much after them and killed two Marriners and a Boye.

The enemie laboured continually at their batterie of Gabions, and at that which is betwixt the Cateyes, but they did not yet open their Canoniers.

The enemy shot against the Mill which is vpon the Bulwarke of Flammenburg, the Bullet strooke of a French-mans legge, and all the flesh off the other, so as he was little better then dead. He was scarse retired from thence, but another Bullet strooke in the same place, which stayed there and did no harme.

That day there was not any one but this Frenchman hurt in the towne, & an other a little hurt in the legge.

[Page 77] The 26. of Nouember (by reason of the contrarie winde) no ship went out of the towne, there entred an English man at whom the enemie made some Ca­non shott, but more store of Musket from their batterie which is vpon the Gollet, yet they hurt no man.

They without laboured still at their batterie vpon the gollet, but they did nothing that day in their other batteries.

They shot whotly for halfe an houre vpon the towne of the West side, some thought it was for the com­ming of some Noble-men; others that it was by the intelligence of a fugitiue, who had fled to them the night before: after dinner they shott also at Flammen­bourg but hurt no man.

A French-man fled out of the towne vnto the ene­mie, who (to escape) thrust himselfe into the gollet vp to the neck.

The 17. of Nouember the enemie shott many great stones into the towne.

About midnight the enemie sent from the West part some horse-men into the olde towne and carried away three prisoners, at the same time from their bat­terie of Reisern-haubt they cast some plankes ouer the Hauen, whereas it is narrowest at a lowe water, on the which there passed 30. men into the olde towne, from whence they were presently repulsed with the canon.

An English-man seeking to flie vnto the enemie, was presently taken and hanged.

Also a French Gentleman disobeying his Sargent and making a great tumult, was committed to prison, and eight dayes after condemned by the councell of warre to be shott. But for that he was borne of a good [Page 78] house, all the French Captaines entreated Generall Vere to giue him his life, the which he granted, vpon condition, that he should aske the Sargent forgiue­nesse, the which he would by no meanes doe, not­withstanding any perswasions: wherevpon they gaue him eight dayes to resolue with himselfe; which being past, and he still obstinate, he was brought to the place of execution and tied to a stake: but when as he did see the Harguebuziers readie to shoote, he began to haue horror of death, intreating that he might be vn­bound, promising to performe the sentence, and to aske the Sargent forgiuenesse, the which he did pre­sently and was deliuered.

That day the enemie was not seene to labour in any place, nor to carry Fagots from the new Chanell of the East.

The Plat-forme vpon the Gollet is right against the Cateye of the Towne, betwixt the Bulwarke of Pe­kel and the East-Port, where before there were nei­ther Rampars nor defences: they of the Towne (to couer themselues from the enemies Canon) planted Gabions, so as the enemie could not pierce them, and if the Bullets flew ouer, then they went into the West quarter among their owne Souldiers.

That night came in an English ship with a hundred Tunne of Beere, the which entred into the towne be­ing Moone-light, the enemie shott at them from their batteries.

The same night the enemie laboured at their batte­rie of the North, betwixt the Cateyes, and did raise it with sand, leauing their Canoniers still shut.

The 18. the enemies shott stones and flints into the [Page 79] towne, and the besieged exchanged fierie Bullets with them.

At the breake of day they without laboured at their batterie of Gabions, making it higher and larger, nei­ther did they shoote nor labour in any other quarter.

In the afternoone they began to labour in one of their trenches on the West part, but they of the towne hauing shott some volees of Canon at them, scattered them presently.

At night there went two ships out of the towne for England, but none came in.

The same night a Spanish Auncient came and yeel­ded himselfe into the towne, (who (as he said) had slaine a Sargent: he affirmed that there were 3000. men gone out of the Campe into Brabant, and that his Highnesse had sent new commissions into Arthois and Haynault to leauie 3000. men, that the Canon from the towne did euery day much spoile in the Campe: and that they were yet 6000. men before the towne: that is, two regiments of Spaniards, three of Italians, and one of the Wallons, comprehending the garrisons of the Fortes: that it was now twentie dayes since the Souldiers receiued a penny, and be­fore the Souldiers had receiued but 14. Stiuers in 16. dayes. He said also that when as the Fort of Albert was burnt, his Highnesse had lost aboue 60000. Duckets in Iewels and other things, and that the Flemmings had made him a goodly present in recompence of this losse: he said moreouer that the Captaines durst not eate in the sight of the Souldiers for feare of a mutinie, This Souldier had a memoriall of the siege of Ostend in the Castillian toung, out of which was taken that which [Page 80] followes, the which many serue to the History, and happily may be pleasing to the reader.

The Spaniardes are very much discontented, for that the Arch-duke continues the siege of Ostend, and aboue all for that he hath cast and dismist so many olde experimented Captaines and men of command which did disswade him, and hath put yong men into their places. That there was a great number of Captaines & men of commaund dead, and that the regiment of Don Iean de Brachamonte (which had beene 1500. men strong) was brought to lesse then 900. The Captaines say that the Arch-duke is good for nothing but to spoile souldiers, and to wast the number of good and hono­rable men: for that he vnderstands nothing in the arte of warre, the which doth much greeue the souldiers that are there: who (among other things) are beaten with three enemies, hunger, colde, and sickenesse, and are not paied, that for many dayes they haue receiued but 25. stiuers, and feare they shall receiue lesse hereaf­ter. That the Flemmings (and especially they of Bruges) cannot or will not contribute any more for the enter­tainement of the army, and that the bruite was, they should haue no more munition Bread nor Beere, and that insteede thereof, for two stiners which they were accustomed to receiue, they should haue fiue a day: the which seemed very strange vnto the Spaniardes: They say also that the comissaries and vndertakers of the a­monition and victuals do make them lesse and falsefie them dayly, especially the beere of Bruges, who (when the vessel is halfe out) fill it vp with water, the which was a signe that the Spaniards had a desire to mutine if they paid them not money. They saide also that there [Page 81] were dead at this siege foure Colonels, eight Spanish Captaines, ten Wallons, and nine Italians, and some Germanes and Flemmings, with some thousandes of souldiers, all men of commaund, and workemen, and that it is a pittifull thing to see how the new Spaniardes and Italians, died miserably for colde and other dis­commodities.

The 19. of Nouember, they shot little; after dinner they might see plainely how the enemies defaced their trenches to haue wood to burne: there was no speech of any hurt in the Towne that day.

At night their ariued 5. ships, the enemy shot much at them, as well from the downes as from their battery at the Gollet, yea with their Muskets from the Gabions, but did them no harme.

The 24. of Nouember, the Arch-dukes men shot more Canon and Musket then they had done in eight dayes before, the which they returned them from the Towne in the same money.

At the breake of day there were two souldiers slaine, and some others hurt with the Canon, from the West part.

From the morning vntill noone they might see a great number of Wagons passe into the West, betwixt the forts of Isabella and La piere S. Iean, and likewise to the East behinde the causie of Bredene: yet the enemie wrought not in any place.

They of the Towne were not slothfull in working at the new port and at the Bulworke of Pekel.

In the night an English Corporall was taken who had hidde himselfe in the darke, for some ill des­seigne.

[Page 82] Two great barkes went out of the Hauen and none entred.

The 25. of Nouember, the enemy neuer ceased from night to the morning to shoote great stones and firye Bullets, so as two houses were set on fire, but they were presently quenched.

At night Captaine Poelgeest died suddainely beeing well at noone.

The Wagons went still to the East and West, yet the enemy wrought not in any place,

At night there went 21. ships out of the Towne, at whom the enemy shot 7. or 8. vollees of Canon, yet he hit not any, there entred none into the Hauen.

The 26. at the breake of day there was much shoo­ting on either side for two houres, and then they ceased.

They without ceased not to worke at their batterie on the Gollet: and they of the Towne omitted no time to worke at their new Hauen, and at the Bul­worke of Pekel and defences thereof, and at the East-port.

After dinner they might see many Wagons going towards the Sand downes in the East, towards night the Canon plaied on either side a while, & then great store of Musket shot.

A little before night the enemy shot furiously with stones, and soone after ceased, there were two only hurt that day.

In the night there went fifteene shippes out of the Port, at whom the enemy did not shoote, & not any one came in.

The 27. of Nouember in the morning, foure ships [Page 83] entred the Gollet, whereof two were laden with fresh fish, the enemy shotte at them, but could not hitte them.

The enemy wrought this day vppon the West-downes, and in their batterie vpon the Gollet, yet not so much as they had done before, neither did they worke any where els.

That day Captaine Poelgeest was honourably in­terred.

The 28. of Nouember being the day of the feast of S. Elizabeth, This was on the 17. of No­uember stilo veteri (according to the auncient Calender which they vse in England) Sir Francis Vere Generall of the English, caused all the Canons of Towne to be shot off in honour of the Queene of England by their ex­ample, the enemie did as much in honour of the In­fanta Isabella, and there was hard such a noyse and thundring, as if there had beene a generall alarme both within and without, which being done they were quiet all the morning.

In the meane time the townsmen ceased not to worke in their new Hauen, and at the Gabions betwixt the Bulworke of Pekel and the East Port.

The enemy was not seene to worke in any place, which made them beleeue that they were troubled to defend themselues from colde, and to keepe their soul­diers from flying.

The Counsell of warre of the English caused a thiefe to be hanged, and his companion to be whipt, whome they intreated not so rigorously, by reason of his youth.

At night they of the Towne shot firie Bullets into the enemies Campe, who sent them backe againe [Page 84] many stones, yet was there not any one hurt in the towne.

The 29. of Nouember the enemie began early in the morning to shoote stones into the towne.

They might see them conduct many Wagons to­wards the Fortes which are vpon the Downes at the East and West, betwixt the Forts of Isabella, Albert, and La Pierre S. Iean.

There raigned a strange disease in the towne,Sicknesse in the towne. of the which they that were strooke eyther died or were cu­red betwixt the morning and night, there dyed many thereof, but there was no speech of any that was slaine or hurt in the towne that day.

The Arch-duke and the Infanta went for foure­teene dayes to Bruxelles.

That night there went no vessell in nor out.

The 30. of Nouember at the breake of day the slug­gards were awaked with Canon and Musket shott, which played furiously on eyther side.

The enemie made some Canon-short in the day time, where-with they killed two Souldiers and hurte some others.

The enemies Canon giuing some intermission they lost neither the occasion nor the time, but continued their workes at their new Hauen, as also at the halfe Moone which is vpon the gollet neere vnto the batte­rie of the enemies Gabions, the which was made so strong, as it was almost incredible; and though it be in an open place, and at the mouth of the enemies Canon, yet could they neuer winne it. They haue gi­uen two assaults, and sought to be maisters thereof, euen in the beginning when it was made, but they [Page 85] haue beene still repulst with great losse of their men, and were forced to leaue it.

That night no shippe went in nor out of the Towne.

The first of December at night the enemies play­ed vehemently with their Muskets into the Towne, and they discharged their Canon three times in the honour of S. Andrew patron of the house of Bour­gongne.

The enemies Trenches, (the which at euery spring tide were full of water,) by the which they might haue gone couered from one plat-forme vnto an other, be­ing eight in all, were almost all ouer-throwne, so as they were forced to shew themselues as they passed, and the Canon from the towne spared them not.

Vpon the West they might see their Wagons part from the Forte of Albert, Isabella, and La pierre S. Iean, and returne with all kinde of victualles from Bruges, for that they could not bring it by water, the chanell being frosen.

In the night the enemies set fire on their thirtie fiue Gabions which were vpon the Gollet, for they ser­ued them now to no vse, and they had placed them there but onely to couer their labourers whi­lest they wrought at the plat-forme, the which was a high worke, and almost perfected, whereon they might plant seauen or eight Canons.

The 2. of December, a Souldier of the Towne fled and went to the enemie: two Marriners were slaine by the East-port, and a Harguebuzer in the West.

The Townes-men shott almost all night into the [Page 86] enemies campe, who answered them not, the which made them imagin that they wanted Poulder.

The same night 14. ships went out of the Port with­out any annoyance. There were two English Barkes laden with Beere which would haue entred, but they ranne on ground, yet by the helpe of some other ships they returned in safetie to the fleete,

The 3. of December at the breake of day, the Mus­kets played furiously on either side, after that, the ene­mie played with his Canon into the towne, but they would not be long indebted vnto them.

Some that had gone out to the warres returned that day; they had taken two Wallons prisoners, who were so obstinate and wilfull as they would not marche, so as the Souldiers were forced to kill one, and to bring the other into the towne vpon their neckes, after that they had vsed him in the worst sort they could: for Generall Vere had commanded them expresly to bring some one to learne newes of the enemie: but this man was yet so wilfull, as neither for threats, faire words, nor any other deuise, they could drawe any thing from him, but in cursing with iniuri­ous wordes, he sayd that his Highnesse would not leaue the Towne before hee had brought it to his will.

They could not see the enemie worke in any place; but the Townes-men ceased not at their new Porte, the Bulworke of Pekel, and the defences betwixt it and the East-port: and although the enemie shot little, yet the Townes-men abated nothing.

The night before the fourth of December, the two English shippes (whereof we spake before) en­tred [Page 87] into the Towne, it was a bright Moone-light, and the enemies shott hard at them yet could not hurt them.

At the same time when as these ships entred, fire tooke a house at the East-port, and for that this house was in the right-vp-street, and a great concourse of people comming to quench it, the enemie shott con­tinually at them, and yet there were but three soul­diers and a Boye slaine, and the fier in the ende was quenched.

The night was quiet enough,Assault at the Eng­lish Tren­ches, and repulsed. without any great shooting on eyther side, vntill about three of the clocke, that the enemies came in great numbers to giue an assault vnto the English trenches, in three di­uers places, during the which (being about an houre) they shott furiously on either side: the enemies cryed so lowde in French; Enter, enter, aduance, aduance, as they heard them easily into the Towne. they were chearefully receiued and valiantly repulsed three times, and in the ende were forced to retire. There were three Souldiers of the Towne slaine, and some hurt: as for the enemie, we cannot well knowe how many were slaine, it was so darke: But day being come, they found so much bloud vpon the place, as they did iudge a great number to be slaine and hurt, and they might heare them say in returning one vnto another: Companions let vs carry away our Captaine: here is no good to be gotten. Generall Vere hearing the alarme, ranne to those Trenches halfe naked, his presence did so incourage the Soul­diers, as they wished that the enemie would returne againe.

[Page 88] The enemy in the morning beganne for the first time to shoote from their batterie which is at the West vpon the Cateyes, and shot three or foure times through the Blindes or couerings.

The leapers brought in a prisoner of the Country of Luxembourg, who said that he was seruant vnto the Cont Barlemont.

The night before the 5. day of December, the towns­men shot many Stones and firie Bullets into the ene­mies Campe, who shot not vntill the morning when as they plaid furiously from the West, and pearced some houses without any great harme.

They also made many a shot against the Generalles house, and beate downe a pane of a wall, and before it carried away a French Auncients legge, whereof he died soone after.

They of the Towne laboured at their defences be­twixt Pekel and the East Port, and at their new Ha­uen.

That night there entred two shippes; in the one of them was the commissarie Doublet who brought fifty thousand crownes for the workemen, the which are commonly souldiers who gaine very much.

Yesterdaies prisoner saide among other things that the Sunday before, the souldiers had mustred vpon the East; and insteede of two stiuers which they receiued, they promised thē 5. but for that they were ill paid the two, they had lesse hope of the fiue, and that many fled away dayly and many died, and that within three daies they had found three souldiers frozen to death in one lodging.

The enemie shot vehemently that day from their [Page 89] new battery betwixt the Cateyes and Reisern-heubt; they pearced some houses in the top, & shot against Sand-hill the which seemed to them of the Towne a meere follie, for if they had spent 10000. Canon shot against this Bulworke and the rest, they should haue auailed them­selues little or nothing at all.

The 6. of December it chanced (the tide being low) two of the enemies souldiers came to the bancke of the Gollet on the East-side, to whom two souldiers of the Towne shewed them selues on the other side, all of a good humour, without any will to hurt one another, who parled friendly together: the enemies asked them of the Towne what they thought of the plat-forme which was vpon the Gollet, and whether they of the Towne could hereafter receiue in any victualles, with such like discourses: whereunto the Townsmen answe­red, that they little regarded that plat-forme, for that there was a new Hauen made, to vse when need should require; and that they looked to receiue daylie store of victualles and other things necessarie: and besides that, they had yet store of prouision for a long time of good Wine and good English Beere, and better cheape then in the Campe; well said the others, we will go & drinke with you, looke you vse vs well: hereupon a horseman of the enemies came, still crying after his companions, who retyred, saying, we recommend you vnto God vn­till our next meeting.

In the morning they might perceiue 400. Wagons going towards the East, but the enemy was not seene to worke in any place.

They without, brake and burnt all their Gabions which were vpon the Gollet, whereas all the plat-forme [Page 90] appeared plaine, and there might they see some loope hoales.

The Townsmen shot all night with firie Bullets into the Campe, and the enemie likewise into the Towne, wherewith there was a woman slaine and her husband hurt.

The 7. of December both morning, and euening they shot firie Bullets and stones of eyther side; in the morning there were some of the towne hurt, & amongst the rest Sir Horatio Veres Secretary had his legge shot off.

They without, shot furiously into the Towne from their battery which they haue raised at the foote of the downes, vpon the end of the dike on the East-side, as neere the Towne as might be, where they had planted three peeces.

At night Sir Horatio Veres Secretary (hauing his leg cut off) died.

The 8. of December in the morning they of the Towne beganne to play with two whole Canons and three demies, against the enemies new worke, the which they had raised betwixt the Cateyes and Reisern-haubt, which sport continued aboue two houres. In the meane time the enemy shot violently into the Towne from their other batteries of the west, most part wherof ligh­ted vpon the houses, which the Townsmen little regar­ded, being acquainted therewith.

Besides they might see them without, labour careful­ly vpon the downes, to make a new trench of wood to goe from one battery to another.

In the night, two Barkes went out and one came in, with a little shaloup at whome the enemie shot hard, [Page 91] but could not hit them: this was the first time they shotte from their batterie which is vppon the Gol­let.

There entred likewise a shaloupe by the North-Hauen, into the which there came a Canon shotte from the West, which carryed away a Marriners arme: They shotte much on eyther side yet few were hurt.

The night before the 9. day there were many stones and firie Bullets shot off either side, according to the custome: & some Bullets passed through the houses: a Burgesse found in his celler in the morning three canon Bullets the which had made a great noise and broken all there abouts.

The night before the tenth of December, after they had staied of eyther side, at midnight they be­gan to shoote many stones and Musket shot vntill the morning.

In the night they of the Towne heard their enemies labouring vpon their new plat-forme in the East, to beate in and cut, as if they had driuen in some piles, and had planted more Canon.

After noone a Marriner entred by the North Ha­uen in a shaloupe, who was come from England, and had brought a vessell full of goods, the enemy shot at him but could not reach him: He saide that hee had hard reported at Sand-witch by Flemmings that were good and credible men, and did assure it for certaine, that the fire which had beene lately in Alberts fort came from heauen, and had taken first in the Arch-dukes lodging.

The 11. of December as the day before, the enemies [Page 92] were busied to deface their olde workes and Ramparts vpon the South and South-west, to haue Wood to burne, the Townes-men shott sometimes at them with their Canon.

They shott also from their new batterie vpon the Gollet, into the Towne and vpon the Hauen, to trie their Canon, without dooing of any great harme, there were but three hurt that day in the towne, and with­out danger of death.

The night before the 12. of December they began againe to shoote stones and fierie Bullets, vntill mid­night without any great effect.

In the night a little Boate went from the towne to the Fleete, to fetch from the English ship (whereof hath beene spoken) certaine sheepe and liue hogges, and returned into the towne, beating the hogges to make them gront, to spight the enemies, who shott af­ter them yet could not hit any.

In the morning the enemie shott into the towne, and at the Bulworke of Pekel, from their batteries of Cateyes and the Downes.

The 13. of December there entred a Barke laden with fresh fish into the Towne, at whom the enemies made two shott but could not hurt him.

Captaine Gisbrecht Kolbe of Bruges, dyed of a bur­ning feuer, hauing beene sick only two dayes.

It was such a miste that day, as they could scarse see from the towne vnto the enemies trenches.

There was a Canonier slaine, and no man else hurt.

The 14. of December from the beginning of the night vnto the morning, they shott fierie Bullets and stones on either part, with ordinary Bullets through [Page 93] the houses: the Gouernours house was shott through at noone day, yet no man was hurt.

In the night a ship of Vlisingue went out of the Ha­uen, at whom the enemy shot not.

In the after-noone the enemie changed his guardes, at whom the besieged shott as soone as they might dis­couer them.

The 15. of December (according to the custome of warre) they shott of both sides, but there was no man flaine nor hurt within the towne.

At night three shippes went out of the Hauen, and were nothing indomaged by the enemie, who shott at them.

The 16. in the beginning of the night the enemie battered in ruine, and shott some fierie Bullets into the towne.

In the night the enemies brought before the towne three great Barkes full of stones and sand, with an in­tention (during the darknesse) to sinke them in the gollet: and so to stoppe the passage of the shippes: but this deuise succeded not: the Barkes were cast di­rectly against the olde Towne where they ranne a ground.

The morning was so darke as they could not dis­cerne what the enemie did, but about noone the wa­ter being lowe, the enemies began to playe with their Muskets and Canon-shott into the towne, yea vpon the three Barkes that were runne on ground, whe­ther they of the Towne were gone to see what was in them: their Horse-men came likewise (hauing past through the Hauen) and chased them of the Towne away three times, so as they were forced to [Page 94] leaue them and to attend more water.

The 17. of December the enemie shott many stones into the Towne. The same day, one of the enemies horse-men being drunke, came to the halfe-Moone of the towne (which is vpon the gollet;) and intreated them to lead him to his quarter: they in the halfe-Moone slue his horse, and (to be short) tooke him prisoner.

Vpon the West side, two Italiens (standing Sen­tinell,) were taken and brought prisoners into the towne.

The three Barkes (whereof we did speake) were this night beaten in peeces by them of the Towne, and the greatest part of the wood carried in.

In the after-noone the besieged shott against their enemies batterie vpon the Cateyes, and towards the East vpon the enemie that was come downe vpon the Sands, the Sea being gone: of whom they slue some, and the rest fled. There was one man slaine in the towne, and three hurt.

The 18. of December in the morning, a ship went out of the Hauen, at whom the enemy made three shott but hit it not.

After noone they of the Towne seeing the enemies change their guards, shott at them.

The prisoners that were taken yesterday, said that their men had no opinion nor courage to take the towne by assault: and that their onely hope was in time to stop the comming in and going out of the ships.

At night there went out two ships, and the enemie neuer shott at them. The enemie shott fierie Bullets and stones at the towne vntill midnight.

[Page 95] The 19. day in the morning being faire, there went a Barke out of the Hauen, at whom they shott from the batterie that is vpon the Gollet, but hurt them not: after noone they shotte no more on eyther side.

The 20. day they of the towne shot furiously against a Block-house, where they did see the enemie work­ing, and amongst the guards when they changed: the enemy shotte so little this day and the day before, as there was no man slaine in the Towne, but some hurt.

The 21.An assault giuen, and the enemy repulsed with losse. of December at the breake of day the tide being spent, the Arch-duke gaue a furious assault to the olde Towne, with 700. or 800. men, the which continued well two houres.

The assailants with a certaine artificiall fire burnt the Palissadoes, but they within (the alarme being giuen) played with their Canon and Musket through the troopes; so as the water rising, the enemies were forced to retire to their trenches, without getting any thing, but leauing behinde them many slaine and hurt: they of the Towne issued forth, and among other prisoners brought in a Spanyard, a man of com­maund, who being examined by the Generall, said, that the trueth was, the Arch-duke his Lorde, had taken occasion to presse the Towne by the weake­nesse of the Garrison, and small number of Soul­diers that were in it; and that of long time they had receiued no refreshing of Souldiers and victuals, whereof he had certaine intelligence: that to this end his Highnesse without loosing any more time, had gathered together as many Souldiers as possiblie [Page 96] he could, out of Brabant, Arthois, Hannault and o­ther places, and had brought to the number of ten thou­sand men, being resolued to assault it, in diuers places, the which he did hope to take by Christmas, & it might chance before, if occasion were offred. The Generall hauing fully vnderstoode the confession of this priso­ner, and knowing that it was true, for that a little before he had receiued the like aduice from diuers places, be­ing conformable there vnto, and with all that he had made triall of the weakenesse of his men in this last as­sault, and that he had not souldiers sufficient to man all the places of the Towne, & to defend them; he thought it fit, (to breake of the enemies desseigne, and to auoid this danger, and also to gaine some time) to entertaine him with a vaine hope, and vnder colour of compositi­on, to spend some dayes in parle, not doubting but to draw it so out in length, vntill the succors which he ex­pected were ariued at the least he should haue somtime to set his men in order; and in the meane time to pre­pare al things necessary for the defence of the place: for this reason he sends Captaine Lewis to the Campe, to make a motion for a peace, & to demand a truce & ce­ssatiō of armes, during the conference, & for assurance therof hostages to be giuen of both sides. Captaine Le­wis (hauing had a good audience of the Arch-duke,A treatie with the Arch-duke to winne time. & deliuered all that he had in charge, returnes vnto the towne with his answer, & on his highnes behalfe there came with him Captaine Rabas Gouernour of Escluse a Towne in Flanders, and the Sargeant Maior of the Spa­niardes, to remaine in Hostage for assurance of the trea­ty. At their first comming there was some disorder a­mong the souldiers for want of well vnderstanding▪ es­specially [Page 97] among the Romans or new Gueus (these are they which yeelded vp S. Andrews fort to Prince Mau­rice, in the Ile of Bomel, and turned to his seruice in the yeare 1600.) which caused an alarme in the Towne, so as the deputies or Hostages retired to the Campe: a while after this trouble being pacified, Generall Vere sent two English Captaines againe vnto the Campe with whom those men (before mentioned) returned, to treat on the Archdukes behalfe with them of the Towne. The Generall propounded vnto them (as they said) articles very impertinent and without reason, that is. That he would depart with coulors flying and full armes, and that the souldiers should carry away their beggage, victual and Canon, moreouer he demanded a maruelous great some of mony for the souldiers, and some dayes of respight, that they might (at their ease) shippe their goods and Canon, and carry them a­way. Ribas made many iournies to know his Highnesse pleasure, who yeelded to most part of the articles, but he would by no meanes heare of giuing any money to the souldiers, and would haue them go away by Land, offring to giue them a Conuoy to Breszkins, right a­gainst Flussingue, or neere vnto it, to passe at their plea­sures into Zeland,

On the other side they of the Towne would not go from their first articles, onely they yeelded some thing in that which concerned the Canon and armes. And so three dayes weere spent in these parlies.

During this treaty and cessation of armes, many in­habitants of Bruges and other places both of the East and West side, walking along the Sea side, came neere vnto the Towne, and talked with the Townsmen who [Page 98] shewed themselues vnarmed vpon the Rampars.

The 22. of December Generall Vere was all day busied in disposing of his guard, and in setting a bet­ter order among the Souldiers, to endure a new as­sault if the enemie had charged them: the enemie was also all the day in armes and changing of his guardes, which was the cause they began to shoote againe on either side.

There came from the Fleete into the Hauen 32. sayle, at whom the enemie shott from foure batte­teries, yea from that which is vpon the Gollet, but the greatest harme they did, was to shoote through some of them, yet all the marchandise and euery thing within them was safe.

They of the Towne laboured continually in the new Hauen, without any intermission, no not in the night.

The night before the 23. of December, the enemie shott much vpon the towne, and battered it in ruine.

The same night there entred two small Barkes in­to the towne without any harme.

After midnight being a lowe water, Generall Vere went forth in person with two Captaines more with him into the olde towne, to visit it and to view the sci­tuation, and went the round, incouraging the Souldi­ers and commanding them to keepe good guard.

In the morning they began to shoote on eyther side: the enemie shott much at the three ships which had beene pierced.

During the treatie their Highnesses shewed them­selues before the Towne within Canon shott: the In­fanta was vpon the neerest Mountaines of Sande, [Page 99] with twentie Ladyes and Gentlewomen in her traine, and the Arch-duke with many Gentlemen, and the guardes of his body, being so neere as one might ea­sily discerne them, the which was also confirmed by the Gouernour of Escluse, that their Highnes­ses were come thether vnder the assurance of the truce.

Herevpon the 25. of December being Christmas day, a fleete of Shippes of Zeland came before the Towne, in the which besides all other kindes of proui­sion, there were fiue Ensignes of Zelanders which made 600. men and 300. Marriners, the which en­tred into the Towne at diuers times in long boates and Shaloups by the North entrie or midle hauen at noone day in view of the enemie, who shott at them from the foure batteries of East and West without ceasing, and yet did no other harme but onely hurt three Marri­ners: by this meanes the treatie was broken off: and they sayd vnto the Gouernour of Escluse, that he must returne to the Campe, for that the cause of this treatie ceased, by the arriuall of these succours, whereat he was much amazed, growing in choller for that they had reteined him there for nothing, and vsing some iniurious wordes, hee mainteined that there were no Souldiers arriued, but onely some munition and victuals, vntill that Captaine Pottey (who came with the Fleete, and whom he knew well) was brought before him, and assured him that it was so: About noone the Gouernour of Escluse was ledde out of the Towne, and two houres after, one of the Eng­lish Captaines returned for him into the Towne, and hauing sent backe the Satgent-Maior of the Campe a [Page 100] Spaniard, the other English Captaine returned in like sort: this done there was great ioy in the Towne for their happy and vnexpected deliuerie, Generall Vere sending backe the Sargeant Maior, charged him with a letter to the Arch-duke of his excuses, as follow­eth.

THe 26. of December, after that these specta­tors which did attend another issue of the businesse had beene refused, they began againe the warre more cruelly then before, the enemy battred in ruine aboue the plat-forme which is vpon the Gollet, but the besie­ged were so acquainted with it that they cared not for it.

The same day there entred 48. saile laden with vic­tualles, munition of warre and other things necessarie, by the Gollet into the Towne, the enemies Canon hurt [Page 101] but two ships, the which notwithstanding were saued, and other of them by the indiscretion of the Pilot ranne a ground on the enemies side, the which was spoiled and burned by them.

All this time they kept strong and good gard.

It seemed the enemy had a meaning to giue an other assault vnto the Towne, for this cause there was good garde kept and the gardes doubled, and all things fitt to maintaine an assault held in a readinesse, but they at­tempted nothing, for that the enemies desseigne had been broken for this time, by the meanes of this parley, during the which the succors ariued.

The 27. of December, the enemy began againe to shoote stones and firy bullets, and they of the Towne sent them their exchange presently.

The same day there came foureteene saile into the Towne, at whome the enemie made aboue sixtie Canon shotte, but did them little harme, onely one barke laden with turffes, ranne a ground vpon the East port, against the Sea dike, at the which the enemy shotte vehemently, and beat it almost in peeces, yet all the turffes were saued: So within fiue or sixe dayes there entred forty eight shippes into Ostend, whereof three onely were lost by the ill conduct of the Pilots. And on Christmas day there entred at the least 400. long boats & shaloupes with souldiers, & the most of them in the day time, the which the enemy could not hinder with their foure batteries of the East and West.

They expected also in the Towne a greater num­ber of souldiers to fortifie the Garison the which gaue them more courage and assurance.

The 28. at night there went two ships out of Ostend, at [Page 102] whom the enemy shot but he could not reach them. The same night there entred 200. Marriners into the Towne to fortifie the Garison.

The enemy planted 12. or 13. Gabions vnder the downes, right against the west Port, where before there had bin a battery of two Canons, the which was partly mouldred away, & partly beaten down with the towne Canon. About noone a wagon went from Albert fort to the Cateyes, they which seemed to be well laden, about the which there were some horsmen; they of the towne made two shot at them from Sand-hill, which did beate the Wagon in peeces and scattered the horsemen.

The 29. the enemy began againe to shoote with firy Bullets & stones, the which they had not done in some dayes past.

At night there went forth 4. ships, at whom the ene­mie made some shot from their battery which is vpon the Gollet, but did not hurt them: an Italian beeing in gard was taken by the necke & brought into the towne, who said that the greatest part of the men of warre were retyred, and that there remained no more in the Campe but what was necessary for the ordinary gards the which was false, as appeared afterwards. A horseman of the enemies (the water being low,) entred into the olde Towne, and tooke a Sargeant prisoner, but a Mus­ketier shot so well after him as he killed his horse be­twixt his legs, & by this meanes freed the Sargeant, the horsman notwithstanding saued himselfe, and the sad­dle was brought into the Towne.

The enemy planted on two broken batteries at the West, vpon either a Canon, with the which they shot against the Porke-espike and Sand-hill, the which they [Page 103] of the Towne held a meere folly and did not esteeme it.

The Towne was wonderfully fortified by the great care and dilligence of Generall Vere, who himselfe in person stood in garde in the night, whilst the tides were low the which did much incourage the souldiers.

The 30. of December, there was little shooting nei­ther did any vessell enter nor go forth by reason of the great winde.

It was so quiet about the Towne, as one would not haue said it had beene besieged, the enemy had inough to doe against the colde.

The 31. of December there was in a maner no shoo­ting all day or night.

The besieged hauing intelligence that the enemy prepared to giue them a new assault, they manned their chiefe places, as Helmont, Sand-hill and others: and furnished them with Canon and stones, the which wrought the effect that shall be spoken of on the 7. of Ianuary.

At night two ships went forth without annoyance.

It was thought the Towne was now forrified with aboue 1200. men, all which labored aboue eight dayes in the fortifications, where nothing was forgotten that might helpe the besieged or annoy the enemy.

That daye there no speech of any slaine or hurt.

The first of Ianuary, they sent new yeares guifts with Musket shot;1602. the enemy made 10. or 12. Canon shot at the Towne without any harme doing, there was no man slaine nor hurt that day.

The Arch-dukes men (knowing they did but thun­der with their Canon through houses already broken,) grew daylie more colde; that day there went no [Page 104] ship in nor out, by reason of the great winde: a Barke which the day before had stucke vpon the Sands neere vnto the halfe Moone, was drawne into the Hauen this night.

The 2. day there was little shooting on either side, onely in the morning they sent some Canon-shot one vnto another, but (a great raine falling) they stayed, so as that day there was no man slaine nor hurt in the Towne.

The 3. of Ianuarie, the enemie made two or three shott into the towne, and so rested all that night, they shott awhile in the day time but hurt no man.

Generall Vere had sent some Souldiers into the countrie to learne some newes; hauing beene sixe dayes abroad, they returned this day, and brought newes, that in the countrie they durst not say, but that the Arch-duke was alreadie maister of the towne, al­though his resolution were onely to giue a generall assault within eight or ten dayes, the which they held so assured, as they durst not hould the Towne but for taken.

The 4. of Ianuarie they discharged many Musket shott, and about midnight the enemie shott 8. or 10. Canon-shott, and an houre or two after day, 10. or 11. more, with one of the which a Smith was hurt in his house with a peece of a Stone, and some Souldiers.

All that day nor night no shippe went in nor out: about noone they of the towne discouered in the ene­mies campe some Noble-man mounted vpon a white Horse, before whom marched fiue or sixe foote-men: they shott at them, and the enemie into the Towne, which sport continued two houres and more: there [Page 105] were three Souldiers slaine in the Towne and some hurt.

The 5. of Ianuary, they did shoote continually day and night on either part, and there were three souldiers in the Towne slaine.

The enemies made a new Port at their fort which is in the East.

The 6. of Ianuary, they shot much on eyther side according to their custome, but they of the Towne more often then the enemy, for that they shewed themselues but one or two at a time: about foure of the clocke in the after noone the enemy releeuing his gardes, they of the Towne shot furiously at them, and they answered them with the like, there was no man slaine in the Towne but one or two hurt.

The same day three ships went forth, at whom the e­nemy shot much, they did no other harme but brake one of their Masts, yet they went away safe.

The 7. day of Ianuary, the Arch-duke battered all the day long, (without intermission) the Bulworke of Sand-hill, Helmont, Porke-espike and other places neere vnto them, with 18. Canons from two of his batteries, the one is at the foote of the downes vpon the Cateyes, and the other on the South-side thereof, all the Bullets waying 40. or 46. poundes a peece, the Canoniers did reckon aboue two thousand shotte, besides that which was shot on the East-side of the Towne: this done a­bout sixe of the clocke at night the tide being spent he gaue a generall assault, his numbers were great, his hors­men driuing them forward behinde, and they came with great fury vpon the olde Towne,A furious and blou­dy assault. the which they entred by the West Hauen, and by it, (as also along [Page 106] the shoare) they beganne to giue the scalado to Sand­hil, (hauing first broken and ouerthrowne the Pallissa­does) and had (to that end) carried many ladders with them, and light Bridges for an assault, the which they fastened in diuers places with such furie, as it seemed the towne would be taken.

Generall Vere with his Brother Sir Horatio were pla­ced in that quarter with a troope of chosen Souldiers, to succour their men in case there were need, who see­ing what past, the Generall crost (with a part of his troope by the mines) into the False-Braye, casting him­selfe with great cries vpon the Arch-dukes men, whom he repulst three times, and although they returned al­wayes with fresh Souldiers, yet could they not preuaile with their Pikes and Muskets against the furie of the English: notwithstanding the Arch-dukes men did well, and gaue an assault at one instant in all places: yet must they needes flie. The aduantage of the besieged consisted in the preparations which they had made, beeing long before aduertised of the enemies des­seigne.

Vpon the East-side the assault was likewise giuen,Assault vp­on the East but about two houres too late, for the water began now to rise, the which did much amaze the Souldiers, for they did see that if they stayed there any longer they could not be releeued by their fellowes, which was the cause that they retired: the greatest slaughter was made in their retreat, for the Canon (charged with chaines and small Bullets,) and the Muskets could not misse so thick a troope.

The Arch-dukes men gaue an assault also vnto the Fortes of Helmont, Porke-espike, Assault at Helmont and the English trenches. and to all the English [Page 107] Trenches, which Trenches (according vnto the Gene­rals order and commaund) being weakely manned, were easily taken, but soone after finding great resist­ance in the towne, at the Polder, South-bulwarke and their Rauelins: considering that there was no meanes to come vnto the towne that way, after they had set fire on the Corps de garde, they abandoned the tren­ches.

Generall Vere had caused two double Canons to be planted that day vpon the flankes of the West port, with some other peeces that were there before, the which with others in other places, did scoure along the Sand-hil and the West Rauelin, and played vpon the comming and returne of the enemies, and whilest the assault continued, they charged them with chaines and nailes, and little sacks full of Musket Bullets, which made a great slaughter, so as there was a pittifull crie of hurt men and dying, and the Souldiers fell one vpon an other pelmel.

The enemie being hotte at the assault, and the wa­ter risen; Generall Vere caused the sluces to be taken vp, the which did coole the enemies courage: and he (growing more and more assured) charged them and put them to flight, recouering all their ladders, bridges and other instruments which they had brought.

All about the Sand-hill euen vnto the old Church, & all about the Porke-espike, in the West Rauelin, and in the English trenches, all was full of dead bodies: I speake not of those that were slaine going and com­ming by the Canon charged with chaines & small shot, nor of those that were drowned, some of whose bodies were carried along the shoare euen vnto Calais.

[Page 108] The spoile was great in mony, apparell, and other things of price: Searching among the dead, they found a young Spanish woman neere vnto Sand-hill, in mans apparrel, the which (as they might gesse by her wounds) had beene slaine at the assault, she had vnder her appar­rell a chaine of Golde set with precious stones, with o­ther Iewelles and siluer, during this assault the Arch-duke was behind the battery of Cateyes, and the Infan­ta Isabella at the fort of Isabella.

Those which gaue the assault to the olde Towne were furnished with two or three dayes victuals, which they had brought in by sacks, they had also all kindes of instruments to intrench themselues if the enterprise had succeeded.

They of the Towne had dismounted & cast downe all the great peeces that were in the false bray and at the Porke-espike, least the enemy should vse them against themselues: the enemy had already brought sixe Bar­relles of Poulder to the Rauelin of the Porke-espike, to furnish it & defend it against the Towne, but hauing no leasure to vse them, they were forced to leaue them to saue their liues.

The order which the Arch-duke had giuen, was that during the chiefe assault on the West side, other troupes should charge vpon the East, and if this had beene exe­cuted with dexterity, and that all his troupes could haue ioyned togeather, Generall Vere had had much more trouble to resist them, and the party had beene doubt­full.

They were to that end in theer great battailons be­fore the Towne vpon the Gollet, but the tide which came in (as we haue saide) did somewhat disappoint [Page 109] this desseigne; then one of the Towne going out of the halfe Moone, yeelding himselfe vnto them, diuerted them, saying that there were but forty souldiers in the halfe Moone, and offered to conduct them thether, the which he did and they tooke it easily.The Ge­nerals wisedome. Generall Vere with great iudgement had left it thus ill manned to draw the enemies thether and by that meanes deuide them, and make them to loose time, contenting him­selfe to garde the strongest places and most importing, assuring himselfe that hee should soone recouer the weaker.

The Arch-dukes men hauing thus taken the halfe Moone, and being many therein, they beganne with Spades, Pike-axes and other instrumentes which they had brought, to fortifie themselues against the Towne, but all preuailed not, for they of the Towne began to shoote at them from the South Bulworke and from that of Spaine, with their Canon and Musket, with such fury as they slue very many: and with all seeing the tide to rise more and more, they beganne to faint, there vpon Generall Vere sent Captaine Day with some troupes against them: who fell vpon them with threates and cries, and chased them out with great effusion of bloud; the next day they tould 300. slaine in the halfe Moone, besides them that were drow­ned and hurt.

In this generall assault which continued aboue two houres,The Arch-duke loo­seth aboue 2000. men. in all the places aboue mentioned, the Arch-duke lost aboue 2000. men amongst the which there were a great number of noble men, and commanders in war, that is the Cont d' Imber an Italian,Noble men slaine. who offered as much golde as he did waye for his ransome, and yet he [Page 110] was slaine by a simple souldier; Don Durango Maister of the Campe, Don Aluares Suares Knight of the order of S. Iaques, Simon Anthonie maister of the Campe, the Sargeant Maior who had beene in hostage at Ostend in December, 1601. and the liuetenant gouernor of And­werpe.

There were onely 30. or 40. souldiers of the Towne slaine, and about a 100. hurt: but of men of command there were slaine Captaine M. Haeffren, Captaine Ni­cholas Vandenlier, and a liuetenant of the new Geulx, two English Liuetenants, an Auncient, two fouriers of Captaine Haeffrens, a gentleman of Generall Veres, and Sir Horatio Vere was hurt in the leg.

The Arch-duke sent a trumpet the next day to haue leaue to search among the dead, the which was granted him for foure houres.

The names of the noble men and chiefes which com­manded the Arch-dukes men at this assault are Cont Farnese an Italian with 2000. men of his Nation a­gainst Sand-hill. The Cont Bouquoy with 2000. men vpon the Gollet against the East Rauelin,The com­manders names for the Arch-duke at the assault. but for that the tide was too high before he began to charge, he re­tired and went vpon the halfe Moone, from whence he was expelled. The Gouernor of Dixmude with 2000. men against the Porke-espike, who was repulst, another Captaines with 500. men vpon the west Rauelin, & an other with 500. men also against the south squares (there are fortifications made in square, whereof they take the name) and the Sargeant Maior against the West square with a 1000 men from whence they were all repulst.

And for that all kindes of lewde people flie into the low Countries, from Italie, Spaine, Germanie and al o­ther [Page 111] forraine Countries, as if cofers ful of crownes atten­ded them wide open, we will here set downe the copy of a letter found about one that was slaine, to the end they may see to what a feast they bring them, and how they are serued.

GOod brother, after my humble commendations done vnto you, I will let you vnderstand that I am in good health thankes be vnto God, hoping to haue the like newes of you, moreouer I would not faile to ac­quaint you with that which passeth here, first you must vnderstand that I haue great want and much paine, as well by reason of the bad weather, as through cold; for all the Country here abouts is couered with water, and we are very ill payed, and without hope of any better hereafter, which is the onely reason why our enemies holde Ostend so long.

They are as strong as they were the first day wee came before it, and we know not what meanes there is to take it, being impregnable, if God doe not looke on vs in mercie and pittie, and take compassion of our ex­treame miseries, and of the great mortality which is a­mong the poore souldiers; we are 48. houres in the Water in garde in the trenches, and neuer stirre, and are not much better in our quarter; and yet wee must take all patiently, and besides all this wee doe day­ly yea hourelye expose our bodies to the mercie of the Canon, Musket, Stones, Grenadoes, and other small vessels full of wilde-fire, without strawe to lie on, victualles or any thing else, but what wee buye for foure times the value, you may thereby gesse in what case a poore souldier liues, that is naked and without money at this time, the which is rightlye [Page 112] to die of hunger and colde; this raignes chiefly among the Souldiers new come from Italie and Spaine, whom I haue seene 18. or 20. dying together behind our quar­ter. For my part God be thanked I haue neither beene sicke nor hurt, and I haue a crowne in my purse, the which makes me to holde my selfe the happiest Soul­dier in the armie, for money is dainty heere, and it is held a strange thing to see a peece of siluer. The God of all mercie helpe vs; but truely it is a great folly to beleeue that his Highnesse can take Ostend. From the Campe this 29. of December 1601.

The 8. of Ianuary there were great numbers of dead bodies seene before the olde towne 40. and 50. on a heape all naked: they were all goodly young men and black, as Spaniards and Italiens. The Arch-dukes men had carried away three Boates full. They had a white marke in their hattes for a token: some prisoners sayd they had beene forced to this assault by the Arch-duke, who had beene drawne therevnto by some Captaines, which desired to finde a meanes to free themselues from these toyles and miseries, and to seeke to make an end of the siege of Ostend: the which was also his Highnesse intention, and indeed it freed a great num­ber of the miseries of this world. They say they had made an othe to put all to the sword they should finde in the towne, both women and children.

The 9. day there was little shooting on either side. This day the Captaines and men of commaund of the towne which had beene slaine at the last assault, were honourably buried.

There was no speech of any slaine or hurt in the towne, some of the enemies which had beene slaine or [Page 113] drowned at the last assault, were cast vp by the sea into the old towne, some of them were richly apparelled and had good bootie.

The 10. of Ianuary the Muskets played hotely on either side, as for the Canon they of the towne shott more then the enemie, and it seemed the enemies were so amazed with the reception they had had of them of the towne, as they knew not what to doe, such as es­caped, thought still that death held them by the throat.

The 11. day there was no great shooting, and that without any great effect, but piercing of houses: That day there came certaine ships full of men of warre to the fleete before Ostend, the which did much reioyce them of the towne, but as some Captaines and Soul­diers would haue entred into the towne, the enemie shott at them, and slue some: and about three of the clock in the afternoone some Ships and Barkes com­ming towards the towne, the enemy shott at them, and strooke a ship betwixt winde and water, and sunke a Barke which was before the North-hauen, but all the men were saued, onely two Souldiers were hurt, but without any danger.

The night before the 12. day there was great shoo­ting of Muskets on either side: they of the towne shot two houres together fierie Bullets and great stones. then they ceased vntill day, when as they began againe, the tempest was so great as no ship could come into the towne, there was no man hurt.

In the beginning of the night, the tide being gone, some of the enemies horsemen past by the olde porte into the olde towne, with an intent to set fire of the Barkes, with the which they brought the Souldiers [Page 114] from the ships into the towne, but they of the towne shott so furiously after them from Helmont and the West Bulwarke, both with Canon and Musket, as they forced them to retire with speed.

All this night was spent in fetching of the Souldiers from the ships vnto the Towne, the which was done without the losse or hurt of any man.

The morning being faire there entred 16. ships by the gollet into the towne, at whom the enemies shott much, and did nothing but pierce through a ship, but all the men and whatsoeuer was in it was saued.

After dinner the new troopes with their coulours were set vpon the West port of Helmont, where they did their deuoire to shoote at the enemies defences: the enemie shott also at the towne from their batterie on the West, without killing or hurting of any man.

In the beginning of the night before the 14. day, they shott of either side: they of the towne trim­med vp a great Barke with artificiall fire, to burne some of their enemies workes, but this deuise suc­ceeded not.

In the morning before day, about foure of the clock, being a full sea, ten shippes entred into the Gollet, but being forced to stay by reason of foule weather, the enemy shott furiously at them and sunke three: there were three slaine, and three hurt, all that was in them was saued.

The same day the Seignior of Marquet came into the towne with foureteene companies of Souldiers, so as all the Trenches, Spurres, Bulwarkes, and raue­lins of the towne were then manned with new com­panies.

[Page 115] In the olde towne neere vnto the olde Church in the afternoone, there was a Lieutenant and an Ancient slaine, and a Scottish-man had his leg strooke off.

The 15. of Ianuary they entertained one another with Canon and Musket till an houre within night.

There was great ioy in the towne, as well among the Souldiers as the Inhabitants for the goodly suc­cours that were come vnto them.

There entred yet many Souldiers that night in Boates, and not one hurt. They of the towne shott more into the Campe then the enemie did into the towne, yet there was no man slaine nor hurt.

The 16. of Ianuary in the beginning of the night they shott little▪ vpon the morning they of the towne shott from the West Bulwarke, but they answered them not.

All this day was spent in mustering of the Souldi­ers in the Towne. There were 81. companies of the olde garrison, and 31. of the new: and although this were done with great noise of Drummes and shott of Muskets, yet the enemie made not aboue three shott into the towne, which made them of the towne to thinke they would raise the siege.

The 17. of Ianuarie, three shippes laden with vic­tualles and English Beere, entred by the Gollet, at whom the enemy made many a shott, but could not touch them. That day there was nothing done, the enemie onely defaced certaine batteries made vpon the West and East.

The 18. day the enemy shott little, yet after dinner with one Canon shot from the East, they slue 2. Souldiers in the greene market, & hurt three, and with another shot [Page 116] from the same place stroake of Captaine Rolles liuete­nants legs, whereof he died presently and hurt two or three others.

And for that at the same time the enemies changed their gardes, they of the Towne plaied with their Ca­non and Musket through them, and ouerthrew ma­nie.

The 19. of Ianuary, there went forth seuen shippes full of souldiers, at whome the enemy made no shot, the night was so darke as they coulde not see-them.

Both before dinner and after, the Canon played a little more on either side then the day before. They of the Towne shot against the battery of the Gollet, and the Sand downes vpon the East, and the enemy from the same place vpon the Towne, and yet no man was hurt. But there died daylie sixe or eight of sicke­nesse.

The 20. of Ianuary, Generall Vere sent forth some of his Leapers or aduenturers to take some prisoner of the enemies Campe, they tooke an Italian, whom the enemies would haue taken from them but they could not.

This night there fell out a great accident at the go­ing foorth of the shippes. There were three sunke, whereof two were full of souldiers of the companies of Captaine Treslon Gistel and Hauttun: the third was a shippe that brought English Beeere. The Aun­cient to Captaine Gistel saued himselfe and lost his wife: there was also the widow of the deceased Treasurer or receiuer of the contribution. The C. Euereuuiin, and a comissarie of the treasurer Doublets. [Page 117] They were about two houres crying for helpe, before the enemy could goe vnto them, and if any had gone in time with boates, they might haue retired them from thence, but seeing that they of the Towne did not suc­cour them, they sent a Drum through the Water to the enemies Campe, to require faire warres, else they would all die with their armes in their handes: the enemies granted what they demaunded and tooke them prisoners, and presently the three vessels were burnt.

All this night there was little slooting on eyther side, nor any one slaine nor hurt in the Towne.

The besieged laboured diligently betwixt the Bul­worke of Pekel and the East Port: In like sort at the new Hauen: so as the Towne grew daylie strong­er, wherein Generall Vere spared neither paine nor trauell without feare of any danger, going the round twice a day and once a night, to see if the Corps de garde were well furnished, and the Sentinels well set, especially when the tide was spent.

The 22. day of Ianuary, they shotte of eyther side manye firie Bullets and stones, without any hurt done in the Towne, but that some souldiers going to fetch away the bordes of some shippes which had been sunke (ten or twelue dayes before) the enemie shot at them from the battery of the Gollet and hurt foure, the which they of the Towne seeing, they shot at this battery & at that of the East downes from the Bul­worke of Pekel.

That same day Captaine Battemburg (who died of sickenesse the day before) was honourably buried in the Towne.

[Page 118] The 23. day one of the enemies (being very drunke) came into the Towne, the Generall caused him to be kept, that no man might speake with him before him­selfe. The Generall also sent a Drumme to the enemy to know some newes of the prisoners that had beene taken in the shippes the 20. of this moneth. This fugi­tiue said that they had put some of them to death, for that they were of that company that had yeelded vp S. Andrews fort

The besieged shot furiously from the Bulworke of Pekel, vpon the Gabions which were vppon the Gol­let.

The 24. of Ianuary, the shot of eyther side with firy Bullets and stones vntill midnight.

The fugitiue said, that the peeces which were within the towne vppon Flammemburg, the which are demie Culuerins, did much harme to the enemies Campe, and that many souldiers had beene slaine.

The besieged laboured to fortifie the olde Towne, & had a 1000. men in worke there.

The enemy made a new battery on the West side, betwixt the battery of the Cateyes and the West downes.

The enemies changed their gardes in the after noone, they of the Towne shot at them from the west port and from Helmont, and many were seene to fall.

The 25. of Ianuary, they shot furiously of either side, with firie Bullets and stones.

From the morning vntill noone al was quiet enough; but presently after, the tide came with such a fury as all the Country was couered with water, & the plat-forme vpon the Gollet was so ouerflowne as they could doe [Page 119] nothing with their Canon.

That day an Auncient had his legge shot off with a Canon which came from the West, and two Liuete­nants of the new Garison died of sickenesse: there was no man else slaine or hurt.

The 26. day two French souldiers ranne to the ene­mie, they plaied hotly with their Canon and Muskets against the Towne, who presently repaied it, and it seemed it was their duties to render carefully such offi­ces one vnto another.

The besieged (seeing many goe and come betwixt Alberts fort, and the forts which are neere vnto the Towne) shot more vehemently then before.

They of the Towne shot furiously from Flammem­burg to the west downes, and the enemies from the bat­tery on the Gollet to Flammemburg.

That day one of the souldiers in garde in the halfe Moone vpon the Gollet went and yeelded to the ene­my. There was no man slaine nor hurt in the Towne.

The 27. day the Townsmen shot furiously with their Canon, Muskets, stones & firy Bullets into the enemies Campe, so as they were constrained to be all night in armes vntill the morning that they ceased of all sides.

They were not seene to labour in any of their forti­fications, although most part of their trenches were broken.

The 28. of Ianuary, the besieged finding that the e­nemie laboured at the battery which is vpon the Gollet, they plaied furiously on them from Flammemburg, and the Bulworke of Pekel,

The same daye one of the souldiers of Captaine Grenu fled to the enemy, after whome they of the [Page 120] towne shott in vaine,

They of the towne hauing discouered some of the enemies Souldiers gathering of Muscles vpon the shoare at the end of the Cateyes, they shott at them from Helmount and slue some.

This night a small Barke went out of the Gollet without harme, which was the first since the 20. of the moneth.

The 29. in the morning they shott furiouslie of both sides; yet there was no harme done in the towne: the rest of the day they were as quiet as the warres had beene ended.

The enemy laboured no where, but they of the towne were still about their new hauen and East-port,

The 30. the besieged seeing many of the enemies going and comming betwixt the Cateyes and Albert fort, they planted against them those Canons which was vpon the West-port, Helmont and Sand-hil, with the which they slue many, for the Bulwarke of Sand-hill commands ouer all the Sea-shore, euen vnto the fort of Albert.

The 31. of Ianuary they of the towne shott so furi­ously from the Bulwarke of Pekel and Spaine, vpon ten or twelue small vessels which the enemie kept in a little chanell new made, and were new vnlading them, as they forced them to leaue their worke: yet the enemy made not one shott into the towne, but onely with sie­rie Bullets and stones against the ships that were with­in the gollet, to the which they did no harme.

At night two ships went out of the Hauen, and one Shaloup came in, at whom the enemie shott but hurt them not.

[Page 121] The 1. of Februarie the enemies changing their guardes after their accustomed maner vpon the West, they of the towne shott many volees of Canon and Musket after them.

The 2. of February the enemies stopt vp a Block­house neere vnto Cowe-bridge, and did fortifie it, and did inuiron the Forte of Grossendurst with Palis­sadoes.

The Townes-men thinking they would also worke at the Plat-forme which is vpon the Gollet, shott fu­riously at it from the Bulwarke of Pekel: the enemie sent them many Musket shotte and fierie Bullets, yet no man was slaine in the towne, and but three hurt.

The 3. of February Generall Vere sent an other Drumme vnto the Campe, for that he whom he had sent the 22. of Ianuary (to learne newes of the priso­ners taken the 20. day) was not returned: this brings answer that the first had beene deteined vntill that the Count Bouquoy had newes from the Court, vpon the demaund which had beene made vnto him by Generall Vere, touching the prisoners, the which (as the Trumpet reported) were 90. and had beene all sent together to Bruges, and that some sicke and hurt men had perished in the Sea when as the ships were burnt; and that the enemies had saued a Maister of a shippe and his Boye, who were fled to the top of the Mast, which appeared yet aboue the water: and that some of the prisoners had beene slaine in colde bloud and some hanged, for that (by their owne confessions) they had beene in S. Andrews Fort.

The 14. of February about mid-night, the enemie [Page 122] shott some 80. Canon shott against a ship that was not seruiceable before the East port, for that they did see some Souldiers in it that brake it in peeces, three of them had their legges shott off, and some others hurt.

The same day a Souldier being in a lodging neere the West-gate with a pott of Beere in his hand was slaine.

In the meane time the besieged shott furiously from the Bulworke of Pekel at the platforme of the Gollet.

Three Souldiers of the towne being fled to the ene­mie, came presently forth in view of the towne, threat­ning (with spits furnished with roast-meat) as if they had wanted victuals, the which was false.

The enemie laboured vpon the South-west neere vnto the Fort of Grossendurst, at a Rampart which is in an olde wall, the which they raised vp higher, and in the middest did builde a Corps de guarde, about the which they made defences: they of the towne knew not what they would make, no more then of Grossendurst, about the which they had made Pa­lissadoes, for that they had not vsed them in all this siege.

The towne was then inuironed with 27. Fortes and Block-houses, in the fortification whereof they laboured dayly.

In the beginning of the night of the fift of Febru­arie, they shott of both sides with fierie Bullets and stones, but in the day time they shott nothing so much.

The 6. of February in the night they of the towne [Page 123] made many Canon-shott against a certaine worke which the enemie began to raise at the ende of their batterie on the Cateyes, more aduancing towards the Sea, to plant Canon thereon, besides those that were already, to shoote more easily at the ships comming in and going out of the Hauen.

The besieged shott also continually at the batterie on the Gollet, from whence the enemies shott to the sea dike, which is before the fortifications of the towne.

That day nor the day before there was no man slaine in the towne, onely one Souldier that was shott through, standing Sentinell in the olde towne vpon the East-rauelin.

The night before the 7. of February the enemy shot many Arrowes with Letters into the Towne, by the which they promised to giue good entertainment to those that would yeeld vnto them; saying that they had not sent them which yeelded vnto the Galleys, and that the report of some of theirs which had fled into the towne was false.

They laboured also this night at their worke on the North of their batterie of Cateyes, and had raised it al­most equall: they wrought also at their Ramper neere to Grossendurst.

They of the towne wrought also at their new Ha­uen, and in the fortifications of the old towne.

The 8. of February they shott all night on both sides with fierie Bullets and stones, there was no man slaine within the towne.

In the morning a Souldier of the halfe Moone ranne vnto the enemie.

Before noone a French Souldier passed the Pikes, [Page 124] for that he had slaine another souldier trecherously, he had beene discouered by the meanes of his Hat, which fell downe in flying awaye after that he had done the deede.

The besieged laboured continually at the rampares of the olde Towne.

The 9. of February, they shot little of eyther side.

There were some souldiers imbarked in the Hauen which had staied there aboue three weekes attending the winde, to saile into Zeland, whereof there died ma­ny daylie of sickenesse.

The 10. of February, they shot on both sides with fi­ry Bullets, stones and Muskets vntill midnight, and af­ter they ceased.

The 11. day about two houres after midnight there went 12. ships out by the Gollet, at whom the enemie made aboue 60. shot from their battery which is vpon the Gollet, and onely shot one betwixt winde and wa­ter, the which returned into the Towne without any more harme: there was no speech of any slaine or hurt that day in the Towne.

The 12. of February, there came 15. ships to Ostend, laden with munition, victuals and souldiers, whereof two by the Marriners fault ranne on ground neere to the enemies battery vpon the Gollet, the one was full of Holland Beere, some 36. or 40. yardes on the North side from the battery, in a place whereas the Towne souldiers durst not go for feare of the Canon, the ene­my set fire of it in the morning, but it would not take; the other was laden with English Beere, as neere the battery on the South side, or neerer, in a place whereas they of the Towne could not shoote at them; the soul­diers [Page 125] of the halfe Monne which were 250. yardes of drew out all the Beere and other things, when as the enemy durst not shew himselfe to hinder them, for feare of the Canon of Pekel and the Bulworke of Spaine, but they of the Towne could not haue the other shippe: a Marriner had his legge shot off, and a woman with two others were hurt.

The enemyes within few dayes had much aduan­ced their battery of Cateyes, two yardes towardes the North, and beganne againe to worke: Generall Vere caused a demie Culuerin to bee planted against them, the which this night, (after a lowe Water,) made twenty shotte to hinder their worke, and for that this peece was vppon Helmont, the enemyes made foure shot from the East against it, whereof some passed ouer Helmont, and went into their owne quar­ter which is vpon the Cateyes, wherein they hurt them­selues, as they might see which were in garde at the Porke-espike and Helmont.

This day fiue souldiers of the Towne went and yeel­ded to the enemy, fearing to be punished for mutinies and disobediences.

The thirteene of February in the night, the enemies carried away by peece meale whatsoeuer was in the shippe that was runne on ground of the North side of their batterye, not daring then to goe by day.

The same night the Leapers and aduenturers brought a Spanish auncient prisoner into the Towne.

The 14. the enemie laboured all night at their bat­tery of Cateyes, and raised vppe the ende which they [Page 126] had begunne the daye before, almost equall with it, although they shotte continually at them from the Towne.

This night a shippe went foorth of the Hauen without harme, and yet the enemie shotte much at them.

There entred many souldiers in shaloupes from the shippes of warre into the Towne and no man was hurt.

The Spanish Auncient taken prisoner the day be­fore, saide, that the enemy had small hope to take Ostend, and that the Arch-duke continued the siege against the aduice of the Councell of warre, and was greeued that he did not raise the siege wholy, when as he went to succour Hertzeghenbusch, the which was a good pretext, but seeing it was so, that for his owne reputation and for the honour of the King of Spaine, it did import him to continue the siege, he would not now raise it: moreouer hee saide that there were 12000. foote and seuen hundred horse before the Towne, and that they had promised fiue stiuers in money and two in bread a daye to euery souldi­er but they were ill paide: and that at the last assault, his highnesse had lost the choice of all his whole ar­mie, most part of them being Spaniardes which had serued the King in those Countries and else where, and that the enemy was about some inuention to stoppe vp the Hauen.

As for the fortifications of the towne: there is in the olde Towne against the Sea, from Sand-hill towardes the North, foure strong Blocke-houses, vpon euery [Page 127] one of the which there are two Canons, and far­ther into the new Towne they haue made a newe Rampart, and newe Ditch, and the olde Ram­pars (which runne along the Sea) had beene fortified within.

At this worke and such like there were a 100. men la­bouring from one Sunne to another, one halfe labou­red from the night to the morning and rested the day, and the other from morning vntil night & then rested, and they were paied by the Commissaries of the Stats going from their worke.

The 15. of February two ships went out of the hauen at night without any hurt.

The enemy set that daye 3. sentinels on the East side more then he was accustomed, so as the halfe Moone was alwayes inuironed with them.

The besieged thought it was by reason of the troupes that were arriued, for there were 15. compa­nies come into the Towne with Colonell Edmondt: yea some in barkes in the day time, at whom the enemy shot and hurt two Marriners.

The enemy laboured also that day vpon the North side of the battery of Cateyes, not ceasing for all the Towne Canon which plaied continually▪ they did also shoote, but there was no man slaine nor hurt in the Towne, onelye one Carpenter, who had his arme stroake off with a Canon vpon the West bul­worke.

The 16. of February they might see the three extra­ordinary sentinelles vpon the East, for that the enemy feared a sallie from the Towne beeing little lesse then 6000. men in it.

[Page 128] There were (besides this number) some Souldiers in the ships of warre at Anchor before the towne, the which could not enter by reason of a tempest: yet some being more hastie, entred in small Barkes, one of them through errour by reason of the night, lan­ded his men of the enemies side, and so returned to­wards the shippes, the Souldiers perceiuing that they were of the enemies side, ranne to the waters side, where by good hap they found an other Barke which came to land other Souldiers, of whom they deman­ded succour; the Marriner hauing carried away his men, came to fetch them, but in the meane time the enemy had discouered them, and pursued them, so as they were forced to runne vp to the chinne in the wa­ter to saue themselues, and there was not any one of them lost.

The 17. of February the enemie began to shoote with his canon and stones into the towne, & they answered them with the like, the which continued all night.

They of the towne shott all the morning from Sand-hill, Helmont, and the West-gate Bulwarke, at the bat­terie of Cateyes, although they could not perceiue that the enemie had laboured there that night or the night before.

The 18. of February in the beginning of the night they shott furiously on either side, both with Canon and Musket; and as they changed their guardes, Cap­taine Bernards Ancient had his hand wherewith he held his coulours strooke off with a shott. These Ca­nonades continued all night, they of the towne slept not, but gaue them their exchange, and in the morning they ceased a little.

[Page 129] There came an Italian flying into the towne, who (by his saying) had slaine one of his companions at play. He said among other things, that the Arch-duke was yet resolued not to depart from the towne vntill he were maister of it: and that the enemie had resolued to make a Bridge vpon the West-hauen, to passe into the olde towne, and on the East-side they would make a ditche from the Downes vnto the Gollet, and besides that, they would spoile all the sluces and chanels which went into the West-gollet: and moreouer he spake something touching the discontentment of the Soul­diers in the Campe.

After dinner the enemie shott little into the towne, and there was no speech of any slaine or hurt.

The 19. of February, as they were changing of their guards in the towne, the enemy played furiously at them both with Canon and Musket, and Captaine Morgans Ancient with three other Souldiers were slaine at one shott, and some others hurt: and soone after there were two other Souldiers slaine, not farre from Generall Vere, who was vpon Helmont, speaking with the Colonels Marquet, Lohn, and Edmondt.

This night there entred into the Hauen two ships laden with men, and three with poulder, at whom the enemie shott but could not hit them. There was also some Canon spent on eyther side without any hurt to the towne.

The 20. of February the enemies Canon played all night, and slue Sir Horatio Veres Cooke in his Kitchin.

The same night there entred 6. ships into the Gollet, whereof two onely came into the towne, the other foure by the ignorance and fault of the Marriners ran a [Page 130] shoare neere vnto the enemies batterie, one was laden with Turfes, an other with Piles and Plankes, and the other two with Beere and other commodities: the ene­mies did what they could to borde them, but they were hindered by the continuall shooting from the towne, which shott at them from Flammembourg and the Bulwarke of Pekel: most of the men saued them­selues in the halfe Moone, but the women and chil­dren were taken by the enemie. They of the towne seeing the tide come in, and that the enemie would take these ships, they ceased not to shoote fierie Bullets at them, so as they beate them in peeces, the greatest part of the marchandize was seene floating vpon the water, the rest burnt with the ships.

The enemy greeued for the losse of this bootie, shot from all their batteries vpon the towne, they slue two Souldiers and hurt some others.

The enemie going to worke vpon the North side of their batterie of Catteyes, they of the towne shott at them to hinder them.

The besieged were not idle, but laboured to fortifie the towne against the violence of the Sea, for that the Marriners said they should within few dayes haue a great tide.

The 21. of February there was little shooting on ey­ther part. The enemies laboured carefully to raise their trenches and defences vpon the West, and that night they did much aduance their batterie of Cateyes.

Two ships more straied out of their course towards the enemies campe, neere to the downes vpon the East, but they of the towne thought they had done it expres­ly to sell their marchandise the better, seeing the ene­mies [Page 131] shaloups board thē without any shew of hatred.

The enemies sent to the towne the wiues of sixe Souldiers whom they had taken in the foure former ships, after they had had their pleasures of them, and turned them away naked, with other outrages, yea their little children were black with stripes.

This day there was little shooting, nor any man hurt in the towne.

The 22. of February in the beginning of the night, they shott furiously for an houre and a halfe one against an other, the besieged continued all night, euen when the tide was spent, to hinder their enemies worke. In the morning they might discouer where the enemies had laboured vpon the North of their batterie of Cat­teyes, and raised it somewhat.

Moreouer the enemie laboured vpon the West cor­ner of the West-downes, the which they fortified in such sort, as if they ment to stay there ten yeares.

After dinner, a poore woman with childe, the wife of one of Captaine Weinbergens Souldiers (who was in guarde in the halfe Moone) being gone forth to gather vp some boards of the broken ships, was slaine most barborously by one of the enemies, before she could be succoured by them of the towne: there was none else slaine or hurt that day.

The 23. of February the enemie shott much at the ships that lay in the towne ditches, discouering them easily for that the tide was high and the billow great.

After dinner M. Georges ingenier of the towne, being busie about the making of some fire-workes, the next house being by negligēce set on fire, fired his worke, & slue him with three of his seruants, & hurt many others: [Page 132] the enemy seeing this, shot both from East & west vpon the Towne for an houre together, without any harme doing: the fire was presently quenched by such as are appointed for the like accidents.

The 24. of February in the beginning of the night, the enemy shot firie Bullets and great stones into the Towne.

The worke which they had begon vpon the North side of the battery of Cateyes fell downe for the most part, as also that which they had made vnder the cor­ner of the West downes, and that which they had be­gunne vpon the West downes was in like sort ouer­thrown, for that they were almost all made of the white Sand of the downes, and the water had washt it away at the foote.

The olde towne was not freed from this nights ruine, the enemie seeing that the last night the tide had made many breaches in the Sea dike, neere vnto the East gate, they began to shoote from their battery of the Gollet to ouerthrow it quite.

The Gabions which were vpon the south side of this battery to the number of 35. were this night carried a­way by the sea, for that they were not full, and serued onely for Blindes and couerings, for the chiefe battery is vpon the North, and there are 36. Gabions,

The enemy shot continually vpon the olde Towne and the Porke-espike, to increase the harme which the Sea had done them.

The Water was so high that daye, as the Country vpon the South and West was a League about ouer­flowne, and all the enemies trenches and Blockhouses inuironed with water.

[Page 133] The English square was also in the water, the Coun­tercarfes vpon the west were pearced, and there came much water into the Towne both by the East & West.

There was a breach of ten yardes long in the sea dike neere the East gate; the Bulworke of Pekel began to fal, the new Hauen was spoiled and the olde Towne much indamaged.

Part of the halfe Moone vpon the Gollet was fallen, whilst this great tide lasted, the enemy made aboue 1800. Canon shot against the Towne, and especially a­gainst the dike and other places that were endamaged: yet there were few slaine or hurt.

They of the Towne answered them in like sort from all quarters, and it was a terrible thing to see, for both the Towne and the Campe seemed as if they had beene all one fire: the alarme was generall, not so much for the shot, as for the great ruine the Sea made in diuers partes of the dike, Port, Rampars and de­fences.

The 25. day they might see diuers workes vnder the West downes right against the Porke espike ouer­throwne, and that which had beene begunne on the North of the battery of Cateyes to be much defaced: they without laboured at the West downes.

They of the Towne shot from the Bulworke of Pe­kel into the Campe, & the enemy into the Towne, there was one souldier slaine vpon Sand hill and two hurt passing vpon the rampars.

The 26. of February, they shot on eyther side vntill midnight, and then ceased a while.

Before noone the aduenturers of the towne brought in one of the enemies prisoner, who at the first would not [Page 134] speake, seeming simple and a foole, but in the end hee said that two regiments were gone from the Campe in­to Brabant.

There was great ioy in the Towne, the besieged hau­ing discouered vpon the West some shippes comming from Zeland.

The 27. of February, at the changing of the gardes two souldiers had eyther of them a leg shot off.

The same night foure ships went out of the Port, of the which the enemy shot one through, yet by the dex­terity of the Marriners it was drawne forth.

The Maister of the workes labouring in the Counter­scarfe was shot into the raines of the backe with a Mus­ket, and two others were hurt.

The enemie began to repaire the corner of the west downes, and they drew out great store of goods out of the boates that were in the new chanell.

The 28. of February (the water being high) there en­tred 8. saile into the Hauen wherof the enemy shot two through, but for that the one got vnto the Rauelin of the Towne and the other neere to the Sea dike, they were presently succoured by them of the towne, and all saued that was within them.

Colonel Dorth entred the towne with a number of soul­diers in shaloupes, and some comissaries & treasurers of the States, with mony for the souldiers and labourers.

The Counterscarfe (which had beene broken) was repaired this night by the diligence of them that com­manded in the Towne: and likewise the olde Towne (which had beene much indamaged) was repaired and put in defence; so as the besieged feared not their ene­mies on that side.

[Page 135] After dinner the besieged shot from Flammemburg, where they had planted two demy culuerins, at certain souldiers that were vpon the Sands, neere vnto their boates, at the foote of the downes, who presently fled.

The enemy shot sometimes towardes the Sea, against the ships that were in the roade: the ships of warre also in going and comming shot at the Arch-dukes Campe.

That day in the after noone foure of the enemies souldiers came & yeelded themselues into the Towne, and being pursued neere, the besieged gaue them their hands: they said, their men had beene on the East side foure dayes together in battaile, fearing least they of the Towne (who had receiued in so many souldiers) would make some sally out vpon them.

About that time the Spaniardes began to mutine in the Arch-dukes Campe,The Spa­niards mu­tine for want of paie. and said openly, that they had brought them vnto the slaughter yea vnto hel, many of them conspired together to carry away the Arch-duke and the Infanta (if they could) to Newport, to haue paiement of that which was owing them, by the meanes of a generall mutinie: this was discouered and ten or twelue of the principall, (whereof one was all aparaled with golde) were strāgled: Some priuat men did write from Andwerp, that the Arch-duke did fortifie his Campe more against the secret practises of his owne men, then against his enemies: and that the Spaniardes hauing made some new practises, had beene discoue­red by some of them, & ten of the chiefe were presently hanged: they of Andwerp by their letters lamented their miserable estate,Com­plaints of them of Antwerp. for that they could hardly recouer any victualles, and that with great impositions, and yet they did see no aduancement in their affaires, nor any better [Page 136] hope to come: as for Ostend, there was lesse hope to take it then the first day: and the desseigne which had beene made to stop the gollet, and to hinder the going in and out of shippes, had failed, spending their time at three platformes which batter the towne in ruine, to tire the besieged with their Canon, hauing no likeli­hood to force the towne, in the which there were aboue 6000. men in garrison, and they receiued fresh men dayly, with munition, victuals, and all other com­modities by the gollet, in despight of the platforme which is thereon.

The night before the first of Marche it was a great mist, the enemie tooke this occasion, fastning a Cable crosse the Gollet, where the ships should passe, tying nine pipes vnto it, this was tyed to three Anchors, to stay the ships all together, and then to sinke them with the Canon: but the shippes by chance stirred not: this fogge being past, the besieged discouered the pipes, and by the meanes of an other darke cloude which came presently, they sent some Boates to see what it was, who cut the Cable and brought it into the towne, and so this inuention was made fruitelesse.

From the beginning vntill midnight both the Ca­non and Musket played much on either side.

The same night there came fiue Barkes to Ostend la­den with fresh fish, at whom the enemy shott but could not hit them.

This day three Souldiers of the towne and a boye went and yeelded themselues to the enemie, and some dayes after a French Fourrier, who had mutined.

After dinner they of the towne brought in a priso­ner,Great ne­cessitie in the campe. who sayd there was great necessitie in the armie, [Page 137] many sick, and great mortalitie, and that no man durst presume to speake of raising the siege, nor discourage his companions, nor report any ill newes touching the siege, vnder paine of corporall punishment: and that their Highnesses had resolued not to leaue the towne before they were maisters thereof, according to the aduise sent out of Spaine, whatsoeuer it did cost, or whatsoeuer could chance: and that all the Germaine Captaines (which had serued their Highnesses) were gone into Germanie to leauie troopes. and that they were about some preparations to make the gollet fruit­lesse, and to hinder the entrie of ships.

They might see the enemie busied still to repaire the corner of the West-downes, but they could not dis­cerne them working at the Cateyes, there was no man slaine nor hurt that day within the towne.

The night of the 2. of March there was little shoo­ting on eyther-side vntill midnight, that (the tide be­ing gone) they of the towne shott vpon the Campe, to hinder their enemies worke.

This night a ship went forth, and none came in, yet many Souldiers came into the towne in Shaloupes, which entred by the North-hauen. In the afternoone they might see the enemies drawing forth diuers mar­chandise and commodities out of the Boates which were in the new chanell vpon the East.

The 3. of March in the beginning of the night there was little shooting, yet one shott strooke of the legges of a Lieutenant and an Ancient vpon Flam­memburg.

The night being darke and the tide high, there en­tred 50. saile into the towne, at whom the enemie [Page 138] made 40. shott and neuer hurt them.

A little before day there entred eight saile more, there were yet many in the roade, and others which passed fetching the winde, to enter at night when it should be darke, the enemie shott at them, yet could not hurt them.

And for that it was a great mist that day, and also there was a generall muster, there was little shooting nor any man slaine nor hurt in the towne.

The 4. of March (the tide being high) there entred 21. saile into the gollet, the enemie shott two through, whereof the one was laden with Bauins, and entred into the Hauen, and the other with Turfes, the which by the error of the Marriners who were blin­ded with the smoake of the Canon, ranne on ground neere vnto the enemies batterie, the men were all saued and brought into the towne, which done the enemie set fire on the ship.

All that day both the Canon and Musket played hotly on either side: there were foure souldiers strooke with one shott vpon the Bulwarke of Pekel, whereof two died presently.

The night of the 5. of March, two small Barkes with Generall Veres horses and baggage went forth, at whom the enemie shott but hurt them not.

Before the breake of day the enemie shott many fi­rie Bullets and stones into the towne, and strooke off a Marriners legge which was in the new-hauen.

The Sea dike neere to the West gate, hauing beene broken, the enemy might see from their batterie of the Gollet, the Souldiers as they went and came in the towne, and shott at them, yet they hurt few.

[Page 139] In the after-noone they hurt foure labourers which wrought in the Sea dike neere vnto the East-port.

A little before, the Estates had sent an Ingenier in­to the towne, who with another (which had continued there all the siege) laboured diligently in the fortifica­tions of the towne, the labourers wrought cheerefully, for that they were well payed.

The 7. of March they shott fierie Bullets and stones on eyther side vntill mid-night, and then the Canon and Musket played. They did easily see the enemy la­bour at the Catteyes, but they suffered the corner of the West-downes to go dayly to ruine.

And for that at the West Square and at the Polder (which is without the towne) there was some thing ruined, they began to labour to fortifie them with tren­ches, defences, and ditches of 60. foote, and the coun­terscarpes which are about them: the which being fi­nished, the enemie had no meanes to come neere the towne on that side, nor by the North-west, for the towne was exceeding well fortified on that side, and almost impregnable.

The tide was so high that day by reason of a strong Northerly winde and a tempest, as all the enemies Ga­bions and Block-houses were inuironed with water.

About noone a Souldiers wife being neere the East-gate where the dike was broken, had her head shott off with a Canon, and a Souldier both his legges.

Generall Vere departed,Generall Vere leaues Ostend. and Colonel Frederike Van Dorp commanded in the towne, with the Colonels Dort Marquet and Edmont.

The night before the 8. of March about midnight the water being high, there entred 34. saile by the gollet into [Page 140] the towne, at whom the enemies made but two shot, al­though presently after the shot aboue 80. in one of these was the baggage and prouision of Colonel Dorp.

In the meane time they of the Towne shot from Pe­kel Bulworke, and from that of Spaine, against the ene­mies battery, which kept them from shooting at the ships, not seeing them by reason of the great smoake.

In the afternoone they discouered many boates go­ing to Alberts fort and there discharged.

They did also see the enemy inlarge & raise his bat­tery vpon the Gollet towardes the South, and repaired their battery at the foote of the East downes vpon the South side, the which they had let fall this Winter, and that they made a trench beneath the East downes be­twixt the two Cateyes, to the end they might go frō one battery to another couered from the Towne Canon.

There was no man slaine nor hurt in the Towne that day.

The 9. of March euery one was set to worke in the newe Hauen, which had bin indamaged with the tide, and they hoped to repaire it speedily.

Within 14. dayes there were 18. or 20. souldiers which had fled out of the towne vnto the enemy, some of them were taken againe and one of them was hang­ed the daye before: the enemy seeing this lightnesse, thought it a good meanes to weaken the garison of the Towne, shooting many letters into it, where by they promised to giue them good entertainment that should yeeld vnto them, or else a pasport with some money to returne into their Countries.

About two of the clocke in the afternoone, the first ship went out by the new Hauen, the enemies made [Page 141] many shott at it, whereof one ouerthrew a Pipe that stood vpon the hatches. There came also two Frigats against it, there were two companies of Souldiers in the ship which shewed themselues too soone, and shott at the Frigates, and presently there came foure great Barkes from the towne to succour them, which made the Frigats retire to their trenches or Forte neere the Downes.

This ship went to the Fleet with a Northerly winde, Colonel Edmont gaue vnto the Pilote two Rose-no­bles to drinke.

Colonel Lohn parted from Ostend to goe into Ze­land.

The 10. of March they shott fierie Bullets and stones on eyther side.

After midnight the water being high, there went 33. saile out of the Hauen,A new Hauen at Ostend. at whom the enemies shott, but did them no great harme, they went forth by the new Hauen, and at the same instant the besieged shott furiously against the battery of the gollet from whence they shott most at the ships.

The enemy laboured dayly at this batterie, as also at those which are aboue, and at the foote of the downes: they might also see that the night before they had laboured on the North side of their batterie of Catteyes.

They laboured also at a new batterie behinde their gabions vpon a mountaine of sand, the which they made square with Bauins and Sand, and raised it very high.

A little after dinner there came 16. saile into the towne by the new Hauen, at whom the enemie shott [Page 142] much but to no end: They shot also from diuers bat­teries at the people which shewed themselues openly in great numbers to see the entrie of these shippes: their were 9. or 10. strooken with one shot, some slaine, o­thers hurt. Their were three also slaine vpon the Bul­worke of Pekel, foure at the new hauen, & three in the olde Towne: It was strange to see the folly of this peo­ple, which put themselues in danger by multitudes, when any shippe came in by day, without any other subiect.

Besides these ships, there entred many souldiers and boats into the Towne that day.

The 11. of March, in the night there entred 13. ships more into the Towne by the Gollet, whereof three were shot through, yet little or no harme done. One of them beeing laden with turffes went behinde the halfe Moone, whether the enemy could not goe: so as within 10. or 11. dayes there had entred little lesse then a hundred saile into the Towne, laden with all com­modities, in open day or by moone light by the Gollet, they might haue entred more safely by the new Hauen which was now repaired.

This night there were fiue souldiers strooke on the East side with one Canon shot, whereof two dyed.

There were two others slaine in the South square where they laboured.

There was also at the greene Market a souldier cut in two in the midst with a great shot, and another had both his legs strooke of.

The 12. of March the enemies shot many stones into the towne, & canon shot at the west rauelin, aboue two houres together, to keep thē of the towne frō working.

[Page 143] That day there went seuen shippes out of Ostende at whome the enemy shotte but hurt them not: And for that the North-winde was somewhat loude, the the trenches and Blocke-houses of the enemies were full of Water as if it had beene a great tempest.

This day they shot as of custome, yet there was no man slaine nor hurt in the Towne.

The thirteenth of March no shippe went in nor out.

The foureteene daye was as quiet as if there had been no enemy before the Towne, there was one soul­dier slaine in the olde Towne, and another had his legs strooke of.

About noone the tide being spent, twelue horsemen of the Towne went out vpon the Sandes neere vnto the Cateyes, thinking to drawe foorth some of the ene­mies, vpon whom the Towne Canon (which was plan­ted for the nonce) should haue plaied, but no man ap­peared.

They might see a great number of vessels in the new channell on the East-side.

The 15. of March there parted twenty fiue saile from Flessingue, laden with souldiers, munition and vic­tualles, the which arriued all together at Ostend. The comming in and going of the ships was in a maner like all the rest of this yeare, as in like sort their ordinary shooting, the which the reader may imagin by that which hath bin written and that which followeth: we will leaue this discourse (the which is happily too long) because we will not weary him, and will talke of other accidents which haue past this yeare, to take our first traine in the yeare, 1603.

[Page 144] The 5. of Iuly 1602, the Commaunders charged them of the towne, that at the breake of day they should celebrate the first day of the siege of Ostend, shooting of all ther Canon insteede of belles, for they had none, and euen the women and children were commaunded to beate vpon kettles, pannes, and other things to make a great noise, which put all the Campe into alarme, not knowing what it might be: There was also a Sermon made to giue thankes vnto God for the miraculous preseruation of the Towne this yeare, with harty prai­ers that it would please to him preserue it so hereaf­ter.

The Arch-duke hauing certaine intelligence that the armie of the States vnder the command of Prince Mau­rice, Prince Maurice comes into Brabant. past by Brabant to come to succour Ostend, he cau­sed his Campe to be fortified against the Towne and intrenched himselfe without, to attend this armie: these newes did wonderfully reioyce them of the Towne, who hoped to be freed by this meanes, but for some let, or occasion that was offred, his Excellencie past not into Flanders.

Newes being come vnto the Campe that Prince Mau­rice had laied siege to Graue, and the Arch-duke fearing nothing behinde,Prince Maurice besiegeth Graue. resolued to finde some meanes to presse Ostend more straightly, and to stop the passage for the ships, to this end he causeth Saulcisses to be made (so they call certaine things made of wood, ryed toge­ther very close with hoopes of yron, like vnto a tunne, but bigger and longer, behinde the which a horseman might easily couer himselfe, and to roule it they must haue 50. or 60. men) the which were planted on the East side of the towne vpon the Gollet, & behinde they [Page 145] wrought presently, although the towne shott furiously vpon them.

The enemie also made very great gabions which they filled with very great stones, to resist the Sea and the shott from the towne.

Whilest these things were doing before Ostend, Prince Maurice did all he could to take Graue both by mine and batterie, forcing it to yeeld the 20. of Sep­tember 1602. and made himselfe be knowne for the lawfull heire and Lord thereof, in view of the Admirall of Arragon Lieutenant generall to the Arch-duke, who incamped neere vnto the towne to succour it, but see­ing his Excellencie very well intrenched, and that he should preuaile nothing, and that his troopes did leaue him dayly, in the end he retired without any exploite doing worthy the remembring.

The Arch-duke hauing intelligence that P. Maurice had taken the towne of Graue, was more earnest then before to stop the passage of the ships; the which not­withstanding all the inuentions his men could finde out, haue entred all the time of the siege, and a great number by the gollet at the Canons mouth, oftentimes at noone day without feare of any danger.

Their inuencion of Saulcisses proued also fruitlesse for this desseine, they tryed yet many other inuentions, both to fill vp the Gollet, and to annoy the ships in passing.

Among other inuentions the enemie filled a great number of sacks with sand to stop vp the gollet, hauing tried this deuice in the chanell neere to Alberts fort, but heere it proued fruitlesse by reason of the violence of the tide.

[Page 146] That which most afflicted the besieged this yeare was the sicknesse that was among them,Sickenesse in Ostend and in the Campe. whereof some dyed dayly: neither was the enemy free from it.

The Estates of the confederate Prouinces, conside­ring that the discommodities the souldiers suffered was the cause of this sicknesse,Ostend new built. they caused the towne to be new built, and the streetes were so disposed, as the ene­mies Canon could do them little harme, dying at the first thing it hit, so as of 50. shott not one did hit a man, and when any such thing chanced, they held it for an extraordinarie accident, which did not trouble them, and this made the sicknesse to cease.

This yeare 8. great Galleys were rigged and made ready at Seuille in Spaine, Galleys of Spaine vn­der Spig­nola. their chiefe commander was Frederike Spignola: that wherein Spignola went was called S. Lewis, the Captaine thereof was Redon. The second the Trinitie, the Captaine Pedro de Fergas. The third the Occasion, the Captaine Auila: the fourth Saint Philip, the Captaine Don Rodrigo de Neruaiz. The fift the Morning, the Captaine Pedro Collado Tenorro. The sixt S. Iuan, the Captaine Hernando de Vergas. The sea­uenth Hiacintho, the Captaine Christouall de Mongis: and the eight La Padilla, the Captaine Iuan de Sossa. There were 400. men in euery one of these Gal­leys besides the slaues, and eight hundred Souldiers they tooke in as they past at Lisbone. These Galleys went their course towards England, and were sent by the King of Spaine with some others which the Arch-duke had, to scoure along the coast of England, Holland, and Zeland, to interrupt their trade, and to annoy them of Ostend by Sea▪ Two of them, the Tri­nitie and the Occasion were sunke by Sir Richard Luson [Page 147] Knight, then Admirall in those Seas for the Queene of England, vpon the coast of Spaine and Portugall, about the Cape of Sicambre; afterwards these Galleys tooke their course towards the Lowe-Countries, and the third of October according to the new computa­tion, they were first discouered by two of the States­men of warre: the one was called the Tyger, whereof Iacob Pieterssen-Mol was Captaine: and the other the Pellican, whereof Timen Luberts was Captaine: these two Shippes followed and chased these sixe Gal­leys.

The same day Robert Mansell Knight, then Ad­mirall for the Queene of England in the narrow Seas, lying betwixt Douer and Calais, discouered them also: and sent presently to Captaine Ionas, Captaine of one of the Kings ships called the Aduantage, commanding him to goe presently to Calais, and along all the coast of Flanders, and to giue and allarme with Canona­does, especially to giue aduertisement of the com­ming of these Galleys to the States Fleete, which laye then vppon the coast of Flanders; the which the Captaine did performe most faithfully and ve­rie speedily.

The Admirall did also oftentimes shoote of the greatest peece of Ordinance in his shippe, to aduer­tise and call an other of the Kings shippes called the answer, whereof Bredgate was Captaine, who ridde at an Anchor South of the Downes, and he present­lie set saile.

Soone after there arriued 4. ships of the Estates of Holland, of the which the Seignior Opdā & Henszbruch [Page 148] was Admirall, lying then sicke at Porthmouth in Eng­land, in whose absence and by his appointment, Iohn Adrianssen Cant, commanded in quality of vice admi­rall the Captaines of the three others were Garbrandt Iohanss Stahl. Heinric Hartman and Garbrandt Ianssen of Enchuysen, who (hauing hard this shooting) had put themselues to Sea towardes France. In the ende they discouered the galleys, and seeing them to bend their course towards the coast of England, they turned their prowes against them, and so did Captaine Bredgate, of whom we haue spoken, all these together chased them vntill they came right against Douer where they ouer tooke them and played furiously vpon them with their Canon, breaking some of the Chaines whereunto their slaues were tyed, whereof a good many leaped ouer board, and some recouered the land; but for that it was darke, and the Sea was calme neere the shoare, they es­caped for that time. A while after the Moone began to shine, when as they might discerne the 6. galleys row before thē aboue the cape of Douer, bending presently towards the Goeyng (the which is a very dāgerous banke called by the English Goodwin Sands) & a good gaile of wind rising, they hoised as much saile as they could wel beare to chase the galleis; they being come almost right against Grauelin, there comes happily against them frō the coast of Flanders, a man of war of the States called the Mackerell, whereof Gerard Olie was Captaine, who charged the galley Saint Philip, and slue 60. men, yet she got of his handes, and hoised her saile to flie, the viceadmirall seeing this, with his shippe called the Moone, ranne withall his force betwixt the great mast and the poupe of Saint Phillip so as he brake an An­chor [Page 149] and some Yron worke of his shippe, and carried away with him the hinder part of the galley, and the helme, and brake their mast, making two Canon shot at them in the galley being charged with peeces of olde Yron and small shotte, so as the owers, bankes, armes and legs flew into the ayre, & presently the gal­ley began to sinke:The Gal­ley S. Phi­lip sunke. then Iacob Pieterssen Mol strooke with his shippe against the maine mast and the galley sunke: yet there were many saued, Captaine Garbrandt Ianssen of Enchuysen, seeing the Captaine and the princi­pall of the galley, about some twenty of them in their boate, seeking to saue themselues hee sent foorth his boate and caused them to be brought aborde of him, else they had beene all drowned: then Captaine Gar­brand Ianssen Sahl first of all strooke the galley called Aurora or the morning, where Pedro Collado was Cap­taine, and brake fiue or sixe owers with the hinder part of it, and beate downe one of their mastes, ma­king some shot into her but without any great effect, then the vice-admirall tooke her betwixt the mast and the poupe, and there with brake halfe and Galion of his owne shippe, and cut of all the hinder part of her, o­uerthrowing the helme into the Sea which was of sixe peeces, therupō,The Gal­ley called Aurora sunke. Heinrich Hartman of Rotterdam strook betwixt the maine-mast and the prowe, and with that blow the galley sunke; there were about 40. per­sons saued: So foure of these galleys were lost, the o­ther foure were pursued so swiftly as two of them were broken vpon the coast neere Newport, and another neere vnto Dunkerke, the eight wherein Spignola was, saued herselfe with great difficulty in Calais, where the slaues were freed, and went whether they pleased, and [Page 150] Spignola with his gentlemen and others whom he could saue, went to the Arch-duke to Bruxelles. There were carried prisoners into Holland, of souldiers, slaues, and other persons that were taken vp in the Sea about 180. liberty was giuen to the slaues with apparrell and some siluer, to goe into their Countries, or whether they pleased.

To returne now to our chiefe discourse, the Arch-dukes men seeing that their battery vpon the gollet suc­ceeded not as they expected, and that the ships went in and out thereby; they made a certaine worke, which they called a float, which was as it were a great and large plancher of wood, the which might swim vpon the water, it was armed with defences, and fit to plant Canon thereon, the which they thought the Water would holde vp, and not carrie it away nor breake it: this they brought vnto the Gollet, but the waues of the Sea brake it, and so this inuention proued fruitlesse as the rest.

We haue before spoken of the discontentment of the Arch-dukes souldiers for their pay, for the which in the end they mutined and retyred to Hoochstraten, and had intelligence with Conte Maurice for their preser­uation, making the whole Country, (euen vnto the gates of Andwerp) to contribute for their liuing and entertainement, & this caused the Arch-duke to make a proclamation against them; whereof you shall haue here a copie with the answer of the said mutiners, to serue for the history as followeth.