THe Imperiall Dyet thus ending November 3/23. left matters in farre worſe eſtate than it found them: for that men perceived now their very hopes to be taken away, as their liberties and goods had beene before. And the Proteſtant Princes finding themſelues ſtartled by foure things eſpecially, perceived it high time now for them to take the Alarme. The firſt of the foure was this: that whereas the Duke of Saxony had in the time of the Dyet written advice vnto the Emperour, of the King of Swedens approaching; the Emperour tells him againe, how he hoped that himſelfe (Saxony) and Brandenburg would well ayde him, with money, munition, and other neceſſaries. By which anſwere, Saxony perceived a new bill of Charges comming vpon the Proteſtants next thoſe parts, where the King of Sweden was landed. The ſecond was this: the round courſe taken by the Emperour for the recovering of the Church Lands: which neither the Elector of Saxony was able to ſtay by his Letters vnto the Emperour; nor the Elector of Brandenburg and other Princes, with their preſence at the Dyet: but that even before their owne faces, daily Commiſſions were ſent out againſt them. A third was this: that rigide courſe (taken by adviſe of the Ieſuites) for Reformation of the Proteſtant Churches and Schooles, and the forbidding of the libertie of the Auguſtane Confeſſion. The fourth was, that Decree of the Emperours (publiſhed foure dayes before the breaking vp of the Dyet, though hammered vpon long before:) for the continuance of the Warres againſt the King of Sweden: whereas the way had beene propounded and adviſed vpon before, how to compound the matter, rather then how to continue the troubles. And that which aggravated the Decree for the warres being; not onely that the Princes were to be at the charges of it, but that the levies were to be layd and collected, not by the conſent of thoſe who ſhould pay them, but at the pleaſure of the Imperiall Commiſſaries: for the moderating of whoſe power, and repreſſing the numbers and inſolencies of the Souldiers, notwithſtanding ſome ſlight promiſes were now made; yet how far they would be kept, was in their owne pleaſures. The Proteſtants by theſe arguments being not onely made ſuſpitious, but ſenſible too; that there were not too many good intentions in the Emperour towards them, their Eſtates or Religions: begin to enter into a Conſultation for their owne ſafetie. The plot for it was layd thus. That whereas there had beene a Conference betwixt them and the Catholikes at the former Dyet, concerning the Church Lands; the further treatie thereupon, was referred vnto a Dyet (procured by the Catholikes) to be held at Franckford vpon Mayn, in Auguſt following; the Duke of Saxony ſhould write his Letters vnto the Emperor, (which was ſeconded by the mediation of the Electors of Mentz and Bavaria, The Emperour graunts the Dyet. ) entreating libertie for the Proteſtants to hold a Dyet by themſelues, in ſome convenient place; that ſo by their vnited Counſells they might be provided, for an anſwere at the future Dyet of Franckford.

The Imperiall aſſent being thus obteyned; the Proteſtant Princes by their Letters and Ambaſſadours agree vpon the Dyet: the place to be Leipſich, and the time the 8.th of February. That the ſeverall Princes and States therefore might know before-hand, what Inſtructions to giue vnto the Ambaſſadors they were to ſend; 〈…〉 the Duke of Saxony in his Invitatory Letters to each of them, layes open the purpoſe of the intended Dyet; fayrely communicating the mayne propoſitions, both vnto them, and to the Emperour. The contents whereof were; Firſt, To conſult how the Church might with a good Conſcience be maintained in her ancient liberties and happie eſtate. Secondly, How to keepe their due obedience to the Emperor, and yet preſerue the ancient Conſtitutions and Peace of the Empire. Thirdly; How to maintaine correſpōdency with the Catholike Princes. And fourthly, What to anſwer for themſelues both in generall and particular, as well concerning the maintenance of the reformed Religion, as to the Emperours Edict concerning the Church-Lands, when they ſhould come to meete at the Dyet of Franckford.

The Princes thus invited, and the time now come; vpon the fourth of February 1631. the Elector of Saxony enters Lypſich in great ſtate: and the Elector of Brandenburg a little after him.The Proteſtant partie in the Empire. Thither in perſon came theſe Proteſtant Princes alſo. Chriſtianus (another) Marqueſſe of Brandenburg. Iohn William, and Bernard, Dukes of Saxon Weymar. William, Landtgrave of Heſſen, Frederick Marqueſſe of Baden. Auguſtus Prince of Anhalt. Frederick Count of Solmes. Iohn George, and Erneſt Lodowike, Counts of Mansfeilt, and the (depoſed) Dukes of Mecklenburg. Theſe Princes ſent their Ambaſſadors. The Duke of Deuxponts. Iohn Erneſtus another Duke of Saxony. Frederick Vlrick, Duke of Brunſwicke. The Duke of Lunenburg. The ſeverall Princes of the Circles of Schwaben and Franckenlandt. The Lady of the Abbey of Quedlinburg. The Biſhops Adminiſtrators of Mecklenburg and of Bremen. The Counts of Stolberg. The Barons of Reuſſen and Schonberg. Theſe Townes and States ſend their Agents alſo. Norimberg, Strasburg, Franckford, Lubeck, Bremen, Brunſwick, Hildesheim, Mullhuiſen and Northhuiſen. Duke Lodowick Frederick, Adminiſtrator of the Dukedome of Wirtenberg was newly dead; and Duke Iulius not yet ſetled: and therefore being not able to come himſelfe, he ſent the Vice-Chancelor of the Dukedome called Doctor Loeſter, and ſome other Counſellors, as Deputies for that Dutchie. And theſe be the Proteſtant party in the Empire: ſome whereof being Lutherans, and ſome Calviniſts; they firſt of all agree to haue that diſtinction of names (which had cauſed ſo much ſchiſme and hatred heretofore) to be vtterly taken away: making a generall Decree, that both Profeſſions ſhould from thence forth be called by one name of Evangeliacalls. That is, Profeſſors of the Goſpell.

No man was ſuffered to ſtay within the Towne, whoſe buſineſſe was not knowne: the ſtreets ends were chained vp and barricadoed; guards ſet at the ſeverall ports; and the keyes of the gates every night brought into the Dukes chamber. And all this, was, to prevent Spyes and ſurpriſalls. The Duke Elector of Saxony (on whoſe greatneſſe and countenance, the Partie and Action very much depended) makes a ſpeech firſt of all, Saxonyes Oration. which had reference vnto his former Letters of Invitation vnto them: proteſting withall, his owne firmeneſſe and forwardneſſe for the peace of the Empire, and the maintenance of the Religion; and that he would be ready to adventure, both life and goods in the Cauſe: ſo deſiring every man freely to giue his Counſell in ſuch manner, as they might be able to render a fayre accompt of it vnto the Emperour. Vnto this meeting, the King of Sweden alſo ſends his Ambaſſador Doctor Chemnitius; who in his Maiſters name delivers them this aſſurance. That his Majeſties intentions were no other, then to reſtore the Empire to her ancient peace, the Princes to their liberties, and to defend the Church in her Religion: telling them moreover, how that the French King was newly entred into a League with him for fiue yeares to come. The Ambaſſador had both ſpeedie Audience, and honorable entertainement. The Dyet (to be briefe) brake vp vpon Palme-Sunday the third of Aprill following. The Concluſions agreed vpon, themſelues expreſſe in their Letters, in humble and complaining manner, enlarged in many ſheetes of Paper, ſent by an expreſſe Curryer vnto the Emperour: in which their joynt deſires were thus ſignified.

GVSTAVVS ERICVS,Briefe notes vpon this Pedigree. firſt of that name and bloud, was one of thoſe ſix Hoſtages ſent vnto (that ſcarce to be paralleld Tyrant) Chriſtiern King of Denmark, Anno 1518. Which Hoſtages he having gotten into his power, moſt perfidiouſly reteined as his priſoners; carrying them away with 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 him into Denmarke. But Guſtavus having found both favour and libertie one day to goe a hunting; diſguiſes himſelfe, and eſcapes: after many dangers arriving in his owne Countrey, Anno 1520. About which time the ſayd King Chriſtiern contrary vnto his promiſe made vnto the Swedes vpon their ſubmiſſion, vpon which he promiſed to remit all offences: beyond all examples of Chriſtianitie within foure dayes after his Coronation, cauſes all the Nobilitie, Gentry, Biſhops, Counſellors, and prime Citizens of the Kingdome of Sweden, to be eyther hang'd or beheaded: the ſtreetes of Stockholme, where he was Crowned, to runne with bloud; the carcaſſes to lye three dayes vnburied, and then to be burned, &c. Amongſt the number of the maſſacred, the Father of Guſtavus was one. When Guſtavus had once heard of this hideous newes; he, having that winter time gathered ſome ſmall company together, exciteth the Swedes to vindicate their Countryes libertie. In the valourous ſucceſſe whereof, himſelfe having beene a chiefe Author, is in the yeare 1523. by conſent of all the States of the Country, choſen King. He thus elected, refuſeth to be Crowned: contenting himſelfe onely with the title of Governour. By authoritie of which dignitie, Anno 1527. he ſummons a Parliament; where he propounds the Reformation of Religion: in which finding much oppoſition, and little hope; he ſurrenders the Kingdome vnto the States againe. The Land thus brought into a ſtreight, humbly beſeech Guſtavus, once againe to accept of the Kingdome. Thus was he Crowned Anno 1527. becomming the firſt Proteſtant King that ever was in the world. This ſame yeare was Rome taken by Charles Duke of Burbon. This Guſtavus from the time of his Coronation reigned 33. yeares.

Ericus, the eldeſt ſonne of Guſtavus ſucceeded his Father. Anno 1560. who reigning eight yeares, dyes without Iſſue.

Iohn, the ſecond ſonne of Guſtavus ſucceeded his Brother, Anno 1568. Reigned 24. yeares. His onely Iſſue was Sigiſmund; choſen in his Fathers life time (viz. 1587.) King of Poland, and is yet living.

Sigiſmund, King of Poland ſucceeded his Father Iohn in the Kingdome of Sweden, Anno 1594. He tooke an Oath to maintaine the priviledges of the Kingdome, to admit no other Religion then that of the Auguſtane Confeſſion; and to bring in no Strangers. Which Oath he palpably now violating; firſt, by going about to alter the Religion; then by endevouring to enſlaue Sweden, by making it to be a Province of the Kingdome of Poland, Anno 1599. he was in a full aſſembly of the States of Sweden, rejected and depoſed: and his Sonne Ladiſlaus (then an Infant) choſen in his place: But with this Condition, If within ſix moneths he were ſent into Sweden, there to be brought vp in the Proteſtant Religion.

Ladiſlaus, Sonne of Sigiſmund, not being ſent into Sweden according to the Condition of his Election, loſt his title vnto the Kingdome. And

Charles Duke of Suderman, the third and youngeſt Sonne of Guſtavus, & the deliverer of his Country from the oppreſſion of the Polacks, was choſen King, in the yeare 1601.

Guſtavus Adolphus, the Sonne of Charles, ſucceeded his Father Anno 1612. being the preſent, and hitherto the ſucceſſe-full Aſſertor of the Germane libertie.

Here may it fayrely be obſerved. 1. That all the poſteritie of Guſtavus (which with himſelfe are ſeaven in number) were eyther Kings, or elected to a Kingdome, vnto the third and fourth generation. The laſt whereof, and the ſeaventh in order, is the preſent Guſtavus. 2. Obſerue. That Guſtavus Ericus, the Grandfather of this Guſtavus Adolphus, obtained a Kingdome by delivering his Country from the Tyranny of the Danes: Charles his Father, for delivering it from the Pole. In which heroicall diſpoſition of his Anceſtors, Guſtavus Adolphus now ſucceeds his Father and Grandfather, in vndertaking this preſent warre, for the aſſerting of Germany, from the preſſures of the preſent Emperour. 3. Beſides that this Prince is deſcended of a Family of Deliverers; there ſeemes to be another Omen in his Stile, as well as in his Pedigree: he writes himſelfe King of the Goths and Vandals; 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 which Nations haue once heretofore beene fatall vnto the Empire.

This braue Prince having in the yeare 16 • 9. had firſt a warre with the Pole, and then a Peace; was by the complaints & invitations of the Germane Princes, the next yeare brought over into the Empire. You haue before heard of the miſeries of Germany: and yet had the Proteſtant Princes in their Dyet of Leipſich beene modeſt in their Remonſtrance: they had not told you all. Straleſundt and Stetin, Mecklenburg and Pomerland, were ſo heavily oppreſſed, ſo ſorely over-layd, that they had not breath enough left, to be heard ſigh ſo farre as the Emperours Court. A ſound (we know) is vſually conveighed further along the water, then over-land: which may (perchance) be one of the reaſons, why their complaints are ſooner liſtned vnto in Sweden, then at Ʋienna. Theſe Maritime people therefore finding no reliefe aſhoare; are forced to fetch their ſuccours, whence they vſually did their Merchandize, out of the Baltick Sea. The King of Sweden is allyed with Bogiſlaus Duke of Stetin; and with Iohn Albert and his brother, Dukes of Mecklenburg: is confederate with Straleſundt and Pomerland, and therefore likelieſt to be their Friend. His ſafetie much depended vpon theirs: had the Emperour beene Maiſter of thoſe Ports and Sea-coaſts; he would neither haue beene ſo fayre a Merchant to him; and might withall haue proved a more dangerous and over-maiſterly a neighbour. Againe, this King now having a good Peace, had therfore the better leiſure. His Army being not yet caſhier'd, the reliefe would not altogether be ſo chargeable. His experience in the warres being great, his fame (now after the beating of the Pole, and two Imperiall Armies in Pruſſia,) more; he was alſo thought to be the ableſt to deliver them. His Majeſtie therefore being by the pittifull and redoubled complaints of his Allyes, his Confederates, his Neighbours, ſollicited over and over againe to come in vnto their reſcue; that this bare invitation of his Friends might not be cenſured for a plot betwixt them, or not to be cauſe enough for his comming: loe, he is even puld over by his enemies provocations. But for the greater Authoritie with the Reader, we will giue you the juſt Apologie of that Prince: the preſſing reaſons for his moving with an Army into Germany, himſelfe having cauſed to be Printed: the Arguments whereof, we here abbreviate into Propoſitions.

His Majeſtie firſt proteſts; That he had not ſtirr'd at all;The King of Swedens Apology & complaints. no not though he had often beene warned to looke vnto himſelfe: nor would he take any notice of it, vntill ſome affront or maine occaſion of quarrell, had beene actually offered by the Emperour. That having beene by his oppreſſed neighbours and Confederates invited vnto their reliefe, he for a long time rather expected the Emperours goodneſſe towards the Subjects of Germany, then deſired to intereſſe himſelfe againſt him, with whom he ſo much deſired the continuation of Amitie. That the quarrell was firſt begunne by the Emperour; who in the late warres of Pruſſia betwixt Sweden and Poland, had prohibited the King of Sweden to make any Levies of men, or proviſion of victualls or Ammunition in Germany, apparently granting the ſame libertie vnto his enemy the King of Poland. That the Emperour himſelfe had heretofore ſent two ſeverall Armies vnder his own Enſignes into Pruſſia, in ayde of the Pole his enemy: the firſt in the yeare 1627. vnder the Command of the Duke of Holſteyn; Walſtein was ſayd to haue given Arnheim his Commiſſion in theſe vvords: Arnheim, goe take 10000 men; you muſt beat the King of Sweden out of Pruſsia: and if you cannot doe it, tell him that Walſtein vvill come. and the ſecond, ſent 1630. was conducted by Arnheim, Marſhall of the Feild vnto Walſtein. That his Curryer ryding Poſt with his packetts, hath beene ſtayed; his Letters vnto Bethlem Gabor opened, and falſe Copies publiſhed of them. That his Ambaſſadours haue beene ſlighted; not admitted to Audience; not vouchſafed anſwere; forbidden to ſtay in Germany. That vpon his ſeeking of peace, by mediation of the King of Denmarke, he obtained nothing but affronts and delayes: and that writing to the Colledge of Electors, then aſſembled at Lubeck, 1629. he found in their anſweres by their Letters, the maine poynt of the buſines not once toucht vpon: and ſo no remedie that way neyther. That the poore Towne of Straleſundt (notwithſtanding it had no way wronged the Emperour, and had received Aſſecurations and 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 promiſes of protection from him) yet had it beene blockt vp by the Duke ofWalſtein. Freidlandt; and the Iſland of Rugen lying in the Sea right againſt it, taken by the ſayd Freidlandt. That the Towne and Iland aforeſaid, his Confederates, had often complained vnto him of this injuſtice, and deſired his peacefull mediation firſt, and his Armed aſſiſtance afterwardes. That conſidering how things ſtood betwixt the Emperour and himſelfe, it much concerned him not to ſuffer that Iſland and Towne, to be poſſeſſed by his enemies: ſeeing they lye ſo commodiouſly for the commaund of the Balticke Sea; and ſo dangerouſly for infeſting of the Coaſts of Sweden, which be right againſt it. That the Emperour had actually moleſted thoſe Coaſts with ſhipping; which he had newly gotten from Dantzick and other Hanſe Townes thereabouts: had hindered the Swediſh trade, and merchandizing vpon the Coaſts of Germany: taken his Shippes by repriſall at Sea; layd imbargoes vpon them to arreſt them in the Ports and Havens: and had purpoſed to make the Sound and Sea thereabouts, to be the ſeate of their pyracies; to the vtter vndoing of the Swediſh trade that way, and the great moleſtation of all Nations that trafficke in thoſe Seas. That in ayding of Straleſundt, he had done no more then the King of Denmark had done before him: who had lent them a garriſon; which vpon the agreement of Denmarke with the Emperour, the Towne had been enforced to diſcharge (the King vpon ſome occaſions being now become their enemy) and that not till then, had he taken the Towne vnder his protection. That his owne comming with an Army into the bounds of the Empire, was vnder publicke proteſtation of no hoſtilitie meant vnto the Empire, or perſon of the Emperour. That his comming was principally to relieue that diſtreſſed Prince his Coſin and Confederate, the Duke of Stetin and Pomeren, miſerably at that time, and ſo for three yeares had beene, injuriouſly oppreſſed by the Emperour. That he was not onely ingaged by ancient Allyances and Confederacies, to ayde the ſtate of Pomerland thus diſtreſſed, ſpoyled, taken, and diſarmed; but it concern'd him alſo in poynt of State and good policie, not to ſuffer his enemy to be Maiſter of thoſe Coaſts of the Baltick Sea; whence he might at pleaſure infeſt Sweden, and at leiſure and opportunitie invade it. That his League with the ſayd Duke, was Defenſiue onely: and not for any offenſiue warre againſt the Emperour. That in recovering of the Ile of Rugen, he had rather fayrely turn'd out, then beaten out, the Imperialiſts. That the end of his comming, was no more then the reliefe of Straleſundt and Pomerlandt; and the ſecuring of his owne Dominions of Sweden: too neere vnto which he perceived the Emperour to be now encroaching, with no good intention. That if peace and ſafetie might on thoſe parts be aſſured, he would no further enter into the Empire.

Theſe Complaints, Aggrievances, and Provocations of the King of Sweden, were in fayre and reſpectfull manner, by Letters firſt preſented vnto the Emperour: and when that courſe brought no redreſſe, then for juſtification of his proceedings, and by way of Apologie, were the Circumſtances enlarged, and the whole Printed, for the world to judge vpon: and that all indifferent Readers might there receiue an Accompt of the Cauſes, which at length conſtrained him to mooue with an Army into Germany.

Theſe Reaſons much ſatisfied the world, made the pretence of his comming fayre. And that the enterprize of this great Champion of the Germane Libertie, might bring Credit with it, as well as Strength; both rumored and feared every where in the Empire it was, that diverſe other potent Princes were with him intereſſed in the Action: and that there was a private Vnion made betwixt England, France, Ruſſia, Sweden, Venice, and Holland, (all then at difference with the Princes of the houſe of Auſtria) and that He was the Head of the Vnion. The preſumption for this ſuſpition was, that the Ambaſſadours of theſe Princes were obſerved lately to haue beene together in his Camp; and beleeved to haue communicated both Counſells and Intelligence with him. How much redoubted his comming was, appeares by the preparations made againſt him, in the places neereſt vnto 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 his Landing.The Emperours preparations againſt him. The Townes of Pomerland and its neighbour Brandenburg, were full of Imperiall Garriſons. In Mecklenburg was the new intruded Duke Walſtein, and his forces. In Sileſia were all thoſe Bridges and paſſages vpon the River Oder next vnto Brandenburg, ſtopt vp, mannd and fortified, about the beginning of Iune 1630. To make good the Bridge of Deſſaw vpon the Elve, (which was the paſſage towards Magdenburg:) are fourſcore Companies of Horſe and Foote ſent downe from Swartzenburg, Coburg, and other places. Into Pomerland are there more Forces ſent out of Magdenburg. Torquato Conti was now appointed Generall of the Imperiall Forces in Pomerland. He and Colonell Hatzfelt are very preſſing with the Duke of Stetin, abſolutely to deliver them vp the paſſages of Gartz and Grippenhagen vpon the Oder: which it ſeemes that they wrung out of him. The King of Sweden, finally hath no Towne to friend but the diſtreſſed Straleſundt onely, where he might ſafely Land his Forces. Much for the Kings advantage perchance it made, and the leſſe reſiſtance he found;The Kings advantages. that Walſtein, who had heretofore domineerd in thoſe parts, and who had left thoſe troopes there which the King now found engarriſoned; was now out of the way; and that Torquato Conti, a man not beloved, then commaunded in thoſe parts. Walſtein was about the time of the Kings firſt coming eyther buſied about his new Dutchy of Mecklenburg, or elſe waiting at Memmengen by Regenſpurg, to receiue a new Commiſſion to goe Generall againſt the French: and vpon the Princes of the Empires ſore complaining againſt him, he was by the Emperour (as you haue heard) quite diſcharged of his Armie. Tilly was not yet come ſo high vp, ſince the warres with Denmarke. Of Pappenheim we heare not thereabouts, till October following. Plainly, the King of Swedens great advantage it was, that he was too much ſlighted by the Emperour: who though he fortified places, yet did he not time enough employ any of his great Captaines againſt him. And that the Emperour abuſed himſelfe too much, in too much ſlighting the King; appeares by his Anſwere vnto the Duke of Saxonyes Letters, in Auguſt giving him intelligence how farre the King was alreadie advanced in Pomerland, Which was; how that himſelfe was ſo well provided for him, that he was confident to ſcatter any power of the enemy. A deſpiſed enemy we haue by experience ſeene to haue made fowle worke: and God moſtly workes by ſuch deſpiſed meanes, that himſelfe may therein be obſerved to be the Lord of Hoſts. Further then this, wee will neither Comment nor Devine.

Before the Kings ſetting foote within the Empire, he in Aprill ſends forth his gracious Declaration of his intent to maintaine Straleſundt, &c. Which the Emperour might well take for a Herald at Armes to proclaime his comming, and ſo prevent it; and not complaine afterwards (as he did) that he ſtoale in vpon him. His Majeſtie having thus declared himſelfe for Straleſundt, makes his firſt warre for the freeing of that. A ſmall Iland there is in the Baltick Sea within ſome halfe league off Straleſundt, called Rugen. A ragged ſquare plot it is, ſome ſeaven Dutch leagues over. This Ile being a Principalitie of the Duke of Pomerlands; was (like other of his Lands) rather infeſted now, then guarded, by the Imperialiſts. That the King therefore might cleare that Ile, and his owne way both at once; and leave no enemy to trouble his Landing, or to come vpon his backe; he giues order before his owne ſetting forth of Stockholme (the chiefe Citie of Sweden) to haue that Iland begunne withall.The Ile of Rugen taken. About mid-Aprill therefore, did the people of Straleſundt, aſſiſted with ſome 18. ſhippes of Sweden (which had wintered in the Pilau, and other Ports thereby) prepare to fall vpon that, and Hiddenzee another little Ilet hard-by on the North-weſt: both which being open places, were by the end of May well cleared of the Imperialiſts. One indifferent ſtrong Sconce by Brandiſhagen vpon Rugen there is, into which the Imperialiſts betooke themſelues; not ſo eaſie to be taken as the reſt. Theſe of Straleſundt therefore now newly ſtrengthned from Sweden; vpon the 17.th of Iune following, with 3000. foote and foure troupe of horſe, reſolue to ſet vpon the Fort. Marching vp therefore from the old Ferry into the 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 Ile, they in Battle array ſhowe themſelues before the Fort: twelue great Shallops and two Gallyes, well mand and furniſht with ſhot, in the meane time beſieging them by water. The Fort perceiving this, by a reſolute Sally labour to hinder their Landing: but the Swediſh diſcharging eight peices of Ordnance from their Boats amongſt them, quickly make them to retyre. Landing being thus gained, and their batteries raiſed; they readily diſmount the enemies Canon, and put him from his Ordnance. The 18. day, the Swediſh Generall demaunds vp the Fort: their anſwere was, to defend it to the laſt drop of bloud. The next morning, there was from Brandiſhagen (which lyes over againſt the Fort) a boate of freſh water ſent vnto their reliefe. The Swediſh Shallops giue fire apace vpon the Boate; in reſcue of it, doth the Garriſon ſally out: a great ſmoake ariſing from their ſhooting in the skirmiſh, is by the winde carryed full into the Fort; the Swediſh apprehending the advantage, fall pell mell vpon it, getting among the ſallyers into the Fort, ere ever they were aware of it.The Fort of Brandiſhagen taken. Thus was it taken without the loſſe of one man. The Swediſh being Maiſters of the peice, put all to the ſword whom the next day they found in Armes. Two hundred priſoners they tooke; ſix peices of Ordnance; ſixtie barrels of Bisket; much Beere and proviſions.

Whileſt theſe things were there a doing, his Majeſtie is in his owne Countrey buſie about imbarking his men. Some 12000. brought he out of Sweden with him, for ſo many were ſeene march: His Fleete was about ſome hundred and thirtie Shippes of all ſorts. With theſe having beene fiue weekes at Sea, (whereof a whole moneth in one place) he came to an Anchor neare the Iland of Rugen, which lyes a mile diſtant from one of the mouthes of the River Oder called Pennemundt. The King of Sweden lands. Immediately hereupon, his Majeſtie gaue order for the Landing of the Foote or Infantery: which was done in great Sloopes or flat bottomd Boates, provided for that purpoſe; whereof each one would well carry an hundred Souldiers, with two Feild-peices. His Majeſtie himſelfe in perſon landed firſt, at that Dorp or Village in the Ile of Vſedome, called Pennemundt; being at that preſent waited vpon by two Swediſh Earles, that were brethren, Grave Neeles and Grave Ioachim by name. Next him were landed Colonel Lillie, Colonel Cag, and Colonel Hanſſon, all Swediſh, with their Regiments. Next to them Landed the Lord Reay Colonel; together with Colonel Spence and Colonel Magdongall, with their three Scottiſh Regiments. Laſt of all landed the Lord Falkenberg, Lord Marſhall of his Majeſties houſehold; together with Colonel Hall, and Colonel Derickſon, with their three Regiments of High-Dutch-men. All theſe eleven foreſayd Regiments, were landed and entrenched before day-light. Vpon the ſecond of Iuly, after the Souldiers had a little repoſed and refreſhed themſelues; his Majeſtie commaunded the Canon, baggage, and victualls to be landed; and becauſe the Army had beene ſo long at Sea, he thought it expedient to reſt them there for two dayes; in which ſpace he landed his Cavalry or Horſe alſo.

This Ile of Vſedome where the King was new landed,The Ile of Vſedome taken. is ſcituate not farre from Straleſundt, and to the South-eaſt of it, towards Stetin: betwixt the Baltick Sea on the North, the mouth of the Oder (which from the River Pene diſemboguing into it, is called Penemundt,) on the Weſt; the great freſh Lake called the Friſchhaff on the South, and the Ile of Wollin on the Eaſt. Vpon the fourth of Iuly, twelue troupes of the Kings Horſe, together with three thouſand Muskettiers, went out vpon a partie; the King himſelfe commanding them. They marched vpwards three miles into the Ile of Vſedome; where they ſaw diverſe troopes of the enemies, but all of them ranne away. The 5.th and 6.th dayes were ſpent in hearing of Ambaſſadors, from the Dukes of Mecklenburg, Pomeren, and the Towne of Straleſundt. On the 7.th day, his Majeſtie leaving Colonel Knip-howſen, then Sergegeant Major Generall, with two Regiments of foote to defend the workes at Penemundt; with the reſt of the Army paſſing over the water on the Weſt ſide of the Ile; marches vp to the Towne of Wolgaſt. Here had the enemy a ſtrong Sconce on the water-ſide, directly againſt the Caſtle vpon the 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 Ile of Vſedome: which Sconce, his Majeſtie thought fitteſt to be firſt aſſaulted. As he marched towardes this Caſtle, the Crabats falling out, begun the Skirmiſh with the Kings Horſe: who being preſently ſeconded by the foote, conſtrained the Crabats to giue ground with great loſſe. Thoſe of them which were not killed in the fight, making great haſt vnto the River, by which they thought to ſwimme over vnto the Caſtle; were all miſerably drowned. Thoſe within the Sconce, thus perceiving their fellowes misfortune; in great haſt retyred into their boates: where being hardly charged by the Kings men, the moſt of them were alſo drowned. Their confuſion was ſo great; that three hundred of them then periſhed by the ſword, or in the water. The whole night following, the Canon from the Caſtle playd very hard vpon the Kings folke, but with little or no loſſe vnto his Majeſtie. Vpon the 8.th of Iuly, his Majeſtie leaving Sir Iohn Bannier to keepe the Sconce that was taken; marched from thence vnto a Cloyſter called Pudegla; which was a ſtrong paſſage vpon the Ile of Vſedome. But the enemy, before the Kings comming, had ſpoyled and pillaged all that there was, and then ranne away. Here the King lodged all night.

The Ile of • ellin taken.Vpon the 9.th of Iuly, the King marched to the Swing, on the Eaſt-ſide of the Iland; where the other mouth of the Oder, diſemboketh into the Baltick Sea. There found he a Sconce, ſtrongly builded indeede, yet but weakly defended: the Garriſon vpon the firſt ſight of the Kings troopes, abandoning the place, and ſhifting themſelues over the River into the neighbour Ile of Wollin. This place, which the Oder, the Friſchhaff, the Sea, and a little Fret of water, make into an Iland; lyes on the Eaſt-ſide of Vſedome: and here the King having found Boates, immediately followes the Imperialiſts. Here had the Duke of Saxonyes Siſter a Caſtle; which the enemy fleeing out of, miſerably deface with fire. And now thoſe that lately fled into the Ile, as alſo the reſt that were there in ſeverall Garriſons before; did not onely abandon their ſtrong Sconces and Fortifications; but left, not their Canon onely for haſt, but their very Horſes alſo; together with a great deale of their baggage; with two Leopards in a Cage; left there by the Duke of Freidlandt, who had thought to haue preſented them vnto the Emperour.

In theſe two Ilands of Ʋſedome and Wollin, the King remained ſome twelue dayes; vntill he had made ſufficient proviſion of Gallyes and other Veſſells, for the tranſporting of his Army through that great Friſch haff, and from thence vp the River of Oder, vnto Stetin: which was done the 26. of Iuly. This Towne of Stetin, is the Seate and Title of the Duke of Pomeren and Stetin: Scituate within Land it is, Stetin taken. South of the Friſch haff, being the chiefe Towne of the Countrey, and the onely good Towne of the Countrey in ſole poſſeſſion of the Duke, that was free from Imperiall Garriſons. And now the King landing his men at a Caſtle within an Engliſh mile of the Towne, about ten a clocke in the forenoone, preſently puts them into Battalia. Grave Neeles and the Lord of Reay commaunding foure hundred Muskettiers, that day had the Vantguard; and were both commanded to march towards the North Port of the Citie, called the Mill-doore: the King in the meane time with three hundred Muskettiers, making towards a Horn-worke, that was then a building, within a Musket-ſhot of the Dukes Palace. While this was a doing, all the Ladies and Gentlewomen, were in the windowes, and vpon the Leades, looking vpon the King and his folkes. All this while there appeared not any one man out of the Towne, to make any defence: which the King now obſerving, at laſt ſends a Trumpet towards the Ports, to demaund entrance. This meſſage made knowne vnto the Duke, a Colonel, who had the Commaund of ſome 1200. Muſkettiers within the Towne, is ſent to parlie with the King. His meſſage was, an Aſſurance from the Duke his Maiſter, that he had reſolved to ſtand Neuter. His Majeſtie nothing contented with this meſſage; ſends the Colonel backe againe vnto the Duke: commaunding him to tell his Maiſter from him; That he was not come into Germany for any private ends of his owne: but ſent for, by him eſpecially, and other diſtreſſed Princes; that by the force of his Armes, they might 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 be free from the yoke, which lay ſo heavie vpon their necks: and therefore, great reaſon had the Duke to open his Ports, and to receiue him into his Towne. And this if the Duke refuſed to doe; he bad the Meſſenger aſſure him, that he would enter it, by a breach made through his Caſtle: giving preſent order thereupon to haue the Canon mounted. The Duke vpon the receipt of this round meſſage, adviſes with his Counſell a while: who having concluded what was on the ſudden to be done, the Port is opened, and the draw bridge let downe, and the Duke in his Coach iſſues out, waited vpon by ſome Gentlemen on Horſebacke: addreſſing himſelfe directly towards the King. Vpon the meeting, much conference paſſes about ſurrendring of the Towne; the King preſſing; and the Duke excuſing, altogether deſirous to ſtand Neuter. Of this would not the King heare at any hand: making vſe of that (which in Dutch is a Proverbiall ſaying,) They that are not with me, are againſt me. And now the King taking notice of the Ladies and Gentlewomen on the Leades and Windowes; Coſin (ſayes he to the Duke) if you meane to keepe me out of the Towne, you muſt ſet other manner of people to guard it, then theſe Ladies; for Ile aſſure you, they will never be able to hold out againſt any one company of my Souldiers. The Duke perceiving his Majeſtie, though pleaſant, yet earneſt; deſires leave to goe againe into the Towne. The King conſents vnto the motion: but ſent order withall vnto the Lord Reay, to guard the Dukes perſon thitherward: and that when the draw-bridge was let downe, and the Ports ſet open for the Dukes Coach; to enter the Towne together with it; and if it were poſſible, to make good the Port. The Lord Rcay having enough of his inſtructions, ſo diſpoſes his Muskettiers (which were Scottiſh) that two hundred of them marcht before the Coach; and muſt needs therefore enter before the Dukes Coach could: ſo that this peice of ſervice was done, even as the King would haue it. Thus the Lord Reay being entred within the outter Port, the Towne Garriſon retyred from thence within the inner Port: and the Scots entring pell-mell with them, that Port was alſo taken. By this did the King preſently enter the Towne, with his whole Army. The Duke ſeeing this, diſmiſſes his owne forces, which he had till then, there kept in Garriſon: who thereupon tooke preſent oath and pay, for the Kings ſervice.

The next morning, the King commaunds Sir Iohn Bannier Generall of his Infantery, to take with him 600. Swediſh Muſkettiers, vnder the commaund of Grave Ioachim, and 600. Scottiſh Muskettiers, vnder the commaund of the Lord Reay; to make an aſſault vpon the Towne of Damme, lying a mile to the South-Eaſt of Stetin. The Towne had on that ſide but one approach vnto it; and that was a narrow cauſey leading thorough the mariſh, vpon which the Towne ſtood. Thoſe 12000. men now advanc't almoſt as farre as a Sconce, which guarded the end of the Towne; a Country-boore comming vp to the Commanders, proffers them his ſervice to leade them a ſecret way thorough the mariſh: by which meanes, they might more eaſily fall on, vpon the other ſide of the Towne. But the Burgers of the Towne, (who it ſeemes had intelligence with the Kings forces) now ſending vnto them; deſired them to haue the patience but to ſtay vntill night, and then they promiſed to giue them entrance by a private poſterne gate. This delay was cunningly projected by the Towneſmen; and ſerved them to very good purpoſe: for had the Kings forces taken the Towne by aſſault, then, by the Law of Armes, had the pillage of the whole Towne beene their owne. Thus, (vpon what reaſons or feares I know not) the enemies Garriſon conſiſting of ſome two hundred and fiftie Muskettiers, and fortie horſe, forſooke the Towne that very evening; taking their way Eaſt-ward, towards the next Towne of Stargard. With the Burgers of this Towne of Stargard, the King having alſo intelligence; inſtantly ſends thither alſo. But whether it was, that he thought not fit too farre to giue truſt vnto thoſe Burgers, and to adventure his owne men vpon their honeſties; eſpecially ſince the Garriſon was thus lately reenforced: ſure it is, that he employed none of his owne men, but committed the charge vnto that Colonell and his men, who had layn in Garriſon in Stetin, before his Majeſties comming thither. This Colonel knowing the Country perfectly, came by night vpon the Towne: and having given advertiſement vnto theſe Burgers within, with whom he had correſpondency; they ſecretly opening a Port vnto him, giue him preſent entrance. He thus got in, preſently cuts in peices the Corps du guard, which had the Watch vpon the Market-place. This done, he without ſtay goes towards another Port, which had two ſtrong Sconces before it; theſe he preſently aſſaulted, killing three hundred and fiftie Souldiers which he found within them. This act, had like to haue loſt him the towne: for the reſt of the towne Garriſon, (which were aſleepe in their beds when he at firſt entred,) now hearing the noyſe, ſtart vp, and betake themſelues vnto their Armes; ſhutting withall, the Port behinde the Kings Colonell, who was now buſily employed, vpon the execution within the Sconces. Very hard had it beene for him to haue entred the Towne againe, but that the Burgers at the ſame time taking Armes; by force opened another Port for him. The Garriſon by this time having gathered into a head vpon the Market-place, now finding themſelues too weake to reſiſt ſo great forces; retire themſelues into the Church-ſteeple: but now the Swediſh turning the Canon which they had gotten in the two Sconces, againſt the ſteeple; the Garriſon forthwith yeeld themſelues, conditioning to goe off with their liues and Armes ſaved.

There were found in this Towne of Stargard, 500. barrels of meale; much powder and ſhott, and ſome Ordnance. The King after fortifies the place, with fiue new Bulwarkes, three halfe Moones, and ſuch other Outworkes. Whileſt this was a doing,The Ile of Cammin taken. Cammin another Ilet and Biſhops See, butting vpon Wollin, is alſo taken. The rough methode of warre ſhould haue fallen vpon the Towne of Colbergen next: but this being too tough a peice, is let alone till afterwards.

The City of Stetin being thus taken, and the King vſing the people royally, they beginne to bethinke themſelues of the good alteratiō they began to feele, holding themſelues happy, were but the King made their Protector. The overture of a League firſt, and the Articles afterward, were therefore now treated vpon, concluded, and publiſhed, about the tenth of Auguſt. This League conquered him the whole Countrey. The King, in a Preface prefixed to the Articles,A League betwixt the King and Begiſlaus Duke of Stetin and Pomeren. excuſes the Duke; profeſſing to haue taken the Towne againſt his will. The Duke alſo ſubjoynes his owne Apologie; That he had beene forced to this League. 1. For that having no ayd from others. 2. He was too weake to haue reſiſted the King. 3. And that his Subjects having beene diſarmed by their pretended Defenders the Imperialiſts. 4. Yea ſo impoveriſhed, that they had not meanes ſufficient left, barely to liue vpon; were thereby diſabled to defend themſelues. 5. So that having for three yeares together endured the hardeſt of oppreſſions; they were deſirous rather to be freed, then further engaged, in a new warre and dangers. 6. Eſpecially having beene ſo much diſcouraged to ſerue the Emperour, who never kept promiſe with them. 7. As for the Kings proceedings, his courſes taken to eaſe them, were juſt and Chriſtian. 8. And ſeeing that very chary he was, to oppoſe the Emperour. 9. As purpoſing onely to reſtraine the inſolency of theſe new oppreſſors. 10. Therefore he thought this League to be his beſt courſe, both to recover his owne eſtate, and to ſecure Swedens. Seing therefore the King had paſt his royall word, to be a friend and not a foe, vnto all places which he ſhould recover: he profeſſes himſelfe willinger to entruſt his Countrey in the Kings hands, then hazard the loſſe of all. Foureteene Articles the King and Duke then agree vpon: of all which, theſe two chiefly concerne our Story. 1. That this warre was onely for Defence of the wronged, and not to injure the Emperour. 2. That all places recovered by the King, ſhould be reſtored vnto the Duke. An Excuſe beſides theſe ten former Reaſons, is by the Duke ſent vnto the Emperour: which with the reſt of the Articles we leaue to be read in the Engliſh Printed Booke of them.

Stetin being thus agreed with the King, willingly giues him 50000. Rixe Dollars, and the Countrey as many: The Merchants 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 alſo granting him a Subſidie of Tonnage and Poundage, of three and a halfe per Centum. The King takes care firſt, for the guarding of the Citie: to which end it is not onely fortified with new and ſtrange workes, but with a ſtanding Leaguer or Camp-royall alſo;A Camp formed by Stetin. formed at the Towne-bridge, on the Eaſt banke of the Oder; over which the noble Guſtavus Horne, Feild-Marſhall to his Majeſtie, in his abſence commands in chiefe. And here the Army being muſtered and payd, is ſent abroad vpon the errand they came for: and that one place might not helpe another, he with ſeverall troopes fals at once vpon ſeverall peices. To ſhew what every troope every day did, were to write a Diary, not a Story; and to take away the pleaſure of the reading. In a continued narration therefore, will wee proſecute the Story of every Citie, and Action by it ſelfe, from the beginning to the end of it; and then goe backe againe to another:The methode of the Story. taking each in his order of place, and time; that the Kings proceedings may the more clearely be diſcerned.

By this time are we come to the middle of Auguſt: and the King by the taking of Stargard, advanc't as farre into the Countrey as right againſt Gartz and Grippenhagen; is deſired by theſe of Stetin to beſiege theſe two Townes; becauſe the Garriſons that lay in them, vſed to ramble over all the Countrey, to ſpoyle, and plunder, and fetch in Contribution. But the King perceiving thoſe ſtrong places would take vp too much time, and he having a deſigne to cleare the Dutchy of Mecklenburg, as well as Pomeren; turnes his Army backe againe to theſe quarters: with a purpoſe in time to take the chiefe paſſages thither, before the enemy ſhould prevent him, and put him thereby to more trouble; Paſſing therefore beyond Stetin and towards Straleſundt againe, he ſets him downe before Wolgaſt; whoſe Port (as you heard) he had before taken. Wolgaſt beſieged. This is the chiefe Citie of the little Dutchy of Wolgaſt in Pomeren: The Towne he by fine force tooke in, wherein he found good ſtore of proviſion, both of Corne and Ammunition. In the heate of the aſſault, the Garriſon and chiefe Citizens retyre themſelues into the Cittadel or Caſtle: This now the King aſſeiges. Torquati Conti the Emperours Generall in thoſe parts, lay with his Army at that time at Ancklam, a Towne hard by Wolgaſt: he hoping to reſcue the peice, comes with three Regiments towards the reliefe of it: but is well beaten for his labour; ſaid to looſe 12. Enſignes and 3. Cornets in the Skirmiſh. The Caſtle thus defeated of her ſuccours, parlies: the conditions deſired by the Garriſon, were, To march out like Souldiers with full Armes, Colours flying, matches lighted, and their ſwords by their ſides. The King will let them goe out with no more then white ſtaues in their hands. Thoſe termes refuſed, the King falls to mining: and with two boats well mann'd and furniſht with Ordnance, he comes to the Oder-bridge, there landing and enquartering his men. Sends for the Duke of Stetin; he come, they make their approaches towards the walls; which he round beſets from the Oder-bridge vnto the mill-gate, rayſing Sconces and Batteries every where, where the ground was higheſt. Eight thouſand Canon-ſhot are beſtowed vpon the walles. They parlie againe; and the King condeſcends: ſix hundred Souldiers thereupon in fiue Companies, all vnder the command of Colonel Sclecter, come forth:The Caſtle taken. Three Companies of theſe fiue, preſently take Oath and pay for the Kings ſervice: the reſt march away. This was done in the end of Auguſt: about which time the Queene of Sweden being newly come over, the Caſtle is repayred and furniſhed for her Majeſties reſidence. In this Siege, the King loſt an hundred and twentie men.

Whileſt the King beſieges this Caſtle; Aucklam taken. Torquati perceiving no good to be done vpon him; and that the Queene of Sweden had newly brought over 8000. freſh men (as it was reported) with her, which might make the place too hot for him; riſes with his Army from his Quarter at Ancklam, marching directly towards Gartz: about which the Imperialiſts by the King turnd out of other places, and others newly ſent into Pomerland, began now to aſſemble. There he formes a Camp; which continued till the Towne was taken. He thus departing from Ancklam, leaues Eyſtat Governour in it: before 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 which, ſo ſoone as the King preſented his forces; the Citizens riſe vp for the King againſt the Garriſon; and let the Swedens into the Towne. This was done while the King was yet at the ſiege of Wolgaſt.

Ancklam thus obtained, the King purpoſing a deſigne for a voyage into Mecklenburg, Stolp taken. firſt cauſes the paſſage of Stolp to be taken. This Towne is neere vnto Ancklam, ſome fiue Leagues to the Weſt of Stetin, and towards the Sea: by which he had a full paſſage into Mecklenburg. After which he at ſeverall times alſo takes Trebbeſes, Gripnitz, and Treptow, three other chiefe paſſages, as we ſhall tell when we ſpeake of the Kings expedition into Mecklenburg.

A Faſt.We are now come to September: vpon the firſt Friday whereof the King commaunds a ſolemne Faſt to be kept throughout his Army and Leaguer at Stetin. Vpon that day the Imperialiſts being led by oneThis Quint was ſet on, to haue killd the King. Quint, who had before run away from the King, fall vpon the outter Guards of the Kings Camp, and cuts them off; putting the whole Army into danger. But they taking the Alarme, fall out vpon Quint, and beate him off with loſſe and ſhame enough. The next day alſo making a bravadoe againe, ſome thirty more of them are taken priſoners by the Swedens. The King a little after this, Muſters and payes his Forces newly arrived to him out of Pruſſia, for which he a while ſtayed, without doing much: and now abroad are they againe going, his Army being very much encreaſed by theſe, and thirtie-ſix troopes of horſe newly entertained.

Towards the middle of this September he ſends abroad 3000. horſe and 12000. foote to be doing, and to take in paſſages: ſends alſo to view the ſtrong places of Gartz and Grippenhagen: of which more when we come to thoſe Seiges. But here let me inſert an vnheard-of Crueltie of the Imperialiſts vpon the Townes of Paſewalk and Vckermund, ſome few leagues Weſt of Stetin: about mid-September, old ſtile, the Imperiall Garriſon vnder the Commaund of the cruell Colonell G •• ze, having plundred and forſaken the Towne, and carried the chiefe men away; on the 4.th of September 2. troupes of Swediſh horſe being 140. ſtrong, enter the forſaken Towne: fall with the Citizens to repayre and fortifie: 3000. Imperialiſts of the Army by Gartz hearing of this,The crueltie of the Imperialiſts at Paſewalk, take it againe from them Sept. 7th. and after moſt valiant reſiſtance, beate, kill, and driue out the Swediſh; fall to torturing of the Towneſmen for their money, crying giue vs money or bloud; raviſh women and girles, even in the open ſtreets, and Church-yards; yea women in Child-bed: kill and abuſe the men, fire the houſes and the people in them: thruſt ſtrawe into Cellars where Children are hidden, and then ſet fire to it: burne the Churches; maſſacre the Miniſters, and then maske vp and downe the ſtreets in their Coapes & Surpliſſes; and at length burne downe the whole Towne, laughing at it, how finely doth Paſewalk burne? Thus their rapes and ravages continue till the 11.th or 12.th of September: and at Vekermundt. After which they goe to Vckermundt, a Towne hard by (from whence theſe 140. Swediſh were thought to haue come) this they fall vpon and take: vſe as before; keepe the gates ſhut, and ſo burne the people in the Towne.

To returne to the King. About this time it ſeemes had his Majeſtie taken the oppreſſions and complaints of the people of Magdenburg into his royall conſideration; and therefore ſends ſome forces by Sea thither, to joyne with the Duke of Saxon Lawenburg; which Swediſh aydes, Sept. 25. land at Doſſou three leagues from Lubeck: of which more when we handle the whole Story of Magdenburg Namely, where wee ſpeake of Tilly. together. And about that time himſelfe in perſon goes to Ribbenitz in Mecklenburg: where his Campe is pitcht Sept. 28. of which more when we ſpeake of Mecklenburg.

About the ſame time of September, is the brave Lieutenant Generall Bauditzen ſent to the ſiege of Colbergen; and the noble Feild-Marſhall Guſtavus Horne commands the ſtanding Army at Stetin. Thus hath the King foure Armies at once: and thus are they all imployed. October 5th. certaine Crabats making a braue before the trenches at Stetin, driue away the Cattell thereby feeding. In reſcue of them, out ſally 1000. Swedens: the Crabats faine a ſlight; the Swedes too raſhly 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 purſuing,The Swedes beaten by the Imperialiſts. fall into an Ambuſh: there beginnes a fierce skirmiſh; in which the Swedes overlayd by numbers, looſe ſome 300. braue men, two Captaines of horſe, and one Sergeant Major; the reſt being glad to get off with their liues. The Swedes meditating revenge, fall out a while after vpon the Imperialiſts Cattell by Grippenhagen and Gartz, driving away ſome 300. from both places, and come fayrely with them to their quarter. Many the like feates of Armes were daily practiſed betwixt them.

And now leaving the other Armies to their buſineſſe in other places, Colbergen beſieged. we will turne to the ſiege of Colbergen: not becauſe it was firſt taken, but firſt beſieged: and becauſe it is a peice of Story by it ſelfe, vpon which no other depends; no other Towne being in thoſe quarters. This Towne is ſcituate on the Sea-coaſt, further from Straleſundt, and neerer vnto Pruſſia, then the King had yet conquered. So ſtrong a place, that Torquati and the reſt, had made choyce of it, there to lay vp their pillage, and what treaſure they had gotten in the warres. About the 4th. of September, was Colonel Kniphowſen ſent by the King to try what he could doe vpon it. His troupes being too weake, Bauditzen is ſent with 4000. men, and 18. peices of Ordnance. Vpon him the Crabats and other Imperialiſts ſet amaine: a hote skirmiſh there is, and much loſſe on both ſides. Bauditzen thereupon receiues two more Regiments from the King: ſo that now he is 5. Regiments of foote, and certaine horſe ſtrong before the Towne; The Gentlemen of the Country are alſo drawne into the action. The Garriſon within is 11. Companies of foote but very weake ones.

The famous Onſlaught of Colbergen. Torquati Conti not ignorant of this, hath a deſigne about the beginning of November, for the relieving of the Towne, and his owne treaſure in it; hoping eyther vtterly to defeate Bauditzen and Kniphowſen, that now blockt it vp, or at leaſt to beate vp a Quarter, and ſo to thruſt ſome ſuccours into it. Guſtavus Horne, then in the Camp at Stetin, having notice of it, immediately calls a Councell of Warre. The reſolution is, firſt to ſend Bauditzen and Kniphowſen word of it: wiſhing them to ſtand vpon their guard a while, aſſuring them by ſuch a time to be with them. This done, they draw out halfe of every Regiment, to goe along; every Colonel to command his owne: all being Commanded men, ſuch as had no Colours with them: and for defence of the Camp leaving the other halfe, with all the Lieutenant-Colonells, and Sir Arthur Leſlye to command all. Word alſo is ſent vnto the Swediſh Garriſons of Griffenberg & Golnaw, (juſt in the way) to come and meete them. So that with theſe, and their fellowes before Colbergen, they might make ſome 8000. foote & 4000. horſe. The enemy was alſo ſome 9. or 10000. men; and thoſe vpon their march, at leaſt a day or two before Guſtavus Horne had notice of it: but they going the further way about, through the Marck, and ſo along behinde Schiffelbien, (as farre from the Swediſh Garriſons as they could, for feare of being diſcovered,) the Swediſh were at Colbergen before them. There found they their owne men in battell array, and no newes of any Imperialiſts yet. Conſulting what to doe, they there reſolved to ſtay in ſight of the Towne, to amaze and affray the enemy all that day; and then to take as many out of the Leaguer as might well be ſpared, and ſo to march away by night, to meete with the enemy. Guſtavus Horne commanded the Foote, the Lord Reay led the valiant Scottiſh-men of his owne Nation, and Bauditzen the horſe. About midnight comes a Countrey-Boore vnto them, with aſſurance that the enemy had then taken vp their Quarter in two or three little Dorps, that were hard before them: els might they haue marcht by them, and ſo the enemy might haue gone on, and defeated thoſe before Colbergen firſt, and perchance thoſe at Stetin afterwards. Here the Colonells conſult what to doe. All, but Kniphowſen, reſolue to ſurprize them as they now lay ſcattered and devided in theſe Villages: but Kniphowſens adviſe was to ſtay till morning. His reaſons were, firſt they knew not the ſtrength and lodging of the enemy: ſo that if by any error they ſhould be defeated, Colberg, and Stetin, and all were loſt. Againe, it was a very good peice of ſervice, to haue prevented the enemy in his deſigne; and if they could not beate him, it were enough to turne him backe againe. And theſe reaſons prevailed: ſo that the Army being hardmarcht, ſate there downe to refreſh themſelues. Whileſt here they were, eyther the ſame Boore, or ſome other, goes and tells the Imperialiſts, that the Swediſh were hard by them: ſo that by three a clocke in the morning they might perceiue the enemies Dorps, all on a flame: for they riſing to be gone homewards, had now ſet fire vpon their Quarters. The Swediſh perceiving this, fall generally to blame Kniphowſen; reſolving inſtantly to purſue them. Comming to the forſaken Dorps, there knocke they downe ſome ſixtie men, that the enemy had left behinde, and ſo follow on the reſt. At breake of day, they had ſight of the retyring enemy, vpon a fayre Heath: whereupon the Swediſh horſe making more ſpeede, by eight a clocke were vpon the neckes of them. The enemy making Alt, turnes faces about to them: whereupon the Swediſh horſe forbeare to charge, till their owne Foote ſhould be come vp to them: who now doubling their march, were hard at hand with them. Thus when the enemy makes a ſtand, ſo doe the Swediſh too; and when the enemy marches, the other lyes beating vpon their Reere. The Crabats (or Imperiall horſe) perceiving themſelues likely to be overmatcht with numbers, play the Pultrons, and run away. The Foote goe on in this faſhion, till they came to a Dorpe, or Village, called Faldinbruch, there was a paſſage at a water-mill; over whoſe bridge they were to goe: and there one of the carriages of their Ordnance breaking, fowlly ſtopt vp their paſſage. Here being crowded and diſordered, the formoſt began alſo to flee. And now fell there ſo ſudden and ſo ſtrange a miſt, that a man could hardly diſcerne two Pikes length before him. The enemies Foote that could not get over the bridge, betooke themſelues into the mariſh by the Rivers ſide: ſtanding there vpon their owne defence, with matches Cockt, and Muskets vpon their Reſts. The Swediſh comming vp to them, they demaund Quarter: proffering to ſerue the King of Sweden, vpon condition every Officer to be vnder the King, the ſame they were vnder the Emperour: otherwiſe, they would dye like braue men, and ſell their liues as deare as they could. Quarter and Conditions are both granted them: ſo that there ſtill a while they ſtood. But to ſee the lucke of it; juſt in the meane time, returnes Bauditzen: who having beene purſuing the enemies horſe that fled, and now ſo vtterly rowted them, that ſcarce ten of them remained in a Company: and loſt them in the miſt withall: he ſeeing the enemy ſtand whole in a body together, and not knowing of the agreement; falls to charge them with his horſe. They perceiving this, began to ſuſpect trechery in it; that the Swediſh horſe ſhould fall vpon their Reere, and the Foot vpon their Van; & ſo they ſhould periſh betwixt both. To prevent which, they putting themſelues into two diviſions, turne backe to backe; thoſe next to Bauditzen, all at once giving fayre fire vpon him. That volley made a Fell of many a braue man. Bauditzen charges againe, charges home, and thorough them: vtterly breakes and defeats them. The other Swediſh body of horſe hearing the fight, and the miſt not ſuffering them to diſcerne the matter, imagined verily, that the enemy had beene come backe againe: yea meſſenger comes vpon meſſenger with the newes,A ſtrange cofuſion & miſtake among the Swediſh. Our men are vtterly defeated. And when as ſome of the horſe that had the Van of the Swedens Foote, came towards them; they certainly beleeved them to be enemies, and their owne men to be defeated: and thereupon giue fire vpon them. The other, thinke the Devill to be in it; and that their Foote had beene defeated, and theſe to be enemies: and therefore fly backe againe to their fellowes. Others alſo comming vpon our Van, they fall to charge them: the other as faſt letting fly at them againe. Thus having no Colours with vs, wee knew not friends from foes, our enemies, from our fellowes. In this miſerable error, and myſticall meddly wee continue, vntill 4. a clocke at night: when by finding ſome of our owne to be ſlaine, (whom we well knew) we began to find our miſtake. The Emperours whole forces, both foote and horſe, were defeated: their Canon, all their baggage and foure Cornets, taken from them. All our owne horſe, except Bauditzens owne Regiment, ran away: as alſo the body of our Foote did, which were led by the yong Grave of Thurne, and Colonell Wallenſtein: onely the Van of the Swediſh Foote ſtood firme; Commanded by Baron Teuffell, the Lord Reay, and Sir Iohn Haibron. So that both the Armies had run away in the miſt; except Bauditzen and his Regiment of horſe, and the Van of Foote aforeſaid. Theſe ſtayed after the fight, to bury their ſlaine fellowes. This prettie kinde of battell hapned vpon the 11.th of November, 1630. In which, what with thoſe that were ſlaine by the enemy, and what they had killed themſelues; were 500. men loſt. The reſt, partly laughing at their owne miſtake, partly ſorry for their fellowes and Comrades; and partly glad to haue defeated the enemy; they returne homewards againe: Bauditzen and Kniphowſen vnto their ſiege; and the other vnto their Leaguer.

Preſently after this, in the middle of the ſame November, were there 182. houſes burnt within the Citie: the fault was layd vpon the negligence of a ſervant: though others ſuſpected it to be a villany of the beſieged: Sure it is, that there were Letters intercepted by the Swediſh, which ſhould haue perſwaded the Garriſon, that ſeeing they could not be relieved, the beſt way were to fire the Towne, and by a reſolute ſally to breake through the enemy. This is like vnto the Imperialiſts practiſes in other places: who at Gartz and Grippenhagen about the ſame time, made ſtay of all the Boats that came vp the Oder, having a deſigne to fire Stargard with them; by that meanes to haue delivered Colbergen. The ſame they threatned vnto Stetin alſo: which made thoſe Townes ſtand vpon their guard the ſurer. Towards the end of November, the Swedes cut off the freſh water that ſerv'd the Citie. In the beginning of December, the beſieged vpon an advantage ſallying out, ſurprize a Lieutenant, with ſome thirtie of their enemies; and the Swediſh within a while after, cut off a Convoy of 180 Wagons laden with Corne and other proviſions, which was going into the Citie: an hundred of which they bring away; the reſt which they had not time nor meanes to doe, they ſet fire on. In February when the King was gone towards Mecklenburg, the Garriſon making abroad, fetch in 500. head of Cattell one with another. Thus paſt there encounters too and againe betwixt them, till the end of February. the 26. whereof, they now finding their proviſions to fayle within, & their hopes without; ſend to parlie with the Swediſh Generall, who acquaints the King with it. His Majeſtie condeſcends, Colbergen yeelded vp. to let them come out with Colours flying, matches light, full Armes, bag and baggage, and two peices of Ordnance. They were in all 1500. men; whereof 9. Companies of foote, and two of horſe: all which were by the Swediſh conueyed to Schiffelben: whence they were to march vnto Landtsbergen. Thus that ſtrong Towne which had been three yeares in fortifying, (the Country-people for ten or twelue miles compaſſe, having beene enforced to labour at it,) is now after fiue moneths ſiege vpon the ſecond of March (old ſtile) taken in by the King: who found in it, 51. peices of Ordnance of a greater bore, and 19. ſmaller Feild-peices: 224. barrells of powder, with proportionable Ammunition. The day after the yeelding, a ſhippe comming with men and victualls for their reliefe, not knowing of it, falls into the hands of the Swedens.

A report was alſo ſpread abroad in the Country, that before their giving vp of the Towne, they had digd mines, and layd gun-powder and burning matches by it; which after two or three dayes ſhould take fire, and blow vp the Towne; which the Swedes in good time diſcovering, ſent after them in all haſt, to call them backe to an account for their baſe trechery. But this we cannot affirme. True it is, that they were ſent for backe, and ſtayd at Friberg in the New-Marke: but this was by reaſon of Tillyes crueltie, at his taking of New Brandenburg at this very time, where he put all to the ſword.

The day before Colberg was taken;A new league betwixt the Kings of France and Sweden. was there a League concluded betwixt the Kings of France and Sweden: in theſe termes.

1. That it be for the defence of either of their Friends reſpectiuely, for the ſecuring of the Ocean and Baltick Seas, and the freedome of Commerce in them: as alſo for the reſtoring of the oppreſſed States and Princes of the Romane Empire: and that the Forts newly erected vpon the Ports or Coaſts of eyther Sea, or inThe Griſins Country. Rhetia; be demoliſhed; and all reduced to the eſtate they were in, before the Germane warre.

2. That becauſe the Adverſe partie hath had no minde hitherto, to repayre offered injuries; and hath rejected all interceſſions; therefore is there no remedie, but to vindicate their ſafetie by ſtrong hand: for effecting whereof, the King of Sweden is at his owne charges to maintaine 30000. foote and 6000. horſe in Germany. And the King of France to pay his yearely ſhare in Rixe Dollars: whereof the one halfe, May 15 and the other, November 15. eyther at Paris or Amſterdam, as the King of Sweden ſhall thinke fit, who is to appoint his owne Receivers.

3. The levying of Souldiers or Mariners, the paſſages of ſhipping and ammunition, ſhall be in eyther of their Dominions free for either partie, and be denied to the enemy. Offenders againſt military diſcipline, and ſuch as runne away from their Colours, to be left to their owne Princes to be puniſhed.

4. If it pleaſes God to giue the King of Sweden good ſucceſſe, he ſhall not deale otherwiſe in poynt of Religion to thoſe places that he ſhall conquer, or haue yeelded vp to him; then the Lawes and Conſtitutions of the Empire appoynt: and the Romane religion ſhall ſtill be left free, where it is now practiſed.

5. Into this League, may any other States or Princes, eyther within Germany or without, be admitted, that deſire it: but let due care be had, that whoſoever be ſo admitted, may neither privily nor openly, favour the adverſe partie, vnder their owne name, or pretence of others; or offer wrong vnto the foreſaid Kings, or the common cauſe: but let each of them rather contribute vnto this warre ſo much as they are able, or concernes their intereſt: Which is to be determined vpon by a particular Treatie.

6. With the Duke of Bavaria and the Catholike Leaguers, in the Romane Empire, let termes of amitie, or neutralitie at leaſt, be obſerved: if ſo be, they doe the like againe.

7. And if by Gods grace any occaſion of Treatie offers it ſelfe; let it be by the common Counſells of the Leaguers: nor let any of theſe conclude a peace without the other.

8. This League to endure for fiue yeares to come: that is, from the day of the date hereof, vnto the firſt of March, old ſtile, in the yeare 1636. to come. Within which terme vnleſſe a ſecure peace may be obtained; vpon a generall Treaty of the Confederates, let this League be further againe prorogued.

It is moreover agreed; that becauſe the laſt yeare this League had beene begun to be treated vpon, to continue for ſix yeares; and that the King of Sweden had in the meane time beene at the ſole charges of the warre: therefore in regard of the yeare paſſed, the King of France vpon the day of Signing theſe Articles, is to giue him Bills of Exchange for 300000. pounds Turon, which amount vnto 120000 Rixe Dollars; which ſumme is not to be reckoned in, vnto the payments to be made in the next fiue yeares.

Of this League the King of Sweden giues preſent notice vnto the Proteſtant Princes now at the Dyet of Leipſich; aſſuring them that his intentions were no other, but to defend and reſtore, the Germane Princes, and their Liberties, &c.

All the backe of Pomeren being thus cleered by the taking of Colberg, turne we backe now againe, to what was in the meane time done in other places. The King (who would ſee to the doing of all) leaving his Army in Mecklenburg, was now come backe into Pomeren; The ſiege of Grippenhagen. and now caſts his eye vpon Grippenhagen. This Towne ſcituate vpon the North banke of the Oder ſome three Leagues from Stetin, is naturally a very ſtrong place. A peice of much importance withall, by reaſon of the bridge which it hath over the Oder, by which there is eaſie paſſage eyther to offend or relieve, the Land of Marck on the Eaſt ſide, and Pomeren and Brandenburg on the Weſt. In it lay an Imperiall Garriſon of ſome 3000. men: and Don Capua a Spaniard their Governour. In Iuly 1630. therefore, the King taking ſome fiue Regiments of foote, and one of horſe along with him, and ſending his Ammunition vp the Oder, goes to looke vpon the place, as thoſe of Stetin had requeſted him. Being deſirous one day to ſatisfie himſelfe in viewing of a paſſage, with 24 horſe onely in his attendance; he falls into an Ambuſh of 60. horſe: where valiantly defending himſelfe a while;The King in danger. he is very timely fetcht off by foure troopes of his owne horſe, which came in vpon the ſpurre, ſo ſoone as they heard the Piſtols goe off. The place he findes not onely hot, but heavie: not ſo eaſie to be carried: and eſpecially for that the Imperiall Army then lay at Gartz, ſome few miles aboue it on the other ſide of the Oder. Therefore giues he it over for that time. After his cōming from Mecklenburg now, his Majeſtie December 23. (old ſtile) with 12. Regiments of foote and 85. troopes of horſe, in perſon drawes downe toward the Towne, about the Evening ſhewing himſelfe in battell array before it. The advantage of the enſuing night, he takes for the planting of his Ordnance; whereof he had brought 80. peices along with him: of which, 32. being Demy-Canons, he mounts 10. of them vpon the place of execution;The Townes of Germany haue vſually neere without their walles a goodly payre of ſtone Gallowes, vpon a little hill, which is for a heading place; which is often tim • s low walled or fenced in. Having given order the day before for prayers and Sermons throughout the Camp; on Chriſtmas Eve by fiue a clocke in the morning, he begins a moſt furious battery: 10. 15. or 20. peices of Canon continually going off together. A fayre and large breach being made, the Swedens twice attempt to enter, and are twice moſt valiantly repulſed. But 2500. men (for no more are now left) being vnable to hold out againſt 20000. the Towne is at the third aſſault taken. The Governour received a ſhot in his thigh, whereof in priſon at Stetin he afterwards dyed. With him is the Sergeant Major Antonio alſo taken: many chiefe Commanders, and 100. common Souldiers. 200. were flame; ſome fled; the reſt flinging away their Armes, craved Quarter, and had it. The King had but ſix men ſlaine out right, though many wounded: for which he tooke eight peices of Ordnance in the Towne.

The ſiege of Gartz. At Gartz (before deſcribed) another ſtrong Towne, with a bridge alſo over the Oder, had the Imperiall Army ever ſince their removing from Ancklam, layne. To dare Torquati Conti their Generall into the feild; the King with ſome ten thouſand foote and twenty-foure troupes of horſe, preſents himſelfe before his Trenches about mid-Auguſt 1630. He not diſpoſed to come out, nor the King to aſſault him in his Quarters, returnes home againe. In his returne he lights vpon Walenſteyns Sonne, (the Emperours great Generall) drawne in a Coach and ſix horſes; guarded with an indifferent Convoy. Whom the Kings horſe forthwith charging, take 120. priſoners, and ſome 35. horſes. The yong Gentleman quitting his Coach, eſcapes away on horſebacke. The plague much raging in Sūmer time about the Army at Gartz, Torquats ſends the diſeaſed into other Quarters, enterteyning 2000. Crabats in their places. About mid-September there fell out a moſt bloudy fight:The Imperialiſts beaten. wherein thoſe of Gartz were ſayd to looſe more then 1000. men; and yet I report but the third part. They about the ſame time,The Sweden beaten. beate a Convoy of the Swedes alſo; and bring away 100. horſes into their Campe. In the beginning of December, ſome are ſent thence into Mecklenburg: at other times ſome others are ſent to lye in Garriſon in the Townes of the Land of Marck, beyond Grippenhagen. Others had beene ſent to the reliefe of Colbergen: ſome ſlaine; and very many dyed of the plague. And thus had this Army beene impayred. Grippenhagen therefore being now taken, and ſetled: within a day or two after Chriſtmas day, the King ſends his whole Army to the ſtrong Sconce of Morewitz, which ſerved for the guard of the bridge: fully beleeving, that rather then the Imperialiſts would looſe ſo important a peice, they would bid him battell. But the Count of Schamberg (who now commanded the Army in ſtead of Torquato, that had lately given vp his Charge) notwithſtanding he were ſome 15000. ſtrong; perceiving his Army to be ill diſcip • in'd, vſed rather to plunder, then fight; durſt not hazard the encounter: but calling the Garriſon out of the Towne, he ſets fire to the Ammunition, drownes ſuch powder and Ordnance, as he could not draw away; Gartz forſa •••• 〈◊〉 the Imperialiſts. and ſo without one ſhot making, very confuſedly marches • ff; leaving the emptie Towne vnto the King; himſelfe with all ſpeede haſting, to get through Cuſtrine, into Landtsbergen, a very ſtrong place in the way towards Sileſia. The King followes him with as much ſpeed, as the other fled, ſtill beating vpon his Reere. The Saxoniſh, Gotiſh, and Swertzenhalliſh Regiments he ſo vtterly diſperſed, that they were fayne to leaue their baggage behinde them: They that name leaſt, tell vs of 300. Wagons with their burdens; beſides 14. Enſignes. Colonell Sparre with ſome few Wagons of his owne baggage, ſaved himſelfe in Cuſtrine: Some others gat through into Landtsberg, and others recovered Franckford vpon Oder: about which laſt place, they after rallied their forces together againe. This was certainly a notable defeate; yea ſo notable, that had the King then had Cuſtrine in his hands (which he had before deſired of the Elector of Brandenburg) the enemy had gotten no paſſage over the Oder at all; eyther into Franckford or Landtsbergen: yea he had gotten them in fayre Campagnia among his owne garriſons, had ſtill followed beating vpon their Reere; yea being once in rowt, eyther they could never haue made head againe, or if they had, he had inſtantly beene vpon the powles of them; and ſo haue vtterly defeated the Imperiall Army. Then had Pomeren been quite cleered, Franckford & Landtsbergen taken at one blow. Sileſia alſo had beene left naked: yea and Tilly being not yet come vp, Magdenburg had beene ſaved, and all Mecklenburg beſieged by the Kings Armies. But all this fayled, for want of Cuſtrine.

The King returning from the Chaſe, even while the feare and dread of his Armes, and the loue of his juſtice, were vpon all the Countrey: Coninxberg taken. goes in perſon towards Coninxberg, a Towne on the Eaſt-ſide of the Oder, not farre from Cuſtrine. Here had he not much to doe; for that the Towneſmen voluntarily brought their keyes, and layd them downe at his Majeſties feete. Thence in perſon goes he towards Lubus, a Fort within a Dutch mile of Franckford, almoſt betwixt it and Cuſtrine: and there he pitches his Campe about the 8.th of Ianuary, Lockonitz, taken. old ſtile. About the ſame time goes Colonell Leſlye towards Lockonitz, a Caſtle in the very Frontiers of Pomeren, belonging vnto Schulenburg, and kept by an hundred Imperialiſts: vpon which place Sir Arthur Leſlye comming by night, ſo thunders with his Ordnance vpon them, that having beaten downe the gates, he falls to enter: killing ſome twentie of thoſe that made reſiſtance, and taking ſome 80. priſoners. The Caſtle was by the King freely given vnto the Colonell, that thus tooke it in. At the ſelfe ſame time, falls Bauditzen vpon the Garriſon of Piritz, Piritz taken. a Towne betwixt Grippenhagen & Coninxberg: in which were ſome 1400. men: theſe he defeates, and ſo is that Towne taken.

But the chiefe deſigne, was at the ſtrongeſt place,A deſigne vpon Landtsberg defeated. Landtsberg by name; whither Guſtavus Horne was ſent; the King hoping at this ſame one voyage, to haue taken in that alſo. But this deſigne was for that time put by, as we ſhall hereafter ſhew, when we come to ſpeake of that ſiege. Yet doth not Guſtavus Horne looſe all his labour: for hearing in his returne, of fiue troopes of Crabats, which vſed with ſtrong parties to make ſallies and cavalcadoes, and plundering voyages out vpon the Country, from out of Himmelſtadt (a towne ſome League or two to the Northward:) ſome of theſe he cuts ſhort; and others of their Nation in other places, about this Landtsberg.

Thus having in eight dayes ſpace (which is admirable) taken in ſo many Cities, defeated ſo many enemies; gotten many a great priſoner, and now cleered Pomeren and Marckland, even from Pruſſia ſide, all betweene the Rivers of Warta and Oder (except Landtsberg:) he calls his Army together againe, ſitting downe with it at Coninxberg aforeſaid, (whither he brought 70. peices of Ordnance) where he ſtayed vntill he had increaſed it with ſome new levies, made for him in the New Marck; and had begunne to rayſe ſome Sconces for the ſecuring of the Country. Of theſe Sconces, one was hard by Cuſtrine, and another neerer vnto Sileſia: for the guarding of which workes, and the blocking vp of Himmelſtadt and Landtsberg withall, he at his going away, leaues 9000. men in Brandenburg-land. Whileſt this is a doing, the King in perſon goes towards Cuſtrine (the chiefe Towne, and the ſtrongeſt of all Brandenburg:) demaunding to haue that Towne conſign'd over into his protection, that he might put a Garriſon into it, and ſo keepe the enemy from returning over the Oder. This requeſt, notwithſtanding it were by the Elector denyed, (not daring to doe it as yet, the Imperialiſts being not onely in that Towne, but in his whole Country beſide, and the Governour Krachten diſſwading it mainly) yet thus much courage the Elector after that tooke vnto himſelfe; that he preſently ſet out a Proclamation againſt the ſharking and ſtroy-good Imperialiſts: commaunding his Subjects, by ſtrong hand to reſtraine their inſolencies; and to let none ramble vp and downe the Country, but ſuch as had lawfull Paſſes. Now had the King an Army of ſome 18. Regiments of Foote, and 86. Cornets of Horſe: and now by mid-Ianuary was Generall Tilly come vp to Franckford, Tillyes comming. there to ſuccour and take on thoſe troupes, which the King had before ſcattered: which (as we ſayd) began now to gather head againe about this Franckford. Of his comming the King now hearing, ſends Guſtavus Horne with a reaſonable Army towards the Frontiers of Sileſia to ſtaue off Tilly from comming downe that way, vnto any of the new conquered places: himſelfe inſtantly marching into the Land of Mecklenburg. The whole ſtory of which, and his Majeſties proceedings in that Country; we will now preſent you with altogether; beginning with his former expedition thither.

This Country of Mecklenburg lyes Weſtward of Pomerland, along the coaſt betwixt Brandenburg and the Sea. Two Dukedomes it hath, Schwerin and Guſtrow; lately poſſeſſed by two brothers, Iohn Albert the elder brother, and Adolph Frederike the younger: both the right heires, and both ſtiled Dukes of Mecklenburg. Theſe Princes had the Emperour of late, very injuriouſly deveſted of their Eſtates, and given them vnto Walenſteyn his great Generall, with the Title of Duke of Mecklenburg. The diſſeized Dukes, complaine vnto th • ir Coſin the King of Sweden; their reliefe was another mayne cauſe of his comming in Germany. His Majeſtie therefore having made ſo victorious an entrance into Pomeren, and cleered all thoſe parts vpon the confines of Pomerland, (except Gripſwald) next vnto Mecklenburg: reſolues vpon an expedition thither in perſon. About Auguſt 6. 1630. he prepares his owne way by taking the paſſage of Stolp, neere Ancklam, ſome fiue leagues below Stetin towards the Sea, whereby he hath a full paſſage into Mecklenburg. The Kings firſt expedition into Mecklenburg. Towards the end of September, his Majeſty makes ſtay of all great boats and ſhips vpon the Oder, and the mouth of it: wherein having ſhipt ſome 12000 men and their Ammunition; he ſayles by Wolgaſt (taken ſome moneth before) and Straleſundt; He takes Bart, Damgarden, & Rubenitz. paſſing vnto Bart, a Towne in Mecklenburg, ſtanding vpon an arme of the Sea, a little within the ſhoare. That takes he in firſt. Then haſts he to Damgarden the next Towne on the Eaſt ſide of that arme of the Sea: which Towne & the Sconce to it, he preſently takes in by aſſault: many of the Souldiers being flung out at the windowes, and ſome others by miſchance burnt. Three dayes after this, to Rubenitz he comes: a Towne in the very bottome of that Indraught or arme of the Sea: and that he by force takes alſo. Meſcord the Governour is taken priſoner, and his Lieutenant Iers, ſlaine with a Musket ſhot. Here pitches he his Camp; giving order for the fortifying of this, and Damgarden and Trubbeſees, another late taken paſſage towards Pomeren. Being here ſetled;He ſummons the Country. he firſt of all by a Proclamation dated from Rubenitz Sept. 28. ſummons the Gentry and people of the Country, to remember their oath once taken to their naturall Princes: to forſake Walenſteyns title and ſervice: to come armed into his Camp, or other his troupes; to proſecute and kill all the Walſteyners: and to fight with him for the libertie of their Countrey. Thoſe which doe not, he threatens to purſue as traytors and enemies: thoſe which did, to affoord his royall protection vnto. A ſecond mandate he then ſends to the Towne of Roſtock: of which more, when we come to ſpeake of that City. Sir Iohn Bannier, (his Majeſties Lieutenant for thoſe parts) being about that time alſo vpon the frontiers of Mecklenburg towards Pomeren; directs his Letters vnto theſe borderers, to this purpoſe. That ſeeing the Imperialiſts thereabouts did nothing but pillage and plunder them of their Cattell and goods; and that the King his Maiſters intention was, onely to defend them: therefore they ſhould ſend their Corne and Cattle towards Rubenitz or Straleſundt. Which if they refuſed, the King would thinke thoſe pillages wilfully endured by them to relieue his enemies, and that they meant to fall away from their owne Princes: and muſt therefore take their goods where ever he found them, perſecuting them as traytors and enemies.

Whileſt here at Rubenitz the King lyes encamped, and his forces in the meane time buſie about the Country: there arriues an Imperiall Curryer in his Camp.The Emperours Letters vnto him. His Letters contained an admiration of the Emperours, why the King ſhould come armed into the Empire: offering him a treatie of peace, if ſo be he would firſt lay downe Armes. Theſe ſeeme written from Ratiſbone. The Kings anſwere. To this he anſwers; That his Imperiall Majeſtie would ceaſe to wonder, if he pleaſed to remember the two Armies ſent againſt him into Pruſſia; the wronging of his Friends; and the endangering of his owne Sweden. As for the offer of peace, he deſires pardon if he thinkes it not ſincerely meant; ſeeing it had beene before ſcorned: and that now the Emperour while he ſpake of peace, did ſtill continue his Levies. As for laying downe of Armes, he vtterly refuſes that; or to truſt any more vnto verball promiſes: and for treatie of peace, he would be moſt glad to entertaine it: which vpon theſe termes he will agree vnto; namely, That all Germany be ſo ſetled and re-eſtated, as it was before the beginning of theſe warres. This was written after the Kings returne to Straleſundt, the ſame moneth of October, in which it was received. The Emperour perceiving that words and papers would not beate Swedens ſword out of his hand, at the breaking vp of the Dyet of Ratiſbone, in the beginning of November, ſets out his Imperiall mandate, for the continuing of the warres; and againſt the King of Sweden by name; procuring the Electors alſo to decree the ſame: and to agree to ayde him in it. And by this time was the King come from Straleſundt againe, vnto his Army at Rubenitz; where he for a while held the head quarter of his Camp: the reſt of the Army, being partly neerer advanc't vnto Roſtock, and part employed with Bannier in other places. And now (it ſeemes) ſome of his,Theſe, I ſuppoſe, were ſome of thoſe forces, which the King had ſent towardes Magdenburg: & which had landed at Daſſow, within a lea • ue or two of Lubeck, about Sept. 25. having beene as farre as Lubeck (one of the Hanſe Townes vpon the Frontiers of Mecklenburg and Holſatia) and there impriſoned and vncourteouſly vſed: the King writes his Letters vnto the Towne, to this purpoſe: That ſeeing ſuch diſcourteſie had beene offered, he could not but admoniſh them to forbeare: as they would looke for the like vſage, where he had to doe. And now had not the King an Army alone hereabouts, but a navy too vpon thoſe coaſts; to confront the Imperiall Navy gathered amongſt the Hanſe Townes thereabouts. For in the beginning of December, I finde a Sea-fight betwixt Gabriel de Roy, the Emperous Admirall with 15. ſhippes, and 9. Swediſh men of warre, neere vnto Wiſmar (another Hanſe Towne betwixt Roſt • ck and Lubeck: A Sea-fight.) in which the ſayd Imperiall Admirall ſhippe was foure times ſhot through, forced to ſaue himſelfe in Wiſmar, and to leaue three of his Ships vnto the Swediſh.

Turne we now vnto Roſtock This Hanſe Towne,The ſiege of Roſtock. ſcituate in Mecklenburg vgon the River Warnow. Weſt of Rubenitz; and ſome few miles from the Sea; had till now beene freed from Imperiall Garriſons: but vpon the Kings comming to Bart, was ſurpriſed by this deviſe following.1000 Imperiall horſe get into it. A thouſand Imperiall Horſe ſend ſome before them to demaund paſſage through the Towne; pretending to goe againſt the King of Sweden: being beleeved and admitted, they keepe poſſeſſion of the gates, let in their followes; breake the lockes off the poſts, which faſtned the chaines drawne croſſe the ſtreets: and ſo finally poſſeſſe themſelues of the Market place. This done, they compell the Citizens to bring all their Armes into the Statehouſe, making them ſweare they had no more: then they billet themſelues vpon the Citizens, and keepe ſuch a racket, that the Towneſmen dare hardly open their dores, for feare of being pillaged. The King at his comming to Rubenitz hearing of this Garriſon,The Kings Letters to thoſe of Roſtock. writes thus vnto the Towneſmen. That ſeeing by his comming into the Country, there had beene a doore opened for their freedome; they ſhould now remember the Oath ſometimes taken to their Duke, caſt out the Garriſon, and reſtore their Citie to her ancient freedome. Which if they did, he would take it for an argument of their innocency; become their friend, and inlarge their Cities priviledges. If they neglected it, he muſt like enemies purſue them, both by Sea and Land.

The Towne eyther not willing, or perchance not able to doe this, the King beginnes to make ſome approaches vnto it;He blocks vp the Towne. to blocke vp the paſſages, to build Sconces and Redoubts: yea and cauſes his Fleet to hover vp and downe their coaſts. This was in the beginning of October. Theſe proceedings the Walſteyners in other Garriſons hearing of, ſend out a ſtrong Convoy of 4000. men, to open the paſſages againe, and to thruſt ſome men and victuals into the Citie. • 000. Imperialiſts defea • ed. Theſe the Swediſh grapling withall, ſhrewdly defeated, and kill the moſt of them; vtterly fruſtrating their deſigne. In the beginning of November, he approaches within two Engliſh miles, or leſſe, of the very Citie; ſtill rayſing Sconces and Retrenchments againſt them. About the beginning of December, ſome ſeven Cornets of Imperiall horſe iſſue out of the Towne on the cleerer ſide, to goe a boote-haling: theſe the Swediſh having by their eſpyalls notice of,& 7. Cornets of horſe. purſue. In the Skirmiſh, are 200. Imperialiſts ſlaine vpon the place: 280. taken priſoners; and ſome 400. horſe brought away: ſcarcely 20. ſoundmen, recovering into the Towne againe: a pitifull boothaling for them. In this fight, a certaine Swediſh Colonell of Finland, for tryall of his valour, did twice charge quite through the Imperiall troupes; in his returne the ſecond time, by maine ſtrength taking a Captaine out of his ſaddle, and bringing him away vnder his arme. About the middle of Ianuary, is Hatzfeldt, Governour of the Towne, in his owne lodging murthered by one Warmier, a Lawyer. And in this ſtate wee leaue the Citie ſtill beſieged by the King, though not with a great, yet with a well ordered Army: himſelfe being (as we before told you) in perſon long before gone backe, to ſee to other things in Pomeren.

Thus continues Roſtock blockt vp both by Sea and Land, rather then beſieged; vntill after the Reinſtallment of their Lords the Dukes of Mecklenburg againe, and the taking of Gripſwald in Pomeren in mid-Iune following. After which time, the Swediſh Generall Toodt being at good leiſure, is commaunded by the King to conjoyne 10000. foote & horſe, of thoſe forces which had taken Gripſwald, with 5000. of the two Dukes of Mecklenburg; and more ſtrongly to purſue the ſiege of Roſtock: and to beginne to blocke vp Wiſmar alſo. Againe; the Queene of Sweden a little after this arriving with 8000. new men at Wolgaſt; 5000. more are ſent into Mecklenburg; as ſpeedily as might be, to rid out all the Imperialiſts. The Imperiall Garriſons in Butzon and Guſtrow hearing of the comming of theſe laſt 5000. conjoyne their faces in one body, reſolving to try their fortunes vpon them, and to giue them their wellcome into the Countrey. But Doodt and Mecklenburg provided better for them: commaunding all the horſe they could ſpare, to convoy in their 5000. friends; and then together, to ſet vpon their enemies. They did ſo; ſurpriſed, defeated, and ſlew the moſt of them: having the chaſe of them, even vnto their owne Frontiers: and had the Swediſh had but 1000. Muskettiers more with them, they had (as 'tis verily thought) at the ſame inſtant taken Roſtock alſo. The Swediſh Army being thus re-enforced, and the enemies weakned; they become bold to divide their Armyes vpon it: Duke Iohn of Mecklenburg with 8000. men continuing the ſiege of Roſtock; and Doodt with Duke Adolph of Mecklenburg going to beſiege Wiſmar, with the reſt of the Army; which might be as many more. And thus I finde them ſtill both lying Auguſt 25. About the end of which moneth, Duke Iohn ſo well plyed his buſines, that he tooke the ſtrong Fort or Blockhouſe of Warnemund; ſo called of the River Warnow, which is the Haven to the Towne of Roſtock; the Fort ſtanding on the Weſt ſide, and neere vnto the necke of that River, which next vnto the Sea is ſo narrow, that this Fort hath the commaund of all the Ships that come into it. This Fort taken, the Garriſon preſently tooke pay vnder the Duke. By mid-September, had the Duke made his approaches, • ermund cauſes all the mils to be burnt, the Shallops to be ſunke in the Warnow, to keepe out the Swediſh Ships; makes his Crabats ride vp and downe the ſtreets, to prevent the prac •• ſes of the •• wneſmen. even vnder the very walles and Canon of the Towne of Roſtock: Tilly in vaine attempting the reliefe of the Citie, eyther with men or victualls. Now was the Garriſon in the Towne waſted away to 1500. men: and the Citizens weary of a ſiege, and fearing to looſe all, if the Towne ſhould be taken by aſſault: beginne not onely to wiſh well, but to ſpeake well, in favour of the King, and their Lord the Duke. Thus much the new Governourm Fermund obſerving in them; beginnes to take notice of their carriages: and to put both the Duke and them, out of all hope of fayre compounding vpon treatie, or any yeelding; he cauſes a fayre Streamer to be hang'd out vpon the turrets of the Towne: to ſhew, that he would hold out as long as he had any thing that was red in him.

Wiſmar beſieged.This Wiſmar is another of the Hanſe Townes; and in the ſame Dutchy of Mecklenburg alſo. Diſtant ſome ſeaven or eight leagues to the Weſt of Roſtock: and almoſt ſo ſcituate, but the haven much larger. Here did Duke Adolph and the Generall Toodt entrench themſelues by land; the Swediſh fleet waiting vpon it by Sea, as it did vpon Roſtock alſo. Of this ſiege I can adde, but this vnto the former Sea-fight, That about the beginning of Auguſt the Swediſh Shallops boldly going into the haven, brought away the Admirall and another Ship, brauely towing them both away with them.

The Kings • econd expe ••• ion into Mecklenburg. Tilly about the 24. of Ianuary being now advanced as neere the King as Franckford on the Oder: his Majeſtie fearing if he marcht vp into Mecklenburg, he might there make fowle worke; leaues Guſtavus Honne with the Army about Coninxberg; and writes his Letters vnto thoſe of the New Marcke, on the Eaſt ſide of the Oder; to this purpoſe: That ſeeing he haddow cleered their whole Country from their oppreſſors the Imperialiſts; every man ſhould a Gods name returne to his owne houſe,His Letters to 〈◊〉 of the •• w Marcke. trade, and husbandry: he profeſſing to be their friend, and promiſing to be their protector. That which he deſired of them was; ſuch proviſions for his Army left amongſt them, as they could well ſpare, and the other wanted. Thoſe that did not, he would take for his, and their Countries enemies. Vpon which gracious Monitory, divers return'd againe, without moleſtation falling vnto their buſineſſe. This done, the King calls off the moſt of his Army from the ſiege of Landtsberg, and his troupes from other places; appoynting their Rendezvous to be at Dam, the 28. of Ianuary, Stilo novo: and ſo Feb. 4. he againe paſſes Stetin towards Mecklenburg: where with an Army of 16000. horſe and foote, he vnlookt for arrived. There he firſt of all takes in New Brandenburg, within 8. leagues of Stetin: Takes New Brandenburg. Cononel Marezan the Governour taking compoſition, and marching with ſix Companies of foote, and three of horſe, of Monte-Cuculi his Regiment; and 120. of Colonell Putlars Regiment. There did the King leaue Colonell Kniphowſen for his Governour. To this Towne Feb. 6. he ſummons the people of the Country of Stargard: with whom he treates, concerning the maintayning of the forces left for their guard. The newes of this being brought, to thoſe of Treptow, Treptow the ſame day. another good Towne and a paſſage thereby; away run the Imperiall Garriſon: of which his Majeſtie having ſpeedy notice, he the ſame day ſends ſome troupes thither, and takes it. Thoſe of Dammin (a very ſtrong Towne) fearing to be taken vnfurniſhed, with all ſpeede ſend to Gripſwald, nere Straleſundt, for more Ordnance: but neyther this, nor their ſo ſtrong fortifications will ſerue their turne. For Feb. 14.The ſtrong Towne of Dammin aſſaulted. the King ſets downe to the ſiege; after a hideous battery, is the Caſtle firſt of all taken by aſſault, and the Garriſon put to the ſword; of whom there were ſeaven Companies, as 'tis ſayd; beſides 150. others, that had newly joyned with them. Finding the Citie too ſtrong to take by aſſault; the 15.th day, he thunders vpon that againe, beates downe the workes, and makes ſo vaſt a breach in the very hard walles; that the Governour, the Duke de Savelli, an Italian, finding the place not to be tenable againſt ſuch thunder and reſolutions;Taken. parlyes and yeelds. Vpon the ſurrender, he receiues the King vnder the gate; and the King carryes him backe towards the Marketplace: Here the King ſitting armed vpon his horſe, makes a ſpeech vnto the Towneſmen; aſſuring them of all favour: and turning to the Duke, wills him to depart the Towne, to ſalute the Emperour from him; and to tell him, That he was no enemy vnto his perſon: and that his endevour ſhould onely be, to reſtore the libertie of Religion, and of the Princes. Thus with ſix Enſignes flying, bag and baggage, and two peices of Ordnance, the Duke marches out of the Towne; leaving 36. peices of braſſe Ordnance behinde him; 60. barrells of powder, with victualls and Ammunition proportionable. The King loſt about 200. men; himſelfe (as ſome ſay) receiving a light ſhot. Letters were intercepted from the Generally Tilly, deſiring the Governour to hold out but foure dayes longer; at which time he ſhould vndoubtedly be relieved. Some ſay, that Savelli was afterwards queſtioned vpon his life; for that being over-confident of his owne ſtrength, he had refuſed to take in ſome more forces that came to offer their ſervice. This Towne, much ſtronger then Roſtock, is now by new fortifications doubly ſtrengthened.

Whileſt the King himſelfe is here buſied; his Lieutenant Banier goes to Loczin (hard by Dammin) and takes in that. And Malchin another good Towne is by a ſtratagem ſurpriſed alſo. Freidlandt is likewiſe ſo ſerved; and all the other ſtrong places, vpon the Frontiers of Pomerland: and ſo is Weſtrow by the Sea-ſide. Yea all the ſtrongeſt places, to conclude, in that Dutchy, except the foure ſtrong great Townes of Wiſmar, Roſtock, Butrow, and Dammitz: which laſt, is an exceeding ſtrong Towne vpon the River Elve. Thus betwixt Iuly the firſt, and February the laſt, (that is in eight moneths ſpace) hath he (which is ſcarce credible to report) taken full 80. Cities, Caſtles, and Sconces in Pomerland and in Mecklenburg.

Tilly marches •• to Mecklenburg. By the end of February, hath Tilly heard of the Kings proceedings in Mecklenburg: and from Franckford on the Oder, beginnes to ſet forward into that Dutchy againſt him. The King now after the taking of Dammin, ſets downe with his Army betwixt it and Treptow: himſelfe in perſon one of the laſt dayes of February, going through Pomerland, vnto Berwalt neere Coninxberg: where the firſt of March he concludes the League with France, as is aforeſaid. Within a day or two, that is, March the third, was Colbergen taken, as hath beene ſayd. The next day, the King goes from Stetin towards New Angermund, on the ſame ſide of the Oder with Mecklenburg. By this time are ſome forces come to him out of Scotland: and there being no more neede of any Garriſons in the Ile of Rugen, thoſe he calls out. Thus drawes he all that might well be ſpared out of all his other Garriſons of Pomerland, taking to him the 9000. which before were in Brandenburg, & thoſe that lately beſieged Colbergen: the States and Gentry of Pomerland, he now commaunds, at their owne charge, to levie 10000. men for their owne defence: which forces, ſhould take oath to himſelfe, the Duke, and States of Pomeren. And now hath he 13. Regiments newly come to him out of Pruſſia alſo. Thus makes he himſelfe as ſtrong againſt Tilly as poſſible may be; bringing his Army from Coninxbergen, over the Oder, and forming an Army of ſome 15000. men, betwixt this New Angermund & Frejenwald, at a little Dorpe called Swedt. Hither he brings ſome 60. peices of Ordnance:The Leaguer of Swedt. hither alſo brings he his Ship-bridge from Stetin; which here he layes over the Oder; over which he hath a free paſſage, both towards Franckford, Landtsbergen, and Mecklenburg; and a Retreate too, if neede were. This Leaguer he fortifies with all art & ſtrength poſſible: that if Generall Tilly ſhould adventure to fall on, he ſhould come vpon the pikes. Another Army he at the ſame time hath, (and that very ſtrongly fortified alſo) betwixt Treptow and Demmin aforeſaid: and ſome forces at the ſame time likewiſe, at the ſiege of Gripſwald, a Towne hard by: which might, vpon occaſion, eaſily conjoyne themſelues with the ſtanding Army.

At this preſent is Monſieur Tilly vpon his march thitherward, with an Army of ſome 22000. men, and 26. peices of Ordnance. From Franckford, comes he firſt to Rapin, paſſing in his march, not farre from the Kings Leaguer: leaving it not aboue a league or two, vpon his right hand. If ſome make doubt, why being ſo neere he ſet not vpon the King; the queſtion is eaſily anſwered; for that the Kings Camp was ſo ſtrong, that he durſt not. Secondly, Tillyes deſigne was, rather to haue drawne the King out into the field, to a pitcht battell (for ſo was it given out) then with ſo much hazard to aſſault him in his trenches. The more therefore to provoke the King, he falls vpon ſome of his Garriſons, even midway betwixt the Kings two Armies. Tilly therefore having ſome few dayes expected the King at Rapin; riſes and marches forwards. And to tempt out the Kings forces by the way, is Colonell Bernſteyn (a forward Gentleman and a valiant, but vnfortunate, who was afterwards met withall) ſent out with 500. horſe, to make a Cavalcado vpon Templin, (a towne hard by) thinking there on the ſudden to haue ſurpriſed the Swediſh Garriſon. But their ſpyes having given them timely notice of it, they in fayre order expect theſe hot-ſpurr'd Imperialiſts. So that hard to it they fall; and many on both ſides fall in the Encounter. But the worſt plainely fell vnto the Imperialiſts, who carryed not home ſo many as they brought out; and yet they returned full as faſt as ever they came.

Tilly perceiving the King not to be tempted out, proceedeth forwards:Tilly takes Feldsberg. ſetting himſelfe downe at the ſiege of Feldsberg; a Caſtle neere vnto New Brandenburg, now kept by the Swediſh: & which by aſſault he tooke in, putting all to the ſword in it. Thence he goes to New Brandenburg, which he forthwith ſtreightly beſieges, 〈◊〉 Brandenberg. and moſt fiercely aſſaults. There are his men ſoundly knockt many a time, by the Swedens ſallyes out of the Towne, and by others from the Army by Dammin. Tilly thus enraged with the loſſe of his men, after a large breach in the walles made with his Ordnance; he March 9. reſolues vpon a generall aſſault; by fine force breaking into the Towne, he takes it; kills all that he findes in Armes: except the Governour, Colonell Kniphuſen, his wife and daughter; foure Captaines, ſome Lieutenants, and Ancients, with about ſixtie common Souldiers: all which he ſends priſoners into Stargard. Newes of this being brought into Friedland ſome foure Leagues off, which was kept by one Regiment of foote and 17. troupes of horſe; away packe the Swedens, late in the night towards Ancklam. The King alſo hearing of Tillyes hard dealing with his men, ſends back to haue thoſe Imperialiſts ſent after and ſtayd, which had newly yeelded vp Colbergen: and theſe he cauſes to be kept in durance at Friedberg.

Tilly after this ſends his Army towards Demmin: Tilly turnes backe againe towards Magdenburg. but finding no good to be done, eyther vpon the Army or Towne, and now perceiving that the King was not diſpoſed to fight with him; and that his two Armies kept him from going further that way; bethinkes himſelfe, and turnes back againe towards Rapin: looſing his Ordnance in the fennes, as the report was. Hearing of the Kings Ship-bridge in his returne, he ſends Coleredo with twentie troupes of horſe through Botſaw towards the Oder, to hinder the worke if it might be: but they finding the bridge not onely finiſhed, but with a ſtrong Sconce fortified alſo; are faine to turne back againe. In the tayle of them, follow 600. Swediſh horſe, purſuing them even vnto Botſaw: where other of their fellowes joyning with them, they paſſe beyond Bernau vnto Munchenberg: falling there on the ſudden vpon ſeaven hundred Crabats; of which many they kill; an hundred they take, their Colonell hardly eſcaping into Franckford, was faine to leaue all he had behinde him. Tilly having thus left the Country; the King reſolues vpon the taking of Franckford: in his going whither, his Vantcurryers ſurpriſe Zednick; kill three hundred Crabats; obtaine three Cornets, and 460. horſes, with a great bootie beſides.

The King reſolving now vpon the ſiege of Franckford, The ſiege of Franckford vpon the Oder. vpon our Lady day in March, beginnes to paſſe his Army over the Oder: vpon the 27. he advances forwards in good order, with ſome 18000. men in his whole Army, beſides thoſe of Guſtavus Horne, who were to goe for Landtsbergen. Count Schomburg (who commanded in chiefe within the towne) now ſuſpecting the Kings purpoſe; takes in 7000. more into the Garriſon: whereof twelue troupes of horſe: and rayſes outworkes in the deſtroyed Vineyards. The firſt of Aprill, comesOr Dupenbach. Teuffenbach newly made Marſhall, of the Imperiall Army. He burnes downe one of the Suburbs of Lubus, to diſappoint the enemy from lodging in it. The very ſame day, arrives the King at Lubus within a league of the Towne. The next day, he entrenches in the Vineyards aforeſaid; whereupon the view of the Towne being taken, the batteries are rayſed. That evening, the Imperialiſts make a brave ſallye through the Gubens-gate: and with the loſſe of a Lieutenant and many men, are beaten into the Church-yard, by the gate aforeſaid; and glad to get in at it. In this Skirmiſh were many loſt on the Kings ſide too, and Colonell Teuffell among the reſt wounded in the arme. The next day being Palme Sunday, Aprill the third, old ſtile: the King keepes the ſolemnitie of the day, with prayers and Sermons in his Camp. All this while had there not beene one ſhot made againſt the Citie. Wherupon thoſe of the Towne thinking the King had not as yet brought many peices with him, begin to revile the Swedes that had the guard next their workes: What you Bacon-eaters, haue you eaten vp all your Leather-gunnes for hunger? Out of a Bulwarke at the ſame time vpon a pike, hung they a Gooſe; calling the King a wild Gooſe, lately come over the Sea. The King regards none of this, till both Sermon and dinner too was done. About two a clocke, the Swedens fall to worke vpon their Trench, rayſed the night before, cloſe vnto the Gubens-gate: and while the pioners worke, the Souldiers with pike and ſword, beate the Imperialiſts out of an Outworke they thereby had, into the Towne. That worke being perfected; the King himſelfe (then who there is ſcarce a better Gunner in the world) bends twelue peices of Ordnance vpon that gate: vnder favour of thoſe peices, clapping two Petards alſo vnto it. Through the gate, partly thus beaten open, and partly blowne vp, doe the Swedes towards Evening enter; others getting in by ſcaladoe: others enter pell mell with the Imperialiſts, that now forſooke their ſtations: the King himſelfe getting over the wall alſo by the old Colledge, was every where encouraging his Souldiers. Now began a moſt bloudy fight: the Swedes running into the danger, like flyes into the Candle, as if they had beene blind, and not ſeene it, when as there was nothing elſe to be ſeene. From a Turret neere the place where the King entred, the Iwperialiſts ſhot amayne: the Swedes threatned to cut all their throats if they gaue not over: vnto which, they now perceiving how the game went, quickly hearkned. By this time, were all the Swedes entred by the Gubens-gate. Schawenberg, with valour enough, encourages his men to hinder it. Vpon him, now comes Bauditzen with freſh troupes of horſe and foote, and beates him quite out of the place. Franckford taken. Now was the Towne wonne: now they beginne to flee. Some of the chiefe officers of the Army, that had heretofore gotten great ſpoyles (for in this Towne were moſt of the old Servitors of the Emperours ſide) being now afraid to looſe, what they had ſo hardly before gotten; were carefull in the heate of the medly, to ſend their Wagons towards Sileſia, over the Oder bridge. Thus while the bridge was cluſtered with carriages, the fleeing people ſo throng'd and wedg'd in one another, that many were ſtifled, and many thruſt into the Oder: The Swedes alſo now in the backes of them, could not beſtow eyther blow or ſhot, which did not ſome miſchiefe. Schawenberg, Teuffenbach, and Monte Cuculi, with diverſe horſemen, eſcaped into Great Glogow in Sileſia. Lieutenant Generall Hiberſtein was ſlaine: ſo were Heidu, Walſtein, and Iour; all Colonells; with fiftie other Captaines and Officers: and 1703. Souldiers at the leaſt, dead vpon the place: beſides thoſe that were drowned; and others found in Cellars, Chambers, and elſewhere, as many more perchance. Colonell Sparre a Sweden borne, (who had once before eſcaped the King (as you haue heard) had the honour to be pulld by the hayre of the head from off his horſe, by the Kings owne hand; being with ſeaven other Lieutenant Colonells, and ſome ſeaven hundred common Souldiers, ſent priſoners into Stetin. Enſignes were there 23. (ſome ſay 41. and ſure there could be little leſſe) with 8. Cornets, preſented vnto the King. There were 300. Swedes ſlaine, and 100. more hurt: whereof ſome mortally. The reſt were ſo fierce vpon the ſlaughter and pillage, that the King and Bauditzen had much adoe with intreaties, threats and blowes, to ſtaue them off. To increaſe the miſery of the Citizens, there fell a fire that night, which burnt downe 17. houſes. Thus was the Imperialiſts Gooſe ſawced, and thus roaſted. Here found he very much riches, 100000. pound of powder, 18. great peices of Ordnance, beſides many leſſer ones, and a very great quantitie of Armes and Ammunition. Solemne thankes being given to GOD for this Victory; the King immediately diſpatches 4000. horſe towards Landtsbergen, The paſſages and ſiege of Landtsbergen. whither Guſtavus Horne (as you heard) was before gone: himſelfe the 5.th of Aprill with more forces following after. This ſtrong Towne of Landtsbergen in the New Marck, ſcituate vpon the Eaſt ſide of the Oder, neere vnto Poland and Sileſia too: lyes vpon the River Warta; which running out of Poland, falls into the Oder about Cuſtrine. This Towne lying ſo neere the Pole, with whom he had his late warres; makes it of the more conſequence vnto the King. Faine therefore would he haue ſurpriſed it at his firſt comming into Pomerland. Immediately after which, Auguſt 15. he ſends 2000. horſe to try their fortunes vpon it. But they could doe no good. In the beginning of December were ſome ſtrong parties of horſe looking that way: ſo that ſome Swediſh over-confident of their valour and fortune, would needs ſet vpon certaine troopes of Imperialiſts, which they heard were then abroad, betwixt that Towne and Schiffelbein. The Swedes beaten. Of which the other (2000. in number) having alſo notice; provide in very good order and reſolution to entertaine them. The Swedes are well beaten; 300. of them loſt, and three Cornets: the reſt glad to runne away. In the beginning of Ianuary, when vpon the taking of Gartz, the King had the purſuite of the fleeing Imperiall Armie; he thought at the ſame time to haue ſurpriſed this Towne alſo. Thither is Guſtavus Horne then ſent: and from thence by the valour of Count Cratz, Governour in the Towne, is he for that time put. Horne returning hereupon, hath notice by the Countrey Boores, of ſome fiue troupes of Crabats, which out of Himmelſtadt, a Towne ſome league or two to the Northward; vſed much to infeſt thoſe places. To hinder them, and to blocke vp the Towne of Landtsbergen withall, Landtsbergen blockt vp. he leaues ſome 9000. men thereabouts. The King alſo himſelfe more ſtrongly blocks it vp, when he ſate downe with his Army at Coninxbergen; and perchance had not Tilly then beene about to come; he might then haue had a purpoſe to haue beſieged it: but a ſudden and a great froſt hapning withall in the end of Ianuary, the King riſes, and paſſes into Mecklenburg. Yet ſtill was the Towne blockt vp; and (to paſſe by other encounters) in the beginning of March, the Imperialiſts ſallying out, are beaten in againe all but two hundred; which were left behinde, as priſoners. In mid-March, the King paſſes over the River Warta, nere vnto it. Towards the end of March, he laying a bridge over the Oder at Swedt (where he held his ſtrong Leaguer) he had from thence a fayre paſſage both to that Towne, and vnto Franckford: vnto which ſiege when as himſelfe in perſon went; then was Guſtavus Horne againe ſent towards this Landtsbergen, with twentie Cornets of horſe, and foote proportionable: Banier then going as Lieutenant Generall, convoyes the Ordnance and Ammunition. No ſooner was Franckford taken; but the King the very next day, diſpatches 4000. horſe thitherward: himſelfe the 5.th of Aprill likewiſe following. And now goe they to it in good earneſt: the King on one ſide of the River Warta, and Horne on the other. On the Kings ſide was the Towne naturally guarded, by a certaine moraſſe or mariſh: over which, the King by the guidance of a Boore ſo ſuddenly paſſes, that he was before the Towne, before the amazed Garriſon lookt for it. Within a while after, yong Colonel Cratz, (ſonne to the Governour) would needes ſally out: but a musket-bullet ſtopt his retreate, for ever going to tell his Father. Vpon the 15.th of Aprill (the King having fully finiſht his workes) by three a clocke in the morning, falls ſtrongly vpon their outworkes, and takes them: and three hundred Souldiers in them, which were willing to ſerue vnder the Kings Colours. The reſt ſeeing all hope of reliefe to be cut off,Taken. by the taking 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 of Franckford: demaund Conditions and haue them. The next day therefore being Satterday by eight a clocke in the morning, out they march with bag and baggage, and 4. feild peices; and as much powder, as would diſcharge them foure times over. The Garriſon was ſome 4500. in all; of which 25. companies of foote, and 12. troupes of horſe; whom the Swedes convoyed vnto Great Glogow in Sileſia. And that you may not wonder, why ſo ſtrong a Garriſon would ſo ſoone giue vp ſo ſtrong a place; know this, that they had no more proviſions but for one day more: which had the King but gotten intelligence of, he had had the glory by holding out that other day, to haue had them all at his mercy: and to haue given them their liues, which now they had vpon bargaine. About this ſiege firſt and laſt, the King of Sweden loſt 600. men. Thus are all thoſe parts of Pomeren and Marckland quite cleered; and all paſſages open into Sileſia.

At the ſame time therefore that he ſent one Army againſt Landtsbergen; he diſpatches the Rhynegrave and Bauditzen with other forces into Sileſia; which is hard by Franckford. They fall vpon Croſſen; Croſſen in Sileſia taken. the next great Towne vpon the Oder: which they preſently take vpon agreement: after which they fetch in Contribution out of the Countrey as farre as Sagan and Great Glogow alſo. This put the Imperialiſts in ſuch feare, that with all ſpeede (namely, about the end of Aprill) the Emperour ſends his Ambaſſadours to the States of Sileſia: vnto whom (now met at Breſlaw, the chiefe Citie of Sileſia) are theſe grating Propoſitions offered.

The Emperor demaunds a terrible Exciſe of Sileſia. 1. That for every Oxe paſtured betwixt the Rivers Oder and Baber, the Country people ſhould pay the Emperour three Cretzers a weeke, and for thoſe beyond, two Cretzers. And for every 25. ſheepe, as much.

two Pfennings make 1. Creitzer 4 Creitzers 1 Baizen 5 Raizen are about an Engliſh ſhilling. 21. Groſh make a Ryxe Dollar.2. For every buſhell of Corne grownd in Sileſia, a Toll to be payd to the Emperour.

3. Out of every hundred Rixe Dollars lent vpon Vſury, the Emperour to haue one Florence.

4. Out of every pound of fleſh two Pfennings.

5. Out of every tunne of Beere, twelue Groſh to be payd. And this Exciſe to continue for two yeares.

The Emperour is now enforced to lay Contributions vpon his owne natiue Subjects and Tenants of Gratz and thereabouts: whom (as the Princes of Leipſich ſayd) he had hitherto ſpared. And now he victualls and new fortifies Vienna alſo. Thus begins the Eagle to looke to her owne neſt.

And now is the Dyet of Leipſich concluded: which brake vpon the ſame Palme Sunday, that the King tooke Franckford vpon. And now are Don Balthaſar and the Baron Dhona, ſent with more forces into Sileſia; which Diepenbach Generall for thoſe parts, complaines vnto the Emperour that he much wanted. By this time is the moſt of Aprill ſpent; Franckford, Croſſen, and Landtsbergen, Garriſond and fortified by the King: and his Armyes from ſeverall parts, now come together and refreſhed. Vpon May-day therefore 1631. (himſelfe the next day being to come into Franckford) he ſends ſome ten Regiments of foote from Furſtenwald, (which is about a league from Franckford) towards Kopenick backe againe into the Land of Brandenburg: after whom, are 80. troupes of horſe preſently diſpatched. Vpon which May-day, is Count Ortenburg ſent in ambaſſage from the King vnto the Marqueſſe Elector of Brandenburg; the Propoſitions were, to deſire Spandan and Cuſtrine to be conſigned over into his hands during the time of theſe warres, becauſe they lay ſo convenient for him: both for the paſſage of his forces out of Mecklenburg and Pomerland vnto him; and for his owne retreat backe againe vnto them, if he ſhould be put to it. A moneths pay was further required for the Armie; or elſe will the King leaue all. Ortenburg returning without a ſatisfying anſwere, Guſtavus Horne is ſent: and he fayling, the King himſelfe goes to the Elector; taking fiue troupe of horſe, 1000. Muskettiers and foure feild peices along with him. May 3. the Elector meets him in a little wood vpon the Copenicker-heath, ſome Engliſh mile from Berlin: here the King receiving no contentment, offers to returne to his Leaguer againe; but the Electreſſe and the Court Ladies prevaile ſo farre with their feminine irreſiſtibilitie, that his 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 Majeſtie takes his lodging in Berlin for that night, with a thouſand Muskettiers for his guard. May 5. the treatie begins againe: and by this time was the Kings whole Army come vp to Berlin; the ſight of an Army, is a very fierce argument, 'tis a very prevailing Logike. The Elector is with much adoe brought to yeeld Spandau vnto the King for one moneth: whereupon the next day, the Governour Buckerſdorp with a Garriſon of ſix hundred men, goes out of the Towne; and the Kings forces come in. Cuſtrine (the ſtrongeſt Fort of all the Country, over whoſe bridge the Imperialiſts fleeing fromSee pag 70. Gartz, had eſcaped into Franckford:) he could not obtaine from the Elector: Crachten the Governour mainly reſiſting the Kings deſires in it. That which made the King, now all on the ſudden, to deſire theſe paſſages and Retreates of the Elector, was; that now deſpayring both of the holding out of the Towne of Magdenburg, and of his owne relieving of it: he feared Generall Tillyes comming backe vpon him over the Deſſau bridge, (after the taking of the Towne) which was now at the laſt caſt. Cauſe withall had he to ſuſpect, that if Tilly ſhould indeede come backe, the feare of his fame and Armes, would ſo prevaile with his brother of Brandenburg, that he might (perchance) be enforced to the cooping of him vp at theſe Townes, whereby he ſhould be hindered of his retreate backe into Pomerland. Hearing by this time that the Towne of Magdenburg, The King encamps at Potſtayn. was actually now taken, May 10.th, his Majeſtie with all ſpeede encamps at Potſtayn, a Towne in the Old Marck of Brandenburg, betwixt Berlin and the Towne of Old Brandenburg; whither a little before he had cauſed his Army to retyre. At this Leaguer the mayn of his Army ſtayes, from about the 8th or 10th of May vntill Iune following. Here having formed a Camp, he firſt of all ſends a Trumpet to ſummon the Imperialiſts in old Brandenburg & Rattenaw, two good Townes vpon the River Havel: laying his paſſage this way towards the River of Elve; ſo to blocke out Tilly, Old Brandenburg and Rattenaw taken. from breaking in that way vpon him. Brandenburg and Rattenaw thus ſummoned, and Tilly yet ſo buſied at Magdenburg, that he could not helpe them; and the King preſenting his Canon before their towns, granting them no reſpite to conſider vpon it, and laying hold of all the boats vpon the river Havel, from thence even to Havelberg towne, they are forced to yeeld, and to be packing.Some actions in Sileſia. In this time the Imperialiſts attempted the recovery of Croſſen in Sileſia: but the Garriſon being aſſiſted by their fellowes out of Franckford and Landtsbergen; kill ſome 150. or 200. of them vpon the place, driving the reſt into Great Glogaw. And the Imperialiſts a little after that, lighting vpon a partie of 100. Swediſh horſe, take 25 • f them, and driue the reſt to take the Oder.

To returne to the King. Rattenaw thus taken: and the Countrey of Brandenburg now quite cleered of the Imperialiſts: the King ſhips 100. peices of Ordnance, and other neceſſaries for the building of a Sconce, in thoſe new gotten boates aforeſaid; to be readie for a new deſigne. The mayne of his foote forces, he ſtill keepes in the Campe at Potſtayn, and about Brandenburg, Nawen, Spandaw, &c: and his horſe in their Quarters betwixt that, and the Deſſau bridge. Vpon the firſt of Iune, he commaunds foure Regiments towardes Gutterbogen, a Towne towards the 2 paſſages over the Elve; at Deſſau bridge namely, and at Wittenberg. A little after this, Bauditzen in the night time paſſing a foord of the river Elve, ſurpriſes the Imperialiſts at Werben. About which deſigne we muſt for a while leave him, to ſpeake of three other actions of the Kings, done on this ſide the Country: for the doing of which, now after Tillyes going towards Saxony, he had the better leiſure.

The firſt of which was,The Dukes of Mecklenburg againe Inſtalled. his r'impatriating and inſtalling of the two Dukes of Mecklenburg, into their ancient and paternall inheritance, which the Emperour had before deprived them of, and given vnto his Generall Wallenſteyn. This Country being by the Kings Armes now almoſt cleered (excepting Roſtock, Wiſmar, Dammitz, and another Towne or two;) he on the 5th of Iune, cauſes the people to be new ſworne againe vnto their naturall Lords; & Wallenſteyn to be abjured. Which triumph himſelfe honored, with his royall & victorious preſence.