IT'S not our present design to give a large and par­ticular relation of whatever has hapned on this occasion: seeing what we shall briefly declare, will shew; That there was never a more cruel and unjust persecution, than this lately exercis'd on the in­habitants of the Vallys of Piemont; on the sole ac­count of their Religion.

The Churches of the Vallys of Piemont, or of the Vaudoises, as they were commonly call'd, were the an­cientest of all those, who drew their original from the Apostles; whose doctrine they have ever taught and follow'd.

They had no need of Reformation; having never partaken of the errors and Idolatrys wherewith the Romanists have infected the Christian Church. The simplicity of their manners agreed so well with that of their doctrins, as has forced their Enemys to confess; that this has especially contributed to their preserva­tion. They did not content themselvs with a bare not entring into an Idolatrous and superstitious commu­nion; but took all proper occasions to declare their ab­horrence of it; with as great courage and freedom of mind, as any of the ancient Reformers; who have all (on full enquiry) approv'd of their doctrins; as very agreeable to the Apostolic simplicity.

[Page 2] It's no marvel then, if these Churches, have been ever the object of the Popish rage and fury: if Popes have publish'd crusado's, and engag'd several Princes against them; if several famous Inquisitors have employ'd at all times whatever their devilish malice cou'd invent to exterminate these poor people; and if the Council de propaganda fide, & extirpandis hoereticis have omitted nothing for the obtaining their design. But here we cannot enough admire the especial providence of God, in his particular protection of these Churches; seeing maugre all these violent persecutions; the perfidious­ness and treacherys wherewith their Enemys have ever recompens'd their fidelity; not withstanding 27 or 28 invasions, which their Religion has drawn on them; and the Massacres which have so many times bathed the Vallys with the Bloud of the Vaudoises; yet has God still preserv'd them, by the continual turns of his providence.

All Historians, even those of the contrary party, are agreed, that these Churches were in an immemorial possession of the exercise of their Religion, before they were under the government of the Dukes, or Earls of Savoy; for it was only in the year 1233, that Thomas Earl of Savoy became Master of the Town of Pignerol and the Vallys of Piemont, under pretence the race of the Princes of Piemont was extinct.

It is also certain, the Vaudoises submitted themselvs to the Earls of Savoy (whence his present Royal High­ness is descended,) on condition of being maintain'd in all their priviledges. And in effect, it's on this foundation, that these Earls being become Princes of Piemont, have maintain'd and confirm'd the Vaudois Churches, in the exercise of their Religion, and their [Page 3] other rights and priviledges. They have granted them for this end, from time to time, several authentic con­cessions; especially in 1561, 1602, and 1603, which having been verifi'd and entered in the senate and cham­ber of Turin, in the year 1620 by means of a conside­rable summ of money, (which the Vaudoises had paid for this purpose; as appears from the authentic act:) these concessions therefore past into the form of an ir­revocable deed, and perpetual and inviolable law; whose execution was enjoyn'd by several solemn decrees of the Dukes of Savoy, from the years 1638, 1649, 1654, and 1655.

The Council de propaganda fide which is oblig'd by it's foundation, title, and oath, to procure the ruin of those, she terms Heretics; observing with extream regret the calm which the Vaudoises enjoy'd, by means of these patents; took all possible measures to trou­ble it.

To this end the Council, which then consisted of the principal Ministers of the Court of Savoy, taking ad­vantage from the minority of Charles Emanuel Duke of Savoy, caus'd to be publish'd in the Month of January 1655 an order, which oblig'd all the Inhabitants of the Vallys, to quit the plain in 3 days; and to retire into the Mountains, on pain of death; cou'd they not make it appear, they were become Catholics.

The Vaudoises obey'd this order, as unjust and cruel as it was: but their obedience, which took away all pretences from their Enemys, cou'd not preserve them from that horrid Massacre in 1655, of which posterity will freely speak as an action the most in human and perfidious, mention'd in any writing.

This Massacre was likely in all appearance, to have [Page 4] cut off all the Vaudoises; but there were many of them, who escaping-out of the hands of these Butchers, re­solv'd to defend their lives. They executed then this resolution, with such Vigor and Courage, that they put their executioners to flight, in several rencounters; till the Protestant Princes and States became mediators in their behalf.

These generous protectors having heard of this dread­ful Massacre, were not contented to open the Bowels of their charity and benificence; but interposed earnestly for them with the Duke of Savoy by their intercessions. The Evangelic Cantons amongst others, sent for this reason four Embassadors to the Court of Turin, who joyn'd themselvs to the envoy of France, who was to be arbitrator in this affair for his Master; all which joyntly sollicited this matter, and obtain'd for the Churches and inhabitants of the Vallys, the confirma­tion of their priviledges definitively and irrevocably, by a solemn patent which the Duke of Savoy granted the 9^th of August 1655, entered according to form in the senate and chamber of Turin.

It may seem, that after a patent of this nature, which carrys the title and character of a perpetual and inviolable law, giv'n in the presence, and at the inter­cession of the Embassadors of France and Switzerland; and of which the King of France had declared him­self guarante; it wou'd seem (I say) that the Vaudoises shou'd enjoy the fruits of a peace, purchased by the Bloud of above 6000 of their Brethren; but all this cou'd not preserve them from the violence of their Enemys.

The Council for propagation violated this patent in the most essential points, and persecuted the Vaudoises [Page 5] by divers unjust and wrongful means. And they offering only complaints against these persecutions, their Ene­mys took their patience, for want of courage, and thinking they cou [...]d oppress them without any resistance, they brought in again amongst 'em the dismal effects of Fire and Sword; and renew'd in 1663 the miserys and violencys of 1655.

The Vaudoises knowing by experience, that the de­fence was their only means of safety, were therefore forced to stand on their guard, which succeeded so well, that they had procured their peace, and settled their affairs towards the end of the year 1663.

Then it was, that the Evangelic Cantons, sent again Embassadors to the Court of Turin, to be mediators of the peace; which Embassadors being joyn'd, as the preceding were, to the French resident at Turin, they procured again for the Vaudoises a solemn, perpetual, and irrevocable patent in the Month of Feb. 1664. con­firmative of the preceding, and entered according to form as before.

But this patent was not executed with greater since­rity than the former, altho' the Duke had past his word to the Cantons of Switzerland in a letter of the 28^th of Feb. 1664. to make it be punctually observ'd.

It's hardly possible to describe the turnings and wind­ings, the shifts and tricks which the Council for propa­gation made use of, to render this patent of none effect to the Vaudoises. It's sufficient to say, they cou'd ne­ver have defended themselvs against such malicious in­ventions, had not God, in whose hands are the hearts of Kings and Princes overruled that of Charles Ema­nuel Duke of Savoy.

This Prince having nearly examin'd the conduct of [Page 6] the Vaudoises, found it was without reason they were made so odious; and calling to mind the zeal they had shew'd in his service in several occasions, especially in 1638 and 1640, when they exposed themselvs so vigo­rously in his defence against his Enemys, whilst most of his Estates had revolted against him, he resolv'd to use them for the future as subjects, which deserv'd his love, as well as his protection.

The warr which he had with the Genoises in 1672. greatly confirm'd him in his good opinion of the Vau­doises. For they serv'd him in it with such zeal and courage, that this Prince thought it not enough, to give 'em publick commendations for their valor and fi­delity, in a letter he wrote to them on this occasion; but protected them as long as he liv'd.

Madam Royal his Widow, treated them after his ex­ample; not only with great gentleness and favors, but engag'd her self by a letter to the Switz Cantons dated 28^th. Jan. 1679. to maintain and protect the Vaudoises, in the full exercise of their Religion, and their other priviledges.

We have lightly touch'd on all these things, that we might not pass the bounds prescribed. For besides that they serve to shew, that the rights and priviledges of the Vaudoises were grounded on unmovable foun­dations; and that their Enemys have ever violated the most solemn and authentic engagements, and only ex­ercised crueltys, injustices, and perfidiousnesses against them; They likewise serve to justify the conduct, which the Vaudoises have observed to the end; which is pro­perly the subject of this relation.

The Vaudoises had flattered themselvs, that under the government of the Duke of Savoy now reigning, [Page 7] they might enjoy some hopes of tranquility. They had done him very considerable services in 1684. in the warr against the Banditi of Mondovi. And this Prince had giv'n them authentic assurances of his satisfaction, & good will towards them, in a letter he wrote to them on this occasion; and the beginnings of his reign seem'd to promise them for the future, that in rendring to Ce­sar that which is Cesar's, they shou'd have the liberty of rendring to God what belong'd to him. They fed them­selvs with these hopes, when the Governor of the Vallys of Piemont publish'd towards the end of the year 1685 an order, forbidding all strangers to inhabit in these Vallys, and to remain therein more than 3 days with­out his leave, and also the inhabitants to entertain or lodg them under grievous penaltys.

The Vaudoises, had by this time bin inform'd of the violences offered in France, to force the Protestants to change their Religion: They farther understood that the King of France had cancel'd the edict of Nants, and they well perceiv'd this prohibition of sheltring their bre­thren might prove of dangerous consequence to them. But they did not forsee the miserys which have hapned to them, because men do naturally love to flatter them­selvs, and their Enemys used all endeavors, to remove out of their minds all the thoughts which fear might inspire them with, to the end they might be taken un­provided.

They were in this condition, when his Royal High­ness orders were proclaimed in the Vallys, being the 31^st of Jan. 1686. which strictly forbad the exercise of their Religion on pain of death, and confiscation of their estates; enjoyning all their Churches to be demo­lish'd, and the banishment of all the Ministers; that [Page 8] the Infants shou'd be Baptiz'd and brought up in the Popish Religion, on penalty of their Fathers being sent to the Gallys, with many other particulars, to the same purpose, as the King of France's declaration, which an­nul'd the edict of Nants.

It's impossible to describe the Vaudoises fears and griefs, at the news of so surprising an order, so much more terrible than the former, as being to produce such tragical effects. For the preceding tended only to bound them in more narrow limits, and to deprive them of the right of inhabiting the plain, which they had done time out of mind; but the order of the 31 of Jan. wholly took from them all liberty of conscience, and exercise of their Religion.

They saw themselvs immediatly precipitated into a dreadful abyss of miserys, without any remedy; and forced to behold either the light of the Gospel extin­guish't in the Vallys, which had there shined for so many ages, or the renewing those cruel Massacres, which has sacrific'd so many of their Brethren: yet being perswaded this order was the effect of some mis­representation of them by their Enemys to his High­ness, they betook themselvs to their usual course of supplications, and humble remonstrances; and presen­ted four requests to the Duke of Savoy, to obtain the revocation of this order. But gaining only some time in the execution of it, they saw their misfortune was without remedy. And they were more confirm'd in the assurances of their miserys, when they understood the King of France (who on politic reasons had always protected them, and even declared himself the gar­dante of the patents aforementioned) had not only oblig'd the Duke to issue forth this order; but that his [Page 9] most Christian Majesty had caused his Troops to ad­vance to Piemont to see it executed.

Then it was, that the Vaudoises began to think of de­fending themselvs from the Invasions of these For­reigners, and not to dye like Beasts or fools.

In the mean time the Evangelic Cantons being in­form'd of this order, and the measures taken for it's exe­cution, believ'd themselvs no waies oblig'd to forsake a people persecuted for mere Religion, and that they ought to appear on this occasion as heretofore.

It was resolv'd then in an assembly held at Baden in the month of Feb. 1686. to send again Embassadors to the Duke of Savoy to intercede in the behalf of the Vau­doises: who arriv'd at Turin in the beginning of March, and offered their request, tending to the revocation of the order set forth in the 31 of Jan. They shew'd, That the Evangelick Cantons were interessed in this affair, not only as being of the same belief, as the Vaudoises; but for that the Patents of 1655 and 1633. which this order annul'd, were the fruits of their mediation; and they accompany'd these their demands with several solid Ar­guments.

The Court of Turin pretended not to answer their reasons, thinking it enough to tell the Embassadors, that the engagements of the Duke of Savoy, with the King of France, were directly opposite to the success of their negotiation. Which oblig'd the Embassadors to remonstrate, in a memorial for this purpose, That his Royal Highness's Predecessors having given their Roy­al word to several States, and particularly to the Evan­gelick Cantons, for the executing the Patents granted to the Vaudoises, he could not renounce such formal en­gagements, because these Patents were not mere Tolle­rations, [Page 10] but perpetual Concessions, and inviolable laws; and for as much also that they having been granted at the request of several Princes, they be, according to the law of Nations, lasting Monuments of publick faith; in that the words of Princes should be Sacred and inviola­ble.

They also shew'd, that several politick respects should induce the Duke of Savoy to maintain the Vaudoises in their priviledges: That it consisted not with his ju­stice and bounty to suffer his Countries to be fil'd with blood and slaughter; by destroying a people, who im­plored his grace and Clemency; and who had done no­thing deserving these severities.

But neither the reasonings of the Embassadors, nor their pressing sollicitations, nor the letters of interces­sion, which several Protestant Princes wrote again in fa­vour of these poor people, produced any effect. They serving only to confirm the Embassadors in their belief, of the engagements wherein the Duke of Savoy had en­tered with the King of France, to destroy the Protestant Religion.

All this while the Vaudoises were ignorant of what past in Turin. They knew nothing of the Embassadors being at Court, nor their Transactions; because care was taken to stop two Messengers in their passage, who were to carry the news into the Vallys. It's true indeed they knew sometime after, by a common report, that these Embassadors were at Turin to demand the revo­cation of the order of the 31 of January; but they could hear nothing certain, touching the effect of their Nego­tiation. They durst not go themselvs to Turin, since the time allowed them was expired, and for that the Court had refused a safe conduct, which the Embassa­dors [Page 11] had desired for the deputies of the Vallys appear­ance, to sollicit their own affairs, as was practis'd in for­mer occasions.

However the Vaudoises had fortified themselvs with some Retrenchments in their Country, and stood on their guard, to hinder the entrance of the Troops, most of which were already encamped, at the foot of the Val­lys.

The Duke of Savoy return'd answer to the Embassa­dors proposals, by the Marquess of St. Thomas, one of his Ministers of State; who has the management of Forreign affairs; and who swore to them, that the Duke could not revoke this order, he not being the master of this affair.

He also protested to them, as from the part of his Highness, that provided the order was executed, the Duke would not refuse to enter into some expedients. He also shew'd them that on their account, the Vaudoises should have leave to depart the Country, and dispose of their estates.

The Embassadors thinking the Vaudoises, having nei­ther Officers nor Troops, could not sustain a war, against two such powerful enemies, as the King of France and the Duke of Savoy, who were united for their destru­ction; They imagin'd then, that to avert the Tempest, with which these poor people were threatned, they ought to sollicit their departure, and disposal of Estates. But forasmuch as before they could enter on this Ne­gotiation, they must consult those of the Vallys; the Embassadors therefore got leave of the Court of Turin, that they might take a Journey thither; for which pur­pose, they had a Letter from the Duke, to the Governor of the Vallys.

The Embassadors arriv'd there the 22 of March, and [Page 12] the next Morning caused an Assembly of the people's Deputys, to be summon'd, to whom they declared, what they had done. In fine, they shewed them, that in the condition they were in, depriv'd of all hope of succour; they had no other part to take, but that of leaving their Country; provided it could be obtain'd with the dispo­sal of their Estates; and if they would accept of this proposal, they would offer it as from them.

The Vaudoises deputys greatly surpriz'd, that they must expect no succour, in an occasion wherein they hoped all the Protestant States would concern them­selvs; answer'd the Embassadors they were sensible they could not do better than to follow their advice; but be­fore they could resolve on an affair of this importance, they must consult a general assembly.

In the mean time the Embassadors return'd to Turin, where they inform'd the Marquess of St. Thomas of the success of their Journey, who assured them this Negotia­tion was very agreeable to the Court. They afterwards desired a pass-Port to bring thither some of the inhabi­tants of the Vallys, with the determinations of this As­sembly. But this was refused them under two preten­ces, the first, that the Duke of Savoy would have no Vaudoise to be seen following his Court; and the other was, that he would not have it thought, that what he did, was out of any other respect than the gratifying the Em­bassadors. They were then obliged to send into the Val­lys the Secretary of the Embassy, to fetch these people's determinations.

The Secretary found the people assembled at An­grogne the 28 of March, being much divided in their re­solutions; for if on the one hand, they saw the dreadful consequences of this War; so on the other the dangers [Page 13] and insuperable difficulties in departing the Country; which supposing they could do, without any danger, yet they could not, without great regret, leave their E­states and Country, to travel to Forreign parts; where they must lead a vagrant and uneasie life.

In fine they agreed to send a memorial to the Em­bassadors, of the dangers and difficulties, which hindred their passage; and to write them a Letter sign'd by nine Divines, and eight of the Laity, in which having en­treated them to reflect on these obstacles, they declared, they would remit themselvs to their prudence and con­duct.

On this Letter the Embassadors endeavour'd to obtain leave for the Vaudoises, to leave the States of Piemont, and to dispose of their goods; But the Duke of Savoy, to whom the proposal was carried, sent word to them, that before he could give a positive answer to what they desired, he expected the people of the Vallys should send Deputys to him, with full power to make him those submissions, which were due to him; and to beg leave of him to withdraw from his States, as a favour which they implored of their Prince.

The Embassadors might well be surpriz'd at this al­teration of the Scene; having bin refused the safe conduct which they had a little before requested, to bring the Vaudoise Deputys to Turin. They had binse­veral times told, that the grant of a Retreat to the Vau­doises should be wholly in consideration of the Embas­sadors. Whereas now, it must not be the Embassadors, who demand the leave, as a proposal coming from them; but it must on the contrary be the Vaudoises, who make this request themselvs.

This contrary course was not without some reason; [Page 14] For the Council of propagation who manag'd this af­fair, had without doubt these two several considera­tions; The one, that they wou'd not have the Embas­sadors named in the permission of departure, that they might have less right to demand the execution of the things promised to the Vaudoises; The other, that the Vaudoises alone requesting this permission, as a grace, or favour, they might impose on them such conditions, as they pleas'd; and lastly, that the Vaudoises making the submissions which the Duke required, they must appear in the condition of supplicants, and consequent­ly lay down their arms, otherwise they cou'd not be receiv'd, as such.

But however it was, the Embassadors being desirous to take away all pretence from the Vaudoises Enemys, took the safe conduct, and sent it by the secretary of the Embassy; who assembled the people for the naming their deputys. But as on the one hand, there were seve­ral, who never design'd to leave their Country; so on the other, the suddain march of their Enemys, filled them with suspicions and contrary opinions; so that the re­solutions giv'n into their Deputys, prov'd quite diffe­rent. For some were for requesting the permission of retiring from the Country, and disposing of their estates; and others for petitioning, that they might have the free exercise of their Religion, and enjoyment of their other rights and priviledges.

These Deputys being come to Turin, the Embassa­dors thought it not fitting, they shou'd appear at Court thus divided; they sent them therefore back again to the Vallys to be united, and labour'd in the mean while to get a farther delay.

Their Enemys apprehended with great satisfaction [Page 15] the divisions, about leaving the Country; and were so well perswaded this wou'd be an infallible means to ruin them; that they sent persons expresly amongst them, to keep up this contrariety of determinations. It's also to be presum'd, they had devised this expe­dient, touching the departure; as a means to disunite the Vaudoises.

To make then the greater advantage of the diffe­rent resolutions of these people, their Enemys altered again their design. They had lately before declared, they expected first that the Vaudoises themselvs shou'd sue for leave to depart, and to offer their submissions. The Vaudoises had not made these submissions, nor pre­sented their petition for a departure; there being se­veral amongst them, who never yet resolv'd to leave the Country; neither did the Embassadors sollicit the permission of departure, but a delay, as appears from a letter which they wrote to the Marquess of St. Thomas the 8 of April 1686. However to compleat the division of the Vaudoises; to destroy them with greater ease, there suddainly issued out, unknown to the Embassa­dors, an edict of the 9^th of the same Month of April, which granted to the Vaudoises a pardon and leave to retire out of the Countrys of Piemont. But to the end we may the better judg of the design of the Council of propagation, here's a copy of this edict translated out of Italian.

This edict was publisht in the Vallys, on the 11th of April, the same day the Embassadors wrote a Letter to some of the Vaudoises, to know their resolutions. They in the mean time presented a very earnest Memorial to the Marquess of St. Thomas, to obtain some assurance, that the Troops should not enter into the Vallys, and to procure the Vaudoises some more favorable condi­tions, than those in the edict.

But the Court of Turin gave them to understand, that [Page 20] there was nothing to be done for the Vaudoises, till such time as they had laid down their Arms, of which the Embassadors gave advice to the Deputys of the Vallys, which had bin at Turin, by a Letter of the 13 instant, which they wrote them on this occasion.

On the 14th the Commons call'd a general Assembly at Rocheplate, in which having examin'd the terms and conditions of the edict, they judged that their enemies had nothing farther from their intentions, than to let them have the benefit of the pretended pass, and that this edict was but a snare to entangle them, the more easily to work their destruction. They resolved then, not to accept it; to follow the example of their Fathers, and to remit the events to God's providence. So that this Edict which was only given for the dividing them, had a direct contrary effect, and turned to the uniting them, in the same particular judgment.

The chief reasons which hindered them from accept­ing this Edict were first, that seeing it enjoyned the perfect execution of the declaration of the 31 of Jan. which commands all the Churches to be demolisht in eight days time, because the edict expressly says, that if in eight days they perform not what it contains, they are deprived of the favors and benefits which it offers them. To perform then the commands contained in the Edict, the Vaudoises themselvs must demolish their own Churches or their enemies for them. The Vaudoises could never bring themselves to the doing this, with their own hands, they must then have Soldiers sent them, who under pretence of this demolition, would have infallibly fal'n on them. Secondly, had they bin permitted to depart fairly, why was not the execution of the order of the 31 of Jan. suspended, till such time [Page 21] as they could possibly get away? why should they be obliged to demolish their Churches in the eight days time allowed them to prepare themselvs to leave for e­ver their Country? What is this for, but to render their escape impossible. Thirdly, this Edict commands they should lay down their Arms, and lay open their Coun­trys to Popish Priests, and other Emissarys. Now it's plain, that in laying down their Arms, they must lye at the mercy of their Enemies and at the fury of the Sol­diers, who would not have fail'd entring in upon them, to hinder their escape; and torment them till such time as they had chang'd their Religion, as they have done in France. And their dreadful apprehensions had too certain grounds, seeing they had no assurance given them, That the Troops should not come down into the Vallys. Fourthly, the Vaudoises are also oblig'd to de­part in three separate Companys, and to render them­selvs in such places, where the Soldiers being encamp­ed, they could not fail of having their throats cut. Fifthly, The permission which the same Edict gives the Vaudoises of selling their goods, was to them of no use. For besides that Sale could not be made, till after their departure, to Catholicks, and that too by Popish Officers, so also out of the money rais'd from the Sale of the same goods must be indemnis'd, the Fryers, the Missionarys, the Ancient, the Modern, and the future Catholicks for the dammages and interests which they might pretend to, and which they would not fail to make to amount to above the value of the estates sold. Sixthly, the Edict imports, that besides those who shall leave the Vallys of their own free will, the Prince reserves to himself the power of banishing such as he shall think good, to se­cure the peace of those who shall remain; which sup­poses [Page 22] not only that the conditions of the Edict were so disadvantagious, that there must be several Vaudoises, who wou'd not accept of them, nor move thence: but moreover that the departure it self was to be lookt on, not as a favor, but as a punishment to be imposed on several Vaudoises, seeing they reserv'd the power of ban­nishing those, who were willing to remain. Seventhly, the Embassadors were not named in the Edict, and the Vaudoises had no security for the faithful performance of the things therein contained. They had then reason to be in a great distrust; but the costly experiences which they had had in several occasions of the perfi­diousness of their Enemys, and particularly in this, wherein were violated all the laws of justice, made their suspicion but too well grounded.

In fine, the Duke of Savoy having declared, that he was not the Master of this affair, by reason of the en­gagements he lay under to the King of France, it was not to be presum'd that his most Christian Majesty, who had interess'd himself in the business, wou'd be more kind to the Vaudoises, than he had bin to his own sub­jects.

The Vaudoises sent then their determinations to the Embassadors, who used all possible means to procure them more certain and advantagious conditions, than those contain'd in the Edict, but neither their reasons or sollicitations cou'd obtain any thing for them. They were continually told, that as long as the Vaudoises were in arms, there cou'd be nothing granted them, or any positive promises made. So that the Vaudoises being perswaded, that the design of disarming them, was to destroy them with less difficulty, cou'd by no means assent to so foolish proposals, and therefore per­sisted [Page 23] in the resolution of defending themselvs, in case of invasion.

There hapned a passage which serv'd greatly to con­firm them in this resolution. For 2 or 3 days after the publication of the Edict Mr. Tholozan, Mr. Gautier, Mr. Gavante, Mr. Cabriol, and ten or twelve others of the inhabitants of the Vallys, came to the Intendant to acquaint him, that they and their familys design'd to be gon out of the estates of Piemont, conformably to the Edict; and therefore requested of him pass-ports, which he refused them, on pretence they must stay to go out with the rest.

And farther, there being several, who refused to yield to the sollicitations he made them, for the changing their Religion, he caus'd 'em to be put in Prison, where they have many of 'em perished. There needed no more to shew they intended, not to let them leave the Country, or tarry behind without turning Papists.

However the Vaudoises having read a letter from the Embassadors, assembled themselvs again at Rocheplate, on the 19th of April, where they found it necessary to stand on their own defence. It was also decreed in this assembly, that all the Ministers shou'd preach, and ad­minister the Sacrament, the Sunday following, which was Easter day.

Some of this Vally chang'd their minds, without com­municating their purposes to the rest. And the dire­ctors of the Church of Villeseche, wrote to the Embassa­dors, which were then at Turin, on the point of their departure, a letter dated the 20th of April, in which they declared, they wou'd obey the Edict, and on this account entreated them, to procure them a pass-port and some time to prepare themselvs.

[Page 24] One of the Embassadors took the pains to go to the Camp, to make this request, but it was refused him, under pretence that the time was expired. For it was always too soon or too late.

In the mean time, the Duke of Savoy came to the Camp some days after the publication of the Edict, to discourage the Vaudoises by his presence, and to oblige them to submit to the conditions imposed on them. He had made a review of his troops, and those of France; who were encampt near the plain, at the foot of the Alps. His army consisted of the troops of his houshold, of all his forces, both horse and foot, of the militia of Mondovi, Barjes, Bagnols, and a great number of free Booters. And the French army consisted of several Re­giments of horse and Dragoons, of 7 or 8 Batalions of foot which had past the Mounts, and part of the garri­son of Pignerol and Casal. He had moreover set all things in order, to attack the Vaudoises, assoon as the limited time shou'd be expired, having appointed his army to force the Vally of Lucerna, and the commo­nalty of Angrogne: and the French army to attack the Vallys of St. Martin and Peirouse.

The Vaudoises on their side, had taken some care to defend themselvs. They only held one part of the Vally of Lucerna. For the Town which gives the name to this Vally, and several other considerable places was in the Enemys hands. The Commonalty of Angrogne, to which several give the name of a Vally, by reason of it's great extent, was not wholly in the hands of the Vaudoises. They were Masters in the Vally of Peirouse, only of some places which depend on the states of Pie­mont; for this Vally is divided between the French King and the Duke of Savoy; but they held all the Vally of [Page 25] St. Martin, which is stronger than any of the rest by it's situation.

They had fortify'd themselvs in each of these Val­lys, by several Retrenchments of Wood and Stone; Be­ing about 2500 men able to bear Arms, having chosen their Officers from the most considerable Persons of their own Countrey, there being no Forreigners amongst them, and they thus expected the Enemy with great re­solution. But as on one hand they had no regulated Troops, nor experienc'd Officers, and on the other, there were several Vardoises who had bin corrupted or fal'n off from their resolutions, during the Negotiation, so it is not to be marvel'd at, if they took not all necessary precautions. One of the greatest faults they committed was their undertaking to keep all their Posts. For had they abandoned those at the farthest distance, and retired into the Retrenchments, within the Moun­tains, ther's no likelyhood they could have bin attackt with any success.

The 22 of April being the day appointed for the On­set, the French Army commanded by Catinat Gover­nor of Casal, marcht two hours before day by Torch­light, against the Vallys of Peirouse and St Martin, keep­ing along the River of Cluson, being the French King's Country.

Catinat drew out a Detachement of Foot, command­ed by Ville-Vielle a Lieutenant Colonel, who having past over the River on a Bridge, entred into the vally of Peirouse Piemontoise. He possest himself of St. Germain, a Village which the Vaudoises had forsaken, and came and insulted over a Retrenchment, not far off, wherein there were 200 men.

The Vaudoises, after some resistance, quitted this [Page 26] Post; and betook themselvs to another, which lay more advantagiously. In the mean time, a new Detach­ment of Horse and Dragoons, having in like manner past the River, came to the assistance of the Infantry, who had began the fight. They did all they could to gain the Vaudoises Retrenchment which they thought no hard task, seeing they were six to one; but they found here such vigorous defence, that having lost a great many men, they Retrench'd themselvs within Pistol shot. Both partys held continual firing for 10 hours, but in fine, the Vaudoises issued out from their Trenches, with their Swords in their hands surprizing the French, who did not expect such a bold action, and drove them into the plain beyond Cluson, where by good hap, they found a Bridg, which sav'd them from drowning.

There were in this Rencounter, above 500 French kil'd, and wounded; and amongst the rest, several Offi­cers of note; and the Vaudoises, on their side, lost but two men, and had some few wounded. The relation, which the contrary party has wrote, on this subject, in­titled an account of the war against the Religionarys called Barbets, agrees touching the great loss, the French made; saying the Vaudoises fought so desperately, as forced the French to an unhandsome retreat beyond Cluson. In this defeat, Ville-Vielle betook himself to the Church of St. Germain, with 70 Soldiers, and some Officers; who being summon'd to surrender himself on terms of good Quarter, he refused, and shew'd great re­solution, tho' several of his people were kil'd.

The Vaudoises had certainly forced him to yeild, had not the approaches of the Night, and the weariness of that day's exercise induced them to give over. Having therefore left a guard at the Church door, the rest went [Page 27] to seek some refreshments. Ville-Vielle was carry'd off at break of day, by the assistance of some Troops, which the Governour of Pignerol had sent secretly in the night. The Vaudoises then return'd to their Retrenchments, ex­pecting to be again attackt, but the Enemy, altho re­cruited by fresh forces, contented themselvs with En­camping about Pistol shot distance, without firing on ei­ther side, for two days together.

Whilst things thus past in Peirouse, the body of the French King's Army advanced from Cluson, to the Fort of Peirouse. When Catinat drew out a Retrenchment of Horse, commanded by Melac, which having past over the River, on two Bridges, went wheeling about to gain the high grounds, which separate the Vally of St. Mar­tin by a Village named Rioclaret. But those who com­manded in this Vally, not expecting to be attackt after their offers of compliance with the terms of the Edict; especially considering the day, denoted for their depar­ture out of this Vally, was not come. They therefore had not put themselvs into a condition of defence, nei­ther did they make any resistance; whereupon they chose to lay down their Arms and to implore the pitty and compassions of the Victors. But the French, being enraged, at what had past, at St. Germains, contented not themselvs with burning, ravishing and plundering, but Massacred, without distinction of age and sex with un­heard of fury, all those, whom flight could not save from their cruelty. Catinat having ravag'd all the Coun­trey of Rioclaret, in the most barbarous manner imagi­nable, left some Troops in the Vale of St. Martin, and traverst with the main body of the Army, the Moun­tains, which separate this Vally, from that of Peirouse; and went and encampt, without finding any resistance, [Page 28] in the vally of Peirouse; where the Souldiers Massacred all those, who fell into their hands; without sparing men, women, or children. In the mean time the De­tachment, which Melac commanded, having encampt one night on the risings of the Vally of St. Martin, en­tered through several parts into this Vally, directed by the Vaudoises, who were so wicked to lead them, thro unknown ways, to all others, but only the inhabitants of the Countrey.

He left in all places, where he past, the marks of an unheard of fury; and went and joyned himself to the rest of the Army, which lay encampt at Pramol. We shall not give here a particular account of the crueltys exercis'd, in these occasions, and several others; but content our selvs in reciting in the sequel of this rela­tion, some instances, which may make us judg of the rest.

We must of necessity, break off the relation, of what the French did in Peirouse; seeing there happen'd such things in the Vallys of Lucerna, and Angrogne, which should be first taken notice of.

The Duke of Savoy's Army being come to the plain of St. John the 22 of April, were drawn out into several bo­dys which attackt diverse Retrenchments, which the Vaudoises had in the Vallys of Lucerna and Angrogne. The Vaudoises not being able to withstand the Enemy's Cannon, in such places, which likewise lay open to the Horse, were forced after some resistance to abandon part of these Retrenchments, and to betake themselvs to a Fort, more advantagiously situated, near Angrogne, to the number of 500 men.

The Enemy having burnt all the houses which they came near, they afterwards assaulted the Fort of the [Page 29] Vaudoises, who defended themselvs so vigorously, with shot and stones, against this great body, that they kept their post all that day, with the loss only of five men. Wheras the Enemy lost 300, altho' defended by an ad­vantagious retrenchment.

The Vaudoises fearing they cou'd not keep this fort, because the army continually grew bigger, betook themselvs to another, at 200 paces distance, that was better situated; where they expected the army with great courage, which advanced to assault them, when advice was sent them, that the Vale of St. Martin had surrendred, and that the French was coming on them behind; for to this Vally, there is an easy passage from Lucerna and Angrogne.

This news oblig'd the Vaudoises, to enter into com­position, with Don Gabriel of Savoy, Uncle and General of the Duke of Savoy's army, and with the rest of the other Officers, who on notice of his Royal Highness's will and pleasure, positively promised, as well from him, as from themselvs, that the Vaudoises shou'd receive a full pardon, and be remitted to the terms of the order of the 9th of April, provided they stood to his mercy. But the Vaudoises making some scruples at the confiding on this promise; Don Gabriel, who had notice of it, sent them a letter, writ and sign'd with his own hand in his Royal Highness's name, and in these words.

Lay down immediatly your arms, and throw your selvs on his Royal Highness's mercy, in doing which, assure your selvs, he grants you pardon; and that no violence shall be offered to your selvs, your wives, or children.

An assurance of this nature, one wou'd think, shou'd be sufficient, for the securing the Vaudoises lives and libertys. For besides that this promise was made in [Page 30] the name, and on the part of the Duke, it must have seem'd no less valid, had it only came from Don Gabriel, and other Chief Officers.

The Vaudoises then laid down their arms, in relyance on this promise, and went most of them to surrender themselvs to their Enemys; hoping they shou'd be im­mediatly released. But all those who put themselvs into their hands, were made prisoners, and led to the Town of Lucerna, under pretence, they were to be brought to his Royal Highness, to make their sub­missions.

The Enemys also seized on all the posts, which the Vaudoises had held in Angrogne. They contented not themselvs with sacking, plundering, and burning the houses of these poor people; they moreover put to the sword a great number of Vaudoises of both sexes, Old and Young. They Ravisht several Women and Vir­gins, and committed, in fine, such brutish actions, as strike with horror all persons, endued with any sense of humanity. Yet there were several Vaudoises, who after this composition, slipt privately out of their hands, unwilling to deliver themselvs to the mercy of such bar­barous wretches, before they knew what wou'd become of their companions, who had yielded themselvs. See­ing then on one hand, that the army exercis'd horrid crueltys, wherever it past; and on the other, that they detain'd all those who surrendred themselvs, they there­fore hid themselvs in the woods, and sent a request to Don Gabriel by one Bartholomew Fraschie, to entreat him to release their brethren, detain'd contrary to pro­mise; and to forbear those acts of hostility, which were carry'd on with such barbarous cruelty. Don Gabriel made no answer to this humble request: but some Of­ficers [Page 31] told Fraschie, that the Vaudoises were carry'd to Lucerna, only to beg pardon of his Royal Highness, and that after this, they shou'd be releast.

In the mean time the Marquess de Parelle gain'd the rising ground of the Vallys of Angrogne, with a de­tachement from the army, who finding no resistance, made up to the most considerable sort of the Vaudoises, and in which they had most of their cattel. The Mar­quess gave the Vaudoises to understand, that the peace being made, by the capitulation of Angrogne, it was their fault, they enjoyed not the fruits of it. He assu­red them, for this effect, on the word of a man of ho­nor, that if they wou'd put themselvs into his hands, neither they nor their wives or children, shou'd be har­med; and that they might carry with them, whatever they pleas'd, without any fear of it's being taken from them. That nothing wou'd be required of them, but to make their submissions. And that as for those, who wou'd become Catholics, they might return in all safety to their familys and Estates, and as to the rest, who were willing to leave the Country, they shou'd have free liberty to depart, according to the order of the 9th of April.

These Vaudoises then surrendred themselvs again on the faith of these promises, which were no better ob­serv'd, than the others. For the Enemys were no sooner entered into the fort, but not only whatever the Vau­doises there had, was delivered up to the Rapin of the Soldiers, and Banditi of Mondovi, their capital Ene­mys, who enriched themselvs with their spoils: but these poor people, the greatest part of which were an­cient Men, Women, and Children, were made Priso­ners, with some Ministers, who were amongst them; and conducted with such fury, that those whose age, [Page 32] or other infirmitys permitted not to travel fast enough to the Soldiers minds, were slain with their Swords, or thrown down from Rocks.

To return to the French, whom we have left at Pra­mol, in the Vally of Peirouse, they behaved themselvs after the same manner, as the troops of the Duke had done at Angrogne, and in the Vale of Lucerna. They had encampt themselvs in a part of the common of Pramol; call'd the Rua; which is about half an hour's march from another place, term'd Pieumian, where a party of those of Pramol, St. Germain, Prarustin and Rocheplate had retired, to the number of 1500 persons, Men, Women, and Children. The French might easily from their quarter come down to St. Germain, and fall on the 200 Vaudoises, who had so valiantly defended themselvs, and had resettled themselvs in their trenches. But having notice of the loss of the Vally of St. Martin, and the Enemys march, they thereupon left this re­trenchment, for fear of being attackt behind, and went to their brethren in Pieumian.

Whilst they deliberated on the course they shou'd take to defend themselvs, against the French, who were pre­paring to invade them; some Inhabitants of the Vallys, being suborned and won over to the Enemy, came and told them, that the Vallys of Angrogne and Lucerna had submitted to the will of their Prince, who had ta­ken 'em into favor, and granted them the terms of the order issued out the 9^th of April. They also told them, it was in their power, to end a warr, the burden of which they were not able to sustain alone, and to pro­cure for themselvs an advantagious and lasting peace. Which news having taken from the Vaudoises part of their resolution; they sent Deputys with a Drum, to [Page 33] the French General, to treat of peace. Who told them, that the intention of his Royal Highness was to pardon them, and positively promised them from his part and his own their lives and liberties, with leave to return with all security to their houses, provided they layd down their Arms immediatly. And the Deputys telling him they fear'd lest the French enrag'd at what had past, at St. Germain, would take vengeance, on the Vaudoises, when they had nothing to defend themselvs: he made them great protestations and oaths, that supposing their whole Army should pass by their doors, they would not offer the least violence.

This composition being made, Catinat retained one of the Deputys with him, and sent the others to give ad­vice to the Vaudoises, to oblige all those who had dis­perst themselvs, to repair the next morning being the 25 of April at Pieumian; that every man might return to his house on notice of the peace. Whilst the Vaudoises assembled at Pieumian the scattered familys, Catinat gave an account of this Capitulation to Don Gabriel, who sent him over night a messenger, who passing by Pieumian, assured the Vaudoises he brought good tidings of peace, and the next morning in his return, he told them it was concluded. They were so well perswaded of the truth of it, that the day before they had layd down their Arms according to the conditions of the treaty, entirely confiding in Catinat's promise: They waited in this condition for news from Pieumian, when there ar­riv'd one named St. Peter, one of the French King's Cap­tains of the Garrison in the Fort of Peirouse, follow'd with several Dragoons. Which Captain was well known by the Vaudoises, and immediatly reiterated to them the assurances of the peace; but presently caus'd the men to [Page 34] go together apart, in a certain place, and the women and children in another.

The French Troops being at the same time arriv'd, told the men, they had order to conduct them to their houses, and made them pass along through them four in a rank. These poor people having bin constrain'd to leave their Wives and Daughters exposed to the Sol­diers discretion, were led not to their houses, as they had bin told, but to Don Gabriel, who was encampt on the Mountain of La Vacherie, and who caus'd them to be carry'd prisoners to Lucerna.

In the mean time, the women suffer'd whatever the fu­ry, and brutish inhumanity of the Soldiers could de­vise against them. For these Barbarians, contented not themselvs with taking from them their money, but violated their Chastity, with such Circumstances, as are a shame to nature; and kil'd many of them in their resistance of their filthy attempts. Catinat was not pre­sent, at what past at Pieumian. He left the ordering of this affair to some Officers, to keep out of hearing the just reproaches, and complaints of the Vaudoises; or else that he might not be the Spectator of so many Villa­nous actions. But however it is certain, that excepting some women, who were kil'd, and such as fled away from the persecution of these Monsters, and saved them­selvs in the neighboring Woods, in danger of the Guns, that were shot at them, to stop them; all the rest, were dragg'd into divers prisons, with great cruelty.

It will be needless, to use here many arguments to shew, that the Enemys of the Vaudoises, have violated in these rencounters, the most Sacred and inviolable obligations. The relation of what is past, suffices, to clear this truth; seeing it clearly justifys, That the [Page 35] Vaudoises have bin the victims of their Enemys perfidi­ousness. And it's in vain to think to excuse this breach of promise, under pretence the Vaudoises were rebelli­ous Subjects, who had taken arms against their lawful Prince; for it will be easy to shew, that they cannot be accused of rebellion; seeing they only made use of a na­tural defence, against the unjust oppressions of the Con­gregation of propagation, and their other Enemys. But the present question is not, whether the Vaudoises could justly do what they did; but touching the performance of the promises, which have bin made them; notwith­standing this their pretended rebellion; seeing their sur­render of themselvs, was grounded on the faith of these promises. So that it's certain the violation of an obli­gation of this nature, can have no other colour, than the authority of this maxim, That faith is not to be kept with Hereticks. It's also certain, That Kings and Princes are especially oblig'd to condemn this vile maxim, in that they be the representatives of a being, who never fail'd of being faithful to his promises, and who has ever punisht perfidiousness, either in the person of those who have bin guilty of it, or in their descendants.

It's also in vain to alledge, that when the Vaudoises sur­rendred themselvs, they had only promise of life; for it's plain they were promis'd likewise their liberty. But had the promise extended no farther than life, can it be affirm'd they kept their word, when they made them all perish under the weight of an intollerable misery, and the hardest captivity as ever was.

The Vally of Peirouse being reduced as the rest by the Capitulation of Pieumian, one part of the French Army left this Vally, and went and joyn'd Don Gabriel at the Vacherie; Then it was that on all sides they hunted, and [Page 36] caught, these poor Vaudoises, who were dragg'd to seve­ral Prisons, under pretence of being led before his Royal Highness, to entreat his pardon. But that which seems most deplorable, was their refusal to hear the complaints, and tears, of familys, who implored the favor of suffer­ing together. For they separated the Fathers from their Children, and the Husband from the Wife, to deprive them of the means of comforting and strengthning one another. They violated the ties of nature and consan­guinity, that they might be less able to bear the tempta­tions, and other miserys, they provided for them. They designed, that those who could resist the sufferings, and miserys of a rigorous prison; should be overcome by the restless longings, to be with their relations. There were several young people of both Sexes, who were dis­perst, and placed in several particular houses in Piemont; but this was not from a motive of equity, but to make them change their Religion, and to keep them from coming near their Parents.

Yet there were then a great number of Vaudoises, who had not delivered up themselvs, nor were as yet taken; For those of Villars, Boby, and some other places, in the Vally of Lucerna, would not consent to the composition, as did the rest, that they might keep themselvs free. Many of those of Angrogne had joyned themselvs to these, having observ'd how the Enemys kept their word. And several of the Vaudoises of the vale of St. Martin, had searcht for shelter, and hiding places, in Woods and Rocks, to escape the barbarity of the French fury; who gave no quarter. The enemys resolv'd to be ma­sters of these Vaudoises, by force or fraud; as they had bin of the rest. For this effect, whilst part of the Duke of Savoy's Army, was employ'd against those, who were [Page 37] still in arms, in the Vally of Lucerna; the French re­turn'd to that of St. Martin, with the Marquess Parelle; who was well known to the Vaudoises, and the better able to perswade them. He knew by experience, that craft was a more likely means to succeed, than open force. He made use then of some Vaudoises, who had yielded themselvs, and in whom the people consided; causing them to march at the head of the army, with pistols at their throats, who were forced not only to be guides to the French; to discover the Vaudoises, in the secret places of their retreat, but moreover to write several notes, to exhort their Brethren, to throw them­selvs on the clemency of their Prince; whose favor was offered, to all those, who wou'd accept it. And be­cause the usage of those who had already surrendred themselvs, might discredit this sollicitation; it was ad­ded in several of these notes, that the prisoners wou'd be soon set at liberty. On the credit then of these notes, many of these poor people delivered up themselvs, for several days, as relying too on the assurances, which the Marquess Parelle, and the other Officers gave them, of his Royal Highness's pardon.

Several others were Massacred, or taken by the Sol­diers; but both those who surrendred themselvs, and those who were taken, had both the same destiny; and were equally led away prisoners, into divers prisons and castles.

Whilst thus craft or cruelty wasted the Vally of St. Martin of it's inhabitants; let us see what past in the Vally of Lucerna. The Vaudoises here, held amongst others, two strong places; the one call'd Jaimet, and the other Chamruma, above the Castle into which one part of those who had escaped out of Angrogne had fled. [Page 38] These two places sheltred Villars, wherein there were above a Thousand Persons, as well Old as Young. A de­tachement of the Duke of Savoy's army, assisted by the Banditi of Mondovi, came and attackt these two places; where the Vaudoises defended themselvs, for a whole day with an extraordinary courage. They kild a great number of Soldiers, and considerable Officers, amongst which was the Commander of the Banditi. They had only six men kild, and as many wounded. The Ene­mys were extraordinarily tired and intended a retreat: but for as much as they might be pursued easily, and defeated in retreating, they there upon be thought them­selvs of this stratagem.

Several Officers having laid down their arms, and layd by their hats, drew near at night, near the trenches of Chamruma, with an hankerchief at the end of their sticks; and desired a parley, to make proposals of peace. They shew'd a paper, and told the Vaudoises, they came from receiving letters, that peace was concluded, in all the Vallys; that his Royal Highness had granted a general pardon to all his subjects, and that it was their fault, who were still in arms, that they were not com­prehended in it. They added they had order to cease all acts of hostility, and exhorted the Vaudoises to do the same, and to accept the grace his Royal Highness offered them, of which the Podestat, there present, cou'd give them assurance. Which person being well known by the Vaudoises, having adjoyn'd his protesta­tions to those of the other Officers, and altogether ha­ving promist them, with the greatest earnestness, their lives and libertys; provided they withdrew; the Vau­doises of Chamruma trusting to these promises, left the place to the Enemys and retired, being perswaded of [Page 39] the certainty of the peace. There were several of An­grogne, who came to the Castle to enjoy the fruits of this peace, but they were immediatly seized on, and con­vey'd away. This credulity of the Vaudoises, took from 'em a favorable opportunity, of overthrowing their Enemys; for they might, without any danger, or trou­ble, vanquish troops, who had wasted all their warlike ammunition.

The Enemys, who pretended they had marcht away, only to make the Vaudoises leave their post, which was a very advantagious place, having receiv'd some re­cruits, immediatly return'd and possest themselvs of it. Those who were at Jaimet, and had not entered into composition, were then oblig'd to Abandon theirs, be­cause it was commanded by the other, and to betake themselvs to the mountains of Villars. The Enemys marched after them, and encampt at Bonnet, on the avenues of Villars and Boby; where they remain'd two days without attempting any thing against the Vau­doises, who might be about 4 or 500 men. The Offi­cers of the Army, employ'd this time, in offering them proposals of peace, attended with specious promises; provided they surrendred themselvs, and terrible threat­nings, if they stood on their defence.

The Vaudoises reply'd to these proposals, that they desired nothing more; but that which was offered them, was more to be dreaded than war, seeing it was not to be purchased, but by the loss of their liber­ty. That not withstanding the peace promised to those of Chamruma, and on the faith of which they had de­livered up their post, yet were they imprison'd, who had surrendred themselvs, and that the example of their Brethren taught them plain enough, what they must [Page 40] expect, if they relyed on these assurances. Yet did not this hinder, but a great number of the Vaudoises de­livered themselvs to the Enemy, in that they swore to 'em, that those who had yielded themselvs shou'd soon be set at liberty to return to their houses; having been carry'd to his Royal Highness only to ask his mercy, but these were also lead away captive, and used in no better sort than the rest.

One wou'd marvel at the easiness, wherewith the Vau­doises suffered themselvs to be deceived so often. But it's to be observ'd, there were several, who did not be­lieve any defence cou'd avail, after so many persons and places surrender. Others feared lest their oppo­sition, shou'd prove more than ordinary prejudicial to their Wives, and Children who were in prison. And the most part, cou'd not imagin, their Enemys cou'd be cruel enough, to starve in prison such as delive­red themselvs up to their mercy. They hoped how­ever they shou'd be set at liberty, after some months im­prisonment.

But the rest of the other Vaudoises, being much weakned, quitted Villars, on which the Enemy seized; who ceas'd molesting them till May 4; when the troops being reinforced, attack'd Boby, where the Vaudoises were retired; but they were vigorously beaten back by an 150 Vaudoises; who were in the mountain of Subjusque, and who without the loss of one Man, kild some Officers, and a great many common Soldiers. Eight days after the French army joyn'd that of the Duke of Savoy. The Enemys then made their last effort to be Masters of Boby, but the Vaudoises defen­ded themselvs so well, that after a fight, which lasted the whole day, they constrained the army to retire, [Page 41] and to encamp at Serre de la Sarsena, with the loss of many Men.

The next morning, the Marquess de Parrelle, who came from the Vally of St. Martin, with a great de­tachement, past over the ridge of Julien, which is an Alpe which was thought inaccessible, and prepared him­self to attack the Vaudoises behind. Which oblig'd the Vaudoises to quit Boby, and to betake themselvs to the Woods and Rocks. The Marquess de Parelle, and the Count de Brichantan having possest themselvs of these posts, which the Vaudoises had now forsaken, sent seve­ral Persons to them in their retreats, to exhort them to surrender, and to accept of a pardon; and several of these poor people being prest with misery and hun­ger, surrendred themselvs to these offers, and became captives by their own credulity. Others yielded to the Governor of Mirebouc, on assurance from him of their lives and libertys; but they also payd for their trust in his word, by a rigorous imprisonment. There were several, who had betaken themselvs to the Moun­tain of Vandelin, and who fought for some time with great courage and success. Yet they at last too suffe­red themselvs to be over-perswaded by the Count de la Roche, Governor of the Vallys, on promise which he made them of their lives and libertys. He assured them, by a note, writ with his own hand, they shou'd return to their houses; but they had no sooner forsaken their places of retreat, but they were clapt up in Pri­son, and the note taken from them which he had giv'n them.

The Enemys of the Vaudoises, having by the means afore related, taken away the lives of an infinite num­ber of Persons, and deprived above 12000 of them of [Page 42] their libertys, and carry'd away, and disperst above 2000 Children, thought they had now done their work. They carry'd on then their unjust practises to the end, and caused all the Vaudoises Estates to be confiscated.

And thus were the Vallys of Piemont depopulated of their ancient Inhabitants, and the light of the Gospel extinguisht in a Country, where it had shined for so many ages. Thus did perfidiousness, and violence, triumph over the simplicity of the Vaudoises, which the Council de propagatione, and their other Enemys have executed to their utter extirpation. But to the end we may know throughly, with what spirit their perse­cutors have been animated, we may here see some of the barbarous acts and crueltys, which they have exer­cis'd in these occasions.

Altho' we design to speak only of those, which have been practis'd, after the compositions; yet we may re­late some of the barbaritys, with which the French sig­nalis'd their entrance, into the Vally of St. Martin; not only because they transcend the bounds, which Chri­stians ought to set to their Victorys; but moreover, be­cause they have been committed on Persons, who offe­red no resistance. We may then here mention the Murthers of so many Old Men, Women, and Children, who were then the Victims of the Soldiers cruelty; the inexpressible lamentations of those poor Women and Maidens, who after the abuse of their Bodys, were con­strain'd to travel all night, at the head of the army, to serve for guides to the French; and the monstrous and diabolical actions of these furious Soldiers, who glutted their filthy lusts, on the same Bodys, they came from depriving of life. But we shall set aside the description of these things, to speak of some instances of crueltys [Page 43] and violences exercis'd after the surrender of the Val­lys.

The Soldiers made several Massacres at Angrogne, not here to be instanc'd, lest it shou'd put us on a long relation of particulars. There were several Women and Maidens violated, on the account of whose mo­desty, we shall conceal their names, some of them being yet alive. They wou'd likewise have violated Marguerit Maraude, who was but 14 years of age; and because James Maraude her Father, and Margaret Maraude her Ant opposed themselvs, to these violences; they were cruelly murthered. Susanna Olviette, and Margaret Baline striving to save their chastity, lost their lives by the hands of these Barbarians. Joseph David having been wounded at Angrogne, was carry'd by the Soldiers into a neighboring house, where they burnt him. Four Women and three Children of Pra­rustin were kild in a hole of a Rock, where they had hid themselvs. The Mother of Daniel Fourneron aged 80 years, was thrown down from a precipice in coming from the pre' de Tour, because she cou'd not go fast enough. At Pieumian the Soldiers slew the Wife of James Fourneron and Magdalen Roche, because they did not readily enough deliver the money they had. Mary Romain a Young and Beautiful Damosel, promised in Mariage to James Griot, was kil'd for endeavoring to save her Chastity. Another Virgin to secure her's, ha­ving cast her self into a River, was there shot to Death. Several Women and Maidens, who are yet alive, were dragg'd by the hair of their heads into neighboring houses, where they were Ravisht with horrible circum­stances; one through despair, throwing her self out of a Window, Honoree Jayer, a young Child, having [Page 44] been found among the women, was shot to death. A great number of women and maidens running away into woods, fell by the Musket-bullets, shot after them to stop them. The Marquess Parelle, and several Vau­doises, which he made to march before him, to serve for guides; passing by Pieumian, to go into the Vally of St. Martin, found the bodys of several little children, cut in pieces; several naked women, slain with blows, some of which had Stones thrust into their privitys. They also saw several Soldiers, who carry'd in their hats, the marks of an horrible cruelty, and a devilish im­pudicity, at which the Marquess Parelle was scandalis'd.

In the Vale of St. Martin there were six men, twenty women, and some children, who went and surrendred themselvs in the Town of Peirouse, on promise made them, they should have no harm done them; but they were no sooner come, but these six men, were shot in the presence of their wives. John Ribet of Macel having bin taken, he had his Arms and Legs burnt to oblige him to change his Religion; but God gave him the grace, to obtain the Crown of Martyrdom, in suffering constantly the death, which these executioners gave him. They likewise inhumanly put to death Bartholo­mew Ribet, James Brues, and his son. They fastned one poor infirm man to an horse's tail, whom they dragg'd about, till he expired. They hang'd up a poor blind woman at her own door. They found a woman at the point of being delivered, and perform'd two murthers at one Blow, in taking away her life, and that of the child in her womb. They pursued two young women, from a place called the Colet, to another named Boniot, where over­taking them, they violated them, and afterwards both shot them and hewed them in pieces.

[Page 45] Four women having fallen at the same time into the hands of these Barbarians, met with the same misfor­tune, only with this difference, that before they were vio­lated and massacred, they saw their childrens throats cut, in a place called the Fountains. They opened the bodys of a mother and her child, and tore out the bow­els, which they caus'd to be burnt. They slew a great many children in the same place, because they were sick, and were not able to follow them to the prisons, where they would have secured them. Twenty two per­sons, who had for a long time layn hid in Woods, and most of which were women and children, were found by these murtherers on the Mountain of Pelue, and thrown off into dreadful Abysses; being miserably shat­tered and torn by the edges of sharp-pointed Flints, on which the entrails of these poor wretches were seen to hang, a long time after.

In the vale of Lucerna, Susannah the wife of Daniel Violin, Katherina the wife of James Negrin, Anne Mala­note, and her daughter were stabb'd in the throats with Bayonets. Some Soldiers having used all their endea­vors to flea Daniel Pellene alive, and seeing they could not get the skin over his shoulders, they layd him on the ground, and placed a great stone on his belly, and made him thus expire. Daniel Brumerol lost his life with a cord, with which they fastned and straitned with a dreadful violence his head to his belly and privitys. Anne and Magdalen Vittories, and several others were burnt; the wise of Daniel Monin was slayn with a Sword, with which her head was cleaved asunder. Anne Bastianne was thrown down from high Rocks into a dreadful bottom. David Moudon had also his head cleaved asunder with the blow of a Sword. Margaret Salvajot having bin stript [Page 46] naked, had several blows of a dagger struck into her bo­dy, but she suffered not only a cruel death, in her own person; seeing that before she dyed, these wretches had so bruised the head of her daughter but 7 months old against rocky places, that the brains came out in the mother's sight. They cut in pieces Mary Salvajot; and poignarded Mary Durand for resisting the attempts, made on her chastity. They cut the throat of M^rs. Ber­trand, the Minister's mother, who was 80 years of age, and lay bedrid. A young maiden of Boby was fastned naked on her back on a Mule, and thus exposed; and led openly through all the Town of Lucerna. Amongst a great number of Vaudoises which were hang'd in Boby, there was one named Anthony Malanot, on whom the Soldiers discharged their Guns several times after he was dead, making their mark those parts of his body, which modesty puts on scrupling the mention.

The Soldiers having found a woman, named Jaimo­nate in a cavern of a Rock, on the Collier's Mount, they led her to the Marquess de Bavil, Colonel to the Regi­ment of Savoy, who askt her how long she had layn in that place, and how she sustained her self; she answered she had there hid her self 8 days, and liv'd on the milk which a Goat she had taken along with her had yielded her. They would have afterwards obliged her to tell them where the Vaudoises were, who hid themselvs in Rocks; and protesting she knew nothing in that particu­lar, the Soldiers, after having given her a kind of tor­ture, in fastning and then straitning her fingers with matches to make her confess, tyed her neck and heels, and in this posture threw her down from an high Rock; but being stopt in the way, They with stones so bruised her, that her bowels came out, and at length beat her [Page 47] quite off, in the presence of the Marquess de Bavil. A youth of the Vallys, named David Magnot, whom this Marquess had a fancy to, and had kept to wait on him, having since gotten away, was an eye-witness of this hor­rid action. Daniel Moudon, one of the Elders of the Church of Roras, having bin the spectator of the death of John, and James Moudon his two children, (whose heads the Soldiers cut off) after he had seen the body of the wife of John ript up from the Navil, and her daughter's brains beat out, who was not above 6 weeks old, and the two children of James cut in pieces, (one of which was 4 years old, and the other 14 months,) was constrained by these Monsters, to carry cross his shoulders the heads of his two sons, and to march barefoot 2 hours journy, near Lucerna, where he was hang'd in the midst of these two heads, which were fastned to a Gibbet.

There would be no end in reciting particular instan­ces of these kinds of crueltys. Neither shall we insist on the pitious death of so many Ancient and infirm peo­ple of all ages and both Sexes, who perished thro' cold and hunger, as well in Woods as holes in the Rocks. We here pass over an infinite number of prisoners, who were hang'd, without any formality of justice, on the arms of Trees; and in Towns and Villages, amongst which was Paul Megle an infirm young man, who was carry'd out of his bed to execution.

What we have related may suffice, I think, to shew how far extended the fury of the Vaudoises Enemys. We shall only then add here the death of Mr. Leidet, which is equally worthy of pitty and admiration. He was Mi­nister of Prabz in the vale of St. Martin, who had escap­ed at the Surrender of the Vallys, and hid himself for some time in the holes of Rocks. He was taken by a [Page 48] Detachment of Soldiers, and carry'd away to Lucerna, into the Pallace of the Marquess of Angrogne, where was then the Duke of Savoy. He was put into prison in a Tower of this Pallace, and one of his feet lockt into a kind of Stocks: where he long remained in this condi­tion with bread and water, not being able to lye down. It was sayd he was taken with his arms in his hands, but this appearing to be a false accusation, as it was after­wards justifyed, by those who took him, he was left several months in Prison, without having any judg­ment past on him, and several Judges excused themselvs from medling with him. Yet in the mean time no day past, in which he was not exposed to the perse­cutions of the Monks and Popish Priests, with whom he earnestly disputed, touching his Religion, and always confounded them. They brought him one day two Bi­bles, in which he shewed them so clearly the truth of his belief, that they left him, and shamefully withdrew, after a dispute which held four hours, They often put him in mind of his approaching death to af­fright him, and told him several times, there was no ways of escaping it, but by turning Roman Catholic. But he receiv'd the news of his death with great tran­quillity. He answer'd them, that tho he well knew, they could not justly put him to death, seeing he was not taken with his arms in his hands, and that moreover the Duke of Savoy had promis'd pardon to all his Sub­jects, Yet was he ready to suffer, what they might lay upon him, esteeming himself very happy, if he might suffer death for the name of Christ. He strengthned by his example and exhortations the prisoners, which were with him, some of which had leave to come to him. In fine the Monks and Fryers, being enraged at his zeal [Page 49] and constancy, found at length Judges compliant e­nough to condemn him to dye.

The day whereon he was executed, the Recorder Sal­vay pronounced sentence on him, in the presence of se­veral Monks, which he heard read with admirable re­signation, not shewing the least trouble or alteration in his countenance. The Monks left him not all that day, altho he desired them, several times, to let him be in pri­vate, that he might the better pray to God; but they would not give over troubling him, but forced him into disputes with them, as believing he was not now in a con­dition to defend himself against them, but he disen­gag'd himself with such smartness and presence of mind, that they were all astonisht at it. Yet this hinder'd them not from returning the next morning, to have the satis­faction of tormenting him, to the end of his life. He sayd when he was going out of the Prison, that this was a day of double deliverance for him, seeing his bo­dy would soon be freed, not only, from it's corporal pri­son, but his soul translated into immortal joy and feli­city. He went to the place of execution with inexpres­sible chearfulness and resolution, both despising life, which the Monks offered him, and death, which was now before his eyes. He made a long and affectionate Pray­er, at the foot of the Scaffold, with which those who stood by, were sensibly touched. He uttered these words on the Ladder, My God into thy hands I commend my Spi­rit, and dyed so edifying a death, that the Fryers them­selvs, who would not leave him, were forced to acknow­ledge, he dyed like a Righteous person.

There only then remain'd in the Vallys some Inha­bitants, who preferring death before servitude, would not hearken to the proposals of peace. Some of these [Page 50] were in the Vally of St. Martin; and although the one knew not the design of the others, because the Army lying encampt between these two vallys, they could have no Communication: Yet they were all of the same mind, and took both a resolution worthy of immortal praise. They remain'd a long time hid and disperst in the Mountains, to prevent falling into the Enemys hands, who went every day out in small partys to surprise them. One cannot sufficiently admire the constancy, with which they endured, all the wearynesses, and mise­rys, to which they lay exposed; being often glad to feed on grass, and the dogs, and other beasts which came to prey on the Vaudoises dead bodys; which lay unburied in the fields. But the French and Banditi of Mondovi being retired, they were not so strictly pursued by the Duke of Savoy's Army, which remain'd alone in the Val­lys. Then it was, that those who were in the vally of Lucerna began to come out of their hiding places, to seek for food to sustain their languishing Spirits. There were not in this vally above 42 men, besides some wo­men and children, when they were all together met, yet they made several attempts in the plain, always load­ing themselvs with provision and other necessarys, and worsted in several rencounters divers of the Enemys de­tachments, and kil'd and put to flight a great number of the Savoyards, who were come to inhabit in the Val­lys, and in fine performed, for several months, such gal­lant actions, that they put the Enemys under contri­bution, and forced them to furnish them with provisions, for some time; to hinder them from making their in­roads into the plain.

We shall not now make a particular relation of these geuerous attempts, lest we engage in a long discourse, [Page 51] but content our selvs with saying, that the Court of Turin, having in vain attempted by force, to extermi­nate them from the Vallys, sent them pass-ports, in good form, under hand, and hostages, for greater sure­ty of their retreat; tho' those who carry'd these pro­posals to the Vaudoises, wou'd by no means allow they acted by the Court of Turin's order. They affirm'd on the Contrary, that what they did, was of their own motion, and at the desire of some other Persons, who undertook to obtain these pass-ports, and deliver them hostages. But it's certain, an affair of this nature, cou'd not be carry'd on, without a more than bare conni­vance from the Court of Turin. For besides, that no particular Person, dared to have undertaken, of his own head, such a business; the pass-ports which were dispatched, did afterwards fully shew, that all was done by the Court's order.

However the Vaudoises at first refused to hearken to this proposal, whether they thought they ought not to put any confidence in the promises made them, or whether resolving to perish themselvs, but they wou'd deliver their Brethren out of Captivity, Death being more sweet to 'em than life, whilst they groan'd in their chains. A while after, this proposal was renewed, and several considerations were offered to oblige them to an acceptance. They were told that the Duke of Sa­voy had declared, that as long as they were in arms, the Prisoners shou'd not be released, and they were posi­tively promis'd, that assoon as ever they were departed, their Brethren shou'd be set at liberty.

So that the Vaudoises, considering on the one hand, that Winter came on, and that they must expect no succors; and on the other, that their resistance, might [Page 52] furnish their Enemys, with a pretence, for the detain­ing of the Captives; they thereupon determind to de­part their Country. It was then agreed and resolv'd, they shou'd leave the Vallys, and depart with their Wives and Children, arms and baggage, in two troops or companys, having their charges defrayed; and they conducted, as far as Switzerland, at two several times, by one of his Royal Highness's Captains, with suffi­cient pass-ports.

That for the greater security of the first troop, which shou'd set out, hostages shou'd be left in the Vallys, in the hands of the second; who shou'd keep them, till such time, as they had heard, that the first company was arriv'd; and then this Captain shou'd deliver into their hands an Officer of his Relations, for an hostage, till such time, the second troop or company shou'd be arrived.

This treaty was faithfully executed, for those two companys happily got out of the Country into a place of surety, with their arms and baggage, under the conduct of this Captain. We must not forget one remarkable circumstance; which is, that the Vaudoises wou'd never consent to leave the Country, till such time, as their kindred, who were in Prison, were re­leased, and sent to them; whence it must be concluded, that this treaty, was mannag'd by the Court of Turin; seeing these Captives, cou'd not be released, but by it's order.

The Vaudoises, who were in the Vale of St. Martin, did almost the same things, as those had done in the Vally of Lucerna. For altho' they were reduced, at last, but to 25 Men, and some Women and Children, yet they defended themselvs, with such vigor and re­solution, [Page 53] that they also procured themselvs passes, to retire to Switzerland, with their Wives and Children, arms, and baggage.

We have already sayd, that those in one Vally, knew not what past in the other, because the army cut off all communication. Cou'd they have joyned, or heard of each other, no doubt they had made a more advan­tagious composition, and perhaps delivered their Bre­thren out of their captivity. For if the Court of Tu­rin were willing to keep an Army in the Vallys, to hin­der the attempts of the Vaudoises; or design'd to Peo­ple this Country with Savoyards; who wou'd be far from inhabiting there, as long as there were these People in Arms; there is likelyhood, that to get rid of them, they wou'd have consented to the deliverance of the Prisoners.

Whilst these Vaudoises retired into Switzerland, by means of their own Valor, which procured 'em both hostages and letters of safe conduct, the Evangelic Can­tons did all they cou'd, for the deliverance of the Cap­tives. They had wrote several times fruitlesly to the Court of Turin on this occasion. But their zeal and charity being never weary'd, they therefore convocated an assembly at Arau in the Month of September 1686, in which 'twas resolv'd to demand again the releasment of the Prisoners: they sent for this effect two Deputys to the Count de Govon, the Duke of Savoy's resident, at Lucerna in Switzerland; and having shew'd him the reasons, which engag'd the Evangelic Cantons to in­teress themselvs in behalf of the Vaudoises, they en­tered into a treaty with him in the beginning of October, with the consent of their superiors. Which treaty obliges the Duke of Savoy to permit all the Prisoners [Page 54] to come into Switzerland, and to Cloath them, and defray the charge of their Journy till they came on the frontiers; where the Evangelic Cantons wou'd take care of them, and conduct them into the heart of their Country; To the end they might not be in a con­dition, to return to Piemont. When this treaty was made, it was without doubt, unknown at Lucerna, that the Vaudoises we now spoke off, were already re­tired; for there is an article, which says, that the Duke shou'd give them pass-ports in good form, to enable them to depart safely, and freely, which wou'd not have been inserted in this treaty, had what had past, on their account, been known. However the Cantons immediatly ratifi'd this treaty, which the Duke did not, till some time after in a letter, he wrote, on this occasion, in which he directs the course, which the Prisoners were to take, over Mountains, then inaccessi­ble, and thro' the Country of Valay, which depends, nei­ther on the Duke of Savoy, nor the Switzers, and thro' which there cou'd be no entrance, without negotiating with the Bishop of Sion, to whom it belongs. It's appa­rent, 'twas design'd to raise obstacles against the per­formance of this treaty, otherwise they wou'd not have markt out the way into other Countrys, than those of Savoy, where the Roads lye more commodious to go into Switzerland. The Evangelic Cantons complain'd of this, to the Count de Govon, about which having writ to the Court of Turin, the Duke at length gave order, they shou'd pass thro' Savoy, to the Canton of Berne, and caus'd the Prison doors to be set open: but this was not before the midst of Winter, and in so ri­gorous a season, that according to all appearances, those who had escaped the hardships in the Prisons, must perish in their way.

[Page 55] It will be very difficult to represent all the miserys and calamitys, which the Captives have endured, du­ring nine Months imprisonment. Yet there are exact memorials of what hath past, in each particular Prison, which is matter enough for a particular history. But we shall content our selvs, with giving some general re­presentations of the miserys they have suffered. They were carry'd then into Prison, at divers times; and as fast as they surrendred themselvs, or were taken. They were dispers'd to the number of twelve Thousand Men Women and Children into 14 Prisons, or Castles of the states of Piemont; and were more or less severely used, according to the humor of those, who were the keepers of the Prisons; but it's certain they were every where exposed to great hardships, and sufferings. Their allowance in every Prison, was but bread and water, neither had they enough of that; in some Prisons they had very black bread allow'd 'em, which had no sub­stance, and such as was kneaded with filthy water, that run down the kennels, and in which was found all man­ner of nastyness. In other places they had stinking wa­ter giv'n them, and such as cou'd not be drank, but by those, who were ready to perish with thirst. They were obliged in some places, to go and fetch water out of horse-ponds, and wherein were dogs thrown, at the same time they took it. In certain places they were not suffered to draw water out of wells; that being judg'd too good for them. In other places they were permit­ted to have water only, at certain hours, out of which they were not to have any; which has occasion'd several sick Persons to expire thro' need of a glass all of water to refresh them. They were forced all of 'em to lye on bricks, with which the floors are paved in Piemont, with­out [Page 56] straw; or if they had any giv'n them, in some pla­ces; it was either such as was so short, that it was mere dust, or else such as was musty. They were so straitned, and pen'd up in some Prisons, that they cou'd not stir without great difficulty, and when they dyed, which every day hapned, the apartments were fil'd up with others, that they might have no more ease. The sti­fling heat of the summer, and the filthy corruption with which the Chambers were infected, by reason of the sick, had engendred such a great quantity of lice, that the Prisoners cou'd have no rest, either night or day. They were also troubl'd with great worms, which gnaw'd their skins. There were several sick people, who may be sayd to have been the worms food in their life time. For these poor people, not being able to rise up, they were so gnaw'd with them, that their skin, being al­ready rotted, fell off from their flesh in small pieces; and in this miserable and languishing condition, did they lye, till their deaths had put an end to all their sufferings. They did not only endure all the inconve­niencys of an excessive heat, but moreover those of a severe cold; seeing that in the midst of Winter, they had never any fire giv'n them, nor any cloaths to warm them, altho' they were in high rooms, the greatest part of which lay exposed (without windows) to the wea­ther. They never had any light allowed 'em in the Winter or Summer, to relieve the sadness of their con­ditions in the dark nights, and to help the sick amongst them, several of which have perished for want of succor. A great many Women have also dyed in Child-birth, for want of help in the night; and their loss has been follow'd with that of their Children, who have receiv'd death, at the instant, wherein they shou'd have obtain'd [Page 57] life. Sick people have bin severed from the sound, and layd in open places, exposed to the injurys of the Air, the winds and storms. But this cruelty, has bin in some sort, a kindness; seeing it has brought them to the end of their miserys, in the end of their lives. In other prisons, there have bin several children sick of the small Pox, lay'd in wet yards, and under the spouts, to have the water fall on them. They were not contented in not assisting the sick themselvs, they also hindered cha­ritable people, from bringing them broth, and other necessarys. When the prisoners, have dared to com­plain of the little charity shew'd them, they have bin la­den with injurys, threats, and blows. They were told that instead of shewing them compassion, they should be used like dogs, till they were all dead. There was scarcely any prisoner, who was not burthened with some distemper. There have bin so many sick, that no less than 75 have bin counted to lye ill at one time in a Room. There have bin taken out of the prisons a great many young children, notwithstanding the tears and supplications of both them and their Parents. In fine the prisoners have underwent such hardships, that it's scarce credible, there should be so much cruelty, a­mongst those who bear the Christian name; were it not well known, to what point the Enemys of the Vaudoises have extended their fury. But we cannot doubt of the excess of their rage, when 'tis notorious that above eight thousand of these poor creatures have expired, under the weight of this cruel slavery.

Yet as if it was not enough, that their bodys were thus afflicted, they have bin moreover persecuted in their souls. For the Monks and Fryars have used all pos­sible means to make them change their Religion. But [Page 58] God had endued them with the grace of persevering to the end, and there were few who fell under the burthen of the temptation. Those who turn'd were not used so severely as the rest, but were notwithstanding detain'd in captivity.

The prisoners were in this piteous condition, when the Duke of Savoy, caus'd to be publisht in the prisons the order, which permitted them to go forth, and re­tire into Switzerland. This publication was not made every where in the same manner, nor at the same time; but successively, and according as the prisoners were set at liberty. Yet it was read in most of the prisons by an Officer of Justice, who causing the prisoners to come before him, declared to them that all those who would depart out of the States of Piemont, to go into Switzer­land, might do it, and even those who had promis'd to change their Religion; because the promises which had bin made in prison, were to be considered, as forced, and consequently void. He added they were at liberty either to go or stay, if they became Catholicks. Yet the prisoners had not all the liberty of choice which they pretended was granted them. For the Monks and Offi­cers of the Prisons, who were present at this publication, endeavor'd to avert the effect of it. Sometimes they were told that the rigour of the season, and the cruelty of the Soldiers which conducted them would destroy a great part of them in the way. Other times, they were flattered with the hopes of returning into their own houses, if they would abjure their Religion. But these considerations not being able to prevail on them, they were many times grieveously beaten, as it happen'd in the Prisons of Ast where the Governor gave them a thousand blows, with a Cane, in the presence of the Auditor Leo­nardy. [Page 59] They were shut up in Dungeons, and in the most noysom, and filthy parts of the Castles of Queirasque and others. In fine, there were so many obstacles, layd be­fore them, that some fall under the temptation, and yielded to a change of Religion. But instead of reset­ling them in their houses, they were lead (as it were) into captivity into the Province of Verceil, the least grateful, and most barren place in all the Duke's Domi­nions. We must not omit some Circumstances, which are considerable enough, the one, that several young children, as well those who were brought up in prison, as others who were disperst over Piemont, having known that liberty was granted the prisoners, prest earnestly to go with their Fathers and Mothers, but this could not be obtained; the other, that the permission of depar­ture, was not publisht, in the Prisons of Lucerna, but on­ly fixt up at the place, to the end the prisoners might not have the advantage of it; and in fine the prisoners who were in the Dungeons of Ast and their familys, which were in the Cittadel of Turin, had not the benefit of this Declaration.

Soon after this publication, the Vaudoises were made to set forth in several Troops or Companys, which were conducted to Geneva by the Duke's Officers and Soldiers. It was promis'd by this treaty made with the Count de Govon, that the Captives should be cloathed, and yet there were nothing given them, but some ragged old coats and breeches; but it was not only in this point, that the Treaty was not executed, it was violated in se­veral others, of greater importance. For besides the crueltys which were exercis'd on several Companys, they were bereaved of a great many of their children, in their journy. There hapned two things amongst others, from [Page 60] which one may judge of the rest. The one regards the prisoners which were at Mondovi, who about Christmas were told, there was an order the Contents of which was, that if they did not immediatly depart, this liber­ty would be revoked the next morning.

These miserable poor creatures were all in a sick and languishing condition. Yet did they choose to be gon immediatly without any convoy, and to expose them­selvs to eminent danger, rather than to groan any lon­ger, under this cruel Captivity. They set out then in a night, the most cold and incommodious imaginable, and travelled 4 or 5 Leagues without resting on Snow or Ice, but with that misfortune, that there were above 150 who fell by the way and dyed; their brethren not being able to give them any assistance.

The other respects the prisoners which were at Forsan. There were a company of these poor Captives, who hav­ing layn at Novalaise, at the foot of Mount Senis, perceiv'd the next morning, at their setting out, that a great storm was rising on this Mountain. Some of this company shew'd the storm to the Officer, who conducted them; and entreated him to stay till it was past, and not to expose them to apparent danger, and to have pitty on so many persons, most of which were without any strength or spirit; they also told him, that if he would be so charitable to them, they should ask him for no bread; choosing rather to abide without any nourishment, than to throw themselvs into this danger. But this Officer had the cruelty to make them travel immediatly, and to Sacrifice a part of them to his bar­barity. For there were fourscore and six who perished on the Mountain by the storm. These were Ancient infirm people, women and small children, who had not [Page 61] strength to resist the severity of the weather, and whom their friends were forced to leave, as a prey to the wild Beasts. This Officer not suffering them to pay them any charitable Office. The following Companys, and seve­ral Merchants, who past soon after over this Mountain, saw the bodys of these poor creatures, stretcht out on the Snow; the mothers having still their children in their arms.

The Evangelic Cantons, having bin inform'd of the taking away of the children, from their parents, and other bad usages of the Vaudoises, in their way; thought themselvs still oblig'd in charity, to endeavor their re­lief. They sent Deputys for this end to the Court of Turin, as well to favour the journy of the several Com­panys, who were not then arriv'd at Geneva, as to de­mand the restitution of the children, taken up in the way, and other young people of both Sexes, who were disperst in Piemont, at the surrender of the Vallys. And receiving at the same time a Letter from the Count de Govon, by which they were inform'd, that his Master had referred for some time the deliverance of the Ministers, and would not release some prisoners, who had bin taken with their Arms in their hands, and were condemn'd to work all their lives on his Royal Highness's fortifications. The Evangelic Cantons there­fore commanded their Deputys to demand the liberty of the Ministers, and all other prisoners, according to the treaty made with the Count de Govon. But before we speak of the success of this Negotiation, we must see in what condition the Vaudoises were, when they arriv'd at Geneva.

They came thither at several times, and in several Companys, which in all made not above 2500 persons; [Page 62] but they were all in so bad and deplorable a condition, that it is not possible to express it. There were several of these poor people who dropt down dead at the Town gates; and who met with the end of their lives, in the beginning of their liberty. Others were so dispirited with sickness and grief, that they were expected every moment to expire, in the arms of those who had the charity to sustain them. Others were so frozen with cold, that they had not the power to speak; some stagger'd under the weight of their distempers and wearyness, o­thers were deprived of the use of their limbs, and could not hold out their hands to receive the assistance which was offered them. The greatest part of them were na­ked, and without shoes, in fine, both one and the other carry'd such marks of an excessive suffering and extream misery, that the hardest heart must needs be grieved at it.

The Companys staying some time at Geneva, to rest and refresh themselvs, before they parted for Switzer­land; those who were first arriv'd, went out to meet those who came next, to inform themselvs touching the con­dition of their relations, of whom they had not heard, since the troubles in the Vallys. A Father demanded news of his child, a child what was become of his Fa­ther, an husband of his wife, a wife enquired after her husband, and every one endeavor'd to learn what was become of his friend; but this being commonly in vain, seeing most part of them were dead in prison, this occa­sion'd such a sad and lamentable Spectacle, that all the beholders melted into tears, whilst these poor people opprest and overwhelm'd with excess of their grief, were not able to weep and bemoan themselvs.

But if it be difficult fully to represent the misery of [Page 63] these poor Peoples condition, it's no less hard a task to express the abundant Charity, those of Geneva shewed in these occasions. The Inhabitants strove so fast to meet these piteous objects to bring them into their houses, that the Magistrat was obliged to forbid the peoples going out of the Town, to avoid the inconve­niencys which this hurry caused. Every one strove who shou'd have the most of these sick and distressed Persons, to have the more occasion for the exercise of their cha­rity. They were tended not only with the same care, as their own Children, but moreover as Persons which brought peace and a blessing into their familys. There has been an extraordinary care taken of the sick, of which several have dyed at Geneva; and some of which, do still carry the marks which the worms have made in their bodys. All the Vaudoises, who needed cloaths, have been furnisht, either by those who lodged them, or out of the Italian stock, the mannagers of which have shew'd from the beginning, to the end, the marks of a tender compassion and ardent charity.

But it was not only in Geneva, where the Vaudoises were so kindly entertain'd, they met with the same compassion in Switzerland, where the Evangelic Cantons receiv'd them, in the most generous and Christian man­ner imaginable. And 'tis not only in respect of the Vaudoises, but also of the other Protestants, that one may say, that the Country of Switzerland is an assured port of divine appointment, for the reception of those, who are exposed on the waves of Persecution.

The Deputys then of the Evangelic Cantons being arriv'd at Turin, demanded the liberty of the Ministers, and other Prisoners, and the restitution of the Children, as well of those who were taken away from their Pa­rents, [Page 64] in their Journy, as of those who were dispersed in Piemont, at the time of the surrender of the Vallys. They shew'd that in respect of the Ministers, there cou'd be no lawful pretence to detain them, not only because they were comprehended in the treaty, made with the Count de Govon; but moreover because they were the principal objects of the Switzers intercession; besides that it's very just to remit the pastors to their flocks, to comfort and encourage them under their sufferings. As to the Prisoners, condemn'd, for all their life time, to work on the fortifications, they likewise shew'd, they were not to be distinguisht from the rest, under pretence they are more faulty. For 1st. the treaty makes no exception to their prejudice: and says that all the Pri­soners in general shall be released. 2dly. The Count de Govon has himself declared in a letter, which he has wrote on this subject, on the part of the Duke his Ma­ster; that they pretended not to retain any Prisoners. 3dly. That seeing his Royal Highness was willing to grant safe conducts to those who were actually armed, on greater reason, liberty shou'd be granted to the Pri­soners in question, to depart; who have been always considered, as far less criminal. And as to the little Children, they shew'd, that as well those ought to be released, who had been taken away in their passage, as them who had been dispersed in Piemont, because both one and the other were retained contrary to the engage­ments of the treaty. But neither the sollicitations nor arguments of these Deputys, produced any effect, they only serv'd to procure the restitution of some of the Children, which were carry'd away in the passage. For the surplus are still in the states of Piemont. It's true that the Court of Turin hath promis'd to deliver the [Page 65] Ministers but wou'd not fix the time. As yet they are disperst, with their familys which consist of forty seven Persons, into three Prisons or Castles, where they be strictly kept, and exposed to several incomodiousnesses and miserys, without any appearance of their libertys.

And thus you have an abridgement of what has past that is most considerable on the occasion of the dissi­pation of the Churches and Inhabitants of the Vallys of Piemont. There needs no more to shew, there was never any persecution more unjust and violent. As to these poor People themselvs, they hope that all the Re­formed states, will look with an eye of pitty on their sufferings, and have some feeling of their griefs. They are the remains of those Mother Churches, that can claim the greatest and purest antiquity, who from the bottom of their Alps had enlightned a great part of the Universe. But they are such sad remnants, and those reduced into so small a number, and such a deplorable condition, that we cannot behold either their diminu­tion, or their misery, without being pierced with ex­tream sorrow. They implore then the protection of Kings and Princes, and Protestant states, and in fine of all true Christians. They entreat them by the remem­brance of what Christ has done and suffered for them, to give ear to the sorrowful crys of the oppressed, and to continue their charitable exhibitions to a remnant, whom God has delivered from both a corporal and spi­ritual bondage. By which means they shall be ena­bled to pray without ceasing for their Benefactors, that God wou'd reward their charity with uninterrupted peace, health and plenty, in this life, and with immor­tal glory, in the world to come.

[Page 66]His Royal Highness of Savoy's letter to the Inhabi­tants of the Vallys.

[Page 67] To the Commonaltys of the Vallys of Lucerna, St. Martin, Peirouse, Prarustin, St. Bartholomew, and Roche­plate.

The copy of a letter written to the Count Boccaria by his Royal Highness.

To the Count Am. Boccaria Councellor of State and superintendant General of the Vallys.

The order of Don Gabriel of Savoy in favor of the In­habitants of the Vallys.

Don Gabriel of Savoy, Marquess of Rive, General of his R. Highness's Army both of Horse and Foot.