A JOURNAL OF THE War with Holland, From His Majesties departure from Paris, until his return.
According to the order of Action and Time.
THE States of Holland were raised in a short time to such a pitch of Pride and Insolence, that 'twas impossible they should maintain it long. Their Irreligion was so great, that Heaven could no more be deaf to the just complaints of the Oppressed. They were so blind, as to take no notice of the Favors of that Monarch, who had, as it were, raised them out of nothing: and they pretended to give Law to those Powers, [Page 24]from whom, not long before, they had had petition'd to receive it. In fine, their Ambition, their Tyranny, and their Ingratitude did exceed all bounds: and they were so puft up with the thoughts of being Princes, and understood withal so little what Soveraignty was, that they imagined all the World ought to stoop and pay Obedience to them.
There was then a necessity that some one or other should charitably interpose to disabuse them; and none could undertake that Work more effectually, then our Great Monarch. That care was his particular concern, and none had so great an Interest in it as Himself. He had the Power, and nothing was wanting but a Will; which he is always ready to exert, whensoever so just an occasion offers it self. As being The most Christian King, He was obliged to undertake the defence of the Church: as one that had raised them, 'twas His Interest to chastise their Ingratitude▪ and as being the most absolute Monarch in the World, it became His glory to maintain His Soveraignty. 'Twas this that obliged Him to declare War, and to put Himself at the head of a Hundred thousand Men, to teach them such Lessons, as they should never forget.
His Majesty parted from S. Germains, on [Page 25]Thursday the 28. of April, in the Year 1672, and having taken the way of Soissons, He arrived at Rocroy the second of May ensuing, where the Troops, that were to compose his Army, began to rendevouz; as those, which were to make an Army for Monsieur the Prince, did at Sedan.
The same day we came also to Rocroy, by the way of Fymes, Rheimes, and Retel.
The third of May in the Morning, His Majesty parted with all His Forces from Rocroy, and came to Mariemburg, where we were scarcely encamped, but he commanded the Marquis de Ranes to advance towards Philipville; which we presently did, and found there several Troops.
The fourth, His Majesty came to Philipville, and we, with the Troops that we found there, marched to Charleroy, where all the Army gathered into a Body, during seven or eight days that His Majesty resided there.
The fifth, the King arrived at Charleroy: And having had intelligence, that 3000 Horse and 600 Foot were march'd out of Maestricht, and run along the Meuse, with design to plunder the Boats that brought our Provisions from Huy to Leige; and that they were come up to the Gates of Huy, and being denyed entrance there, had threatned [Page 26]to pillage and burn the Town, unless the [...] would thrust out our Commissaries: Ther [...] were dispatched 2500 Horse, and 200 Dragoons, under the Command of Monsieu [...] the Chevalier de Fourille. Thereupon w [...] marched to Gyblou, and in our way gave a [...] alarm to Namur, which thought we wer [...] coming to besiege it.
The sixth, whil'st His Majesty stayed a Charleroy, where his Army increased ever [...] day; we encamped at Bonneff.
The seventh, we marched to Mosey.
The eighth, His Majesty tarryed still a [...] Charleroy, and we thought to have continued our Quarters at Mosey: But about 9 i [...] the morning, the Commissaries, that ha [...] care of the Provisions at Huy, came an [...] acquainted Monsieur de Fourille, that they could not convoy the Provisions with safety unless we advanced up to the Passage Whereupon we chang'd our design, an [...] marching towards the Gates of Huy, encamped in a Meddow over against the Village of Chouquiere, at the foot of the Castle of Berloc, upon the edge of the Meuse, about the mid-way between Huy and Liege [...] where the Enemy two days before had refresh'd themselves, and plundered the Boats We learnt, notwithstanding, that they wer [...] in so great fear, that their Horse had take [...] [Page 27]the alarm at the arrival of their Foot, who could not come up so soon; and that mistaking their own Forces, and thinking them to have been French Troops, they had secured themselves by flight, if some had not run and acquainted them with the mistake. At length our Provisions passed on guarded with 100 Horse, that marched along the River on the left hand, and secured with a 100 Dragoons, that were placed at the avenues on the right hand: and being arrived over against the Castle and our Camp, the Guard of Dragoons was made to enter the Boats, and that of the Horse was doubled, which marched all night as far as Leige, and returned again.
The ninth in the Morning, we went back, and encamped at Fallais, a Village of Br [...] bant, belonging to the Spaniards, where Monsieur the Marquis de Louvois joyned with us, who came thither about ten in the Morning with a Guard of 500 Horse; and afterwards about three in the Afternoon parted from us with 120 Horse, and went to Leige. The Enemy now began to shut themselves up, and issued out no more in a great Body, but only as Pickeerers, 12, 15, or 20 in a Company, and killed a Quartermaster, and six of the Horse men that guarded Monsieur the Marquis de Louvois, and [Page 28]had tarryed a little behind the rest. The same Evening two others, who had bin foraging in a Village, were killed by the Enemy, who had hid themselves, and pretended they were Spaniards, belonging to some of the Spanish Garrisons.
The tenth, we march'd to Bierzey, and came near again to Leige. The same day Monsieur de Turenne left the King (who tarryed still at Charleroy) and advanced with one part of the Troops, of which he formed an Army for himself. The Troops that had convoy'd Monsieur de Louvois, rejoin'd with us, and he himself tarryed at Leige.
The eleventh, Monsieur de Turenne continued his march, and we stayed at Bierzey. Monsieur de Louvois sent word, that we should dispatch in the Evening a hundred Dragoons to guard them along; wch Monsieur the Marquis de Ranes sent him. In the mean time Monsieur the Prince marched slowly on with his Army on the other side of the Meuse, on the right hand.
The twelfth in the morning, Monsieur the Marquis de Louvois returned from Leige, and we being joyned with the Army of Monsieur de Turenne, went to encamp at Greville near Tongren, which we took without resistance, and placed a Garrison in it. Monsieur the Count de Chamilly, came to us from [Page 29] Huy, where he had bin before.
The thirteenth, Monsieur de Turenne staid at Greville, but he sent away the Foot Regiments of Alsace and Languedoc, that made six Bodies, three Companies of Dragoons of the Regiment Royall, that came to 300 men, the Horse Regiments de Joyeuse, de Tury, de Gassion, de S. Loup, de Rouville, and some others. This party was commanded by Monsieur the Count de Chamilly. Afterwards we went to Bilsem.
The fourteenth, we went and encamped at Rakem, which lies two Leagues on the other side of Maestrickt, and within one of Maesiick. M. de Turenne followed us with his Army; and the King marched another way near Vizè, 2 Leagues above Maestricht. The 15. in the morning, we came up within sight of Maisiich, where the army being drawn up, M. the Count de Chamilly summon'd the Town, which not seeming averse to a Parley, he went in, but they not agreeing upon Conditions, command was given to prepare Faggots, and we began to raise a Battery for four pieces of Canon; and not staying to throw up Trenches, some Companies of Foot were drawn out, and commanded to come up under the shelter of some thick Hedges, and old Walls which lay near the Town-ditch. All this was done by two in the Afternoon, and then we began [Page 30]to play upon the Town, which did the like upon us. They held out about five hours, and defended themselves well enough. In this Action we lost in all but one or two Officers, and some few common Soldiers, and the Enemy had not above 3 or 4 men killed: but notwithstanding, about 7 of the Clock they beat a Parley, and denr'd to Treat; whereupon the Count de Chamilly, and the Sieur de Ranes went in again, and came not back till the Town was surrendred; and in the mean time, the Chevalier du Plessis, Camp Marshal to the Army, commanded the Attaque.
But before this, not imagining the Place would, have yielded so soon, advice was given thereof to Mareshal Turenne, who thereupon advanced, and was very near when the Marquis de Ranes took Horse and left the Town, which had just now yielded, to advertise him of it. Whereupon he made a halt, and encamp'd with his Army pretty near ours, and himself retir'd into one of the M. de Ranes's Houses, who went back immediatly into the Town to Count de Chamilly and thence they both return'd to Marsha Turenne. This Action gave occasion to some Dutch Railery, who thereupon told that the French had taken Maestricht, no no, I mistake would they say, 'tis Maesiick: but this was the last time they were in a ralling humor; [Page 31]for since then we have dealt with them in such earnest, that they have not had time to bethink themselves, or give their minds to so much relaxation, as to be in a fit of drolling or playing the Satyrists.
The sixteenth, we left the Sieur Chamilly at Maesiick with his Troops, and Monsieur du Plessis, to see to the fortifying of the Place. The Marquis de Ranes coasted along the River towards Maestricht with three Companies of Dragoons, and took all the Boats he met with, to the number of 25, and had them all brought back up the River to the Abby of Ocq, where we were by that time encamped, and where at our coming we found Monsieur Vaubrun Camp Marshal, with a part of the Army which he there commanded.
The 17th in the Morning, we left that Party to the conduct of Monsieur Vaubrun their Commander, and march'd with some Guides to Vizè, whether His Majesty came also the same day; but in our March, coming within Canon shot of Maestricht, there issued out thence some Horse, one part of which seem'd to turn off towards Monsieur Vanbrun's Camp, and the other to advance towards us. The Sieurs T [...]renne, and de Ranes, made up towards them, but they thereupon nimbly retir'd, the Enemy only letting fly 30 or 40 Canon, and some volleys of small [Page 32]Shot at us, which did no harm. A League from thence, we met the Count de Lorge with his flying Army, who had encamp'd hard by, upon the way to Tongres: He drew near likewise to Maestricht, and beset it closely on his side, as Monsieur de Vaubrun had on the other.
The 18. the King went to take a view of the out-works of the Fort ... wch belongs to the Spaniard, and lies on the right from the Meuse, near a League from Vizè, and two from Maestricht: he was saluted by the Garrison, which is always very strong, with many great Guns, and volleys of small shot,
The 19. Monsieur the Prince encamped within two Leagues of us, and came the same day with Monsieur the Duke, to visit the King; and afterwards (having first been at Council) return'd to his Camp.
The 20. the Kings Army, as also that of the Prince, rested.
The 21. They rested again, and a Bridge of Boats was begun upon the Meuse below Vizè. Monsieur Vaubrun went and joyned his Troops to those of Monsieur de Chamilly, who have since been employ'd, almost during all the rest of the Campaigne, in fortifying Maseick, and in coursing about Mastricht.
The 22. they continued working about the Bridge, which was well forwarded. The same day the Prince's Army march'd.
The twenty third, His Majesty rested again, the Bridge was finish'd, and the Collonel Regiment of Dragoons left Vizè to go and joyn with the Army of Monsieur the Prince, under whom it serv'd during the rest of the Campaigne. Three Companies of the Regiment Royall, which had been left about Maestricht, came back. The heavy baggage past the River all that day. In the evening some were drawn out of the Kings Houshold to go and get Intelligence of the Enemy toward Maestricht: it fell to the lot of the Marquis of Saurebeuf, a younger Brother, one of the Kings Guards, to be first pick'd out to go, and see what might be discover'd at the Pallisado. He brought back word to the Brigadier of Musqueteers who commanded the Party, that he had seen a Sentinel without the Pallisado, and within many lighted matches, which made him think it was well man'd. The Commander not being satisfied with this account, told him, That would not serve his turn, and that the King would know whether any body had gone out of the place or no, wherefore he must return and do his utmost to learn that; which he presently did, and going streight to the Sentinel, ask'd [Page 34]him, If the Party that went out that day, were yet return'd; to which, he receiv'd no other answer then a Musket-shot in his throat, that was followed by at least forty more, which however mist him; but the first wound was in so dangerous a place, that he immediatly fell, and was altogether unable to make his Escape; so that the Enemies carryed him into the Town, where he was long kept Prisoner and ill of his wound.
The 24. His Majesty pass'd the Maes upon the bridge of Boats, with the whole Army, except only Five hundred Foot, which were drawn out by lot to be left in Garrison at Vizè, a little Town lying on the right side of the Maes, between Maestricht and Liege; so we went and encamp'd at Biernaw upon the little River Berwine, in the Country of Limbourg. The same day in the morning, Monsieur the Vicount of Turenne, and the Marquis de Ranes, march'd with some Horse and Dragoons to the Fort call'd Fouquemont, (otherwise Fauquenton, or Valkemborg.) This is a Castle three hours Journey from Macstricht, on the other side of the River, built on a steep Rock; at the Foot of which there is a great Town, bearing the same name, and depending on it. There was in it a Garrison for the Hollander, but upon notice of the march of the foresaid [Page 35]Persons, they retir'd into Maestricht, and quitted the Castle, though it be inaccessible and impregnable without Canon. There are within it Caves of a Prodigious depth and bigness, wherein a whole Army might be hid: there was little Provision in it, for which reason the Sieur de la Roüillardiere, Captain of a Company of Dragoons, who was left there with One hundred men, was forc'd to buy some from the Town, and other neighboring places; the King having ordered, That he should take nothing but what was paid for.
The 25. His Majesty rested.
The 26. the Kings Army still rested, and nothing extraordinary passed. Monsieur the Prince still march'd forward toward the Rhine, upon the resolution which had been taken not to set upon Maestricht, but to go straight on and take the places which lie along that River, and so drive straight forwards into Holland.
The 27. at night, the Weather grew very bad, and in the morning it was very cloudy and louring, but we departed notwithstanding, and came to Willers, where the Rain did not a little incommode us.
The 28. The Weather being good again, the King went and encamp'd at Rolduc, and upon some Intelligence, a Council [Page 36]was call'd, where it was resolv'd, That Monsieur Turenne should march on with 15000, or 16000 men, which he did: but this Order not having been foreseen, many of those who were commanded to accompany him having march'd before, went on with the Kings Army, till being told of their duty, they were forc'd to march all night to overtake the Army of Monsieur de Turenne, who went and encamp'd at Erkelens.
The 29. the King came within half a League of Juliers, and Monsieur de Turenne encamp'd at Telns, a little Village between Nuis and Keiserwort, in the Country of Colen. The same day the Prince's Army pass'd the Rhine upon a certain Float of Wood, wch carryed 2000 Foot and 200 Horse, with all their baggage at a time: and his Highness and the Duke of Newbourg treated them so well at their arrival at Keiserwort, that they were all very merry, which yet hinder'd not the Duke of Newbourg from coming in the Evening to see Monsieur de Turenne, and to invite him to Dinner the next day.
The 30. We stayed at Telns. Monsieur de Turenne dined with the Duke of Newbourg, and in the Evening at his return he had 96 Prisoners brought him, sent by Monsieur de Montal, Governor of Charleroy, who commanding a Party of our Troops, had [Page 37]fallen into an Ambush of theirs, and with five or six more had born up against all their Firing, amongst whom Monsieur the Chevalier de Marsillac was mortally wounded. In the mean time, forty Dragoons lighted off their Horses, and with 30 Musqueteers, did so bestir themselves, that before the Enemy could make a second discharge, they had quite routed them, kill'd eleven, and took their Commander (who defended himself so manfully, that they were forced to use him worse then they desir'd) with all the rest, excepting 2 or 3 who at first betook themselves to their heels. Afterwards, the Captain being known by some of the Officers of our Party, had quarter given him; & being not yet dead, all possible means were us'd to save his Life. He was carryed off into a Castle, where Monsieur de Turenne sent him his own Chirurgion, but to little purpose, for he dyed soon after. The rest of the Prisoners were brought to Nuis, where Monsieur de Strasbourg arriv'd the same day, and was saluted with the great Guns of the Town.
The 31. in the Morning, Monsieur de Turenne took with him a party of the Corps de Guard, all the Light Guards of the Kings Houshold, three Companies of the Regiment Royall of Dragoons, a part of the Regiment [Page 38]of the French Guards, and some Light Horse; who, after having winter'd in the Country of Colen, came by order of His Majesty to encamp and intrench themselves upon the banks of the Rhine, on the left side near Keiserwort, where they encamped & fortified themselves very commodiously. Afterwards we march'd all day, and encamp'd under a great Hill above Orsoy. The King march'd on to Nuys, and Monsieur the Prince advanc'd by the side of him in equal marches.
The first of June, the King left Nuys and besieg'd Orsoy, a little Town of a reasonable strength, situate on the left side of the Rhine. As soon as His Majesty came before it, He caus'd it to be summon'd, but the Governor refusing to yield it up, we were immediatly employ'd about making of Faggots, and puting our selves into a condition to attaque it.
The next day Monsieur the Prince came before Wezel, and did that day only encamp and invest the Town, which seem'd strong and considerable enough to make us proceed cautiously in our attaque. Wezel is a very great Town, situate on the right side of the Rhine, at the Mouth of the River Lyppe. It hath a great Ditch fac'd with good brick, and is divided in the middle by a great Trench, and very good Fortifications, so that [Page 39]if one half of the Town were gain'd, one should be put to the trouble of a Siege to get the other. Monsieur de Turenne with whom we were, came before Burick, which we invested; and after the Camp was setled, he sent for some Foot to raise a Redout between this Town and Wezel, which are over-against one the other, on each side the Rhine. Burick is two good Musket-shot distant from it, but not so far, but that they might give one another mutual assistance. For this reason it was thought necessary to make this Redout, as well to hinder their communication, as to cut off the Passage between Burick and the River, from whence the Enemy might have mischiev'd us in the Trenches, which we were about to begin on the other side, so to make our approaches to Wezel. At the same time we were employ'd in raising a Battery on the bank of the River, to hinder the Dutch Vessels going to and fro upon the River, and assisting the Besieg'd. At our first coming thither we took two of them, which we mann'd with Dragoons, and plac'd in the middle of the River. The Duke of Luxembourg, who commanded the French Troops belonging to the Bishops of Colen and Munster, besieg'd Lokem.
The second, the King commanded an Assault to be given to Orsoy, whereupon we presently made our selves Masters of the Counterscarpe, and gain'd all the out-works, which made the Governor desire to come to composition; but no other Articles being offer'd, but, That the Garrison should surrender themselves upon discretion, He would not hear of that: so the King sent him back, threatning, That if they discharg'd but one Canon more, He would have no mercy on them. But this hinder'd not their firing much more freely then they had don before, which greatly incens'd the King. Monsieur the Prince caus'd the Fort of Lippe to be attaqued that Evening, which was carryed by the Count de Nogent by Assault. This very much terrified those of Wezel, because that Fort was near, and did in some manner command the place. The Governor was there kill'd, with his Pike in his hand.
In Monsieur Turenne's Army, they were all busied in making their Lines of Circumvallation, and blocking up the Town. The Battery, begun the day before upon the bank of the River, was finish'd, and nine pieces of Ordnance mounted on it. Monsieur the Prince raised also another on his side of the River, consisting of 6 Pieces; and in the Evening we were busied in repairing the Redoute, [Page 41]which had been almost beat down that day by the Guns of the two Towns.
The third, Orsoy yielded. For the Governor seeing himself unable to make any longer resistance, was fled with his Family, and all that was most dear to him, in a small Vessel, designing to gain Rhineberg; but His Majesty having intelligence of it, and being incens'd against him for his stubbornness, caus'd the Canon to play so hard upon him, that at last, seeing one of his Wives Women cut off in the middle by a Canon shot, he was forc'd to come ashore, and yield himself up to the mercy of the Conquerors. The Plunder of the Castle was given to the Soldiery, and the Garrison made Prisoners at discretion. The chief Persons whom we lost in the Action, were the Sieur de Valens, and the Chevalier D'Arquien, which last was kill'd by a Canon-shot near the Kings Person, who presently afterwards commanded Rhineburg to be invested. At the Prince's Army, the whole day was spent in parlying, for the Inhabitants would by no means hear of standing it out; and the Garrison, tho finding themselves so weak as not to be able to undertake any thing, could not resolve to yield themselves upon discretion, so that the whole day pass'd without any Action. As for us who were before Burick, we prepar'd [Page 42]our selves to attaque it so vigorously, as not be behind-hand with the other Armies. We made Faggots, and in the Afternoon carryed them almost as far as the Pallisado's, not without the loss of some Troopers and their Horses, as well there as in our Camp, which lay level with the Canon of the Town. In the Evening, that part of the Regiment of the Kings Guards which was in our Army, and the Regiments of Burgundy and Artois, opened their Trenches. The Marquis de Ranes, with 150 Dragoons which he commanded, was to attaque a Half-moon, and intending to make his way forwards, resolved himself to be at the head of them. A like number were drawn out of the Regiments of Castelneau and Turenne, to do as much on the other side; which returning all safe, could not properly be said to have gone upon the Forlorn. But just as we were about to fall on, we heard a Trumpet from the Town, and assoon as we had answered it an Officer came forth, & after him a second, so that the Soldiers of the Guards, without staying for the issue of the design'd Conference, began to cry, That they might leave off working at their Trenches, seeing the Enemy yielded, and desired quarter. But the last Officer seeming a little [Page 43]more fierce and resolute then the other, because he had not a ready answer; we prepared to fall on immediatly if they did not yield without delay; which the Enemy perceiving, and having discover'd some Scaling-ladders just ready to be made use of, they open'd their Gates, and the Regiment of Guards enter'd the Town just about Midnight, and feasted themselves with the Provisions which they found were bringing to the Soldiers that were upon Service in the Out-works. All the Garrison were made Prisoners at discretion.
Burick is a reasonable great Town, situate upon the left Bank of the Rhine, within two Musquet-shot of the River, in a fine even fertile Soil. The space that is between it and the Rhine, is a great Marsh, and delicate Fields and Meadows, which are nothing near so boggy and wet, as the most part of the rest of Holland, Zeland and Frizeland. It lies over-against Wezel on the other side of the Rhine, which is a very fair great Town. Burick is none of the least Towns which the Dutch have in these parts; its Fortifications are good, and it hath good Bastions and Halfmoons, almost wholly of earth, but their Outworks are too big. The C. de Chamilly speaking of this Town, said, It might well have held out 3 Months: From whence 'tis plain, [Page 44]that in the confidence of its strength the Hollanders had been negligent: and not having taken care to keep their Fortifications in good repair, we found them laboring day and night in making Gabions for the top of the Ramparts; but they were so suddenly and briskly set upon, that they could by no means perfect them. The same day we took two Barques upon the Rhine, and by that means we doubled the Guard we had plac'd in the middle of it. As soon as Burick was yielded, M. de Turenne receiv'd a Pacquet from the King, upon which he immediatly hastned to wait on His Majesty.
The fourth, nothing was done at the Kings Army, nor at Monsieur Turenne's; but at the Princes they open'd Trenches before Wezel, which would not yield up to mercy. They were begun on the side of the Town that lies toward the River, and a Drain was made to empty the Ditch, which would have been done the night following, had not the Enemy at last, seeing his Highness resolv'd to set on then vigorously, sent the Keys of the Town, and yielded themselves up to mercy. At the same time we were inform'd, that the Duke of Luxembourg had taken Lokem.
The fifth, the Kings Army was busied in making Faggots and Gabions for the attaquing of Rhineberg. His Majesty sent a Command [Page 45]to M. de Ranes to meet him there with the Regiment Royal of Dragoons, which was then with him before Burick, which he did. M. the Prince at 6 in the Morning entred Wezel, and visited the Officers and Soldiers of the Garrison, where he search'd for French-men, and finding 10 or 11, had them hang'd. The Duke of Luxembourg turn'd off toward Grol, and M. Turenne's Army rested. M. Cajax was made Governor of Orsoy.
The fixth in the Morning, 10000 Faggots more were ordered to be made, which the Dragoons perform'd, but the Garrison at Rhineberg finding themselves too weak to resist a Victorious Royal Army; and being likewise out of hope of receiving the Succors were promised them by the States, resolv'd to yield. The Officers of the Garrison came, and laying themselves at his Feet, begg'd of him not to take advantage to their cost of the trick which the States had put upon them, in promising them 2000 Men more as a reinforcement, which they had not perform'd. His Majesty considering the falshood of the States Promises, even to their own Soldiers, was mov'd to compassionate their condition, and thereupon gave them leave to march out, Drums beating, Colours flying, with Match lighted, and Bullet in mouth; which they did, and march'd [Page 46]toward Maestricht, the King having given them a Convoy, and Provision for four days. The Regiment of Guards entred the place about one of the Clock in the Afternoon.
Rhineberg is a pretty large Town, belonging to the Archbishoprick of Colen, situate on the left side of the Rhine, in the midst of a very low Marshy Country, which contributes much to its strength. The States had taken it again and again from the Spaniards, they having wrongfully took it from the Elector of Colen, who ever since hath been demanding it of them, and making complaints upon that account in every Diet; till at length the Spaniard propos'd to give it him back, on condition he might keep a Garrison there: But this condition not pleasing the Elector, they at last promis'd, without any reserve, to put it into his hands; but how instant soever the Elector was with them, he could never perswade them to be as good as their word: they had so many shifts, feigned excuses, and pretences, that at last they proved the chief cause of the Electors declaring War against them. Whilst it was in their possession, they fortifyed it to their own minds; and being it was a Frontier Town, they had made it one of their strongest Holds. The Fortifications are very regular; [Page 47]there are good Bastions and Half-moons, good Ramparts, and very broad Ditches: but their Out-works are to big, as in most of their Towns. All the Works are of Earth, which makes them the easier to be assaulted, though it better resist the Canon, which can only make a hole in them.
The same day some Foot were sent over the Rhine to plunder a certain Castle there, but the Prince had sent some others to the same purpose the day before; so that those who came last, did but lose their labor. The Princes and Monsieur de Turenne's Armies rested again, and the Count d'Estrade was made Governor of Wezel.
The seventh, Monsieur de Turenne left the King, and so did M. de Ranes, and the Regiment Royal of Dragoons. We went and joyn'd with the Army which was left before Burick, and having sent all our heaviest baggage to Rhineberg, where we left the new Companies of the Regiment of Turenne in garrison, we went and encamp'd at Worstemberg near Santein, in the Country of Cleve, which belongs to the Duke of Brandenbourg. M. the Prince left Wezel, and advanced likewise on his side. The King's Army stayed still at Rhineberg, and the Duke of Luxembourg with the Munster forces attaqued Grol.
The eighth, the King left Rhineberg, & came to Burick, whether the Float was brought to waft over the Army to the other side of the Rhine. We left Worstemberg in the morning, passed by Zante or Santein, and went and besieg'd the Fort of Rees, which we presently beset so closely, that the frighted Garrison durst not fire so much as one gun. But the Town which lyes on the other bank of the Rhine, was not so civil, for their Canon did much harm to our Dragoons, especially those, who being come close up, lay open to them. There were many of them lost, and more of their horses. But notwithstanding the Capitulation went on at the Fort, which was but ill man'd, and because the Governor stood upon terms, and would not deliver the place before he had seen and felt our Canon, M. de Turenne commanded the Foot to advance and begin the Assault, which they did without any resistance from the Enemy (who had retired into a Redout which was very strong.) Wherefore he caus'd a bridge of hurdles to be made, by which he pass'd over and enter'd the place himself, and commanded the Governor and his Garrison to be beset, who at last yeilded. Afterwards we turn'd the Canon of this Fort upon the Town, and much shot past on both sides. Many of the Enemies Guns were dismounted, [Page 49]and the whole Town so tired out that the next day they were forc'd to carry the Keys of their Gates to M. the Prince, who came up as we did, and made a shew as if he would also have attaqued it, though his design was to go streight on towards a party of the Enemies which kept the Passage of the Isle of Beter and of the Yssel, that the King might go and besiege that Town and Emerick. As soon as the Fort had yeilded, Monsieur de Turenne left there a part of his Horse, all his foot, the Artillery and Baggage; and upon no tice that 4000 of the Enemies Horse had pass'd the Wahal, with a design, as 'twas thought, to set upon us, we went to meet them. To that purpose we went and pass'd the River near Calcar, a little Town (in the Country of Cleve) defended by a Citadel, whose fortifications are all of earth without any other facing. We were saluted in our passage by at least 100 great Guns, and thence pass'd to Cleves, where our Army was victualled gratis. It is the capital City of the whole Province, but is a place of no defence. Afterwards we encamped a quarter of an hours riding from that City, by a park, which belongs to a House of pleasure of the Duke of Brandebourg.
The ninth was wholly spent in passing the [Page 50]Kings Army from the left to the right side of the Rhine. The town of Rees quite spent and wearied out by our Canon from the Fort, brought in her Keys, and yeilded as the rest had done.
Rees is a fair great Town situate on the right side of the Rhine, 3 leagues below Burick and Wezel, and 2 leagues above Emerick. It is strengthned by a good Fort of its own name, separated from it only by the Rhine, whose waters on the right side wash the walls of the Town, and on the left those of the Fort. This Town is very great, her fortifications very compleat and good. It hath good Bastions, Horn-works, Half-Moons well strengthn'd with good Pallissados, large ditches, and covered ways, all very regular. In fine, when M. de Turenne enter'd the Fort, he told them that were near him, that their friends that knew Reés, and heard they laid Siege to it, would certainly be very much concern'd for them: and thereupon having sent for the sieur Paul, a Flemming Engineer, to ask his opinion of it, he answered him, that if any body would have an excellent Model of a regular Fortification, they need not seek it any where else, but might take it from Rees and its Fort; which is a Pentagone, whose outworks were a little out of repair, but within there was a Redout [Page 51]which they call the Castle, which is very well and in good case. It is separated from the Body of the Fort by a great flat broad ditch, which is deeper then it is broad, over which there is a little Draw-bridge, and a good Gate on the other side, and a high rampart well pallissado'd and Gabioon'd, which at each corner hath two little Horn-works, which flank upon the bridge and ditch.
At the same time M. the Prince advanced towards Emerick, which made no resistance, the Dutch having withdrawn their Garrison some days before.
Emerick is a pleasant town, seated on the right side of the Rhine, a league above that place where the river divides, and makes the Rhine with its right branch, and the Wahal with its left. Tis a reasonable good town, and its fortifications, that are all of earth, are well enough maintained. However the Dutch some few days before the Princes arrival, withdrew themselves and quitted their Garrison; either because they thought it could not endure a Siege, or for some other reason, that I am ignorant of, & cannot imagine what it should be; for since that time we have taken several Towns not so strong as that, wherein they had made very good Garrisons.
That morning M. de Turenne with some Officers, and a small Guard, went to take a [Page 52]view of Skinksconce, and came so near as to be within hearing of the Garrison: from whom we received about 40 musket, and several Canon shot, but they did no execution. Thereupon, having learned the retreat of the enemy, we returned back, and joyned with the rest of the Army, near the Fort of Reés, in the mid way between Calcar, and another place called Hompel.
The same day M. the Prince advanced above Skinksconce, the Rhine lying between him and it, and discovered the enemy on the other side, guarding that passage.
In the mean time the Dragoons of the Colonel Regiment were commanded to attaque Demecum; but that place held out so little a while, that they had time enough to come back, and share the Glory of that passage, that was made two days after.
The 10 his Majesty came to Reés, we stayed with M. de Turenne's Army, where we received the news of the taking of Grol by the Bishop of Munsters Forces. That Town, if not the strongest and most considerable that the Hollanders were masters of, was yet of great consequence to them, as lying on the Frontiers of Germany, and being excellently well seated; on which account twas fortified by Charles the Fifth. It hath five Bastions, fair and good Ramparts, [Page 53]besides a great ditch, that cannot easily be emtied, by reason of the river Sling, that discharges it self into it.
The 11 his Majesty being advised that M. the Prince intended to swim the Rhine, and endeavour to force the enemy from the other side, though they appear'd to be considerably strong, resolved to be present in person at that Enterprise, which never had any equal, nor attended with like success, and, as it were, divest himself for some time of his Title and Dignity, to share with his Soldiers, under the quality of a Feild-Marshal or private person, the honour of a day, that was almost to decide the fortune of all Holland.
To this intent he left his Army in their Quarters; and having taken with him his house Guard, and 2000 loose horse, he incamped on the side of the River, on the right hand of Tolhuys, a small Fort about a league below Skinksconce in the Isle of Betaw. The enemy, that lay intrench'd on the other side, in number about three or four thousand, gave fire, and skirmished all that day. We on our side caused some Foot to advance, whilst we raised a battery of five peices of Canon. In the mean time the Army of M. de Turenne approached to pass over the Rhine, over against Reés, on a float of wood: [Page 54]who after he had convayed over his Majesty, with his Army and the baggage to Wezel, came down to do the like with his own Army: but the water being low, and no great wind stirring, they encamped at Nerdmormter, and began not to pass till the evening: and so the foot continued to pass all night, and afterwards the horse.
The 12 in the morning, his Majesty having expressed he should be glad to have the passage of Tolbuys sounded, to try if it were not too deep before they ventured on it, M. the Count de Guiche went immediately, and sounded it himself. Thereupon command was given to horse; and his Majesty, vext to see the enemy pretend a desire to engage, and not being able to endure those outward signs, that were so contrary to their inclinations, without staying to draw up, and not considering whether his Guards, Gendarmes, and light horse were present or no, who were to make the first onset, having found the Cuirassiers near at hand, he commanded them to fling themselves into the water and cross the river; which they did so briskly, that the poor M. the Marquis de la Salle, whom they happened to meet in their way, received from them five or six dangerous wounds, as if he had been a Hollander (for indeed they [Page 55]took him for one) though he was clothed after the French mode, and had a white scarf on. Monsieur the Count de Guiche was at the head of them, and did all that a good Captain and a brave Soldier could have done on the like occasion. The Forces of his Majesties house were commanded to pass next, and to swim the river; which they immediately did with so much courage and resolution, as struck a terrour into the Enemy. They were followed by a great number of Volunteers; and immediately our Canon began to play, as also did that of the Enemy. In the mean time General Wurts, Commander of the Troops that guarded the passage, being a stout and well experienced Captain, marched at the head of the first squadron, and caused them to advance into the water up to their Horses bellies, having given order to all the rest to follow him into the river, some on the right, and some on the left hand. The first squadron advanced with resolution, and made a brisk discharge, at which M. the Count de Nogent, Feild-Marshal to that Army, a person of a brave and daring spirit, received a wound in his head, which made him sink into the water, where he was unfortunatly drown'd. But the following squadrons that had orders to enter the river, not daring to run that hazard, stayed [Page 56]in the rear of the former, and by that means gave liberty to our men to pass, both on the right and the left wing, and at the same time to come upon them on the flank. In the mean time the Dragoons, being impatient also to cross the river, though having had no order they did not dare to do it, advanced part of them into the water, that they might skirmish more commodiously, and never ceased giving fire. At length the Dutch took the rout, and the Commander himself, that had enter'd so briskly into the water, was forced to consult his own safety by flight. For having comforted his men, and told them that no Nation but ours, was capable of such bold enterprises, and that nothing would be able to resist us, trusted his life and his honour to his Horses feet, and at length made his escape, after he had fled a league or two, and suffered a continual loss of his men in the pursuit. During this time, the Generals and Monsieur the Prince himself having past the river, the Enemies Foot, that could not take the same course that the Horse had done, and had nothing to hope for but death or mercy, began to mollify, and M. de Longueville with the Duke and other Volunteers were coming up to them. But M. the Prince observing the Enemy to yeild, and fearing the youthfull [Page 57]heat of the young Gentlemen would produce some bad effect, run up, crying they would cause his son to be killed: and having made all possible hast, he came up to the trenches as soon as the rest, and cryed out to the Enemy they were all Rogues, and if they shot once more, he would have them all hanged. His threats made them all lay down their arms, and cry out in their own Language Kartyr, Kartyr. But the misfortune was, that M. de Longueville, not taking notice of what had past, and desiring to free that Post, found a passage too soon; and falling upon the first Officer that he met, kill'd him on the place: and upon the confused noise he heard of Kartyr, which the Enemy demanded, he gave a sign with his hand, and cryed, no Quarter, being immediatly followed by all his men that were then present. Thereupon the Enemy, despairing of their lives, betook themselves again to their arms, and gave one shot more, which proved a very fortunate one to them: for at it the sieur de Longueville, M. de Guitry, Grand Master of the Kings Wardrobe, M. d'Aubusson, the Marquis de Tasse, nephew to Monsieur the Marshal de la Force, and the Count de Theobon were killed upon the place. Several others also were wounded, amongst which were M. the Duke de Coistin, and M. [Page 58] de Vivonne, M. the Prince de Marsillac, M. the Count de Saulx, the last in the face and the arm, after he had been ingaged in the general and a single Combat: For having gone too far in the pursuit of the Enemy, he found himself alone with one of their Officers, who put himself upon his guard, and wounded the Count in his face. M. de Brouilly dyed in a short time of his wounds, M. de Termes was also wounded, and M. the Count de Revel received a wound on his arm, and another of a musket shot in his thigh. M. de Beringhen was shot through the breast. The other persons of note that were wounded, were the Marquis de Beauveau, de Mont-revert, de Beaumont, de S. Arnoul, and which was worst of all, Monsieur the Prince had his left arm broke at the wrist; which accident did much retard and lessen his Majesties Conquests: for his name alone made the Enemy tremble, and they began not to make resistance, till they had learnt the news of his mishap: considering too that from that time Monsieur de Turenne was obliged to command in his place, and to join the Troops of his own Army with those of the King: so that of three Armies there remained now but two. The enemies also on their side lost in this rencounter three or four hundred men, that were killed upon [Page 59]the place, besides a great num [...]e [...] that were taken prisoners. After all this [...]laughter the Forces of the Kings H [...]use draw up on the edge of the Rhine, and the s [...]de of the Island, and quartered at Bih [...]va [...]. Th [...] A [...]ny that had hitherto been commanded by Monsieur de Turenne, continued all day passing the Rhine over against Rees, and were all over that night.
The thirteenth, the Bridge of Boats, that had been making the day before, was finished; and the Army of M. the Prince began at break of day to march over with M. de Turenne, who from that time commanded alwaies in the place of his Highness. When they were all over they pillaged Tolhuys, a plain Castle with one great Tower, guarded only by a ditch and a wall: but being seated within a musket shot of the river, near the passage, a hundred looss horse, that had been drawn out of the Fort of Schain to secure that Castle, had time enough to give two volleys of musket shot, and discharge twice or thrice a peice of Canon that carried eighteen pound bullet charged with cartridges, before we could get over and come up to them: and afterwards they had the conveniency to retire before our coming, because M. the Count de Guiche, who was the first that passed, had busied himself in [Page 60]pursuit of the horse, and M. the Prince of the foot, as was said before. We found in this Castle store of fair and good Moveables, some persons also, that had retired thither in hope that we would not have attacqued Holland, about this Isle, but have passed directly on to Yssel, where the Prince of Orange, and the Count Maurice were both with their Armies.
After the pillage of this Castle, Monsieur de Turenne marched on close after the Enemy, a party of which he overtook, and found breaking a bridge, upon the Channel that runs from Arnhem to Nimegen, over which we must necessarily pass.
These men, though but a small party, had a mind to finish their enterprise, perhaps because they thought they might be seconded with the rest of the Army, that was not gone far; but having skirmish'd a little with the Vanguard, the Dragoons lighting of their horses, set upon them so vigourously, that they gave them the rout, and forced them into Arnhem. And finding themselves well enough at the end of a bridge that lyes over the Rhine, and reaches from this Town to the Isle of Betau, they lodged there, maugre the Canon and musket shot of the Enemy, that fortunately killed more horses then men.
His Majesty having call'd a Council before the departure of M. de Turenne, as soon as it was ended began to march towards Emerick, to joyn with his Army, which all this time lay in their Quarters at Reés. The Army also, that had been commanded by M. de Turenne, came thither likewise, and made up one body with that of the King. The Troops that had followed his Majesties two days before, and those of his own House did the like.
M. the Duke of Monmouth, natural Son to the King of England, arrived the same day at the Camp at Emerick, with 7000 foot, that were all brisk and active men. Monsieur the Cardinal de Bouillon that day consecrated anew the great Church of Reés.
The 14th his Majesty rested with his whole Army, at the Camp of Emerick. After dinner he visited M. the Prince (who the day before had caused himself with the rest that were wounded, to be removed into this Town) and at his return took a view of the Duke of Monmouths Forces. Monsieur de Turenne seeing his affaires so well advanced before Arnhem, resolved to lay siege to it, and thereupon having taken a view of it, and taken up his Quarters, he sammoned the Town.
In the mean while, that no time might [Page 62]be lost, M. the Count du Plessis employed some men about repairing the boats that the Enemies had began to break, as being necessary for our passage; but in that action he was killed with a Canon shot to the great regret of the whole Army. The Dragoons, which were much incommoded by a guard of the Enemy placed in a redoubt on the other side of the river, were resolved to venture the passage, which, after orders were given, they performed with so much resolution and success, as struck a terrour into the Town; whereupon the Burghers began to mutiny, and at length forced the Garrison to leave of firing.
The Fame of General Wurts defeat, and of our entrance into Betaw, was not long a spreading, and the noise of it no sooner came to the ears of the Prince of Orange, who with his Army guarded the passage of Yssel, but the Enemy, being daunted with the news, thought of nothing but a retreat, which was done in so great hast, as terrified all the places through which they passed.
In the mean time M. de Turenne ordered 150 horse under the command of a Captain of the horse of Condé, to swim the river, and to fall on their rear Guard, that passed pretty near Arnham. The Enemy little expecting this attaque, as thinking themselves secured [Page 63]by the River, were so surprised at this assault, that the Guard of the Baggage abandoned it all to those few horse, who made themselves masters of it at their leasure, and returned loaded with so great a booty, that they had enriched themselves by it, though they had not joyned to it the two other of, which they had also the spoile, which amounted to no less then fourty thousand Francks. The same day M. the Cardinal de Bouillon consecrated anew the great Church of Emerick.
The 15. The Kings Army rested, and His Majesty took a view of it after dinner.
Upon the Summons that M. de Turenne had given to Arnhem, the Citizens began to mutiny, and threatned the Garrison to cut all their Throats if they fired any more; whereupon they came and demanded Articles: but M. de Turenne sent them to the King, and immediatly marched away with the greatest part of his Army, to besiege Knotzembourg, otherwise called the Fort of Nimigen, because it is seated on the right side of the Wahal, directly opposite to that great Town, that lies on the left hand. He arrived thither time enough to open his Trenches that Evening, it being but three little Leagues from Arnhem. That Night we worked with so much success, as to lodge [Page 64]our selves on their Counterscarpe, by which we became Masters of their covered way, but not without some difficulty, and the loss of several Men: for they defended themselves from the Fort very briskly, and gave continual fire from the Town; besides three Boats, each of them provided with 8, 10, or 12 pieces of Canon, came round, and fired at us with full Charges at about thirty paces distance. During all that Night, there was fired so great a number of Canon-shot, that those that heard it from Emerick, where His Majesties Army lay, could not imagine where so continual a noise should be made: but from another place where the noise could not plainly be heard, one would have thought they had been Musket-shot, and only an engagement of some Foot.
The 16. His Majesty early in the Morning parted with all His Army from Emerick, and encamped at Latem upon the River Yssell, or rather the Channel of Drusus. A branch of this River that runs from Arnhem to Doesburg, is a Channel that communicates between the Rhine and the Yssel, which was made by Drusus in the time of the Romans, whence 'tis called the Channel of Drusus, or the Drusian Ditch. In the mean time we advanced to Zevenaer, a small Town, that hath no other Fortification but its Ramparts, [Page 65]so that we made our selves Masters of it without any great difficulty. Presently after that, M. the Count de l' Orge, and M. the Marquis de Ranes, had command to pass the Yssel; the one with 4000 Horse, and the other with the Regiment Royal of Dragoons, to take the places that lie before Doesburg, which immediatly they did. But the Deputies of Arnhem having came to the King, and brought the Keys of their Town without Conditions, His Majesty in the Afternoon gave order to the M. de Ranes to go with his Dragoons to take possession of the Town. M. the Marquis de Louvois went thither also; and the Inhabitants had granted them a freedom of their Religion, with all their Priviledges, but the Garrison were made Prisoners of War, and disarmed, to the number of 3000 Foot and 200 Horse, which were very sufficient to have defended the place. The Dragoons were hardly masters of the Gates, when 200 Bores that came to the Garrison with Provision, desired entrance; whom we suffered to come in, and afterwards made Prisoners with the rest.
Arnhem is a great Town, seated on the right side of that Branch of the Rhine which keeps its name, and washes the Walls of the Town. Its situation is partly high, partly [Page 66]low, being commanded on that side that looks towards the Velue by a Hill, which to repair the Injury it doth it, sends down a torrent of Water, that defends it on the other side by a great flat bottomed Ditch, all lined with Free-stone, which is the fairest and largest that one shall any where see, and which doth almost surround the Town, except on that side where the Rhine washes the Walls, and doth sufficiently defend it. For the rest, the Hollanders have taken care enough, and bin very diligent in fortifying it; and I may very well affirm, They have not very many Fortifications so good as these. They are all lined with Brick, which is not ordinary in their other Towns. The Ramparts also are very fair and large. To conclude, all things are very good, and it might be very well look'd upon as one of their best Towns.
At nine in the Evening, M. the Count de Guiche brought thither the Regiment of Navar, and the Dragoons came back and encamped on the side of the Yssel. In the mean time M. de Turenne continued to storm the Fort of Nimigen, which defended it self almost all day with equal force: but having fired also on the Boats, they were run a ground so well, that the Enemy fearing least in the night we should make our descent into [Page 67]the Ditch, and so enter the Town, they rendred themselves up, after having killed 1000 or 1200 Men, of which the Sieur de la Plastriere, Lieutenant Colonel of the Regiment Lyonnois, and the Sieur Alsan the son, Lieutenant of the Colonel of Champagne, were the principal. M. Magalotty Camp-Marshal, lost a Finger of one Hand, and was hurt in the other.
The 17. in the Morning, the Marquis de Ranes repass'd the Yssel with his Dragoons, upon a Bridge of Boats which he made over it, and went and joyn'd with the Kings Army, which by reason of a great maras was forced to turn back by the way of Zovenaer; and then passing by Dutecum went and besieg'd Doesburg. M. the Prince removed to Arnhem, that he might not be far from the King. M. de Turenne, who came himself to acquaint the King with the taking of Knotzembourg, return'd immediatly, and caus'd us to march towards Skenkssconce, which since our passage over the River had been block'd up. The Marquis of Sauvebeuf, who, as has been said, was hurt before Maestricht the 24. of May, and there taken Prisoner, came back to the Camp cured of his Wounds, and without having paid any ransom, by the means of the generous C. Rhingrave, who, together with the Spaniards in the [Page 68]Garrison (whose Commanders had taken his part) had a contest with the States and Dutch party upon that account; for though the Dutch were willing enough to release him, yet they were very eager for to have him pay his ransom first: But at last, after a great dispute on both sides, the Spaniards threatned to forsake the Town if they would not agree; which made the States consent to give him his liberty freely, together with a Pass to return to the Army.
The 18. The King summon'd Doesburg, but the Governor refusing to hearken to the Trumpeter, or receive the Letter he brought, His Najesty ordered preparations to be made to attaque it. Faggots and Gabions were commanded to be provided, which was done with all diligence. The Count de Lorge who lay on the other side of the River with 4000 Horse, advanced toward the Town, to hinder any Succors from being put into it that way. M. de Turenne caused Trenches to be open'd against Skenksconce, in which was a Garrison of 1900 Men. The same day, about four of the clock, M. de Rochefort, Captain of a Company of the Life Guards, and Lieutenant General in this Campagne, who had receiv'd Orders to be ready to march with 4000 Horse, set forward only with 1800, because at so short [Page 69]warning the Victuallers had not had time to bake Bread enough for so great a number. M. de Genlis was given him for his Camp-Marshal. The Marquis de Ranes set forward likewise with the Regiment Royal of Dragoons. We swam our Horses over the Yssel, and march'd on all the rest of that day, and the night following, without drawing bit.
The 19. was spent in preparations for opening of Trenches before Doesburg, in making Faggots, Gabions and Bridges for communication. M. de Turenne on his side so vigorously assaulted Skenksconce, that the Garrison beginning to be disheartned, and dispairing of any succor, were thinking upon capitulating; which M. de Turenne suspecting, sent the Colonel Regiment of Dragoons to attaque the Fort of S. Andrew, which made no long resistance, though there were in it 200 Men; and it be, I think, the best Fortress the Enemy hath. It lieth in the narrowest place of the Isle of Bommel, compast with five good Bastions, and water'd almost quite round by the River Wahal, so that it is impossible to drain its Ditches, and almost so, to make any Bridge over them without the consent of the Besieged. M. de Rochefort, with whom as I said we swam the Yssel, and march'd all night, continued still his march all this day, so that we were almost [Page 70]23 hours continually on Horse-back without drawing Bit.
At two of the clock in the Afternoon, as we came out of a very fine Village, which we found deserted, our Van-guard discovered a Body of Foot; which assoon as we went about to pursue, sav'd themselves in the neighboring Woods, which made us think they were only some Peasants, or some that had been laid in Ambush by Count Maurice, whose Army we were in pursuit of. At last we came to Amerfort, with design to attaque and take it by assault; but the Inhabitants, who had ever since the Prince of Orange his flight, kept some at the top of a Steeple to give them notice of our coming (that they might not fall into the Trap we had laid for them) and being advertized of our coming, came out before us, and obtain'd the free use of their Religion and preservation of their Rights and Priviledges, open'd their Gates to the Marquis de Ranes, who entred the Town with the Regiment Royal of Dragoons which he had brought with him, and staid there until the 27 of the same Month. The Sieur de Mazelles, a Captain of Horse, having at the same time been drawn out (with his Company, which consisted of 50 Maistres, and the Sieur de Bonneval Captain of Dragoons, with 100 Maistres [Page 71]of the same Body) to go forward and get intelligence of the Enemy, march'd all night toward Naerden, a little, but very strong Town, which hath six Bastions, and lies just upon the Frontier of the Province of Holland, 3 little Leagues from Amsterdam; in which was a Garrison of 200 Men, as well Horse as Foot. At his arrival, he made all the noise he could with Drums & Trumpets, beating and sounding divers Marches, and afterwards summon'd the Town; which being terrified and surprized, the Burgomasters of it came out to Treat, which they spun out so long, that the Garrison had time to make their escape: And when they were all gone, they open'd their Gates and admited him. As soon as he was in the Town, he made enquiry to know if there was no Soldiers in the place, and was told there was not; but considering that place to be of too much importance to be left without a Garrison by the Hollander, he caus'd one of the Burgomasters to be apprehended, and told him, They should all lose their Heads, for not discovering to the King truly whether there were any Soldiers in the Town. These threats made them confess, That truly there had been some there, but as soon as they heard the noise of the French Troops, they had fled towards Amsterdam; whereupon [Page 72]he immediatly caus'd the Gates to be open'd, and went out in pursuit of them; and at the same time order'd his Lieutenant, with some Horse, to follow the Enemies Horse, who were not yet out of sight; and were some a Horse-back, and others on Foot, their Horses being laden with their Baggage. The Lieutenant pursued them to the Gates of Amsterdam, got the greatest part of their Baggage, and in his way homewards summon'd Muyden, which not finding in case to make any resistance, he entered, and was master of it for 2 hours: but at last finding himself to weak to keep that place, he returned to fetch more Men; but in the mean time things put on another face. At the same time the Sieur de Mazelles on his side, had pursued the Foot, which took the way of the Fields and enclosures, and passing over 3 Bridges, still broke them as soon as they were got over, so that he was forced to his Horses strength to follow them. But the third time as he swam, his Horse was mired, so that taking only his Pistols, he left him there and follow▪d on, only accompanied with about 20 more of his Company, who making up to them upon the very mouths of their Muskets, at last took almost all the Soldiers, and two of their Captains Prisoners.
This day the Inhabitants and Burgomasters of Ʋtrecht, and the Towns depending on it, being frighted by the suddain Conquests and Enterprizes which His Majesty so fortunatly and vigorously prosecuted, after 3 or 4 days consultation sent a Trumpeter to ask for a Pass, for them to come and bring the King the Keys of their Town and its dependents, viz. Amersfort, (which we had unknown to them already taken) Ewick, Rhenen and Montfort. The same day we were inform'd, that the States-General had left the Hague in a fright, and retired to Amsterdam with all their Writings and Riches; how they arrived there the seventeenth, and assembled themselves to consult on Saturday the eighteenth, being very much frighted and full of consternation. That they mistrusted the Prince of Orange who had so soon taken flight, and retired with his Army to the Country about Leiden. We heard likewise of the pittiful condition to which Count Maurice and his Army were reduc'd, (who some days before had fled beyond Ʋ trecht, they having refus'd to admit him) and that he was now marching for Amsterdam, whether he had been sent for: That some of his Companies had not above five or six Men left, the rest having forsook him and fled to divers parts: That when they [Page 74]were near Amersfort, a Bore having in sport told them, he had seen a great party of French thereabouts, immediately upon hearing of it, they took their heels and [...]ed above 2 leagues, without stopping. The D [...]ke of Luxembourg came now, and laid [...]e to Deventer.
The 20 the Kings Army open'd their Trenches before Doesburg: they wrought hard all night pretty freely and undisturb'dly, under the command of the Duke of Roannez, at the head of four Batalions of the French Guards, defended by Monsieur de Rommecourt, who commanded the horse Guards; for the Enemy fired but very sparingly. Monsieur de Rochefort left Amersfort in the morning, and with a party of horse march'd towards Ʋtrecht, and by the way heard that Naerden was taken, and that the Count Maurice was not far from it. M. de Rancs came back to Amersfort, and took with him 150 horse, 50 of which were Dragoons, and we march'd all night that way. In the mean time the Marquis de la Trousse, who had been out by the King with 3 Squadrons to march towards Zutphen, frighted them of that place not a little, so that the Burgomasters considering that the longer they held out, the worse conditions they should have, and that on the other side [Page 75]they could hope for no succours, sent to let him know that they desir'd they might send Deputies to the King to Capitulate for them, and that their Governour would not be against it: the Marquis de la Trousse presently inform'd his Majesty of what had pass'd, whereupon Monsieur prepar'd to march thither, and in the mean time the Marquis de Ranes sent some Dragoons to the Castle of Em, who possest themselves of it. This Castle takes its name from the little river Em, which runs from Amersfort, and discharges it self into the Zuiderzée, after it hath run by this Castle which lyes near the mouth of it.
The 21 the Garrison of Doesburg, which the night before were as quiet as if they had been a sleep, began to bestir themselves in the morning, and at break of day began to fire very furiously: but this hinder'd us not from going on in our work happily enough, and with little loss, so that the Batteries were made fit to play.
Monsieur being come to Zutphen, summon'd it, but they absolutely refus'd to yeild it up, which so much the more incensed his Royal Highness, because the day before they had sent to propose the yeilding it.
The Marquis of Ranes arriv'd at Naerden about 2 of the clock in the morning, he reinforc'd [Page 76]the Garrison with 50 Dragoons, besides those 100 which were there already, with the Company of the Sieur de Marelles, upon notice that Count Maurice was thereabout with his Troops, and that he had put 2000 men into Muyden (which he had that day done so suddenly, that the Lieutenant, who had been master of it 2 houres, and went to fetch more men to put into it, when he came back, found the Enemy possest of it) and had now retrench'd himself on the other side of the stream of Wesep. Monsieur de Turenne at last made himself Master of Skenksconce, and then turn'd his Arms towards Nimegen.
Skenksconce is a little hole (as I may say) so famous that it were unnecessary to say any thing of it, but it is also of more than ordinary concern to the Possessours, because of its situation, which is just on the point of the Island Betaw, just where the Rhine divides it self into two great arms, whereof one retains its own name and runs towards Arnhem, and the other takes the name of Wahal, and leads to Nimegen. No Vessel can go up or down either River without their leave, who are Masters of this Fort; so that it is the Key which either opens or shuts up all communication between Holland and Germany. This makes [Page 77]it of very great importance; for no Merchandize as Rhenish Wine, Timber, and chiefly Firr-trees, which continually come down that way from Switzerland, Suaveland, and other places of Germany, and bring a great income both to those who send for them thence, and also to those who sell them again at second hand to other Nations, who come thither to buy them; so that the trade both of these Commodities, and a hundred more, cannot go on without the leave of this Fort. And as its situation is most advantagious, so is its strength proportionable, for on 2 sides Nature hath so strengthen'd it with the defence of this great River, that it is not to be set upon that way, and on the other, which is that that faces the Isle, Art hath fortified it with a great ditch full of water, good Bastions and half Moons, and a strong Rampart, which make it in a manner impregnable. The Inhabitants of the Country round about, who can still remember former Wars, do assure us it was always thought impregnable, and in History we never find it ever was taken above twice, the first time in the year 1636, when a certain Captain of a Garrison in Guelderland for the King of Spain, call'd Enhoolt, being very much incens'd against the Hollanders, for putting divers of his [Page 78]friends and kindred to death, took it by surprize, so that this can hardly be called a taking of it: the second time was after a Siege which will be remembred many ages to come, since it lasted 8 months, and consum'd so many men before it, that in many places it is yet known by the name of the French burying place, for they had then taken part with the Dutch, and did with their blood purchase there both Glory and Victory. It is likewise reported that when it was taken, there were left in it but 12 men, who did even then maintain the place.
Deventer, at last being tired out by the Bishop of Munsters Granados, yeilded, and it's Garrison march'd out with their arms towards Nimegen, with a Convoy, but so weak a one, that when they came near Zutphen, the Hollanders in spight of the Convoy, cast themselves into it, and this recruit it was which made the Governour change his mind, and deny to yeild up the Town to Monsieur, as he himself had propos'd the day before.
The Marquis de Ranes having visited Naerden, and left good directions for the preservation of that Place, departed thence about 6 of the clock for Amersfort, and left the Burgomasters of Muyden not a little confounded for having profer'd the Keys [Page 79]of that Town, when it was no more in their power to let him into it, and even them selves were shut out of it. The same day Deputies from the States left Amsterdam to come and find the King at Doesburg, whose Garrison attempted to make a sally, but without any success, for they were presently repulsed.
The 22 the Sieur Martinet Camp-Master to the Kings Regiment, appointed Governor of Emerick, and Camp-Marshal in this Campagne, imagining that some persons did dayly watch him out of a suspition, that he had not so much courage as he pretended to, did all that day and night run himself upon all dangers, and so fortunately, that without receiving any wound, he advanc'd with his party much further among the Enemies Posts then could be expected; so that by ill fortune the Count of Soissons, who commanded the Isle of Yssel, and was order'd to shoot cross way upon a Post of the Enemies, not being aware that the said Sieur Martinet had already gain'd it, plaid upon it, so that Martinet was kill'd by a Canon shot; the same ill fortune took away the Sieur Sourry a Switzer Captain, and the Sieur Cyron, who was appointed Governour of S. Menehould. This gave occasion to some who delight in railery, to say, that Doesbourg, which [Page 80]the Hollanders had taken such pains to fortifie, and had 4500 men in it (who yeilded themselves up to mercy) had cost the King but one Swallow, one Mouse, and one Worm, from the signification of the French names, for indeed the Place yeilded upon it.
Doesburg is a Town which hath not been long famous, and indeed was at first very inconsiderable, but since the Hollanders have found the possession of the Yssel to be so necessary to the preservation of their Country, they thought fit to fortifie all the Places that lye upon that River, and chiefly this which is situate just where the Channel of Drusus mingles its waters with those of this river. So that at present it is in a very good condition, having good Fortifications, which for the most part are coated on the outside. It is strengthned on one side by the River, and on the other by a great Marsh, which lies between it and Arnhem, which altogether hinder it from being any way accessible, but by one neck of Land.
This place yeilded notwithstanding this day upon the same terms as did the rest. Afterwards his Majesty sent Monsieur a recruit of 4000 foot and 1500 horse, because he had with him but 6000 foot and 200 horse before. His Majesty sent him likewise the particulars of the Capitulation at Deesburg, wherefore [Page 81] Monsieur caused Zutphen to be again summoned, and sent the Governour a sight of the Articles of the Capitulation at Doesburg; but this taking no effect, his Royal Highness caus'd many faggots to be made, and in the evening had the Trenches open'd by the Regiments of Normandy, Turenne, and Orleans.
Monsieur de Turenne continued battering Nimegen from the Fort of Knotzembourg, without attaquing it on any other side; but sent and took in Worm.
The Sieurs de Rochefort and de Ranes went to Naerden, and drew near to Muyden, to take a view of the Enemy, who appear'd in great numbers upon a Bastion, but never offer'd to sally out. From thence they returned to Amersfort, whither came also a party of Musqueteers and 1800 horse from the Kings Army. The body of Monsieur the Count de Nogent, who had been kill'd by a musket shot, as he swam the Rhine, was found about 3 leagues lower, and buried in the great Church at Zevenaer with all possible State.
News was brought to the King of Deventer's being taken by the Confederate Armyes of Munster and Cologne, and that Swol, Campen, Elburg, Alderwick, Hasselt, Hattem and Ommen had upon the single summons [Page 82]of a Trumpet, drove out their Garrisons, and received those sent them by the Confederates.
The 23 Monsieur de Turenne sent news to the King, of the taking of the Forts of S. Andrew and Worm's, which are the Keys to the Island of Bommelle. Before Zutphen the Canon was in a condition to play by break of day, and did the Enemy considerable dammage. An hour before day, the besieg'd tried to give a false Alarm, but it succeeded not as they hop'd: for the Chevalier de Lorraine, who had not stirred from that Trench, discovered their design, and kept the Soldiers in due order. At 2 in the morning Monsieur de Rochefort, who had return'd to Amersfort, left it again to go with all his horse, as well those who came the last night, as those which were in the Town before, and encamp'd at the Gates of Ʋtrecht, between the Town and the Enemy. The Marquis de Ranes stayed at Amersford with his Royal Regiment of Dragoons, and in the evening caus'd all things necessary for an Assault to be carried upon the works, that they might be ready in case of need. About nine in the morning the same day, the Sieur Hotain, a Colonel of the Munster Troops, who then commanded a flying Party, came before the Town, and summon'd it, but understanding [Page 83]it was already possest, he commanded his Army to make a halt, and gave order that 800 horse and 500 Dragoons, which he commanded, should refresh themselves. Afterwards he desir'd he might come in and salute the Governour; which he did, and breakfasted with him, he, and 3 or 4 more of his Company. He confirm'd the news of Deventer, and of the deaths of M. de Gerzey, and M. de Beaufort, Camp Master to a Regiment of horse, who in a sally which the Enemy made, beat them back into the Town, but having engag'd himself beyond possibility of retreating, receiv'd a great many wounds, of which he dyed on the place, as well as the sieur Mallet, a Captain of horse in the same Regiment, and the sieur Mauvoisiniere his Lieutenant. The same person affirm'd he had newly made himself Master of Elbairg and Harderwick, which are two little Towns above Campen, near Zuiderzee.
After breakfast, as he took leave, he said he was going to raise contribution of all the places that depended upon those two Towns, and that he had taxed the Peasants at a Patagon (which is equal to a French Crown) for every Hearth, and then was returning to Harderwick.
A party of the Colonel Regiment of Dragoons being sent to Waningen, took it, and [Page 84]stayed there some days, as well to refresh themselves, as to stay till there should come thither a body of foot.
Waningen is a pretty Town about the bigness of Meaux in Brie, situated in an uneven Country. On the upper side of it there lyes a heath of 4 or 5 leagues extent in the narrowest place, on the other side there are very good Pastures, intermingled with some Arable land, which is very fruitful. This town lying in the midst of many others, the States thought it unnecessary to fortifie, but left it in its ancient condition, so that it hath hardly any Fortification besides its rampart.
The same day a Swiss Drummer, who had been at Amsterdam to carry news of some Prisoners to their Relations, and to desire them to send them money to pay their ransom, brought back word that he had been brought before Count Maurice, and mightily question'd by him: that his Army within their Retrenchments did not seem to contain above 4000 men, that they seem'd much dismay'd, and that all the fierceness which he strove to put on, could not hide his concern when he heard in what condition the Kings Army was, and that the Count had taken order to let him see as little as might be of the disorder and slenderness of his Army. Let us therefore give them a little leasure to [Page 85]take heart again if they can, and leaving a while the continuation of our Journal, let us rejoyce with the whole Kingdome of France, at our Great Monarchs fortunate Progress, and the Birth of a Prince, which GOD hath now sent Him.