THE POST OF THE PRINCE, which advises vs, the taking of Steen-Bergh, and the besieging of Berghen vp Zoom.
SOme few dayes agoe the Marquis Spinola sent certaine Companies towards Mastricht to crosse there the River of the Maye, as if they shoulde haue marcht towards the Rhine, keeping neverthelesse the greatest parts of his forces in Brabant, as if they were to follow the other but that was not his intent.
Satterday, Sunday, and Munday, there was given order to goe towards Maeseyck, onely to deceiue the forces of the States.
The rest past by Brey, and Peer, whereupon followed the Garrisons of Bilzen, Hasselt, Herck, Hall, Diest, Sichenen, Arschot, Loven, [Page 2]Beringen, and Geell to the Hooghe-Straets, where those of Liere, Mechesten, and Antwerpe met likewise, which all ioyned, made a great Armie, and was provided with Artillery, Gun-powder, Leade, and certaine Boates vpon Waggons with all necessarie provisions, for an enterprise In the meane time the Marquis with some few horse posted to Wesell, as if hee would haue ioyned with Count Henry of the Bergh, but hee returned presently.
The Prince of Orenge vnderstanding this gaue command that the States horse in Brabant, should ride to Bommelerwaert, and Nimwegen, little thinking what was the scope of the enemies. Wherupon certaine troops of horse of the Garrison of Berghen vp zoom, being arrived at Breda, Iustinus of Nassaw Governour of Breda, having had some intelligence of the desseing of Spinola, perswaded them to returne backe, and told them that he was sure that Spinola had an enterprise vpon Berghen vp Zoom.
The Leaders after a little deliberation, condescended all presently to his advise, notwithstanding the command of the Prince [Page 3]of Orange. As soone as they were return'd in their Garrison, they vnderstood, that the Spanish Forces, twelue thousand strong, marched towards the Castle of Wowe: And vpon the 18. of Iuly, these of Steen berghen perceived that their Towne was to be besieged, being vnawares, and vnprovided of many things necessary to sustaine a siege, seeing it is a place of no great importance. Monsieur Borwater Governour of the place, being a braue Souldier, was much discontented with this Newes, seeing he wanted both men and Munition, having but one peece of Ordinance in the Towne, and that vnserviceable, layd before the Hospitall without the appurtenances. It is certaine, that the Prince of Orange few dayes before the siege, sent thether a Gunner, and had given charge to a Commissioner to convay thether fiue or six Cannons, but whatsoever the cause is, it was not performed: And the Women of the Towne much discontented with the sayd Commissioner, would haue cast him the aforesayd Munday (being the 18. of Iuly) into the water; the said day about [Page 4]noone is the enemy come so neere to the Towne, that their voyces might be heard by the Garrison, and turn'd presently their Ordinance, and discharged the same against the Towne, not having made any Battery.
And having made a reasonable bigge breach in the walles with sixtie Cannon shot, the Inhabitants began to looke heavie, the rather because they had not heard of late the noyse of such Heath Crickets. A few houres before, went a great number of women and children, crying and lamenting, out of the Towne; which was certainely a pittifull spectacle to beholde.
What concernes the cryes and laments heard by me, as well of those that were within as without Tertolen, the C'limder and the Plaet. I will not speake of, they carry away all what they will not loose.
I could more liuely Relate how they cry and lament, and wring their hands together, the one, for her husband, the other, for her childe, leaping in and out the boats (saying) that they will remayne, where flesh and bloud is lost, goods are not remembered [Page 5]in such cases. In those places where these things happen, there is no disputing whether they be Papists, Protestants, or Arminians, but must ioyntly resist the invasion of the enemies.
On thursday the 19. of Iuly did the enemies send a Trumpet to the Towne, to aske whether they would Parley. That otherwise, his Forces standing readie in Battell array, should assault the towne where the breach was made. Declaring moreover, that they would not depart from thence before they had brought the Towne vnder the obedience of the King of Spaine.
The valiant Governour Borwater, with two Captaines, and the Gentlemen of their Companies, and some of the Magistrats of the place, resolved to keepe the Towne, vntill the last man, for the States. But they requested the Trumpet, that he would try whether the enemies would condescend to a cessation of Armes for few houres onely; wherevpon, he returned presently to Don Lewis de V [...]yco, and the Governour of Antwerpe.
In the meane time, they sent some to looke whether they could not see (standing vpon the Steeple) any Shippes comming with ayde. [Page 6]But afterwards, seeing that the enemy divided his Forces in three severall Troopes, to assault the towne in divers places, and that they were not able to defend the same, seeing it had no Countrescarps, or Bulwarkes, but onely certaine round Towers of no strength. And likewise in consideration of the lamentations of women and Cittizens which had any thing to loose, they could not resolue almost what to doe. And to speake the truth, there was no other issue to be expected, then that the Souldiers, and armed Cittizens, should be slaine, as also all the rest, and all their goods pillaged, and made havock off.
At the same instant, the Trumpet being returned, told them that the enemy would not grant them as much as the space of an houre. But if they would surrender the Towne, they should haue good conditions, and be well vsed, otherwise they must doe as the cause should require.
The Governour was vnwilling to yeeld, but most Voyces carryed away, and agreed vpon these following Conditions and Articles.
1. That all the Souldiers with their Armes and Armour, besides Baggage should depart, and be conducted with a safe Convoy.
2. That the Townesmen should pay two thousand Gilders (which is 200.li. Sterling) to the Souldiers, to hinder their pillaging.
3. That all the Townesmen after the aforesaid money is payd, shall haue libertie to depart with their goods where they list.
4. That those that would remaine there, and liue according to their Lawes, Customes, and Ceremonies, they might, and should be vsed as other Inhabitants of the obeysant Citties and Townes of Brabant.
Vpon these conditions is the Towne surrendered the aforesaid Munday before noone being the 19. of Iuly. The Governour had likewise leaue to convay his goods away. Within the Towne were two Companies, an old and a new, both of Alekmar, & behaved themselues very valiantly.
At their departure there was a woman that philipping vpon her thumbe, told to some of the Souldiers, now you must foorth and our friends shall come in.
This Towne was beset with 9. Companies, and one Captaine Det (who did lie in former time vpon the Castle of Wowe, and is very skilfull in pillaging, wherefore the Countrey peoof the Climder, Stryen, and the Plaet may looke to [Page 8]themselues, seing at the Land side he hath but a barren Heath) made Governour of the same.
At the Haven not farre from the Towne, is the Enemie raysing a Fort compelling both Cittizens and Souldiers to labour at it.
They haue likewise put their boats to the water, which they haue gotten thither by wag gons, intending to trouble the Navigation betwixt Holland and Sealand. But our Mariners and Saylers wilbe very glad to meete with them.
As soone as the enemy had his garrison planted in the Towne, he sent his forces towards Berghen vp Zoom, but 2. Leagues from thence, the horse were conducted by Don Lewis de Velasco, and the foote by the Governour of Antwerpe, marching so in all hast to the sayd Citty, and being arrived there, planted their Ordinance not farre off, thinking to speede as they did at Steene-berghen, having notice that the Horse in garrison were abroad.
And towards the Evening they thought to surprise the horne-workes, or the great outworkes neere Saint Quirin; But the Governour Rhyhoven did hid himselfe in the sayd outworks commanding the Ordinance and all things necessary to bee made readie against their approach. which being perceived, the Ordinance [Page 9]was presently displayd against them, and our foote went to meete them, crying, kill, kill, kil, and after the sound of the Trumpet, our horse likewise set vpon the Enemies, pursuing them in such maner vnto their Cannon, that a great slaughter was made amongst them, and if the garrison had beene well seconded and refreshed, they would haue carried it away, or otherwise nayled the same to make it vnserviseable: at our retreat the horse of the enemy prepared themselues to set vpon our garrison, but our Ordinance planted vpon the wals, caused both men and horses to cut capers in the ayre wherby there rose such an Alarum with crying and lamenting amongst them, that it seemed that every one was hurt that came neere, them. In such maner they haue beene twise or thrise resconcerned, and if they like it well they may come againe
But they disliking much this danse, retyred presently a quarter of a myle, they tooke their men which were slaine along with them and rancked them in the sand, saying these feare no more the Flamencos. In the meane time those of the city spare no charges to fortifie themselues, having pierced likewise the Beare of the newe worke neare the Haven.
The Prince of Orange as soone as he was informed of these passages, sent thither on Thursday the valiāt Collonel the Lord of Fama with a 100. smal ships loaden with armed souldIers, The next day, the Count Iohn of Nassaw, sayled likewise with 100. small Ships to the sayd City, besides these, there are many ships and men arrived from Zealand, in such maner that the water seemed to be covered with Shippes and Boats.
Out of his Campe he dispatcht likewise certaine troops of horse (which tooke their way by Huesden, Gertruyen, Bergh, Oo [...]terhrut, and Breda) to endamage the Enemy before Berghen aforesayd. To day we are advised that there be aboue 5000. souldiers in Berghen vp Zoom, & that the Enemy hath lost 400.
The 19. of Iuly, there was brought in a Prise at Rotterdam, with 800. Chests of Sugar.
The taking in of the Towne of Goch, in the land of Cleue, by the Marquis SPINOLA.
ANno 1622. the 26.27. and 28. of Iuly, is the Marquis Spinola accompanied with Count Henry of the Bergh, and some Forces, marcht from Wezell towards the East side of the Rhine downward, [Page 11]as if he would haue attempted something against Doesburgh, Zutphen, or Deventer.
The Prince of Orange well knowing his Stratagems, lookt about as well as he could. But Spinola having chosen a fit time for himselfe, stayed all Passengers at that instant, and drew instantly out of the next Citties and Townes of Cleue, a good part of the Garrisons with him, and set with the same vpon Goch. And having with his Ordinance beaten the Tyles from the houses, so that they fell in the Street, which causing the Townesmen to run more to their Cellers then Walls, he got the Towne by composition the 28. of Iuly, seeing the Garrison was but 300 men strong, and not able to resist with their willing hearts, his violences and Forces.
From Rome, Last Sunday the Post (that was sent by the Arch-Duke Leopoldus vnto the Pope requesting his Holinesse that whereas he had certaine Souldiers in pay in Germany, vnder the Commaund of Don Pedro Alderbrandino, it would please him to turne them over into his service) hath beene dispacht with this answere, that the Arch-Duke must sue for the same purpose vnto the Emperour.
Last Wednesday, the Ambassadour of the King of Spaine, did present a horse, and a Letter [Page 12]of Exchange of 7000. Crownes for the feude or fealtie of the Kingdome of Naples, which were accepted by the Procurator of the Exchequer; with the accustomed & vsual protestatiō.
We heare from Naples, that the Galleons with Souldiers lately sayled towards Spaine are to be imployed against the Pirates: And that out of the sayd Kingdomes 400000. Crownes, and from Sicilia 150000. Crownes should be made over by Letters of Exchange in the Low Countries, towards the charges of the warre.
From Messina, they write that the Gallies of Tosca [...] were arrived at Reggio, having fought with 15. Vessels of the Pyrats, and had made 250. of them slaues, and gotten 8. peeces of Ordinance from them, and one Ship loaden with Oyle, besides 100000. Crownes for acomposition or ransome to saue their liues.
From Venice, Iuly 8. from Turine they advise that the Duke of Savoy, rayseth many forces in France, and other countries, having sent divers Inginers to fortifie his Fortresses of Asti, Vercelli, and Saint Germane and other places. Morcover he hath supplied the garrisons of Asti, and Vercelli, with 400. Souldiers. And that Aldeibgera hath an army in readines vpon the confines of Savoy, for his Highnes service.
Letters from Milane relate, that 100. cartes from thence were sent with munition to the Veltolinas to prouide the souldiers withall, seeing that great forces are to be sent thether against the Grisons. Thesouldiers which came with the Knight Plecch [...] from Alsatia are sent towards Bormio. The Spaniards which haue layne in Cleue are marcht vp towards Millane, hauing left there onely the Counte Serbellione with his regiment. And heere are leauied with all speed 11. trouppes of horse.
Last Thusday is the Knight Simon Contarini chosen by this Signorie Ambassador for Constantinopele to congratulate the great Signor, who hath giuen two millons of gold to his Ianissaries, and increased their pension 3. aspers a day.
From Brinoten the 10. daie the Confederates haue besieged Guttenborg and discharge their ordinance against the same, doeing those of the Towne the like: besides they haue made a sconse neere Vleschenberg directly against the Towne to endammage the same, as likewise inuaded Mantasan, and assaulted [Page 14]the enemies in two assunder places, which causeth great feare & dearth in Tirol.
The Confederates at Baden haue vnder hand & seale reniewed their confederation with the Graubuntens, whereupon they care now litle for Leopoldus and other enemies. Likewise the 5. Catholike Cantons haue promised free passage to the Reformed, vpon condition that they shal bring certificates or passeports from their Magistrates or Commanders. And they themselfes haue aduised the Protestantes to make no agreement with their enemies, but to go on with their enterprises, & to clense the countrie quit of them. When they haue taken Engadin, they intended to besiege Veltkercken; they get daily great assistance of men, munition, & ordinance, from the Bunoters.
From Prague the 12. of Iuly. The 7. of this moneth is the Count of Hoghensoller (being Ambasser. of the Emp.) trauelled towards Dresden vnto the Duke & Elector of Saxony) and to other places of the Empire.
Yesterday the Commissioners went al this Citie ouer, to visit the armes of the Protestants, [Page 15]and left them only their rapers & daggers, after they had inrolled them in their bookes, to what purpose, we hnow not yet.
From Frankendall the 12. day Counte Mansfield & Duke Christian of Brunswick are marcht towards Luthenborch with an armie of 1100. horse and 25000. foote: and taking euerie where great contributions, and wee heare that they haue gotten 300000. Ryxdallers in Alsatia onely: and we looke what both the Imperiall armies will attempt. It is thought that they will passe ouer at Shrock and march from thence to Newstadt and Germersheim.
All the forces by the Prince Palatine left in the Palatinate lie in garrison, the horse onely excepted of Obertrout and Meganck which keepe about the Mountain. There is a strong garrison in this Towne, being two trouppes of horse amongst them, we are likewise very well prouided with all kinde of ordinance.
The Fort commenced by the Schaperie of this Town is made alreadie defensible, and the workemen continue daily to worke at it. They say here that our Prince is gone towards Sedan, where the Duke of Boullion keepes his Court.
From Francfort the 21. Iulij, It is certaine that the Imperialists are retired from Heydelbergh. The English Ambassador laboureth hard to obtaine a truce, or a cessatiō of armes.
Here is rumored that the Spanish forces wil laie an other bridge at Stein to passe ouer the Rhine. The meane time are the Spanish & Bauarian forces at Worms transported ouer the Rhyne with boates, but their baggage shalbe carried ouer the bridge at Vppenheim; and is like they will besidge Franckendall.
The Counte of Anboult marching with his forces toward Alsatia did seiourn 3. daies agoe at Kerken two leagues but distant from Tourlach, what his intentiō is we know not:
The Landtgraue Lodewick of Darmstad is retired vpon his fort Russesheim, where he intends to abide for a time. Otherwise wee heare but litle of the souldiers, but that they sometime with halfe Companies goe pilladging, and in such manner was lately ransackt and pillaged the Castle of Offenback belonging to the Counte of Isenburgh.
The Spanish armie lies at this present at Lempertheym, and there comes newes that the [Page 17] Bauarians haue fired Khonow, besides 9. villages.
From Collen the 23 day, we hould for certaine that the fort of Papenmuts or Priests cap shalbe besieged this night, seeing that yesterday many souldiers vpwards cōming from Dusseldorp and at Lulsdorp were certaine hundred arriued alreadie, & besides other preparations; there is sent a small man of warre to cōtinue at Lulsdorp. And we haue vnderstood afterwards by the Country people, that the Batteries are made ready and the ordinance planted against the Fort.
From Emmerick, His Excellentie hath commanded a bridge to be casted ouer the riuer Wilde, & the ordinance and munition to be landed, whereof some was conueyed away by waggons so that by all likelyhoode it seemeth that he will attempt something either against Groll or Oldenseel.
From Algiers we vnderstād that the plague there as likewise at Thunis, in such a manner continued that there died about 500. a day.
The Corne is grown now better cheape in Italy.
The Ostendeners are almost all beset in diuers parts by the men of warre of the States.
Counte Henry of the Berghe is marcht vp towards the riuer of the Mase with some 5. or 6000. men: hauing yet left many at Wesel and Berck. The Prince of Orange was yet at Emerie where hee hauing gotten great store of waggons, gaue charge the ordinance and munition to be carried awaie according to his direction, whereby it is easelie to be gessed that he hath some enterprise in hand.
Those of Lotharingia stand in great feare of Mansfield, seeing he will take his passage through the Countrie, and haue written vnto Spignola for aide, and that without the same they shalbe compelled to suffer him in their Territorie.
From Lipsich they write, that the the 6. of Iuly the Ladie of the Elector of Saxony is brought to bedde of a young Sonne, that there are now 5. Dukes aliue of his line. The Godfathers are the Duke of Mechelburg, the Duke Lunenburg of Zel, two Dukes of Gomeren, and the Ladys mother is the young Dukes Godmother.
The enemies fortifie daily their campe before Berghen op Zoom, & hauing made their Quarters and intrenched themselues, they goe now to make batteries, and seeke to approach neerer the Cittie by trenches, but the garrison playes brauelie with the ordinance vpon them, which being most made of sand, are many times spoyled and shot downe by the ordinance of the Cittie and manie of his souldiers shot to death; so that they beginne to perceiue that this will be an other Ostende and that they shalbe put to it very hardlie and dangerously, besides all prouision and prouande is amongst them a great deale deerer then it is in the Citty, seeing they must get it by land, which causeth diuers to runne away. Within the Cittie and the outwarkes is great store of good souldiers and braue Commanders, as likewise Ingeners, Miners, and Pioniers; besides all other things necessarie for their maintenance and defence. And all the forts in the Land of Tertolen be likewise well prouided.
Wee vnderstand that the enemie hath sent some more Artillerie, ammonution, & [Page 24]other prouission accompanied with a strong conuay, being forced to doe this continually if he will continue the siege; these of the city goe sometimes abroad to trie their fortunes, & tooke this weeke certaine cartes with prouision, besides diuers horse and prisoners.
It is reported for certaine that the Marquis Spignloa is arriued at Antwerpe, intending his iourney very speedely towards his campe before Berghen vp Zoom.
Those of Breda haue lately taken away al the brewe kettles that were in the Villages thereabout because the enemies should not vse them, and it is reported that they must pay in their campe 8. stuyuers for a kanne of beere.
Those of Groll haue made an excursion this weeke, vnto Deuenter, and tooke diuers cattell from thence with them.