From Spaine the 6. of August.
THE French Ambassador is returned from Madrill into France backe againe, but the King of Spaine will not desist from those Articles which about a Twelue month hee agreed vpon with the Inhabitants of Veltolina. The said King hath made the Venetian Generall, Generall of all the Horse, and adorned Don Diego Piementelli, with the title and Dignity of a Marquis, quitting him 12000. Crownes which he did owe to the Exchequer, & moreouer charge that 25000. Crownes should be payed vnto him in ready money. He hath likewise giuen Order that the Gallyes which are in Sicilia, shall goe to rescue Mamorra.
At Naples were arriued 4. Gallyes with Souldiers, (which are to goe to Millain) & 15. Chests with Siluer to be coyned there.
The great Master or Commander of Malta, hath consented at the intreaty of the Viceroy of Sicilia, that his Gallyes shall accompany those of the King of Spaine.
From Venice the 5. of August.
All Commotions being ceased in Turky, the Great Signeur went the 7. of Iuly for the first time after his reestablishment to the Church at C [...]nstatinople, and was accompanied by diuers great Officers, Commanders, and Souldiers.
The Polonian Ambassador is lookt for euery day at his Court, being already arriued vpon the Frontiers of Turky.
The Tartarians hauing made an inrode in Polonia, the Cossacks doe the like in the Turkish Dominions, and are assisted by diuers Bashawes fled vnto them since the Murther of Osman the late Great Signeur.
Here commeth newes that the Hollanders haue met 20. Spanish Ships neare the Riuer that flowes by St. Lucas, and setting vpon them they sunke 6. the rest was taken, sauing some few that made an escape.
The 3. Companies which did lye at the other side of the Riuer Goo, are to Conduct the Count of Monteri to Barcelona, being Shipped in the Gallyes of Doria.
The Colonell Baldirou perceiuing that the Granbunters would besiege the Fort of St. Maria, retired himselfe to Cleue, taking with him, his best moueables and a Company of Foot, and seeing that the Cittizens opposed themselues against him, he caused 4. of them to be hanged.
From Odenburgh the 3. of August.
The Empresse being Crowned Queene of Hungary, they haue gone on in the Dyet or Parliament with the remainder points and Articles to make an end of the same: and first of all concerning the receiuing of Germane Garrisons into the Frontiers places, the Knights and Burgesses would giue no way to the same, notwithstanding the great perswasions of the Nobility & Clergie, which vsed all meanes and deuises to effect the same. Neuerthelesse the Emperour desirous to haue an end of this point, caused them to meet againe, and handled so the matter, that the Knights and Burgesses, being ouermatched by the Nobility and Clergie, gaue likewise their consent vnto the same. But Bethlem Gabors Agent protested against the same, and the Committees of Cashaw went home much discontented.
Touching Religion, no alteration shall bee made before the next Hungarian Parliament, where shall be resolued likewise who shall be Iudge when the one party shall complaine to bee wronged of the other: The Catholikes will not leaue the decision to the Palatine, nor the Protestants to the Emperour.
At Vienna is great prepration made against the arriuall of his Maiesty and the Empresse.
Heere is newes that the Brother of Bethlem Gabor, and the Count of Thurne, are marching towards Silesia with 30000. men to inuade it.
From Vienna the 3. of August.
To day arriued heere a Post comming from Odenburg, (being sent to the Elector of Saxony, and the now ruling Duke of Brunswicke) reporting that the Hungarian Dyete was happely ended, notwithstanding the great difficulty made by the Hungarians touching the receiuing of Germane Commanders, and Souldiers into their Forts and Strong holdes, in such manner that they drew their Swordes in the Parliament one against another, though in the absence of the Emperour.
But that neuerthelesse the matter was ended by most Voyces, and agreed in this manner; That the Fortes and Strongholdes should bee beset with Germane Captaines and Ensignes, but Hungarian Lieutenants, the Souldiers being halfe of the one Nation and halfe of the other. Whereupon seeing that all is Concluded according to his Maiesties desire and expectation, wee hope to see both Maiesties heere, within the space of 5. dayes at the furthest.
From Vienna the 5. of August.
At this instant wee receiue Newes, that the Hungarians haue condiscended to the taking in of Germane Garrisons, and diuers other points, hauing the Palatine of Hungary taken great paines to the same effect. And the Lord Esterhasi is made a Generall in Hungary.
From Vienna the 10. of August.
The Hungarian Parliament is finished, wee shall soone haue at large the Articles, and points agreed vpon, and it is certain that [Page 4]they haue promised to admit Germane Garrison, and principally when the Enemy is at hand: as likewise that the Crowne shall be kept at Presburgh aswell by Germans as Hungarians, being of the one Nation as many as of the other. And there are diuers Hungarian Lords gone thither of late, seeing diuers thinges are yet not fully finished. The Emperour is likewise departed, and arriued at Newstadt, to Morrow wee looke for his comming heere, from whence hee shall take his Iourney to meete at the Regensbergh vpon the Electorall dayes, where they are altogether to meete, except the Bishop of Triere.
From Prague the 6. of August.
Yesterday the Duke of Lichtenstain (as Deputy or Viceroy of Bohemia) gaue order that all Generals, Colonels, and Captaines, should keepe their Souldiers in a readines vntill further commaund. It is thought that the Imperialists will set vpon Glatz with all their power and strength; wee haue certaine newes that yet of late 150. Souldiours are gotten in Glatz.
Those of Klingenbergh being destitute of Prouand, haue been forced to surrender the Towne, and agreed with their Enemies that they should depart with their Baggage and goods, which they did and were but 120. strong. But the Imperialists hauing tyed the Commanders hands and feete, they did send him hither.
The Count of Hollocke hath gotten his pardon from the Emperour. And it is thought that the Prince of Anholt will likewise speed.
The Electorall day is prolonged vntill the First of October next ensuing.
The Trumpetter who was the 2. day of this Month, sent by the Emperor to Glatz, comming from thence reported that the Young Count of Thurne, and all his Gentlemen about him were deckt with Hungarian apparell, to what intent he could as yet not learne.
The 4. of this moneth wee haue seene here a great number of Storkes vpon the Mountaine of St. Lawrence: and the next day were many dead fishes, driuing with their bellies vpwards in the Riuer Moldaw. And we hold these things here for strange and ominous.
From Breslaw the 7. of August.
The Bishop of Neus intending this next weeke, to march towards Glatz, did begin to muster his forces, but hauing receiued certaine aduises, hee hath deferred his designe vntill better opportunity. Those of Glatz make yet dayly diuers sallies and excursions, bringing into the Towne all what they can get, prouiding themselues of all necessaries, keeping their Watches a league distant from the Towne.
The Citizens at Neus are disarmed, by commaund of the Bishop to keepe them vnder.
From Niewenburg in Saxony the 10. of August.
We haue here certaine newes, that the Towne of Glatz holds still for the King of Bohemia, and is speedily to be succoured and rescued by the Marquesse of Iagerensdorp, who is at hand with diuers Turkes, Tartarians, and Hungarians, besides the forces of the old Count of Thurn.
From Lintz the 13. of August.
Few dayes agoe were here mustered 700. Horse of the Regiment of Colonell Herbersteyn, which are to ride to the vpper Palatinate.
From Franckfort the 14. of August.
In those parts the wayes are very dangerous, which hath caused the Princes, Lords, and Imperiall Cities to leauie and maintaine at common charges certaine horse and foote, to cleanse [Page 6]them of such robbers, murthers, and vagabonds, as assault the Passengers and Trauellers.
They write from Frankendale, that the Imperialists haue lately taken Spiers, and hauing beset the Towne with 2000. men, they changed the Magistrate, remouing the old. The Citie of Wormes feared the like alteration, as likewise that the goods saued there from the Palatinate, should be confiscated.
The Imperialists lye in the lands of the Duke of Wirtenberg, and the Marquesse of Thourlath, endammaging mightily the said Countries.
We vnderstand that Leopoldus is to come in the Palatinate in the name of the Emperour. Likewise it is reported, that Colonell Obertront is deceased at Heydelbergh, his horse are dismissed.
Wee are aduised that the Spanish forces are departed from the Palatinate. But the forces of the Archduke Leopoldus and Monsieur Tilly are about L [...]msheim, Praughheym, Ea [...]lebach, and other neere vnto the same. Thursday last they tooke Spiers, to day they set vpon Garmersheym. Heydelbergh, Frankendale, and Manheim, are strongly beset. Last Thursday was the Hospitall at Worms set on fire by the Crabatz, which are of the Emperours side.
The Colonell Kniphawsen hauing left this Citie not past two dayes, there was sent one from the Emperour to charge him further: but vnderstanding his departure, he returned presently backe.
From Spiers the 16. of August.
The 9. of this Moneth is the Bauarian Army marcht vp from Lymen, with fiue peeces of Ordnance, euery one being drawne by twelue horse, and crossing the Riuer at Lulsheym, they sate downe in our Territorie, the next day came Monsieur Tilly in this Citie, but he returned the same day in his quarter. The same day in the morning arriued there likewise the Bishop of this Citie, and the Archduke Leopoldus came there in the after noone about two of the clocke.
The eleuenth of this moneth, the said Armie went to besiege Germishem which they got at last, the fourteenth by Assault, having before received great dammage by the Ordinance and shott of the Towne, they slew all what they mette; and at last granted quarter to the rest.
From Franckfort the eighteenth of August: It is certaine that in the Lands of Brunswick, there are gathered great forces, and are to meete at Halberstadt, to what purpose is not divulged.
The Duke of Wirtenbergh, the Marquis of Thouclach and diuers other Princes are leavying souldiers likewise; having divers Commanders of the Prince Palatine, the Counts of Mansfield, and the Bishop of Halberstadt in their countryes. The Bishop of Mentz is at this present at Spessert, to recreate himselfe with hunting.
From Hanaw the eighteenth of August. The Spanish forces hauing left the Palatinate, to follow the Count of Mansfield; Leopoldus came presently, thether from Alsatia, bringing divers Crabatz with him: who lye now almost all at Spiers, the tenth of this Moneth he went to besiege Germersheym being assisted by the Bavarians, and got the same the fourth day. His Garrison left within Spiers committed daily great outrages. The Cittizens stand in feare to be pillaged, as hath happened to these of St. Lambert, and other places more. What the Spaniards have spared, these are likely to destroy and consume, having alreadie fired certaine Villages.
From Heidelbergh the 15. of August. The Emperours Armie, since it came before this Citie, hath [Page 8]continually taken great paines to blocke, to inblocke the same. And now very lately they haue likewise taken a course to blocke vp Mainheim and Franckendale, for they have Wormes and all the Townes hereabouts, so that no provision can come to any of these Townes, by which we doe verily imagine that they do meane to starve these Townes, and so take them without besieging them at all.
From Collen the eighteenth of August. Those that haue besieged the Fort Papenmutz, espying that they doe no good with their Ordinance, shooting from the side of Berghs land, then to spend their Bullets and Gun-powder, spare now the same, vntill their Sconse will be readie at this side, which will be to morrow. Of late a Citizen of this Towne, advancing himselfe vpon the Batterie called, looke in the Cap, or kyke in the mutz, was shott by the Ordinance of the Fort and brought hether dead.
But few daies agoe, there was a Souldier sent with letters out of the Fort Papenmutz, but being taken by the Enemies which are neere the Fort, he was hanged before day-light at a tree to afray the other. We live here dayly in great griefe and misery, many die suddēly amongst vs, before we can perceiue that they are sicke, other are infected with the plague, which invades and assaults vs mightily: Some are growne madde, being bitten by the dogges, that had eaten the dead carkasses landed there at the shore, as we wrote the last time at large.
From Middlebourgh the twentieth of August. At Ostend being two men of Warre, readie to set forth at Sea, our men that lay with their Ships before the [Page 9]Towne attended vpon them, and Captaine Kleuter of Amsterdam, gave charge to Captaine Iacob Volkertson Vinck, to wayte vpon them with his Pinnace in the night time about the Geule, to discouer their comming forth, and as soone as they advanced to the Sea, he gave warning to the rest with fyring, and other signes. Whereupon our men cutting presently off their ropes, sayled on, and mette them betwixt Ostende and Blankenbergh, and charged them with their Ordinance; But the enemies perceiuing that they could not come from the wall, did their best endeauour to returne backe againe to Ostende, but our men followed them so close that they were inforced to cast themselues on the shore neere the Shelfe about the Guele, where men of the States ioyned their Ships in the forme of a halfe a Moone, made them quite vnseruiceable by their Ordinance, shooting against, from three a clocke in the morning, vntill three of the clocke in the afternoone. The Citie did send divers boates with men to them, because the Ships should not be taken, and did likewise play with their Ordinance vpon our Ships. But the foresaid two Ships and the boates have beene in such manner dealt withall, that 164. of them are slaine, 90. hurt: On our side we have lost soure men, having some few hurt.
Notwithstanding the Gallies of Malta, and of the French King are arrived at Rochell, they neverthelesse make many excursions both by water and by land, and have taken lately, divers Ships loaden with corne: And having taken by land, the Messenger or poste of Bordeaux accompanied with [Page 10]twentie persons, they offer to pay 10000. Crownes, for their ransome. The Kings Armies are yet before Rochell, Mompelliers, and Montaulban.
From Berghen vp Zoom, we vnderstand that the enemies on a suddaine haue surprised three halfe Moones, but our men beate them presently out of them, the enemie lost in this service 600. men, and States 100. They assault the out-workes most about the Bosh gate, where they come many times so neere one another, that they are within the reach of a Pike.
Last Satterday arrived there two Companies about foure of the Clocke in the afternoone, and were that same evening yet imployed in a hott service, and the one being Switzers, mowed at that time brauely with their two handed Swords, amongst the enemies. In this Skirmish were fiue hundred men slaine of the enemies, and fifteene onely of ours. The dead are not yet buryed, neither of this, nor the last Skirmish, it is true, that there was made a cessation of Armes for an houre to the same purpose, but the Cittie espying that the Spaniards came towardes their trenches in great troupes, shott amongst them, so that those that were not slaine, were glad to retyre to their owne Campe.
There are of late landed twentie Companies, so that the Cittie is now of all necessaries provided, and in no danger, by the grace of God.
The enemie having raysed two Batteries, to endammage by the Ordinance, the Ships and Boates comming and going, the Cittie hath dismounted [Page 11]twice or thrice his Ordinance vpon the same, so that he rests now with the same.
Letters from Riga in Lithuania make mention, that the King of Poland, and the King of Sweden, are by the meanes of their severall Ambassadors treating about a Peace in their Tents in the field. But they were at the beginning very likely to breake off, in regard that the Polonian Ambassadour, the Kingly Dignitie of the King of Sweden: And having at last given him his due respect, they haue had divers meetings, and it is very likely that there will be a Peace concluded.
They write from Genua, that the Duke of Savoy is arrived neare their Territorie with great Forces: which caused them to haue an eye vpon him, and to looke to themselues.
At Bredaw are expected divers horse, and to the same purpose are their Stables prepared and made readie: And in Berghen op Zoom, and other places thereabout, are likewise great store of Forces to be sent, to what effect God knowes.
From Paris the 27. of August. And now for Mansfield, and the Bishop that is with him. It is certaine, that the Duke of Bulloyne sent for him, and that he came to Loraine from the place where he was in foure dayes, which is one hundred myle. The Duke of Loraine could make but 8000. to resist him, so he was forced to compound with him, to giue him Corne and money, neuerthelesse, he burned and spoyled a great many of his Messages, so the Duke de Bulloynes plot was discovered, for he had promised to deliver into Mansfeilds hands three Townes [Page 12]in France, whereof Saus in Burgon was one of the three, so he marched downe towards Sedan, to the Duke of Bulloyne. The King hearing of this, sent away from his Armie Duke Denawers, Duke de Angulame, Duke de Lonigewen, to levell Forces for to respite him with all speed; and as he marched he came to a Cittie which is called Munson, which is vpon the border of France, but not in France. And then the the Duke de Naweres and Mansfield came to a parley, so that the Duke brought him to the Cittie with him, and placed his Armie close vnder the Walles, and was faine to furnish his Armie with bread and victualles, so he told the Duke that both he and his Armie were at the Kings service, in giuing him foure hundred thousand Crownes, and a yearely pension, and shewed him seven Letters which the Duke de Bulloyne had written to him. This the Duke writ to the King: in the meane time, the French levelled great Armies, both of foote and horse. And the Duke entertained him, vntill the Kings answere came, which was done with great discretion, for the Kings Armies are now with the three Dukes in bringing to a head; in two dayes they are in severall places thirtie fiue thousand, and Mansfeild is twelue thousand Foote, and eyght thousand Horse: he told the Duke, that there is fiue thousand of the eyght thousand Horsemen, the best in Christendome.
The Bishoppe perceiuing that Mansfeild would make his owne peace, and leaue him, there grew a Mutinie in the Armie: and the Bishoppe would haue left Mansfield, and haue gone to the Duke [Page 13]of Bulloyne, but the Duke Denaweres, pacified them both.
This I thinke was to colour their intent, so in the end the Kings answere came, which was this; He would neyther of his service, nor his Armie, nor giue him any money, so the Duke Denaweres and he parted, and he went away without doing any harme, so Mansfeild went and conferred with the Duke of Bulloyne, in the fields in their Coaches, and each of them had three hundred men; what the Conference was we know not, neyther can we tell what Mansfeild will doe yet. But he hath burned and spoyled in Loraine, and vpon the borders of France, sixtie Villages and Castles, and he is very rich in robbing the Churches of their Chalises and Crosses, and Images, and he hath fiue thousand Women or Whores in his Campe. The Duke de Bulloine so soone as he heard that Mansfeild was come into Loraine, levelled all the moneyes that was due to the King for this yeare, and fiue yeares to come, in all parts round about him, and forced them to make shift to pay him, and those that would not, nor could not pay so suddenly, he hanged them, and killed and hanged fiue of the Kings owne servants, that were there to receiue the Kings Rents. And now of late he hath furnished Mansfield with Powder and other things, and hath bought all the Corne he can, and brought it into Sedan; We shall know within these sixe dayes, what they will doe, Mansfeild cannot goe backe againe, for the Emperours Armie lyeth in waite for him, and if he come into [Page 14] France, neither he nor any of his Armie will euer returne backe againe. The Queene is going to Molenes, where the Queene mother is at the hot bathe. Newes is here that duke de Soulte was stayd and put in prison, and from thence both Queenes goe to Lyons, for there the kings meets them. Then here is none left here but Monsieur the Kings brother.
From Munpilliard in France, it is reported that the Prince of Condie, comming before the same, sent into the Cittie a Cardinall, with 3. other noblemen, to treat for a Peace, and in the meane time set vpon the Out-workes of the said cittie, and tooke in one of the halfe Moones thereof, which the towne perceiuing, told the aforesaid noble men of their trechery, and willed them to depart the citty before the Sunne was two houres hie, all which the noble men did performe, but they were no sooner out of the Cittie, & come to their owne Forces, but the towne sent out forces, which tooke in againe the aforesaid halfe Moone, & slew the Cardinal, & aboue 300. men of note And of the Nobilitie were slaine, the Duke de Benf, cosin to the King, the Duke de Fronsac, son to the Count of S. Paul, cosin to the King, the Duke de Ensarx, cosin to the King, the count d'Alanx, son to the count d'Ouergne, the Cardinal de la Valette, the son of the Duke d'Espernon, the Marquis d'Alu, son to Monsieur de Souddy, the Marquis de Benleron, governour de falaise, Monsieur de Candsy, gouernor of S. Lo, Monsieur de Vandosme, Knight, the sonne of Monsieur d'Alincourt, gouernor de Lyons, the sonne of Monsieur de Montigny, gouernor de Diepe, the eldest and youngest sons of the count de Schoubergne, the count de Rochefort son of Monsieur de Munthason governor of Paris, the Marischall de brandes, brother to Monsieur de Luines, the Marischall de Vitay, Monsieur de Montmoreincy, Admirall of France, hurt in two places with a Pyke, &c. After this fight the Commanders in the Citie were safely returned back to their Campe.
From Rochel.
Your newes from Rochel, touching sinking of the Kings Gallyes, is not true: for there arriued the last Weeke a Barke at Barstable from Rochel, which was not aboue eight dayes homeward; and they report, the Kings shippes are in the Riuer of Brest Andbrenager, & so vigilantly watched by 60. sayle of Rochellers, that they cannot ioyne; insomuch, that doubtlesse the Rochellers will be Masters of the Sea this Winter, whereby all other the French Kings subiects will be exceedingly disturbed in their Trade, and the Rochellers will be much encreased and strengthened, which happily may procure peace the sooner vnto the Protestants throughout the Kingdome.
¶ The Copie of a Letter sent from Breda, since the Arriuall of Count Mansfield, relating the particulars of the late Battell, being fought on the 29. of August: With his Proceedings since.
AFter Mansfield was arriued at Iambloies, Don Cordua with most of the Countrey Bores, got to a Towne called Leymon, by which Mansfield must of necessitie passe, and so was constrained to encounter him: The opposition that came against Mansfield and the Duke of Brunswick, was for certaine betweene 30. or 40000. Bores and Souldiers together, who had so strongly intrenched themselues, and placed their Ordenance, before Mansfields comming, that to passe through them, was very dangerous; which of necessitie they must doe, before they could get any passage towards Breda. It is most credible, that Mansfields horsemen, after they had encompassed Gonzales de Cordua's Forces, did so valiantly behaue themselues, that [Page 14]on a sudden they were put to a great rout: so that Count Mansfield, by meanes of certaine companies of his horsemen, surprized their Ordenance from the Bores, the which they kept couragiously for the space of two houres, in this time they were imployed vpon the enemies, they hauing not wherewith to defend themselues: so that by the meanes of losing their Ordenance, they were slaine in great multitudes. Yet notwithstanding, the multitudes of Bores were so great, being thrust forward by Don Cordua's old souldiers, that they gathered a head, and obtayned their Ordenance once againe. But before they were wholly recouered, the enemie lost aboue 1000. men. Being animated on both sides, the Battell at this time continued very fierce, wherein the Duke of Brunswicke behaued himselfe most valiantly, insomuch that hee receiued a shot in the left Arme, neere vnto the Wrest; and notwithstanding this misfortune, hee would not leaue the Field, but fought still couragiously at least the space of foure houres; in which time he met with Gonzales de Cordua in person: whereupon the Duke (it seemes) not respecting his wounded Arme, couragiously made two shots at him with his Pistoll, and it is thought one of them tooke effect, for here is newes come, that he is slaine. This is certaine, hee is at this time missing, and not to be found; but the truth of this you shall shortly heare. The Duke of Brunswicke still prest further among his enemies, prosecuting the Bores, who swarmed about him in great multitudes, that in the end the Duke lost his Standard, and receiued another shot in the middle of his Arme, and yet would not leaue the Field for a good while after, as it seemes not regarding the two Wounds hee had receiued on his left Arme; which the whole Field, as well enemies as friends, admired to see his worthie to bee praysed valour. [Page 15]A little before the Battell was ended, hee was constrayned to leaue the Field, in regard of the Wounds hee receiued on his Arme, the losse of which is and ought to bee lamented for by all true Protestants. After this, hee was conueyed out of the Armie, in a Horse-Litter made of Reedes, to some secure place for his safetie; but going with great hast, hee vnfortunately fell downe vpon the foresaid Arme, part whereof being cut off; which did so inflame the Wound, that he was enforced once againe to haue it cut off a little below the elbow. As for Count Mansfield, he still continued the maine Battell, vntill three a clocke in the afternoone; about which time, Mansfields horsemen played the Deuill amongst the Bores, as themselues reported after the Battell. These aforesaid horsemen put the Bores to rout, and beat them backe amaine, and recouered the Ordenance from them; and indeed, was the chiefest cause that Count Mansfield remained Master of the Field, as you shall presently vnderstand. These horsemen hauing obtained the Ordenance from the Bores, put them into such a feare, that they became wholly disordered: which aduantage the Mansfeldaans espying, fell vpon them, and flew a great number of them, most of them being Bores, and continually put forwards by the old Souldiers. By which meanes, Count Mansfield obtaining the best, constrained Don Cordua to sound a retreat. Nay further, it is certified, that if some of Count Mansfields horsemen had taken an opportunitie, which fortunately was proffered them, they had vtterly ouerthrowne and discomfited Don Cordua's Forces; which, when he mustered about Lier, consisted of two thousand horse and eight thousand foot, the most whereof, were old and well experienced Souldiers. In this fight it is most credibly reported, that Count Mansfield hath slain very neere a thousand of the enemies, [Page 16]amongst whom, was slaine a great Commander, Don Francisco Geuana. He hath likewise taken most of his Ordnance, all his Munition and Treasure, besides two Waggons of Plate, all which are safely arriued in Breda. Here all the Treasure was diuided amongst Mansfields and Brunswicks souldiers. Likewise Count Mansfield hath burned & spoyled most part of the Countrey in his passage through it, as also the corne on the field. Here it is certified, that Count Mansfield lost not in this Battell aboue 1000. men, but hee lost aboue 2000. but not all cut off by the Sword, as you shall heare. The Battell being ended, Count Mansfield with his Forces departed towards Breda: but before his arriuall there, hee lost 1200. the occasion of whose deaths, were the inhabitants dwelling in those parts; who vnderstanding that Count Mansfield was master of the field, and that he afterwards intended to march with his Forces towards the Magistrats or Gouernor of euery Towne thereabouts; gaue priuat command, that Springs or Ditches of Water which lay in their passage towards Breda, should be infected with strong poyson, and by this denillish inuention they lost within the compasse of twelue dayes aboue 1200, men, onely with drinking their poysoned waters, so that euery day they lost 100.: it seems by this that Mansfield lost more mē by 200, that were poyson'd, then he had cut off by the sword in the battel. Before they were at Breda, the Prince of Orange sent to refresh his army 30000. loaues, besides other prouision, which was welcome to the souldiers: after they were arriued, the towne welcomed them royally, shooting off all their Ordnance, making Bonefires, ringing of Bels, warlicke Instruments, & good prouision for the common souldiers, withal the entertainment they were able to make them. After they were well refreshed, Count Mansfield trained them in good discipline [Page 17]of war almost euery day: he hath brought with him 6000. of the best horse in Christendome, and 4000. footemen; besides a great number wearied and sicke men, which come dayly to him in great numbers. I beleeue you had a false report was spred all ouer these countries, that Count Mansfield had sent 3000. men to meete with Don Cordua, which losing their way, were cut off by the Bishop of Luckes forces; but for certaine, there is no such matter, for Count Mansfield neuer sent out a man to meete with Don Cordua, before Don Cordua himselfe met with him. It is certainly reported that Count Mansfield had a skirmish with Don Cordua before his entrance into Henego, in which Don Cerdua had the worst; but afterwards hauing that great supply of the Bores of that countrey, did make a very great opposition against Count Mansfield, in which was slaine aboue 1000. men on both sides. At Mansfields first comming into the Prouince of Henego, the Bores of the countrey vnderstanding of his comming, had carryed away all their prouision, that for the space of foure or siue dayes Count Mansfields forces found no more to feede vpon then what the trees did affoord them, which bred a great weaknesse in his whole army: but shortly after they found very good pasture in that fruitfull Dukedome of Brabant; nay I do absolutely thinke it to be the fruitfullest and richest in all the seuenteene. It is further certified, that the Prince of Orange hath gathered in a readinesse 4000. the brauest horse those Prouinces can yeeld, to ioyne with Mansfields horse. Moreouer there are to be brought to the Graue of Lipstat 2000. more, al which makes 12000. horse, which hath seldome been seene in the States iurisdictions. Further it is thought his Excellency hath ready in seuerall places, betwixt 30. & 40000. foote: here is now great likelihood of bloody wars in this country, for that Don Cordus [Page 18]likewise receiueth greater helpes from the Palatinate, and that the Duke of Bauaria is comming downe to ayde Don Cordua with great forces. Here it is at this present reported, that Gonzales de Corduas forces are arriued at Antwerp and there remaineth, for that it is greatly feared amongst them, that the Prince of Orange will besiege the same, hauing so many forces in a readinesse. Here it is thought the chiefe rendez-vous of the States warre will bee in and about Breda, both to draw the enemies forces from greatly offending others, and defence of their owne, knowing that a warre maintained in the enemies countrey, is very preualent to weary, or ouercome. And it is thought, though that Mansfield wil plant his army betwixt Antwerp and Bergen vp Zome, to imbarre all prouisions from Spinolas army, Count Mansfield hath left the one halfe of his foote with the Duke de Boulloign, as also his munition: the Duke of Brunswicke is certainly more grieued for the losse of his Standerd, then for the losse of his arme. Some souldiers comming hither, bring newes that certain letters are written by the Dutchesse of Brabant to Spinola, wherein are disclosed diuers secrets of strange plots against the States and other Princes, to the States great aduantage. This day the Duke of Brunswicke, the Prince of Orange, and Count Mansfield being in the great Hall of the town, the Duke shewed himselfe with a merry countenance, and seemes prettily amended, and past danger at the cutting off his arme, beseeching God that he might recouer of his wound, to be reuenged of his enemies.
Count Mansfields forces that remained here, haue three seuerall times taken and spoyled great store of waggons with victuals that was carrying to Spinolas campe before Bergen; and also hath slaine their conuoyes, so that no victuals can be brought to releeue the souldiers which are [Page 19]in great want: what hereafter will follow, you shall weekely heare.
From Zeland the 4. of September.
It is certainly reported that some foure dayes past Spinola made a violent Assault vpon Bergen vp Zome, but he was repulsed with the losse of 600. men,
Also Spinolas souldiers, by reason of the small and bad pay, scarcity of victuals, and that all things in their campe are very deere, which eauseth them dayly to runne away, as many as can finde any opportunity, ariuing continually at Dort, Middleberg, and in other places else, where they thinke themselues to be freest.
It is also certainly affirmed by diuers letters from Holland and Zeland, that all the townes haue consented to make vp 16000. of the Burgers to goe and lie in the frontier townes: whereby if occasion serue, the old and sufficient soldiers may ioyn thēselues with the Prince of Orange.
It is further reported, that Spinola hauing intelligence that Count Mansfield was ouerthrowne, did for ioy thereof giue order that there should be Bonesires made in his Campe, and all his Ordnance discharged against the towne, which did put the towne into great amazement: but not long after the towne had order from his Excellency for to make Bonefires, and to shew some ioy for the comming of Mansfield safely to Bredaw, which those in Spinolas leaguer perceiuing fire, were also put into great amazement, and some of the boldest spirits of them did attempt to draw neere to the towne, to view the occasion of the fire in the town: which the towne perceiuing, made way for the enemy to come to their owne destruction, for they were all slaine, but the number vncertaine. It is also reported, that the Duke of Bauaria is comming downe to ayd Don Cordua, but with what number we know not.