two Castles neer this part of Moniferrat where the French were as yet who defending themselves better then it was thought they could have done he sent the Marquess of Caracena thither afterwards with his Brigade and with some pieces of Artillety who drove the French from both those places and reduced them to his power within three days space thus the Governour having put strong Garrisons into the Towns of Piedmont and left 5000 Foot and 1000 Horse with Prince Thomaso undercamp Master Bolognino the winter coming on he retired with the rest of the Army to the State of Millain and having quartered them in several parts of that State he prepared all that Winter for the next years War this mean while the business was not given over between the Citadel and the City of Turin for as soon as the Truce was expired those of the Citadel began to draw neer the Enemies Fortifications by new Trenches and works under ground and having sprung a Mine a fierce Skirmish ensued by which those of the Citadel advanc'd to very neer the Trenches of the City and could not be driven from thence till the next night when the Princes Souldiers having also sprung a Mine under the Enemies new advancements they also made a great assault wherein though they were stoutly resisted and were repuls'd more then once yet they got the better of the business and made those of the Citadel not onely forsake the station wherein they were but forced them to retreat a little more backward then where they had been before they then fell to make use of their Artillery those of the Citadel endeavoured to beat down the great Tower in the great Piazza from whence they were play'd upon in the Citadel and those without strove to beat down the Keep within the Citadel from whence the houses of the City were beaten down by the Artillery of the Citadel and each of them obtained their ends but not alike for the Tower after above 2000 Cannon shot was beaten down to the ground and the Keep of the Citadel was onely beaten down so low as the City could receive no prejudice from thence but notwithstanding the City and Citadel continued plying one another with Musket and Cannon shot whereby many were slain and many hurt and amongst the rest Mounsieur di Cavogne Governour of the Citadel received a sleight hurt in the face and in this manner did things continue here all the Winter In which interim they forbare not to fortifie the City against the Citadel Harcourt being with them who were preserved at the Bridge gotten to Carmagnuola quarter'd his men in those Towns of Piedmont which held yet for the Dowager amongst which were Saluzzo with all the Marquisate Alba Fossano Chirasco Savigliano Bene Carmagnuola Chiavasso and yet Harcourt was not idle for he furnish'd the Citadel of Turin with such things as were chiefly necessary for some moneths and when the Governour of Millain was retreated he vex'd some Towns which held for the Prince he took Busca a Town between Cuni and Savigliano and passing to Rossona and Drovero they yielded to him upon conditions before his men came to him he went then to Rovello which having easily taken he quarter'd there all that Winter but the French were generally hated by the Piedmontese who taking up Arms denied to pay them usual contributions and abhorring their government declared themselves for the Prince who that he might not spend that Winter idely sent the horse which lay idle in Turin to scour the parts about Chiavasso where together with much other hurt which he did he streightned that Town very much which the French desired to relieve but could never do it the Governour of Millain met also with a no inconsiderable encounter wherein he lost five Troops of Horse which were quarter'd in Constanza and kept the territories of Canava from being overrun by the Garrison of Cassalle which Troops whilest they lay carelesâ—… there were assaulted aâ—… unawares by four hundred Horse which came out of Cassale who slew some of them took other some prisoners and suffer'd but very few of them to escape and yet all this while peace and agreement was treated on between the Dowager and the Princes not without desire to see it Effected The End of the Sixteenth Book THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY Book XVII The Contents YOu shall read in this Book the Treaties of Agreement between the Dowager and the Princes and the Interest between the Princes and the Governour of Millain how the Governour goes with a powerful Army to Cassalle how it is relieved by Harcourt how he fought the Governour before he could bring in the succour and had the better of the Fight and did not onely relieve but perfectly free the place Harcourt being victorious goes presently to Turin he takes the Capuchins Bridge over the Poe fortifies himself there and afterwards begirts the City with a vast line and endeavours to get it by famine Prince Thomaso being in it but ere long he seeth the Governour upon the Hills with a powerful Army coming to relieve the besieged Prince the Governour finding it impossible to bring the succour by that way tryes to get a pass over the River towards Montcalleri and having gotten it he passeth over the Poe where quitting the Hills he takes up new quarters and thinking to make the French abandon the enterprize by famine he possesseth himself of the Avenues by which Victualls were brought to the Camp so as they would have been quickly made to remove had not Prince Thomaso who was impatient of delay made the Governour to fall upon the Enemies Trenches and to relieve him so which falling out unfortunately and the Governour not thinking himself any longer safe in his quarters beyond the Poe returns to his quarters upon the Hills where he 〈◊〉 assisting the besieged in what he was able till the City was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which hapned two moneths and eleven days after the unâ—…te 〈◊〉 given to the French Trenches that the besieged City might be relieved Prince Thomasâ—… comes 〈◊〉 of Turin and retreats to Inurea 〈◊〉 â—…e it defined by Monsigâ—… Mazzarini who was come Embassadour from the King of France into Piedmont a little before Turin was surrendred to joyn with the Frenchie but Count Siruela coming to him from the Governour of Millian he makes new capitâ—…lations with him to joyn with the Crown of Spains and the Câ—…ns Della Rivera being sent by the same Governour to the same purpose to the Prince Cardinal the Embassadour Mazzarini having notice thereof forcâ—…th Prince Thomaso to joyn with the French upon conditions one of which was that the Prince should go to Paris within one moneths space which condition was not observed for the Prince instead of going to France passeth secretly to Nice where he and his brother â—…e connfirm their union to the crown of Spain to Rivera the Embassador Mazzarini who went to Nice to confirm the one Prince and to
good quantity of Powder towards the City This succour being conveyed privately between Fort Sandoval and a little Bulwark neer the Sesia was brought very neer the City but the Enemies Horse falling upon the Van it was presently defeated the middle Squadron throwing away their Ammunition foorded over the Sesia and got to underneath the Walls of the City whereof many being pursued even to the Ditch were many of them slain the third Squadron got safe back to the Duke In this action 120 were taken prisoners of which Orfe his Serjeant-Major Orfe's self having escaped luckily by flight On the Governours party Don Luigi di Leva was slain and Don Ottavio Gonzaga the Baron Batteville and Lodovico Guasco were wounded the first was found sorely wounded lying amongst the expiring bodies and died not long after the other two though sorely wounded also escaped death many of the middle Squadron got into the City but without their Ammunition so as the Town was not at all relieved by this attempt So as a second assault being suddenly given on several sides and which the defendants not being able to resist the assailanâ—…s appearing already with their Banneâ—…s upon the Walls the assaulted helped themselves by a false rumour crying give fire unto the Mine which being heard and believed by the assailanâ—…s who had been oft times strangely deluded they immediatelâ—… turn'd their backs and abandoning what they had taken fled away headlong which they did not without much loss for being pursued by the Enemy by Musket-shot whereof not any mist and with stones by such as wanted powder they were smitten sorely and doubtlesly if they had given less belief to the Enemies words or had kept longer upon the station which they had taken the business would hâ—…ve been this day dones for many of the defendants wanting powder they were forced to use their Pikes and Swords and two of the Spaâ—…ish Foot who had undauntedly advanced got as far in as to St. Andrews Church where one of them fell and the other being sorely wounded escaped death by Marquess Calusio his generosity who admiring so much valour in an Enemy commanded he should be no more moâ—…ested But in fine many of the defendants being wounded in those assaults amongst which Monsieur di Bles a French Commander their Ammunition being all spent and despaiâ—…ing either to be relieved or able to resist any longer they resolved to come to composiâ—…ion which the French were occasion why Calusio and all the Dukes Captains except it were Sanfrone consented unto for they finding that the Town could not hold out much longer thought they had done sufficiently enough in point of honour and in obligation to the Duke in whose service they thought themselves not bound obstinately to lose their lives he not being their natural Prince nor they fighting for their Country so Evangelista Tosti a Perugian Captain going out with the Governour and two Companies of Horse to Parley he demanded four days Truce which being positively denied the agreement was finally made upon these conditions That all the Ravelines Half-Moons Stations and Fortifications which were without the Wall should be delivered up the next day that the next day after all the Souldiers should march both out of the City and Citadel with Drums beating Trumpets sounding Bullet in mouth Match lighted Colours flying with all their Baggage two pieces of Cannon Mills Cattel Victuals and with every thing else that belonged unto them That they should have sufficient carriages allowed them to carry away their goods their wounded men and all their Implements besides many other Articles very favourable to those of Vercelles upon which conditions Hostages being given on both sides all things were performed with great fidelity and satisfaction there march'd out 4109 Souldiers part on foot part on horse back whereof 600 wounded who were carried in Carts and 300 staid in Vercelles not being able to be removed they marched through the Enemies ranks being praised by all for their valour The Marquess of Calusio and the Engineer Sanfrone were met by Don Piedro and the chief of the Army and honourably received by them and were accompanied by them to the Rendezvouz of Armes where they took their leaves the Governour having in a grave and civil manner shew'd Calusio the great mischief of war and the good which would redound by peace and therefore to offer the Duke the restitution of Vercelles if he would be quiet upon reasonable conditions which that they might the better be concluded he said he would be ready to speak by word of mouth with the Duke in any place of safety There died in this Siege besides those that have been already named Serbellone the Camp-master the Count of Monte Castello Brother to the Marquess of Soncino Don Garzia Gomes General of the Artillery Ieronymo Mormillo a Neapolitan and Lieutenant to Montenegro The Governour himself as he was visiting the Trenches was shot in a place where he wore aâ—…certain relique about his arm but received no harm Montenegro received a shot upon a Button of gold which he had on his Doublet but was not hurt the Siege continued from the 24th of May till the 26th of Iuly following The Duke was not succoured by the French as he hoped and as it was commonly held he would â—…ave been the Marshal Diguieres though he had often promis'd it nor any other of that Nation appeared in Piedmont whether they were stâ—…aitly commanded the contrary by the King whose commands they had formerly but little valued or whether corrupted by Spanish Gold it is not known it was known that for the one or the other respect there was pâ—…id at this time from the Court of Spain to the Duke of Montelion Embâ—…ssadour for Spain at Paris 200000 Ducates and also because the peace being hotly Negotiated at this time whereof the French were ambitious to be the Arbitrators who it may be thougâ—…t the King of Spain would be hardly brought to consent thereunto whilst â—…e had not the better of the War they intended to gratifie him by not opposing him in this enterprise not so much in respect that the parity of â—…greement between the King and Duke would be a dishonourable example to all great Kings as for that the King seeming to have â—…he better by the aking of Vercelles and therefore satisfied in point of 〈◊〉 â—…e might the more confidently and with more reputation conclude it by their Kings means and it was generally held that if the Duke had been assisted but a little by the French Vercelles had not been so easily taken for the Duke coming one night with those few men he had put the Spanish Camp into much fear and confusion left by assaulting some one place he might make his way through the Enemy to the City nor was the fear vain nor danger small for the besiegers being imploi'd in defending so many places in the so long circuit of the Trench and busied not so much in keeping the
the French had done the like to those of Spain that were in France therefore the Duke and the Constable professing to observe punctually friendship and good correspondency with the States and Subjects of the King of Spain did not permit any act of hostility to their men and if any accident should happen to the contrary they proceeded to severe punishment against the Delinquents as done without their order thorow military licentiousness and excused themselves which was not only accepted by the Spanish Officers but seeding the French with the same food they assured them they should not be injured by their Forces many invitations were made moreover to the Duke and to the Constable and reciprocal friendly Offices past between them and upon complaint made by the Constable that some loads of Meal were taken by the Subjects of the State restitution was forthwith made the Governour who was unarmed being unwilling to provoke an Army which was strong and powerful upon his Confines but when he should have past the Apenine where the numbers of men would neither be an help nor hinderance it was certain he would not keep within the same bounds for it being as impossible to keep Genoa without the assistance of the State of Millain as to defend Genoa when that State should be lost it was apparent the Spaniards would be forced to break with all the World rather then to lose Genoa for these Reasons the Genoeses were reasonably well satisfied especially since they saw none of the Enemies Fleets appear but the Duke being desirous to clear the Pass of Rossiglione resolved to assault it with the gross of his Army on Holy-thursday the twelfth day after Ovada was taken the defendants who had had the better upon other occasions were afrighted to see so many men appear in good order so as distrusting not to be able to defend themselves they all basely forsook the Trenches before the Enemy came within Musket-shot and retreated unless it were a Company of the Corsicks which being placed higher made honourable resistance but afterwards fire taking in a Barrel of Powder at the blowing up whereof 20 of them were burnt and slain and seeing the places behind them abandoned they likewise forsook their stations and retreated to Rossiglione and the Enemy following their blow became masters of the Trenches and soon after of Rosâ—…iglione also which was likewise forsaken by the rest who making it a Rendezvouz for Arms for re-inforcing those who defended the more inward Trenches seeing that they all ran away they likewise begâ—…n to run so as the place together with the Victuals Munition Moneys to pay the Souldiers and other provisions fell without any opposition into the Dukes hands they continued running away till they came to the Sea only two Companies of Souldiers staid in Mansone where there was a little Castle very strong by reason of the narrowness of the Passage fifteen miles distant from Rossiglione towards the Sea wherein there was two small pieces and whither sufficient Victuals Men and Munition were sent from Genoa the Enemy entring Rossiglione past on to Campo a place only three miles more inward then Masone here they halted trying those of Masone with small Skirmishes and Articles of agreement who still defending themselves did manfully make good that Pass and that Castle all this while the new work of incompassing the Mountains with Trenches was hardly begun in Genoa the Walls of the City were not at all fortified and their Artillery whereof they had great store and very great ones were yet in their Magazines unmounted as in time of peace and lying one on the top of another they had no experienced Cannoneers little store of Match and the meaner sort of people was beyond measure increased by the concourse of women and others fled thither from the neighbouring parts for refuge the Souldiery which for a whole year were there assembled at the great charges and industry both of the publick and private much diminished those few that were left were sent to Garrison Gavi and Rossiglione and many of the latter were dissipated through the terrour of the preceding day 200 Neapolitans who at the earnest intreaty of Ianetto Spinola were by Iohn Ieronymo Pimontello sent to Tortona some days before what had hapned at Rossiglione as they past a long without thought of being assaulted were cut in pieces by the French wherefore the City appeared to suspect Feria as being abandoned in her so great danger so as the unexpected news of Rossiglione being brought to Genoa the City was in great terrour and confusion which increasâ—…d by the children old men and women of Vettri who flocking to Genoa full of fear and believing that the Souldiers of the Commonwealth who fled from Rossiglione and returned by the way of the Mountains towards the Sea were the Enemy affirm'd that Masone was taken and that the French did draw neer that therefore which befell Rome the City of Mars after the rout at Thrassimeno and Canna and at Hannibals approaching the Walls of Rome and of later times Paris when the Army of the Duke of Burgony and of the other Confederates in the War for the Common Good was heard to arrive and yet of later years when she feared to be assaulted by Charles the Fifths Army that which befel the Venetians after the Rout at Giaradadda befel the City of Genoa a City bred up for almost a hundred years in peace where there was not any that had ever heard the noise of an Enemies Drum or Trumpet some of the Gentlewomen went from the City some of the weaker sort of people fled others freed their houses of what they had of most value and worth and sent them to Ligorne The Senate amidst such a multitude of affairs and troubles hearing the opinion which was had of the greatness and neerness of the danger resolved forthwith to abandon Savona Gavio and all the other places of the State and to withdraw all their Forces to defend the City of Genoa upon whose safety and welfare all their thought were set therefore on Good-Friday the very day that they heard this news they sent all the Gallies that were in the Haven to Savona with order to the Commissaries that leaving the Citadel provided for they should presently return with all the inhabitants to the City Orders were likewise sent to Camp-master Doria in Ottaggio to do the like with all the Garrisons thereabouts and with those of Gavio the first Order was obey'd for on Easter Eve the Gallies returned from Savona with the people and Commissaries but not the other for Doria being experienced in warfare thinking it to be a rash resolution wrot back before he obeyed it that the Enemy having brought so many and so great pieces of Artillery by the way of Rossiglione there was no danger that they could possibly appâ—…oach the City without them and that the people might run danger of being lost if they should be brought away the Enemy being
to receive so great a storm he notwithstanding offered since the King of France could not assist him several Proposals of accommodation to the Duke of Savoy and to the King of Spain desiring the King that he would receive him into the accustomed protection of his Crown as he had done his Predecessors and professing to be willing to depend in all things upon his Authority Moreover to the end that he might not appear contumacious to Cesar's Decree and to the end that the Citadel of Cassalle might not keep the Spaniards in perpetual jealousie he of himself offered to receive Dutch Garrisons which should depend upon his Cesarean Mâ—…jesty and to set up the Imperial Ensigns into all the Towns of his Dominions except the City of Mantua which was not as he said a Magazine of Arms and Cassalle where in lieu of receiving in a Garrison he offered to beat down the Walls and Bulwarks which divide the Citadel from the City to the end that being both joyn'd in one Body they might be the more easily taken which Proposals not being accepted they did not at all retard the going on of the Enterprise nor were they sufficient to keep off the Process and Citations of the Imperial Bands or Edict which were intimated unto him and threatned by the Cesarian Commissary who was at this time come into Italy The Marquess of Canossa was Governour of Montferrat and the Marquess di Rivara was Governour of the Citadel the latter a Montferrian the other a Veronese but the Chancellor Guiscardi's authority was Superintendent in the conduct of publick Affairs one who was very well vers'd in the Affairs of the world quick witted very vigilant and careful of the new Prince his interest and partial to France These providing all things necessary for the defence of these and all other places of Montferrat did attentively observe the proceedings of the Governour of Montferrat and of the Duke who growing daily more fervent in the business prepared for offending Nevers did the like in Mantua and the Governour nor other Spanish Agents not having been any ways diligent after Vincenzo's death in keeping either Subjects or Forreigners from entring to desend that City many Souldiers came by threeves into Mantua through the Valtoline through the Venetians Towns and those of the Genoese and many French who were cashiered after the Duke of Savoy's reconciliation and declaration were got into Cassalle so as before the war began the new Duke had got about 6000 Foot and 1000 Horse into Mantua part of the same Nation part Forreigners and of those most French and in Cassalle there were about 4000 Foot and 400 Horse all of them Montferrians unless it were 500 French who being cashieâ—…ed by the Duke of Savoy had listed themselves under Monsieur di Guron There came thither also after the Enemy was incamp'd before it the Marquess of Beveron in disguise who was come from France to serve in that war that he might be re-admitted from banishment which he had a little before incur'd for fighting a Duel A gallant Gentleman and well vers'd in arms these two Towns being strong and abundantly furnish'd with Garrisons it was probable that both the Sieges might prove long and difficult and that therefore the oppugners who were but few in number might not come off with honour from that Enterprise as being either weary or wasted by time by warlike actions by sufferings and hardships or forced by French succour or by some other strange unthought-of accident Besides Cassalle two other Forts were to be expugned Nizza and Montcalvo and two Towns Ponzone and Pontestura The taking whereof they being reasonably well munited would require length of time and more men on the contrary many things made against the Duke of Savoy and against the Governour whose eyes were chiefly fix'd upon Cassale scarcity of men theâ—…e not being then in the State of Millain above 2000 Horse and 12000 Foot 2000 whereof were to be kept in Como for the necessary defence of the passes towards the Swissers and Grisons 4000 others and 800 Horse were of necessity to be kept in the Quarters of Cremona upon the Mantuan Confines against the new Duke whose numbers being increased threatned many things so there were no more then 6000 Foot and 1500 Horse to march into the Fields True it is that a Truce for six moneths being agreed upon be ween the Commonwealth of Genoa and the Duke of Savoy he obtained 5000 Foot from the Commonwealth wherewith having sufficiently garrison'd the Towns della Riviera he seemed to have no want of men during the Truce some men but not many were likewise expected from Naples Sicily and Sardigna to the want of men were likewise added the want of Victuals by reason of the great barrenness of that years Harvest and the want of ready moneys by reason of the suspension of payment made the King as hath been said and these were necessarily accompanied with the want of credit amongst the trading Genoeses and of the Court it self so as the chief sinews of war being wanting it was impossible to raise more men or to make much provision for the Enterprise It being impossible to sit down upon so many disadvantages and upon so ill grounds before Casalle a place strong of it self but much stronger by the Citâ—…del very capacious and of a large situation flank'd by six Bulwarks begirt by large and deep Ditches and which being wholly planted and fortified by all the rules of modern Fortification was deservedly thought and commonly held to be a royal Fort and the strongest that was in all Italy except Palma in Friuli it would have been more wisely done to have defer'd the Siege till a more fitting time and though the desire and haste of this new acquisition did exceed all other considerations it had been more to the purpose to have taken first some of the Towns about it and putting 500 Foot and 200 Horse into each of them and to have cleared the ways with them to the end that neither Victuals Men nor Munition might have been brought thereinto and whilst they should have thus besieged it at a distance to have gone with the rest of their men to before Nizza and from thence to Montcalvo and Ponzone and having reduced the weaker Towns to have gone then with all their Forces to besiege Casalle and streightening the Siege to bring it to a necessity of either surrendring it self or of being stormed But this being a business of length and the Governour being desirous according to his promise made to the Court of Spain to end the business in a short time he prefer'd the taking of the place before any other resolve being thereto invited not so much by the small quantity of Munition which as they say he was made believe was in it and by the intelligence which he had therein as building his belief upon the small experience and resolution which he thought to be in the defendants who were for
materials upon any occasion which might happen when the Truce should be expired which notwithstanding he proceeded in but slowly by reason of the greâ—…t hopes he had of peace which being joyned to hâ—…s abhorrence of war and expences all provisions seemed superfluous These hopes accompanied and nourish'd with great desire had also made the Court of France negligent in making new recruits for Italy had not Cardinal Richelieu contrary to the opinion of the whole Council laboured to perswade the King to the contrary Shewing him that in case Peace should not be concluded in the time prefixt for Truce it would be necessary that the Citadel should be surrendred which being come into the Spaniards hands the state of affairs would be reduced to such a condition as it would be bootlesse to hope for any saâ—…sfaction or peace and that so the great expeâ—…ience the so great labour and troubâ—…e which they had been at for the maintaining of Cassalle would together with the reputation and honour of the Armes of France be lost the King being perswaded by these reasons gave order for the levying of as many Souldiers as could be whereof a body of 1200 being raised was sent to Pinarollo under Marshal Marigliack which was a good recruit to the French Camp it being much diminished The 15 of Octob. drew neer and no news being heard of Peace they treated of proroguing the Truce whereof Sancta Croce who naturally abhorr'd the thought of War and the Commanders and Council no less then he were desirous by reason of the confusion and difference of opinions and humours which was amongst them and for the distrust they had of the Duke and of Collalto which made them despair of good success but the French whose numbers were increased fearing that they might dissolve by delay and building very much upon the necessities and weakness of the Enemy refused it as did also the Duke and Collalto being displeased that the first suspension granted by them was ill resented Wherefore because the world thought and the Spaniards seemed assured that what they had done was a that time very seasonable they were now very backward to the end that the good of the former suspension might appear by the contrary effects and that so Sancta Croce and the rest who had blamed it might learn at their own cost to listen better in the future to their Counsels But the condition of affairs being much alter'd from what it was when the Truce was made made the present refusal be approved the French were then weak and despaired of relieving the Town by reason of the stout opposition the City Citadel were reduced to the utmost extremity for want of victuals by the advancing of the siege it was now clean contrary the French were very strong in Piedmont they met with little or no opposition the City and Citadel were that mean while maintained with victuals by the Spaniards and they had some provisions lay'd in for the future The fiege was much lessened their courage cooled preparations slackned and in fine the affairs of the Camp were much worse in Counsell Courage and Union and the reputation thereof was much diminished The Truce being expired and nothing that was done in Ratisbone being known in Italy the French betook themselves to relieve the Town but without victuals or any other provisions for sustenance of the Citadel which they were to relieve their whole Forces consisted of about 15000 Foot and 2000 Horse to boot with some 4000 which were left in Piedmont under Monsieur Di Tauanes to entertain or to give pretence to the Duke and to the Dutch who remained in Piedmont after the Truce to keep from joyning with Sancta Croce if he should oppose the succour and to infuse more terror into the Enemy they used many tricks and inventions to make their preparations appear greater and the number of their men more as well of those who remained in Piedmont as those who went to the relief There were three Marshals chose who were to manage the whole businesse Sforza Scomberg and Marigliack and these were to command every day by turnes the Duke demanded men from Sancta Croce to oppose them but did not obtain them were it either out of distrust or that knowing all the Dutch were in Piedmont would have the remainder for his own safety sake keep before Cassalle Wherefore seeing that neither the Dutch nor the Duke moved the French Army past over the Poe a little below Saluzzo without any opposition and came to Scarnafixo where they mustered on the fifth of Octob. and march'd on the next day having with them only six small pieces of Artillery The Duke of Momorancy being gone to France after the Truce was concluded was not present in this action The marching of this Army and the so constant resolution to relieve the Town afforded much discourse touching the Duke and Collalto whether they held private intelligence with the French or no it being thought that otherwise it was impossible three Marshals should take a journey of fourscore miles in an Enemies Countrey where they had no strong Holds for the safety of their march or upon any occasion for their retreat and therefore subject to be assaulted not without manifest danger and forc'd to fight in any disadvantagious place with a fresh nimble Army stronger then theirs Anâ—… say they had been sure to meet with no opposition or had had a safe Conduct sent them by the Enemy yet they might have supposed that they should meet with greater difficulties and dangers when they should be at the end of their march and be come within sight of the Enemies Camp For the Enemy being very well intrench'd munited with Artillery and being possess'd of the City and Castle of Casalle they must necessarily either assault them upon too much disadvantage within their Quarters or besiege them there either of which would certainly have been a desperate business but it was a no less dangerous and ill advised Enterprize to attempt the relief of a famish'd place without victuals which had more need of speedy food for nourishment then of men to defend them Whereinto if they should have gotten who sees not they must have surrendred the Town the sooner being to be the sooner famish'd by the entrance of so many men and would have stood in more need of victuals The Army being parted from Scarnafixo march'd to Raconiggi from thence to Somariva del Bosco then to Cerexola that they might from thence come into the County of Asti getting victuals from the neighbouring Towns Whilest they advanced apace and in good order without any opposition the others were nâ—…t idle before Casalle for having notice of the Enemies coming they began to make Trenches as well against the Citadel as against the coming of succour but more diligently on the side of the Hills by which way they thought they would march it being the higher and more advantagious they therefore placed many pieces
had also at this very time compass'd his fervent desire of seeing his Son the King of Hungary Elected King of the Romans an Election which had suffered great opposition by those who desirous to abase the Austrian name used all the means they could to keep him from it the which being overcome by the dexterity and several negotiations of the Spanish Agents in that Court and particularly by Count d' Ognate it was happily atchieved about Christmass the year 1636. In which Election the Marquess of Castagneda who was Embassadour from Spain with the same King of Hungary upon whom the Election fell did very much co-operate True it is that the success of the Austrian Forces at this time did very much facilitate this choice which having shut up the Swedes in the furthest corner of Pomerania and were neer driving them out of Germany obliged some of the Electors though contrary to their wills to permit that the Imperial Diadem should be continued in the House of Austria the peace and union of the Duke of Saxony and this Coronation and the late victories did doubtlesly redound much to the greatness and security of the Austrian name so as the Duke of Parma might see how prosperously the Austrians whom he had abandoned proceeded and on the contrary how the dâ—…vo-King of France his affairs which he had so readily and with so much tion embraced how much I say they had miscarried and consequently he might easily perceive to what condition his affairs were brought and that to stand pertinaciously to these designs was nothing else but to fight against heaven and to run head-long into ruine he might also know that the Princes of Italy were not well pleased with this new fire which he had kindled in Italy The Pope in consideration of the Sovereignty which the Apostolick See hath over the Duke of Parma's Dominions feared that they might be possess'd by the Spaniards and was angry that the Duke who was his Feudatory should so obstinately subject himself to so many evils wherefore not only he but the great Duke whose Sister was Wife to the Duke of Parma interceded for him to the King of Spain and his Agents to be more reserved in their resentments desiring them to pardon somewhat in respect of the merits of the former Dukes of Parma much in respect of thaâ—… Prince his young years and not to discompose Italy and they continually sollicited the Duke sometimes by fair means sometimes by foul that he would foresee and know his danger and the like of the common affairs they prevailed more with the King of Spain and his Agents then with the Duke The King seemed willing to pass by so many offences and to restore his Territories free and entire to the Duke as they were before he had used any hostility without lessening his former authority or liberty but all this was nothing for the Dukes devotion to the King of France was such and had so bewitched him as he was no more himself so as not knowing how to forsake this earthly deity by whom he hoped to obtain an earthly Paradise he seemed to rejoyce in becoming a Martyr and in sacrificing his State and Fortune in maintenance of his Faith and Devotion towards that Deity whom he had once adored and to whom he had wholly dedicated himself wherefore the losses he had suffer'd the dangers he had run and those which did still threaten him nor the afflictions of his people who desirous to rid themselves of so many sorrows desired he would incline to peace nor any fair conditions that could be offer'd him could do no good upon him nor did they appear adequate remedies to mitigate his mind but rather made him the more refractory The Governour not being able any longer to endure so much obdurancy justified the Kings intentions to these Princes which was not to oppress this Prince but to reduce him and all Italy to quiet and resolved at last to alter his way of proceeding and to proceed with more severity since he saw fair means could do no good he therefore gave order to Cardinal Trivultio to besiege Piacenza yet closer and sent Colonel Gill di Hays to him a valiant and understanding Souldier who by order from the Cardinal assaulted Rivalta and took it within five days there were in it 400 Foot whereof 50 French who went all free out and the French were sent with a sufficient convoy into France The Cardinal designing afterwards to take the Island which is incompassed by the Poe over against Piacenza sent Serjeant Major Ottaviano Sauli to take it who going first to discover it with the Engineer Prestino drew afterward neer it with his men who being got into the Island they first repuls'd five barques loaded with Souldiers which were sent from Piacenza as soon as the enemies design was known to prepossess the Island he also fortified the bank which was opposite to Piacenza and built a Fort in the midst of the Island whereby he became master of it and began to streighten the City and at the same time the Cardinal and Marquess Antonio Pietro Lunato who was General of the Artillery did much molest the City with their Artillery affairs continued thus for above a moneth in which time the Cardinal sent Don Vincenzo Gonzaga to take several Castles in the territories of Parma and Gill di Hays to take others in those of Piacenza by the taking whereof the Cities of Parma and Piacenza being more streightned were quite excluded all communication at last the Duke seeing the Mills neer the City beaten down by the enemies Artillery the State almost wholly possess'd by the enemy all Commerce kept from the City of Parma himself and his Wise so streightly besieged in Piacenza as the scarcity of victuals was so great in that City that wanting meat even himself to eat he held it for an extraordinary present to receive every week a Calf from Ottaviano Sauli which was duly sent him by order from the Governour and which being safely kept was all the flesh he had for his own Table for the whole week finding himself therefore I say thus streightned and having no hope of succour he foresaw he should be reduced to utmost extremity if he should not yield to these so terrible tempests wherefore he began to listen to conditions of Agreement which were still kept on foot in Millain for all the fighting and batteries by Count Carpegna in the Popes name and in the name of the great Duke by his Secretrary Dominico Pandolphino nor was the agreement hard to be made for the Spanish Agents being desirous to have an end of all this trouble accept of any conditions when therefore it was known that the Duke would parley all hostility was suspended and an agreement was quickly made between Don Francisco di Melo Embassadour plenipotentiary from the King of Spain to the Princes of Italy and Secretary Pandolphino The Articles were approved by the Governour and by the
further after the Duke who was gotten but ill-favour'dly with his men into Canelli tarried divers days in Allessandria waiting for Men Ammunition and Artillery which he had sent for from several parts of the State of Millain for the enterprize of Asti which he gave out he would take in hand The Duke when he had brought his men into Canelli sent them by degrees into Asti whether he also sent victuals and Ammunition for the defence of that City against which he saw the Governour bent all his Forces who parting from Allessandria about the fifth of May tarried six days in Felizzano and going from thence to Annone the last Town upon the Confines of Millain he went with his Army towards Asti He had with him between 16 and 18000 Italian Foot 4000 Spaniards about 2000 Horse the Gens d' Armes being therein comprehended to boot with 6000 other Foot and 500 Horse which he had left under Cavagliero Melzi in Sandoval not so much to guard that Fort as to keep Vercelles in jealousie so as the Duke being forced to keep it well Garrison'd was the less able to defend Asti He had also 7000 other Foot which he shortly expected from Tuscanye Urbine and Lucca by Sea and those of Parma were already come unto the Camp At his going from Annone towards Asti he divided his Foot into four equal Squadrons which being led on by four Troops of Dragoons the Cavalry divided into two Squadrons winged the left side towards the Tannaro the more inward whereof was led on by Don Alfonso Pimontello General thereof and the outward by his Lieutenant Don Sanchio Salina after these came the Gens d' Arms conducted by their General the Marquess of Este the Baggage came after the Squadrons and the Artillery part whereof was also plac'd on the left hand of the Squadrons The City of Asti stands in a plain at the foot of some hills upon the top whereof stands the Castle joyn'd to the City of an ancient shape as are also the rest of the Walls of the City which therefore have not those Flanks nor Rampiers which are used in modern Fortifications On the South side the Tannaro runs two Musket shot distant from the walls the little hills which run in a large compass towards the North bending from thence towards the East terminate in Annone from whence like a half Amphitheaer they encompass all that plain between the Rivolea Versa and the hills of Tannato for some four miles space and somewhat further between Annone and Asti. But the Duke not at all affrighted at the approach of so great an Army would though weaker in Forces face them and hating to keep inclosed within walls would march into the field against them He had with him about some 15000 Foot and 1500 Horse most of them Forreigners and chiefly French who were come thither notwithstanding their Kings severe Edicts to the contrary for the Princes of that Kingdom being desirous of new perturbations and ruptures between the two Kings and it may be that their King might be the Arbitrator of Peace and War in Italy sent many men thither thinking that look how many more of their Nation should be in the Dukes service both Peace and War should the more depend upon their Kings Being come neer Versa and having taken up his Quarters upon the inward bank of the River where was no commodious foording save in two places he sent Monsieur de Roason with 200 Lorrain Horse beyond the River that he might get into some houses belonging to an Inn called Corce Bianca the first bickering fell out here between these men and Alphonso Balesteros Comissary General of the Kings Horse who was sent before with 400 Dragoons to discover the enemy This Skirmish by the concourse of people on both sides grew almost to a Battel the Duke having sent his Van to relieve his men and the Governour some Troops of Curassiers with the Burgonian Forces led on by the Baton Batteville who was also followed by Alfonso Pimontello with his Horse Troop so as the fray increasing both sides fought valiantly in which fight it hapned that the Lorrainers who were on the Dukes side being cloathed and weaponed like to the Kings Burgonians did so mingle with the Burgonians as passing unknown thorow the midst of them they advanc'd even to within sight of the Spanish Camp The Governour advancing towards them bare headed thinking they were his men who fled began much to his danger to reprehend them and to bid them return and fight valiantly but they for fear of death in case they should be known seeming as if they would return to the Skirmish retreated dexterously to their own men leaving their Captain Prisoner together with Cavalier San Rainero and some others There died in this Skirmish an Ensign-Bearer of the Dukes with some others of both sides Balesteros was sorely wounded and Baron Batteville sleightly who together with his Burgonians behaved themselves gallantly both here and during this whole Campagnia and were of great aid to the Enterprise Don Pimentello's Horse fell over and over with him not without great danger of death The Skirmish being over for the Dukes men retreated to beyond the River the Governour advanced even to Versa and took up his Quarters there in the face of the Dukes Army but he sent Iovan Bravo with his Brigade and some pieces of Artillery to Quarter upon the little Hills for his own more safety and for the prejudice of the Enemy But the Duke having munited all the bank of Versa on his side with a long Trench which reached from the little Hills to the Tannaro sent also 2000 Foot to possess themselves of the Hill which was opposite to that where Bravo was Quartered and being mightily well sheltered on all sides and fortified nor being to be assaulted there without apparent danger to the Assailants they began to skirmish from the Hills and from the opposite Trenches with Muskets and Bumbards but more out of force and fury than out of any well taken advice or any great effect This Skirmish continued two or three days without any advantage on either side so as the Spaniards thinking it a shame that the Duke with so unequal Forces durst confront them and keep himself equal to their Army so long they resolved to advance by the Hillocks intending to fight him both on the back and flanks in his own Quarters and to beat up his Quarters The Enterprise was committed to the Prince of Ascoli who whilst he foreslowed the execution thereof meeting with some impediments he afforded the Duke who had notice of all proceedings leasure to possess himself of other stations fitter to hinder or at least to make the Enemies progress more difficult in that part And because it was necessary for the Prince to go by way of anticipation to the oppugning of Castiglione a little Castle scituated upon a little Hill which being of some consequence was furnished with a reasonable
Garrison the Duke for the better security thereof chose out about a thousand of his best Musketiers and sent them under the command of Captain Odone Rovero of Asti and Monsieur d' Arlo a French man men of great courage and experience to possess themselves of and to fortifie a certain Hill which stood between the Castle and Bravo's Quarters but the Prince going with 4000 Foot two Troops of Light Horse and some Artillery to take in the Hill after a long dispute wherein Arlo Rovero and many of the Dukes chiefest Souldiers were slain got it at last by stout fighting for all that the Duke sent a great relief unto them by Count Guido from whence turning immediately to the expugning of Castiglione whether the Souldiers who escaped from the defence of the Hill fled he likewise easily took it for the Governour to the end that he by division might the more easily obtain the Hill having at the same time sent Don Alonso Pimontello to fall upon the Trenches towards the Tannaro which were defended by Prince Thomaso the Duke thinking that he had sufficiently provided for the defence of the Hillocks by those that he had sent thither under Rovero and Arlo went with the body of his Army to assist his Son so as not being able time enough to relieve Castiglione the Garrison of that Castle astonished at Prince Ascoli's great valour and through the fearful relations ' which were made by the Souldiers who were fled thither basely surrendred it when the battery was scarcely begun 500 Souldiers march'd out who were graciously sent by the Prince to the Duke not without the murmurs of the Spanish Army who by this acquisition remained absolute Masters of the Colline The Duke not being able to keep any longer upon the banks of the River those stations being lost quitted his Quarters and retired quietly unmolested to the City for the Governour keeping the Army back contrary to the opinion of many of the Captains expresly forbad Pimentello to advance who already moved with the Cavalry to fall upon his Rere being satisfied with taking the Hills and with having made the Duke forsake his Trenches he past with his Army beyond Versa where he tarryed three days to fortifie la Croce Bianca and some other places thereabouts This mean while those of Tuscany Urbane and Lucca came to the Camp and the Tuscans were sent to Sandoval that according to agreement with the great Duke they might be imployed only in defence of the State of Millain and the rest tarryed in the Camp With the addition of these and of other Souldiers who came to the Camp the Army was increased to the number of 30000 Foot and 3200 Horse 400 whereof were sent to St. Damiano a Town in Montferrat which stands on the back of Asti to keep back the victuals and munition which came from Piedmont The Captains of the Army consulted how they should assault the Duke and expugne the City and it was resolved to attempt it by the Hills near unto it as from a higher and more convenient place whereby they promised themselves the shorter and more easie success for that contrary to the opinion of all men they were neither garrisoned by the Duke nor fortified by Trenches though the slow Proceedings of the Enemies Army had afforded him sufficient conveniency to do it and the present occasion did necessarily require it Therefore the Governour leaving Zerbellone with his Brigade to guard the Fortifications made about Versa march'd with his Army in three distinct battaglions towards the Hills Don Piedro Sarmiento led on the first which was the Van composed of four brigades of Foot two Spanish two Neapolitans whereof the one was that commanded by Sarmiento the other by Don Ieronimo Pimontello the one under Thomaso Carecciolo and the other under Carlo Spinelli After this went the second battaglion led on by Giovan Bravo wherein was his own Brigade and the other two of Cordova and Gambaloita with some Troops of Horse according as the scituation would permit Between the one and the other of these were some Artillery brought and some carriages of Ammunition in the reere the two Brigades of Ieronimo Rho and of Cavalier Peccio followed with those of Urbane Parma and Lucca the first commanded by Count Horatio Carpegna the second by Don Francesco Farnese and the last by Francisco Cenami The Horse shelter'd as formerly the left wing of the Foot the baggage came last and a numerous Train of Artillery with the wonted Guard In this order did the Army march early in the morning in a thick mist which would neither suffer them to discern the Hills nor the Sentinels which were placed there to discover them The Duke having notice at last by his Scouts of the Enemies March and finding that they went towards the Hills he though too late was aware of the importancy of that station wherefore issuing immediately with all his men out of the City he went to pre-possess himself thereof which by reason of their nearness having easily done since he had not more sâ—…asonably fortified them he endeavour'd at least to arm them and furnish them so with Souldiers as the Enemy should not be Masters of them without much prejudice and effusion of blood He therefore having a mind to give battle placed six or seven thousand French on the least Hill and on that which was farthest off and talking to them on foot he encouraged them to fight proposing unto them the advantage of the scituation the valour of their Nation their hatred to the Spaniards the glory and great rewards of Victory and they being come for the most part rather to pillage then to fight it is said that pointing with his hand unto the Enemies Troops he should say to them give you me those Ranks disordered and I will give you the State of Millain and all Italy in prey to your valour and worth For all the Arms all the Forces that the Spaniards can put together being assembled in this Camp with what other people with what other Armies can they oppose you with what Arms with what Commanders can they bereave you of the reward and fruit of Victory Then seeming as if he were called away elsewhere he excused himself for not tarrying longer with them But seeming as if he did totally confide in their worth he told them that his presence was more requisite elsewhere then going from them he disposed 5000 Swissers on the Hill called Certosa where he also placed five pieces of Artillery with which scouring the Plain he also light upon the Enemies Squadrons and made way for the Horse partly on the side of the Foot partly in the Valley between the two Hills The Governour was advanced verily believing that the Duke would not stir out of the City and seeing him beyond all expectation encamp'd upon the Hills and prepared for fight he gave order for giving battle being thereunto much egg'd on by the entreaties of his men and by
they chose Giovan Ieronymo Doria Knight of St. Iago to be their Camp-master-general of whom mention hath been formerly made an ancient and experienced Commander but whose great age did diminish that vigour in him by which in his youth he had done much in the behalf of the Catholick Religion and of the Crown of Spain in the wars of France and of Flanders and they made Don Carlo Doria Duke of Turcis chief General for the defence of the City The Camp-master-general Doria being brought into the Senate to speaâ—… his opinion touching the total administration of the present war sheweâ—… that the chief defence of the City consisted in keeping the Enemy as long as they could beyond the Apenine for the City being situated much underneath the neighbouring Mountains and it being to be conceived by the great Train of Artillery which the Duke brought along with him that he meant to begin the Siege by Battery there was greaâ—… danger of terrour and confusion in the City not being accustomed to such furious noise of the Cannon so as not approving the former resolution of abandoning Novi and Ovada he moved for their defence for though they were not able of themselves to stand out yet they would afford time and commodity to make their Trenches already begun upon the Mountains and for the coming of succours from Naples and from the State of Millain 〈◊〉 The Commonwealth approved of this advice and sent Georgio Centurione and Henrico de Franchi two Senators to defend Savona with titles of Commissaries General and ordered Doria to defend the State beyond the Apenine furnishing them all with such men as they could spare without disfurnishing the City Doria passing over the Apenine sent his Nephew George Doria with some Forces to Novi and he in his own person undertook to defend Ovada the Enemy had not as yet appeared before any of these places only a Trumpet came some days before to Ovada to summon it to surrender and the scarcity of Oxen and Horses for the Train of Artillery together with some other impediments was such as not sufficing to conduct them they were forced to bring part of their Artillery some miles forwards and to send the same Cattle back to bring on the rest which occasioned much delay in their march and the deep Mire and Rivers which were swollen by the great fall of Rain retarded them much more and yet the Dorii finding neither Victuals Munition Artillery nor any manner of defence in either of these places for the Inhabitants finding that the Commonwealth had abandoned them had for the most part quitted those Towns and carried away the Artillery and Munition along with them which were impossible to be brought back the Enemy not being many hours march off when the Dorii entred Iovan Ieronymo was forced to abandon the enterprise and to retire to within the Trenches of Rossiglione which finding to be ill ordered and not defensible he writ unto the Senate advising them to remove the people from thence lest they might be lost and it being impossible to go with the Army and Artillery that way to Genoa he counselled that the whole defence should return to Gavio by which the Enemy must of necessity march and whither he would go with his men as he did going therefore to Ottaggio a great Town upon the same way five miles more inward then Gavio he thought to send aid from thence to Gavio and Novi which he held would assuredly be the first places which the Enemy would fall upon and by thus keeping them from entring by that way to keep the City from being assaulted and from the misfortune of the imminent war Doria was not well got out of Ovada when the Van of the enemies Army which was advanced not meeting with any obstacle entred thereinto and finding no resistance took it and the Count of Overgnia General of the French Horse advancing by the way of Gavio took Novi also upon surrender and the Enemies Army which came on lay idle for some days quartered in these two Towns and in the adjacent parts waiting for the rest of their men with the Artillery and Munition which came on but slowly by reason of the aforesaid difficulties The Duke being quartered in Cremolino a Town in Montferrat neer to Ovada was busie in taking the Trenches which guarded that Town and the Count d'Overnia who was quartered in Novi and in the Cottages thereabouts had his eye upon the Town of Gavio which was defended by Benedetto Spinola who upon this occasion was made Commissary-General beyond the Apenine a Souldier much imploi'd in the wars of Flanders in chief commands for a long time he had with him 1500 Foot most of them Country people and one Troop of Horse from the State of Millain he having speedily fortified the place withstood a fierce assault given by the General who going to surprise it with almost all his men but without Artillery was forced to retire with the loss of many of his men and some of the chiefest and also to abandon some stations which he had taken before the assault The Dukes men had no better success in an assault which they gave to the Trenches of Rossiglione for the station was manfully defended by Iacomo Spinola the head of 500 Souldiers of the Militia of Bisagno with no small loss of the assailants so as the people of the Commonwealth though for the greater part of the meaner sort having gotten the better in these two assaults and in some lesser attempts began to take heart and to think the face of the Enemy less formidable and the Commonwealth her self fearing before how her men would behave themselves seeing things succeed better then they expected and that the Enemies Army lay still idle doing nothing worthy the threats and same which was given out began to build more upon the difficulties the Enemy would meet with then upon the strength of their situations and of the valour of their own men wherefore they would not according to Doria's advice abandon the Fortifications of Rossigllone which they were told by others were not to be taken and hoping every day for better success they thought that the Enemy being streightned in those parts began to experience those difficulties whereinto they had unadvisedly brought themselves and this the rather for that Don Ieronymo Pimontello General of the Horse of the State of Millain being entred by order from the Governour into Torona with 4000 Foot and 1000 Horse stood observing their ways that he might fall upon them in the Reer if they should pass further into the Mountains of Liguria all this while the peace was not violated nor was there any breach of a war conceived to be made between the two Crowns though for the Duke of Guise his having seized on the 150000 Ducates as hath been said in Provence the King of Spain pretending an interest therein had made a reprisal of all the French goods that were in Spain and
before the City Walls and was very careful in preparing all things fitting for the enterprise but the Constable kept him from this resolution who being unwilling to leave Gavio behind his back which was well fortified and had a great Garrison in it it being an inlet for succour and a place of safety for the Enemy to retreat unto upon any occasion gave order for the expugning thereof before they should advance further The Duke thought it somewhat hard to foreslow the course of Victory but not being able to do otherwise he was forc'd to give way to the Constables will without which he could not prosecute the intended enterprise and because the Constable thought the loss too great which was received by the former assault given to place by the General of the Horse and the loss greater which was received before Ottaggio because they had proceeded in those actions according to the Military manner he would therefore proceed orderly in the taking of Gavio with Artillery Approaches and making of Trenches Captain Meazza Governour of the Garrison of that place labouring how to defend it and how to offend the Enemy by often sallies conceived such hopes as he writ to the Senate that he would make good that place for the space of ten or twelve days nor would he peradventure have failed to do it had not one who had gotten privately into Gavio given him some orders from Stefano Spinola and from the Resident for the Commonwealth with Feria at Millain whereby he was told that Feria thought it a better and safer way to preserve their men then to lose them together with the Town the preservation whereof was desperate that he should therefore give over the defence thereof and provide the best he could for the safety of the Garrison The Senate had writ to Meazza when they left the decision of the business to Feria that he should observe such Orders as he should receive from Spinola from Millain and they had written to Spinola that he should direct Meazza what to do touching the maintaining or abandoning of Gavio according as Feria should think fit hereupon Meazza about midnight without knowledge of the Townsmen went away with the Garrison of 3000 Foot towards Serravalle a Town lying towards the State of Millain about some five miles of but finding the ways bad and therefore having spent much time in his march he began to fear being surprized by the way the next day wherefore resolving to return back he did so with the like silence as he had come out that night and upon Articles to march out with his men the next day he yielded up the Town but not the Castle which was not at his disposal this third accident did again afflict the City which the day before the surrender had received Meazza's Letter by which he assured them he would maintain the Town fourteen or twelve days at least in which mean time the Genoeses believing that for certain that relief would come from Naples and Sicily they began to hope that the succour would come before they should see the Enemies Army but now failing of that assurance and not seeing the succour come every one apprehended his own misfortune and were astonished at the Enemies success and finding that they prospered in all their actions they thought it impossible they should do otherwise in the enterprise of Genoa This their affliction and astonishment was presently increased by the loss of the Castle which hapned not long after for the Duke being desirous to remove all pretences and impediments that the Constable could alledge for not going to Genoa speedily prepared the Battery wherewith having for a while plai'd upon the Walls and prejudiced them a little the Captain of the Castle though he were strongly situated and well provided of all things yet being but young and unexperienced he came to Parley and obtain'd Truce for three days with leave to send to Genoa to advertise the Senate of his condition but the Duke having made some Trenches during the Trucâ—… and the Captain not having received any advertisement from the City during those three days for the Duke had detain'd the Messenger he also surrendered so the Army having no other obstacle to keep them from going to Genoa unless it were the craggedness of the Mountain the Duke eg'd on by ardent desire and by the great hopes which so noble a concourse of Victories afforded him he press'd the Constable very hard that without giving further respite to the Enemy he would give order for the advancing of the Army and Artillery assuring him of undoubted Victory We have already said he opened the gate paved the way to the City all obstacles and impediments are already removed the Enemies are routed their chief Commanders are our Prisoners the City her self before the Victory at Ottaggio being full of terrour and confusion had as we understand by some Prisoners sent to Article with us and to offer us great sums of Money many of the chief of the Commonwealth do the like to redeem themselves from us and our hands from whence knowing their own weakness and being confounded with the presages of imminent ruine they very well know they cannot possibly escape what will they now do after so many defeats in the heels of one another after having lost their best men when they shall see themselves deprived of so many Chieftains and Officers deprived of their General at the very first encounter in whom they did so much confide shall we think that they will hold out at the very first appearance of our Ensigns that they will wait for the noise of our Cannon shall we believe that a City accustomed only to Traffick and to give account how they have gotten so great riches as they have now within their Walles and as they have distributed elsewhere shall dare to make any resistance against our Forces our Ensigns our Fame against the dread which the French Forces bear with them every where and which are every where so feared and reverenced let us go for Gods sake before they by their flight rob us of such riches as are already ours before that being fortified and succoured by the Spaniards they may dispute that Victory which nothing but speed can in all probability assure us what terrour what consternation hath the loss of their Trenches the rout and defeat at Rossiglione imprinted in our Enemies how neer was that City then to be abandoned and shall we now after the defeat of Ottaggio after the loss of Gavio when they are deprived of their best Souldiers best Commanders doubt that they will not undoubtedly be readier to run away then to defend themselves that they will not rather think of their own safety then of making resistance I pass by the many intelligences which we have with those Citizens I mention not the discontents and dissatisfactions which are in that City which certainly will much facilitate our Victory Let us go on then great
were removed for levelling them at the Monastery and beating down the Steeple it slew many of the defendants with the fall thereof he infused such terrour into the rest who returned tumultuously into Pieve leaving that station in the Princes power their example was immediately followed by the rest of the Guards so as the Prince being master of the Field sate down presently before the Town which being by so unexpected a chance fuller of confusion then order and the Walls not being fit for battery the Captain began to Parley and having the word of one of the Dukes Captains given him that he might march out he not minding who it was that gave it or what power he had to give it was presently made Prisoner and it being given out amongst them that were within that for fear of troubling of the Treaty they should put out their Matches the Besiegers approach'd the Wall without resistance and beating down the Gate with a Beam of Wood they entred the Town and those within fled away by another little Gate that was towards the Sea but they mist of their design which was to escape for that other Gate being presently possess'd by the Princes Souldiers many of them throwing themselves down from the Walls which were not very high in that part were some of them slain by the Musketiers who were placed on the out side and other some perish'd in their falling down here was the greatest slaughter of the best men to the number of 200 but those that kept within the Town met with more mercy for the Town being taken whilst the surrender was in Treaty the Prince provided for the peoples safety and the Souldiers falling to plundeâ—… and their avaâ—…ice being greater then their cruelty none were troubled but those that withstood plunder many were taken Prisoners amongst which Camp-master Doria and four other Gentlemen of Genoa two others who were got into the Castle yielded not long after upon promise of safety of life and liberty which was readily observed Thus was Pievs taken Doria made Prisoner and the people of the Commonwealth who were destined to guard that part were defeated La Riviera having lost its Garrison and not hoping for relief â—…ell into the Prince his power all the Commonalty ran to receive him and brought him the Keys they â—…reed themselves by moneys from being sack'd and rendred obedience to the Prince being order'd by the Commonwealth to do so which minding only the defence of Genoa suffer'd them to complain with the times so to keep from being sack'd and from the violence of War Whereupon Albenga Alassio Porto Mauritio San Remo and the City of Ventiâ—…iglia the chiefest Towns upon the River together with Oneglia fell without any gainsaying into the Princes hands as did also all the weaker places unless it were Triora which being seated upon the top of a Mountain held out and kept still manfully for the Commonwealth and defended it self manfully against many attempts The Castle of Ventimiglia held also for the Commonwealth which resisted for some days after the Town was surrendred till the Prince having caused some Artillery to be brought from Nice by Sea began to batter it and also to make a Mine whereupon the Captain who was but little experienced in the Militia aâ—… the end of eight days surrendred it whereby the Prince became absolute master of the River which extends it self for the space of 70 miles from Finale to Monaco The Duke at the same time notwithstanding the Constables backwardness persisting in going for Genoa made many provisions in Gavio which were sent from Piedmont he brought Artillery to Ottaggiâ—… he caused Scaling-Ladders to be made â—…e assembled Pioneers to plain the ways upon the Mountains and having taken many Fee-farms which held of the Empire beyond the Apenine from several Gentlemen of Genoa in the Valley of Serivia he sent his natural Son Don Felice to take Savignone another Fee of the Empire a great Town distant only six miles from the City on the Noth side by which way being able without any impediment to fall into the Valley of Bysagnaâ—… he made way to assault the City on that side which was thought the weakest Don Felice succeeded therein happily and without resistance for the City being brought into great streights and anxâ—…ety was wholly intent upon fortifying herself and to keep off the danger which she saw drew every day neerer she was very diligent in making â—…renches in furnishing the Walls with Artillery in digging Ditches in making Plat-forms and Stockcadoes to fence the weakest places Thus the Affairs of Genoa were thought to be brought to the last period moreover the City was at this time in great want of Moneys for some Gallies being gone into Spain to fetch moneys durst not make the Voyage for fear of the Fleet at Marcelles they therefore made use of the Plate of private persons which being turn'd into money did in part supply the need but the expence being excessive â—…ame far short of what was requisite there weâ—…e not many men ready in the State of Millain to come into the Field the Germans not being yet come and some few that were already come were sent to desend la Riva which was so necessary for the preservation of that State and Don Ieronymo Pimontello not thinking himself safe in Tortona thought it better to retreat with those few men he had into Alessandria at which the Genoeses were not a little astonished who by the fear he shewed upon this occasion were not well pleased to see him go further from the City instead of drawing neerer to the relief thereof and the like scarcity of money being there as was in Genoa the Swissers who were much in Arreer for former pay seeing the great necessity of the Spanish Officers and being set on by the Princes of the League denied passage to the Germans who came to defend the States of Millain and Genoa The failing of the Genoeses credit insued the want moneys for their State being given for lost throughout Italy and all Europe it was thought that the private Fortunes of those Citizens would perish with the publick The fear which was had in Genoa of the English and French Fleets was of no small consideration and did much afflict the minds of all men it being hourly feared that they would appear in those Seas by reason of the continual news which they had of great preparations made both at Marcelles and in England and of moneys sent by the Duke and his Son when they were before Ventimiglia to the Guisans that they might put the Fleet in readiness and appear as soon as might be in the River of Genoa to which Fleets it was feared that 40 Frigots or men of War would joyn which being come from forth of Holland and it not being known whither they were bent all men thought they were intended for the Enterprise of Genoa great was the danger lest taking Corsica or some of those Havens
these are those that inhabit the Valleys and the 〈◊〉 of Pozzevera a Torrent which falling from the Apenine and running for the space of ten miles through the Valley which lies beneath falls into the Sea two miles Westward from Genoa they are men for the most part given to Husbandry but very fierce and strong who having no well-ordered Militia whereof they are altogether incapable prove on the contrâ—…ry excellent at scattered Enterprises which require neither Discipline nor Order and particularly in the defence of Passes and of the neighbouring Mountains by reason of their experience and practise in those Valleys and by their being well vers'd in those craggy Mountains these men appeared divided into Troops on all sides taking all such of the Enemies party prisoners who fled from their Quarters for prey or driven by any other necessity which hapning often times did so terrifie the Enemy as none durst stir from the Camp for fear of being slain or taken prisoners so as being in a manner besieged in their Camp they were forced to keep in and as by reason of this and of famine and other sufferings and sicknesses which began to increase amongst the Souldiery and by the running away of many the Camp grew daily less so by the disagreement of the Commanders their main enterprise grew still less prosperous a manifest disagreement appeâ—…red between the Duke and Constable which arising at the first out of sleight occasions and jealousies did daily so increase as did totally destroy the common resolves The Constable came into Piedmont inflamed with high desires and almost as fervent as the Duke in the business of Genoa being come neer the Genoese Confines he cooled in his ardour and seemed as hath been said to weigh the condition of the war with too much caution so as being much perplext and unresolved in point of advancing he proposed the enterprise of Alessandria to the Duke as being by all the reasons of war necessary to proceed that of Genoa wherein he appeared to devâ—…ate from his former resolutions and desirous to busie himself in new wars and greater troubles against the State of Millain which the Duke being hot in the enterprise and in his resentment against the Genoese did absolutely abhor but the Constable making objections against advancing into the Ligurian Mountains without having first made sure their retreat which he said could not be done without taking some strong place and capable to receive them the Duke having removed so many difficulties did by the happy success at Rossiglione Ottaggio and Gavio tacitely accuse the Constable of coolness and deâ—…ay several were the debates and contestings between them touching who should be master of Gavio and many other things whereby they came little less then to an open breach Yet the Duke lest lesser respects might spoil their greater ends was content that the Constable should put a Garrison into Gavio till such time as the King to whom they both writ should decide the business the King return'd an Answer but in favour of the Constable at which the Duke was highly scandalized but the Duke was most of all troubled for that he did firmly believe the Constable was bribed by the Genoese Gold to delay the business for to his jealousies which he had in this behalf even since when he was in Asti other conjectures were added which made his suspicion the more probable one amongst the rest that Stefano Spinola who was one of the prisoners at Ottaggio was sent by the Common wealth to try the Constables mind by the means of Claudio Marini who was Embassadour from the King with the Duke and whose Wife was Spinola's Sister and to bargain with him upon the 〈◊〉 of a great sum of money that he would forgo the Duke and give over the business This jealousie was occasioned by its being known that the day before the taking of Ottaggio Spinola had obtain'd by Marini's means a safe conduct â—…rom the Constable to come to the Camp and speak with his Brother in Law nor wanted there secret advertisments sent craftily from Genoa to the Duke whereby he was fully informed of these proceedings he who was naturally suspicious and prone to give ear unto such informations and who made himself believe he had many adherents in Genoa who did privately favour this his enterprise began to believe that to be undoubtedly certain whereof he had formerly had some deep impressions especially since the Constable was known to be naturally covetous the Duke began to impute this his so great change of will and resolution to manifest corruption and to complain freely enough that he was cousened in this Enterprise and the news which he affirmed he heard from Piedmont of the continually passing of French Souldiers through those parts who returned into France from the Camp with the Constables Pass increased these his complaints from hence were these relations and suspicions true or false began reciprocal detractions and little respect or intelligence was had betwen the Courts of these two great Commanders and in this interim the Supream Magistrate of Genoa who was Superintendent in the Government of Affairs was informed that about 500 Oxen were grazing in the Enemies quarters which served for the Train of Artillery and he considering that without those it was impossible for the Enemy to approach the City and give battery gave order to the Pozzeveraschy who by their success were become bold and formidable to the Enemy that they should use all means to scatter them the Pozzeveraschy betook themselves couragiously to the business which was hard enough otherwise to be effected nor was their fortune inferiour to their courage for coming in the night season to the Enemies quarters they slew the Sentinels and came to the Corps de guarde and entring thereinto slew many and many of them endeavouring safety by flight abandoned the Oxen giving the Pozzeveraschy means not onely to disperse them but to lead them alive through unusual ways but which were well known to them into Pozzevera and from thence to Genoa to the great joy of the City and no little praise unto themselves entring as it were in triumph for having done so generous an action whereupon the safety of not seeing the Enemies Artillery planted against their Walls did much depend so as being made unable to move they could neither come to Genoa nor return to Piedmont they were therefore forced to expect carriage Horses from France which were suddenly given order for which preparations were afterwards imploied in Italy for other more necessary occasions of that war this loss was succeeded by the like of Savignone which was taken by the same Pozzeveraschy and by other Mountainers of those parts where Don Felice was said to be with 200 Foot but ill provided of Victuals or Ammunition The Pozzeveraschy went thither with 200 Foot which were sent them from Genoa and being accompanied with many others of the neighbouring Villages they sat down before the Castle hoping
the Castle upon Articles that the Officers might march out with Arms and Baggage and the Souldiers with their Swords but they had hardly march'd two miles when contrary to conditions they were barbarously strip'd by the Neapolitans and others even to their shirts and many to their skins and those that strip'd them got as it was said much money which the French who came from Mantua were furnish'd with by the Duke not only for their private occasions but for defence returning from the taking of Punsone they betook themselves at last to the taking of the Hills which they began at the Town of St. George situated upon them where the oppugners made a Magazine of Arms and many Fortifications not only to defend themselves from the Garrison which was there of 300 Foot but to resist the insulting of those of Cassalle who sallying out very strong from the City did continually annoy them on the backs whilst they were most intent upon the Siege and yâ—…t the Garrison surrendered upon honourable conditions of being permitted to return to Cassalle From hence they went to Rossiglione a strong place both by nature and art the defendants resisted stoutly but Don Philippo Spinalo who ordered the busienss having presented Battery and plaid upon it with his great Guns for four whole days at last he level'd his great Cannon against the Gate and the defendants apprehending Mines which they saw were begun to be dig'd they grew distrustful to be able to defend it and surrendred it with safety to their persons The Governour being hereby master of the Hills began to block up all passes and avenues by which the City might be come unto on that side he then drew a long and a deep Ditch from the Poe to a rivulet called Gattola which falling from the Hills a little beneath Casalle runs towards Frascineso and disgorgeth it self into the Poe and many Fortifications were made upon both sides of the Ditch as also on the outward side of the Poe whereby Casalle was streightly besieged and being inclosed between the fortified Hills the Ditches and the Poe it was impossible to be relieved a resolution which if it had been taken at first the business had been already ended but being thus long retarded it did little or no good for much provision was already brought in and the compass of Campagnia inviron'd by the Governours Works was large full of Meadow-ground Trees and Shrubs so as the besieged had wherewith to maintain themselves for all the ensuing Winter and to wait for succour that Campagnia yielding great store of Wood and Roots Hay and Straw for the maintenance of Horse and Castle and Fewel for Ovens the which they might the more easily do for that the Governour quitting his former Quarters went to Winter between the Hills and Gattâ—…la leaving all that Campagnia uninjured he made a Bastion upon a little rise at the foot of the Hills upon which placing four pieces of Artillery he plaid upon the Castle and part of the Wall which together with the Citadel invirons the City on the Hills side but being so far off it did but little harm in this manner he continued all the next Winter the besieged drew out the Siege at length with great good order and vigilancy and sparing their Victuals and the besiegers with patience and industry and much hardship endeavour'd to streighten the City and bring it to surrender In this interim several Skirmishes hapned worthy to be particularly related if as they were valiantly fought they had conduced any thing to the main business in one of them the Marquess of Bevorone the head of the French being shot with a Musket-shot in the throat died which was a great loss to the besieged for he was the man who underwent almost the whole burthen of the defence but the bâ—…siegers were no less streightned in all things then the besieged not only for that lying for the most part in the open air they were subject to the sufferings of rain frost the distempers of weather but by reason of the great want of Victuals This years harvest was generally poorer then that of the preceding year and which made the scarcity the greater those who had corn in Millain out of avarice hid it that they might sell it at a dearer rate the next year and the Duke of Guise to keep Victuals from being sent from Genoa to the Camp and to the State of Millain did prohibit the exportation of corn from Provence and detain'd many boats which were sent from Genoa into those parts to fetch Grain to the end that they might not carry any Corn to Genoa and from thence to the Camp before Cassalle and the Duke of Nevers blocking up the Poe with two Forts upon the Mantuan side hindred the carriage of Provisions into Puglia and the other Maritime parts so as they were forced to send new Commissions to Naples Sicily and Sardinia which being brought by the way of Genoa to Millain and so to the Camp might ease the present necessity but the Orders being given out late and the far distance of place added to the scarcity of conduct requiring much delay the remedy suited not with the urgent necessity wherefore the common people of Millain impatient of delay and seeing the Bakers shops shut up began to mutiny which made the Governour leave the ordering of the Camp to Don Philippo Spinola and go to Millain to appease them which by punishing some and by sudden prevention he soon did but great was the scarcity of Victuals in the Camp insomuch as though Provision of bread was scarce enough in Casalle yet bread was cheaper there then in the Camp so as the besiegers being rather become in condition of besieged they suffer'd more want and by an unusual and peradventure unheard of example they were thereby likely to have abandoned the Siege many Souldiers died of hunger and mutinies were much feared which had certainly insued had not force awed the murmurers some of which not being able to wait for assured death by famine chose rather to endeavour their preservation by the doubtful event of running from the Camp so as the Army did daily diminish and it was impossible to raise more men as well for want of moneys as of victuals which affrightned whatsoever necessary provision or resolution there being no means found whereby to provide for the Forreign Souldiery and the very Souldiers who came from the State of Millain were in danger of mutinying thus weakly and with so many necessities did the business of Cassalle proceed and Cesars Edicts and Citation proceeded not more fortunately for the Count of Nassaw being come as hath been said into Italy with title of Cesarian Commissary and having sent out Monitors twice to the Duke of Nevers and threatned him with the Imperial Proclamation of banishment unless he would obey Cesars will by fâ—…eely yielding up the possession of those States and Nevers having at first desired in vain that his
business might be put over to the Law and given out writings and published the opinions of Civilians in Print whereby he strove to prove there was no reason why he should be forced to forgo his Dominions without the cause given why and afterward having complained very much why the like commands had not been sent to the Duke of Savoy and to the Governour of Millain who had actually and by violence possess'd themselves of part of his Dominions and still proceeded to possess themselves of the rest they came to the third Summons wherein Cesar declared that if Nevers would put what he possess'd into his hands the Duke of Savoy and the Governour of Millain should do the like with what they had taken of his Nevers seemed to accept of this offer and to this purpose he sent his Son the Duke of Retell to Cesars Court that he might expedite the dispatch of the business by favour of the Empress who was Sister to the three last Dukes of Mantua and did wish well to Nevers his cause to whom she was neerly allied in blood but being come thither he found that Cesar perceiving that neither the Duke nor Spaniards would be brought to make any restitution and it was hard for him to compel them to it had mitigated the Edict and accommodating himself to the times had made a new Proposal by which the Duke of Savoy and the Spaniards were permitted in Cesars name to keep what they had taken and the Duke of Nevers was to possess the City and entire Dukedom of Mantua so as the Dutch who were to be sent by the Emperour into Italy might have the City Castle and Citadel of Casalle assigned over unto them till cause to the contrary was known Retell not being able to get better conditions and not being received nor acknowledged by the Emperour as Prince of Mantua by reason of the Spaniards earnest desire to the contrary lest by such a Declaration his pretentions might not seem to be tacitely granted and the Kings cause in Montferrat might in the eyes of the world seem to be damnified he departed but ill satisfied from that Court and the new Proposals were not accepted of by his Father whose fear of the Emperours Edicts were lessened by the weakness of the Spanish Army and the King of France his prosperous proceedings made him believe more in the favour and forces of that Kingdom then in the Imperial Dâ—…crees or Decisions In these Negotiations and Transactions the year 1628 ended and the King of France having at last compass'd his ends upon Rochel whereinto he entred victorious and triumphing on All Saints day he prepared to pass over the Mountains with gallant Forces to assist the Duke of Nevers for the Hugonots of France having received a great blow by the loss of Rochel and the Affairs of France being almost perfectly setled nothing was heard of in that Kingdom but preparations for Italy which being divided into two Armies the one was to pass through Dolpheny and Syonois to the relief of Montferrat and the King prepared to pass over the Mountains personally therein and the other was to advance by the County of Nizza and by the River of Genoa towards Casalle the Spaniards nor the Duke of Savoy could not believe so strange a resolution they thought it was impossible that the King having his Kingdom yet full of troubles and exhausted of moneys his Army being weary and wasted before Rochel could pass over the Alps in the midst of Winter with great forces and carry over Victuals Artillery and other necessaries for so great an action the Alps being yet loaded with Snow Especially when he should know that he would be opposed by the Duke of Savoy who being joyn'd in Forces and Intelligence with the Spaniards was to resist him strongly at the Passes which he kept well garrison'd and munited hoping therefore that the fame of these great preparations would prove but talk they continued the Siege the scarcity of Victuals increased this their confidence which scarcity being so great an impediment to their Forces who were masters and peaceful possessors of the State of Millain and of Piedmont it would assuredly prove a much greater hindrance to the French if they should come into Italy and have occasion to keep there for a great conduct of Victuals being requisite to feed so great an Army it would be impossible for the French to compass it and consequently the greater their numbers were which should pass the Alps the easilier and the sooner they would be overcome meerly by Famine they therefore thought that this sole consideration should not only retarde but retain the fury of the French Forces at least for this year and that in the mean while the enterprise of Cassalle undisturb'd by any Forreign assistance would be happily effected The Court of Spain confiding in these difficulties did not only not make any necessary preparations for defence but forbore to send the Duke the succours which they had promised for the maintaining of Piedmont and to oppose the French Forces they forbare also to endeavour diversion by the Pirenean Mountains and by Burgony and by secretly fomenting the Rebels in France so to keep that King in work and busied with his home affairs and consequently from medling with those of Forreigners the pretermission of which provisions did not only facilitate the resolution taken by the French but did incite them to it For the King being firm to his resolution valued not any of the difficulties or contrary considerations being confident to overcome them and to make his way by the Sword The fame of the mighty preparations of this Kingdom increasing greater then those of any of the preceding Kings the Spaniards and the Duke began at last to fear not only the success but whatsoever might be the result of so great and so neer an Army The Duke and Governour were likewise much troubled for not having for a long time heard from the Court of Spain for the Spaniards being jealous of France through which the expresses used to pass and the Sea not being open in Winter people could not without much difficulty pass from Spain into Italy and such had the ill fortune been as three several Posts that had been sent from Spain being driven by violent winds upon the Coast of Provence were detain'd and had their Letters intercepted so as the deliberations of Italy depending much upon the results of that Court the Duke and Governour knew not in such a perplexity of business what to do nor was it only the scarcity of moneys and want of advertisment which kept them from making any provision but neither had they time to make new Levies of men for the necessary defence of the State of Millain and for the Provisions for the Army before Cassalle and for the Forces which were towards the Cremonese and which were already much diminished it was therefore thought the best expedient to beat up Drums in the State of
of his Army here the conflict was somewhat greater but such was the continual confluence of French who continually came in as the defendants not being able to resist their fury were forced to give back and to retreat towards Auvigliana nine miles towards Turin leaving Susa in the Kings possession which being taken was by the Kings express command preserved from sacking and from all other violence many of both sides died in this conflict nine Colours of Bellone's Brigade were taken by the King and about 80 Prisoners amongst which many Captains who were presently by the King set at liberty the Duke ran great hazard in his own person and Don Ieronymo Augustini was unhors'd At the same time the Provence Army consisting of about 15000 Foot having brought some Artillery in Barques from Marselles came neer to Nizza or Nice and having sent a Trumpet to Don Felice the Dukes natural Son and Governour of that City to demand free passage thorow that County he was answered It was not in his power to grant it without leave from his Father he therefore had time allowed him to know his Fathers pleasure and the mean while the Army pass'd over the Varo a little River which descending from the Alps and falling into the Sea two miles beyond that City divides Italy from France in that part At the same time that the Army having pass'd over the Varo spread it self along upon the Shore of Nice the Neopolitane Galleys coming from Genoa with some other Galleys of Doria's store playd upon the French Squadrons as they marched towards Nice to avoid which danger the French went more inward into the land and being free from the shot of the Enemy which could not reach them the Galleys retreated towards Villa Franca where they landed about a thousand Foot who taking some Stations near the French had some Skirmishes with them at a great distance off and of no great importance till news being come to Nice of the Agreement made between the King and Duke of Savoy at Susa they forbare all hostility and the Galleys taking in their Souldiers returned to Genoa The Duke finding after the unfortunate success at Susa what a tempest over-hung his Dominions and the State of Millain thought it better to stop so great a ruine by Agreement then to hazard the total business with so weak and unseasonable opposition he therefore sent the Princess his Sons wife and Sister to the King to Susa that by her neer relation in blood and by the grace and favour which she received from the King she might appease her Brothers anger and sending the Prince after her he by their means came to a Treaty of Agreement which being at last set down was after much debate stipulated by the Cardinal of Richelieu on the Kings behalf and by the Prince in his Fathers Name in form following That the Duke should give free passage to the Kings people whensoever it should be requisite for the relief of Cassalle and Montferrat and should also furnish them for their moneys with Victuals and Munition for the maintaining of the Kings Army and of Cassalle That he should promise that the Governour of Millain should rise within four days from before Cassalle and should withdraw his men from Montferrat freeing that City and that State from the King of Spains Garrisons and should leave the possession thereof free to the Duke of Mantua together with an express promise from the Governour in the King of Spain 's Name That for the future he should not molest the States of Mantua nor Montferrat and that the King of Spain should ratifie this Agreement within six weeks That the Duke of Savoy should put 15000 Quarters of Victuals into Cassalle and should restore all the Towns that he had taken in Montferrat except Trino and so many other Towns as should be worth 15000 Crowns yearly Rent answerable as he said to what Nevers had promised him before the present War and That this should be by him acknowledged to be in full satisfaction of all that he the Duke of Savoy could pretend unto in Montferrat That he should assign over Susa and the Castle of St Francesco to the King for pawn of performing what was agreed upon in which Forts the King should put a Garrison of Swissers which should swear to restore them to the Duke when these Articles should be by him observed That notwithstanding it should be lawful for the Duke to keep all the Towns he had taken in Montferrat till such time as those Forts together with the Town of Susa should be restor'd unto him That the King should promise as he did not to molest the King of Spain 's Dominions nor those of his Confederates That he should take the Duke of Savoy into his protection in case he should be assaulted upon this or any other account by any whatsoever Potentate That in case the King of Spain should refuse to ratifie these Conventions or should not observe them after they were ratified the Duke should joyn with the King of France to force the King of Spain to ratifie and observe them Moreover there was one thing more Articled which contained a League and Confederacy between the King of France Duke of Savoy the Pope Venetians and the Duke of Nevers in defence of the quiet possession of each others Dominions The first Article being agreed upon it was immediately sent away to the Duke of Savoy who calling to Councel Don Ieronymo Augustino and Count Iovan Serbellone the King of Spain's and the Governours Officers consulted with them whether they ought to be accepted of or no And the urgency of the present condition prevailing with all of them over the utility and honour of the common Forces it was resolved they should be accepted of But the Duke not herewithal satisfied would send the Commendatore Iovan Thomaso Pesero his first Secretary of State to the Governour to know his pleasure more precisely who though with an ill will yielding to necessity consented to it Thus the first Articles being subscribed by the Duke the Siege of Cassalle was raised and the Kings Forces retreated to Montferrat which State was also freed from the Spanish Forces at the very appearance of the Kings Person The Duke sent forthwith about 1500 Quarters of Corn into Cassalle as part of a greater quantity by him promised and gave passage to 3000 Foot and 250 Horse which were sent under Monsieur di Toras into the lower Palatinate As for the other Article touching the League the Duke made many excuses to keep from under-writing it and being afterwards free from the imminent danger utterly denied to do it He went soon after himself to kiss the Kings Hand and was upon the way met by the King half a mile from Susa who pretended he was going to hunt they both of them turned back the meeting was full of reverence and submission on the Duke's part who was received with much honour by the King the Duke striving
little resistance The City being unfurnished of the better part of her men would have run danger of being stormed had not the Venetians who were aware of the danger sent a thousand Foot thither immediately under Colonel Durante with some moneys the City of Mantua stands almost in the midst of a Lake made by the little River Mincio which comes from the Lake of Garda the Island whereupon it stands is joyned to the Continent by some Banks and Bridges whereof some are greater some less according to the distance of place at the end of the greatest Bridge stand the Suburbs of St George weakly walled and without any Plat-form to which when the Enemy drew neer with their Cannon Frederico Gonzaga who had the defence thereof committed to him began to treat of compounding in the Dukes name with Aldringer letting him know that Nevers being desirous to appear an obedient Vassal and to witness his respect and observance to the Emperour would not refuse to receive him and to allow him quarter in that Borough Aldringer who knew the place to be untenable would not accept it upon those terms since he saw that in all likelihood it could not escape his hands whereupon Gonzaga not being able to do any more yielded it unto him retaining only the Hold which is only a Gaâ—…e a little fortified which leads from the Lake to the City The Dutch being entred into St George a Truce for a few days was treated of and concluded during which time Nevers bâ—…ing desirous to asswage the Enemies fury by some act of submission offer'd Collalto who though not yet perfectly recovered caused himself to be brought from Lodi into the Mantuan Territories and lay in St Benedicts Monastery â—…he same Hold so as he would receive it only as a willing and honourable surrender but Aldringer replying that he offer'd a thing which could not hold out two hours assault the business proceeded no further the rather for that a new accident which hapned broke off both the Truce and all the Treaties for at the same time that Aldringer advanced to St Georg's Borough with the Van the Reer being led on by Frederick one of the House of Saxony went to quarter in Cireggâ—…e a Borough upon the Bank of the Lake wherein was no Garrison or any other defence but upon a bank which leads from the Borough to Mantua a Rampier was begun to be made in form of a Half-moon which opposed those who would pass that way into the City some of the Dutch coming to this Rampier which was basely abandoned by the Venetians who defended it they without any opposition became masters thereof and might easily make themselves masters of the Island of Te which was disjoyn'd from the City only by a large Ditch This caused great confusion in Mantua wherefore thinking themselves to be assaulted during the time of Truce the Town sent Colonel Durante immediately to defend that part fire was also given to the Cannon from the City against the Borough or Suburbs of St George and those who guarded the Hold hearing the noise shot off their Muskets against the Magazine of Arms which was beneath where many of the Captains and Officers of the Camp were sporting themselves trusting in the Truce and amongst them Colonel Coloredo was sorely wounded The Dutch being hereat moved who knew not what was done at le Gireggie nor the occasion thereof assumed their Arms and fell immediately upon those of the Hold which they soon made themselves masters of with the death of many of the defendants and then passing forwards took the Bridge till they came to the Draw-Bridge which being timely hoisted up by the Mantuans kept the Dutch from entring the City so as not able to get further they began to fortifie and to turn their Cannon upon the City and to play upon it whilst things went thus Mantua was again relieved with another 1000 Foot with ten pieces of Artillery and with 100 carriages of Victuals and Ammunion beside some moneys A succour which was sent by the Venetians to Goito and from thence to Mantua the Dutch perceived how fit a place Goito was to send relief being seated upon the Mincio before it falls into the Poe so as being to take it that they might streighten the City the more they sent the Baron Galasso to view it there was in it a good Garrison and it was sufficiently munited so as the cold season being considered it might have held out till the Spring but when Galasso came neer it with some few men he by some tokens found how base and fearful the defendants were wherefore hoping for good success and having seen some of those Barques which serve to bring in the Vintage in some of the neighbouring Cottages he made use of them and of some ropes to pass over the Mincio and to get neer the Town which whilst he successfully did those within began to parley and two pieces of Cannon which Galasso had sent for before he had past the River being come from the Camp they agreed to surrender the Town which accordingly was done and proved no little prejudice to the City being thereby deprived of so important a place for succour Goito being taken and the Dutch finding that the Battery of S. Georgiâ—… against the City by reason of the far distance did no good they â—…ell to expugne Porto which is another Town neerer the City reduced into a Fort with Walls Bulwarks and Ditches and partly secured by the neerness of the Lake from whence you go to the City by the Mill-bridge and by a bank at the head of the Bridge Being gotten by their approaches to the Ditch they would have drained it and then have come to Battery and to Assault which if they could once have done they had great hopes by reason of the Defendants cowaâ—…dize whereof they had had so many proofs and the Artillery being already prepared they were ready to begin Battery But the Winter coming on and the weather growing very cold the business began to appear to be longer harder then it was thought it would have been especially since the City being secured every where else might make use of all her men to defend this place To this was added the great scarcity of victuals and straw which grew daily greater in the Army and the plague whereof many in the camp dyed Wherefore altering their minds they resolved for that Winter to minde only the keeping of what they had got and distributing their Army in the neighbouring Towns to keep Mantua besieged at a distance and to possess themselves of the Avenues and Passes which were fittest for relief and they quarter'd their Horse so as they might scoure the Country and keep back relief Collalto went to winter in Reggio where he quarter'd one Regiment the Duke of Modena not knowing how to refuse them as being Feudatory to the Empire as neither could the other Feudatories of the Empire do some allowing
defence of Pontestura hoping that by gain of time they might the better mind their own Fortifications but the effects proved otherwise for on the fourth day the defendants began to parly and on the fifth agreed to surrender the Town upon all the conditions they could desire except that they were not to enter into Casalle nor tarry in Italy and they were bound to leave all their victuals and provisions behind them Thus Don Philip became master of this place and made the French go to Finale and from thence to Marcelles with little reputation from hence he went to St. George his Castle which was not above a mile and a half from Casalle where there were but twelve French men in Garrison besides the Towns-men who were very well armed and prepared for defence here they met with more resistance for the defendants refusing to surrender Don Philip began his Mines which he began to make upon the Flank of a Tower but they did no good by reason of artificial fire-works which being thrown from off the Walls burnt the pent-houses which shelter'd the work-men so they were forced to work further off in a better cover'd place where being safer they slew some of the defendants amongst which the Captain of the French whereupon the rest fearing to be served so likewise surrendred upon the same Articles that Pontestura had done but not with the like infamy Rossigliano remained yet untaken where there were about 300 French and Montferrians this place being cut off from Casalle by the loss of St. Georgio it was thought it would be loss of time to attempt it since it could not prejudice Casalle but Spinola to whom Don Philip writ sending word that they should proceed on they went thither the place was strong enough and seated high Marquess Moncausier the chief of the French Garrison was Governour a young sprightly man desirous of fame and to make amends by his valour for the obloquie that was laid by all men upon the French for having defended Pontestura so poorly so the business proved somewhat longer and more difficult the defendants upon the enemies appearance came forth and after some skirmishing retreated into the Town to which the enemy drew neer making their approaches on three sides and on two sides their Batteries but all their attempts which were many were manfully withstood and the Siege was held out for 15 days but at last a mine being made in the third approach to boot with their batteries they were forced to yield upon the same conditions as Pontestura had done only Moncausier with some others were permitted to go into Casalle which being block'd up by the loss of these places and kept from all succour and victuals and fearing to be shortly assaulted by Spinola's whole Army it was not likely to hold out long yet the French that were in it were not dismaid but hearing that a company of the Dukes Horse were quartered in Morano beyond the Poe they went out by night and passing over the River in Boats they fell upon them at unawares kil'd many of them and brought many of them prisoners into Casalle Spinola seeing the peace not effected left about 6000 Foot in Piedmont under the Camp-masters Don Martined ' Aragona Antoniâ—…dal Taffo Nicola Doria and Baron Shamburgs and 1000 Horse under Ierardo Gambacorti Governour of the Neopolitan Horse with Orders to them all to obey the Prince of Piedmont and he himself went to the Siege of Casalle and taking his leave of the Duke he excused the necessity of this his resolution upon the account of the great Garison of French which was in Casalle which keeping the State of Millain and part of Piedmont in jealousie no reason of war would permit that that Rendezvouz for the enemies Arms should be suffered by reason of the great inconveniences which might result from thence all their joynt Forces being in Piedmont and being confident out of his experience in taking in of Towns and by the opinion of his Captains that the Town could not hold out for above 40 days he promised the Duke that when it should be taken he would return with all his Forces to assist him Colalto also parted from Piedmont leaving between three or four thousand Dutch there under the Baron Gallaaso who were put in Garrison in Avigliana Spinola begun the taking of Casalle about the end of May not being resolved whether he should attempt it by Storm or by Siege though they hoped the Siege would not prove long by reason of the small quantity of victuals that were in it yet calculating that the number of defendants were lessened by the sending of men into the Towns which were taken but a little before it was judged that storming would prove the safer and the shorter way the rather for that the Forces of the French Army being sufficiently diminished the fear of their opposition was proportionably lessened wherefore it was thought better to dispute the business by force of Arms then streightning it by Famine to depend upon the success of a Siege which through uncertain and false calculations proves more uncertain and more falacious but were it either that his felicity followed him not but was fix'd to the Belgick soil or that the several ends and emulations of the Chieftains who managed that war did turmoil his genius or that his dâ—…ath which shortly hapned cut off the thred of his excellent fortune he was forc'd to succumb in this The Duke di Mena Nevers his second Son commanded in Casalle a young man and but little experienced in Arms so as his person served for little more then for the authority and reputation of the Government and conduct of Affaâ—…rs and to keep concord amongst the Captains and Military obedience in the Citadel was only a Garrison of Montferrians under the same Marquess of Rivara who had withstood the former oppugnation the French being 2000 Foot and 300 Horse defended the City and the Citadel who were commanded by Marshal di Toras one who had won the same of much valour and the opinion of being excellent at the keeping of Towns by his singular and valiant defending of the Isle of Rees which lies over against Rochel against a treble assault of the English Fleet the chief Fortifications when Toras came thither were only towards the Poe and towards the Plain where it was assaulted by Don Gonzallo it was but little or not at all fortified towards the Hill and Toras searing to be assaulted on that side was very industrious in fortifying it the Citadel had no out-works nor Fortifications save two Half-moons the one of which shelter'd the Gate whereby relief was brought the other that which was towards the City Toras made another very great one doubly begirt between the two bulwarks of the Citadel where he apprehended to be assaulted Neither were these provisions made in vain for Spinola thinking this the fittest place began four approaches from thence the first whereof was committed to
the care of the Camp master Filomarini his Neapolitans and was directed against that part of the City which is called de Treventi and lay under some Fortifications which were built upon a rise without the City and the wall of the City together with that of the Castle making an angle inwards which the Assailants were to play upon the on-set on that side was the more hard and dangerous the other approaches led straight upon the two Bulwarks of the Citadel betwixt which Toras had made his Half moon to the first whereof which was more inward and neerer the Gate which leads to Turin were two approaches made the fiâ—…st by the Spaniards commanded by the Duke of Lerma the other by the Dutch who were commanded by Shamburgs Lieutenant the fourth approach which was against the Bulwark from whence the Campagnia is first discovered fell to the Lombards share under the two Camp-masters Trotti and Sforza Thus the Trenches being begun to be opened every one endeavoured to come speedily to what was intended this mean while Don Ieronymo Augustini being left in Vâ—…llata to guard that Frontier by Spinola's Order drew neer the Poe over against Casalle and that he might streighten the Town the more on that side he took up his Quarters there wherein he was not well fortified when he began to attempt the neerest Island upon which those of the City had made some Fortifications for it was of great consequence for the safety of the City and of the Mills which were not far from thence fooâ—…ding over the River with his Horses fastned together notwithstanding that he was plaid upon by Musket-shot from the Walls and from the Forts he advanced so far as he became master of the Island with the death of 300 French part whereof were slain part drown'd in the Poe which is very deep and runs very swift between the Island and the City This being the first action attempted by those without upon such disadvantage and yet with such courage and vigor and proving so fortunate to the assailants and so prejudicial to the assaulted did much discourage the Cassalians who were not accustomed all the preceding year to so fierce and bloody sport and the basenesse of the French here being added to that which they shew'd in defending Pontestura they began to fear the worst and to confide but little in the Souldiers of that Nation upon whom they had formerly built so much But Toras had occasion soon enough to signalize himself and his Souldiers in an other action which he attempted with no lesse Judgement and Valour then Fortune whereby he won Reputation to himself and to his men and revived the almost extinct credit of the French in the Montferrians he was aware that the Lombards that were working upon the fourth approach had not as yet finish'd a redoubt and that those who were to guard it were negligent believing that those who were within having already lost their Reputation would not dare to assault them he sallied forth with about 400 of his best and most experienced Foot and with 50 Horse and falling upon them at unawares cut them all in pieces And not tarrying here he past on to the second redoubt which being abandoned by three Ensignes who with some of their companies had the keeping thereof he easily master'd it Then passing forward to the third with like Valour and like hope he failed in his intent by the resistance he met with there and by reason of the Horse which came in led on by Count Soragna so as being forc'd to give back he retreated to underneath the shelter of the Citadel with more prejudice to the Enemy then to his own men having slain three Captains and many Officers and having wounded Count Soragna mortally who died soon after and kill'd above fourscore Souldiers and wounded many more This action did much incourage the defendants and made the enemy more cautious and delay'd the making of the approaches the which the more they advanced were more subject to danger to losse of men and delay the defendants failed not to sally out both by day and night with sometimes greater sometimes lesser losse to each side Whilst they wrought thus with more toile and danger before Casalle businesse cooled in Piedmont when the Cardinal and Cricky went away the managing of the power was left as you have heard to the Marshals De La Force and Scomburg and Scomburg who went afterwards to France was succeeded by the Duke of Momorancy who distributing their men in Pinorollo and in Brischerasco stood more upon defence then offence For many of their Commanders and Officers were gon from France many of their Souldiers had done so likewise or were run away and the Plague had play'd his part amongst them and the Duke having sent about 10000 Foot into Savoy under Prince Thomaso to defend Savoy fearing lest it might be invaded and possest by the King made of the rest of his Souldiery a body of 15000 Foot and 3000 Horse made up of his own men and of the King of Spain's men which were left him by Spinola which together with the Dutch were still increased by the continual recruits which were sent in by Spinola and Collalto And going into the field he incamped at Pancareli a Town beyond the Poe towards the Alps 15 miles from Pinarollo and fortifying it with Trenches he stood observing what the French would do that he might oppose them The French had their eyes upon Vigone which though it were an open Town yet of much concernment for the Corn that was in it they went thither very strong and assaulted it But the Prince of Piedmont coming in with some companies of Carabines and Musketiers they were repuls'd Wherefore they turned to Cercenasco a Castle not far from thence very convenient for their falling down into Carignano where there is a wooden Bridge over the Poe which the French desired to be Masters of it lying conveniently for them to passe unto Casalle they took it and left some to defend it But the Duke being desirous to recover it came before it with many men when the French were retired to Pinarollo and at the same time sent Marquis Villa with 1000 Foot and 100 Horse to attempt Bricherasco formerly taken as hath been said by the French and fortified The event of these enterprizes were different for Cercenasco yielded to the Duke within three days and the Marquess though he fell upon the Fortifications by night and was gotten a good way into them yet was he forced quickly to retreat through his mens faults who being wholly intent upon booty afforded those of the Garrison conveniency to make head and to assault them and to repulse them whilst they were in disorder busie about booty The French not content to have beaten them back went with all their Forces to recover Cercenasco which they could not indure to loose The Duke who was ready with almost all his men to receive them
trench on the right hand to the Dutch and that on the left to the Italians and they were all ordered that if the Enemy should assault them before they were fortified they should retreat by the Bridge without making any resistance if after they were fortified that they should defend themselves They wrought two days quietly in their works without being troubled by the French who did but laugh at them but considering the consequence better afterwards and knowing what prejudice it would occasion when it should be perfected especially if they should be inforced to remove from where they were They sent for a good strength of men from Pancaleri and sallied on the sudden forcibly from Carignano to distribute them whilst the work was imperfect 1200 of the best and bravest French gave the first furious assault the Dutch making but bad resistance those very same who behaved themselves so bravely in the conflict at Avigliana began to quit their stations and fled without almost striking a stroke so as the half Moon which lay open on that side after a long and valiant resistance was lost together with many men Whereupon the other Trench made by the Italians who were not able to withstand the brunt was also abandoned nor could the Duke send any to succour them though he endeavoured it For the Bridge being too narrow to passe over many a-brest the succour was too slender for such an assault nay the confusion of those that came in to succour was prejudicial to themselves for thronging together upon the Bridge many of them fell into the water and were drowned those that dyed and were drown'd on the Dukes side were 500 foot those of quality that were slain were Don Alphonso Swasso Leiutenant to the Camp-Master General and some Foot Captaines Don Martin d'Aragona after given great trial of his Valour was sore wounded and taken prisoner Camp-Master Nicolo Doria being shot by a Musket dyed soon after 200 of the French were slain and yet both sides were equally affraid for each party cut the Bridge in two on their side The French feared another better regulated assault being very weak and having lost many men and hearing that the whole body of the Dutch who were before Mantua was come to the Enemies Camp And the Duke that the French passing over the Bridge in the heat of victory might cause great disturbance in the Camp which was full of fear and confusion Thus both of them being divided by the River both of them were Masters of the Field the French on that side the Poe which was towards the Alps the Duke on that side which lay towards Casalle the Armies increased almost at the same time for Collalto having taken Mantua came into Piedmont with 8000 Foot and 1500 Hose under Marshal Scomberg who being to passe thorow the vally of Susa Marshal De la Force and Momorancy after having tarried ten or twelve dayes in Carignano and having well refresh'd their men with the victuals which they found there went towards that valley to encounter them and the Duke when they weregon quitted his quarters and took up new between Turin and Moncaleri and having sent 2000 Foot to defend Turin he betook himself to defend the stone Bridge which was built over the Poe neer Moncaleri quartering 2000 Foot upon the Hill which overlook'd the Bridge on Moncaleri's side When the French Army was come to Viola it heard that Scomberg being come with new Forces from France had taken Avigliana whereinto he entred without any opposition finding it infected with the Plague and void of inhabitants as many other Towns in Piedmont were he came before the Castle which trusting to the strength of its scituation stood upon defence though the Plague was got amongst the garrison and though the Castle was onely fortified after the ancient manner the Duke would have advanced to relieve the Castle but he was perswaded to the contrary by Collalto who was not naturally given to love danger Collalto foresaw that by going to relieve the Castle they might perchance come to a battle wherein the Dukes men being discouraged by the unfortunate successe of the two last actions would not have behaved themselves better then before and ruine depending upon the loss he thought it would not be wisely done to adventure the main conceâ—…nment upon a battle So the Castle wanting relief and more streightned for want of water then by the Enemy it fell into the hands of the French This acquisition opened the way for the French into the Carevesa and from thence to Cassalle and it was not unlikely but that they might easily passe over the Poe over against that City where being under the shelter of the Cannon of that plâ—…ce and joyning with the garrison which was there they might easily pass the foord and consequently relieve Casalle which the Duke apprehending he sent Gambacorti with 400 Horse into the Canevese to the end that passing over la Dora they might master that way and Marquess Spinola fearing the danger munited the bank of Poe with a double Trench the one against the River the other against the City and Citadel before which they wrought continually bringing on their approaches insomuch as the Spaniards to whose share the taking of the Bulwark of San ' Croce fell were advanc'd so far as they were ready to fall into the Ditch and attempted the Wall and when by the strong oppugning and by the scarcity of Victuals the Town was not likely to hold out long the Siege defence and succour were delaied by a Treaty of Truce which being formerly begun was not long after perfected and that the original and progress of this Treaty of Truce and of another Negotiation of Peace which was at this time very hotly handled and not long after concluded in the Diet at Ratisbone may be the better known it will be necessary to take the business a little higher The Electors not being content to have made the Emperour lay down his Arms by cashiering Wallestein the Duke of Fritland and by dissolving that Army which was so formidable to all Germany they demanded that some order might be taken about the setling of the affairs of Italy especially those of Mantua and Montferrat they honested this their demand with the justice of Nevers his cause who as they said was not to be put out of possession of his Dominions unheard thâ—…y said likewise that it was a great prejudice to the jurisdiction of the Empire that the Spaniards under the name and authority of the Emperour should bereave a Vassall of the Empire of those States to make themselves masters thereof for if they should fall into their hands it would be hard to exercise the Cesarean authority against them and they would hardly be brought to acknowledge that they held them as in Fee from the Empire they likewise complain'd that Armies were sent into Italy without their knowledge or consent alledging that this was contrary to the ancient institutions of
into Spain had acquainted that Court with Spinola's aversion to the Duke with the bad intelligence which pass'd between him and Collalto and what sad consequences might thereupon insue to the prejudice of the common cause he had also accused Spinola of being too apparently inclined to making peace upon any whatsoever conditions such as would not only be dishonourable for their Forces but apparently dangerous for the common affairs and that it could not be known whence this should proceed unless it were from his bad inclination towards the Duke with whom he had proceeded so seveâ—…ely so as nothing but ruinous effects to the common affairs could be expected from so great a discrepancy of humours ends and wills since the Duke not being able any longer to endure it would be forced to use any means for his own honour and safety to these powerful reasons he added no less prevailing proofs amongst others the rough draught of certain Capitulâ—…tions of Peace written by Spinola's Secretary whereby though the King of France was obliged to free the Duke of Savoys Dominions and to withdraw his Forces into France yet was there no caution mentioned for the observance thereof so as it was in the Kings will and choice whether or no he would observe what he was bound unto by the Articles though all things should be punctually observed by the rest nor was this all he covenanted by the same Capitulations that all the Potentates of Italy and Germany the Electors by name should favour the States of Mantua and Montferrat in case they should be molested by any and the Duke obliged himself to afford passage and victuals to the French Armies if they should be sent to succour those States a League or rather a Conspiracy of all these Princes against the Emperour and King of Spain if at any time the Emperour should upon any just cause proceed against his Vassal or if the King of Spain should assist the Emperour and yet said Scaglia Spinola winking at so great indignities and prejudices would willingly have accepted and subscribed it had it not been abhorred by the Duke and by Collalto with the unanimous consent of all the Captains as being too insolent and too unworthy of the Cesarean authority and repuls'd as too prejudicial to Piedmont and to the State of Millain These and other reasons prevailed sufficiently with the Conde Duca who was more inclined to the Duke of Savoy then to Spinola so as there needed not many perswasions to induce him to limit Spinola's authority in the point of making peace so as when Mazarine going into France to Negotiate with the King return'd to Italy with the conclusion agreed upon by the King he found all broken off and in disorder by new Directions in this interim the old Duke being dead a suspension of Arms was treated of by the new Duke between himself and the Commanders of Cesar and the King of Spains party on one side and the French Commanders on the other side as well in Italy as out of it by which all hostility and innovation of the Fortifications hostile acts and taking of Towns was inhibited that the City and Castle of Casalle should be assigned over to Spinola and that he should furnish the Citadel being paid for it with Victuals during the time of Truce that if the peace should be concluded in Ratisbone it should be observed on all sides if not concluded by the 15th of October that the Truce should cease and that it should be lawful for the French afterwards to endeavour the relief of the Citadel and for the others to defend it and that each of them might use their Arms and do all hostile acts as before the Truce that if the Citadel should not be succoured during the whole moneth of October it should be delivered over to Spinola who was to have Hostages given him for the performance thereof that if it should be succoured Spinola should re-deliver the Castle and Citadel The French Commanders durst not accept of this Truce without express order from the King though Toras inform'd them often what want they had of Victuals Moneys and Men many whereof were dead of the Plague protesting that he could not keep it longer then September this Proposal being sent to Paris it was easily agreed to for there they desired time for the delivery of Casalle to the end that thereby they might make the peace which was in treaty at Ratisbone upon betteâ—… conditions or might have time to relieve it if peace should not be concluded Whereupon Monsieur di Bresse was immediately sent to Italy with express Orders to the French Commanders and to the Duke du Mayne who as hath been said was in Casalle that they should accept of it but some time being this mean while past Casalle was not in the former condition for the besiegers as hath been formerly said were gotten into the Ditch and the Neapolitans who besieged the City were fallen upon the Walls and the Plague having consumed many of the defendants it might probably be supposed that for want of men the like might befall that place as had hapned to Mantua it being likewise known that those within the Town were in great scarcity of Victuals wherefore Spinola making his advantage thereof would no longer listen to any suspension to any Truce or peace especially as concerning making the Citadel longer-liv'd by furnishing it with Victuals and not innovating any thing during the Truce nor making new defences against such succours as should come when the Truce should be expired Spinola was at this time much wearied both in body and mind by the labours he had taken and by the agitation of spirit which he had suffered in these present Occurrences the lessening of his power had wounded him sorely wherefore falling sick and his malady both of body and mind encreasing he soon became unfit for managing so important an enterprise or indeed for any other enterprise it was therefore requisite to send for the Marquess of San ' Croce who was then at Genoa and for the Lord Chancellor and those of the Cabinet Councel from Millain who being come to the Camp opened the Kings Orders which provided for a successour in case Spinola should die and therein they found San ' Croce nominated to whom Spinola relinquish'd the Government of all things Spinola went from the Camp and retired to Castel nuovo di Scrivia in the Tortonese to be cured of his sickness but being ancient and his sickness encreasing he dyed on the 25th of September two moneths after the late Duke of Savoy The Affairs of War and Government went less in reputation by Spinola's death the Duke of Savoy wearied with the troubles of a long war which he saw was still maintained in his Country and not being pleased that the Spaniards should suffer him to lose his State so they might get Casalle listned willingly to the offers of France which promised to restore him to the entire possession of
all that had been taken from him and moreover satisfaction and recompence for his pretences to Montferrat for the King of France finding what difficulty and danger there would be in relieving Casalle by reason of the Dukes opposition laboured to win him over from the contrary party and if the Duke could be safely re-possess'd of his own by peace wherefore should he wait for the recoveâ—…y thereof by the uncertain and ruinous events of war moreover by favouring the business of Casalle he made fetters for his own slavery since then by preserving that place he might recover his own State and have satisfaction for all his pretences what reason had he to endeavour the getting of it with so much loss to his Subjects and prejucice to his own Dominions but these practices met with these difficulties the Duke would not part from the Cesarean and Spanish side without being effectually restored to all that had been taken from him and the King would keep it as a pledge for the restitution of Mantua already lost and of Cassalle if for want of relief it should chance to be lost Yet this treaty being on foot made the Duke more remisse in his joyning with Spain and desirous to handle the businesse so as that the Spaniards should desire a general peace whereby he was sure to be restored to his former condition and that Cassalle should not fall into the Spaniards hands yet he wisely cloked these his ends with several artifices He answerâ—…d the French who promising speedy possession of all that he had lost earnestly prest him to declare for their King that â—…e could not in honour passe so suddenly from the friendship of the King of Spain to enmity with him and that it would be too great an indignity that the same Sun which at his rising saw him a Friend to that King should at his setting finde him his Enemy That there should some time be allowed between the one and the other as Summer turnes not suddenly to Winter without the interposing of Autumn nor Winter to Summer without the like interposal of the Spring he offerâ—…d notwithstanding to declare himself neutral for a while till businesse might be brought to some reasonable composition and that in case the Spaniards should fail of doing what became them he would be ready to declare for France and to oppose those who would oppose reason These were the points discus'd in these present negotiations but neither was Collalto right to the King of Spain's cause for though now that his rival Spinola was removed it appeared that he might more favour the enterprize of Cassalle had it been for nothing else but that the easinesse of the success wherein he had cooperated might double the glory which he pretended to by the taking of Mantua yet through the hate which he bore to the name of Spain he held better intelligence with the new Duke then with the Spaniards and persisting in his first resolution of minding the defence of Piedmont and the opposing of the French more then the taking of Cassalle he would not afford any help thereunto This his ill will proceeded not from the aversion of the Cesarean Officers to those of Spain but from ill offices done him by the Spanish Agents to the Emperour for thinking that he bore no good will unto the King they had used all the means they could to remove him from his charge and that he might be sent for back into Germany and eertainly it had been done had it not been for his Wife whose favour with the Emperour defended him against the endeavours of the Spaniards The Duke being therefore inclined to the French for the recovery of his State or to the preservation of Cassalle for his own indempnity and knowing that the losse of that Town would mar the general peace which was the onely thing which could put him into his former condition and Collalto being totally inclined to favour the Dukes interest and Sancta Croce not being of so warlike a disposition as was Spinola but being rather mild and remiss and much addicted to civil negotiations much lesse to the troubles and dangers of war it was necessary that those that looked asquint upon the taking of Cassalle having more field-â—…oom allowed by the weaknesse of the present Government should openly vent their dissatisfaction and shew the greater resentment The first action of want of respect towards Sancta Croce and of great prejudice to the main affair was the Truce and suspension of Arms which Spinola refused and which was now accepted of by the Duke in favour to the French and by Collalto in favour to the Duke which had it been never so little a while delay'd the City and Citadel of Cassalle would certainly have been surrendered This suspension being by them accepted and subscribed without Sancta Croce his knowledge nay contrary to his will was presently sent to Sancta Croce to be by him subscribed This appeared to Sancta Croce and to the other Commanders to be an action as indeed it was so proud and arrogant as if the Duke and Collalto did thereby arrogate unto themselves the supream arbitracy of things even about Croce's self Yet wanting Courage to contradict it or to resent it he unwillingly gave way unto it and the fear of the Dukes and Collalto's alienation prevailing over his dignity he subscribed the Truce and suspension of Arms For had he done otherwise the common cause being by them abandoned or indeed cross'd might be reduced inâ—…o great streights The Truce being thus by common consent accepted the King of Spain's Forces quit Piedmont retreated to the State of Millain Collalto staying behind with the Cesarean Forces Those who were before Cassalle retired likewise into the State of Millain to refresh themselves after the labour which they had taken in the siege except 2000 who entred the City the Castle which by the Articles of Truce were assigned over to Sancta Croce and some few Foot who stay'd to guard the Artillery and quarters Sancta Croce spake with the Duke and with Collalto in Pontestura after that the Truce was subscribed They seemed to be both of them willing to refer all things belonging to the management of the war to him and by respectful and reverent behaviour sought to mitigate his anger and to excuse what they had done it was not known whether they did this really to make satisfaction for what they had done or to draw money from him which they very much prest for for they were known to be in truth otherwise minded Yet so weak of counsell was he as he did not onely take all in good part but sought to buy their good wills with ready moneies whereof though he himself were in great streights he disburs'd 200000 Ducates part whereof the Duke received part Collalto And because by the Articles of Truce all making of Fortifications was forbidden Sancta Croce imploy'd himself in making provision of faggots and of other
care upon him and who discharged it like a Souldier The French seeing that contrary to their opinion the Dutch were come unto the Camp found the disadvantage of their own Forces they were not only much inferiour to the Enemy in number 20000 Foot and 5000 Horse being computed to be in the Spanish Camp and for that the Spaniards Horse were better then theirs and in better order but for that though their Trenches were imperfect towards the Plain yet were they so high as they were able to withstand the first on set wherein the French are usually the best But the good order wherein the Spanish Army stood did chiefly amaze them which was thus A great number of Pikemen and Musketeers stood on the front of the Trenches behind which were two ranks of Battaglions in order but at such a distance from the Trench as the Horse which were on the Wings of the Squadrons and had their out-lets might manage themselves in the space which was between the Trench and the Squadrons and might commodiously go out and annoy the Enemies on the Flank who should assault the Trenches or over-run the Country as occasion should require It was notwithstanding impossible to Spuntare a Francesi who advanced in a double Front divided into three Bodies each one led on by a Marshal with the Horse on their sides and preceded by some forlorn hopes and yet the diffidence irresolution and the fear of what might happen in San Croce kept things equally ballanced these desired Agreement rather then Battle and the others though they more needed Agreement yet seemed they less desirous of it and the seeing the Enemy so forward to accord made them the more backward and God knows wheâ—…her the Mediators dealt sincerely in the business or no Mazarine went several times between the one Camp and the other but in vain the French being still resolute to relieve the City and to fight at last being got neer the Trenches their Horse on the left Wing were set upon by some few Horse led on by Octavio Picolomini who was advanced with them rather to discover then to fight so as all men thought they would have joyn'd Battle for some of the French Horse went to encounter them and they came to the giving of fire but Mazarine coming at the same time from the French Camp cried aloud Halt Halt whereupon all hostile Acts ceasing they came to this Agreement That Toras should come out of the Citadel with all the French where the Duke du Mayne should tarry with 1000 Montferrians and That they should swear to keep the Town in the Emperours Name That the Spaniards should do the like for what concern'd the Castle and the City and the Towns which they were possess'd of in Montferrat That the French Army should retreat into France and the Spanish into the State of Millain That for all things else the Peace of Ratisbone should be observed This being thus setled San Croce together with the Duke of Lerma and Don Philip son to the late Marquess Spinola came out of the Trench and the Duke of Nocera and Count Iohn Serbellone and about 30 other Lords the three Marshals came out of the French Army with the like number of Lords and Commanders and here in the same place which was intended for Battle they mutually embraced each other and Peace was established on the 26 of October the year 1629. which was readily put in execution for what was then to be done A raâ—…e and perhaps unheaâ—…d of exâ—…mple That two Armies of two such enemy Nations being so neeâ—… nay after the Skirmish was begun should not only abstain from fighting but should lovingly embrace one another with those hands which were ready to be imbrued in one anothers blood All men praised the courage and counsel of the French and their happy success who though far inferiour in Forces could notwithstanding make such excellent use of the Enemies fear as to make them agree and condescend unto what was contrary to all reason And all men on the contrary wondred that the Spanish Army should be so void both of couâ—…age and counsel as not knowing how to make use of so many advanâ—…ages but totally yieldâ—…ng to the Enemies preâ—…ensions they should so easily grant unto them that main point whereupon the whole success of the present War did consist and which being still maintained would have established the foundation of the grandezza of all the Kings Affairs and would have kept his Dominions in perpetual security and which being quitted occasioned the loss of regal authority and of that preeminency and safety of the Kings States for the maintenance whereof Arms had with so much scandal been taken up and which was the greater wonder that they should abandon their own and their Kings pretensions then when they were upon the point of obtaining them for it was most certain that the French Army was weary with so long a march was less in number then what it appeared to be worse in order for Arms Horse and all things appertaining to war then upon the present occasion was requisite so as if the Spaniards had been more resolute and bold in their proceedings the French would either not have dared to have hazarded a Battle wherein they were to fight against well-armed Trenches or if they should have fought they must necessarily have been defeated but San ' Croce who was not any ways experienced in matter of war apprehended and was afraid of all things The two Armies being retired from Casalle the Duke de Mayne remained with the Montferrians master of the City Citadel and Castle of Casalle under the Cesarean Commissary who though he was above all others and had the chief command in outward appearance yet being only to command such things as du Mayne would obey he was superiour rather in shadow and ceremony then in substance so little good was got by what was agreed upon San ' Croce went to Sartiranna and brought his men back into the State of Millain the French divided their men into two parts the one part whereof marched under Monsieur d' Arpasone through the Territories of Asti the other wherein were the three Marishals through the Canevese the restitution of the Towns in Montferrat remained for the full and perfect execution of the Agreement but Letters being come this mean while to San ' Croce from Spain with particular Orders what he was to do with the Citadel which was undoubtedly held in that Court that it would be lost as not being to be succoured San ' Croce doubted that the new agreement would not be well resented there and as in great resolutions the thing chosen is almost always repented the difficulties of what was found fault with being always imagined to be past and the consideration of what convenience might have resulted from the thing rejected entring in the place thereof so San ' Croce having forgotten the dangers and difficulties of war and being fuller fraught
of Ranusco and that assignment was now descended to the now Duke of Parma who was his Heir and who succeeded him therefore the Duke of Medina and his Wife in their own names and in the name of their Son sent to Don Francisco di Melo to recover the deposited place Melo went to Parma where that Duke not being able openly to refuse restitution he demurred upon the expences of the Garrison which had been kept there during the time of depositure which he said came to 300000 ducats and Melo being unwilling that the business should be retarded for point of moneys the sum of 300000 ducats being reduced to 200000 the Duke was contented to assign the place over to him and the Italian Garrison marching out a Spanish Garrison was put into it to the great satisfaction of the Spanish Agents but this was not done before the Castle of Rossenna was restored to the Duke of Parma which was taken from him by the Duke of Modena as hath been said when he first moved against the Duke of Parma with which restitution the differences between those two Princes were adjusted it was generally thought that the Duke of Parma did so easily part with this to revenge himself of the Venetians with whom he was much unsatisfied because they had never lent him any the least assistance in the present war but had suffer'd him to submit to the Spanish Forces knowing very well how much the Venetians would be troubled at the Spaniards having of that place but though the Duke was not assisted by the Venetians or by his Brother in Law the great Duke with Arms yet could he not deny but that he was favoured by them both by their powerful endeavours that his Dominions might not be taken from him which doubtlesly prevailed more with the Spaniards and it is certain that these two Potentates were ascertained by the Spaniards that they made not this war to oppress him but to extinguish that fire in him which was not pleâ—…sing to these two Potentates nor to the other Princes of Italy in respect of the common concernment wherefore having without advising with them and contrary to their liking and minds continued his commotion they had no reason by assisting him to be drawn into a war which they foresaw would be pernicious to their particular and to the common interest and which would make Spain their enemy and keep them from using their best endeavours in that Court for his service The Governour being rid of the business of Parma which as a stumbling block had been a great hinderance to the proceedings of the Kings affairs applied himself to re-gain the Langhe which are little Castles held in see of the Emperour by several Lords situated in the Mountains of Liguria confining partly upon the State of Millain partly upon the Commonwealth of Venice partly upon Piedmont and Montferrat and at the present garrisoned partly by the French partly by the Piedmonteses The Governours Forces were at this time encreased by men come from Spain Naples and Germany and he expected others from the Swissers which made him betake himself the rather to this business it was not long since the Duke of Savoy being desirous to defend himself in those parts had taken the County of Milesino seated on the back of Savona wherein was a Castle called Cengio very strongly seated and very convenient for passage by Sea and which standing in the midst between the Marquisate of Finale and the State of Millain was very proper for the preservation of that Marquisate the possession of this place caused much jealousie in the Spaniards who were desirous to open a passage by Finale for the men which for the future they intended to land there and also because when Finale should be assaulted it was not to be succoured by the State of Millain but through that County The Governour was therefore forced to clear those parts from the enemies Garrisons to effect the which he began with the Town and Castle of Ponsone whether under the conduct of Emilio Gliglino he sent a body of men part Spaniards part Italians part Dutch who coming within sight of the Town took it without any opposition For the Garrison which were French at the first appearing of the Enemy abandoned it and retreated to the Castle to the taking whereof Artillery and greater store of forces being required Don Martind ' Aragona was sent thither with more men and with Artillery which being planted against the Castle and the Defendants hearing no news of any relief it was within a few dayes surrendred At the same time Gill de Hays boasting that he could surprize Nizza he was sent thither by the Governour from the City of Alessandria with three Regiments of Foot and two of Horse who parting two hours before Sun-set was to have been that night at Nizza which was not above twelve miles off But not coming thither till two hours after the Sun was up and therefore not able to take it by surprize he possess'd himself of the Convent of Capuchins where he fortified himself the Governour thought himself ingaged in that enterprize wherefore he quitted Cengio in the Langhe that he might not leave the business of Nizza unperfected he therefore went thither himself in person with all his Forces and having opened Trenches on severall sides even almost to the ditch a Parly was heard beaten on that side where Serj ant Major Ottavino Sauli was advanced further then the rest with Marqness Cosmo Richardi his Brigade who entring the Town and Hostages being given on all sides the Town was soon surrendred This business being over the Governour sent presently some Brigades to take in Aiano a strong Town in the County of Asti where it confines upon Piedmont and therefore of great consequence for getting into Piedmont To which expedition the Camp-master General Phillippo di Silva was deputed who in his passage took a Town called Costigliole neer Aiano and finding there great store of Corn and Wine he sent Ottaviano Sauli to possess himself of Montegrosso a neighbouring Town also seated upon a Hill well peopled having a strong Mannor-house which serves for a Castle whose Defendants standing upon their defence and having stoutly resisted Sauli's assaults were at the third assault overcome and many of them slain and the Castle after obstinate opposition was also taken Then they went with all their Forces to Aiano which stands upon the rise of a Hill and commands all the plain about it Silva not thinking that he needed any Artillery failed in his supposal being forced to keep five dayes before it till the Artillery was brought where with he made two batteries and having plaid a while upon the Town he took it upon good conditions which when he had done he re-inforced it with new works and put a strong Garrison into it The Governour went from Nizza to Annone and passing over the Tanaro upon a Bridge which was thrown over at Croce Bianca he thought
Savoy as into a place of safety whereat the Piedmonteses were much distasted Marquess Villa's wife who had formerly been the Dukes Governess went along with his person and her children went along with her as play fellows to the young Duke and his sisters or as others would have it as hostages for their fathers Loyalty Chivazzo being taken the Prince no occasion being known why went not to Turin but towards the City of Inurea which presently yielded and the Prince Cardinal joyning with him they went together to Biela where they were likewise very readily received then turning towards the Valley of Austa they found the people there also very ready to render them obedience wherein the Baron of Castiglione had a great hand though the Marquess di Broz who was Governour of that Valley and very faithful to the Dowager endeavoured the Contrary for which he was imprisoned by the Princes thus were they possest of that Valley and in a very short time reduced likewise the whole Countrey of Biela and of Canevese to their devotion the Prince Cardinal tarried to carry on the acquisition of Piedmont whilest Prince Thomaso went to joyn with the Governour of Millain who marching with his Army out of Vercelli was also entred Piedmont and leaving S. â—…a and Pontestura behind him he marched tovvards Crescentino and by the way met the Prince who was come from Chavezzo to meet him they agreed joyntly to fall at one the same time upon Crescentine Verrua wherefore Don Iohn di Garrai being returned victorious from Cengio was ordered by the Governour not to pass the Poe but to affault Verrua at the same time that they should sit down before Crescentino Verrua was affaulted by Garrai and taken and soon after the Castle was surrendred by the Governour thereof who presently past over from the Dovvagers party and sided with the Princes and the business of Crescentino succeeded as happily on the other side of Poe where there was not above 800 Foot in Garrison some assaults were given the best resistance was made that could be but when they saw the Artillery ready to play upon the Walls they surrendred the Walls were immediately throvvn dovvn by order from the Governour to avoid the lessening of their forces which must needs have been occasioned by frequent Garrisons they resolved afterwards to go to before Turin and therefore the Governour being past the Poe and joyned with the body of the Army they marched towards it verily believing that the Dowager would not stay to be shut up in the City and that they should be the more easily received by the Citizens she being gone and that the Cardinal of Vallette and the Dowagers Generalls Villa and Pianezza would not continue to defend the City which was ready to mutiny against so gallant an Army but they found the contrary for the Dowager not at all dismaid at what had hapned and knowing how necessary her presence would be to the preservation of that City which was the Metropolis of the State and that it was onely her presence that kept the City from revolting resolved to tarry there the Cardinal of Vallette and Marquess Villa were already come thither with their Forces from Cengio and though they heard that Verrua and Crescentino were besieged yet they went not to relieve them thinking it necessary for them to preserve their men to desend the Capital City which they thought would ere long be assaulted by the Enemy but hearing that the Princes advanced with the Spanish Army towards the City they sent some French companies out against them between whom and the Spanish Army there passed some sleight Skirmissies the Army marched towards Rivoli Colegno Grasasco Bienasco and other neighbouring Towns partly to know the scituation of the City partly to give time for the ripening of some intelligence which the Princes held in the City as also to observe whether the Citizens were better inclined to the Princes or the Dowager perswading themselves that the abode of the Army wherein the Princes were thereabouts would move the people to insurrection to move them whereunto the Princes Writ to the Chief Gentlemen Ministers and Magistrates of the City declaring that they would receive the Gaurdianship of the Duke and Regency of the State from their hands acquainting them with their pretentions and objecting many things whereby to make the Dowagers power and authority invalid But nothing could perswade the City to favour them for the Dowager had made extraordinary provision to curb such Citizens as were likeliest to mutiny she placed Corps de Guard in many parts set forth severe Proclamations against any one who should but offer to stir she sent many of those who were most suspected out of the Town and imprisoned some The Artillery of the Citadel was also turn'd upon the City and she her self coming out amongst the people with an undaunted and manlike Courage did in her own person animate some with the suavity of her speeches and terrifie others with her bitter threats So as the Prince contrary to his expctation finding such quiet in the City resolved to draw the walls and to streighten the Town hoping that want of things necessary would sooner make it yield then force He did draw neer the City though he was shot at from the walls and though many Companies both of Horse and Foot sallyed out of the City which he easily drove back and made himself masâ—… of the Bridge and Covent of the Capuchins So as the Horse passing over the â—…oe by means of the bridge came to the new Gaâ—…e from whence some Troops of French Horse came out against them who were also forced to retreat into the City where the Citizens seeming very unwilling to take up Arms against the Princes there was no confusion wanting And the Dowager being to provide against inconveniences both within and without would not have been void of thoughts if Affairs had continued long in that condition especially since Prince Thomaso was already drawn neer the walls and was master of the field and endeavour'd to succour himself by Trenches and by his approaches to come to grapling having environed the Suburbs with Trenches he sent a Troop of Horse toward ill Ponte della Dora to drive away some squadrons of French Horse which were there to guard it but they could not do it for they were kept back and forc'd to retreat by the Artillery of the Porta Palazzo The Prince Cardinall came at this time to the Camp who went to quarter with his Brother and the Governour in the Vallentino a Palace of pleasure within 400 paces of the City upon the left side of the Poe a little above the Capuchins bridge part of the Army quarter'd about this Palace and part quarter'd in the Suburbs between the Poe and the City They then planted two batteries one at the Casetta Verde against the Porta Nova and the other at Albergo from whence they they began to play upon the City
But this was of more terrour then prejudice to the people whom the Assailants did not desire to harm very much but to keep them well inclined to the Princes party Whilst things were carried on thus before and about the City the Princes and Governour found that the Defendants minded onely the safety of the City for the preservation whereof they had abandoned all out places and being neither willing nor able to lie long idle there wasting time more in expectation of popular commotions then in being intent upon taking the City by force they resolved to send Count Galleazzo Trotti with 600 Horse and 600 Foot to take Pontestura who having easily mastered the Town sat down before the Castle whither the French Garrison who at the first appearance of the Enemy had abandoned the Town had retreated And when the Governour of Millain found that a great body of men were sent from Cassalle to relieve it he sent Don Luigi Ponse after Trotti with a good number of Souldiers who coming to Pontestura just when Trotti being gone to encounter the succour which came from Cassalle had repuls'd them began to pursue them which he did to underneath the Walls of Cassalle and in that interim the Castle seeing the relief repuls'd yielded from whence six hundred French march'd out in good order and went to Cassalle Some Treaties of agreement were had whilst the Camp lay before Turin for though the Dowager were assured by her Captains and Officers that she could run no danger there being a competent number of Souldiers in the City able to defend it and by reason of the secure and ready refuge which they had to the Citadel as also of the succours which they might confidently presume would speedily be sent from France yet were it either that she might divide the Princes from the Governour of Millain or that she might allay the fervour of Arms by Treaty she listned to the propositions of agreement which were propounded by Monsignore Caffarelli the Popes Nuncio then Resident with her in the Popes name and they were these That the Princes should acknowledge her to be Guardianess and Regent So as they might have some Towns allowed them for security of their persons and that each of them should Governour of some Province into which Towns or Provinces no Forreigners might be introduced as neither into any other part of the State And that there should no account be made of the League made with France nor that any of the parties should hereafter enter into Leâ—…gue with any Forreign Prince or Potentate without reciprocall agreement These Proposals tended as all men might clearly see to take off the Dowager from adhering to the French to the end that being deprived of so great a stay the Princes Authority by the favour of the people might be greater then the Dowager did now allow it to be The Dowager was aware of this who answered that they should have Towns and Governments and all reasonable advantages allowed them if being reconciled to the King of France who she assured them should very willingly receive them into favour they would order things so as she might have no occasion to fear the Spanish Forces These Proposals being diametrically opposite came to no conclusion for the Princes perceived that as they had endeavoured to separate the Dowager from the King of France that she might be subject to their authority so she by her answer shewing that she understood their ends did endeavour to separate them from the Crown of Spain so to reduce them under her Authority which was maintain'd by the French Forces so as not being able to agree and the Princes and Governour of Millain finding at last that by reason of the good order taken by the Dowager the City made no commotion and that they were there without will or wherewithal to force it they after having stayed there eight days resolved to be gone and to go against such Towns of the State as were neither well provided nor could easily be succour'd The Prince Cardinal departed first and went down the Poe to Chivasso and from thence to Inurea and the Governour of Millain leaving eight Brigades of Foot the Neapoliâ—…an Horse the Dutch Curassiers and Dragoons and four pieces of Artillery with Prince Thomaso under Carlo della Gatta pass'd with the rest of his Army over the Poe at the Capuchins bridge and went to Pontestura and Prince Thomaso with the men that were leâ—…t him went by the bridge of Montcalleri strait towards Villa nova whither being come about break of day with a thousand Horse en croupe he at the very first took a half Moon and seeing the Sun was gotten well up wherefore he could not pursue his intended surprisal he pass'd that day in articling with Count Carlo Cacherano Governour of the Town wherein he strove to perswade the Count that he intended only to keep the State for the Duke unprejudiced by the French Forces But the Governour being firm and not consenting to any thing he could say the Prince ordered an assault to be given the next day two hours before day-break which was done unexpectedly but with such rigour as though the Garrison which were Piedmontese and some French made stout resistance yet the Prince took the Town and made the Governour and Garrison Prisoners The Town was sack'd only the Churches and what was carried thither was preserved The booty was great for the Town was great rich and well provided of all things and the Towns-men not thinking to be so used did not much minde carrying their Goods into the Churches The Prince leaving a Garrison there of 1500 Foot and 3 Troops of Horse under Don Michele Pignarello who was Camp-master went with the rest of his men to joyn with the Governour who was gone to Montcalvo whither being come both at the same time and Iohn di Garray coming thither the next day the Town was taken upon surrender the Captain retiring to the Castle where he intended to make what resistance was possible to be made the which he valiantly did insomuch as the Governour of Millain seeing how obstinate defence was made and being sollicited by the Prince to greater Enterprizes he left Don Luigi Ponse with 2000 Foot and Marquess Caracena with 500 Horse to continue the Siege and taking the rest of his men along with him he went together with the Prince to before Asti. The Commendator Balbiano was Governour of the Town who being placed there by the Dowager appeared to endeavour her service very much but was so careless therein as he was suspected to hold secret intelligence either with the Spaniards whom he had served in the Wars of Flanders or with the Prince whom when the Town was surrendred he served for a Regiment of Piedmontese which was of the Garrison of the City being revolted over to the Prince and the Citizens being either terrified with the sacking of Villa nova or by the revolting of the Garrison or being
condition Cuneo was they resolved to go thither they had great hopes of taking it for the Prince Cardinal would either go out of Cuneo or he would not if he did Corvo who was Serjeant Major there offer'd to yield the Town to them and if not they were sure to take it by reason of the small provisions that were there and if they should take it it would put an end to the Civil War since the Prince Cardinal who was the Head of the controverted Guardianship would be therein taken Prisoner whereof Duke Longueville made himself so sure as he writ thereof to the King as of a thing done but they were much deceived for Cuneo was not taken and Turin was lost which the Prince Cardinal did cunningly foresee for Prince Thomaso whilst he was in Mandovi going to see him at Cuneo and having earnestly desired him not to suffer himself to be enclosed in that unprovided place which was not such as he ought to adventure his person therein and therewith the whole affair he absolutely refused his advice for he held undoubtedly that if he should go out the Town would be lost and on the contrary that the Governour of Millain would either come with all his Forces to relieve him or that else he would go to Turin which he might easily take all the Dowagers and French Forces being now in these parts and the Siege of Cuneo being to be abandoned for the necessary defence of Turin the freedom of his person and the like of the Town would ensue but these very thoughts falling into the minds of those who fought on the Dowagers behalf they likewise knew what dangers Turin and the Citadel and the Dowager that was therein would be subject to if when they should go with almost all the Forces of Piedmont to an enterprise so far off the enemy making use of the occasion should come strongly against Turin whilst it was unprovided of defence it was therefore thought necessary that the Cardinal of Valletta should go with all his men to defend the parts thereabouts which resolution was approved of and pursued by the Cardinal and was as good as necessary and if it had been as well perform'd as it was plotted it had quite oveâ—…throvvn all the Prince Cardinals Counsels foâ—… both Turin and the Dovvager would have been preserved from danger and Cuneo would have been taken with evident hazard of the Prince Cardinals person but the misfortune in performance marred the design and made good the Prince Cardinals opinion when the Cardinal Valletta was gone Duke Longueville went to Cuneo and on the sudden in the night season assaulted the out Works and forc'd the defendants with much loss to them to forsake the Works and betake themselves to defend the Walls and the Gates which the assailants had well nigh taken as they pursued them he therefore had happily begun his business and had fair hopes of ending it successfully but before the Trenches were begun to be made the whole thred of the business was cut off by a Letter of the Cardinal of Valletta's wherein he signified to Longueville that the Enemy came very strong against him and that he could not possibly withstand them unlesse he were recruited with eight hundred more Horse though the Duke was somewhat amazed at this demand yet he readily sent the desired Horse that the Cardinal might have no occasion to fail in what was by common consent agreed upon but the want of these Horse forc'd the Duke to abandon Cuneo and to retreat to a Town neer to Fossano called St. Albano whereby one part of the Prince Cardinals judgement was verified that Cuneo would be abandoned to relieve Turin and the other part proved as true not long after for Prince Thomaso having had speech with the Governour of Millain in Aâ—…sti and having perswaded him to relieve Cuneo and his Brother at least by diversion got of him 600 Spanish Foot under Marquess Caracena and 2500 Horse under Carlo della Gatta with express promise that all the rest of the Forces should immediately follow him so he went forthwith from thence and came speedily to Villa nuova where getting 500 other Foot under Camp-master Tuttavilla he past over the Poe about the evening and came by night to Vallentino Villa nuâ—…va Carmagnuola and Turin make a just triangle wherefore when news came to the other two Cities that the Prince was come with a great body of men to Villa nuova they were both much terrified and began to cry out for help The Dowager sent Count Piveasâ—… forthwith to the Cardinal of Valletta desiring that he would hasten to defend her and the City of Turin and the Cardinal fearing no less then she to be assaulted in Carmagnuola not knowing what to do did not stir The Prince kept in Vallentino till midnight giving out fitting Orders for the surprizal of Turin and in maturing intelligence with those that guarded it and having ordered all things well resolved to assault the Town on four sides The Marquess of Caracena was appointed to assault the Castle Gate with the 600 Spanish Foot which were the very best of that Nation that beating it down with a Petard he might make himself master of it Tuttavilla was sent to scale the Wall between the Bastion of S ta Maria and that of Citta nuova Colonel Alardo was ordered to fall upon the Posto di nostra Signora towards the Citadel and Count di Vich was sent to fasten a Petard to Porta nuova and each of them had sufficient Orders Instruments and Men given them for what they had to do each of them did punctually perform what they were appointed at one and the same time which was at fiâ—… a clock at night and the darkness of the season was a great furtherance to the enterprise and yet Caracena could not fasten his Petard for he found the Bridge drawn up and the Ladders wherewith he was to scale the Walls were too short he notwithstanding fell to break the Steccadoes which lay along the Courtain toward the Bastion Verde and entred thereby into the Garden of the Pallazzo Ducale Tuttavilla who was abandoned by his guide who could not endure the noise of a Musket marching alone with his Squadron and groaping in the dark light upon a Half-moon which was defended by 500 Souldiers and after having skirmished a while with them he at last made himself master thereof then entring the ditch to fall to the Scalado he also found his Ladders too short wherefore being called upon by Caracena he resolved to go to him and being joyned they entred the City by the Garden and formed two Squadrons upon Piazza San ' Iovanni The Dowager hearing that the enemy was entred the Town withdrew with her Guard into the Citadel being waited upon by the Lord Chancellor some of the chief Magistrates of Turin and by a great many Ladies and Gentlemen Caracena and Tuttavilla went to the Castle Gate they broke the Portculles and
appli'd a Petard to the Gate which being thereby thrown down the Horse entred which waited there to be let in Fontana Captain of the Gate was thought to hold private intelligence with Prince Thomaso as also Amerino Captain of the Swissers who were deputed to defend the Steccado who being corrupted by moneys made no resistance but presently past over to the Princes party for which he was question'd by the Cantons Count Vischio by reason of the great darkness and opposition made by the defendants lost his Guide and his Petard so as not being able to execute his Commission he entred the City by the Bastion Verde by which the Spaniards and Italians also entred the Castle-Gate not being as then opened nor could Colonel Alardo do what he was appointed being stoutly opposed but he entred by the Castle-Gate which was now opened so as before full day the City was reduced into the power of the Prince not any of the Citizens appearing in defence for the Dowager had commanded that upon pain of death none of them should stir out of their doors but when they heard that she was retreated into the Citadel and that the Prince was entred the City they ran out to the streets and Piazzas with unusual expressions of joy and flock'd about the Prince with incredible applause but their congratulations which lasted many hours were not any hindrance to what was necessary for defence for they presently fell to block up the ways which led to the Citadel to keep the City from being from thence assaulted which was diligently observed all the rest of the day at night Lights were put in all the Windows and the Citizens stood with their weapons in their hands together with the Souldiers to defend the streets fearing some sallies out of the Citadel and the Prince made the Rampiers be raised to keep the City from being prejudiced from the Citadel The next day things were better secured by the entrance of the Governour of Millain with the rest of the Army who together with the Prince viewing all parts as well within as without the City by which the City might be entred they munited it with Souldiers and other necessaries To end the work compleat the Victory and to put an end almost to the War there remained the blocking up of the Citadel on the out-side and the keeping it from any succour by continual circumvallations which required not the guarding of above three miles for the Citadel was more then half begirt by the City Five days after the City was taken the French and Piedmontese Army appeared coming from Cuneo who when they heard the sad news of the loss of Turin marched speedily to relieve the Citadel and finding no Trenches to keep them off nor any Forces in the Field to oppose them they secured the Citadel they quartered their men without opposite to the City towards la Porporata and none but the chief Commanders went into the Citadel to kiss the Dowagers hand and to consult of what was to be done The Dowagers affairs begun to better a little by so seasonable a succour and the French began to be much encouraged the Spanish Army was in the City and all the Citizens that were fit to bear Arms were very diligent to defend it moreover the Trenches which were over against the Citadel were in good order and did shelter the City indifferently well from the shot which were made from thence The Marquess of Caracena having assisted therein with no lesse diligence then danger who foreseeing how much the defendants might be damnified by the Garden of the Carmelites which commanded the Trench and streets of the City if they should be possess'd by the Enemy prepossess'd himself thereof and munited it well and put a good Garrison into it and therefore though both the French and Piedmontese who were in the Citadel did much desire to assault the City and to drive the Enemy from thence yet the Cardinal of Vallette opposed it and by his Authority of Supream Command of the French Forces curb'd the general desire yet being overborn by the General order of Longueville and of the other Commanders and for that he would appear to have some hand therein rather then out of his own addiction he consented that 300 of the best men of the French Army should assault la Citta Vecchia under the Marquess Nerestano who accosted the walls and fell on furiously but being stoutly opposed were forc'd to retreat with the loss of many of them amongst which the Marshal Nerestano and the Camp-masters Alincourt and Valiaci together with other officers and gallant Souldiers and with little loss to the assaulted by which as well he as the rest of the Captains having found by experience how much harder it was then they had imagined to recover the City and the Dowager being put to great streights in the Citadel they thought it fit that she should go from thence and should go together with her Court to Susa which was so necessary as it was presently done she went out with an undaunted spirit bearing in her bosom two consolations amongst so many misfortunes the one that if she had been suffer'd to Govern according to her own will she had not fallen into such misfortune the other that the King her brother who had brought her into that condition would doubtlesly bring her out of it at her departure she left the Citadel in charge with the Duke of Longueville who received it as deposited by her in the King of France his name for she confiding but a little upon this occasion in the Piedmontese and in so great perplexity and cross fortune not having Forces sufficient to defend so important a place threatned by so neer and powerful an Army and not having wherewith to fight nor to subsist for above two moneths she thought she could not do better then to put it into the protection of the King her brother being come forth and attended by a competent number of hers she came to Susa where she waited looking in vain where this so great storm would finally fall a treaty of Truce was afterwards introduced between the Abbot Vasques in the Governour of Millain's name and Mousieur d'Argenson on the behalf of the Duke of Longueville which was desired by Longueville not so much for the scarcity of provision in the Citadel as for the precise orders which he received from the King at his departure from Court and which were often after reiterated by which he was enjoyn'd that he should rid his hands as soon as he could of the Wars of Piedmont to the end that they being over he might go into Flanders or Germany but Prince Thomaso was totally against it thinking any whatsoever Truce injurious to his cause and to the whole business and for that he knew for certain that the Duke had orders to rid his hands of the business as soon as he could so as departing with the forces he brought and Vallette's men
being diminished the French Forces grew very weak for there was great scarcity in the Citadel he moreover that he might keep the Governour of Millain from consenting thereunto added that the Truce would be destructive not onely in relation to the Citadel of Turin but to Cassalle it being certain that by the Truce some respit would be given to them both and did further alleadge that the Truce would be prejudicial to the affairs of Flanders Germany and Spain as well as to those of Piedmont by reason of the aforesaid orders given to Longueville to go to some of those parts and that the King of France when he should have respite from the Wars of Piedmont would intend those other Wars the more but the Governour who did not believe that Longueville had any such orders desired to return to Millain and be free from the troubles of Wars and perhaps also being distasted that such a Garrison should not be put into the Citadel when it should be taken as he would have and that so the victory should not appear to be his but anothers he therefore was for listning to the Truce so they chose Deputies to Negotiate the business the Dowager chose Marquess Villa Prince Thomaso chose Count Messerati the Cardinal of Vallette and Duke Longueville chose Mousier d' Argenson and the Governour of Millain chose Abbot Vasques all theâ—…e meeting in Vallentino the Truce was concluded which was to begin on the fourth of August and to end on the twenty fourth of October the conditions to be these That the City and Citadel should remain in the Condition they were at the present with power to either of them to make what Fortification they listed so as that neither of them should advance their works beyond a Line which should be drawn by common consent between the City and the Citadel that the Armies should withdrew into their own Towns and Provinces and should forbear all Hostility that none should go from his own quarters into the others without a pasport that Cassalle should continue in the same condition it was in at the present onely that it might be Lawful for the French to change 600 sick and infirm Foot of the Garrison of the Citadel for as many strong and able men and that it might be lawful to change Prisoners The Truce being thus concluded Arms were forborn The Governour retired to Millian carrying some of his Army along with him leaving some in Piedmont and quartering some of them upon the Confines Prince Thomaso was not onely unsatisfied with this Truce but thought himself thereby injured thinking that the Governour of Millain had abandon'd him when his business was at the fairest and when he was as good as in possession of the Citadel nor were the Emperour and the Infanta of Flanders less displeased thereat then he both of them apprehending that when the affairs of Piedmont should be quieted Longueville would come down with his Forces either into Flanders or Germany so as they complained grievously thereof all three to the Court of Spain which being no less ill satisfied therewith then they feared that when the War should be at an end in Piedmont it would for certain break out in greater fury in Catalognia wherefore the Governor of Millain was very hardly spoken of in that Court and the King of Spain being scandalized both for his ovvn affairs and those of others and the Governour roundly check'd and a strict account required of him for it it was generally thought in Italy that the contention touching the putting a Garrison into the Citadel of Turin had made the Governour of Millain make Truce fearing that it might occasion much strife but the Governour alleadged nothing in his defence but the diminution of his Forces which was occasioned by the many Garrisons which he was necessitated to leave in the Towns which were taken in Piedmont whereby not being able to keep the Field he thought it better to desist with honour from that enterprize by the way of Truce then to do it with shame as he foresaw he must ere long be forc'd to do But the expiration of the Truce shewed how little justifiable this his plea was for though the French Army was recruited with new men during the time of Truce and that no supply was sent to the Spanish Camp yet the Governour of Millain marchâ—…d into the Field with more men then the French did as shall be said But as the Governours plea in his own defence would not bear water so the Emperour and the Infanta's fear of Longuevill's Forces proved vain For those Forces were left behind in Piedmont to the end that that Country might not be unprovided of men and Longueville was sent into Alsatia with onely the Dutch Regiment to succeed Duke Weymer in being General of the French which Weymer then dyed and yet the King of Spain either to resent this action of the Governours or to satisfie Prince Thomaso commanded the Governour that for the future he would be advised by Prince Thomaso The Truce was not well concluded when the King of France and the Dowager were held to be the breakers of it he by her will having brought French into Susa Avigliana and Cavor Wherefore 600 sick men of the Citadel of Turin being by the Articles of the Truce to be changed for as many strong and able men the Governour of Millain would not allow of the change against which the French objected that the reciprocal Articles of the Truce did not oblige one party between themselves they therefore said that the King and Dowager making joyntly one of the parties they might do any thing between themselves without offence to the League and on the contrary they complained that the Truce was broken by both the Princes for that the Prince Cardinal by authority of his pretence had made no less acquisition after the Truce then his brother had done by all his Forces since going without any Forces from Cuneo to the Maritime parts he had obtained Villa Franca and the haven thereof by voluntary surrender as also the Fort S. Sospiro and the City and County of Nice where he was received by the people with much applause and that driving out the Governour of that Castle which by art and scituation was impregnable he soon after forc'd the Castle to surrender And that all the people had sworn fealty to him as to the Dukes Guardian which was verily a great acquisition that City Castle and Haven being one of the chief keys of Piedmont upon which the French had alwayes an eye and were alwayes intent upon the recovery thereof as part of Provence which of ancient right did belong to the Crown of France and this purpose 4000 Foot were at that time sent from Provence under that Governour and the Kings Fleet kept hovering upon those Seas but that the Prince Cardinal had subverted these designes who without Arms or any opposition by the bare authority of his presence and
by the peoples ready obedience had obtained a Fort which had already wearied the Forces of France back'd by a powerful Fleet at Sea of the Turks which was sent to the taking thereof The present conjuncture of times did assist the Cardinal much in this affair for the French Fleet which kept floâ—…ng upon those Seas and the people of Provence who came upon those Confines made those of Nice much afraid that they should lose that Fort if it were not secured by some powerful Chiestain in those dayes wherein they could look for no help from Piedmont by reason of the great alterations that were there and wherein the Dowager being necessitated to assign over her principal Towns into the hands of the French they feared she would be forc'd to do the like with Nice So as they thought they could not do better for the House of Savoy in these perillous times for the preservation of that important place then to deliver it up to the Prince Cardinal who for his own concernment would not suffer it to fall into the hands of others and who by the assistance of the Spanish Forces might defend it from the French The people of Provence came neer to Varo where they did and received some prejudice but hearing of the Truce which was made at Turin they returned back and the French Fleet which was feared would assault the Town at the same time either had no such intention or as the people said and thought was kept from acting any thing by a thick mist. The French pretended that this action of the Prince Cardinal in taking Nice after the Truce was made was undoubtedly a more open and manifest breach thereof then the Dowagers bringing in of French into Susa especially since it was done by one party to the great prejudice of the other And they thought that Prince Thomaso had also broken the Truce who when it was made obtain'd a Declaration from the supream Senate of Piedmont for the putting of Caesars Decree in execution touching the Guardianship and Regency to the prejudice of the Dowagers Affairs which were chiefly in question though she in defence of her right and to keep her Sons sovereignty indemnified which she thought was intrench'd upon by Caesars Decree made the supream Senate of Savoy declare both the Emperours Decree and that of the Senate of Turin-hall But because the Governour of Millain and the French did truly observe the Truce the rest did nothing to discompose it but onely complained all the time of the Truce the Fortifications of the City of Turin went on and the French furnish'd the Citadel with whatsoever it wanted during the Truce some composure was also treated on between the Dowager and the Princes For the Princes presupposing that their advantage in Forces should make the Dowager willing to divide if not the name at lest the substance of Guardianship and Government with them and being desirous also to make the people see by these overtures of Treaties that what they did was out of necessity and not of choice they sent Messarati a great Confident of theirs to Susâ—… â—…o propound some terms of accommodation to the Dowager which were That she should be Guardianess and Regent and they her Assisters or Coadjutors that all writings and dispatches should be signed both by her and them that the Governours and other Officers should be joyntly chosâ—…n by her and them and that the publick Revenues should be also disposed of and managed by them joyntly These Proposals were neither wholly rejected nor wholly accepted but thus moderated by the Dowager That the signing which was desired by the Princes should be granted them in things of greatest importance as in Leagues Agreements made with Forreigners Alienations Marriages in making perpetual Leagues and the like And touching the chusing of Officers that they should have leave to except against any that they should not confide in in the Offices of greatest concernment And as for the Revenues that proposal was totally rejected No mention was made here that the Dowager should quit the League made with France nor that the Princes should pass over from the King of Spain's party to the French a chief point and which was the basis and foundation of all agreement from whence it might be seen that these Negotiations had rather semblances then substance But the French who saw how hard it would be for them to maintain the Citadels of Turin and of Cassalle the one being in an Enemies Countrey and the other far from any places which were held by the French and environ'd with Spanish Garrisons they began to bethink themselves how advantagious it would be for them if they could win over Prince Thomaso to side with their King by which they should not only secure both the Citadels but should re-gain many places of Piedmont by means of the peoples favour who they saw were much inclined to Prince Thomaso They thought therefore to draw him over to them by large gratifications they made very advantagious offers to him wherein in process of time and upon occurrences they enlarged themselves The King was gone from Paris to Dolpheny the more to countenance his Sister and the Affairs of Piedmont and when he was come to Grenoble he was desirous to speak with her and sent for her to come to him She very willingly pass'd the Mountains and went to see the King with great hopes of receiving comfort from him in these her so many and so sad afflictions but instead of comfort or consolation she found her self wounded with yet a more mortal accident then all the rest Cardinal Richelieu being as he always was desirous to improve the Grandezza of the Crown of France not content with such Towns of Piedmont whereinto the Dowager had consented as hath been said that French Garrisons should be put nor being content with the very Citadel of Turin which was lately assigned over by the Dowager into the hands of the French made the King desire her that she would permit that a French Garrison under a Piedmontese Governour might be put into Mommiliano the only refuge and as may be said the sacred Anchor of the Principality She had no readier answer for this so unexpected demand then her tears which pour'd abundantly down from her eyes which as they mitigated the Kings desire so did they the more exasperate the Cardinal Richelieu's acrimony who was the Authour of the demand who treating thereof afterwards with the Dowager tried first to win her consent thereunto by Reasons saying That since she was to fear her husbands Brothers and that she could not trust much in her Subjects she ought to resolve upon nothing but upon throwing her self into her Brothers arms and absolutely rely upon him And when he saw he could not work upon her by his reasons and found that her denial proceeded from her Counsellors who were by her who perswaded her never to yield to any such demand he strove to terrifie them
draw the other over to the French party laboured the contrary verymuch at the same timâ—… the Governour of Millain it sent for into Spain and is succeeded in that Government by Count Siruela the French go to Montcalvo take the Town as their first arrival and afterwards the Castle which yields without expecting succour THough the Princes saw their cause brought to an advantagious condition through the assistance of the Spanish Forces and by the Popular favour and that they had the better of the Dowager who had not as yet been assisted by the French answerably to her need yet finding it very hard to recover the chief Towns of Piedmont some of which were fallen into the French-mens hands some into the Spaniards and the Citadel of Turin which was the head and foundation of the State at the present posses'd by the French which if it should be recovered was likely to fall contrary to their will into the hands of the Spaniards they did inwardly resent it and began at last to find that by experience which before these commotions it was impossible for them to comprehend by Reason that they were not likely to be concern'd in the good of any victories they had got or hoped to get and that by overcoming they overcame not for themselves nor for the Duke their Nephew whose protection they pretended but that they submitted themselves the Duke and the Principality of their family to the disposal of others they might also conceive how little reason they had to rely upon the Spanish Forces which were managed with ends differing from theirs and aimed at things much more differing especially if that were true which the Prince complained of so bitterly that the Governour of Millain had abandoned him in the dangerous conflict which he had at the Bridge Dellarotta they also seemed to have reason not onely not to confide in but to abhor the favour of the Spaniards which looked more after their depression then their exaltation as they might find moreover by the Truce concluded so unseasonably and contrary to all expectation before Turin and much more by their pretending to put a Spanish Garrison into the Citadel of Turine these things did certainly cause much greater Commotion in the Dowager who was powerfully assaulted by her enemies weakly protected and defended by her friends bâ—…reft at the same time by both of them of her chiefest Towns and even of the City and Citadel of Turin besides forced by the Cardinal of Richelieu to yield to unreasonable conditions or else to be fiercely prosecuted by his bitter malice all wise men thought therefore that the frequent Negotiations which pass'd all Winter long between the Dowager and the Princes would have produced the desired and so necessary agreement but they were deceived The Princes were at the present in much Authority and Grandezza and were with no expence to themselves brought by the Spanish Forces almost to what they desired The Prince Cardinal was possess'd of the City Fort and almost of the whole County of Nice of Cunco Mondovi of the Marquisate of Ceva and almost of all Piedmont from Carmagnuola to the Sea Prince Thomaso had the City and County of Asti Trino together with the Canevese the Valleys and Cities of Inurea Biela and Aosta and the City of Turin They executed all Jurisdiction in all these places they chose all Officers and Governours they received all usual Revenues and imposed Taxes the people did not only freely follow them but readily obey'd them they had moneys from Spain to maintain the present Wars and their Courts and what was most considerable in these ruptures they were much sought to by the King of France by whom before this War they were not only kept from the Guardianship and Regency but banished out of Piedmont as publick Enemies Wherefore considering their former condition their present State and what they were to be if abandoning such noble acquisitions they should submit to the Dowagers Regency it was impossible that they should forsake their present fortune to receive afterwards as a great favour from the Dowager their Childrens Portions which were so short of the splendour they lived in now Neither did their ends and hopes cease here for believing that the Governour of Millain would undoubtedly put them the next Spring in possession of the Citadel of Turin they thought they should have atchieved their utmost pretences and be become absolute Arbitrators of all things and that they should be in a condition not only of not receiving Laws from the Dowager but of doing what they listed in Piedmont Neither did these their hopes appear to be idle for besides that they might hope well by what was past they saw the French were very thin in Piedmont and that they had but small or no hopes to be recruited from France On the contrary the Spanish Forces in Italy by what recruits were already come and by what was expected the next Spring were very powerful so as not being likely to meet with any that would withstand them they promised themselves assured Victory And no comparison being to be made between what they were offered either by France or the Dowager and what they at the present enjoy'd and might promise themselves for the future from the peoples favour and the assistance of Spain they could not parallel the slender hopes of what was to come with their present advantagious condition so as they could not listen to any accomodation and if they did it was but to feed the people with vain hopes to sell their conjunction the dearer to the Spaniards and for other particular ends of their own On the other side the Dowager though it might be thought that her unhappy present condition might make her accept of any thing yet finally she could not allow but of what stood with the joynt safety and dignity of her self and Son Several Proposals and Articles pass'd between them all the Winter by which the Princes questioning her lawful Authority they aimed at bringing all to a Triumvirate consisting of her and of themselves to the Arbitriment whereof all things should be referred a specious Proposition in appearance but which finally comprehended nothing but the absolute exclusion of the Dowager from all Sovereignty and Grandezza and the bereaving her of all Liberty for the Princes being sure to joyn in any whatsoever resolution she must necessarily be excluded from all choice and must submit to their joynt opinion What would her Authority be then in this Triumvirate What would her Guardianship and Regency be How could she secure her self of her own and her Sons Affairs Was not this to put her self the State and her Son into the absolute discretion of the Princes between whom and her there were so many differences and diffidences It was better for her assuredly to be at her Brothers will and to run any fortune together with him then to joyn with her Brethren in Law who were her Rivals and so bitter Competitors
good that had succeded not attributing it to the Kings forces but to the love of the people of Piedmont not to the Governours valour or Counsels but to their own alleadging for proof thereof what great difficulties he met with before Vercelli when he attempted it without them on the contrary the Governour who came not short of them either in counsel or Military valour alleadged that the peoples affection would have been curb'd and kept back by the Dowager without the assistance of the Kings forces just as befel the Prince Cardinal when being entred into Piedmont he would try what the Authority of a Prince of the blood unarmed could do and when the Princes came first with a powerful Army before the Walls of Turin the Dowagers Authority was such as she did so hold the people within bounds as none durst ever speak much less declare themselves in favour of the Princes or raise any sedition so as to let them see that he was able to undertake and to effect great enterprizes without them he was desirous to apply himself to this wherein the Princes not having any thing to do the business might be acknowledged to be wholly his and consequently the honour which he undoubtedly expected from the happy success thereof might belong wholly to him and not be communicated to any others private and publick interests being thus joyned the Governour having all things in readiness sent Carlo Della Gatta general of the Neapolitan Horse at unawares to preoccupate the ways that led to Cassalle to keep the Monferrat Souldiers who were dispers'd abroad in that State from entring thereinto and he sent the Count di Monte-Castello after Gatta to take L'occimiano both which having observed their Orders they appeared on Palm sunday the year 1640 before that City and took the Town St. Giorgio without fighting which had a Garrison in it only of 40 Souldiers under a French Captain and the Governour being recruâ—…ed with new men from Germany and Naples came thither with the whole Army the next Easâ—… day his Army consisted of 12000 Foot and 5000 Horse to which soon after were added 2200 Foot come from Spain The Garrison of the place did not exceed 1200 Foot and 300 Horse The French Army which was that that could only â—…lieve it being very weak was thought unable so much as to attempt it so as the Governour made himself sure of Victory To this was added the intelligence which was said to be held between the Governour and some of the chief of the Town not without the Dowagers knowledge as was thought who was not well satisfied with the French Garrison being come within sight of the City he thought to fall to work to the end that when he should have taken the City as he thought he should eâ—…sily do he might quarter his Army more commodiously under covert and by a short line to be drawn without the Citadel he thought to save the time and labour of making large Trenches as his predecessors had done when they were to lodge their Army in the Campagnia he therefore made only two quarters the one at the foot of the Hill and the other upon the Plain towards Frassinero two good miles distant one from the other To the latter whither he sent above 1000 Horse under Carlo della Gatta and 400 Foot under the Camp-masters Serra Trotto and Gliglino was added 900 Swissers that of the Hill was divided into two bodies The Marquess of Carâ—…ena who succeeded Don Francisco di Selva in being General of the Horse commanded the one and Don Lewis di Lincastro the other and the Governour who lodged in one of them commanded them both here were eight thousand Foot and four thousand Horse they then began their approache against the City which was besieged on three sides on two between the Citadel and the Castle and on the third neer the Poe which they called Degli Italiani intrusted to Marquesse Serra and they also took a certain House called la Fornace which proved very commodious for the Siege but fortune which would deriâ—…e â—…ssured hopes of the Governour and his great Forces appeared very little favourable to him from the very beginning for the great rains which fell for many days together were of great prejudice to him not only in the commencement of his works by which he was to make his approaches but in preserving those which wee already made for it destroy'd them all and the water having sunk down the ways had also made the fields unmanagable so as the two quarters which were far one from the other could not communicate together To these hinderances was added many fierce sallies which though they were with equal fierceness repuls'd they did not a little disturb the Works and hinder the Work-men Whilst the Army did thus little good expecting fairer weather the Governour that the Souldiers might not be idle sent Thomaso Alardo with his Regiment of Dragoons and 400 Foot to take Resignano who having at first taken the out-works had also begun a Mine which when it was finished he gave fire unto and did thereby much good for throwing as much Wall as sufficed to give an assault he went thereunto but unfortunately for some of the Souldiers would not fight and others were crush'd by many Gabbions of earth which fell from the earth-work of the Wall that was blown up falling down when they hasted to get upon the breach those who were forwardest in advancing were repuls'd with the death of the valiantest amongst them and many Spanish Captains were wounded and Toby Palavicino who fought valiantly though they were forsaken by their Souldiers This mean while it was given out as it proved true afterwards that Harcourt taking the greatest number of the French Souldiers that he could out of the Towns of Piedmont accompanied by Marquess Villa who brought 1500 Horse with him and by the Marquess Pianezza who brought 2000 Piedmontese Foot to whom also some Montferrians were gorten had got together a body way of an army with which he betook himself to bring succous by the of Villanuova and that he brought with him twelve pieces of Cannon and some Carriages of Victuals and Munition The more unexpected this news was to the Governour they made the greater impression in him calling therefore a Counsel of War it was consulted whether they should march out against the enemy and fight him in the open field or rise from before Cassalle and go speedily to Turin giving out that the business of Cassalle was but a feigned attempt to draw the enemy thither so to keep up the Souldiers reputation The great advantage in number of Souldiers far more valiant then the enemy who were said to be most of them Vagabonds driven from their houses by Famine and War made for the first opinion that therefore Victory was not to be doubted if they should come to battle and that body of men being destroyed wherein were all the Forces which the enemy could
which they found upon the place to make the Horse pass over the ditch which Villa made them forthwith do so they passed in and Turenna joyned seasonably with them who having but a few with him pursued the disordered Enemy The French being entred as hath been said on the hils side divided themselves into three parts one which was the greatest and which was led on by Count della Motta fell on the left hand upon the Spanish quarters which were upon the skirts of the hill the other two which were led on by Harcourt and Count Plessis took to the right hand and being come over against the Citadel were met by part of the Garrison thereof and by many young men of Cassalle who stood in ranks under the Artillery of the Citadel and all of them joyntly fell to pursue the Enemy who abandoning their Trenches in great confusion retreated partly because the French were entred the line of Circumvolution on the hills side and the Piedmontese on the plain partly because the Governour hearing what had hapned upon the hill was gone to his quarters So as finding themselves abandoned by their Commander in chief and hearing the bad success upon the hill they feared to be assaulted on the back and confusedly gave over all defence And such was the confusion as they did not onely not know what they had to do but were so intangled within themselves as the Pikes without any distinction mingled with the Musketiers So being pursued by Villa and Turenna with their Horse they were at first ill handled The Dutch and Burgodians who kept the lower Trench the assault or confusion not being yet come to them kept their stations and valiantly received and answered the Enemy Marquess Caracena helpt much to the extricating them out of this confusion who coming in where he saw the croud of people intermingled and in disorder out of meer madness and anger fell upon the French on the flank with a squadron of Horse that was at hand routed them and afforded conveniency to the others to rally and put themselves in a posture of defence and having freed them from the Enemy seut them to recover a certain station which guarded a Bridge over the Gattola and which was taken a little before by the French Nor herewithall content he rallied together many others that were scattered up and down the fields and in the interim whilst he behaved himself couragiously every where amidst greatest dangers he received a mortal shot by a Musket thorow the left side and was carried out of the field almost dead to a poor Cottage But two other Champions came in to the rescue of the imminent ruine of the Camp Carlo della Gatta and Marquess Serra Gatta being sent for by the Governour from his quarters at Frascinero a little before the fight began came in with a thousand Horse and being come to the Camp when things were in greatest confusion he advanced with his thousand Horse and with some other that came in unto him as neer as he could to the Citadel with keeping without reach of Cannon where he drew up a powerful squadron in the open field under the shelter whereof all that were disbanded and disordered had safe refuge and Marquess Serra being with his Italians in their quarters neer the Poe heard the unexpected news of the rout and therewith received strict and penal orders to retreat and that since things were in disorder and ruine past all remedy he should go with his men to beyond the Poe over the next bridge so to keep himself from the danger of the Enemy who would quickly be upon his back But he though he were much astonished at the unexpected advertisment did not forego the field nor did he despaâ—…r of safety but encouraging his men he drew them into a squadron and made himself strong in the field and sending his Artillery to beyond the Poe stay'd with his men in rank to keep back the Enemy who made towards him so as many Souldiers who ran away escaped death under the shelter of his squadrons as others had done under those of Gatta not onely Troops and Companies but whole Brigades saved themselves under these two refuges The Camp-master General Don Iovan Vasques Conrado came under the shelter of Gatta and the Neopolitan Horse as also the Brigade of Naples which was all Spaniards Don Vincenzo Munsuriu's Brigade that of Lombardy that of Martino Maxica and Battavilla's Brigade of the Burgondians together with the Artillery which were drawn from off where they play'd against the City and those which defended a little Fort not far from the Burgondian battery behind Serra came the Governour himself with the greatest part of his Court and part of the Artillery who in stead of his threatned punishment gave Serra a thousand thanks for not having obey'd his orders Serra's own Brigade those of Trotto and of Emilio Ghiglino the Regiment of Swissers and a Brigade of Papenheim's Dutch And those that came under the shelter of Gatta went safe with the Artillery to Frassinero and from thence to Bremi by a bridge which was thrown over there and those who received shelter by Serra past over the Poe with their Artillery by a Bridge neer his quarters and got with all quiet safety to Allessandrino so the retreat amidst so great a discomposure proved safe and honourable even to the admiration of the Conquerours who doubting least those who were rallied under these refuges might have regained the Victory were contented with the relief which they had brought which was the chief end of that days action and ordered their men onely to keep the Enemy from rallying but not to provoke them to battel and truly the counsel was not bad for when the confusion was quieted and the disorder over the Spaniards had yet so many left alive as though they had not been able to keep out the relief they were sufficient to have routed the conquerours and to have taken the victory from them so many Brigades as have been named remaining untouch'd besides those who escaped away unhurt and but little prejudiced elsewhere for the Dutch Regiment under Prince Borso and the two Spanish Regiments who had fought so valiantly upon the hill were retreated safe and unpursued making their advantage of the night to Pontestura the like befel some 400 who were placed upon the hill without the Trenches who rallied together in an upper plain neer Saint Georgio under Don Alonzo Vargas moreover the foot of Frassinero's quarter which had not fought at all nor were not assaulted were fresh and untouch'd about 5000 of the Horse were also undamnified so as the Victory being gotten rather by industry and valour in having won the hills then by much havock and ruine of the conquered Army the Governour might have kept the field with the remaining Forces and have done what he pleased but these things are thought upon when the danger is over and when confusion is past which bereaves
the wisest of Reason the Governour who thought he had ventured too much already thought rather how to save his men that were not yet routed then to expose them to further hazard out of these respects the Governour chose neither to reassume the enterprize nor to do what was thought by many of the Commanders would prove successful in the siege of Cassalle who grounded their reasons upon the coming in of many men into Cassalle and but little victuals so as it must necessarily be brought soon to surrender these advises were therefore far differing from the Governours genius who was cautious in all his actions and too much cowed in this the quarters under the hill fared otherwise where there was no fighting nor battel but downright plunder on the conquerours side and running away on the conquered the conquerours found the Enemies quarters almost void of men but full of booty especially that of the Governour wherein were not only great store of Silver-plate and of other moveables belonging to the Governour and so many other Lords and Commanders that lodged there but also monies which were to be used in the enterprize which all fell into the hands of the French so as the Souldiers who were greedy of handling money loved not to handle Iron especially not having to employ it for all the Enemies were fled the Governours Cabinet was also Sack'd wherein many secrets were found and amongst the rest the of King Spains Cypher with all writings of account some of those that fled from hence got safe into Pontestura not being pursued by any but many of those very many which fled to the Bridge neer Margherita over the Poe were drowned for they crouded so fast one upon another as they fell by the sides of the Bridge into the River and the great number of men and cattle and some carriages did so overload the bridge as one of the Boats whereon it was built sank and so great was the number as well of men as cattel and carriages that were there drowned as they fil'd up the vacancy of the Bridge and those who were not yet past over saved themselves by passing upon the dead Carcasses there were not above a thousand of the Souldiers slain in the battel 2000 were wounded and taken prisoners amongst which some of the chiefest of the Army those who perished in the Poe were most of them victuallers and the poorer sort of people who follow after the camp Harcourt sent generously all the Governours servant who remained prisoners to their Master and Marquess Villa redeemed all those that belonged to Marquess Caracena and to Vasques and sent them to their Masters the writings also were sent back for some sleight rewards disbursed to those that had them in custody Harcourt being victorious by so happy and so important a relief to a place of such concernment with a number so far inferiour to those that were fortified within their works did not forget himself with this happy success but having scarcely refresh'd his men and furnish'd the Citadel with some Victuals he went two days after the victory towards Turin and being desirous to purchase yet more glory he thought he should have done nothing unless he should also set the Citadel of Turin at liberty and put the Dowager into the condition she was in as she did earnestly request the King his Agents and Commanders and as the King had strictly ordered his Commanders this could not be done without the perfect recovery of the Citadel of Turin whereunto he couragiously betook himself and whereunto he was much enheartned by the smallness of the Garrison that remained in the City from whence the Governour had sent for a good part to before Cassalle and Prince Thomaso had sent away 800 Horse and he thought that but small succours would be brought from without for he held for certain that the Governour from whom succour could only be expected would not hazard the remainder of his men after having been so baffled and beaten in the relief of Turin to the so great prejudice of the State of Millain he moreover was put in greater hopes by the scarcity as well of Victuals as of Warlike provisions which he had learned by discourse was in that City for he calculated that the French Spanish and Piedmontese which one after another had been fed in that City must have consumed all the Victuals that were there and the Poe being block'd up all the Winter on the one side by Chiavazzo on the other side by Carmagnuola he thought it impossible it could be furnished by that river and much less by land by reason of the great scarcity of Cattel that was in those parts he thought there was greater want of Warlike provisions by reason of the great profusion which necessarily must have been made thereof the preceding Winter in the many Mines Batteries Assaults and Fights between the City and the Citadel he also built much upon the Citizens good will not so much out of the inclination which many of them might privately have unto the Dowager as of the meaner sort of people who living upon their handy work which was fed by continual concourse and traffick they could not hold out long the Gates of the City being shut up so as it was thought impossible that they should hold out a siege long all which things though they had an appearance of truth yet the sequel shewed that they were badly calculated for none of them cooperated to that Victory which was thought so sure for the City as was afterwards known was provided with victuals more then needed and as for warlike provision which was that which they wanted most they wanted not witty new inventions whereby they got enough thereof they might want Defendants to free the City from siege but not to defend it the people and all the Citizens kept always constant in defence of the City and stuck close to the Prince and what made most for the main affair the Governour of Millain contrary to Harcourts supposal appeared within a few days with a powerful Army before the City ready to relieve it for having a little digested the misfortune at Cassalle he feared as it fell out that the Enemy would forthwith come before Turin and knowing how weak the Garrison was and what scarcity of Warlike provision there was in the City he immediately sent 1500 Souldiers thither part Italians under Marquess Sirra and Vercelline Viscount and part Burgondians under the Baron di Vattevilla all of them choice and Veteran Souldiers to which about 4000 others of several nations being added which remained under Bolognino in defence of the City they amounted to well neer 5500 Foot who were all to obey Don Antonio Sotelo General of the Artillery of the State of Millain who was sent thither with supream authority to command all the King of Spains Forces many loads of powder and other warlike tackling were added to this succour the Governour Writ fervently to the
Prince encourageing him to persevere in defending the Town and promising him that to boot with these succors he would come thither himself shortly with a powerful Army to relieve him and set him at liberty and telling him that what had hapned at Cassalle was but a trick of Fortune and had rather dispers'd then discomfited his men that he stay'd now to rally them under his Colours to the end that with them and with others which he expected very shortly from other parts he might come and relieve him and the City All those that were sent by the Governour got luckily into Turin and Don Mauritio got thither also who was returned with the Prince his Horse from Cassalle though somewhat lessened by Harcourts Cannon which thundered from the hills but little powder could be brought in for want of Waggon horses and the ways being afterwards block'd up and possessed by the En my the rest could not enter without much prejudice to the Enterprise especially for that Prince Thomaso had sent 400 Horse before the ways were block'd up to be a conduct to that Munition which Horse was not suffered to return for the aforesaid blocking up of the ways so the Prince was not only deprived of that provision but also of those Horse which had he had them he would doubtlesly have made greater impressions upon the Enemy by sallies then he did but now he was forced to be more circumspect in his night Assaults 3000 Citizens able to bear Arms were added to the Kings men who were employed in desending the City and also many Country people who were come thither for refuge who were a great help in their handy-works so as the Prince though he wanted fighting men and war-like amunition yet finding that the Governour was mindful of him and of preserving the City and taking that assistance which he had already sent as a Token of what he would do in the future he was not wanting to himself in doing what he could in so short a time to defend the City Turin stands in a large and pleasant Plain twelve miles Eastwards from the Alpes the Poe runs almost within a Bow-shot of it on the East side and on the North the Dora comes almost to one Angle of the City and a little beyond la Dora runs la Stura both which Rivers fall into the neighbouring Poe on the South side runs the Sagone rather a Torrent then a River which falls also into the Poe over against Cavâ—…reto The City thus scituated is divided into three parts the new City the old City and the Citadel The new City joyns to the old on the South they are only divided by a Wall but are both enclosed within a Wall and as the new Town advanced a little further then the old towards the Poe so not thrusting out so far towards the Alps it leaves a spacious Plain whereon the Citadel stands which being further from the Poe then the City wants not only the convenâ—…nces which she might receive by the neighbourhood thereof but not being able to command the River cannot debar it from Navigation The Citadel is a Pentagon The circuit of both the old and new City is flank'd round about with Bulwarks and with Ditches The Prince when he was master of it did not believe he should be forc'd to defend it from without but imploy'd himseâ—…f totally against the Citadel and neglected securing the City on the out side but learning by what had hapned at Cassalle that instead of minding the taking of the Citadel it behoved him to take care of descending the City he fell with all speed and diligence to fortifie it from any assault that might be made from without and leaving smaller matters his chiefest care was to defend the Bridge over the Poe which as whilst it was in his hands it kept the way open for the bringing of succour which he expected would be brought from the Governour so when it should be taken by the enemy it kept out any succour that might be brought by that way for then the reliever must find some other way to pass his Army over the River which was almost impossible to do in the face of a powerful enemy This Bridge is made of Stone and is the best that crosses the Poe at the left side of the foot thereof towards Turin stands a little Burrough the other which stands on the right side lies under a little hill upon which there is a Church and a Covent of Capuchins and this side being all hilly other higher hills stand above that of the Capuchins one above another The Prince munited this Bridge at both ends with Trenches nor herewithall contented he munited very well the aforesaid Church and Covent and Moreover built a little Fort upon another higher hill which overlooked the Monastery he put 300 Foot into these Fortifications and Victuals and Ammunition sufficient for fifteen days within which time he hoped the Governour would appear with his Army These Works were not fully finished when the French Army appeared on three sides the first that appeared having block'd up the Passes of Susa Lanza and the Canevese advanced to the City towards the Dora and the new Park which answers upon that Angle of the City which is called the green Bulwark and which includes the Dukes Palace and Gardens in defence whereof the Prince had made a sudden Trench formed like a pair of Shears the other quartered on the upper hill above the Church and Covent of the Capuchins and the third passing the Poe at Montcalleri by a wooden Bridge that is there advanced to the Palace Valentino whereof after a small Skirmish making themselves masters they the next night took the Burrough which as we said stands between the City and the Bridge and not meeting with any resistance there they assaulted the Bridge where they found some resistance but having mortally wounded the Captain who did defend it they made themselves also masters thereof the Garrison retiring towards the Monastery as to an advantagious place which was not able neither to keep there long for the little Fort which as hath been said was built and fortified by the Prince above the Monastery was at the same time assaulted and taken by those who had taken up their quarters upon the hill which was above that Fort whence playing upon the Covent which was beneath they easily took it though they were manfully fought with for at a third assault the assailants entred the place and from thence went to the Church whither the defendants had retreated where without any respect to the holiness of the place they put all to the sword that were there except the Officers and sacking moreover not only such secular things as were brought thither as into a place of safety but without any distinction laid hands upon such as were sacred and dedicated to divine worship by which good success waxing more bold and meeting with no opposition for the Prince being desirous
the Town by these successes affairs proceeded well for the relief of the City and but ill-favor'dly for the besieging Army which was yet much more streightned by famine and which was very grievous within the time of Circumvolution no victuals being possible to be brought thither so closely were all the Avenues block'd up insomuch as they were forced to make use of that small remainder of Victuals which was in the Citadel whereat the Governour thereof complained much who being forced to obey the Generalls command protested that he would give over his charge meerly for want of victuals and that he must be forced to surrender the Citadel when the Army through famine should be necessitated to raise the siege but Harcourt cared but little for all those words and protestations as knowing that if the siege should be raised the Citadel must inevitably be lost â—…nor herewithal content he laid hand upon the victuals which were leâ—…t for the sustenance of the Garrison in Chiavazzo which did but ill supply the want of the famish'd army so as Harcourt who thought to have furnish'd Turin by siege did famish his own camp the the Citadel and Chiavazzo and had he continued long in this condition the City had not onely been freed by famine but the Citadel and Chiavazzo would have been taken by the relieving Army and the Camp was already brought to that low condition as the daily allowance of bread ceasing some few ounces of Rice taken from the Citadel were in lieu thereof distributed amongst the Common Souldiers nor fared the Captains any better and yet Harcourt persevered constant in his resolution of taking the City nay being offer'd composition by the Nuntio he would not listen to it but as if he had been Conquerour demanded that the City might be absolutely delivered to him which he would keep in the Dukes name during the Dowagers Regency and as if he had been certain of what was to ensue he protested he would continue the siege till such time as the Horses that were in Turin should have eaten all the Hay and Forrage that was in the City and the men all the Horses he moreover continued making great offers to the Prince in so much as such constancy being altogether contrary to the Genius of the French who are impatient of suffering it caused much wonder in all men who confest that the French did therein not only out-do themselves but did even out-do the Spaniards who are excellent good at suffering but it was now almost impossible that the business could hold out any longer for the Souldiers having undergone all the extreams which it was possible for humane nature to tolerate many of them fell sick many died and many ran away some into the City some into the Spanish Camp and every one of them relating their share of the great extremities that the besiegers were in they occasioned which was miraculous so various differing and contrary opinions between the Prince and the Governour as the result thereof proved almost the utter ruine of the common affairs and the safety of the French the Prince who grew daily more and more impatient of delay and infinitly desirous to see himself freed from siege by a general assault thought it was now high time to assault a body of an Army which was languishing afflicted and macerated by famine sufferings and assiduous labour and which seemed not fit to manage Arms and could but ill bear with the Governours phlegmatick patience who ruling rather like a Cunctator then Dictator persisted the more in his resolution of overcoming by sitting still for that he saw the Enemy reduced to the utmost brink of necessity and that the main affâ—…ir consisted in having patience for a few days But the news which was divulged of the great succour both of men and meat which was sent from France and was already arrived in Piedmont troubled the Prince above all things else fearing that if it should come before the Siege was raised all the Governours calculations would be subverted and the siege would be reduced to its former condition with little hopes that the Governour who would not move when he had so fair an occasion of overcoming should hazzard his men in keeping off the succour or in relieving the City when he should see the Enemies Camp recruited with men strengthned and invigoured by the great supply of victuals The scarcity that was in the City of gun-powder did make the Prince more desirous to see an end of so great anxiety before so necessary a sustenance of defence should fail And amongst all these agitations of mind great jealousies and suspitions were not wanting making him believe or lest doubt that the Governour by whom he thought he was abandon'd at the Ponte della Rotta should be as careless of relieving him at the present not out of any wariness or any mystery of War but rather for that hatching his accustomed tancour in his breast he looked with an ill eye upon his weighty interests not caring to assist him in his so great streights These considerations made the Prince impatient in expecting what the issue of the Governours designes would be But it was thought he was most grieved to see how happily the Governours designes proceeded which was no less hateful to him then to the Enemy and was more mad thereat then Harcourt foreseeing by the manner of his proceeding his own utter undoing the ruine of his family and the loss of his peoples liberty for which he fought The Prince knew as well as Harcourt that if he the siege should in any way raised that if the siege should in any way be raised the Citadel would undoubtedly be thereupon surrendred He also knew that if the siege should be raised by famine and not by the sword the Governour would enter into the City victorious with his forces entire and would doubtlesly use such supercheries as Victors usually do and would set forward his pretentions to the Citadel which he the Prince being so short of him in forces could not obviate Therefore not onely he but all the Piedmontese was so fill'd with horrour as they were in doubt whether that it would be better for them that the City should be relieved by that way or not at all relieved And not knowing what to do in so great extremity they could think of no better way to evade it then by using their utmost means that the Spaniards and the French might be brought to fight together hoping that if the French should be beaten they might be masters of the City and that if the Spaniards should be worsted they might be masters of the Citadel and that the Piedmontese who were in the midst between them might be able to oppose the Victors and to preserve their Ducall Family and their own liberties in which bustling the Prince might probably promise himself that the remainders of the French Army as also those of the Citadel being of Enemies become his Friends might
which were made they provided sufficiently for Grist The Governour agreed with the Prince to send him 200 load of Ammunition at a certain hour of night which was to be conducted by Don Vincenzo Gonzaga accompanied by a good body of Horse which was to bring the supply to Motta's quarter whither the Prince was to send Horse to receive it but neither did this design prosper for the nights being very short and Gonzaga being to foord over la Stura and la Dora after he had foorded over the Poe before he could come to the place appointed he knew he could not get thither before the Sun would be up so as perceiving day break a little after he had gotten over the Poe and fearing lest he might be met by the way he returned back This night the Prince was come in his own person out of the City to receive so necessary and so desired a recruit and with him was Don Antonio Sottelo with all the Horse back'd by Marquess Serra with Foot and being come to the place appointed he was discovered and assaulted by the Enemies Horse The Prince withstood the assault manfully and after a sore contest repuls'd the Enemy wherein la Serra behaved himself gallantly who sheltering the Horse with his Musketiers afforded them conveniency of forcing the assailants to wheel about who being pursued left above 200 of their men behind them and five Captains wounded not above ten of the Prince his Forces being left behind amongst which a Dutch Captain who being stript was to the admiration oâ—… all men found to be a woman who having always kept company amongst Souldiers in mans habit was never known to be what she was but alway conversing like a man and fighting as valiantly as any man was in a few years gotten from being a Foot Souldier to be a Captain of Horse when she was taken her life was offer'd her if she would demand it but she scorning so low a behaviour chose rather with an undaunted spirit and high words to die honourably then to live a life which she should have obtained unworthily The day beginning to clear and the Prince seeing no Ammunition appear he ordered a retreat which was orderly and gallantly made even in the face of the Enemy though not without much grief for not being succoured by their long expected Ammunition but ere long the besieged were provided of Powder and all things necessary for defence by an unusual and never before practised or known way convey'd with safety and speed from the Camp to the City Commerce being block'd up as hath been often said between the Camp and the City so as there was great trouble of giving and receiving advice upon reciprocal occurrences and necessities a certain invention was found out by a hollow Bullet whereinto Letters were put and the hole stop'd up with a stopple made of a piece of Wire which being put into a piece of Artillery was shot from the Camp into the City and from the City into the Camp the sign being formerly given by a great smoak to them who were to receive it that they might watch where the Bullet fell by this means the Prince and Governour conversed freely such conveyance being to be sent hourly which were afterwards by way of mockery called flying Posts and as it is not hard to add to things which have been formerly found to succeed well this lucky and useful invention was improved in the conveying of Ammunition for War in bigger Bullets capable of fifteen pound weight of Powder which being more carefully squeezed together and put into a Mortar-piece were by the force of fire blown into the City over the Heads and Trenches of the besiegers who were very angry thereat and finally this invention served to furnish the City with Salt-peter and with Salt for want whereof it suffer'd much especially since men being glad for want of other meat to eat the flesh of horses this food eaten without Salt caused much sickness and mortality in the City above a thousand of these Balls or Bullets were thrown into the City which furnished the besieged with above 15000 pound weight of Powder Thus did the besieged behave themselves sparing their Victuals by parcimony and encreasing their Grist by Hand-mills and provided for their defence by this new device of flying Bullets comforting themselves with hopes of being one day freed from so many afflictions amongst these adventures it fell out that Monsieur d' Argenson and Monsieur di Govone who was Governour of the Citadel as they went from the Camp to Pinarvolo were taken prisoners by two Troops of Horse carried to Cheri and were by order from the Governour sent to Millain Argenson was President of the Senate at Grenoble a Gown-man but very well credited in Affairs both of Peace and War and of such authority as little of any moment was done without his approbation not only in the Camp but neither in all Piedmont The Prince and Governour were very well pleased with the taking of these two Gentlemen for having it in their thoughts to surprize the Citadel which was but weakly garrison'd a good part of the Gâ—…rison being drawn out and placed as hath been said in guarding 〈◊〉 â—…ard Line they thought that the Citadel would be the more eaâ—… 〈◊〉 now that it wanted a Governour and now the competition 〈◊〉 â—…he Garrison which had formerly been the occasion of all the scandal and of the ill Government of the present War and which as it were spoil'd and disordered all the common designs could be no longer an obstacle for the Prince having upon this occasion desired the Governour that he would give over his pretentions The Governour who saw all things in so desperate and ruinous a case was better content that it should fall into the Prince his hands then into those of the French and resolved at last though too late to please the Prince therein but this too late remedy served but little to the expiring enterprise The Prince when he had obtain'd his desire said for what reason it is not known that it was not now time to make the inâ—…ended attempt which made the Governour interpret the proposed enterprise in a sinister sence as if the Prince verily believing that he should have his desire denied had intended to take some fair pretence of concluding the treaty of agreement with the French which was never yet laid down so the design of surprizing the Citadel vanish'd diffidence and mis-understandings did daily encrease all was full of jealousie which discomposed all Negotiations Yet the Governour took no notice of any thing by reason of the precise Orders which he had from the King he continually provided the Prince with all things necessary and particularly with Powder though not without great expence he listned willingly to any thing that the Prince propounded touching the relief of the City but he interposed such difficulties in all attempts as retarded the execution till the occasion was
Ceva alleadging that it would require but a few days and small Forces and was notwithstanding of great consequences to pursue the rest of the Campagnia with more considerable progress and that notwithstanding Harcourts self might be free with the whole body of his Army fit to oppose any attempt of the Enemy and to secure the Country the mean while till supplies might come from Frances whereby when he should be recruited he might beâ—…ake himself to more important enterprizes he said moreover that Marquess Villa would approve of it by reason of the great advantage that would thereby redound to the Dowagers affairs and for that being already upon the way to Ceva he would advance thither the more easily with his Horse and with the French Foot which were with him and lastly he pâ—…ofer'd to go thither himself in person with 1500 of the Dowagers Foot ' desiring only one Regiment of French and three small pieces of Artillery assuring him that without further incommodating his Army he and Villa would speedily dispatch the business Harcourt was pleased with the proposal and gave way unto it so Pianezza went towards Alba to joyn and settle the business with Villa who approving of the design took upon him to go with 800 of the choicest Musketiers and with the greatest part of the Horse but without baggage to prepossess himself of the Town and of the victuals that were there and to block up all Avenues from the bringing of any succour to the Fort whilest Pianezza should advance with the Foot Artillery and Munition Villa at his first arrival made himself master of the Town and of some neighboring places which might have been a hindrance to him in taking the Fort and Pianezza having overcome the difficulties of the ways which were bad enough for the bringing of Artillery came within three days to the Town of Ceva and joyning with Villa the next day which was the fourth of Iuly began to attach the Fort their men were divided into two parts Villa placed himself with one part under a certain Tenaglia which had been abandoned by the Enemy and Pianezza with the other part on the right side of the said Tenaglia against a bulwark which was neer the gate and ordering their Cannon they betook themselves to take away their defences and then to fall upon the wall and to make mines whilest these things were doing Harcourt kept about Alba to oppose any succour which should be brought to the Fort or to prevent any design that the Spaniards might have of falling upon any other place but it was more then needed for 〈◊〉 Governour keeping still in Millain and the Prince in Inurea thougâ—… Cardinal Trivultio was gone to Allessandria where the chief Heads of the Army were met and where the people of those parts being mâ—…t were ready at any beck of the Commanders yet the many provisions which were there taken proved to no purpose they being to expect resolution from Millain which not being according to the Prince his Genius the time for action was spent in sending re-sending the consultations answers and replyes between Millain Alessandria and Inurea Wherefore the siege continuing without disturbance Marquess Pianezza had been very diligent in working the Mines on his side and though he had met with some obstacles yet he overcame them and went on So as his Mine being perâ—…ected before that of the other side he feared lest the Enemy might blow it up be summoned them to surrender threatning that otherwise he would give fire to his Mine which when it should be once done there would be no more place for parley And answer being made that they desired first to see some effects Pianezza drew up his men immediately that they might fall on as soon as the Mine should have play'd which having made a breach of 25 paces brâ—…ad the besiegers made a furious assault which being manfully with-stood by the Defendants order was given for redoubling it with greater vigour But the Defendants having done their best at the first they feared what might ensued if they should be re-assaulted Whereâ—…ore seeing all things ready for giving a new assault they did beat a parley and articled to surrender whereupon about 200 Spaniards and Piedmontese march'd out and were according to Articles convoy'd to Bagnasco This business was of great consequence to the Dowagers affairs for to boot with the great advantage she got from that whole County the taking of this place drew after it the like of the City Citadel and County of Mondovi For the Fort of Ceva being taken and afterwards the Town of Mulasana the Marquesses resolved to go to the taking in of Carru a strong Castle in those parts which held still for the Princes and Pianezza marching thitherward with some squadrons advanced towaâ—…ds the City of Mondovi inâ—…ending rather to frighten it then out of hope to take it nor did this prove amiss for those Citizens being terrified when they saw the victorious Forces advance towards the City they fâ—…ared they were come to take it they therefore threw open the Gates and willingly surrendred it He pursued his march afterwards towards Carru which despairing of reâ—… surrendred within twenty fours Ceva and the City and County of Mondovi being taken all the neighbouring Country return'd to the Dowagers obedience together with the Fort Carru Whereby the City of Conio being almost quite separated from all the other Towns of Piedmont which were â—…eld either by the Princes or Spaniards it was thought it would not be hard to take iâ—… especially since it could not be succor'd by the County of Nizza on which it confined not so much for that the Prince Cardinal had no Forces to draw into the field as though he had had any or that he should be furnish'd with any from Spain by sea yet the ways were so bad which led from the seâ—… side to Pieâ—…mont and the passages so difficult as it was impossible to convey men thither So as no Forces were to be feared from that side and Harcourt being willing to make use of the occasion threw himself immediately before it with his own and with the Dowagers men The enterprize was very hopefull nor of less advantage and consquence by reason of the scituation which being placed at the foot of the Apenine where being cut off from the Alps it divides the County of Nizza from Piedmont Conio is seated in an eminent place enclosed between two Rivers which falling down by two Valleys formed by the Apennine and running some few miles by the plain which lies beneath enclose that Town between Of these two Rivers the one which is called Ghez runs so close by one side of the Town as it serves it for a safe and deep ditch and by the height of the steep banks makes it unaccessible the other which is called Stura being about a bow shot from the Town is not of so much safety to it wherefore the Fortifications are the
possess'd by the Enemy and were both of them a great help to defend the City The Army being drawn neer the City and having at the very first taken the Suburbs they planted their Artillery against the walls trying if the Citizens would willingly surrender which they not doing they began their battery wherewith having made a breach Galeotti found the City was not to be defended wherefore they retired so hastily to the Castle as they had not time to carry their victuals along with them nor to break down the mils which were neer the walls things which did afterwards much accommodate the enemy who entring the City the fifth day when the Garrison had abandoned it and the City by the Bishops interposing surrendred upon condition So as the Enemy began immediately to begirt the Castle with Trenches and possess'd themselves of the Church Monastery of S. Dominico which stood between the City and the Castle the Garrison not having fortified it to keep from 〈◊〉 men in the defence thereof having hardly enough to defend the Castle And yet either foreseeing or already finding how prejudicial the taking of that Convent would be unto them they â—…ndeavoured to recoveâ—… it the next day by a stout sally but were forced to retreaâ—… The Duke sent the Horse afterwards to scour the Country who without resistance took the Castle Nuovo di Scrivia which Prince Thomaso chose for his quarters and having placed a quarter also in Pontecurone he took Voghera which threw the Gates open then turning upon the Towns and Villages thereâ—…bout he got good store of Victuals and brought it together with much more booty into the City but those who dwelt upon the hills resisted and preserved their goods and persons with much prejudice to their opposers the first and most important resolution of the opposers was to take Serravalle a Town scituated upon the way that leads to the Sea which being a place of great consequence whereby commerce with the Staâ—…e of Genoa was either block'd up or maintained the business was committed to Marquess Villa who going from the Camp with the Piedmont Horse and five French Regiments of Foot which in all made 1500 Horse and 3000 Foot he marched thitherward and took first Stasono which did willingly surrender and came afterwards to Serravalle where taking the Town without resistance he betook himself to the Castle whither the Garrison was retreated and where there was not any provision and yet it held out and afforded the Governour Siruela time who was very desirous to preserve that place to get together as many men as in so great streights he could from the Garrisons of the State of Millain and of the Towns in Piedmont having called Count Galliazzo Trotti from Asti and Don Vincenzzo Monsurio from Vercelli who by reason of the neighborhood of the State of Millain got into Allessandria without any hinderance with all their men Fra. Iovan Pallavicino Camp-master met with more difficulty and danger who was sent for by the Governour from Villa nova vvith order that leaving men and munition sufficient to keep that place from surprisal he should come into Allessandria vvith the rest vvhere the Governour stay'd expecting him to vvhich purpose he sent him â—…00 Horse to be his convoy Villa nova is neer upon 40 miles from the City of Alessandria in the midst of Piedmont neer to Towns strongly Garrison'd by the Enemy so as he was to march through the Enemies country which Pallavicimo did with much valour and speed and though he past very privatly to keep from being discover'd by the Enemy yet was he pursued by the Garrison of Carmagnuola which overtook him at the bridge of Villa Franca and strove to keep him from passing over it hoping to effect their desire by reâ—…son of 200 carriages which he brought along with him laden with warlike ammunition and also one Cannon so as they promised themselves clear victory with the slaughter of all his men and the getting of all his munition but Palavicino not at all abash'd at their approach placed himself with his ranks in order before the carriages and facing about made head against the Enemy and held them play till the Carriages and the Cannon past over the Bridge after which his men began to march in good order with their faces still towards the Enemy and still fighting who passing over after them did still pursue them till Pallavicino beâ—…ng come with his men to Gombino a Town two miles distant from the Bridge made himself master thereof and fortifyed himself in an advantagious place where he stay'd with his men in order expecting that the Enemy should advance but they not daring to assault him upon such disadvantagious tearms left pursuing him and retreated towards Carmagnuola suffering Pallavicino to pass freely into Allessandria whither he came safe with his men and carriages this so great recruite being so luckily come to the Governour was of great consequence for with them and with some other men that he had he made up a body of 5000 Foot and 300 Horse with the which marching into the field on the eighth of Octber he came to Fregarvola a Town neer Bosco intending to go from thence to Serravalle whither he had sent some Foot already that they might endeavour to get one after another into the Castle and though his men were fewer in number then the Enemy yet the Enemy being distributed into several quarters the Governour doubted not but that he being more in number then any one of the Enemies quarters his design might take effect Nor was he therein deceived for it fell out better then was expected the Duke of Longueville who was before Tortona with but a few men hearing of this expedition and fearing that the Enemy might fall upon some part of the Trenches which were ill provided of Defendants and might enter into the Castle and so into the City and cause some important mischief sent speedily back for all the Horse which were dispers'd abroad in several parts and brought them neerer Tortona and moreover sent for Marquess Villa from Serravalle who writ back that he thought it better to quit Tortona and be masters of Serravalle then to abandon Serravalle and come to before Tortona for that the way by Sea being block up on that part to the State of Millaln Tortona would not be able to hold out long and way would be made to further progress he therefore advised him to give over that Siege and to joyn with him in the taking of Serravalle but Longueville persisting in his own opinion redoubled his order with more efficacy Wherefore Villa leaving Serravalle though unwillingly forewent that Castle and the Town which he had already taken So the Governour having by the meer fame of his march luckily freed Serravalle which was held as good as lost he sent a sufficient Garrison thither to guard it and furnished it with munition keeping afterwards in the Town of Bosco he stay'd there to
Foot he concluded therefore that it would be better to bring all their men into one body and keep in that station which was very strong as being between two hills which were higher then those on which the Enemy was and that keeping the Gru before them which ran between the two Armies it was impossible they could fight them upon such advantage without passing over the Gru which he desired the Enemy would dare to do for by so doing their utter ruine would undoubtedly ensue and the loss of all their men whereby they the French might obtain a signal viâ—…tory and if as it might be believed the Spaniards might think this too dangerous and so keep idle where they were they might draw up their Artillery which might be done in one day or two and the Baggage might march securely in the Rere This advice was generally disliked all of them persisting in their former resolution of marching along the Gru but the Marquess knowing the certain danger they should run into by that march said resolutely he would not go that way and gave order to the Horse to march the way he should direct them and was so resolute therein as the rest changed their minds and came over to his opinion and ere long by an accident that hapned his opinion was clearly found to be the best and the only safe one a thick cloud arose upon day-break which took away the sight of the Campagnia and of the hill which vanishing away a little after Caracena's opinion was approved of several Troops of the Enemies Horse and Foot were discovered on the hill which made them all aware what imminent danger the Army would have incur'd had not Caracena persisted in his opinion wherefore the whole Army very much applauded the Marquess as their deliverer from so great a danger and acknowledged themselves infinitely obliged to him and not long after they might see the French Troops which lay towards Vighizvolo joyn with those upon the hill by which Caracena's counsel appeared to be the sole safety of that Army which was at that time of such importance for the preservation of the State of Millain Both the Armies kept their stations not acting any thing the French not daring to assault the Spaniards began to retire towards the Camp two hours before Sun-set which the Spaniards perceiving they also removed and went towards Pontecurone whither it came without any encounter but weary the Artillery was drawn by the Dutch of Prince Borso's Regiment and by some others of the same Nation by strength of Arms up the hill and safely brought to Pontecurone for which they had good store of drinking money given them a retreat which the fuller it was of danger and difficulty the more praise-worthy was it The Besiegers thinking that the Castle would immediately be surrendered now that the relieving Army was gone whereby they were deprived of all hopes of relief sent to demand the Castle but it was manfully answered that affairs were not yet brought to terms of surrender In this interim a great supply of Victuals and Ammunition was brought to the French Camp by the way of Acqui nor was Piedmont content only to send considerable succours to the enterprise of Tortona but the Dowager making use of this occasion design'd to take such Towns from the Spaniards as they were possest of and to free Piedmont absolutely whilst it was unprovided of requisite Garrisons To this purpose she got together a considerable body of men composed of the Military remainders in Piedmont and drawn out of the Garrisons thereof and of Montferrat to whom she added those that were sent by Marquess Villa when he parted from Serravalle and this was approved of by the French and Piedmonteses for by sending of these men into the field one of two things was likely to result either the recovery of â—…e Towns or the withdrawing of the Spaniards from defending â—…ortona and because the recovery of the Towns was the thing chiefly intended by the Dowager her opinion was approved of by Marquess Pianezza who propounded the enterprise of Verrua first and next that of Vercelli not so much in consideration of their slender Garrisons as for the safety and conveniency which would redound to Piedmont thereby and for that nothing else would more divâ—…rt the defending of Tortona And the manner of effecting both these enterprises being discuss'd the French Embassadour who could hear no more acceptable news then the recovery of Verrua which opened the way to France for the relief of Cassalle joyn'd willingly with Pianezza in his opinion Wherefore some Horse were sent to Verrua to possess themselves of the Avenues thereabouts that they might keep out the Spanish succour which might be sent thither from the confining Towns of Trino Pontestura or Villa-nuova The good success of this enterprise consisted in expedition wherefore Pianezza having sent men by the Poe to this intended enterprise and ladders and other necessary instructions along with them he marched towards the Town where he applyed ladders that very night by which he forced the Defendants to fly unto the Castle so he easily became Master of the Town which did facilitate the taking of the Castle But before he would attempt it he would try how the Defendants minds stood he therefore beat a Call summoning them to surrender whereupon they parâ—…ed and the next morning yielded upon honourable conditions by which the place was restored by the Spanish Governour to Pianezza who received it in the name of the Dowager and the Duke Verrua was a place of greâ—…t consequence by reason that it commanded the Poe which when Marquess Pianezza had so easily gotten he bethought himself of greater enterprises as to recover Verceâ—…li where the Garrison was much diminished by reason of the necessary defence of Tortona the Marquess cast his eye upon two Tenagâ—…ias that of St. Andrea and that of the Citadel which not being guarded answerable to their greatâ—…ess seemed easie to be taken if they should be attempted by night and when they should be taken would be a safe quarter against the City But this business required more men wherefore it had been formeâ—…ly thus ordered in Turin that all the French should joyn with Govognes Governour of the Citadel of Cassalle who coming from thence with part of the Garrison should take the Tenaglâ—…a of the Citadel and Pianezza with his Pâ—…edmontese was to take that of Sr. Andrea but whilst this enterprise was in hand it was interâ—…upted by no sleight accident The French Embassador â—…earing that Verrua was surrendred to Pianâ—…zza who held it in the Dowagers name began to complain pretending that since the French concur'd in the enterprise as well as the Piedmonteses the French were to have entred there in Garrison whereâ—…ore he much resented that Pianezza should do so greaâ—… an injury to the King of France's Forces Whereunto the Marquess answered that he was the Duke of Savoy's Souldier not Souldier to the King of
also there were but 1000 Foot and 200 Horse in Asti under the command of Captain Pietro Gonzales a valiant Commander the Governour fearing the loss of that City left a competent number of Souldiers before the Castle of Tortona and recommending the care of that Siege to Don Iovan Vasques Coronado went with the greatest part of his Forces into Alessandria that he might offer at relieving Asti at a neerer distance the Prince at his drawing neer that City endeavoured to steal over the Tanaro and to this purpose having got a barque which served to pass travellers over the river and a Mill which was fitted to the Haven he by means of these past some Souldiers over to the Abbey of S. Bartholomew that they might raise a little Fort to guard that shore where he left four Companies in Garrison the Governour having notice thereof sent Don Vincenzo Gonzaga that way with 3000 Foot and 200 Horse who when he came to the Abbey slew some of the Defendants and drove other some away took and destroy'd the Fort and made himself master of the Baâ—…que and of the Mill and the next day the Governour came to the same Abbey and clim'd up a hill together with the same Gonzaga and the Marquess of Caracena and Serra from whence he discovered the City and the Prince incamp'd before it and having by the consent of his companions sent 400 Horse over the Foord of Tanaro to relieve Asti giving the Captain express order that as he went towards the Foord he should observe what signs should be given him from the hill and perceiving that the Prince marched with all his horse to withstand their passage over the Foord the Governour made signs immediately to the Captain of the Horse that he should retreat who obeyed him the Governour by this unfortunate attempt lost all hopes of relieving the Town and not daring to forgo Tortona wherein he was so much concern'd for the preservation of Asti which he could not possibly effect without coming to a battle which Gonzales foreseeing or as some others say being advised by the Governour so to do and finding it impossible for him to defend so great a circuit of Wall with so few men after some shot was made he agreed with the Prince to abandon the City retaining the Cattle and the Citadel so as 200 Horse which he had with him might be suffer'd to pass safely into Alessandria which being agreed upon and performed the City came into the Prince his power who presently fell to make Mines under the Castle and Citadel so as the Castle being play'd upon by the Artillery and molested by Mines and some assaults which were valiantly withstood surrendred after three days space upon condition that Gonzales might go with 200 men which he had with him into the Citadel whereupon the Prince got the Castle and fell to besiege the Citadel which not being able to hold out for want of Victuals did ere long surâ—…ender upon honourable conditions by which Geonalea with the Garrison went safe into the City of Alessandria and the Prince by the full victory of that City became also master of the Tanaro the Governour foreseeing that Asti being taken the Prince would presently fall to relieve Tortona and to that purpose that he began to send quantity of provision into Nizza and Asti ordered Marquess Caracena to go with Horse and Foot to the taking in of Acqui whereunto Caracena thinking that it was needless to use Cannon by reason of a breach that was in the wall which though it were fil'd up with earth and bavins he went to give an assault on that part but not being able to force it he tarried there till Cannon were brought from the City of Alessandria which as soon as the Citizens saw they surrendered Acqui their lives being saved the womens honours preserved and respect being born to Churches that the Citizens might suffer less prejudice onely the Spaniards were suffer'd to enter who sent much of the meal that they found there into Annone and much whereof during the Siege was carried into the Castle about which Caracena not willing to busie himself especially since he had sent back the Cannon into Alessandria he sent Colonel Stoz with great part of his men to oppose a body of Horse which was sent by Plessis and Villa to relieve the besieged place which relief being repulss'd by Stoz Caracena past on to Rivalta in Montferrate where he fell to lay the country waste as well to feed his Horse with the unripe corn as to incommodiate the succorers in their march as much as he could 800 Neapolitan Horse were at this time come unto the camp which the Governour sent to Pozzvolo and the parts adjacent that they might keep off whosoever should come to relieve the place besieged he moreover caused deep ditches to be digg'd about the line of circomvolution and finally ommitted not any thing that was necessary for the obtaining of the victory which he so much desired Souldiers came also daily to within the line from the States Militia and many Millainese Lords amongst which Prince Trivultio who in the siege the year before came to the camp with 1500 Foot and 200 Horse all of them being his own Vassals and at his own charge conducted and not at all wearied with so great an expence he was one of the first that came now to the recovery of the lost City Prince Thomaso came also with so numerous a succour as was thought could not be withstood and foording over the Scrivia four Miles beneath Tortona he came to within four Miles of the City and kept his men in the Towns of Alvernca and Castellari which are at the Foot of the hill the next day being accompanied by Marquess Villa he went up the hill with four hundred Horse to discover the most convenient stations which when he had done he caused his men to come up the hill with the Artillery and placed them in Ranks together with the Artillery against the Line and made as if he would presently fall to an assault but did not the Spanish Army was ran ked on the other side with in the Line with their Artillery ready to receive and repulse the threatened assault but resolved not to stir out nor to forgo their advantage nor to hazard that victory which they thought they were sure of as long as they kept within the â—…renches at last after four days the Prince drew off and foregoing the thought of relieving the City and consequently the victory which he had so much striven for he came down the hill on the same side that he had come up making his Rere his Van his van his rere being come upon the plain he made some shot towards the Castle which served for a sign to the Desendants to wish them to surrender which they did the same day upon Honourable conditions of carrying with them four pieces of Cannon they marched out to the number of
after having stay'd a while in those parts causing no little jealousie in the Towns of the State of Millain confining upon Piedmont he at last sat down before Trino the Garrison whereof he knew was lessened a little before by the new Governour But having quartered his men at his first arrival in the neighbouring Towns and keeping as it were idle for three dayes he gave occasion for the entring of two succours the one of two Companies of Horse and one of Foot from Vercelli the other of 300 Dragoons from Bremi so as the Prince beginning to believe that if more relief should be suffer'd to enter the enterprise which he thought would have been easie would prove otherwise he began to begirt the Town at a nearer distance and drew his line round about it and whilst this was in doing the opposers advanced by a covered way to a half moon who being repuls'd by a fierce sally made by the Governour Batteville were forced to retreat a little with much loss But the line being afterwards perfected the Prince with his Brother Don Mauritio and Viscount Turen divided the out-fortification between them and fell to take the half moon which when they had taken they betook themselves to the Cities Bulwark and made a great mine underneath it which made a great breach by which the Prince did verily believe he should enter the City Wherefore before he came to an assault he intimated to Batteville that he would have him surrender which Batteville refusing to do a fierce assault was made which being thrice given was thrice repuls'd with loss to the Assailants But the Prince preparing for another assault Batteville who found his Munition grow low his men weary by their long pains taking by their continual watching and not able to make any longer defence surrendred upon honourable conditions in case he should not be relieved within five dayes Which being expired and no relief appearing he march'd with his men out of the Town which was delivered over to the Prince and furnished with a French Garrison as were all the other Towns of Piedmont which were regain'd The Prince went from Trino with his Army much lessened by the running away sickneâ—… and death of many occasion'd by the badness of that ayre the malignity whereof had influence not onely upon the meaner sort but upon the chief Commanders for Turen Marquess Villa and his Son Count Camerano fell sick and were forc'd to return for cure to Turin Nor did the Prince himself scape free for falling sick of a Fever he tarried many dayes in Inurea so as the care and government of the Army fell to Monsieur Plessis Pralin who being recruited with more men from France sat down before Pontestura where meeting with no resistance save only some sallies which the Garrison made upon his quarters he proceeded slowly in the siege but having afterwards gotten into the Town by a breach made by Cannon taken it he soon aâ—…ter took the Castle upon conditions of fair war whereinto the Garrison was retreated which Castle was afterwards demolish'd by the French that they might not be forced to munite it as would have been requisite with a good Garrison Thus did the Spaniards lose the Towns in Piedmont which they had gotten with much effusion of blood and expence of moneys hoping to make themselves thereby sole Arbitrators of that State and to keep the French out of the State of Millain But by the misfortune of the Affairs of that Crown they failed in these designs for the Forces which were sent thither from Spain having occasioned the coming of the French thither the Spaniards saw the French not only possest of many Towns and even of the Castle of Turin but of those which were taken by the Spaniards and which they recoveâ—…ed just as befel the Citadel of Cassalle so the Spaniards saw the French become Arbitrators of Piedmont and Montferrat and saw them come even to the Confines of the State of Millain The new Governour finding his Forces too weak to make resistance minded more the defence of the State of Millain then the maintaining of what the Spaniards had gotten in Piedmont wherefore he gave himself wholly to view the Forts to furnish them with all things necessary and to re-enforce them with strong Garrisons in case they should be assaulted as he feared they would be there remaâ—…ned nothing to the entire recovery of Piedmont but Vercelli and St. Ia Vercelli had so strong a Garrison in it and was so abundantly furnish'd with all provisions as it was judged vain to attempt it without a puissant Army and St. Ia now that both Armies were retreated to their Winter quarters was reseâ—…ved for one of the first enterprises of the next Campagnia so as the Military affairs being by the sore Winâ—…er reduced almost to a taciâ—…e Truce Prince Thomaso growing to confide more in the Court of France now that Cardinal Richlieu was dead resolved to go thither from whence he retuâ—…ned much satisfied with not only honourable favours but with imployments of great authority being made Generalâ—…ssimo of the French Forces in Italy with power to use them in what enterprises he should please for which he had good pay assigned him and good store of men The pay came to 200000 pounds Sterling and the men to 12000 Foot and 3000 Horse The Prince being return'd went into the field the beginning of the next Spring and entring into the lower Montferrat entertained himself in the Langhe in affairs of small imporâ—…ance then going to Cassalle he sent Don Mauritio with a good strength of men towards Arona and following afer himself with the rest he endeavoured to take it which he easily might have done had not Camp-master Fra Iovanni Pallavicino who marched with incredible speed prevented him with Mortaâ—…a's Brigade Count Riviera accompanied Pallavicino in this march with a few men and being both of them come in 24 â—…ours to Anghiera fiâ—…ty good miles from Mortara they found Don Mauritio before Arona busie in digging Trenches and raising Batâ—…eries and â—…he Prince meeting with so great opposition and hearing that the Governour drew nâ—…er with all his Forceâ—… resolved to give over the enterpriâ—…e and returned with all his men into Piedmont whither wâ—…en he was come he sat down before St. Ia and having made his Approaches and his Batteries he gave himself wholly to the taking of it but he was detained by an accident of no small importance for the City of Alessandria having kept her Gates lock'd one whole day about two a clock at night sent out 1500 Horse under Don Vincenzo Gonzaga and two Foot Brigades the one of Pallavicino's the other of Don Gregorio Britto Gonzaga was to take the City of Asti and Pallavicino and Britto the Citadel Gonzaga failed of his intent but Pallavicino and Britto fared better for coming by night to the Citadel they assaulted it at unawares and took it before the Garrison which was but weak were
well awake The Dowager and the Prince hearing of this so sudden and so unexpected success sent both of them speedily to repair it The Dowager with fortunate speed sent the Companies of her guard and of her Sons commanded by the Counts of Aglie Feusasco Piusasco and Tana who coming hastily to the City with their Souldiers which were 300 Horse and some Foot which they took up in their march entred the City in sight of the Enemy who having taken the Citadel meant to take the City which they easily might have done had not the Citizens and the Garrison who were encouraged by this recruit put themselves in a posture of safety not fearing to be over-powered as they had hourly reason to doubt before they therefore breathed a while expecting the Prince his coming who not being able to march so fast by reason of the number of men which he brought with him to relieve the languishing City came thither just then when the Enemy by reason of his appearance thought it good to draw off from the City to the necessary defence of the Citadel The Prince having reduced the City to her former condition of safety did so munite it as that it was not only able to defend it self but to threaten the Citadel and retreating to Camerano he gave himself to impede any attempt which might be made by the Spaniards who notwithstanding conveyed both men and munition into the Citadel which were sent them from the Governour who was come into Alessandria but the Siege of St. Ia although somewhat disturb'd by this accident was not given over for the Prince having substituted the Governour of Cassalle Covogne in his place it was strongly continued the Town was much plaid upon by batteries and sallies stoutly repuls'd insomuch as Don Diego Alverado who was Governour of the Town having made honourable resistance when he saw the Town was no longer to be maintain'd surrendred it upon honourable conditions The Prince having rid his hands of this business betook himself wholly to the recovery of the Citadel of Asti which being besieged and batter'd in vain held out and did not only annoy the besiegers with their great and small shot but even the City it self but not being able to do any more it yielded to the Prince who since the defendants had suffeâ—…ed themselves to be reduced to the utmost extremity would not receive them but upon discretion which he used notwithstanding very modestly suffering the common sort to go forth friendly and detaining their Captains and Officers only till such time as two piece of Cannon which were drawn out of the Citadel were restored by the Governour and some prisoners of War that were in his hands The City and Citadel of Asti being freed the Prince went with some 5000 Foot into the Langhe and having left Marquess Villa with the Dowagers Horse for a relief on his back he advanced to the Ligustick Sea even neer to Finale intending to fall upon that Marquisate both by land and sea when the French Fleet should be come from Catalognia to Provence and to make himself master of it and the Prince being already come to the Gates of the Town was lodged in the Church called Pia within Musket-shot of Finale and had taken up some other convenient quarters The Garrison was but weak in Finale a good part thereof being sent two days before by Don Iohn di Castro Governour of that Marquisate to defend Cingio fearing lest the Prince should assault it and it wanted provision of bread but both these wants were supplied by Genova the Spanish Embassadour victuals were sent thither by Sea and the Governour sent Fra. Iovanni Pallavicino with 1300 Foot from Millain who with no less speed and fortune then he had done at Arona past over the Mountains neer Genoa and being come to Voltri went by the sea side to Finale where he entred with his men before the face of the Enemy The Prince had not brought victuals with him to feed his men in that barren Country for he expected to be furnished therewith by the French Fleet which not appearing the Prince seeing the Town well recruited and provided himself and his men in great scarcity of victuals and hearing that the Militia gathered together apace round about knew he could not tarry there without much danger wherefore he gave over the enterprise and retreated into Montferrat freeing that Marquisate from the danger it would have fallen into had the Prince tarried therebut one day longer for the very next day after his departure the Fleet appeared at Sea which hearing that the Prince was gone towards Montferrat return'd also to Provence from whence it was come This being the last thing that was done by the Spaniards French and Piedmonteses in the year 1644 for the Armies were sent to their Winter Quarters after this business of Finale We will end this our second part and in the third will treat of the Wars which were raised elsewhere between the Pope on the one side and the Commonwealth of Venice the great Duke of Tuscany the Dukes of Modena and Parma on the other side which having hapned at the same time that these by us related did we that we might not confound order in the Affairs of the two first Books have reserved for the following part where looking back they shall be related and pursued with all truth and sincerity FINIS †Caesarve priorem Pompeiusve parem Lucan lib. 1