the Dukes-Wood but commonly being called the BUSSE And so this Citie builded a Townehouse a Court to entertayne the Duke likewise many Churches and in these latter times exceeding manie Monastaries And in the yeere of our Lord 1380. the foundation of the greate Church called Sainct Iohns Church was layde Also in those times the Cittie was enlarged and made greater and newe Walles moates and Bolwarkes and foure seuerall gates made to it vnder the commande of this citie at present doth belong Kempenlande Peellande Maselande and the Lande of Oosterwyke in which Landes are scituate foure chiefe Townes as Helmont Eyndhoven Megen and the Grave besides three score and twelue Villages wherein are one hundred and one Parish churches Through this citie of the Busse runneth a faire Ryver called the Diese it lyeth 2. leagues from the Ryver called the Mase 3. leagues frō Heusden and 12. leages frō Anwerpe This citie is marveillous strōg by reasō of the lande which lyeth roūde about it being verie lowe meddowes which almost continually are overwhelmed with water especially in the Winter season insomuch that none can assaulte it from without Besides the strong Fortification of this citie of high Bulwarkes very broad Moates Hornworkes halfe Moones It was strengthened with three greate and very strong Fortresses or Sconces twoo of them neare the Vuchter gate where some high grounde lyeth The greater and outwardmost is called the Fort Isabella The lesser which lyeth betweene that and the citie is called Sainct Antonio And the other which lyeth on the Eastside of the citie in a Morrace is called the Petler-Sconce Thus much touching the describing of the citie to you Nowe to returne to this present Siege the Prins of Orenge by order of the Lordes the States Generall did beginne very timely in the yeere sente vp some shipping with Ordinance Amunition and other warrelike necessaries to Nimmegen and to the Sconce of 's Gravenweert After this aboute the midst of Aprill Anno 1629. the Prins caused the most parte of his Forces to be raysed out of theire Garrisons taking theire Rendevous towardes the said Sconce And so with a greate Resolutenesse and courage on the 24. of Aprill early in the morning at 6. of the clocke his Eccellence departed out of the Hage with a braue Trayne of Valliant Commanders and Officers and went directly for Utrick from thence for Arnhem and so for 's Gravenweert Where his Eccellence finding his Troopes in readinesse instantly departed and marched to the Mokerheath and there the whole Army stood in Battell the 28. of Aprill and quartered that night vnder the Heavens Canopy The next morning at the breake of daye they marched forward to the citie called the Grave over the Bridge and so directly towardes the BVSSE where a Troope of Horse came that same euening And the next daye which was the 30. of April they viewed the Citie and in the afternoone aboute three a clock his Eccellentie came thither with his whole Armye enquartering himselfe with 134. Companies at Vucht a Village very neere to the twoo greate Sconces called Isabella and Anthonio and tooke his owne lodging in a faire ould building called Heymshouse The other chiefe Quarters his Excellence ordered in this manner Counte Ernst at Hintem with 50. Companies Counte William of Nassau the Governor of Heusden at Orten with 32. Companies The Lorde of Brederode aboute the Petteler-Sconce with 26. Companies and the Count of Solms at Engelen neere Crevecoeur for the safetie of our Victuall and Amunition Shipping which laye there And one the 11. of Maye Mons Pinsen came thither with 23. Companies and tooke his Quarter at Deuteren In the meane time all the Quarters being layd out and every Regiment and Companye hauing theire ground giuen them His Excell caused certaine thousandes of Husbandemen to come out of the Betuw the Tieler and Bommeler-Weerd and other places to the campe which with the helpe of the Souldiers did in few dayes entrench euery Quarter and being defensible as so many bees to theire hiues so each Souldier brings some thing to make himselfe a Hutt This being done his Excellence rides about to view the ground The Line of circumvallation being nigh 30. English Miles in circuit The Siege running thus from the right side of the Dam where a Riuer called the Dommel was stopt it ran along by Generall Cicills Regiment and so to Coronell Harwords from thence to the French and Walloones and along the Heath to the stone Gallowes Then a long to Deuteren from thence to the Busse-Sloate and so along the men of warre to Engelen and Crevecoeur and from thence on the other side of the Riuer called the Diese downe to Orten from thence to Hintem where Count Ernst his Quarter laye and so forward to Coudwater and to the Lord of Brederods Quarter and thence along the Uffrouws Sconce and Berkel-Sconce to the Dam where the out Line met againe The Governor of the BVSSE called Grobbendoncq hearing that our Army came marching towardes the Citie and seeing our Horsemen making a bravado in compassing and viewing thereof could not beleeue or be perswaded that it was intended to besiege him but that the plott was layd to besiege Breda Yea hee said playnlie that he did thinke the Prins was not so vnwise for to beginne such a foolish acte But presently after perceiuing that he setled his Quarters and his Army approching towardes the Citie and to annoye it hee began to ponder his owne negligence that he had not provyded the Citie sufficiently of Men Ordinance and Gunpowther although a little before he could haue had certaine thousand weight of powther from Luyke which for the couetuousnesse of monnie tooke noe effect This newes comming to Brussels and other places in Braband some set very light by it esteeming this Citie to bee invincible but others considering theire vnpreparednesse and wante of men and monnie were much amased The Archduchesse sent one Post after another for Spayne caused her chiefe Commanders of warre to assemble and beganne to laye theire witts togeather howe to rayse monnies for the paye of theire Souldiers that so they might gett them in feelde Grobbendoncq wrote in all hast for more men and powther and that the Archduchesse would vse some speedie meanes to releeue the Citie some of the Enemies cheefe Commanders when they heard of this as I am credibly informed sayd smylinglie that Grobbendoncq was one of those stout and valliant men which did not feare the Divel himselfe yea scoffed at him and as it were desyred to see hem As this Governor did often wish that the Prins would come and visit him but when he sawe him indeed he was as sore affrayde as the rest and desyred soonest to be rid of him His Excellence the first daye of Maye suffered divers Women Children Nunnes Maydservantes to departe out of the Citie The Troopes of Horsmen which laye in Garnison within the Citie thought also to passe out of the Citie without anie
consent of the Prins but were forced to returne in the Towne againe Betweene the 4. and 5. of Maye in the night there slipt into the Towne some 800. Men which came from Breda by the waye of Vlymen and along Deuteren where Monsieur Pinsens Quarters was afterward and from thence wading vp to the Armepitts in the water got into Sainct Iohns gate By reason whereof his Excellence did cause a Dyke to be made from the Vuchterheath to Pinsens Quarter over the drownedland by Grobbendoncks Koy and likewise along the Busse-Sloate as farre as to Engelen wrought all by Pesants which brought earth and Sande thither in boates with twigs of trees or brush to laye vnder and betwixt the earth that the water might not wash it awaye And so the whole Siege was compassed and shutt in 8. or 10. dayes Betweene the 11. and 12. of Maye Count Ernst did approche in his Quarter as farre as is noted in the Mappe from A to B and there made a Corps de guarde and bargayned with his Workemen to make him a Batterie there of sixe peeces of ordinance which Batterie within tenne or twelue dayes after was made being very neere within Musket shott of the Towne And by reason the water encreased there could be noe neerer approches made at that time because all the ground towardes the Citie stood blanke vnder water to which ende the Enemy in the Citie cut asunder the Cadyke going towardes the Orterdyke noted with the letter D. The 14. daye of Maye our men brought 40. flat Turfe Ships in the Camp to make Bridges The 15. the enemie sallied forth of the Petler vpon the Lord of Brederoods Quarter but were soone drouen backe againe The 16. they of Towne sallied forth of the Towne in boates vpon Count Ernst his Quarter but were faine to retraict not effecting any thing against vs. Aboute the 20. we began to make an out Line betwixt Engelen and Crevecoeur foâ— the safety of our Horse and all the Lines hauing twoo steps The bottome thereof being aboute 16. foote and the top 6. foote broade And by the Vlymer-Bridge his Excellence caused a Sconce to be made against the stragling Souldiers of Breda which was thought invincible The 22. Count William caused some Canon shot to be made into the Towne of 6. and 7. pound bullets and afterwardes hauing perfected a Batterie did continue in shooting with twoo halfe Cannons which sent in bullets of 24. pound and a little peece which shot 6. pound The 23. a Post ventured to get into the Towne but being descryed followed was drownde by the waye but neuerthelesse our people got him dead and brought his secrett Letters to the Prince The Outline of the Siege being thus finished and made defencible then the English and French which were in his Excellencies Quarter broake ground and each Nation striuing for his honour made towardes the Towne to wit the French towardes the greate Sconce Isabella with their Ingeners Mons Porcibal and his Sonne and the English towardes the lesser and farther Sconce called Sainct Antony with theire Ingeners Ian de Bos and Master Humphry The 28. Count Ernst commaunded to make shott into the Citie with three halfe Cannons and suddenly after his Batterie being finished did continue shooting with twoo halfe Cannons which shot Bullets of 24. pound and afterwardes with three peeces more of 12. pound shott The same daye in the night some 30. or 40. Muskettiers sallied forth of the greate Sconce Isabella and did discharge vnder the Ordinance of our Carabins and so retraicted not doeing any thing else The 29. Porcival made a Line which they of the greate Sconce broke in peeces and so was left The same daye Counte William caused shot to be made into the Towne from a second Batterie with three peeces of Ordinance which carryed Bullets of 24. pound and with other three peeces of 12. pound and his first Batterie with three peeces of 6. pound and one of 3. pound also continuing The 30. came forth of the greate Sconce Isabella 40. Muskettiers vnto our approches and discharging theire firelockes mayming some of our men returned againe The same daye those of the little Sconce sallied forth and killed an English Lieftenante and his man with Musket short hurting another Souldier and so were drouen in againe The first of Iune in the night they of the Towne fyred vpon the top of the Church steeple three times pulling vp the fire euery time thrise the French seeing this fell vpon some Workes which those of the greate Sconce had made chasing them out of theire Workes and got manie shouelles armes and other implements The English in the meane time making Waye and Passage towardes the little Sconce drawing neerer and neerer And by reason the water began to diminish fall at this time Count Ernst went forwarde with his approches and made the twoo Lines marked with C and E and made a Corps de guarde vpon F in the Hintemer-Waye This Corps de guarde was finished in fewe dayes after being made Canon proofe and guarded with Pallisadoes The same time the French wonne the Line of the greate Sconce which broke our Line which was made the 29. of Maye At that time were slaine a Leeftenant and a Volantarie likewise Monsieur de Vitre was shot in his shoulder and thigh neere to the Conterscharpe of the greate Sconce Betweene the second and third daye Count Ernst approched with the Lines which are marked G H I to some small millhills K and there made a Corps de guarde which afterwardes was changed and made a Batterie for twoo halfe Cannons On Whitsonday the 3. of Iune the French beganne to shoote with 6. peeces of 24. pound Bullets from a Batterie which was made in the Line of Communication passing from the English Workes to the French for the assistance of on another if need were The same daye at night they of the Towne drewe vp fire againe in the greate Church steeple The 6. and 7. of Iune And whereas the approaches and Corps de gardes in Counte Ernst his Quarter daylie were furthered so he approached from the said Millhills along the Line L and at M made a Corps de garde from whence his men went to the letter N the Line of Communication along the Kadyke to the Quarter of Counte William And the same night approached to the Stonebridge in the Hintemer-Way to the letter O and the 7. they began to sap ouer that Bridge and the night following made the Corps de garde which is marked with the letter P. And the dayes following they did sap towardes the Horneworke at the Hintemer-end along the little Waye on both sides thereof because the Lande laye vnder Water Insomuch that his Grace bargayned to make a Batterie there the 14. of Iune for 3. peeces of Ordinance at the letter Q. and afterwardes another Batterie of 2. peeces at the letter R. The 8. a French Captaine called Monsieur de Vittenval
was shot in the Trenches looking betweene twoo Cannon Baskets and his Lieftennante succeeded in his place The same daye the French began to make Cannon shot of 24. pound vpon the Horneworke of the greate Sconce The 9. His Excellentie caused aboue 140. Cannō shot to be made vpon the little Sconce and into the Citie from the greate Batterie And the same daye some Souldiers came forth of the Towne towardes Pinsens Quarter to take some Horse and Workemen but were drouen backe againe Counte Ernst at this time was advised by his Ingener Matthijs van Voord to make a greate Gallerie directly vpon the Citie from the letter N. betweene the Hintemer-end and the Orter Bulwarke which should be made in this manner The plaine thereof should be a foote heigth aboue water and 12. foote broad betweene the Walles thereof on both sides which Walles should be Cannon proofe And at euery 8. or 10. foote length a Travers to be made also Cannon proofe Which his Excellentie and Count Ernst with the States Committies approoved of And so instantly order was giuen that it should be made To this end the twoo Batteries marked S and T were put forth to be made each of them for eight peeces of Ordinance The Wings or Hinderparte thereof closing togeather and hauing on the sides Corps de guardes for the safetie of the Batteries and so this greate Gallerie was begunne the 8. of Iuly by these Ingeners Matthijs van Voord and Iames Slip. And by reason the Place where this greate Gallerie was to be made was alltogeather a Morrace which was overflowne with Water at some places a mans heigth wee were faine to fill the Waye as we worked forward with brush and earth which was brought thither from afarre of in Cartes And for the more securitie of this Gallerie there were made the Batteries V and W. The same daye at night six Frenchmen went in Armour of Musket proofe to viewe the Conterscharfe of the Horneworke belonging to the greate Sconce but never a shot was made at them The same night the French advanced theire workes to the Conterscharfe of the Horneworke where they began to mine but stopped it againe The 11. came into Count Ernsts Quarter eleauen Companies more of Scotsh This daye the English began to make Cannonshot of 24. pound at the little Sconce from a Batterie that had twoo peeces which shot at the Sconce gate The same daye the French made shot from a Batterie which they made vpon the Conterscharfe of the Horneworke Dito Monsieur de Candale came into the Quarter and had the Watch in the Trenches The 14. the English began to shoote Granadoes out of 2. Morters into the greate Sconce Isabella and the little Sconce Sainct Antony whereof one fell into the Powther Roome of the greate Sconce and with a wondrous greate Noyse like a Thunder clap threwe as it were whole Houses in the Ayre to the admiration of diuers The same daye his Excellentie and the States went vpon the Batterie and sent some Granadoes into the little Sconce which made parte of the Walles to flie vp that wee could hardlie see the Sconce for Dust and Smoake The last night they in the Towne drewe vp fire againe in the Church steeple The same daye Count Ernst went forwarde with his sap along the smale Waye towardes the Hintemer-end raysing the passage with Brush and earth and advanced so much that the 19. the Corps de guarde Numero 1. and vpon the 28. the Corps de guarde Numer 2. were made And to advance the workes of the mayne Gallerie at Numer 3. and 4. twoo Batteries were made each of one peece of Ordinance The 15. His Excell commaunded to let the Water which was stopped at the Dommel to runne rounde about his Quarter And the same daye the English sent six Granadoes into the twoo Sconces whereof twoo made a fearefull stirre among them threw some of theire Hutts over the Walles Forcing the Enemye to saue themselues in the Out-workes vntill the Granadoes had done theire operatiō wee in the meane time playeing vpon them with Cannon and Musket shot as fast as wee coulde The 16. in the night the Enemie sallied forth of the Hintemer-gate and beate the Scotsh out of theire Trenches as likewise those of the greate Sconce in number some 50. or 60. Men came out with Treshing cudgels Pistolls and Clubs and beate the French out of theire Trenches and slewe some of the English which were employed there in making of the French approches The same night the English sent three Granadoes into the little Sconce and did greate endeavour to fill the moate of the halfe Moone with Brush and earth but they of the Sconce threw forth hookes and pulled out our Brush sometimes as fast as we did put it in and cast out firebrandes and Handegranadoes to burne it so that wee had hot worke to prevaile with them Likewise they of the greate Sconce threw forth Handegranadoes and Firebrandes to breake and burne the Gallerie which the French began to make towardes the Horneworke but neverthelesse they got vp that night three posts or ioynts of theire Gallerie The 17. the English were mynded to haue made an assaulte vpon the halfe Moone being they had made a passage over the moate but the Captaine of the Watch being hurte it was deferred The 18. the French began to make a Gallerie directlie vpon the middlewing of the Horneworke The 19. the English began to make a Gallerie towardes the halfe Moone of the little Sconce the 20. they worked forwarde with theire Gallerie by cleere dayelight and sent eight Granadoes into it which made the Enemye call vpon the name of the Ladye Mary most fearefullie and fled into theire Conterscharfes to save themselves The night following they drewe vp fire in theire high steeple againe The 21. were sent 8. Granadoes more into the little Sconse with many Cannonshot everie daye and instant The 20. the French began a second Gallerie on the right hand of the first And the same daye the French broake a myne into the Horneworke The 21. the English broake a myne into the halfe Moone of the little Sconce And began to make a second Gallerie on the right hand of the first The 22. in the night the English went couragiously forwarde with theire Gallerie but they of the Sconce sallied forth and set it on fyre The English neverthelesse watching an oppurtunity suddenlie fell vpon the Enemie insomuch that they had noe time to seeke and returne the same waye which they came forth And so divers of them being enforced to make speed or to be put to the sworde leaped into the moate and there were drowned The same night the English set fyre on theire myne and made an assaulte vpon each side of the halfe Moone but the myne operating contrary to theire expectation they beganne another myne and went forward with theire Galleries The French also gave fire to a myne but effected little At this
time to carry their Prisonner away to end the dispute pistole him and so the Duke brought of his dead bodie This skirmish during a while after Count Henry marched awaye and we to our Quarters The 4. of Iuly in the night the Enemy came vpon our Army intending to breake the stoppage of the Dommel but were prevented and manie of them slayne At this time some Pesants were taken which had led the Enemy shewen them the way through the water howe to come vpon vs as they did seuerall times in the night Whereof twoo were hanged in his Excell Quarter Having made this digression I returne againe to our Approaches before the English came to the laying over of their first Gallerie There the Captaine of his Excell Guard got a dangerous shot in the forhead that he lost his eye Captaine Omkaes a worthy Ingener shewing his bodie too open was snapt of and slaine with a firelocke and Captaine Clarke shot through both his legs and hauing brought over their Gallerie they could not come to the moate of the little Sconce before they had beaten the Enemie out of twoo Traverses and a point which came out of the Conterscharfe in the forme of a halfe Moone on our right hand next the Dommel at the entrance of the Gallerie Over this first Water on the left hand they had a Batterie vpon which Coronell Harwood was shot through his hat The Lord of Oxford standing by The Gallerie being ouer they beganne to sap and made a mine in the Enemyes first Traverse that night which Sir Iacob Ashley commanded in the Trenches desirous of honour he was appointed with some 60. Pikes and Musketteirs to fall on after the Mine was sprong and Captaine Gouldwell as eldest Captaine to second him with more Men before the Mine was blowne vp he gaue the Enemy an Allarme to drawe them on towardes our Mine and the Mine being sprung set on with his Men and beate the Enemie to a retreate out of parte of theire Travers our Men the Enemye giuing fire brauelie one to another a good while but the English lyeing open to the Bulwarke of the little Sconce and their other Traverse were faine to retreate againe into the Mouth of their Gallerie This Mine tooke not well but sprang rather backward then forward and did more hurte to our Men then to the Enemye yet from this earth which was cast vp out of the Enemyes Travers they beganne to sap forwarde which the Enemye seeing at last they quitted it and so became Masters of it and getting a little more elbowe roome they advanced forward to the moate of the little Sconce making Guardes Batteries and Blindes till they came to the very brinke of it where they beganne a second Gallerie The 7. of Iuly in the euening aboute eleauen a clocke Monsieur Douchant Leeftenante to Coronel Chattillon commanding the French Trenches they of the Conterscharfe sallied forth in number about 100. Men and overcame by force of Armes twoo of our Corps de guardes and mayntained them against vs for the space of an houre and then being forced to leaue them in the retreate the Ensigne which commanded them was taken prisoner In the meane time some 200. Men of the Horneworke intended to sallie forth but being discouered returned backe againe The 8. the Enemye blewe vp a Mine vpon the English but did them noe harme The 9. Mons Chattillons Companie hauing the guard in the French Approaches fell vpon the Horneworke of the greate Sconce and founde but 7. or 8. Men in it which did not dispute the matter long quitted it and retired to their Conterscharfe where on their right hand they cut it off and made a small Travers in it whence they gaue fire with their Musketteirs and firelockes vpon them But the French hauing put their Gallerie ouer the moate of the Conterscharfe they came to the second moate of the greate Sconce where they likewise put over a Gallerie into the Faulsebray On the left hand of their Gallerie the Enemye had cut off their Faulcebray to hinder our Workemen and Miners by giuing fire from a small Travers vpon them The 11. his Excellencye caused an inwarde Line to be made towardes the Citie beginning at Pinsens Quarter and so passing by his Excellent Quarter came to Brederoes Quarter and went from thence to Count Ernsts Quarter being fortified with manie Redouts whereby those of the Towne were prevented to come forth vnto our Quarters The 12. Count Morris of Nassau was made Coronel in steede of Monsieur Fama The 14. his Excell gaue order for the repayring of the Watermills neere the Diese and appointed 21. Mathematicall Mills to be made there besides which drewe vp abundance of water from belowe sucking it vp with funnells and casting it vp dismist it selfe vpon the higher Lande making a new currant The Gallerie in Count Ernsts Quarter Numer 5. was appointed to be made the 8. of Iuly but not begonne before the 14. for want of earth vpon which Gallerie the Enemy shot verie hotlie both with Cannon and musketts insomuch that manie of the Workemen in the Mouth of this Gallerie were slayne The Gallerie being brought over the Enemy retired in those places which they had cut off noted in the Mappe Numer 8. 9. but in respect the Scotsh continually went forwarde with sapping along the side of the Horneworke the Enemy was forced likewise to leaue those places The 15. Count Henry of Berke raysed his Army and departed from Boxtel marching towardes the Graue and passed the Mase over the Moakerheath but first sent a Pesant to bring a Letter to the Gouvernor Grobbendonk in the Towne which Pesant was taken in our Army vpon some suspition and the Letter founde and brought to his Excellentie The tennor whereof was as followeth MY LORD Seeing it is vnpossible to overmaster the Enemy in his Workes with that strength which I haue at present in respect he hath fastened himselfe extraordinarily I haue thought good to rayse my Army and departe from hence and to joyne my Forces with those of the Emperours which nowe are readie in Armes and in greate number marching to Wesel as well Horse as Footemen intending to take in hand some remarkable thing whereby the Enemy shall be compelled to fight with vs and that it pleasing God to giue vs the Victorie therein the Citie shall be thereby releeued you in the meane time keeping it yet for a while which I thought fitting at present to giue you notice of Praying when you haue receaued this to drawe vp in the night a greate fire in the steeple of S. Iohns Church stirring it oftentimes and the next daye to let a greate smoke appeare aboue the steeple whereby I maye knowe this Letter was deliuered you and when this Messenger shall returne with your answere that you make the like signe in the night following and with smoke the next daye in the meane time I rest MY LORD Your affected and
faithfull Frend HENRY COUNT OF BERKE From our Campe at Boxtel the 16. of Iuly 1629. The Superscription was thus To My Lord the Baron of Grobbendonk Knight of the Order of S. Iames Coronell of a Regiment of Walloons and Governor of the BUSSE But this Letter falling into the handes of his Excellentie he sent it to the Lordes the States Generall of these Unyted Low Countrye Provinces with his advyse and counsell what he thought fitting to be done against the Enemyes plot his Excellentie likewise ordered an Army of Foote and Horse out of his Campe vnder the commaund of Count Otto van Stierum to followe Count Henry and watch what he intended neverthelesse himselfe continueing the Siege before the BUSSE The 18. the Lord van Dieden Governor of Emmerick then commanding in the French Trenches hauing blowne vp a Myne in the greate Sconce which overwhelmed twoo of our men that stood too neere it The French entered finding noe resistance tooke the greate Sconce There were founde in it 16. Hogsheads of Wyne 24. Barrells of Beere greate quantity of Bread and Porke a Boy and a Dog with a Sellar of Yse to coole Wyne or Beere in the heate of the Summer The 19. of Iuly in the morning about three a clocke the Enemy likewise quitted the little Sconce wherein was founde seuerall Armes and Houshouldstuffe The same daye Coronell Harwood commaunding the English Trenches after he had taken the little Sconce went forward and likewise beate the Enemye out of a Traverse which they had made without the Sconce and so they fled to theire halfe Moone which was 250. paces from thence towardes the Towne The English and the French afterwardes releeued one another in approaching and sapping towardes the Towne euerie fourth night and the Dutch hauing the Watch after them one night And so his Excellentie caused some Batteries to be made by the little Sconce which shot vpon the Tenaille Vuchtergate and halfe Moone thereof wee in the meane time sapping forwardes towardes the Tenaille which was the next thing that laye in our waye The 20. Count Otto van Stirum departed out of our Camp with an Army of 1200. Horse and 4000. foote to followe the Enemy The 23. came newes to our Camp that Count Henry with his and the Emperours Forces were got over the Ryver called the Ysell into the Veluw which daunted vs much being the Enemye could runne vp from thence without passing over any more Waters even to the principall Cities of Hollande as he did partlie his dessigne being thereby to make vs breake vp the Siege of the BUSSE and to come to prevent his proceeding But his Excell seeing the Towne could not hould out long sent forth Count Ernst with Coronell Harwood and so many foote and Horse as he could spare out of his Camp to hinder the Enemys comming over the Ryne into the Betu as he afterwardes when he had brought his Forces into the Velu did oftentimes attempt which if he could haue effected would haue beene greatlie to our disadvantage The 26. the Sergeant Major of the French which then had the watch in the Trenches brought a bridge of rushes over the moate of the halfe Moone which laye before the Tenaille and making a Rempart in the halfe Moone the Enemye left it and fled to the Tenaille The 28. the Enemye sallied forth of the Towne in Boates and tooke divers Prisoners whereof some were Burgers that were gone too neere the Towne to see strange things The same daye came into our Camp the Yong Prins of Denmarke with a Regiment of Dutch The 3. of August a Bridge of rushes was brought over the moate of the Tenaille The 4. Monsieur Douchant hauing the Watch in the Approaches aboute noone sprong a Myne in the Tenaille after he had layd twoo Rush-Bridges over the moate thereof and about some 100. of the French went on verie furiouslie into the breach which the myne had made entering it with halfe Pykes But the Enemye resisted them verie stoutlie and slew many being most of them Volontaries and so put them backe by force which Combate his Excellentie sawe standing vpon the Bulwarke of the little Sconce The 6. of August Monsieur de Candale commanding the French Trenches made a sap on the right hand of the Tenaille which did the Enemye much harme afterwardes he caused a Corps de guarde to be made to make shot on the sideway and the daye after sent them manye of Granadoes The same daye Monsieur Pinsen made a Batterie verie neere the Citie from whence he cast them manie Granadoes The 8. Monsieur Maurice Coronell of the Walloones hauing the watch in the Trenches the Enemye left the Tenaille after twoo Mynes were sprong the third being readie and so was taken and a greate Batterie made of it of nine halfe Cannons On the 10. of August Grobbendonk in the night sent forth twoo Souldiers apparrelled like Countriemen with Letters to the Arch-Duchesse each of them hauing a paire of Doves which should haue beene cast vp and flie into the Towne with answer backe againe But their hartes failing them and fearing to be taken by our Men in passing the Line and Watches the one Souldier being more willing then the other drew out his Knife and threatned to kill the other if he would not goe along with him to the Prince and so calling to our Centinells the Guard receiued them in the contents of the Letters were that he could not hould out the Towne aboue three weekes longer and the Burgers for the sauing of their liues and goodes and shunning of sudden danger would force him to a composition and therfore required releife within that time or else it would goe verie hard with them of all which the Prince made good vse To goe on the Tenaille being ours we beganne a new sap from the right point thereof towardes the Enemyes halfe Moone without the Vuchter-Gate running the Approaches by oblique Lines windings and turnings till wee came to the verie brinke of the Moate of the Towne where the Dommell falleth into it making the moate and it aboue 300. foote over and euer as wee got ground so we advanced our Ordinance made Batteries Gards and Blinds for the safegard of our Men there began the first entrance of our mayne Gallerie into the moate to be put ouer into the Bulwarke on the right hand of the Gate on both sides of this Gallerie there were made for the defence of it a small Batterie of twoo halfe Cannon which beate vpon the bricke foundation of the Bulwarke and flankard our Gallerie on both sides the Ordinance likewise which were planted vpon the Tenaille playd vpon the Bulwarkes on each side of the Towne gate to dismount their Ordinance which shot vpon the end of our Gallerie and of our Workemen but the Enemyes Ordinance were so sunke that wee could not come at them From vnder the said Tenaille was also a planke Bridge layd over the Dommell and a Blinde made
the moate which wee presupposed they had prepared for the firing of our Gallerie To prevent this my Lord of Oxford got a Sloope which was brought about towards our Gallerie that on a suddaine tenne or twelue resolute Souldiers with short swords and Pistolls might chop into it to hinder the Enemie from fastning anie fireworkes vpon our Gallerie which the Enemie perceauing attempted nothing The Lorde of Oxford gaue order likewise that our Musketteirs from all flanks should continuallie be playeing and our Ordinance shooting vpon the top of their Bulwarke and their halfe Moone to keepe the Enemie from peeping over and giving fire vpon our Workemen This night although it was Moonelight the Brush and faggots were layd ouer to the left hand of the Bulwarke from the end of our second Gallerie in the Bleachfeelde and thanks be to God but one Man shot in layeing them over and another Souldier of Captaine Skippons shot which stood Centinell in our Long Gallerie My Lord Crauen whose worth and liberallitie was knowne heere extraordinarilie this night and the daye followeing as at other times he vsed to doe watched with my Lord of Oxford the next night with my Lord Cicills Companie and the third night with Generall Morgans Regiment My Lord of Doncaster and my Lord fielding trayled Pikes vnder my Lord Cicills Companie and went constantlie downe to the Approaches vpon anie service and exposed theire bodies both to danger and sicknesse My Lord of Oxford an houre before he was relieued had about with the Enemie vpon the lefte corner of the halfe Moone and my Lord Veres Musketteirs of Dort comming vp almost to the top of the halfe Moone gaue fire in the teeth of the Enemy and came to the push of Pike thorow the Blinds this startled them and made them throwe stones and Handgranadoes amongst our Men but his Lord caused a Souldier of Captaine Roockwoods Companie to cast 14. Handgranadoes among them into their halfe Moone which made them giue backe and cry Guarda Guarda The Granadoes being burst they came vp againe to the top of the halfe Moone and gaue fire vpon our Men but my Lord caused Musketteirs to be drawne to the top of our gards especiallie that of Captaine Clarke which was high they gaue fire apace vpon them fetcht some of them off which shewed their heads and bodies this peece of service being ended my Lord of Oxford being releeued drew awaye to his Quarter On Count Ernests side the 19. of August the Brush and Planks were layd ouer to the Enemies Horneworke and a Mine made into it This Mine being sprung the Scotsh and the Dutches fell on couragiouslie and they and the Enemie gaue fire apace one at another for three quarters of an houre our Ordinance playing from all Batteries as fast as they could charge and discharge in this time the Enemie stood out verie stoutlie three assaults with the losse of manie men But the Enemie gaue fire in such manner from the Wall of the Towne and out of the greate halfe Moone that our Men were forced to retreate into the mouth of their Gallerie and Works yet this advantage wee got that wee did sett vp some Musket-baskets and lodge some of our men vpon the right corner of their Horneworke from whence wee began a Sap and made Blinds towardes their halfe Moone which after another Mine was sprung caused the Enemie on the 21. of August to quit it and so retired in their halfe Moone In this fight were slayne Captaine Ramsey and twoo dayes after a Dutch Captaine called Captaine Hatton who carried themselues very worthilie And when as Count Ernest had strengthened the Betuw and all the Cities and places thereabouts as also along the River called the Yssel against all assaults of the Enemie for the furtherance of which the Prince sending him daylie more Forces as he could spare and raise them It happened that vpon the 20. daye of August these glad tydings came to the Prince to wit a Letter from that worthy and Valliant Commaunder Otto de Gendt and Oyen Lord of Dyden Gouernor of Emrick vnto the Prince of Orenge the tennor whereof followeth MY LORD THE bearer hereof my Cossen Merode is come to make reporte vnto your Excellentie of the good successe of the surprising of the Citie of Wesel The Enemie hath likewise quitted both the Sconces making not one shot against vs. Theire man of warre they haue sunke themselues and hauing a parcell of small shipping in the Ryne I did cause parte of them to be burnt I haue founde greate number of Ordinance heere and 13. or 14. Boates vpon Karts And for the better securing of this Citie I haue sent for more Companies out of Emmerick and Rees And if it please your Excellentie I should desire more strength Thus in hast I take my leaue WESEL the 19. of August 1629. In the morning betweene 4. and 5. of the Clocke Your Excellenties humble and faithfull OTTO OF GENDT AND OYEN The first Vndertakers of this Enterprise were Peter Mulder Richard Mulder his Brother and Iohn Rootleer all three Burgers of WESEL men of a meane condition but of a good spirit resolution This Peter Mulder divers times fayning to learne to swim had pilde the depth of the moate on that side which he intended the Citie should be assaulted and spying out all opportunities made a greate Iron hammer to beate downe the Pallisadoe which stood vpon the Bulwarke on the East side of the Towne wherewithall the Prince being aquainted as also of the possibillitie of this designe His Excellentie appointed the Lord of Dyden for the mannaging thereof The time and place being appointed the 18. of August Peter Mulder went out of WESEL at one Gate and his Brother out of another Gate about three houres before the shutting of the Gates Peter Rootleer followed a while after to avoyde all suspition all three meeting togeather in the darke at the place appointed And hauing called vpon the Name of the Lord of Hosts for his ayde assistance herein that thereby theire fellowe Brethren and Cittizens might be released from the bondage and vexation of theire Enemies The Lord of Dyden about midnight came vnto them with some sixteene hundred foote some muskettiers others firelockes and halfe pikes and eight Troopes of Horse Before they went on the Lord of Dyden to doe noe man wrong made the Captaines to drawe Billets who should fall on first And Peter Muller with his twoo Comrades went on before them couragiouslye But ere our Troopes came thither and that the Lord of Dyden had ordered the businesse thus it began to be light so that they imagined it was not practicable The Enemie likewise seeing the daye broke and that it began to be light drewe off their By-watch from that place and betooke themselues to their rest But God who is the disposer of all things and giues courage to men at last our men waded through the moate and entered the Bulwarke And
Officers to the Parapet of the Vuchter-Gate sending a Drum which reported that there were some Gentlemen of qualitie overwhelmed and stifled in the springing of our Myne and requested that they might be sought for and burryed His Excellentie then being neere at hand sitting in the Gallerie gaue waye to their request but as indeed the matter being otherwise The Drum came vp againe and requested to speake with some of our Officers and tould them that the Governor Magistracy and Clergie in the Towne were mynded to parley with vs presentlie after came foure Personnes of quality downe the Breach to his Excellencie in the Gallerie desyring foure dayes time to writte to the Archduchesse and if so be they were not releeued within that time they would deliuer over the Citie vpon Composition But his Excellencie denyeing them this request They resolved notwithstanding to treate vpon a Composition and Hostages were receaued and deliuered on both sides In the meane time the Walls of the Citie were blacke of Burgers and Women and Spirituall Personnes to take viewe of our doeings and the danger they were in The 13. of September the Commissioners which the Towne had appointed dyned with the Prince in the afternoone they left their commissiō with the Prince the States and tooke their resolutiō with them The 14. the Aggreement was concluded to render vp the Citie with the Petler-Sconce to vs within three dayes after and so accordinglie was subscrybed by both parties In the meane time came manie thousands of people out of Holland and other Provinces thereabouts to see this famous Siege with the departure of the Enemie out of the Citie The 17. in the morning the Prince of Orenge appointed all his Army to stand in Battle order in euerie Quarter especially those of his owne Quarter as well Horse as foote and placed them in this manner Along Monsieur Pinsens Quarter where the Enemy was to march thorow first stood some threescore Companies of Footemen being Scotsh Dutchmen from Pinsens Quarter along the Hollandes-Dyke stood some 40. Companies of French and neere to the verie place where the Enemy was to march out of our Line stood some 40. Companies of English and without our Line along the heath stood some 30. Companies of Horse This being the Waye which his Excell had ordered for the Enemy to passe thorow Betweene the English and French stood a greate Batterie of twenty Peeces of Ordinance to playe vpon the Heath where his Excell caused twoo Princelie Tents to be set vp for the Princesse the Queene of Bohemia and the Ladies Gentlewomen which were there The Prince sitting on Horsebacke with the King of Bohemia and the Prince of Denmarke and some 40. more whereof most of them were Dukes Earles Barrons Lordes and the rest Coronells and of the Chiefe Commaunders besides this the greate number of our owne Burgers and people which came thither to behould this sight was so greate that they could hardlie gett beere for their monnie and manie of them were faine to sleepe in the feelde vnder the skie for want of better lodgings Nowe to relate the manner of their marching forth First in the morning there marched forth some 50. Horsmen and as manie firelocks and Musketteirs Then followed about eleauen hundred Waggons Karts whereof some 400. of them were loaden with sicke mayned Souldiers and the rest with goods houshouldstuffe Images Clergiemē Women and about eleauen of the clocke came the Iesuites Priests ryding vpon Waggons and some barefooted Monkes and Fryers goeing a foote His Excell being gone to dinner with the King Queene of Bohemia and the rest of the Lordes and Ladies which stood vpon the Batterie in the twoo Tents In the meane time came the Governors Wife in her Koach who was but 3. weekes ould in childbed accompanied with her daughter and her Child lyeing vpon the Nurses lap in the forepart of the Koach Generall Morgan some others courts her and made her staye before his Excell Tent till he with his trayne returned from dinner His Excell comming saluted her and had some small discourse with her and then tooke his leaue and let her passe Towardes euening came the Governor himselfe marching in the midst of his Troopes hee staid long because his Cannon was graveld and sunke into the ground that he could not drawe them away the night drawing on his Excell sent him word by the Sergeant Major Generall that he would send them after him on the morrowe The Governor had ordered his Men by three divisions the first were the Walloones consisting of sixe coulouts being some 400. Pikes firelocks and Musketteirs The second were Burgonians The third greate diuisiō were Highdutches with nine coulours These 3. diuisions were a matter 1400. men Then followed the Governor on Horsebacke and passing by his Excellencie had some small speech with him After the foote came three Troopes of Horse which brought vp the Reare the first was about 70. in number the second about 80. and the last Troope about 90. all well mounted well armed proper Men with red scarfes about them During this Siege the Enemye confessed there were slayne some eleauen hundred Souldiers and not aboue 16. or 18. Burgers by reason they refused to endanger themselues in the Outworkes They had with them according to the Articles of Composition three whole and three halfe Cannon verye faire peeces and twoo Granado Morters They lefte besides these in the Towne some 36. brasse Peeces of Ordinance and sixe Yron peeces the most parte of the Brasse Ordinance being Sling-peeces and Faukenetts and fewe halfe Cannons except some which the noses were brused and shott off And little or noe Powder to speake of which indeed was the principall occasion they yeelded vp their Sconces Traverses Halfe-moones and at last the Citie it selfe sooner then they needed In this Siege there happened manye strange passages which would be too tedious to rehearse onelie twoo things of note I cannot but make the gentle Reader acquainted with first in the Crossebrethren Cloyster a little before the Towne was yeelded there was a Monke in the Chancill sitting in one of the Seats of the Quire and reading in one of his Massebookes about midnight wee shott a Granado into the Towne which fell iust into the Seate where he sate and tooke him his Seate and Booke awaye that scarselie they could finde a Mommock lefte of him onely leauing the tincture of his blood vpon the Wall for a memoriall which is yet to be seene to this daye The second there was a strange shott hapned as in Ostend there was a Cannon Bullet of the Enemyes shott from the downe Batterie iust into the mouth of one of our Cannons which laye vpon the West-Bulwarke charged These twoo Bullets stryking togeather gaue fire to the loose cornes of Powder which were not driuen home Our Cannon went of and sent the Enemy their owne Bullet and ours backe to them againe So before the
A HISTORICALL RELATION Of the famous Siege of the Citie CALLED THE BVSSE Herevnto is added a generall Mappe of the whole Campe and Siege with particular Mappes of all the seuerall Approches in euery Quarter Compyled togeather and designed according to the iust measure and rule of Geometrie BY IAMES PREMPART Ingener to his Majestie of Sweden AT AMSTERDAM For Henrico Hondio M.DC.XXX TO THE READER WHereas I perceaue that as yet none haue taken in hande to set forth any thing for the content of desirous spirits touching the famous Siege of the BVSSE and that this Siege vvas so remarkable and vvorthy as euer vvas knovvne I haue thought good to imparte vnto you that which I haue gotten as vvell by my ovvne experience in the said Siege as that vvhich J haue from the principall Ingeners And for the better explayning of the particulars I haue placed in this Historicall Relation first a Mappe of tvvoo greate Leaues conteyning the vvhole Siege vvith all the circumferences Secondly a greate Leafe representing the scituation of the Citie vvith the approches of euery Quarter Thirdly here follovve Mappes of the seuerall approches in euery Quarter and of the Princes Quarter set forth in tvvoo Leaues by reason the most force charge and labour passed there and because the Citie vvas vvonne there by degrees vvhich is alltogeather compyled and set forth according to the iust measure vvith greate care and industrie as by the Mappes more at large may appeare vvhich I hope vvill be acceptable and pleasing to you A LIST OF OUR NOBLEMEN VOLLUNTEIRS and Gentlemen of our Nation which bore Armes and trayled Pikes at the Siege of the BUSSE vnder the foure English Coronells Companies and first of those which were vnder my Lord Generall Vere his first Company Coronell of Dort MY Lord Haughton Sir Walter Erle Sir Roger Bartu Sir Henry Hungate Sariant Maior Groue Captaine Thelwall Captaine Wyborowe Lieutenant Price Lieutenant Pomroy Lieutenant Cansor Lieutenant Deemae Lieutenant Kettleby Ensigne Luttrell Ensigne Hammon Ensigne Weynd Ensigne Holman Ensige Grimes Ensigne Goldwel Ensigne Hudson Mr Winwood Mr Grifford Mr Byron Mr Thyne Mr Brigman Mr Fariefax Mr Hotham Mr Stone Mr Pellard Mr Bruster Mr Knevet Mr Langford Mr Wayeman Mr Absley Mr Rolt Mr Knasborow Mr Caue Mr Williams Mr Powel Mr Horner Mr Veyne Mr Wright Mr Basset Mr Berry Mr. Prat. Mr Bonnington Mr Bradshaw Mr Greene. Mr Langdon Mr Hooe Mr Ansell Mr Hangerford Mr Crewell Mr Wilmore Mr Cullum Mr Essex Mr Mildmay Mr Polley Mr Maddocks Mr Humfreys Mr Ellis Mr Banberie Mr Garling Of my Lord Generall Vere his second Company of Schoonhoven Captaine Francisco de Valrey Captaine Strasly Lieutenant Tumour Ensigne Quarles Cornet Harbart Mr Wrengham Mr Bammham Mr Weldon Mr Norman Mr Sprye Mr Slippon Mr Coope Mr Harecourt Mr Maycote Mr White Mr Hearle Mr Inglot Mr Browne Mr Copley Mr Brimingham Mr Rolt Mr Guyn Mr Chitwood Mr Knightly Mr Sanderson Mr Harmon Mr Sedgwicks Mr Wittington Mr Lee. M Throgmotton Mr Nancy Mr King Mr Williams Mr Black Volunteirs of my Lord Generall Cieils Company Vicount of Wimbleton Leames Lord of Doncaster Boswell Lord Peelding William Lord Grauen Sr Thomas Glemman Captaine Henry Tyllie Captaine Butler Captaine Lucan Sariant Maior Boules Lieutenant Froeman Lieutenant Caswell Mr Cicill Mr Whitepole Mr Clyford Mr Tate Mr Butler M Symon Mr Itby Mr Cheyncy Mr Broadbanke Mr Courtney Mr Downes Mr Footeman Mr Flood Mr Iohn Tate Mr Bois Mr Stuckling Mr Flemming Mr Rice Powell Mr Haughton Mr Hipsley Mr Appleyard Mr Ridley Mr Vackell Mr Solwin Mr Danniel Mr Colpher Mr Smith Mr Legg Mr Moynes Volunteirs Gentlemen of Generall Morgans Company Sr Thomas Bland Sr Shefeld Calpham Sr Iohn Cosling Mr Fowler Mr Mumford Mr Io Withers Mr William Withers Mr Isaack Absley Mr Henry Absley Mr Morgan Mr Tiffin Mr Elcott Mr Caruis Mr Reade Mr Andrewes Mr Booth Mr Merrick Mr Martin Mr Adam Mr Worly Mr Iohn Ashley Mr Williams Mr Turner Mr Warret Mr Garvis Wood Mr Marshall Volunteirs and Gentlemen of Coronell Harwoods Company Captaine Perkins Captaine Boules Captaine Lowe Lieutenant Smith Lieutenant Gamish Ensigne Dolman Ensigne Marison Ensigne Hering Mr Lucas Ensigne Byron Mr Muschamp Mr Snelling Mr Browne Gentlemen of quality Mr Crofts Mr Gorges Mr Saint Iohn Mr Bareford Mr Digby Mr Mosse Mr Gilby Mr Lehunt Mr Waller Mr Ieffryes Mr Fleetewood Mr Killegrey Mr Lambart Mr Knightly Lr Bagshot Mr Yonge Mr Frith Mr Boulton Mr. Stewtly Mr. Keckwich Mr. Bendish Mr Roe Mr Rassell Mr Carter Volunteirs and Gentlemen of Sr. Edward Veres Company deceased Lieu. Harewood Lieu. Turbot M Marshan M Mando M Gallope Of Captaine John Cromwels Company Mr Harry Cromwell Mr Rochester Karre Officers and Souldiers slayne before the BUSSE Of French The Baron of Courtemer and 8. Captaines more Of the Dutch Coronell Fama Monsieur Grenue Captaine Omkaes and Capt. Hatton Of English Sir Edward Vere Lieut. Colonell Capt. Roes Lieut. and Capt-Byroues Of Scotch Capt. Ramsey Lieut. Huns my Lord of Buckcloughs Ensigne Of all Nations according to the lift giuen vp about 1600. A SHORT DESCRIPTION OR Historicall Relation of the famous Siege of the BVSSE And such things as passed there as well within as without the Citie Vnder the commande of the Most Illustrious PRINCE OF ORENGE THE High and Mightie Lordes the States Generall with the most Illustrious Prince of Orenge taking nothing more to harte then the Prosperitie of these Free Vnyted Provinces and the good Inhabitants in the same had seuerall assemblies with the Prins of Orenge consulting howe to take in hand and haue in readinesse whatsoeuer should be needfull and fitting for a Famous Siege and so resolved to besiege the citie called the Busse but before wee wil speake further of this Siege wee shall first informe you of the scituation Antiquitye power and Renowne of this place This place where the Busse is nowe scituated hath beene formerly according to the generall opinion of all men a Wood or Parke where the Duke of Braband did vse to hunte and for this purpose himselfe did cause a cottage or small dwelling place to be built there for his Hunters and Houndes But by reason the same place was verie comodious and had running streames of fresh Water through it many people of seuerall Townes did meete there on Market dayes to trade with one another And some of them built a few houses there for to entertaine and lodge people and others for to haue there comodities allwayes in readinesse But the Burgers of Heusden envyeing theire good did destroye them twyse Neuerthelesse those people complayning to the Duke of the wrongs done vnto them he did graunte them to environ themselues with Walles and Moates After which this place did greatlie increase as well of trade as of people yea manie strangers came to liue there and prospered well insomuch that the Duke made it the fourth chiefe Citie in Braband yet retayning the name of 's Hertogenbos which by in interpretation is