opprest by their Enemies the amazement of the Subject and Souldier and the fame and reputation of their Armes did consist That Victory is thought best when wonne by Wit not by the Sword that wise men ought not onely to consider what advantage may accrue but provide for what of damage may happen That their opinion was to temporise upon the Confines to incommodate the Enemy now upon the Flanks now upon the Front now upon the Reare to take from them their Provisions and to prejudice them more by the hardnesse of the season and scarcitie of Victualls then by committing all to the hazard of a Battell that it was very advantagious to make good what they had alleady wonne the which the Austrians having lost they would be constrained to keepe their Campe in their owne Hereditary Territories and so warring against themselves and thereby weakned they would the easilier be overcome These Reasons were attentively listned unto and well liked of almost by every one and by the King himselfe but it was considered on the contrary side That to seeme fearfull of the Enemy is the first step to losse that Armies were not said to be advantaged by the number of men but by the Souldiers courage and Commanders worth that barren places were to be forgone and the getting of more oppulent Cities indeavoured against the which the Souldier goes the more boldly on incited by the hopes of gaine that what was won by Armes was not to be maintained without Armes the bold undertakings whereof is usually favoured by Fortune who when she finds her favourer abused doth oftimes turne her backe Thus did the King speake and resolve adding That in Warre men ought not by speculary shadowes and imaginations of feare to deterre that boldnesse which far from any thought of danger ought only to be confident of and in it selfe That he confessed reflection ought to be had of past successes but that it behoved not the Conquerour to shun encountring the conquered that it was no reason to hazard all for a part amongst those Enemies in whom even that Army with so much difficultie recruited being comprehended the utter ruine of their Dominion did consist That they were to fight boldly against those who once beaten were not likely to make head again that it behoved them to fight who had nothing to lose and those to shun fighting who by losing might be undone that it was never good to abandon those Confederates who building upon their friendly protection have without respect drawne the Warre upon themselves that it was dangerous for them to faile in the promises they had made and hopes they had occasioned That the Elector of Saxony was worthy to be assisted and to have good correspondency kept with him that all delay was harmefull neither could the Prince be blamed of error who being deceived by his friend for the preservation of his owne Estate falls to treat with the Enemy that therefore they ought to thinke of advancing and having an eye to the Imperialists proceedings not to shunne an occasion of Battle that they should succour Saxony where it had need of them or by Invading Bohemia recall Walesteine from his designes upon Misnia These conceptions carrying more of weight and substance with them in the present conjuncture of time then did the other wonne the approbation of all so as the King leaving fitting orders for the good government of those Townes went from Erfurt the Inhabitants whereof running a vye to see the Kings preparations and upon their knees doing reverence to him they powred their prayers to Heaven out for him and with much acclamation and confidence wisht him good fortune 'T was observed that the King being troubled at this their behaviour broke forth into these words What do these people fancy unto themselves doe they believe me to be a god O how they are deceived we are all mortall our soules may well be of steel but our bodies are of glasse I presage mischiefe to my selfe from hence and apprehend Divine punishment These speeches though proceeding from a King that profest enmity to the Roman-Catholique Religion made many know he had a well composed minde Having mustered his men which he found to amount to 16000 Foot and 11000 Horse of divers Nations hee gave the Van-guard to the Command of Duke Bernard Waymar consisting of 4000 Horse Dutch and Finlanders 1000 Dragoones and 6000 Foot divided into six Squadrons hee recommended the maine Battaile to the Marshall Kneiphausen with 6000 Foot divided into three Bodies and 4000 Horse parted into eight Squadrons and he himselfe kept in the Rear with 1000 choice Horse 1000 Dragoones and 4000 Foot every Battaglion of the Van-guard as likewise of the Battaile and other Squadrons of the Reserve having 5 field-Pieces in their Front In this order he began his march towards Nurenberg but having notice by the way that Walesteine had raised his Forces from before the Castle of Coburg that he had taken Leypzig and that the quartering of his Army extended to Newburg and weisnfeld walled Townes upon the Sala and upon the Confines of Saxony possessing all advantagious places he lead his Army to Newburg a Towne seated a little lower upon the said River towards Erfurt that hee might make use of that station to joyne with the Saxon Army which was now about Torgaw a place belonging to the said Elector upon the bankes of Elb consisting of about 12000 Foot and 4000 Horse to oppose the designes of Holke and Walesteine to whom Pappenheim being now joyned with 9000 Souldiers hee notwithstanding kept still in his former quarters to hinder the Saxons from joyning with the Swedes Whil'st these went cautiously preparing how they might upon advantage fight with the Imperialists the King was by his Scouts advertised that Walesteine was gone from Weisnfeld and had retired himselfe in close quarter towards Lutzen a Village two Leagues off from Leypzig and that Pappenheim was marched with part of his Army towards Hall to hinder the advancing of George Duke of Lunenburg who being sent for by the King for the better strengthning of his Camp made long marches to joyne with the Saxons that afterwards they might meet all in one Body with the Swedes The King resolved not to lose time but to make use of that conjuncture which hee found fitting for him to set upon Walesteine who being severed from Pappenheim had weakened himselfe of the best bands of his Souldiers upon whom he might have relyed for Victory so as the King thought he might easily bring his designes to their wished for end Hee therefore arose from the quarters he had taken and with flying Colours marched thither-wards sending the Finlanders Horse who were then in the Van to discover the Country who failed not in their duty for the Kings commands were readily obeyed by all his Souldiers the which they went the more cheerfully and willingly about for that they were thereby invited to the hopes of a glorious Victory big with
the Souldiers being changed the Guards were doubled But the King who upon all occasions did ever desire to advance was minded to passe over the Lech and remove Tilly from thence who kept the maine body of his Army along that River and although the enterprise was some-what hard yet observing the course of the River and the Bankes thereof he suddainly raised thereupon a good Trench and planting his Artillery began to play upon the enemy who keeping themselves close within their Trenches did valiantly reply upon him and withstood his Passage the bickering began to grow very hot where whil'st both sides were busied and plyed the Battaile a pace the King being advertised by Duke Bernard Waymar how that he had discovered a Foord a little lower by a little Island by the one side whereof he might easily wade hee presently sent back the said Duke thither with certaine Boates carried to such like purpose upon Carts Whil'st the King-indeavoured by all meanes he could to passe over Waymar past over some select Souldiers by the benefit of those Boates into the said Island to the end that if need should be they might make good the Passage till such time as a Bridge might be prepared and he so well placed his Cannon and Muskets upon the Flankes of the enemy that Tilly who marched thitherward in Person to hinder the Passage had not the fortune either to beat the Swedes out of the Island or to hinder them for making their Bridge for his shot did little availe him the Swedes being fenced by the point of the Island Whereupon Tilly knowing the importance of the affaire and the great difficulty made a fierce and bloudy skirmish amidst the waters which on the other side of the River might easily be waded over for it came not to above a mans middle but at last the Swedes prevailing who incouraged by the comming of their King strove who should first throw themselves upon the Bridge they got unto the other Banke notwithstanding all the enemy could doe there were slaine of the Romane Catholiques side about 2000 and Tilly himselfe being hurt with a shot from a Sachar dyed within three dayes Count Aldringer was likewise here hurt in the head whereof he was afterwards healed and the Imperialists after a long and bloudy Battaile were forced to retreat this Battaile continued for the space of six whole houres and so great was the hail of Cannon and Musket-shot as many Souldiers who had been in divers other well fought actions affirmed that this in their opinion was to be numbred amongst the bloudiest that they ever saw it happened on the Twenty second day of March. The Duke of Bavaria was no lesse troubled at this misfortune then at the death of Tilly a Commander of tride valour and of great experience nor was his death any whit lesse lamented by the Emperous selfe and those other temporall Princes who well knew his wisedome constancy watchfull diligence and choice wit His descent was not great amongst the Wallones In his youth with continued patience persevering in the duties of a private Souldier and by his peculiar valour working himselfe by degrees from one preferment to another he at last to his great glory to the satisfaction of his Princes and to the great advantage of the Roman Religion arived at the honour of being supreme Commander of the Armies of the Roman Catholique League wherein he behaved himselfe so wisely and with such courage as being victour in many field Battailes and vanquisher of many people he deservedly merits to be numbred in the first ranke of the famous Commanders of our time he was of a middle stature of a strong complexion and of a martiall-like agillity preserving even in his gray headed yeares a youth-like bodily strength he was zealous in the service of his Princes and a very great defender of the Roman Catholicke Religion for he was often heard to say he would rather run hazard of his life then shun the occasion of well doing his devotion in all his actions was admirable he never went about any action before he had humbly on his knees begged of God that the event might be answerable to his divine will 't is said that if a man may live a Religious life in warre he did so All the workes of this Generall were commended by the Souldier and admired by the people his very enemies not undervalluing him The only thing that might fully his pious fame was the cruelty and barbarousnesse committed by his Souldiers at the taking of Newbrandeburg and Magdeburg which was such as the Romanists themselves were scandalised at the report thereof many were of opinion that this his want of compassion cryed for vengeance from God Almighty who is not pleased with cruelty though exercised against Infidels and Barbarians and that the chastisement which useth to fall upon wise men to wit the infatuation of their wisedome happened unto him for that moderation for which in all his other actions he was admired being suffocated by his too great daring he came presumptuously to the Battaile of Leipsick which was the break neck of all his glories for had he therein carryed himselfe according to his wonted warinesse many are of opinion he could not have missed the glory of happy successe and for that one misfortune treads in the heels of an other as though he had beene unwilling to out live this losse he ended his life in the bosome of glory writing in Characters of his owne bloud to posterity his eternity of merits from the Duke of Bavaria and pointing out unto them the way which leades generous mindes to immortallity In Walesteines Court his death seemed rather to cause joy then sorrow and this for that all Courtiers fawning or frowning as do their Lords their Masters knew that Walestein envying this warriers good conditions and the renowne which by the Victories in so many Battailes he had wonne loved not to see this great tree over-shadow the branches of his ambition and the occasion hereof was for that 't is impossible for him to love the Servant that hates the Master so Walesteine not caring for the Duke of Bavaria as suspecting that it was he who had perswaded the Emperour to take from him his former place and make use of Tilly who was thought to be fitter then he for so great an employment did no lesse despise and emulate the actions of the servant then those of the Master The Duke of Bavaria not thinking himselfe safe now in Monaco the place of his residence which was only walled about with old wals conveyed speedily all his most pretious movables to Saltsborg belonging to the Archbishop thereof an Ecclesiasticall Prince and one of the most potent and richest of all Germany this City is seated in a pleasant Country upon the River Zalza a Towne lately fortifyed with two Castles upon two hils which command the River on both sides hee with the remainder of his Army did wisely retire himselfe
of Lutzen fields did thus order his Army The plaine of Lutzen extends it selfe for the space of one League from the North to the South and is girt about from the West to the North by certaine Woods which divide it from another plaine towards the North-side thereof is the Village Cursits which amidst the descent of a pleasant Strond that runnes in Crookes sometimes more sometimes lesse is rather an Ornament then hinderance unto it Amidst certain Hills there lyes another space of ground towards the South-East which parteth Cursits and Lutzen on the East-side stands Lutzen from whence a plaine arising the space between the East and South is back't by a delightfull ascent of Hills The broadest part of the plaine falling downe betweene the West and the South affords a Prospect not bounded by the eye About a League from Lutzen lyeth a ridge of Hills environed by a little Rivolet thence from West to East there runs a Trench almost demolish't at the end whereof not farre from the Village stands a little house which serves for a shelter to the Inhabitants of four Wind-mils seated on the ridge of those Hills Upon the left wing of the Vanguard led on by his Majestie who kept before it with some of his Domestick Servants not attired like a Prince but clad in plaine Spanish Leather upon a dapple gray Horse were 3000 Horse all Gothes and Findlanders old Souldiers divided into six Squadrons under the Colonells Vansleben Ruthen and Wistumb Gentlemen of tryed experience amongst which were mingled five Rankes of Musquetiers betweene the one and the other Flank to play upon the Enemies Horse before they should come within Pistol-shot All these were well mounted armed with Curasses Pistols and broad Swords like Faulchions which being drawn and held up by them in their bridle-hand did by the reflection of the Sunne adde to the lustre of their Squadrons and to the terror of the lookers on These were followed by foure Battaglions of Dutch and Swedish Foot who marching in equall distances from the one Flanke to the other were appoynted for the reserve part of them in black Cassocks part in Yellow under 28 Ensignes all garnished with the Kings Armes to which were joyn'd the Regiments of Vincher Reglingem and Duke Waymer led on by Vildesteime under 18 Ensignes these were all commanded by Count Waissemburg a Duch-man who marched with his Pike in his hand foure paces before them In the Battle it selfe other foure Bodies of Foot marched with a large Front and these marched after the former so as they might without confusion enter into the voyd place of the one or the other Flanks they belonged to the Regiments of Stechnits Breesteime Lunisteime Steimbech and Hanalt all of them chiefe heads of the Army under 34 Ensignes led on by these Commanders clothed in glittering apparell an observation had in time of Battell that they might be the better knowne with each of them a Pike in his hand On the left Flank were other 3000 Dutch Horse divided into six Squadrons furnished with Curasses Pistols Swords and Pole-axes which had on the one side a Hammer and on the other a wreathen poynt of Iron wherwithall to throw Troopers off Horseâ—back pulling them therewithall either by their clothes or by the buckles of their Armour These were led on by Duke Bernard Waymer who rid before them on a Sorrell Horse with a Curasse on his back accompanied with two Cornets of Gentlemen of worth who desirous to learne the art of warfare kept neer him and amongst these were five Ranks of Musquetiers mingled for the aforesaid purpose amongst which were the Regiments of the Kings Guard under 22 Standards of the Colonells Coleberg Curlander Branghells Wishawsem and Corfilice Afore the right Flanke were 20 pieces of field Cannon placed and as many before the left to shoot bags of Bullets the greater Artillery to the number of 26. Being placed in the mid'st of the Front of the Foot Battaglions Marshall Kniphausen led on the Reare mounted on a browne Bay composed of English Scottish and French Regiments belonging to the Colonells Milaâ—i Chrestorfe Torre Hassia Kniphausen Offckercken and Duke William of Waymer under 52 Ensignes divided into foure Bodies soure in a square forme foure with a long Front and often Squadrons of Horse and Dragoones five upon the right hand commanded by the Colonells Oemens Bosse Isalers and Agafelt before which Armed at all pieces did the Baron Offckercken march and amongst these divers Rankes of Musquetiers The left Wing likewise conteined five Squadrons of Horse belonging to the Regiments of Peckerman Balarches Galdesteim Plato and Duke William of Waymers on the Front whereof marched these Gentlemen followed by some of their Comrades very well Armed and Horst His Army being thus ordered and having called before him all the chiefe of his Army and acquainted them with what orders he intended to have kept that day commanding Psalmes to be sung throughout the whole Campe and Prayers to be made to God for Victory he got upon an ambling Nag spotted blacke and white and twice rode about and surveyed all his Squadrons enlivening them all with his affable behaviour sweetnesse of speech and cheerfull countenance telling them how confidently he relyed upon their knowne valour how weake the Enemy was incouraging them through the hope of bootie this being the end of all their labours the perfection of their glory and the accomplishment of their greatnesse which when they should obteine nothing could stand betweene them and the Crowne of Victory whereunto being by all of them answered with joyfull acclamations it was observed that some as if they had presaged what was to insue said unto him Oh Sir have a care of your Person and feare not us to which he answering My Valiant and beloved Compagnions wee have hitherto had but our first course courage now we are to expect the banquet and making the Baggage women and boyes who were mingled amongst the Troopes to be set a farre off he himselfe being got upon a dun Horse the Army moved enheartned by the sound of warlike instruments and with cheerfull martiall-like phrases whereby every one was incouraged and thus he advanced towards the Caesarians Neither was Walesteine wanting in vigilancy but having received newes that Pappenheim had faced about and was marching apace towards him having calculated the time aright and finding that he would come in very opportunely he advised with his chief CoÌ„manders whether he should resolve to give the King Battell or keepe undeneath Leypzig and indeavour to overcome the Enemy rather by Famine then by Sword They all resolved upon fighting and that they should in no wayes turne their backe upon the Swedes who would thereby be the more incouraged seeing their King march't resolutely in their Front He therefore upon the breake of day drew forth his Army likewise and appeared in Battell array before the Swedish Vanguard who with their Field Cannon were now in sight and towards noone
Horse and Foot and drawing their men into Battaile-array upon the rise of a little Hill they made Trenches for the better safety of their Campe and disposed of their Cannon in the fittest place that there they might observe what the Austrians did who shewed their courage in divers skirmishes making as if they prepared for Battaile whereupon the Swedes resolved to advance and encounter them before they should draw neer to Hamelen in the taking whereof the Swedes were no lesse concerned then the Romanists were in the losse Therefore on the eighth day of Iuly in the morning their Battaglions of Foot being ordered and their Horse drawne out into Squadrons they thus composed themselves upon the right hand of Oldendorp and underneath the Hill in a place between the Village and Seghelhont stood the Protestant Army in a long but close forme the left horne of the Van-guard consisted of 3500 Horse of the Regiments of the Colonels Stallans Soope Abelton Sakhe Bergeanson Ritemb Lenes and Milander with 35 Standards of severall Colours and divided into five Bodies which were led on by Milander himselfe who marched in their Front armed with a Cuirace upon a gallant sorrell horse upon the Flankes of these followed two Regiments of Dragoones being in number 2000 the one belonging to Ragge the other to Bellins 4000 Foot divided into three Battaglions belonging to the Regiments of Lunenburg and Kniphausen marched in good order in the Front of the Battell under 28 Banners of Blew and Yellow after which followed the Body of the Battell composed of other 4000 Foot divided into three Battaglions consisting of the Regiments of the Colonells Lanstrells Count Erbesteime and the Landsgrave under 36 Banners of Orange Colour and Greene which were commanded by the Duke of Lunenburg armed with a Cuirace and mounted upon a Daple-gray Horse on the right Horne led on by Kniphausen were the Horse Regiments of Colonell Catberg Brunch't Sicherich Rosteim and Colonell Del-vich divided into foure Squadrons under 32 Cornets which were back't by 500 Dragoones the Cannon was thus disposed of upon the left Wing 15 Field-pieces 17 great pieces were in the Front of the Battell and 10 pieces of Cannon stood upon the Hill on the right side The Army being thus ordered and having sung some of Davids Psalmes the Souldiers being incouraged with great hopes of booty which was said to be in that Citie and exhorted to fight with their wonted valour the signe of Battell was given and they began to march towards Segelhont forth of which Village Merodes Cronesfield Benecausen and the Baron Harmortin their Artillery being disposed of ordered their men which were about 14000 as followeth On the Vanguard were three great Squadrons of Horse all Cuirasseers composed of the Regiments of the Coloâ—ells Baron D'Ast Muffter Merodes Cronisfield and Benicawsen under 24 Standards led on by Count Cronisfield after which followed in the Front of the Battell 6 bodies of Foot of the Colonels Flormesin Renech Ghelans Westreiholt Leid Orst and Waldech under 40 Ensignes commanded by Generall Merodes upon the back whereof on the left Wing stood Merodes his Regiments of Dragoones the Cuirasseers of Colonell Ovald Ruffean and Westhall and upon the right Wing the Horse of Biland Bort and Cronisfield which were commanded by Marshall Benicawsen after which followed three other Regiments of Foot and after these the Reare-ward composed of the Regiments of the Colonells Oor Bort Guas Pari and the Regiments of Coln and Westfalia before which went 13 piece of Cannon and 16 on each side of the Flanks Both the Armies being thus ordered each Generall having call'd together his chiefe Commanders and consulted upon what was to be done though Merodes condiscended not to give Battell but rather to force the Enemy to abandon the Siege by temporizing and keeping them from Victualls yet Cronisfield who was therein followed by all the rest of the Commanders made the necessitie of fighting appeare the resolution was taken which was unanimously expected by the Swedes who it may be fore-saw their future Victory Whereupon each Army saluting other with many Vollies of Cannon and Staâ—ousems Soopes Iansons Catburgs and Bruncht's Regiments of Horse advancing bravely against the Squadrons led on by Cronisfield the skirmish grew very hot where the Swedes giving back being much indammaged by the Romanists Cannon Melander gave on so couragiously with the Regiments of the left Flank as that the Regiments of Baron D'Ast Viper Muster and Valteberg who were with his Sword in hand led on by Merodes charging them with no lesse valour the bickering grew so fierce as after the first charge of Horse the Foot Battaglions advancing in due distance the Field pieces loaded with Musquet-bullets playing and the Musquets continuing to haile downe shot the Battell betweene Fronts of each Vanguard was so well fought as from three a clock after Sunne-rising till noone though great slaughter were made Fortune seemed to leane to neither side But Kniphausen comming in with the Regiments of Ragges and Bellins and two Squadrons of Horse where Mâ—rodes fought stoutly with the Enemies horse and letting flye 12 piece of Cannon which were concealed amongst his Squadrons before the Caesarians could adjust themselves their Files being dril'd through and their Squadrons disordered Hasseos Horse came in so furiously and some Finlanders led on against the Romanists by Colonell Vich as that charging them home before they could give fire to their great Gunnes and making themselves Master of the station where the Artillery was placed which being loaded and ready to be discharged they turned upon the Regiments of Vestriolt Leid Valdech and Orst which came to succour Merodes and after this charging upon the Imperialists Pikes where for a good while they were bravely withstood by the Foot of Flormesin Renech and the abovesaid Vestriolt Leid Valdech and Orst Merodes being at last mortally wounded and many other Captaines slaine and at the same instant newes being voyced that the Duke of Lunenburg had broken and routed the Romanists Horse on the other side where they fought no lesse couragiously and hereunto being added that through that dayes excessive heat the Horse were so harrassed as they were no longer able to keepe upon their legs and the wearied Souldiers throwing away their Armes the Roman Catholiques began to fly Whereupon Milander finding the advantage gave on againe couragiously upon the Enemy broke their Pikes and trod their Foot underfoot and charged the Romanists Battaglions twice through and through who though they were afterwards indeavoured to be rallyed by Cronisfield and other Commanders all purpled over with bloud they could not keepe their Souldiers from flying as also some of the Officers who throwing away their Armes some here some there sought to save themselves by their feet The Protestants Horse pursuing them did such execution as that for three miles space the ground was covered with dead Carkasses and about 2000 prisoners taken many whereof were wounded The Romanists lost in
likewise who was very affectionate to the house of Austria to boot with the Brigado of Foot which he raysed at his owne costs in Helvetia did upon this occasion likewise assist the state of Milan with 300 Horse under the command of Marquis Cosimo Richardi Whereupon Beliviere leaving Venice came to Florence not out of any intention to make the great Duke side with the Crowne of France but at least to moderate the evill opinion which the Princes of Italy might have taken of that Crowne by reason of the French-mens falling into Italy and to keepe the great Duke as much as possibly he could from assisting the Spaniards And because the opinion grew stronger every day that the Duke of Savoy held secret intelligence with the Spaniards 't is said that to moderate in some sort this report the King of Spaines Agents held it fit to dismisse the Abbot Torre who was the Duke of Savoyes Embassadour from Milan under pretence that considering the breach made by his Master against the King of Spaine it was not fitting a Minister of his should keep with those against whom he had declared himselfe an open Enemy At this time Don Franchesco di Mello a man of great esteeme sent as extraordinary Embassadour from Spaine to the Emperour tooke Milan in his way and staid there it being reported he was to have beene made Governour thereof The Spaniards this meane while building very much upon the Duke of Modena's declaring himselfe for them as well for the assistance they might expect from that Prince of warlike people as for the credit of being reverenced by such an Italian Potentate not respecting the right of discent in the Prince of Correggio mediated with the Emperour therein in the behalfe of the Duke of Modena that the true Prince might be deprived thereof and the other invested thereinto as it insued upon the promise of disbursing 200000 Dollars The Elector of Saxony having after some dayes stout defence made by the Swedes taken the Castle of Hall knew it was requisite for him to joyne with the Imperiall Troopes who were then in good numbers about Franckfort upon the Oder that they might joyntly invade those Townes which were by them pretended unto and were held and gainsaid them by the Swedes He therefore marched towards Berlin a Citie of Brandenberg upon the Hault where the Swedes were who were much grieved at the uniting of those Forces as making much against that which they intended and being hereof advertised Bannier thought it expedient to remove from thence Therefore having brought his Souldiers neere Ratzaw and having quickly taken Verbeâ— which not being in a condition to stand out immediately Articled the small Garrison which guarded it marching out with their Bagge and Baggage he left therein a good guard for it was a place of some moment for him and then marched with his Army towards the Enemy where some Regiments of the Swedish Horse meeting with some Squadrons of the Saxons which scoured the Countrey they so evilly treated them as that they made them runne away to the Electors head-quarters The Elector of Brandenburg was much troubled with this Hostility betweene the Swedes and Saxons who confining upon them both if he should declare himselfe for either side he should bring the Warre home to his owne doores So was likewise the Duke of Mechelberg who could expect nothing but much prejudice from this their falling out Therefore an accommodation betweene the Swedes and Saxons being very much desired by those two Princes they were not wanting in their best indeavours to compose those differences but they could doe no good therein for the Swedish Commanders being particularly offended by the Elector and incited through a deâ—ire of Warre whereon their greatnesse did consist for they thereby much inriched themselves held the businesse in suspence upon very small hopes and at last all the differences consisting in a declaration which contained that before they would proceed further they would be repossessed of all that they did possesse the yeare 1634. the Treaty fell to the ground The French-men fayling in their intentions of taking Valenza which for the reasons formerly alledged they much desired seeing that the numbers of the Spaniards did dayly increase in the state of Milan by the assistance of other Princes their friends for now the Dutch began to march towards them under the command of Prince Borso of Este and Colonell Giledas together with other Switzers to boot with many Foot that were raysed in the state of Modena and in Tuscany and those that every day were landed from Spaine and Naples thought it fitting to ease the quarters of Montferrat which began to be very burthensome to those people by sending backe the Duke of Parma's Forces into their owne Countrey But because their numbers were much lessened in lying before Vabenza and that they could not without evident danger passe through the Territories of Tortona and so enter into Piacenza without being back't with greater Forces and when they should be luckily arrived there they were not able to defend their state from the Spaniards who were expected to invade them they indeavoured all they might to make the Duke of Savoy joyne his Generall the Marquis Villa with those of Parma who with the Savoy Horse might back the Duke of Parma till he should come to his own home where when he should be they would then bethinke themselves of new resolutions to which the Duke gave way though he suspected that the French did this to weaken his Forces that they might have him the more at their beck for by his suffering Valenza to be succoured the French had renewed the former jealousies they had of his actions Villa therefore left his quarters and marching towards Tortona began to doe as was agreed upon but the Spaniards who had heard hereof sent speedily away 3000 Foot and 10 Companies of Horse to Tortona whither they came on the 23th of December and lodged in the Suburbs of the Citie from whence they sent out Scouts to discover the Enemies proceedings and understanding that Villa with his Horse appeared already in very good order upon the Territories of that Town they thought it expedient to foord over the Sâ—rivia a Torrent not far from thence and send some Horse towards the Savoyards seconded by divers Files of Musquets intending to set upon them on the Flanke and by fighting with them to make the Colleagues alter their intentions But the Spaniards finding themselves not strong enough to encounter them though they were somewhat advantaged by the protection of the Citie and the Cannon thereof which playd upon the Enemies Horse being come within their reach they kept their stations forbearing to make any further attempt so as while this was a doing the Foot which marched on the other side came successefully to the new Castle of Scrivia not having so much as one Musquet-shot made at them though there were some Spanish and Neapolitan Foot there and
these Forts to try who should have the honour first to perfect his undertaking so as the Spaniards were greatly troubled not only in respect of the imminent danger but out of their emulation for they now saw the greatnes of France did much with-draw from the preheminence which the Spaniards pretended unto in Europe yet not giving way either to fear or passion they provided to defend themselves on the one and the other side Picolomeny was sent towards Theonville that with his valour and experience hee might relieve that place The Infanta encamped himselfe with 14000 men neere Borbocke to endeavour the safety of Hesdin Souldiers were raised every where in Spaine to keepe Salsa from being lost and because the Prince of Oringe was at the same time marcht towards Nimenghen to raise jealousies in the Spaniards and to divide their Forces in such manner as they should not be able to defend themselves both against him and against the French the Countrey Militia being made to take up armes who were put into places least suspitious in lieu of the Souldiers that were drawne thereout another great body of men was sent to Gheldren In fine wisedome nor dexterity not being wanting in any part Spain and France and all other States belonging to these two Crownes were full of Armes and abounded in Councells how they might prosperously effect their ends Whilst these things went thus Bannier not seeing the expected recruits appeare for Scallans who had the leading of them entertained himselfe by the way in taking in of some places held by the Imperiallists which though they were not much valued yet by reason of great contributions which were taken from them were advantagious to the Sweeds and being advertized how the Imperiallists grew daily stronger thought to passe over the Elbe so to keepe himselfe the better from their hostility and joyning with those who were in Slesia to encamp there till the expected succor should arrive But Maracini being advertised hereof though he had not Forces sufficient to buckle with the Sweeds who were become the more bold for that they saw their safety depended more upon the edge of their swords he being encourgaged by his former good successe and by the retreate which is oft times esteemed a kinde of flight gave on with more of hope then security between Chimnits and Suika upon the horse led by Plato Sergeant Major of the Sweedish Battle who was cunningly placed by Bannier in the reer upon agreement made between them that if the Imperiallists should appeare he should only entertaine them with skirmishes and should rather seeme to flye away then to resist for that the enemie being thereby much inhartned might without feare fall upon the Ambush which Bannier had laid of 2000. Foote and 500. Dragoones and 12. pieces of Cannon loaded with musquet bullets placed at the entrance of a certaine passage and of 1 500. horse which were ready with Banniers selfe to fall upon the Imperiallists when they should be falne into the Net which the Sweeds had laid for them for knowing the greediness of Souldiers and particularly of such who kept fasting from usuall contributions and pay doe headlong without any manner of respect fall to plunder he thought that the Imperiallists at the first sight would not keepe from falling upon them And Plato in conformity to the appointment made skirmishing with some few troopes and retreating the stratagem tooke effect for the Austrians desirous to doe some-what to up-hold their reputation and fill their pockets charged furiously upon the enemies horse and came in sight of the baggage in defence of which the Sweeds seeming to advance with some files of Foot the other flew upon them who being charged in the reere of Banniers horse as they thought to wheel about on the other side fell so full in the mouth of the Ambush as that the Cannon playing suddenly upon them and some musquets wherewith the hedges were lyned their files were so routed and their ranks so disordered by the falling of their men and horses which were either slaine or wounded as that they fled away in disorder and fell foule upon their owne Foote in horror and confusion overthrowing all order So as being pursued on all sides by the Sweeds great was the slaughter that was made At last the battle being again resumed by the gross body of the Imperiallists led on by Mâ—racini who not able to endure to stand spectator of this bad successe desired to lose his life together with the battle two fierce and bloody encounters were had But the Imperiallists being no longer able to make head against the Sweeds having continually 400. Dragoones upon their backes who pursuing the Imperiall horse did great execution upon their Squadrons by their continuall shooting it behoved them to face about and to endeavour their safety by flight towards Dresden wherein being followed by the Sweeds they lost their baggage eight piece of Cannon many Colours about 4000. Souldiers and Count Erucam Colonell Paradisi with divers other Captains and Officers were taken prisoners to the Austrians so great terrour as fore-seeing by this what they were to expect hereafter all those parrs were full of feare and confusion Azfelt was therefore by redoubled messengers desired to come into Bohemia which hee unwillingly did by reason of the Competition 2000. Hungarians came into that Kingdome who were a very small helpe for plundering and robbing the very Subjects they exasperated the people and were rather a prejudice then any comfort to them The Emperour who was ready to go for Prague deferred his journey and all the forces of Moravia Austria and the other neighbouring Provinces marched towards the Frontiere Bannier encouraged by this happy encounter would not leave Freibury behinde him upon his back but whilest the people were possest with feare his victory was in force he would indeavour to take it He therefore came before it with 10000. fighting men and first by promises and faire meanes invited the Governour to surrender who being an experienced Souldier returned such becoming answer as his duty bound him to so as faire meanes not prevailing he must betake himselfe to foule to dig trenches and plant his Cannon but the inhabitants behaving themselves gallantly Bannier found t' would be a hard peece of worke therefore that he might loose no more time before that place and consequently afford the Imperiallists time to rally themselves he turned his march towards Bohemia and having taken Melnish and Latmerits upon the Elbe he haulted there for all the Austrians being run to Prague and Gallasse who had reassumed his command being encamped upon the white hill with 10000. foote and 4000. horse he found that City would not so easily be taken nor would he without good grounds hazard to loose the honour he had wone haulting therefore at Latmerits and fortifying himselfe there he intended to make a Magasine there of all things necessary for the army thereby to keep Bohemia and Saxony in
if it should be needfull Some horse were sent abroad to discover the enemie and the order of his march to the end that the FRENCH Armie might put themselves in the most behovefull order to give them Battell and being informed by these that they advanced in a close body and in a threatning manner and by what was affirmed by some prisoners taken by the said Horse-men with a resolution to fight The Frenchmen put themselves in Battel-array betweene the Mossell and a deep ditch which is there in the Champion towards the West and stood firme expecting the Germans Whereupon Picolomeni advancing immediately set upon divers Sconces from whence being couragiously repulsed the Germanes having at last got to a place which commanded the Flanke of the Enemies Armie and placed some Cannon there they made so good use thereof as the French that they might be no longer subject to the mischiefe of those Cannon which went through their Battaglions from one end to another as they were retreating to make a stand elsewhere Picolomeni gave in furiously upon them with his horse and after having found some resistance though not such as hee expected hee wrought himselfe into the FRENCH Squadrons and made them turne their backes Then Monsieur de Fichiers comming boldly on with squadron of French horse did with unheard of bravery make head against the Schock of Picolomeni and encouraging his men that they might second him the action was likely to be much more fierce and bitter had his entreaties been of force enough to detaine those that gave backe but his speeches avayling nothing and being still pursued by Picolomeni Fichers being at last wounded with a Musquet and surrounded by the Enemie hee was taken Prisoner as were likewise the Marquesse De la Force and Count De Pas the Foote remaining at the discretion of the Germans who breaking their rankes did great execution upon them tooke all their Baggage tenne pieces of Cannon slew sixe thousand Souldiers and relieved the Fort to Picolomenies great glory whose actions had afterwards as they well deserved a great value put upon them The King who was then at Abeville not farre from Hesdin was much troubled at the newes of this defeate yet not appearing any wayes moved but taking it as a mutuall blow of fortune he commanded his Captaines to prepare to make a generall assault upon Hesdin in which he himselfe in person would assist For since he could not get Theonuille he was absolutely resolved to have Hesdin But the besieged who had already endured seven assaults and were reduced to a small number would contend no longer and not hoping in any succour for the Infanta was removed further off from his former quarters they upon capitulation surrendred the Towne on the 29th of Iune the Garrison marching out upon honourable Conditions The Prince of Conde and Schamburg continued still to oppugn Salsa towards which though men were sent from all parts of Spaine and 2500. Foote raised in the State of Modena Luka and other places holding of the Emperour to goe to the succour thereof were embarqued at Genua yet the new levyes of the Spanyards taken from the commodiousnesse of their owne houses not being able to buckle with the French who were accustomed to Warre and experienced upon other occasions and the Towne not being able longer to resist without reliefe it was enforced to yeild as it did about the latter end of Iune to the Spaniards great griefe who fore-seeing that if the French should likewise take Perpegnian they would cause great feare in the Inhabitants of those parts they used the best meanes they could to prepare for their defence They therefore promised great rewards to whosoever would upon this occasion raise men which the Kingdome of Spaine wanted more then any thing else neither were they negligent in preparing to shelter themselves from the tempest which threatned them from the County of Rossiglione But if the French had made a good amends by these two victories for their defeate at Theonuille they were also much sollaced at the newes that Duke Weymar proceeding successefully in Burgondy had likewise taken Salins by which the passage being inlarged into the heart of that Province they feared not but that Weymar would in a short time adde it to their Crowne But these ends built upon uncertaine futurity shewed by the sequell how unstable mens thoughts are and their designes deceitfull For the Duke of Bavaria being againe come into the field after the route given to Ghetz and keeping about Vertemberg with powerfull Forces Weymar was taken from the designed enterprize of Burgondy and appointed to march towards the Bavarians Therefore rising from about Salins hee sodainely fell into Alsatia and whilst having thrown a bridge over the Rhene at Newburg he prepared to goe with his army against Bavaria struck with a sodain sicknesse he dyed within three dayes to the unexpressible griefe of his Commanders souldiers and of all the Sweeds Duke Weymar was of a gracious aspect a brown complexion a proportionable stature very active of a strong and wel disposed body of the Auncient and Noble Family of Iohn Frederick Elector of Saxony who being overcome by Charls the Fifth had his State taken from him From his tender yeares being thereunto prompted by his naturall disposition he applyed himselfe to the Warres wherein as nothing is hard to him whose wit and spirit doth accompany the genius thereof so he being all life and full of ingenuity became so capable of instruction bold in the execution as that he with honour past from one employment or place unto another not for that his condition needed to take this way to bring him to greater employments but that hee might by degrees come to the height of that experience which above all things else is requisite for him who girts a sword about him under the command of Drum and Trumpet He past his youth amongst the Protestant forces and entered his mans estate in the King of Sweedes warres where he wonn such credit as desired nothing to highten the splendor thereof save the beames of that Kings worth which reflecting upon merit made the Disciples of his great Schoole good Masters in other Academies being imployed in the most principall charges of the chiefest armies he so punctually observed orders did with such courage performe what was injoyned him did with such eagernesse mannage what he tooke in hand as deservedly purchast him that applause which brought him to the hight of praise passing unoffended by backbyting or emulation whether men hardly arrive unlesse sustained by worth and guided by fortune his affability and sincerity intreating did worke upon the good will and obedience of his souldiers as giving themselves wholy over to be disposed off by him they strove who through their actions should shew themselves most affectionate to him He dispised the haughtinesse of Pompe and pride of gravity as things misbecoming a Souldier wherewith he was wont to say ignorance doth
beset Selinghestat between Franckfort and Ashburg wherein was a Swedish Garrison and having throwne downe the walls and the defendants having valiantly withstood two Assaults they would not try their fortune in the third which was preparing to bee given them but upon agreement yeelded it upon condition of marching forth without the beat of Drum or Matches lighted but they kept not this condition for in their march one of their Drummers rather out of forgetfulnesse then for any reason there was thereof beat up his Drum at which the Imperialists as those who when they finde an advantage imbrace any occasion whereby they may honest their actions making this their pretence took forthwith all the Swedes prisoners pillaged the Captaines and Officers and mixt the Souldiers amongst their owne Companies Whence it may be observed how requisite solidnesse and wisedome is in Military affaires without which all indeavours are in vaine Passing after this over the Mayne they invironed Hannaw on all sides and presently indeavouring to surprise a little Fort which the Swedes had built without the Gates they were so briskly received as that with the losse of 50 men they were inforced to retreat in such disorder as the Governour perceiving it he made the Garrison fall upon them who had time before the others could beat them backe into the City to get some Corn and bring it into the Fort. Yet this their gallandise was soone quelled for Wert advancing in person himselfe hee drew his lines neerer the Fort and securing them with perfect Trenches hee used the businesse so as the Swedes prospered not in their sallies as they did before for they alwayes came off with the worst and were forced to retreat with losse of honour Duke Waymer hearing of Iohn de Werts proceedings and how he had besieged Hannaw hee presently rose from his quarters which were about Remiremont in Lorayne and was desirous to succour this Fort which had alwayes kept faithfull to the Swedish party whilest all the rest either basely or voluntarily yeelded to the Caesarians and therefore it deserved to be succoured To this purpose hee came to Haggâ—naw and whilest he thought to passe over the Rhyn at the Bridge at Strasburg the Passage was denied him by the Magistrate of that City under pretence that those Citizens intending to keep neutrals and not to declare themselves either for the one or the other side they would shun the occasion of being prejudicialll to either of them At which Waymer very much wondring for upon all other occasions hee had received all manner of helpe from that City hee desired to know what the alteration might be which had made them put on this resolution But the communality of that City desirous peacefully to preserve the liberty which they for so many yeares had enjoyed wisely foresaw that if the French should get the upper hand of the Austrians and should drive them farre from the Rhyn their City should run a hazard of losing its Franchise and they therefore desired that neither the French should grow stronger in those parts nor the Austrians weaker for their Towne being free as in the midst between too great extreams would alwayes be defended by the one of them against the injuries that should be offered her by the other and each of them being to receive advantage from her situation they would both of them strive who should most win her good will Waymer failing herein and it not being now time to shew how ill hee tooke it hee returned to his former quarters in Lorayne and marched from thence towards the Bishopricke of Basill intending to passe the Rhyn there and then to doe what he should thinke fittest to make Wert leave Hannaw by way of diversion or else to doe somewhat himselfe that might counterpoise the losse of that Towne But the Duke of Lorayne who had with him some seven or eight thousand men for the preservation of the rest of the Country foreseeing this studied how he might hinder Waymer in this his voyage Hee to this purpose went to meet the Swedes and indeavouring to withstand them with more courage then force hee at the first encounter lost about 400 men and the rest being fearfull he found his designe vaine so as quitting the field unto the Swedes left hee might meet with greater losse he betooke himselfe to strong holds Whereupon Waymer by reason of this so happy incounter changing his purpose of falling into Alsatia haulted and sent his Horse to Pillage the Towns of the County and he with all his Army incamped himselfe not farre from Bisanson intending to take that City but neither did his purpose take effect here for not being able for want of Victuals to keep longer there it behoved him to retreat and pursue his former voyage towards the Rhyn At which the Imperialists of that Province were so afraid as that presaging their ruine and not thinking themselves safe in their owne Country they forsook all the neighbouring Townes some of them flying to Strasburg some to Basill placing their best moveables and Armes in Brisack the preservation of which Fort made whatsoever the Swedes got besides in Alsatia last but a little Thus did affaires proceed in Alsatia when the Elector of Saxony every houre more molested then other by the incursions of the Swedes as much his Enemies now as formerly his friends not having competent Forces to resist these Souldiers long verst in the mischiefes of Warre did strongly presse the Court at Vienna that according to established agreements the Emperour might thinke of assisting him and 't was given out that from these delayes wherewith he was fed by the Austrians some prejudice might ensue to the Imperiall Crowne as doubtlessely it would have hapned if that Elector had reconciled himselfe with the Swedes and joyned Forces with them So as his succour could no longer be delayed though the Austrians principall scope and willing desire was to have the War maintained and nourished in Saxony for that all other parts having beene visited sometimes by their friends sometimes by their Enemies and consequently destroyed and ruinated if Saxony should likewise be in the same manner weakned the Imperiall dignitie would at last be the more secured Hereupon Gallasse received orders that having first provided for the places of greatest importance in Wirtenberg where his men were then quartered he should march with the rest of his Army which came to about 10000 towards Saxony and that joyning with Azfelt who not long before was gone in succour of the Elector he should not only have a care to defend Saxony but should indeavour to suppresse the Swedish Army and to recover such places as were fallen into the Enemies hands Which Gallasse readily obeying he went after Bannier who was about Torgaw and charged him with such dexteritie as though Bannier behaved himselfe gallantly in his retreat being farre inferiour to the Imperialists in number yet for all his warinesse when the Austrians Vanguard came up to
his Reere it behoved his Reere to face about and fight with them that so they might not incurre the name of Cowards and lose the reputation they had already won after a bloody skirmish wherein the Swedes lost about 500 Souldiers he with the rest of his Army retreated gallantly under the shelter of the Cannon of Torgaw where calling a Councell of Warre the present occasions being wisely weighed and it being found impossible for them to maintaine themselves there without greater strength it was with a joynt consent agreed upon That having first burnt and spoyled all the Countrey thereabouts they should retreat to the strong holds in Pomerania and keepe themselves there the which strong holds they might the easlier make good because to boot with their strength of situation they might cōtinually be supply'd by Sea and on the contrary the Imperialists wanting necessaries to fit themselves for such an enterprise by reason of the distance of place they could not long maintaine their Army in those parts which were wholly ruinated and all whose goods and best things were conveyed into their strong holds From these Arguments a probable Consequence ensued that the Caesarian Army being destroyed by Famine they must to their little honour and great losse be forced to retreat without doing any good and in the meane time the promised aydes comming from Swethland and Orenghells Forces being joyned to Banniers who was againe parted from him by reason of affaires fallen out elsewhere the Swedish Army being re-inforced and the Imperialists weakned they should not onely returne with advantage to the places they had forsaken but bring their Forces into the heart of Saxony and into the Kingdome of Bohemia Having then broken the Bridge at Torgaw and left 3000 of his best Souldiers to guard that Towne and so much Provision of all sorts as they might well maintaine themselves there six moneths he marched towards Landsperg but being pursued by Gallasse who indeavoured how he might ingage the Swedes in a Battell and Bannier knowing himselfe not able to contest with him in the Field he therefore pursued his former intention of getting into strong holds and quitting the Field unto the Imperialists he left Landsperg and after a skirmish which happened betweene his Horse and the Enemies with little losse to either side he retreated to Stetin that he might stay there and from thence send supply to such places as being set upon by the Austrians stood in need thereof Gallasse marched forwards and planted his Cannon before Landsperg he opened their Trenches and the Imperialists falling upon the Ditch which was defended by Traverses he sent the Dutch to make an assault who were desirous to end the businesse being already weary of what they had suffered without any refreshment the Countrey being ruinated This assault was bravely withstood by the Swedes and Gallasse being angry at the delay for had he beene to have kept before it but foure dayes either his men must have been destroyed or must to his little honour have given over the enterprise he prepared for another fierce assault and the defences being drilled through by the Cannon and the Towers beaten downe the besieged perswaded the Governour to Treat of an Agreement But he being a gallant Souldier and rather desirous to dye honourably then live with any the least staine of infamy answered That the custody of Forts was committed to Governours to the end that they within might with a few resist the violence of many without That they ought not to be astonished at the noyse of the Cannon and grounding their reasons upon some invented necessitie yeeld up the place That the surrender of the Towne was not to be thought of unlesse compell'd by such generall necessitie as was not to be withstood by valour That it was the dutie of a Governour first to consider the number of his defendants which if he should not find to be sufficient he was to make his desires knowne before the Enemy were approached That it was more honourable to dye with Sword in hand then to prejudice the publik interest for the safety of a few And at last putting them in mind how they had wont to walke those streets vaunting that they feared not Mars himselfe he resolved upon defence He therefore obstinately made good the breach but neither could his not yet his Souldiers valour withstand the Enemies violence who stormed the Citie killing many of the defendants and taking many of them prisoners The Imperialists increasing in their hopes by the getting of Landsperg they forthwith marched for Pomerania hoping to meet with the same successe but as all things have their vicissitudes and suffer alternations the Austrians found not their proceedings so smooth in Pomerania as they did here for though Gallasse took Ribnets and Damgartem places of no great consideration he prospered not in his oppugning Anclam a strength of great moment lying in the heart of Pomerania not farre from the River Pene betweene Volghast and Stettin by the taking whereof they should not onely the better secure their owne abode in Pomerania but keepe all the Townes in continuall jealousie which lye betweene Straelsundt and Stettin and make the Swedes weary of keeping longer in that Province where they could onely have their Provisions by Sea Gallasse therefore drew neere unto it and began to play upon it with his Cannon but the strong Garrison rendred all his attempts and all that he could doe vaine and continually held the Caesarians worke in their owne quarters For Bannier with the grosse of his Army which was re-inforced by numbers of men landed at Wolghast lay about Gripswold from whence by continuall surprialls sometimes upon one sometimes upon another quarter of the Imperialists he greatly incommodiated their Campe. So as Gallasse seeing the difficulties grow greater and the want of Victualls continue the expected moneys from Vienna not appearing to satisfie the Souldier in that behalfe who began to mutiny and his Army being much lessened by the death and running away of many as on the contrary the Swedish Army continually increased he resolved to rayse his Siege having lost about 800 of his best Souldiers in it and to returne to Marca Nova that he might refresh his men and their expect the moneys which he by sundry expresses much solicited and without which he could neither move from where he was nor keepe his Souldiers from running away The Prince Elector Palatine Sonne to the late Elector Fredericke whose State was taken from him by the Emperour was at this time at Meppen upon the River Amasia which running from the Confines of Paderborne into the Countrey of Lippe falls into the Sea between Emden and Munster where he was by moneys which his Uncle the King of England furnisht him withall raysing an Army wherewithall to recover in these times of trouble the Palatinate from the house of Austria And because the men that by his procurement were imbarqued in England were not yet come