thereby their friends as well as their enemies For the Princes of the nether Saxon circle declare the invâ—ding of the Dutchy of Bremen to be a breach of the peac◠〈◊〉 the Empire and a violation of the Instrument of Peace for the observation whereof they stood reciprocally engaged By this time King Charles was advanced as far as Hamburgh with his harassed and ill accoutred Troops without opposition where he mounted and cloathed and armed them by the favour of that Ciâ—y jealous of its own Lords greatness and the assistance of good supplies of moneys which he received there upon the French accompt It seemed strange what was become of the Danish Army but that however sixteen thousand strong In stead of fighting the enemy in Pomerania or Mecklenburg or any where before they reach'd Hambourg still retired before them but whether affrighted with the reputation of these glorious Ruffians or betrayed by their own dissentions I will not determine though it be certain that King Charles had his Ulefeld in Denmark as well as his Radizeuski in Poland The Swedes being thus refreshed and lusty grew also very numerous by the accession of such whom the hopes and liberty of pillage daily added to their party They followed the retiring Danes as far as Frâ—dericks-ode which they also after some time took by assault under the conduct of Marshal Wrangel Fredericks-ode is seated upon the lesser Belt a new Town endowed with many priviledges to invite Inhabitants and fortified on the land side though the Works were not fully finished after the modern fashion the Sea was esteemed a sufficient guard on that side it watered being strengthened with Pallisadoes from the adjoyning Bulwarks as far as deep water But the Swedes under favour of the darkness and some false Allarms in other places broke down this wooden Fence and rushing in on that part up to the Saddle skirts in water wheeled about the Bastion and entred the Town rendring themselves Masters of the same without any considerable resistance This victory equalled a gained battle for they made above 2000 prisoners besides the slain which amounted to as many more well nigh 200 Officers 33 Colours and above fourscore pieces of Cannon with other store of Ammunition and plunder This success rendred them also absolute Masters of Holstein except Krempen and Gluckstadt and Rensbourg gave them the plunder and contribution of all Jutland and the communication betwixt the North and East Seas by the lesser Belt It was thought strange that so strong a place as Fredericks-ode and so well provided with Garrison and provisions should be taken by a number scarce equal to them within Andrew Bilde Marshal of the Kingdom was Governour of this important place but whether he lost it by his fate or by his folly by his cowardise or by his treason is still disputeable However it was it cost him his life he being mortally wounded in the attack which did not yet suffice to clear his memory from obloquie and a suspition of disloyalty The Swedes themselves contributed much though accidently to this rumour for they sent his body richly vested without ransom over into Funen which encreased the ill reports or him though it might as well have been thought an argument of their generous humanity as his perfidie as they will hereafter evince in the person of Vice Admiral De Witt slain in the Sound and returned with no less honour and pomp King Frederick hearing of this great loss quits Schonen where he had in person twice beaten the enemy by Helmstat and flies into Funen to give orders for the conservation of that Island the second of Denmark Which done he leaves his Bastard Brother Guldenlew there with 3000. men and returns to Coppenhagen to struggle with the divided factions of his Nobles which did not end but in theirs and their Countries Ruine But leaving the Danes to their dissentions and the Swedes posted in their new conquests let us step back a little to take a short view and prospect of the civil transactions contemporary with the former England had too great an interest in the Baltick which may not improperly be called the Mediterranean of the North to sit still without making reflection upon the great commotions in those parts And besides the concerns of a free and undisturbed Commerce England being at that time in an open War with Spain had much rather that the Swedish Arms had been at liberty to give a check to the other Austrian Branch in Germany than to have been diverted by a Warre with Denmark Upon this account two Gentlemen are made choice of to endeavour a Reconciliation betwixt the two Kings Mr. Meadowe being sent to the Court of Denmark and Mr. Jepson to that of Sweden The former arrived in Denmark in the beginning of September 1657. much about the time that the Swede entred Jutland He was received far above his Character being that of Envoy Extraordinary to the regret of other forreign Ministers But the conjuncture of time and affairs obliged the Danes by all possible waies and means to ingratiate themselves with the English So that the Envoyes Proposition for a Mediation after he had declared the ruinous effects of a War Sep. 25. 1657. was accepted off The Dane declaring that he was ready to enter upon a Treaty of a sure and honourable peace under the Mediation of England and that so soon as the King of Sweden should testifie a suitable concurrence on his part This Declaration was transmitted to the Swede with all possible diligence and drew from him a reply dated at Wismar in October following in which offer many expostulations how injuriously he had been dealt with 19. 1657. intermixt with some language which the Dane resented as opprobious He declares likewise his assent to enter upon a Treaty under the Mediation of France and England and that the preliminaries as to place of treating number of Commissioners sale conducts c. should be adjousted according to the transactions betwixt the two Crowns in the year 1644. upon the confines of the two Kingdoms This reply produced another Declaration from the Dane Nov. 5. That he consents also to the transactions in 44. only as to the place of the future Treaty conceives Lubeck or some other in that neighbourhood to be most commodious That the Treaty should commence under the Mediation of England and also of the States General and so soon as France should offer him their Mediation he would accept of that likewise But that the designed Peace be not restrained to the two Crowns only but that the King of Poland and the Elector of Brandenburg be comprehended in the same It was easie to see how this comprehension of the Pole insisted on by the Dane would trouble the scene of affairs which obliged the English Mediatour to remonstrate it to be a novel Proposal and how that it would render the so much desired peace tedious and difficult if not impossible for that
compel them thereunto by force 18 You shall take care to give Us frequent Intelligence of your proceedings and of every thing that shall occur in those parts That thereupon you may receive further direction as shall be necessary either touching your acting there or returning with the Fleet which yet you are to do when the season of the year the necessity of the Fleet or other condition of affairs shall require although you should not receive Our further directions therein 19 In case it shall please God to take you away or otherwise disinable you that you cannot intend this service The Vice-Admiral of the Fleet is hereby impowred to execute these Instructions until We shall give other order therein March 18. 1658. 20 In case the whole Fleet contained in this List be not ready you shall proceed upon your Voyage with such part of them as are ready to said with you giving order to the rest to follow after you Out of these Instructions it is observable that the true Interest of England was then judged to be First to preserve Denmark from ruine and the power of the Sound in his hand as being a weaker Prince whose Interest it would be not to impose upon his Neighbours or if he did it were easier reducing him to terms of reason and therefore sincerely they endeavoured to re-establish the Peace of Rotschild and save that King from the violence of the Swede and Menes of the Dutch and to leave him a free Prince Secondly but if that could not be done then as hath been touched before they chose rather to help the King of Sweden and take his word for their share in the benefit of the Conquest than that the Dutch should grapple all into their hands and power The English being come thus first into Denmark resolved to hinder De Ruyters conjunction with Opdam who had Wintered in Coppenhagen and governed greatly in all their Councels and affairs for fear their force might be superiour in the Sound And therefore when the English Admiral was past the Schaw or Point of Schagen De Ruyter being not yet come out of Holland he left three Scout-ships one at the Schaw Point another about Lezow and Anout and a third at the Koll all in sight one of the other and the last in sight of the Fleet. He at Schaw had Order to meet De Ruyter there and deliver him a Letter wherein he desired him that he would signifie to him that he would not give any assistance to either side Apr. 4. 1659. by Men Ships or otherwise nor endeavour to go with his Fleet into Coppenhagen the Sound or Baltick Sea lest further hostility should fall out betwixt the Swede and him but remain with his Fleet without the Sound and Belt until it might be seen whether by their joynt endeavours a Peace might be concluded or until some other certain way of management of this affair might be agreed upon between them conducible to the ends aforesaid And he engaged on the other side De Ruyter agreeing to the desires expressed in his Letters that he would give no assistance to either side The arrival of this great Fleet was no less terrible to the Danes than acceptable to the Swedes for these hugged themselves with the hopes of powerful assistance from their tried friends whilest the other apprehended the carriage of a reconciled enemy King Frederick being therefore doubtful of what might happen gave notice to the States General by an Express of the arrival of the English Fleet consisting of thirty six men of War besides Fire-ships in the Sound adding his entreaties That they would be likewise pleased to dispatch their promised Succours whereby he might be at length delivered from the oppressions of his growing enemies But neither the Swedes confidence nor the Danes fear did last long for Montague having sent his Cousin Mr. Montague and his Vice-Admiral to salute King Charles did likewise assure him by word of mouth as he did King Frederick the next day after his arrival by Letters that He was come with his Fleet to help to reconcile the two Kings which he would endeavour with all his might and in the interim neither assist nor offend either of them April 11. The Danes raised with the Admirals friendly Message were assured by Sir Phil. Meadow the English Envoy's confirming of it He wrote in the same sence Montague had done before offering withall his Masters so often proffered Mediation and having laid open the irreparable evils of a continued War magnified the Peace of Rotschild as most consentaneous to the present State of affairs and the surest foundation of the future Treaty But both Kings delayed their Answers though he of Denmark did at length reply 20. that he did very willingly accept of the offered Mediation the very name of Peace being most welcome to him but he could not Treat much less Conclude any thing without his Allies and Confederates The truth is he abhor'd the thoughts of the Peace of Rotschild and had obliged himself but lately by a Treaty with the Emperour the King of Poland and the Elector of Brandenburg to make no Peace with the Swedes without mutual consent of the Confederate Princes King Charles seemed no less averse from the Treaty of Rotschild than the Dane and however Montague did daily tamper with him to encline him to it yet his returns were all delatory because he saw the English posted so as he thought their reputation would never permit them to suffer the Dutch Fleet to sail by the sides of their Ships into Coppenhagen and that then his work would be done gratis if they were together by the ears and he free from having signed any Terms for the benefit of England The English Admiral on the other hand apprehending his danger in being engaged to such a disadvantage pressed his Majesty for a clear answer without delay which not receiving and withall finding that King preparing to be gone in person into Funen where entercourse would be long and difficult and continue this inconvenience The Admiral sent him word that he was sorry he could not all that time know his Majesties resolution and that now he was obliged to pursue some other instructions he had and presently weighing Anchor sailed out of the Sound and posted himself in the Cattegat between the Koll and the Town of Guildeley in Zeland As his Fleet passed by Cronenburg the King of Sweden sent Count Brake and Monsieur Post two Senators of his Kingdom to complement the Admiral and wish him good speed in his undiscovered design And within two hours after sent another Boat to him with an Instrument under his hand and seal accepting the mediation of England upoâ— the Terms of the Rotschild Treaty which was in effect welcom to the English Admiral although he had an important reason to remove the Fleet as he did though he had hoped no other advantage thereby For in the Sound where the Fleet was posted
of the two Commonwealths had with communication of the French Embassadour framed a Concept or Form which they called a Project and which we will call so hereafter also upon the Basis of the Rotschild Treaty according to the Conventions agreed on at the Hague This Project or Instrument of Peace they first presented to the King of Denmark who received it and requiring time to deliberate upon it promised an answer The Embassadours hereupon went the same day to the Camp and having obtained Steno Bielke the Swedish Embassadours liberty Aug. 28. for he had been thus long detained prisoner at Coppenhagen took him with them fancying that so great a present would render their coming more acceptable Being entred the Kings Lodging and in the Anti-Chamber his Majesty after a little stay came out to them where Collonel Sidney accompanied with all his Colleagues and the Dutch Embassadours for the French had withdrawn himself after a profound Reverence presented him a Rowl of Paper being the aforesaid Project The King asked what Papers they were Sidney answered that they contained the desires of the three States But the King replied with a stern countenance if it be the Project for Peace I will not receive it And adding told the English as for you I will not refuse your Mediation as long as you continue in the terms of friendship but will suffer no Arbitrators And then turning to the Dutch subjoyned as for you being you are my Enemies I absolutely refuse to receive you as Mediators and to them all You make your Projects in your Fleets and I clapping his hand upon his Sword wear mine at my side Having said this he left the Embassadours and turning suddenly from them went to the other side of the room The Dutch Embassadours following him said we are not your Majesties Enemies and shall â—prove your best friends The King looking fiercely upon them answered my Embassadours are unworthily used and you are suffered to go and come at pleasure Slingland replied to this We need fear nothing from a generous Prince and the King abruptly I have no great resentments of generosity for such Enemies The Embassadours would not provoke the offended King any further but retiring with a profound and respectful Reverence left the presence where His Majesty having given Bielke his hand to kiss rallied with his great Officers most of them having been present at this audience upon this unusual rencounter This indignity of offered the Embassadours was seconded with another though not so considerable They were scarce got into their Coaches when it was told them that the Trumpeter who waited upon them was thrown into prison Being surprised with this Novelty they sent me to the King to complain of this violence and breach of the Law of Nations But the Trumpeter was immediately released and his detension excused having happened without the Kings knowledge and done by the Generals command not with an intent to affront the Embassie but because he belonged to the Garrison of Coppenhagen which was very true The Danes were over-joyed with this ill treatment of the Embassadours fancying that the Dutch would now employ their Forces against the common Enemy without any further intermission as well in revenge of their own injuries as to assist their Confederates In the mean time Posts were dispatched into all parts with the news of this encounter the circumstances of it being aggravated according to the several passions of the interessed The States General were most netled at it as being most concerned and did not fail to exaggerate the affront done to the Embassadours of the three States by their Ministers in England and France as an indignity common to them all But the Mediators how ever ill received at their former Audience did not yet despair of a desired issue to their negotiation They knew the King of Sweden was not wholly averse from Peace for he had several times professed he had not espoused his Conquests provided he did not quit them without a compensation but from the manner of compassing it and he was not against the officious intervention of Mediators though he could not endure the Umpirage of their Arbitration The Dutch therefore seeing that he would never admit of their Mediation unless the ancient Correspondence and Amity betwixt him and them were first restored drew a form of reconciliation which should put an end to all their former misunderstandings and Controversies and sending it to Rosenhaen by the French Embassadour wrote also to him that they purposed to come to the Camp to perfect the Treaty of Elbing and its Elucidations and also to endeavour to accommodate the differences betwixt the two Kings But being they perceived that the King of Sweden looked upon the States as parties and their Ministers for that reason as improper for the Negotiation in hand and that it seemed not good to His Majesty to assent to the aforesaid elucidations before the difference betwixt himself and the States General were removed and the ancient friendship betwixt the two Nations restored and being they doubted whether their coming to the Camp at that time might be acceptable or not they thought good to send an Instrument of reconciliation with a promise that they would sign it as soon as the Peace betwixt the two Kings was concluded The day following the Dutch Embassadours being informed that the King had not only laid by his choller but that also he desired their return to his Court sent me to him to know whether their coming to the Camp would be agreeable to his Majesty or not Aug. 31. And whether they should be received according to their dignities in case they came I being returned and having brought word that all was as they desired the Heeren Slingland and Huybert went to the Camp where being civilly received by the Courtiers they were immediatly introduced into the Kings presence where having first condoled with him for the death of the Duke of Holsteyn his father in Law they urged what concerned the illustrations of the Treaty of Elbing the Peace betwixt the two Crowns and the reconciliation betwixt His Majesty and the States General They most insisted upon the present Treaty and pressed the King that he would be pleased to declare himself as to the main heads of it and grant his Letters of safe conduct for the Danish Commissioners in such manner and form as was required The King answered that he desired nothing more than to cultivate the ancient friendship betwixt Sweden and the United Provinces and had therefore sent Coyet his Embassadour Extraordinary into Holland to represent to the States General themselves the candor of his intentions in that particular As for the Peace he was not averse from it provided it were safe and honourable only he believed that the business would advance best if it were carried on by Commissioners of both sides according to the usual method betwixt the Northern Crowns The Conference being done the Embassadours returned to
plausible enough as appears by the Swedish Manifest and the Kings own speeches in the ensuing narration But the Danes accused Charls his boundless ambition and cried out plainly and not without probability that he had already devoured the dominion of the East sea in his thoughts which was not to be compassed but by the preceding conquest of Denmark They further affirmed that he had therefore been perswaded at Gottenburg to prosecute the enlargement of the Swedish Empire by new acquisitions The conflict would be easie and as the first was bloodless He should but go and overcome and by the accession of his future victories open a passage to his farther greatness Add to these the tried difficulties of the Polish war the quiet but armed condition of Germany the peaceful inclinations of France at that time but above all a warlike Prince and as he pretended provoked and injured environed with a victorious Army and it will not seem strange that the fury of the threatning tempest fell upon Denmark But whatever the causes were the war was easier begun than ended whilest the Danes serve for a memorable example to posterity how valid despair is and that there is nothing proof against an enforced necessity The Swedes were obliged as is already observed by the Treaty of Rotschkild to withdraw all their forces out of all the Provinces of Denmark by the first of May which they did not only not do for Holstein Jutland Funen and the Dukedom of Sleswick were still in their power but took also new councils to invade and conquer the rest of that divided Kingdom The King then being resolved to renew the war prepared all that was judged necessary for so great an expedition and that with no less secrecy than prudence and truly it was no wonder that the Danes were surprised being by several Embassies letters and messages lull'd into so ruinous a security when as the Ministers of divers Princes who then followed the Court were so far from penetrating into its designes that they had not the least suspicion of a second invasion upon Denmark Aug. 5. 1658. The fleet and land forces met at Kiel in Holstein and now all things being in a readiness the Army and provision for a longer journey than was intended were imbarcked The King being under fail with eleven men of war and near sixty great and lesser Vessels whilest some thought him gone towards Prussia others towards Pomeranta and others towards other places but none towards Denmark secured as it was thought by the late Peace he steered his course towards Zealand Aug. 8. Being arrived at Corsieur a sea town on the West side of the Island he landed his Army greater in reputation than numbers for it did not exceed 1200 horse and 4000 foot without any opposition or resistance These few guards that were on the coasts fled at first sight of the fleet before they knew whether they were enemies or not and the Towns men dissembleing what they durst not seem to fear were forced to receive these new guests as friends whilest they and the country as the Army passed along were made believe as the Swedes gave it out that they intended no hostility to any but were come to assist the King of Denmark against the designs of some of his rebellious Nobles King Charls his chief care upon his landing was to keep his soldiers from plundering and by quick sending out of parties of horse to suppress the Danish troops which were quartered up and down the Island or at least to hinder their retreat into Coppenhagen Count Toâ—te Lieutenant-General of the horse led the Van but the King himself I know not by what fatality did not stir till the day following and however his main hopes of victory consisted in the quickness of his motion he marched but slowly fearing peradventure ambushes in an unknown Country or least he might be obliged in the absence of his Naval forces to bear the brunt of the war alone The noise therefore of this invasion sled to Coppenhagen before him and filled the Court and City with the terrour of so imminent a danger All was full of fear and confusion and the people then at divine service for it was upon the Sabbath day in the morning struck with the apprehensions of their approaching ruine which they look'd upon as infallible if the enemies made that hast they might and assaulted the City then destitute of order or forces to withstand them The slight of the country-people who came slocking into the town magnifying the number and progress of the enemy according as their fears suggested redoubled the terrour in so much that all dreading their destruction as unavoidable bethought how best to secure themselves Some hid their best moveables where they best could whilest others searched about whither they might best slye and hide themselves Many preferring their personal security to that of their Country cried out for peace and a recourse to the conquerours clemency but the wisest and they were but few perswaded a vigorous resistance and exhort the rest rather to commit their common safety to God and a just defence than to the arbitration of a cruel and insulting enemy Neither were the disorders and apprehensions at Court inferiour to these until the King himself having rejected the advice of those who would have perswaded him to preserve himself for better times by a timely retreat into Norway or Holland had declared with a magnanimity truly royal That he would live and dye in his Nest and not survive the sate and glory of his Country The following letter though not signed fell as was informed into his hands the which as being of an extraordinary nature merits to be inserted it was as followeth Sir Notwithstanding my being engaged in the service of your mortal Enemy I am a very affectionate well-wisher to your Majesty I am very confident that the King of Sweden designs to take Zeland from you and consequently yuur crown I humbly desire your Majesty to save your Royal person the Queen and the Princes your children by a quick retreat into Norway or elsewhere until this tempest be over and some happier opportunity present it self for the recovery of your kingdom Save your self Sir that you may not fall into his hands preserve your self for better times and believe the counsel of him who is your Majesties most humble servant I will leave the disquisition of the author the contriver and the intrigue of this letter to the curious and only add that if he had followed the advice of most part of his Councel he had hearkened to that of his kind enemy and lost his kingdom into the bargain But he being more generously resolved did by his example raise the drooping spirits of them about him which quickly appeared in their countenances and expressions Shame and emulation and a desire of revenge had mastered those weaker passions their fear had begot in them before so that at present there was
The night by this time was far spent it being about four in the morning and the storm ceased on the other side when it began with new courage and fury on this for the Swedes having passed the Wartow Dike marched with much confidence towards the Town Moat and neglecting the Ravelin on their left hand laid their Bridges and crowding upon them endeavour to pass but these Bridges proved so short and consequently unable to bear the weight they were pressed with so that the Assailants terrified with this unexpected accident retire again Some indeed got over but perished whilest their Companions who could not get to them made what hast they could to get away leaving their Ladders Bridges c. one hundred and ten common Souldiers and their chief Officers Vavasor and Fininghoff and Lentsman slain upon the place The attempts that were made upon Christians Haven and the North Gate were scarce worth the mentioning being only feigned Alarms to frighten the Besieged lest whilest they seemed assaulted on all sides they might perceive on which it was seriously intended Seeing therefore the contest ended where it was more really meant they drew here also off though not without some loss by reason of the incessant discharges of the adverse Cannon It would be unjust to pass by the remarkable service which the Dutch Seamen did in this storm Opdam kept a good troop of them near his person for a reserve upon all occasions but sent his most expert Gunners to assist the Danes these being numerous and more skilful than the other discharged the Cannon with so much dexterity and speed that what with the multitude of Guns there being three hundred and five upon the Walls besides seventy more upon the four Prames and two small men of War and their nimbleness the whole firing seemed but a continuall Volley But the day began now to break no less grateful to the Defendants than dismal to the Besiegers The Moats the Counterscarps and the whole Fields covered with the bodies of dead and dying men manifested the greatness of the slaughter There lay slain upon the place five hundred sixty four dead bodies besides several which the Sea had swallowed up and not a few who had been carried off by their friends In the Catalogue which was given the King of Sweden by his command after the fight there are found five hundred and eighty dead and nine hundred wounded Amongst others was Count Erick Steynbock General of the Ordnance La Voyes a French Collonel both which died of their wounds in the Camp Major General Sir William Vavasor was found amongst the dead with his Ears cut off by the greedy Souldiers to get his jewels that hung in them Guengel Dromond Lentsman Fittingboff and Smith besides a great number of inferior Officers at least a hundred fell in that bloudy assault The Besieged lost scarce ten of theirs and now the Enemy being gone rush out of their Fortifications and stripping both the dead and dying sent these later to bear their friends company the Swedes had lest six Colours behind them twelve Drums two Mortar-pieces two Petards and many scaling Ladders Bridges and other instruments of War all which were brought in triumph into the City and the same morning Te Deum was sung in all the Churches for the delivery of the King and Country from so eminent a danger Many who presume to judge of the actions of Princes and that by the event to seemed to wonder why the King of Sweden did not at his first arrival before the Town endeavour to take it by Assault being it was but weak in Fortifications destitute of Souldiers and full of terrout and distractions And why he did now attempt it at all seeing the Citizens having had time to recollect themselves were grown strong in the opinion of their numbers and past successes that their Walls and Bulworks were high and firm and their Garison re-inforced with great supplies of old Troops from their Confederates It is constant that the King did not omit the Attacking of the City of his own accord but by the perswasion of others who affirmed that it was an enterprise full of difficulty and rashness to provoke desperate men whose only hope was in their Arms. They further urged that the City was not so weak in Fortifications however thrown up in hast but that they were desensible Nay this very thing was an invincible Argument that they were ready and resolved to suffer the worst of extremities being they prepared for their defence with so much constancy and care Moreover they supposed it wholly incredible that the King the Nobles the Clergy and People should tamely surrender or betray his Crowns their Honour their Revenues their Houses and Families and all of them being they were numerous and armed their Liberties their Country and what ever was more dear to them to the common Enemy It was safer therefore to draw out the War in length being they themselves were not very strong Lastly the multitude was to be overcome by delays and the miseries of the mind however they may be of proof against sudden violence yet they are oft found to languish in length of time and by a continued succession of injuries These and the like were the reasons of those who were against the present assaulting of the Town and they prevailed then but seeing it fell out otherwise the King calling to mind the taking of Fredericks-Ode last year where the Defendants out-numbred the Besiegers and considering that those things which are most difficult are most glorious and imagining nothing able to resist the valour of his victorious Army now great and formidable resolved to try his fortune which he had hitherto found so propitious and favourable But his main encouragements were the immense rewards of so noble a Conquest the Monarchy of the North and the Dominion of the Baltick Sea which he had already swallowed up in his vast thoughts On the other side if the success did not answer his expectation the loss would not be very great bearing no proportion with the hopes of so many and so great Victories crowded up in the taking of one Town However it was his forces were beaten off and forced to retire to their Camp where we will leave them to mourn their present loss and bury their slain which they serched off by leave from King Frederick and inhumed with as much military pomp as the place and time would admit off to prosecute those other transactions of War and Treaties which were carried on in order to the relieving of this important City THE HISTORY Of the Late Warres in Denmark BETWIXT The Two Northern Crowns The Second Part. DUring these Contests at Coppenhagen there arose another and more formidable War which put King Charles hard to it and 't is a wonder how he could resist so many and so powerful enemies Germany Poland and the Elector of Brandenburg arm against him and under pretence of relieving an oppressed
and one hundred common souldiers The Confederates did not loose above forty men in this exploit and being now Masters of the Island filled it with men and Ammunition as a place very convenient for the invading of Funen Having therefore all things in a readiness and filled all their Sloops and Boats with Souldiers they made for Funen under favour of some Dutch men of War which lay there to facilitate their passage They designed to assault the Island in four several places at once which they endeavoured but being ill received by the Defendants could not reach the Shore The Swedes had fortified all the Avenues and descents with Trenches Traverses and Cannon in abundance Their Forces were likewise great and strong especially in Horse several supplies being come out of Zeland to their ayd so that the enterprise seemed no less difficult than great to undertake to force an Enemy so well intrenched and so numerous as they were The Confederates lost above three hundred in their retreat besides the slain and drowned in the Attack which were many On the Swedes side there fell about two hundred which number had been undoubtedly greater if they had fought in a more equal place This misfortune did not so dishearten the Confederates but they resolved to adventure another attempt only the place seemed not so proper as it was at first imagined They therefore ship their men again and make for Middlesfare where the Traject was narrowest The men of War got thither for all the Enemies great and small shot but the Carriage-boats could not advance as was desired for the Wind turning and the Stream which follows it being against them they were forced to desist and turn back to Fredericks-Ode The Swedes however glad of the Enemies retreat thought nothing done unless they could disinable them from attempting to pass the Streights for the future This could not be effected but by ruining their Boats and Vessels which they bravely endeavoured but finding the Enemy more watchful than they had hoped they were after a rude reception forced back two of their Boats being sunk with their men in them by the Enemies Cannon The Confederates seeing they get over in parties Jul. 4. resolve to attempt it with all their forces and that in three several places with their three Armies at once but wanting Vessels to transport so great a multitude they sent five of their six men of War to gather up all the Boats they could find alongst the Coasts of Jutland The King of Sweden having notice of the Confederates design was solicitous how to prevent it He therefore commanded Captain Cox an Englishman then in his service with eight men of War one Catch and one Fire-ship to Middlefare to oppose them He He met the five above-mentioned Ships at Ebeltot July 23. who were so affrighted with the sight of this unexpected Enemy that they immediatly cut their Cables but seeing no way to escape and having less mind to resist most of the Officers and Mariners saved themselves on Shore with their Cock-boats The Admiral indeed made a shew of Defence but being sorely wounded was forced to yield The number of the slain was not great but the prisoners many especially Souldiers amongst which there were six hundred Brandenburgers and four hundred Imperialists Cox having mastered the greater Vessels burnt thirty lesser ones commonly called Schuyts that lay in the Haven He went thence to Arhausen where having fired three Merchant-men and one and twenty of the aforesaid Schuyts he threw his fire-brands into the Town it self notwithstanding a thousand Poles who were enquartered there Having performed this great service he returned with his Fleet to the Sound in triumph The conquered Ships followed spoiled of all their Ornaments two whereof being Danish having their Colours dragg'd at their Sterns and the other two Netherlanders equal with them in fortune though not in disgrace which it may be was omitted in complement to the Dutch Embassadours who stood in their Windowes at Elzeneur to behold the spectacle This Victory however easily obtained was a very great one and highly esteemed by King Charles himself being now secure of Funen the Enemies Vessels together with their hopes of passing thither being wholly destroyed Cox was ennobled and vastly rewarded for this service the King being no less just in recompensing merit than in discountenancing baseness and no less prodigal in his favours than severe in his punishments knowing well that these are the true stirrers up to great and brave Atchievments The Prince Elector moved with the loss of his Ships and having no other in a readiness nor no hopes of any from the Dutch Fleets which the reiterated Cessations had rendred useless laid aside all thoughts of further attempting upon Funen He thefore quitted Fenoe and having sunk his remaining Boats at Fredericks-Ode removed his Camp to Hopdorp on the South of Jutland with design to transfer the War into Pomerania The Swedes seeing the Enemy gone re-garrison Fenoe and landing on the Continent began to rebuild a Fort which the Poles had demolished upon the quitting of it but having intelligence that a strong party of the Confederates which was left behind to hinder their incursions was marching towards them they left their Works and retired into their Islands again And this is the sum of the Confederates Expedition and Adventures in Holstein and Jutland which I thought good for methods sake to put thus together leaving the more particular relation of affairs to them that will write their story for being my intention was only to observe what happened in order to this famous Siege and not the whole War it will suffice to have only mentioned those things which happened further off though relating to it To return therefore to Coppenhagen where nothing of moment did happen after the great Storm We find the Citizens secure within their Walls and the Swedes in their Camp whose Fortifications and strength in Horse took away all hopes the Enemy might conceive of attempting upon them Both parties suffered much through the extremity of Winter but the Danes most being shut up from all communication from abroad the Enemy besieging them by Land and the Ice by Sea But they bore these as they had done their former hardships with great courage and resolution The approaching Spring encreased the hopes and fears on both sides The Danes expected more solid succours from the Dutch and the Swedes bragg'd of their more forward friends the English and indeed neither of them was deceived In the mean time both Kings prepare for War The Dane makes ready his Fleet with all imaginable industry whilest the Swede resolves the conquest of the remaining Islands To this end General Wrangel ships six hundred Foot and three Regiments of Horse at Newburg in Funen and sets sail for Langland as the most accessible of them Count Waldeck had attempted and taken it before it being assigned him by the King for his Winter quarters but he had been
Treaty that no Agreement is like to be made thereupon Then Sir Philip Meadow as We have directed him by your Instructions to him shall in Our name propound the Treaty of Rotschild to be the Terms of a Peace to be now setled between them with such Alterations as shall be found necessary upon occasion of the War since faln out between the said two Kings perswading both of them to center therein as that which is the likeliest means as affairs now stand to put an end to this unhappy and unchristian War And this you as Admiral of the Fleet shall also let both the Kings know And also that you shall be obliged by your Instructions to oppose that Party which shall refuse a reasonable Peace upon these grounds We holding our self engaged to propound this Treaty in respect We were one of the Mediators thereof 4 In case the said two Kings can be brought to a Treaty then a Cessation of all acts of Hostility is to be endeavoured between them in which Cessation it is to be expressed that no part of the Forces under the Command of the Elector of Brandenburg and that Confederate Army be transported into Zeland Funen or any other of the Isles where now the King of Sweden hath footing and that no relief of Men or Shipping be put into Coppenhagen nor any attempt made upon either of the said Kings by the Forces of any Prince or State whatsoever And you are authorized to use your endeavours that the Terms of the said Cessation be observed and to oppose whomsoever shall go about to break the same 5 And whereas We find that One great difficulty which the King of Denmark makes about treating separately with Sweden is because of his engagement to his Allies We have directed the said Sir Philip Meadow to let him know That this Peace being once concluded yea whilest it is Treating We shall use Our best endeavours to reconcile the King of Sweden unto the King of Poland and the Elector of Brandenburg and do not doubt but something very effectually may be done therein But we conceive it of absolute necessity in the first place to agree the said two Kings without which it is impossible to imagine that any peace at all can any way be concluded on And we hope that the States General of the United Provinces will likewise agree herein 6 You shall also take the first opportunity to deal very seriously with the King of Sweden touching his present War in Denmark letting him know that We apprehend it very dangerous both for him and all his Allies in respect of the great Combinations that are made against him both by Land and Sea which in all probability he will not be able to defend himself against And that whosoever comes in to his assistance must expect to engage himself in a War with Holland and those other States which are the Allies of Denmark being a War which at this time this Nation is in no condition to engage in nor is the Parliament now sitting satisfied so to do And that therefore the Counsell which We as his true Friend and Ally do find necessary to give him at this time is That he will apply himself to make a reasonable Peace with the King of Denmark upon the Treaty of Rotschild which We at his own desire did in some sort become the Garranty of Letting him further know that in case his Majesty shall not think fit to follow this Counsel We cannot satisfie Our self to give him any assistance the consequence whereof will be so great upon this Nation And in case the Dutch will be perswaded to say as much to the King of Denmark We doubt not but matters will be brought to a happy issue in those parts 7 In case the King of Denmark shall refuse to treat upon the Terms before expressed you shall let him know That although We have not interested Our self in this present War but have carried Our self as Neuter betwixt him and the King of Sweden Yet now We find the Interest of this Commonwealth so much concerned in this War That We held Our self obliged to make use of all the means God hath put into Our hands to put an end thereto And that having done what lies in Our power by Our Ministers in a friendly way without success We have found Our self necessitated to give assistance to the King of Sweden as Our Friend and Ally who having declared himself willing to make Peace upon the Terms of the Rotschild Treaty We thought it not for the Common good nor for the interest of England to suffer him to be opprest and totally ruined by the conjunction of so great and powerful Forces against him 8 And upon this state of the case and having by your self or Sir Philip Meadow Our said Envoy used your best endeavour as aforesaid for making a Peace And if the King of Sweden shall give satisfaction upon the Terms of Assistance you shall then with the Fleet under your Command assist the King of Sweden in a defensive way in the manner expressed in the following Article 9 You shall with the Fleet under your Command either alone or in conjunction with the Swedish Fleet hinder what in you lies the transporting of any part of the Confederate Army under the Command of the Elector of Brandenburg or by whom else the same is commanded into the Isles of Zeland and Funen or into any other of the places now possessed by the Swedes And if any attempt shall be made to do it you shall use the force that is in your hand to withstand and prevent it by whomsoever it shall be attempted 10 In case the Fleet of the King of Sweden shall be attempted by the Dane or by the Fleet of any other State separately or in conjunction with the Dane you shall use the Force which God hath given you to defend him 11 You shall also labour by the Fleet under your Command to hinder the carrying of any Succour or relief into Coppenhagen until the King of Denmark shall be willing to Treat upon the Terms expressed in the former Article and are hereby impowred to fight with any such as shall endeavour to carry in any such relief as aforesaid And are also impowred to authorize such number of the Fleet as you shall judge necessary under the Flag of Sweden to joyn with the Fleet of Sweden to pursue and assault his enemies for the better accommodating of the Termes of Peace as aforesaid 12 And because Our intention is to manage this business by Counsel and Correspondence with the States General of the United Provinces as also to prevent any further Engagement between the King of Sweden and the Lords the States in a Hostile way We have directed our Resident at the Hague to propound to the said States General that they will joyn with England and France in the making of this Peace upon the grounds of the Treaty of Rotschild and that in order
yet the Land Collonels pretended they ought not obey him which rather than do they proposed to pass in the quality of Passengers but the States undertaking the decision hereof ordered that the Vice-Admiral should preside in Counsels of War on board but should sit below the Collonels at meat in the Cabbin Being under sail De Ruyter had Orders sent him for the above-mentioned convention betwixt the 3 States was signed to use no hostility 22. unless provoked against any whosoever for the space of 3 Weeks not to enter the Sound nor to joyn his Forces to Opdam's during the said time The same Orders were also sent to the two Admirals in Denmark both of them being strictly enjoyned to attempt nothing until the expiration of the said Truce But being the time was wel-nigh expired before the Admirals could have notice of these transactions at so great a distance it was agreed upon that the Truce should take its beginning from the receipt of the Advice and Letters which were sent them De Ruyter therefore being advanced as far as the Islands of Lesow and Anhout came to Anchor where he staid whilest the Embassadours sent by the States General to both the Kings continued their journeys to Cronenburg and Coppenhagen The Dutch for all their vast preparations considering the hazards and consequences of a War wisely thought the way of Mediation the best at least the safest to appease the troubles of the North. They therefore dispatcht their Embassadours to the differing Princes to each two but with a strong Fleet an excellent way of interposing There were who alledged that in case the business came to blows that fighting and the function of Embassadours whose errand was Peace could not square and so would have had them go by Land but that nicety being waved they embarked though not all at once and therefore did not arrive at the same time in the Sound The first being likewise the first in Commission that came to Cronenburg was the Heer Slingland Counsellour and chief Pensioner of Dort He had given the Court notice of his approach before his landing by a Gentleman of his train and Letters to the King Whilest he himself having complemented the English Admiral by another went himself on board him where after a reception equal to his Character he fell into discourse with Montague about the present constitution of affairs though in general termes for the Admiral being not then impowred for the English Embassie was not as yet arrived they did not descend to particulars Slingland being returned to his Ship received late that night an Answer from Court which was that he should be welcom and received according to his dignity There came with this Gentleman another with a complement and civil Letter from the Senator Rosenhaen who brought him also a Pasport which he had not desired and a large Declaration in answer to his Letter which contained a recapitulation of Complaints against the States Generals proceedings and continual thwarting of the Swedes interest But he waved any particular debate thereupon by advice of the other Embassadours designed for Coppenhagen then with him reserving it to the States considerations and orders and being however admitted he was conducted in the Kings Coach with that solemnity which is due to Embassadours to the Lodgings designed for his Reception and three days entertainment The Heer Huybert Counsellour and Secretary to the States of Zealand who had been joynt Colleague with Slingland in Prussia was also joyned with him in Commission here but being he did not Embark as soon as the other and that he spent some time in giving the last Orders to the Chiefs of the Dutch Fleet and in Conference with General Montague upon his he did not arrive in the Sound where his Reception and Audience was the same in substance with the other till three days after But the Heeren Vogelsang Counsellour and Syndick of Amsterdam and Haren a Gentleman of Friesland both but more particularly deputed to the King of Denmark arrived there the same day that Slingland did they as De Huybert also did came in a man of War and saluting the Castle with their great Guns were repayed with the same civility Being landed they were conducted to Court with Ceremony and admitted into the Kings presence told him that the States General were much troubled at the unhappy differences that were risen betwixt the two Nations and that they were and always had been far from any thoughts of hostility against the Crown of Sweden only had not been wanting to their Allies in their extremity according to the Covenants made with them They had therefore sent them their Embassadours to renew their old friendship with their old friends and to endeavour to remove those misunderstandings and animosities which were at present betwixt both Kings The King having answered in order to these particulars though in general terms expressed himself no less desirous of Peace than the States The Embassadours being dismissed returned to their Ship being waited upon thither with the same Ceremony they came the next morning they sailed to Coppenhagen where they were received and treated with as much splendidness as was possible in a Town so long besieged Jun. 11. Amongst other discourse they acquaint the King with the Treaty concluded in the Hague betwixt the three States and seriously invite his Majesty to embrace the same as most agreeing with the present estate of his affairs But the King having thanked them civilly for their former favours protested solemnly that he had rather hazard all than treat upon the foundation of the Rotschild Treaty and that with the exclusion of his Friends and Allies He therefore besought the continuance of their helping hand as the true and safest means to a wished Accommodation Neither was the King of Sweden less averse from that hated Treaty however pressed to accept of it by the other Embassadours at his Court. And yet lest he might seem to do nothing he ordered Commissioners to argue the case with them but their Conferences proved for the most part fruitless and there was no great appearance to put an end to the War in the three Weeks time prefixed by the three States In the interim there was no industry omitted in the Fortifying of Cronenburg the best part of the Town of Elzineur next the Castle was thrown down to make way for the new Works and near a thousand Country people did labour day and night without any intermission in the raising of them Koege Corseur and other places of Denmark were likewise fortified and the Camp before Coppenhagen strengthened by hightening the Walls and enlarging of the Moat By all which it appeared that the Swedes had no mind to be discoursed out of their Conquests and warm Quarters De Ruyter who had hitherto lain betwixt Lesow and Anout in order to the Truce weighed Anchor and being commanded by Opdam came with his Fleet to Sampso that they might joyn with more ease and
Embassadours so that the whole Negotiation seemed to be carried on by common consent the Swedes were troubled at this intimacy and familiarity affirming that it was wholly unpracticable that Embassadours sent to a Forreign King and not having seen that King to whom they were so deputed should in the mean time confer and treat with the Ministers of other States not friends of the said King and that in his own Court or Camp But the Kings arrival put an end to these murmurings the English Commissioners went to Fredericksburg where he was and being received in the way by a party of Horse and some Gentlemen which the King had sent to wait upon them were conveyed to their Lodgings in the Kings Coaches accompanied with the Coaches of those Publick Ministers who were then at Court. Having reposed a while they were led to publick Audience which passed in congratulations and mutual expressions of friendship After Dinner being admitted again to the Kings presence they unfolded the secret of their Commission the sum whereof was the story of the Hagues Treaty which the three States had agreed upon and resolved to stand to neither did they omit to tell him with what industry and affection they had promoted his Majesties Interest in the said Convention The King who had expected better things from his friends he had so much relyed upon was troubled at this discourse He found also that the state of his affairs had been represented to them in a lower condition than they truly were in and that by such who either envied his felicity or were ignorant of his condition He therefore magnified though modestly the past and present and making a Majesteous reflexion upon his own Person and Conduct told them He did not despair of a happy and a hoped issue to his undertakings After this the Mediators did all they could by joynt Counsels by communication of affairs by several Conferences with the two Kings their Commissioners and by their utmost endeavours to compose the vast breaches betwixt these dissenting Princes but to little purpose for the Danes would listen to no Accommodation that did not restore them all that had been taken from them and include their Allies and the Swedes refused to stir out of Zeland unless the Fortresses and strong places of Denmark were left them as Pledges for the observing of the future Peace The time seemed to be spent not in treating but in fruitless and quarrelsome contestations King Charles caused a large Declaration to be delivered to the Dutch wherein beginning at the Wars of Poland he put them in mind of the injuries and offences he had received from the United Provinces not forgetting their Collusion as he called it about the Treaty of Elbing The Dutch Embassadours on the other side afterting their candor and desire of Peace professed they were far from any thoughts of harm towards Sweden proposing nothing to themselves but the security of their Confederates and the freedom of their Commerce About the same time there were published two invective Manifesto's by the two Kings Orders against each other They were both severe and harsh in their expressions but being both are in print I thought fit in order to the brevity I propose to my self in this Relation and out of the reverence I bear to such great Princes July 24 14. to omit any further mention of them Whilest they thus cavil in Denmark there was another Treaty concluded on in the Hague betwixt the three States more advantageous for the Danes than the former for Drontheim was restored to them by vertue thereof in compensation of the losses they had sustained by this last invasion In this as in the other Treaty of the 21 of May the Ministers residing with both the Kings were injoyned that they should by joint Councels and Forces endeavour and this in the space of fourteen days time to conclude a Peace upon the Basis of the Rotschild Treaty except in what is excepted in this present agreement or should afterwards be changed by consent of the two Kings And lastly that they should support and assist with all their might that Prince which should declare for Peace and compel the unwilling by force of Arms to accept of it This Treaty was followed by another more forcible and nervous wherein it was agreed July 25. Aug. 4. that if the fourteen days mentioned in the second Treaty were not begun when this Convention should be delivered to the Ministers in Denmark that then the said term should begin within four and twenty hours after the receipt thereof And further that the dissenting King should by the conjoyned Forces of England and the Low-Countries be without any intermission of time compelled to receive and accept of Peace this was the sum of this third Convention But the States solicitous for Coppenhagen sent secret Instructions and Orders to their Officers in Chief that however affairs went they should have a care to conserve the same and hazard all rather than suffer it to be lost or change Master Neither were the English ignorant of this mystery though they dissembled it being no less unwilling than the Dutch to see this considerable City the ballance of the North fall into the hands of the aspiring Swede King Charles full of scorn and indignation to see the Law prescribed him by others resolved not to treat but by the ordinary way of Commissioners He did not absolutely reject the amicable interposition of the English and French but would by no means admit of the Dutch his Enemies and actually in Arms against him until the old and usual friendship betwixt the two Nations were renewed King Frederick on the other side professed he would do much less conclude nothing without the Mediators especially the interposition of the United Provinces although he did not deny but that the Treaty begun and ripened by them might be polished and brought to perfection by the Commissioners of both Kings Charles would not hear of quitting of Drontheym without an equivalent nor be perseaded to determine any thing about the time of evacuation or withdrawing his Army out of Denmark and being urged to declare himself grew angry protesting though in private that he being a King and a Conquerour and not inglorious could not nor would not suffer himself to be braved and controulled by two Commonwealths whereof one had abdicated and the other murthered their Prince He was more in choller against the English than the other because he expected more kindness from them than any These he reproaches with parricide and wonders they durst approach him with their hands reeking with the bloud of their own Soveraign They should therefore get them gone with their Fleet out of the reach of his Cannon unless they meant to try their violence But this transport of rage and scorn was but vented amongst his Confidents What he said to the Embassadours themselves in publick some time after was of no less consequence or noise The Plenipotentiaries
yet General Montague declared in the name of his Colleagues that being the Dutch Commissioners would not define according to the Conventions betwixt the two Commonwealths how many of their Ships should joyn with an equal number of English men of War and how many of both Fleets should after the said conjunction be returned home they were resolved wanting also provisions for so great a multitude to send their whole Fleet back into England This he said they did not with an intent to depart from the Conventions betwixt the two Commonwealths or that they had any new design on foot but really forced to it through want of necessaries for the subsistence of so great a Fleet. The Dutch seemingly endeavoured to divert the English from this resolution and shewing them where and in what manner they might procure what provisions they pleased they besought them being the common Interest was to be carried on with common and conjoyned power they would not withdraw theirs seeing that could not be without a diminution of the dignity and credit of the two Commonwealths a weakening of their Mediation with the two Kings and a manifest retarding of the present Negotiation After this several Propositions were made concerning the number of Ships to be left behind and the English were invited to leave only fifteen of theirs whilest the whole Dutch Fleet continued there until further Orders from the States General but yet with this restriction that they should attempt nothing without communication of Councels with the English Plenipotentiaries and being the English were averse from such odds and so them a solemn Instrument of Assurance under their hands and seals and that one of their Commissioners should as a further testimony of their candor and sincerity not only trust his person in the English Fleet but continue in the same to communicate Councels with Montague and deliberate of what should concern the generality of their affairs according to emergencies Sidney did hereupon confess Sept. 5. that they had no Orders to send away their Fleet at all but on the contrary commands to observe the Hagues Convention But Montague of whose mind Honniwood and Boon also was being urged to declare himself answering very ambiguously broke the conference and next day leaving Coppenhagen went to the Sound and having saluted King Charles at Cronenburg where he was royally treated and all his chief Officers and Captains honoured with Presents he sailed with his whole Fleet towards England then full of Commotion and tumult The sudden departure of the Admiral surprised and troubled the minds of all parties The Swedes were grieved that the Sound their Havens and the Sea lay now open to the prevailing Dutch whilest the Danes interpreting all things in the worst sense fancied that Montague was therefore gone because he would not now war against the Swedes now openly refusing Peace and that all those Truces extorted hitherto from the States General had been prolonged in favour of their Enemies The Dutch also seemed to condemn this with-drawing of the English as happening contrary to their Treaties and even then when they were to act by vertue of them But this was but in outward shew for they did inwardly rejoyce that this Imperious Fleet was gone and they at length at liberty to act without controul But Sidney and his Colleagues were more really trouble at the absence of their Forces not being ignorant how weak their disputes were like to prove against an armed Mediation They were also more nearly grieved at the Admirals return as sensible of the great forces he commanded and his averseness to the present Government And truly they were not deceived for whilest all England weary of the tyranny of the Regicides prepared to vindicate their Liberties by Arms requiring tacitely their Prince but openly a Free Parliament Montague being invited and commanded by the King of Great Britain into whose grace and favour he had lately been restored hastened thither with his Naval forces to assist those just however unfortunate endeavours The day after Montague's departure the Commissioners met again in the Tents where the Danes demanded an Answer to their former Proposals declaring withall that their King induced by the desires and perswasions of the Mediators had consented to and would willingly accept of their Project for Peace so far forth as it agreed with the Hagues Conventions They therefore desired to know whether the King of Sweden had likewise done it protesting they would otherwise proceed no further The English and Dutch Embassadours pressed the same urging the Swedes to declare what Orders their King had given in answer to their just Propositions Rosenhaen being thus put to it replied that they had indeed delivered their King the Mediators Project professing further that His Majesty would omit nothing on His part for the compassing of an equitable and honourable Peace to which end he declared that the Mediatours endeavours should be most acceptable to him provided they interposed only when they were required and that as friends not Arbitrators leaving the disposing of affairs to the Commissioners of both Kings This he said was His Majesties resolution who could not chuse but wonder to see that a Treaty made at the Hague by the three States and that without his knowledge should be also obtruded upon him and that without his consent He further added that it was a thing wholly unpractical that Common-wealths should prescribe Laws to Kings at pleasure and never heard of in History that Mediatours should undertake to press or compel dissenting Princes even against their wills to accept of their fancies and conceptions as Laws This therefore being so his Majesty could not answer to those kind of proposals But if they would treat after the old fashion and according to the method hitherto observed betwixt the Northern Crowns he did not doubt but the way to the so much desired Peace would be plain and easie Monsieur Terlon the French Embassadour arrived there at the same time and declared to the Mediators that the Commissioners had truly and fully told them the Kings sense in order to the present transaction as he himself had understood it from His Majesties own mouth at Cronenburg from whence he came adding that he was very angry with Rosenhaen and Bielke for receiving their Project without his orders and had not pardoned them if he had not mainly interceded for them The Dutch Embassadours being returned to Coppenhagen sent Orders to De Ruyter and Everson to act with all their Forces both by Sea and Land against the Swedes and make war upon them where-ever they met with them The next day they gave the English and French Ministers notice of what they had done which could not at all as they affirmed retard the Peace which was being it could not be procured otherwise to be thus sought for according to the intention of the three States In the mean time they perswaded them to continue their endeavours and that with joynt advice
Denmark had scarce order to mention to endeavour to remove what ever there was of any moment that might cherish those heats and jealousies which were betwixt them and to renew those Leagues of Amity which they had formerly so much esteemed and which the King would if they pleased alwayes keep inviolably He further propounded that Commissioners might be ordered to treat with him which was granted although they moved not so quick as he desired the main business being referred by the States to their Plenipotentiaries then in Denmark The King of Denmark hearing of Coyet's being in Holland resolved least his affairs there might suffer to oppose him in kind He therefore sent the Lords Otto Krage and Gotske Bockwalt Jan. 9. two Senators his Embassadours extraordinary to the Hague who were received with more appearance and realities of kindness than the Swede Amongst other things they told the States that the time designed to make the Peace in was expired and consequently that that the Hagues Agreement and Conventions did cease of course They therefore besought them to continue their assistance according to the reiterate Leagues betwixt them and that until Denmark were delivered from the oppression of their Enemies They further demanded that they might not at all be tied to the Treaty of Rotschild which the Swedes had broken but that the said Swedes might be obliged not only to render what they had usurped but also to restore Schonen a dangerous neighbour to Coppenhagen in compensation of the manifold losses which they had suffered by their violence Lastly they desired a Peace but would have it general as securest both for their Commerce and their Allies Some time after they required that the Dutch Militia in Denmark might be made up six thousand effective men that the States would furnish them with 24 thousand Crowns every moneth and lend them thirty Ships of War as soon as the Ice was broken to be at the Kings command In lieu of all this they offered the States Drontheym in Norway Malmuyen or Lanskrown in Schonen when they were taken or Gluckstat in Holsteyn as pledges and security for their moneys But the English opposed these Propositions of the Danes not willing to suffer that either the Elbe the Sound or the Northern Navigation should run the hazard of more interruptions so that this was no further insisted upon especially being the English Resident had desired in Writing from the States that they would not accept of any Cities Havens Forts or other places whatsoever before his Superiours had been first acquainted with it The States answer to the Danes except in this particular was very favourable for having sent a great quantity of all manner of Provisions to Coppenhagen they further declared that they would not be wanting in assisting their Confederates It will not be impertinent to add a Catalogue of the Provisions which were to compose a Magazin for the Citizens at Coppenhagen and to be sold to them at reasonable Rates the particulars and prises were 500000 Weight of Cheese cost 29160 Livers or Guilders 300 Tun of Herrings at 40500 Guild 400000 Weight of Stockfish at 28000 Guild 120 Tun of Grout 24840 Guild 120 Tun of Pease at 29160 Guild 135 Tun of Salt at 14610 Guild 800 Firkins of Butter 59200 Guild 400 Hogsheads of Brandy 34080 Guild 500 Hogsheads of Vinegar 10075 Guild 400000 Pound of Bacon at 72000 Guild 100 Ship pound of Hops 4300 Guild 200 Tua of Malt at 23240 Guild 200 Quarts of Train-Oyl 6300 Guild 4000 Pound of Horse-Radish 340 Guild 200 Ames of Rape Oyl 7800 Guild 300 Tun of Beef salied 16600 Guild 10000 Pounds of Candles 3000 Guild 20000 Pound of Tobacco 4000 Guild 200 Tun of Oats at 14000 Guild The whole Sum is 474045 Guild In English moneys 47404 l. 10 s. 00 d. The States also answered Coyets expostulatory speech accusing the Swedes as the causers of the breach of those Leagues and that friendship they so much complained of First they put him in mind how Queen Christina had not only refused them those Succours during the English War which the Crown of Sweden was obliged to send them but had also hindred the transport of the Cannon which they had then bought in Sweden for their use and imprisoned some of their Merchants upon unjust and frivolous pretences They further declared that their usage had not been better since the comming of Charles Gustave the present King to the Crown for that when a Catalogue of those Princes and States which were esteemed Friends and Confederates to the Kingdom of Sweden had been openly read in the Assembly of States they were omitted and wholly left out nay that this King had as Christina had done before when he was pressed to renew the ancient Alliances betwixt the two States declared under pretext of their League with Denmark that he was not at all obliged to observe them They also complained how the Kings Fleet had exacted extraordinary Imposts from their Subjects in the Baltick Sea and how their Embassadours had been detained at Lowenburg against their wills As for the Treaty of Elbing they acknowledged they had demanded a necessary Elucidation not Elusion of some of its Articles the which not being concluded and the Swedes having declared the former Treaties betwixt them not to be obligatory it seemed but reasonable in them to look to their own affairs and to send a Fleet and Souldiers to Dansick as well to secure their Trade as to insure a City which was their Friend and Confederate They added that they were not ignorant with how much industry both Queen Christina and King Charles had not only endeavoured to ruine the good intelligence which was betwixt King Frederick and their State but had also laboured by the accession and assistance of Denmark to exclude them out of the Baltick Sea But being they could not compass it it was no wonder if the States General did assist a Prince who was their Confederate and Friend And yet they professed that when the Peace betwixt the two Northern Crowns was once made they would omit nothing which might conduce to renew and re-establish the ancient Alliances and friendships betwixt the Crown of Sweden and their United Provinces During these transactions the Imperialists and Brandenburgers made havock of all in Pomerania uncontrouled under pretext of diverting the Swedes in their proceedings in Denmark The War in Norway was also carried on with much eagerness but with more variety of success but being these Contests happened out of Denmark however relating to the subject in hand though at a distance I thought good to omit them as well to avoid prolixity as to ease my self especially being the knowledge I had of them was but at second hand I must not however omit to say somewhat of the death of King Charles he having been the only Author of the Siege we mention although prevented by his untimely end from finishing that which he had so vigorously undertaken
time not only to fortifie against the ensuing tempest but King Charles leisure enough to come with his Army out of Poland to shew them the fault they had committed in letting slip that which is most precious and most irrecoverable The English and French set all their Engines on work their intercession and their threats to stave off the Danes but to no purpose For the occasion was too fair and their preparations too forward to desist so that their Ministers were roundly answered that the King of Denmark had long expected satisfaction from the Crown of Sweden but being the Resident of the said Crown was retired without giving any his Majesty was obliged to endeavour his own satisfaction and security by the way of Arms. The truth is the party was not ill concerted for the Brandenburger was already drawn off from the Swedish alliance and upon assurance given him from the Polish Court that the Soveraignty of the Ducal Prussia should be conferred upon him which he also now enjoys he confederated himself with the Pole and Dane against Sweden The Dutch were also highly engaged for that wary Republick reflecting upon King Charles his progress in Prussia and Poland and fore-seeing what obstructions his continued conquests in these parts might bring to their Eastern Traffick resolved to oppose him which they not only did by sending a fleet and 1300 Foot to secure Dansick but also by this powerful diversion of the Danes to which they contributed vast summs of monys especially those of Amsterdam upon the securities of the Customs in the Sound and Norway The King of the Romans at present Emperour had also an Army hovering about the Swedish frontiers in Prussia and Poland which put King Charles to a stand not knowing which to turn himself yet resolved to fall with his whole power upon the first that broke out fancying that he was strong enough to deal with either of them apart and it was impossible they should joyn at the distance they were at whereas he should be too weak both for the one and the other if he divided his Forces He was at Thorn in Prussia in expectation of the motion of these new Adversaries where he at length heard the news of the Danes invading of him in the Dutchy of Bremen and the Frontiers of Sweden And this seems a second error for either they ought to have begun sooner whilst the King was engaged with so many enemies in Poland or they ought to have stayed longer and expected until the Imperialists had made the first attempt so that they then should have had nothing to combat with but Cities and Fortresses The King of Sweden was so transported with the first notice of this breach that amongst other expressions of rage and scorn he was heard to say Frederick Frederick I will stick so close to thee that I will sink with thee It may be reasonably imagined that for all this appearing violence he was secretly glad of this rupture with the Danes for it did not only in some sort justifie his invading of Poland the Truce being not yet expired by their example but also gave him an opportunity to quit that Country with honor which he would otherwise have been forced to leave of himself He had indeed wholly mastered that great Kingdom by his valour and the divisions of the Nobility there many of which he had gained by his own and the Vice-Chancelors Radizeuski's practises and intelligence having forced all to swear fealty to him though they all left him afterwards with the same levity but with more justice being they returned to the obedience and service of their own Prince again so that he was weary of that War as being engaged in too vast a Territory and so far from his Confines He had obliged Ragotski Prince of Transilvania to be of his party who had also entred Poland with a very great Army but he suffered him to be lost by exposing him for though they had joyned forces together yet he drew his off being he could not draw the enemy to battle and marched towards Prussia whilst the other was designed to return home which for want of conduct he could not compass having lost his whole Army his hopes in Poland being no less than a Crown and afterwards his whole Country by that unfortunate expedition The King of Sweden being therefore resolved to quit the Polish War left his Brother Prince Adolph in Prussia for the defence of that Province which he mainly desired to conserve In so much that he had made offer of the Crown of Poland being Ragotski failed of it to the King of Hungary himself provided he might keep Prussia Count Steinbock to observe the Imperialists and Poles his Brother in law Count Magnus de la Guarde in Leifland against Muscovy and Lithuania and marched himself laying all in ashes behind him to secure his Rear from the pursuit of the Polish Cavalry with about 6000 Horse towards Pomerania He had in vain sollicited the Duke of Brandenburgh to lend him some Troops though he had offered him Thorn Elbing and Marienburg as cautions provided he might leave Swedish Officers in them Being therefore obliged to stand upon his own bottom he came to Stetin whence he wrote to all the Electors especially him of Mentz as most addicted to France complaining of the Danish invading of him in the Empire which was against the tenor of the instrument of Peace and besought his counsel and assistance Whilst the King of Sweden hastens thus by Land towards Denmark the King of Denmark being advertised though falsly that he took his journey by water put to Sea in person with his whole Fleet and coasting the Countrey of Pomerania came to Dansick where he understood the truth of King Charls his motion which obliged him after a fruitless survey of the Baltick Sea to return in great hast to Coppenhagen Whilst the Swedes were on their way towards Holstein part of the Danish forces had taken Bremerford a good place in the Dutchy of Bremen and two other Forts the Bellemer Sconce lying upon the Elbe and the Leher Sconce commanding the Weser They sollicited also the City of Bremen by an Ambassador to quit the Swedes party but not with that success they had hoped for it seemed yet too early for them to declare Although they were assured in answer to their address to the States Aug. 13. of being assisted in case they were attempted conformable to the Treaty betwixt them which regarded the Swedes not the Danes And here some take the freedom to blame the Danish Conduct for had they carried the War into Sweden it self disfurnished of her principal Defendants Her King absent in a remote Countrey the very terror of an invading Army would have wrought that confusion and consternation in the Country as might probably have given the Dane opportunity to have driven on the War as far as Stockholm But they on the contrary attack the Swedish Dominions in Germany Allarming