fortifications before the resolution should be put in practice but because there was some difference in opinion between Aragon and Garrai about the manner how the succour should march towards the river and about choosing the place where the whole Army might be safely quartered as also where they were to put the Boats into the water which were to conveigh in the succour they were both of them ordered that taking along with them Colonel Frederick Imperiale Vincenzo Monsury and the Count Trotti they should go to discover the Country and choose out both the safest places having with them a Convoy of four troops of Horse they viewed all the parts thereabouts narrowly not without some opposition made by the enemy who met them with the like number of Horse so a Skirmish hapned between them with some advantage to the discoverers who effected what they went about they found a place neer a Chappel between Frascarvolo and the Poe as fit as might be for their purpose being far from the enemy munited before by a deep way and behind by a rivulet of cleer water which served not onely for a ditch and safety but for drink for the Camp and which was of more concernment the place was almost fortified of it self they found it a harder business to choose the other place for conveying the boats over by reason of the Fort which being first built to defend the head of the bridge belonging to Valenza towards Lomellina and which as hath been said was afterwards taken by Marquess Villa was still held by the enemy and commanding both the upper and the lower side kept them from all hopes of compassing their intents and the less for that though the retaking of that Fort was a thing not difficult of it self yet was it dangerous to put for for fear lest the attempting of it would draw all the Enemies Forces to defend it in which case they must either go thither with their whole Camp and come to a battle or not coming quit the business the one of which was contrary to the resolution they had taken the other of little honour and less advantage For their design being discovered by the attempt they would fortifie the bank better they therefore out of these respects left thinking of taking the Fort and therewith the discovery of the upper bank which lying between the Fort and the Piedmonteses quarters they could not well do and went to discover the lower side where they observed a place which being far enough off was out of the Forts reach and fit to bring relief So as they all approved it except Imperiale who said that the same distance which rendred that place free from being offended by the Fort made it also too far off for bringing relief since it answer'd not just upon the banks of Valenza but between Valenza and the Parma quarters so as the boats which should be put in there would be necessarily carried lower by the current of the River and falling towards the Parma quarters would not relieve the place besieged but the besiegers He therefore was for bringing succour by the bank above the Fort where the current would carry the boats to the very side of Valenza and that to keep them from being endangered by the Piedmonteses quarters the body of their Army should advance and by its interposition keep the succour from being offended But this was not then neither approved as being contrary to the resolution of avoiding being compelled to fight they therefore continued their choice in both these places and the Camp master General had notice given him thereof that he might advance with the Army The Army marched and being come to the place near the Chappel they made a flying squadron of 800 commanded foot of several Nations which being led by Marquess Torrecuso a Neapolitan was sent to Frasearvolo which was the nearest place to the Enemies quarters that lie might keep there and secure those who wrought upon the Trenches and that he might be ready to receive and withstand the first incounters The rest of the Camp staying at the Chappel there made up the body of an Army and immediately giving out Mattocks Pales and Spades fell to fortifie and perfected their works in one night and day and having brought thither the provisions which had been diligently provided by Senator Arias they stood expecting what the Enemy would do in this so great alteration of Affairs They were not long in comprehending that counsels and resolutions which are taken in common are better acted then discours'd of for the Marshal and Duke of Parma fearing Villa's quarter and that relief would undoubtedly be brought if they did not pass over the Poe went with the greatest and best part of their men to the Piedmont quarter where the Duke who was come but a little before from Verselli was and thinking it now time to fall to work they marched out in ranks into the field to assault the succouring Army they were about 4500 Foot who all obeyed the Duke of Savoy the General of the Colleagues they advanced on the left hand towards Frascarvolo having sent some Troops of Horse before and some Foot towards the right hand near Poe to hold those Forces in play and to oppose them which should come from the left wing of the Spanish Camp Torrecuso march'd out with his men from Frascarvolo against the Enemies Army when he saw it march toward him and putting his men into a squadron advanced with certain Files of Musketeers and posses'd himself of a great hedge which was before him Under the shelter whereof he very seasonably let fly a shower of Musket-shot against the Enemies van which approached whereat the Spaniards who were at dinner stood to their Arms and put themselves in a defensive posture The General was in his quarters which were between the Artllery and the body of the Army he ordered his Foot and Horse to draw out into ranks the Foot within the Trenches and the Horse at the place appointed for the Magazine and in this interim the skirmish grew hot between Torrecuso and the Enemies Camp The Generall wholly intent how Affairs should be governed in this onset and knowing Torrecuso wanted Horse commanded Don Alvaro Quinones Leiutenant General of the Neapolitan Horse to go speedily and receive or withstand him with three Troops of Horse which were then upon the guard and sent Don Iohn di Garrai first to him with a strength of Musketiers and some carts of Ammunition and afterward Don Martin of Aragon Quinones finding Torrecuso alreâ—…dy much ingaged kept in a place a little distant from the skirmish and Garrai with Aragon advancing re-inforc'd some stations which they held to be convenient to maintain the skirmish which when the General saw it grew greater then was thought it would have done and that Quinones stir'd not he sent Colonel Imperiale with two Troops of Horse to assist the fight with directions to tell Torrecuso that he should not ingage
which they found upon the place to make the Horse pass over the ditch which Villa made them forthwith do so they passed in and Turenna joyned seasonably with them who having but a few with him pursued the disordered Enemy The French being entred as hath been said on the hils side divided themselves into three parts one which was the greatest and which was led on by Count della Motta fell on the left hand upon the Spanish quarters which were upon the skirts of the hill the other two which were led on by Harcourt and Count Plessis took to the right hand and being come over against the Citadel were met by part of the Garrison thereof and by many young men of Cassalle who stood in ranks under the Artillery of the Citadel and all of them joyntly fell to pursue the Enemy who abandoning their Trenches in great confusion retreated partly because the French were entred the line of Circumvolution on the hills side and the Piedmontese on the plain partly because the Governour hearing what had hapned upon the hill was gone to his quarters So as finding themselves abandoned by their Commander in chief and hearing the bad success upon the hill they feared to be assaulted on the back and confusedly gave over all defence And such was the confusion as they did not onely not know what they had to do but were so intangled within themselves as the Pikes without any distinction mingled with the Musketiers So being pursued by Villa and Turenna with their Horse they were at first ill handled The Dutch and Burgodians who kept the lower Trench the assault or confusion not being yet come to them kept their stations and valiantly received and answered the Enemy Marquess Caracena helpt much to the extricating them out of this confusion who coming in where he saw the croud of people intermingled and in disorder out of meer madness and anger fell upon the French on the flank with a squadron of Horse that was at hand routed them and afforded conveniency to the others to rally and put themselves in a posture of defence and having freed them from the Enemy seut them to recover a certain station which guarded a Bridge over the Gattola and which was taken a little before by the French Nor herewithall content he rallied together many others that were scattered up and down the fields and in the interim whilst he behaved himself couragiously every where amidst greatest dangers he received a mortal shot by a Musket thorow the left side and was carried out of the field almost dead to a poor Cottage But two other Champions came in to the rescue of the imminent ruine of the Camp Carlo della Gatta and Marquess Serra Gatta being sent for by the Governour from his quarters at Frascinero a little before the fight began came in with a thousand Horse and being come to the Camp when things were in greatest confusion he advanced with his thousand Horse and with some other that came in unto him as neer as he could to the Citadel with keeping without reach of Cannon where he drew up a powerful squadron in the open field under the shelter whereof all that were disbanded and disordered had safe refuge and Marquess Serra being with his Italians in their quarters neer the Poe heard the unexpected news of the rout and therewith received strict and penal orders to retreat and that since things were in disorder and ruine past all remedy he should go with his men to beyond the Poe over the next bridge so to keep himself from the danger of the Enemy who would quickly be upon his back But he though he were much astonished at the unexpected advertisment did not forego the field nor did he despaâ—…r of safety but encouraging his men he drew them into a squadron and made himself strong in the field and sending his Artillery to beyond the Poe stay'd with his men in rank to keep back the Enemy who made towards him so as many Souldiers who ran away escaped death under the shelter of his squadrons as others had done under those of Gatta not onely Troops and Companies but whole Brigades saved themselves under these two refuges The Camp-master General Don Iovan Vasques Conrado came under the shelter of Gatta and the Neopolitan Horse as also the Brigade of Naples which was all Spaniards Don Vincenzo Munsuriu's Brigade that of Lombardy that of Martino Maxica and Battavilla's Brigade of the Burgondians together with the Artillery which were drawn from off where they play'd against the City and those which defended a little Fort not far from the Burgondian battery behind Serra came the Governour himself with the greatest part of his Court and part of the Artillery who in stead of his threatned punishment gave Serra a thousand thanks for not having obey'd his orders Serra's own Brigade those of Trotto and of Emilio Ghiglino the Regiment of Swissers and a Brigade of Papenheim's Dutch And those that came under the shelter of Gatta went safe with the Artillery to Frassinero and from thence to Bremi by a bridge which was thrown over there and those who received shelter by Serra past over the Poe with their Artillery by a Bridge neer his quarters and got with all quiet safety to Allessandrino so the retreat amidst so great a discomposure proved safe and honourable even to the admiration of the Conquerours who doubting least those who were rallied under these refuges might have regained the Victory were contented with the relief which they had brought which was the chief end of that days action and ordered their men onely to keep the Enemy from rallying but not to provoke them to battel and truly the counsel was not bad for when the confusion was quieted and the disorder over the Spaniards had yet so many left alive as though they had not been able to keep out the relief they were sufficient to have routed the conquerours and to have taken the victory from them so many Brigades as have been named remaining untouch'd besides those who escaped away unhurt and but little prejudiced elsewhere for the Dutch Regiment under Prince Borso and the two Spanish Regiments who had fought so valiantly upon the hill were retreated safe and unpursued making their advantage of the night to Pontestura the like befel some 400 who were placed upon the hill without the Trenches who rallied together in an upper plain neer Saint Georgio under Don Alonzo Vargas moreover the foot of Frassinero's quarter which had not fought at all nor were not assaulted were fresh and untouch'd about 5000 of the Horse were also undamnified so as the Victory being gotten rather by industry and valour in having won the hills then by much havock and ruine of the conquered Army the Governour might have kept the field with the remaining Forces and have done what he pleased but these things are thought upon when the danger is over and when confusion is past which bereaves
fortified and leaving 4000 Dutch there in Garrison rather to free himself from the fear of their numerousness then out of any need of keeping it garrisoned the Governour went with his Camp to St. Germano where the Garrison having withstood the battery a while yielded on the third day and the Duke having burnt Bianza for that having dared to resist him one of his best Commanders was slain before it he went to Vinarie a place which stands on the way as you go from Trino to St. Germano from whence he hindred the Enemy from Victuals without abandoning Crescentino or bereaving himself of that refuge and hoping that his men would be constant in defending St. Germano he hoped to make the Governour rise from before it for famine wherefore to incourage the defendants and let them know that he was come he tarried there and fired his Cannon but all in vain for at the same time that he came to the Vinarie St Germano surrendred where at the Duke was so grâ—…eved as he put the Governour thereof to death because he had yielded the Town to the Enemy having promised to hold it out much longer And yet the Governour keeping three days in St. Germano had such scaâ—…city of Victuals as even his chief Commanders were fain to feed upon dead horse flesh for the Duke keeping his station kept the Enemy from Provision and the Governour who detested fighting resolved not to move from thence But at last inforc'd by famine or for shame to see himself as it were besieged he left Antonio Mastrillo Caracciolo's Serjeant-major in St. Germano with 500 Foot and marched towards the Duke Castelmerlino stands between Crescentino and le Vinarie a very little towards which the Army marched out of a double end that they might without disturbance receive Victuals there from Trino and to keep the Duke from Victuals who being excluded Crescentino by the loss of that place would be brought into the same streights whereinto he had a little before brought the Enemy and therefore moved by his disadvantage he marched to give battel to avoid the which when the Duke saw the Enemy coming he marched towards the Abby of Lucidio thinking to get beforehand into Crescentino but he could not march so fast but that the Spanish Van fell upon his Reer notwithstanding which skirmish the Duke march'd on till being overtaken by the night he was forced to lodge that night in the said Abby and the Governour in some small Cottages not far off where the Souldiers being famish'd for want of Victuals at St. Germano suffer'd also very much by cold that night The next day the Duke not being able to march so early as he intended by reason of some hindrances and not having with him above ten or twelve thousand Foot and about 1200 Horse he pursued his way in this manner the Artillery and Ammunition was placed in the Van the Baggage in the middle on the left hand where there was more field-room the Horse on the right hand where it was more wooddy the French Foot Regiments led on by Chricchy and Orfe the Reer led on by Count Guido was mixt of Italians Piedmontans and Savoiards and it had in it the best Souldiers and most experienced Commanders of the whole Army and the Country through which they march'd being full of bushes Count Guido placed Musketeers in some of them to the end that they might keep the Enemy from hindering them in their march if these Muskâ—…teers should be assaulted they were to retreat to othâ—…r bushes which were on their backs and thus to continue the fight that they might hold the Enemy play as long as possibly they might When the Governour knew what way the Duke marched he resolved to pursue him and sending part of his Cavalry before with 1800 Foot en Croupe to assault him on the Reer he himself followed after with the rest of the Army those who march'd before had much ado to drive the defendants out of the bushes yet overcoming them at the last they got up to the Reer for the Dukes Van being come to some narrow pâ—…ssages kept the rest of the Army from advancing so as he could not get to Crescentino without disturbance as he hoped to have done The Reer being assaulted made their part good against the Enemy and defending themselves honourably for a while did not only resist them with advantage but repulst them the Battaglions of the Spanish Army were this meâ—…n while advanced led on by Gironymo Pimontello and Gironymo Rho who though they saw that their men who were beaten back by the Dukes Reer could hardly keep the field yet having no precise order and the Governour being two miles behind they proceeded to fight buâ—… slowly when Don Alphonso Pimontello the Embassadour Vives and Cavalier Melzi coming in and not being able to indure that their men should be beaten for want of help they incouraged the Captains of the Battaglions to fall on without expecting any other orders assuring them that the Governour would approve thereoâ—… by whose words and authority being inheartned the Battaglions charged furiously and routed the Dukes Reer who not able to withstand so fierce a shock gave back and at the same time Count Sults not expecting any orders assaulted the French Regiments with his Dutch furiously on the Flank whose fear the Duke foreseeing he was come himself unto them earnestly exhorting them to stand fast to keep their ranks and incouraging them to fight but words prevailed not where valour was wanting Cricchi's Regiment made some resistance but Castiglions Regiment which was led on by Orfe not daring to look the Enemy in the face much less to stand the fierce and close assault of the Dutch threw away their Arms shamefully before they came to blows and ran and if instead of pursuing them the Dutch had fallen on upon the main body of the Battel the Dukes Army had not been only discomfited that day but wholly routed This success had the Battel of Lucedio which lasted for the space of five hours wherein there fell not above 100 of the Kings men and about as many were wounded Of the Dukes party there was above 400 slain and above 1000 sorely hurt amongst which 15 Captains and one French Collonel The Governours men took eleven Foot Colours and three Horse Ensignes and many of those who fled were miserably slain by the Country people of Montferrat So as though there were not many that dy'd by the Sword in the Conflict there were but few that kept with their Colours or who retreated with the Duke into Crescentino whither the Duke being gotten he was very diligent in assembling them together who were dispers'd abroad and had abandoned him Nor did his ill fortune cease here for the Marquess of Mortara entering the Langhe with 2000 Dutch with Cavalier Pecchios's Brigade and with the Alessandrian and Tortonesse Horse and Foot took Canelli Cortemiglia Calosso and other neighbouring places there being none to
impeached to have held private intelligence with the Duke of Savoy having spent four days in going with his Army from Alessandria to Nice which was but 12 miles seemed in effect to have consented to that delay which in resolute terms he had dénied to do in presence of his Captains to the Marquess of Neviglie who was sent to Alessandria to stop him And after those of Piedmont were gone from before Nice he under pretence that they might return when he should be gone left a Garison in the Town with the Kings Colours which seemed rather to have possest themselves thereof then to have freed it The Governour of Millain's self after having mustred the Army to the end that all things might be fully understood by him and by the King instead of forcing the Duke of Savoy to obey the Kings orders began to abhor Nevers his French men nor would he suffer the Tuscan succours to pass into the State of Millain and turning to the Mantuan Officers told them it stood not with the Kings honour that their Prince should make use of other assistance then his The Duke of Mantua thought it somewhat sore to bereave himself of their aid who were so readily come from so far of to assist him and to put himself absolutely into their hands which before he had so much distrusted especially since thereby he might have highly offended the Queen of France and have alienated that Nation from him a strong curb as all men thought to the avarice of the Spanish Ministers and to the small inclination which they had to him But since it becomes a man sometimes in urgent and great extremities to submit to anothers discretion Duke Ferdinando finding the French promises and aid to be far off and uncertain that the Pope was free of nothing but good will that he could make but little use of the Tuscan succour without the Governours good will who by denying them passage did not only make them of no uses to him upon the present occasion but a continual excessive charge that the Venetian aid were but weak and that they were not only as the Tuscans to depend upon the Governours good will but uncertain and not very safe For the fear being once removed that the Spaniards should possess themselves of Montferrat it made for the interest of that Common-wealth that the Duke of Savoy should make himself master thereof to the end that by weakning a neighbouring Prince a Potentate might be raised in Lombardy of almost equal Forces to the State of Millain whom by reason of the far distance of their Confines he had not only no reason not to fear but might be confident he might by powerful diversions be a security to him if at any time he should be assaulted or troubled by the Spanish Forces On the contrary he saw that the Spaniards of whom he was assured by the Queen of France were interested in this present Insurrection for ends contrary to those of the Venetians Having therefore cast up all things he knew that he and his affairs were so far ingaged as he must of necessity satisfie those in whose power it lay either speedily to suppress him or to raise him up wherefore he resolved at the last much to the dissatisfaction of the Duke of Nevers to adhere unto them Which resolution though it was not well approved of by the Italian Princes who thought it contrary to the safety of his Affairs yet it proved afterwards by the event good For the Governour not being able any longer to delay the execution of the Kings Commission and fearing the coming of the French which was much more spoken of by all men then was true and moreover being desirous to satisfie all the world and so many Princes as had conceived ill impressions of him he compel'd the Duke of Savoy to make restitution without any further delay On the other behalf the Duke of Savoy fearing to be taken between the Armies of France which he understood were stirring upon the Confines and the Governours Forces which were ready to compel him and having resolved by obedience to overcome the King and Court of Spain presupposing that this his so great and ready liberality would be recompensed by as great a â—…avour he at last gave way to the Kings will whereunto nothing did so much induce him as by way of compâ—…t he afterwards protested as the Governours word given unto him in the Kings name that his Grandchild should within a few days be 〈◊〉 unto him that he would obtain pardon for the Rebells and recompence for the losses and expences of the War and that finally his pretences to Montferrat should be decided within a short time And because the Duke for his honour sake hated to deliver over what he had taken directly into the hands of his adversary the business was thus carried that he should deliver it all into the hands of the Princes of Castiglionâ—… and Ascoll as State-Ministers the one of them of the Emperour and the other of the King of Spain to be disposed oâ—… to him that had most right thereunto that the said Princes should then immediately assign them over to the Duke of Mantua as to him to whom by the Laws they ought to be restored he having been bereâ—… thereof Thus did neither the Duke of Savoy prejudice his own interest by referring his cause to Justice nor the Duke of Mantua who was suddenly repossest of what was his suffer any damage or delay and the Kings Ordinances were obey'd being alter'd only in appearance not in substance The aforesaid Princes went each with an equall portion of men to Trino where the Gate was thrown open unto them by which whilst they and their people entred the Dukes Garison went out by another Gate after whom the Kings men went out at the same Gate who being but then entred and making no abode there left the Town in free possession to Prince Vicenzo who was entred with those of Mantua immediately after the Kings men The like was done three days after by Alba and Montcalvo and the other Towns of Montferrat and the Spanish Garison was likewise taken out of Nice as also the Siege from before San Damiano which held still for Duke Ferdinando Who within three moneths after the first assault was meerly by the Kings Authority almost without unsheathing a sword intirely put into possession of that State which he had almost totally lost The Italians were not a little pleased at this restitution wherein the King shew'd such celerity and constancy and as it is usual with men when they find themselves freed from what they had long feared to run headlong into the contrary affection so these being long possest with jealousies and fears it cannot be exprest how much they admired the Kings goodness and magnanimity Who preferring the justice and honesty of the Cause before all other respects would not yield that the assaulted Prince should be injured And it appearing to
further after the Duke who was gotten but ill-favour'dly with his men into Canelli tarried divers days in Allessandria waiting for Men Ammunition and Artillery which he had sent for from several parts of the State of Millain for the enterprize of Asti which he gave out he would take in hand The Duke when he had brought his men into Canelli sent them by degrees into Asti whether he also sent victuals and Ammunition for the defence of that City against which he saw the Governour bent all his Forces who parting from Allessandria about the fifth of May tarried six days in Felizzano and going from thence to Annone the last Town upon the Confines of Millain he went with his Army towards Asti He had with him between 16 and 18000 Italian Foot 4000 Spaniards about 2000 Horse the Gens d' Armes being therein comprehended to boot with 6000 other Foot and 500 Horse which he had left under Cavagliero Melzi in Sandoval not so much to guard that Fort as to keep Vercelles in jealousie so as the Duke being forced to keep it well Garrison'd was the less able to defend Asti He had also 7000 other Foot which he shortly expected from Tuscanye Urbine and Lucca by Sea and those of Parma were already come unto the Camp At his going from Annone towards Asti he divided his Foot into four equal Squadrons which being led on by four Troops of Dragoons the Cavalry divided into two Squadrons winged the left side towards the Tannaro the more inward whereof was led on by Don Alfonso Pimontello General thereof and the outward by his Lieutenant Don Sanchio Salina after these came the Gens d' Arms conducted by their General the Marquess of Este the Baggage came after the Squadrons and the Artillery part whereof was also plac'd on the left hand of the Squadrons The City of Asti stands in a plain at the foot of some hills upon the top whereof stands the Castle joyn'd to the City of an ancient shape as are also the rest of the Walls of the City which therefore have not those Flanks nor Rampiers which are used in modern Fortifications On the South side the Tannaro runs two Musket shot distant from the walls the little hills which run in a large compass towards the North bending from thence towards the East terminate in Annone from whence like a half Amphitheaer they encompass all that plain between the Rivolea Versa and the hills of Tannato for some four miles space and somewhat further between Annone and Asti. But the Duke not at all affrighted at the approach of so great an Army would though weaker in Forces face them and hating to keep inclosed within walls would march into the field against them He had with him about some 15000 Foot and 1500 Horse most of them Forreigners and chiefly French who were come thither notwithstanding their Kings severe Edicts to the contrary for the Princes of that Kingdom being desirous of new perturbations and ruptures between the two Kings and it may be that their King might be the Arbitrator of Peace and War in Italy sent many men thither thinking that look how many more of their Nation should be in the Dukes service both Peace and War should the more depend upon their Kings Being come neer Versa and having taken up his Quarters upon the inward bank of the River where was no commodious foording save in two places he sent Monsieur de Roason with 200 Lorrain Horse beyond the River that he might get into some houses belonging to an Inn called Corce Bianca the first bickering fell out here between these men and Alphonso Balesteros Comissary General of the Kings Horse who was sent before with 400 Dragoons to discover the enemy This Skirmish by the concourse of people on both sides grew almost to a Battel the Duke having sent his Van to relieve his men and the Governour some Troops of Curassiers with the Burgonian Forces led on by the Baton Batteville who was also followed by Alfonso Pimontello with his Horse Troop so as the fray increasing both sides fought valiantly in which fight it hapned that the Lorrainers who were on the Dukes side being cloathed and weaponed like to the Kings Burgonians did so mingle with the Burgonians as passing unknown thorow the midst of them they advanc'd even to within sight of the Spanish Camp The Governour advancing towards them bare headed thinking they were his men who fled began much to his danger to reprehend them and to bid them return and fight valiantly but they for fear of death in case they should be known seeming as if they would return to the Skirmish retreated dexterously to their own men leaving their Captain Prisoner together with Cavalier San Rainero and some others There died in this Skirmish an Ensign-Bearer of the Dukes with some others of both sides Balesteros was sorely wounded and Baron Batteville sleightly who together with his Burgonians behaved themselves gallantly both here and during this whole Campagnia and were of great aid to the Enterprise Don Pimentello's Horse fell over and over with him not without great danger of death The Skirmish being over for the Dukes men retreated to beyond the River the Governour advanced even to Versa and took up his Quarters there in the face of the Dukes Army but he sent Iovan Bravo with his Brigade and some pieces of Artillery to Quarter upon the little Hills for his own more safety and for the prejudice of the Enemy But the Duke having munited all the bank of Versa on his side with a long Trench which reached from the little Hills to the Tannaro sent also 2000 Foot to possess themselves of the Hill which was opposite to that where Bravo was Quartered and being mightily well sheltered on all sides and fortified nor being to be assaulted there without apparent danger to the Assailants they began to skirmish from the Hills and from the opposite Trenches with Muskets and Bumbards but more out of force and fury than out of any well taken advice or any great effect This Skirmish continued two or three days without any advantage on either side so as the Spaniards thinking it a shame that the Duke with so unequal Forces durst confront them and keep himself equal to their Army so long they resolved to advance by the Hillocks intending to fight him both on the back and flanks in his own Quarters and to beat up his Quarters The Enterprise was committed to the Prince of Ascoli who whilst he foreslowed the execution thereof meeting with some impediments he afforded the Duke who had notice of all proceedings leasure to possess himself of other stations fitter to hinder or at least to make the Enemies progress more difficult in that part And because it was necessary for the Prince to go by way of anticipation to the oppugning of Castiglione a little Castle scituated upon a little Hill which being of some consequence was furnished with a reasonable
and particularly Vives his Reasons upon whose Authority he much relied so as he resolved to pass over the Sesia and to go against the Duke And Ferdinando Mesia Gomes Sergeant-Major of the Army was a great occasion thereof who seeing the Governour so perplex'd and unresolved said roundly unto him I will uphold it though I were as sure to dye for it as those who go to Preach the Catholick faith in England if this Army do not this day pass the River the honour of the Spanish Nation will be here lost with perpetual infamy They therefore past over into Montferrat by the Bridge at la Villata on the 14th of September 1616. that they might from thence enter Piedmont the more commodiously but otherwise resolved then before for whereas before La Mortara was to have entered by the way of Asti with 6000 Foot and 500 Horse and with the Foot Militia and Alessandrian and Tortonesse Horse and Don Alphonso d' Avolos Governour of Montferrat with 3000 Foot and 300 Montferrat Horse jointly with him and Don Pedro with the rest of the Army by the way of Vercelli presuming that the Duke constrained to divide his Forces would be the weaker and unable to stand against him in the field now his mind beâ—…ng altered he went with all his joint forces against the enemy And therefore being past over the Bridge he intended to quarter his Army between la Motta and Villa Nova to the end that at the same time when the Van whereâ—…n were the best Souldiers and most experienced Commanders in the Army should assault the Duke who was intrench'd at la Motta the Reer should possess themselves of Villa Nova and drive out the French Horse which were Quartered there But the Duke prevented this designe for lying in Ambush in a field of very high corn that was on the left hand of the way as you go from Villa Nova to la Motta he assaulted some fore-runners and Musqueteers of the Van as they past over a little wooden Bridge which crosseth the way which happening unexpectedly and on the sudden caused some confusion in the Spanish Army wherefore many of the Commanders advanced with part of their men amongst which were Gamboloita Bravo Prior Sforza and the Prince of Ascoli who shewed much valour upon this occasion By the coming in of these the Skirmish increased and held equal on both sides for the space of four hours for besides that the Cavalry was come in to assist the Duke from Villa Nova the situation proved likewise advantagious for him the Spaniards not being able by reason of the narrowness thereof to make use of all their Force But at last the Assailants being much prejudiced by four pieces of Artillery placed upon a little rise they were forced to give back leaving four Troops of Horse and two Bands of Musketeers on their backs to make good the retreat which was notwithstanding not done without some disorder There fell in this first conflict between four and five hundred of the Dukes Foot about sixty Horse besides many that weâ—…e wounded of the Kings side about fifty and as many wounded amongst which Almarante delle Canarie Son to the Prince of Ascoli and Lodovico Gambaloita who having received a sleight wound in the head with a Musket before it was well cured died of other disorders to the general grief and dammage being held by the Kings Commanders to be of an approved valour and good at Counsell Many thought that if the Duke had suffered the Van to pass and had given upon the Battel in the midst which was weaker and more impeded he had occasioned more loss and disorder and on the other side that if the Governour had sent a Squadron beyond the Rivulet which was on the right hand and assaulted the Duke on the Flank he had not only hindred his retreat but totally dâ—…feated him But humane wisedom does not always foresee what is best and in actions of War confusion danger and too much forwardness blind the Understanding and disturb Reason The Governour lay all that night with the Army in the place where the Battel was given and the Duke in the Trenches of la Motta which he abandoned the next day and causing Villa nova to be burnt and the Country thereabouts as well his own as that of Montferrat he retreated with his Horse which was come from Villa nova into Assigliano neerer Vercelles in great haste for fear of being assaulted to his disadvantage in the Fields of Carenzana but his fear was vain for the Governour growing more wary by the last unexpected assault and fearing lest he might be drawn into those dangers into which the Duke did not much care to precipitate himself thought it became him to be the more circumspect by how much he found his Adversary to be the more adventurous so forbearing to pursue him and possessing himself of la Motta and Carenzana and after some Cannon shot of Stroppiana he tarried there some days being detained by the rain and on the contrary the Duke being incouraged by the Governours circumspection sent his Horse into a plain between a certain wood and Stroppiana to the end that insulting there he might incourage his men who were not a little dismaied and giving manifest signs of undauntedness and valour might redeem the loss of repuâ—…ation in the last Skirmish and 〈◊〉 Nor did his resolution prove unlucky for though when it was given out in the Spanish Army that the Duke came on with the gross of his Army the Battaglions were set in order and the Horse were ready to sally out upon him yet the whole matter being quickly known the Prince of Ascoli with Spanish caution ordered that every one should return to their own Quarters and some Bands of Muskeâ—…eers were recalled who were placed upon a bank at Mortara from whence they might commodiously defend their own Horse and offend those of the Enemy so as the Duke not meeting with any opposition march'd up even to underneath the Enemies Rampiers The Kings Commanders finding afterwaâ—…ds how hard it was to fâ—…ll upon the Duke in his Quarters at Assigliano by reason of the new Fortifications which were made there and by reason of the waters and consequently how difficult it would be to get Vercelles as they had resolved without beating up those his quarters went towards St. Germano and Crescentino to the end that by taking the first they might keep back the Dukes Victuals and Succour and by taking the other they might remove all impediments which might keep the Army from drawing neer Turin by the way of Montferrat Crescentino stands upon the left bank of Poe in the midst of the upper Montferrat over against Verrua a Town which though seated upon the opposite bank belongs notwithstanding to the Duke so as the River which comes from the Territories of Turin and enters immediately into Montferrat running all along the length thereof would be Navigable from the State of Millain
circumstances of the Country some few men were only sent to guard the Passes and to re-inforce some of the neighbouring Hills and news coming to Genoa that for certain the Duke would make himself master of Ottaggio before he would attempt Gavio as well for the Victuals which he was confident he should find there as that the enemies being driven out of those quarters might be no hindrance to the taking of Gavio they only staid expecting the next days light to give necessary orders and make requisite provisions only they argued that night whether if the Duke should advance they should do better to wait for him within the Town or meet him in the Field Camillo Cattaneo was for keeping within to defend the Town and Caracciola that they should go out but supposing that the Duke could neither have Cannon nor be prepared for an assault they thought they should have time enough to do what should be best so as it would be superfluous to talk thereof now hoping that time the proceeding of the Enemy and the next days light would counsel them what they had best do Ottaggio is great and populous situated at the foot of the Apenine towards Lombardy upon the left hand of a rivulet which falls from the Mountain and runs along the Plain on which the Town stands which is weak and almost open for the ancient walls are ruinated in many places on the top of it there stands a little Castle much decay'd by time and standing upon the high-wâ—…y which leads to Genoa it was rich and populous through the Merchandize and passage which went and came continually from Lombardy and the Genoâ—…ses thinking that it might be made very tenable by reason of the situation if it should be fortified they made many Trenches in several parts as well to defend the way as the neighbouring Mountain the chiefest were one made to defend a little Bridge called Frasso half a mile beyond the Town the other a long Trench which extending from the foot of the Mountain to the rivulet sheltred the Town and the whole Campagnia on the front by these Works they thought they might be able long to withstand the oppugning of Ottaggio and keep the Enemy from entring by that way not considering on how many sides an Army may make its way The Duke who expected the speedy arrival of his Artillery resolved not to march that day so as the Commonwealths Captains might have had better conveniency to provide for defence but Monsieur Di San Anna being sent by the Duke with some Forces about break of day to discover the way and the first Fortications took the Fortifications of Frasso almost before he had discover'd them which were the first and were basely abandoned at the first appearance of the Enemy he sent forth with to acquaint the Duke with this his happy beginning the Duke was in doubt whether he should keep behind with all or with part of his men or make them retire from the place he had taken and whilst he knew not what to resolve upon he might hear a Skirmish which had hapned between his men and 400 Foot which were sent from Ottaggio to recover the abandoned place he was advertised of what was done and was sent to for succour for that his men were in great danger so seeing himself ingaged contrary to the orders he had given he commanded his men to advance crying out aloud and with much confidence this is a day of Victory going forth with all his men into the Field and sending part of his people by the Hills beyond the water who should seem as if they went to assault that Town on the back he disposed his Cavalry a long the River and kept the rest on this side and went with a large Front to assault the Plain and the Hills which stood over them The Genoese Commanders betook themselves to defence with no less courage though with worse order and fortune for Caracciola's power prevailing they march'd into the Field and whilst the 400 Foot which went to recover Frasso entertain the Duke they ordered their men thus The Plain which lies between Ottaggio and Frasso is divided on the left side whereof which is under the Hills they disposed of the Foot wherein were comprehended Guasco's men who were come but very then weary and wet in the way that lies neerest the River they placed 80 Horse divided into four small Squadrons they sent some to re-inforce those that were to defend the Hills by which the Enemy might advance the mean while the Duke having not only defended and kept Frasso which St. Anna had taken but repuls'd the 400 Foot that went to recover it he pursued them though not without trouble and difficulty for they retreated slowly still resisting and fighting and continuing thus for some hours the Duke came at last within sight of the Plain of Ottaggio where he might see the Commonwealths Forces in order and prepared for defence and staying his march a while that he might form his Squadrons and give fitting orders he sent to assault them on all sides those who defended the Hills were the first that gave back who being pursued by much a greater number retreated towards the Plain whither being come they disordered their friends Files who being justled by their friends and assaulted by the Enemy which pursued their friends they could not resist and the 80 Horse which they had placed in another part wheeling about at the first appearance of the Enemies Horse without striking one stroke the flight and confusion grew greater every where then the fighting so every one endeavouring their safety by retiring towards the Town the Field was forsaken and Caracciola who fought there manfully with a Pike in his hand and Agostino Spinola were taken Prisoners great was the slaughter of the Genoeses especially at a Portcullies which they found shut for there being here a great press of those that pursued and those that were pursued and little or no resistance made the Dukes men had opportunity to kill many yet this slaughter was not without revenge for the Portcullies being beaten down and the Dukes men entring the Town were very hardly dealt withall not only by Musket-shot from the windows but by two Barrels of powder to which fire being seasonably set many of the Dukes Souldiers perish'd amongst which many of the chiefest both for Birth and Valour yet that first part of the Town was taken by the Duke who without giving any time of respite fell upon the main Town which was divided by a little rivulet from the Suburbs which were taken where also the falling on was not only great but also the resistance and the oppugners received most prejudice who remaining an open mark to the shot of the defendants for there were neither Trenches nor cover'd approaches they fought for the space of three hours the defendants playing upon them from the Windows and tops of Houses yet the oppugners increasing every moment
backs the River before them and beyond the River the Quarters of Verrua which was joyn'd by the Bridge to those of Crescentino on the right hand the Dora Baltea with a Bridge of Boats by which all Provisions and necessary Ammunitions were brought to the Camp from Piedmont and this Bridge was at both ends very well munited with two small Forts on the left hand which was the place the Duke doubted most because of the Bridge which the Governour still kept at Pontestura it was shelter'd by a long Trench flank'd with Bulwarks which beginning from Crescentino reached to the Rivers side the banks also on Crescentino's side as well above as below the Quarters were secured by several Corps de guarde These difficulties which were thought not to be overcome being considered doubtlesly the best course would have been to have quitted the Enterprize chiefly at a time when the Army was not afflicted with sickness which ensued afterwards and when the Season was proper for them to betake themselves to some other Enterprize for to persevere obstinately against so many difficulties was no better then to bury so gallant and powerful an Army before so igneble a Castle But the first building of the bridge at Pontestura where it was given out that they would go either to Crescentino or Verrua the change of this afterwards to the Enterprizes of Asti and Vercelles their not persevering therein but betaking themselves to that of Verrua would not suffer them so much as to think of such a resolution The Governour and other Commanders thought themselves too much obliged to persevere before Verrua lest it might be conceived that so flourishing and numerous an Army changing their Sails so oft should go wandring up and down here and there as if they were not resolved what Enterprize to fall upon nor minde to do any thing To the fear of losing too much reputation if in this condition of affairs they should rise from before Verrua was added their expectation of more men which were shortly to come to the Camp Four thousand Foot came very soon from Genoa of those who were under Guasco and Pecchio new Levies of Foot were made in Naples and Charles Count Mansfield was to come speedily into the State of Millain with his Regiment of 4000 Foot and 1000 Horse And these recruits being added to the Army enabling them to make two Camps one whereof might fall upon the Quarters at Crescentino and the other keep still before Verrua it was held that the Duke being assaulted at one and the same time on two sides would be worsted at least in one and the victory in one part did secure the victory on the other They were yet more invited hereunto by the diversion which they expected from the maritime parts for the Marquers of S ta Croce was to enter Piedmont with 8000 good Foot of the Kings and Genâ—…ese and to this purpose 500 Horse were appointed to him under Manfrine Castiglione which together with 200 which the Commonwealth was to pay were to be a safeguard to the Foot whilest they should enter into the Plain of Mondovi In which case the Duke must either be forced to abandon Verrua and to relieve that other part which was wholly destitute of defence or that he might maintain Verrua leave that other part to be prey'd upon by the Enemies Army To which so e're of these the Duke should betake himself the Spaniards would assuredly have the victory either on the one or on the other side and peradventure on both and the victory in either side would have satisfied the Kings intention which was not quite to ruine the Duke but to keep him under Moreover the Dukes Forces were not such nor so many as that they could of themselves make any long stay or resistance at Verrua and the less for that being deprived of almost all external helps he had not so much as reason to hope for any by reason of the continual troubles of France which totally cut him off from any Out of these hopes and out of these probabilities of succour the Governour persevered in the Enterprise of Verrua and the Duke kept constant and undaunted in the defence of this little Burrough against so great Forces and so many preparations and upon so many disadvantages and he succeeded therein for the Governour failed not only in his hopes and calculations but the affairs of his Camp grew daily worse and worse the sickness which was begun in the Camp did so increase as not only many of the common Souldiers but even the chief Officers were infected with it and many of them died three Camp-masters died and all the rest fell generally sick as many Serjeants Officers Commanders and persons of Quality who were neer about the Governours own person nay he himself being infected with the Disease was carryed to Pontestura for cure leaving the charge of the Army with Don Gonzallo rather in a posture to retreat then to continue the Enterprise This so sore sickness was not occasioned only by the influence of the intemperate air which was excessive hot this Summer and which in those boggy and plashy parts became pestilential but the great labour and hardships which the Souldiers endured and chiefly the scarcity of victuals of which those that were brought by the Poe were often intercepted by the Dukes men who scowred up and down on the opposite Shore hindring Navigation and sometimes seized on the boats which brought provision and those that came by Montferrat were stopt by those of that Country either out of the hatred they bore to the Spaniards or as some would have it by private Orders from their Prince who would never declare himself for the Spaniards but hated them extreamly though the King of Spain had spent and fought so much to protect him against the Duke who would have suppress'd him Hence also arose great scarcity of Fodder for the Horses which having wasted all that was neer hand went far off to fetch it not without great weariness and danger the want of moneys added much to all these mischiefs whereof very little or none came from Spain and their former Provisions were already spent Pay being therefore wanting the Souldiers were brought to so miserable a condition as not being able to provide for covering their nakedness they could neither fence themselves from the excessive heat of Summer nor from the cold of Winter which drew on as one evil therefore draws on another many mischievous accidents proceeded from hence in the administration of the War streightness and difficulty in Ammunition want of Military Discipline contumacy and disobedience amongst the common Souldiers the Officers who were half sick and half amazed not being able to make their Souldiers obey them who were tatter'd famish'd and ill paid supply came in very slowly and scarely very few Souldiers and far short of the need and expectation came from Naples and Mansfields Souldiers who came late into the State of
endeavoured to win him over to declare for them and they so well knew they the advantage of his joyning with them abusing their patience left nothing undone which might not prejudice them though little to their honour the Cardinal agreed for provision of victuals with some of the Dukes subjects and bargain'd with some others for the conducting of such as were in Nizza to ease his present necessities The Duke made them all be imprisoned but not being able without apparent contumacy to deny the conduct of such as were in Nizza since he had already received monies for their conduct he would appoint the conductors himself who depending wholly upon him brought more or lesse according as he pleased But the Army not being able to continue longer thus and the Cardinal being either to break with him or unworthily waste his Army or return with shame to France before he would break he would make the last trial He promis'd that he would assault some place in the state of Millain provided that the Duke would furnish Casalle with victuals the Duke either did not or did not seem to refuse the proposals Whereupon the Cardinal made his Van advance consisting of 7000 Foot and 1000 Horse under Marshal Cricky and going himself out of Susa with the body of the Army came to Cazalletto a place near Avigliana and the Duke sent good store of victuals to Casalle which finding that the Van being come to Rivas a Town in Montferrat did not prosecute the voyage he made them stay preâ—…ending that the Van alone could not do any thing of moment against the state of Millain so as it was necessary that the rest of the Army should follow The Cardinal was mightily troubled to be thus used perceiving that those very tricks were used to him which he used to others For as this marching of the Van was feignedly peâ—…formed by the Cardinal to make the Duke put victuals into Casalle so the Dukes sending of victuals appeared to be counterfeit to the end that he might make the Cardinal come out of Susa with his Army where he had as yet some provisions wherewith to subsist to the end that he might bring him to before the Spanish and the Cesarean Armies without victuals and be but badly backt by the remainder of his Army which tarried behind So as he might either be overcome by Famine without fighting or if he should fight he might be miserably destroyed And the more to witnesse the Dukes bad intentions it was added that notwithstanding that he had good store of monies disburst unto him per le Tappe and other quarterings he would not permit that the Army should passe by the usual way that it was to march and which leads from Susa to Avigliana where the way was more commodious broader and where there was better quartering but made it passe by the way of Condove and Cassalette which lies on the left hand very improper for the Foot much more for the Horse and for the carriage of the Artillery where there was no order nor provision for quarter and where they were to suffer both hunger and cold insomuch as the Army which tarried here some dayes had perished had not some remainder of victuals which were yet left in Susa been brought thither But this not being able to maintaine them long and the Duke pressing them to advance the Cardinal thought it not fit to pursue that voyage and leave Avigliana behind him where the Duke was with all his men Wherefore he answered that if the Duke would have him advance he must furnish him with victuals and declare openly for the King and remove the impediment of Avigliana which in the condition it was in would not suffer him to advance The Duke reply'd that the great scarcity of victuals must excuse him from sending in provisions that he could not declare against the Emperour who was his Sovereign Lord from whom he held so many Territories in fee and as for Avigliana that he was not bound as the Rebels of France to demolish his Townes to pave the way for the Kings Army but that to free himself of all jealousies he was ready to take some of his men out of Avigliana to which purpose he drew from thence about 7000 foot but he placed them in the guard of the Bridges and Passes by which when the French should be past LaDora they might assault him which the Cardinal perceiving he resolved to use force and to go against the Duke when he should be past Dora who tarried with some of his men in Rivoli and to this purpose was Cricky sent for back from Rivas where he continued still with the Van the Duke was aware of this and did not fear it for having munited Avigliana and Torino well the places whereupon he thought the French were likeliest to fall he hoped he might hold them play there till such time as the Cesarian Army and Spinola's might advance and finding them incamp'd before those places might easily rout them in case they should not long before be made to quit the enterprize for want of victuals But a new and unthought of accident alter'd the state of affairs the Duke going that very night from Rivoli went to Torino and abandoning the Bridges and Passes of the River which the French were to assault the next morning he afforded them conveniency to passe over the River without any impediment This so sudden and unexpected change was attributed to some knowledge that the Duke had got of some treaties held by the Cardinal in Torino where there were then many French and amongst them two of Cricky's Sons who as soon as they heard the Duke was entred the City retired to the Army whereat the Duke being mightily offended he made the chief of the French that remained in the Town be imprisoned as complices of plots and treaties and published a manifesto in print wherein he complained bitterly of the Cardinal that whilst he was entred his Dominions as a friend and whilst he had furnish'd him with victuals and other things to the great prejudice of his own people from whose mouths he had pull'd it he had endeavoured to oppresse him with plots and treaties within his own doors only for not having joyn'd his Forces with the French against his Sovereign Lord the Emperour and against the King of Spain to whom he had no reason to professe himself an Enemy wherefore declaring himself openly for the Emperour and King of Spain against the French he made new and more urgent dispatches to Spinola and to Collalto to make them advance with all possible speed to relieve Piedmont promising them full and assured victory over the Enemy who were streightned by so many necessities of which victory the happy end of the enterprizes of Mantua and Casalle would be the undoubted result The Cardinal was in great confusion at this the Dukes sudden and unexpected resolution his Army being in great danger to be lost for to send
though he was inferiour to them in Horse those which were sent to Bricherasco not being yet returned Momorancy was desirous to give battle which if it had been done would have been upon much disadvantage to the Duke but La Force would not give way thereunto Wherefore they retreated to their quarters about Pinarollo and the Plague increasing very much in both Armies they kept in their quarters for many dayes in the face of one another as if they had been in tacite League not doing any thing of moment The King of France proceeded more hotly beyond the Mountains who entring into Savoy with 8000 Foot and 2000 Horse had reduced all Savoy into his power unlesse it were Mommiliano for Prince Thomaso made no opposition he resolved to begirt Mommiliano on all sides and to besiege it a distance for it was a strong and almost invincible place For being inclosed on all sides by his Forces and impossible to be relieved it must of necessity fall into his hands for want of victuals So as needing not many men for that enterprize he sent part of his Forces to recruit his Army in Italy which had need enough of help And Prince Thomaso being sent for back by his Father carried his men with him from Savoy to defend Piedmont Thus both Armies bâ—…ing reinforced they prepared for greater enterprizes the French to relieve Casalle the Duke to withstand them This recruit was sent under Momorancy who was returned from Piedmont into France after the businesse of Cercenaseo it consisted of 10000 Foot and 1000 Horse and â—…ell down by the valley of Susa Momorancy intending to joyn with the Forces that were in Pinarollo and crossing Piedmont to draw neer Casalle towards which Marshal De La Force leaving a sufficient Garrison in Pinarollo and in the other places went by the way of the Mountaines to Giavenna neer Susa waiting there for Momorancy who did not much value Avigliana there being almost no Garrison there for the Duke had sent for the greatest part thereof to Pancaler Wherefore he easily took it he likewise believed he should easily passe through the Canevese to Casalle Spinola and the Duke were much troubled at the coming of this recruit but much more with the news of the Kings coming with a greater force who having possest himself as you have heard of Savoy was come neer the Alpes and was at the same time seen upon the Mountain St Barnado So as the Duke perceiving that the King was offended with him knew not how to fence himself against this third coming of the French and Spinola who was ingaged before Casalle but with a few men fearing lest little to his honour he might be forced as his Predecssor had been to abandon that enterprize which contrary to the opinion of all he had of himself undertaken knew not what to do Yet bâ—…ing much prest by the Duke he sent 6000 Dutch to the Mountain who were brought at the King of Spain's charge but very then from Germany and six Troops under Pagan Doria Duke of Avigliana in the Kingdom of Naples and Brother to Prince Doria a young man and who the year before had entred into the Militia under Don Gonsallo and was in the first businesse of Casalle and Spinola to the end that if the King should come he might not be inforc'd to raise the siege or fight took the Souldiers from working in the approaches and imploy'd them in making a crooked and high trench wherewith he invironed the whole Camp And seeing that by this new work and by the men which he had sent the Duke the siege would be slackned and having in vain desired a thousand of his Dutch from Collalto he sent to the Common-wealth of Genoa for a thousand men which he would take into his pay But neither was this granted him for hearing of preparations of Armes in the Provence the Common-wealth would not disfurnish her self and this the rather for that having formerly sent men to before Casalle she could not receive them back when she needed them without manifest danger of infecting the State the Plague being very hot in the Camp before Casalle So Spinola was forced to make use of those men to defend his own Camp which he had begun to oppose others with and the Duke of Savoy fearing Avigliana sent Count Verrâ—…a from Pancaleri with 3000 Foot and Gambacorti with 400 Hose to possesse themselves of the abandoned Trenches and Fortifications that shut up the valley which leads from Susa to Avigliana As they went thither they found the Enemy very neer but having possest themselves of the Trenches first the Prince came in with a great body of men who reinforcing those stations with 2000 Foot incamp'd himself with the rest at Riano within two miles of Avigliana both parties kept within their quarters facing one another two dayes some sleight skirmishes passing between them the third day the French finding it impossible to advance and storm those quarters resolved to give over their going that way to Casalle and endeavoured to retreat joyntly by the Mountain to Pinarollo and passing over the Mountain Giavenna to joyn with La Force who was yet there with his men the way by the Mountain Giavenna was very narrow and hard to passe so as two Brigadoes being already past over the rest remained yet in the plain in danger of being routed if they should be assaulted for that they could not well be succour'd by those that were already past The Prince thought it not fit to let slip this occasion but without tarrying for more of his men who were not above a mile off would fall upon them with those that he had ready hoping that they would suffice to get the victory He had with him about 5000 Dutch two of the Princes Troops of Horse and Doria's six Companies which were new men unexperienced and were not above 300 Horse The French reere which remained in the plain was 3000 Foot and about 400 Horse the choicest of all the Army and Momorancy and Marshal Diâ—…iate with some others of the most experienced Commanders remained in the reere for the greater security thereof Theâ—…e was a great Meere or standing water between them which men past over by two banks the one whereof was on the back the other on the flank of the French Shamburg and Sults advanc'd by the latter with half the Dutch in a close Baâ—…aglione and with the Prince his Troops of Horse by the other the Prince himself in person with the rest of the Dutch commanded by Gallasso and with Doria's Horse The skirmish being begun Momorancy divided his Horse into two squadrons and took a little compasse upon the left hand towards a neighbouring Town called St Ambrosio which led to the way of the Hill The Prince conceiving that the French fled and would climbe the Mountain by that way and get into a place of safety or recover Susa ordered Doria to fall upon them with his Horse and
to oppose their proceedings but not succeeding herein the French failed not to continue the works which they had begun and brought them on to Morbengo and Trano the best Towns of the Valtoline the latter being seated on the right hand the other on the left of Adda And joyning with the Duke of Rohan who was already gotten to those Towns on the upper side they sent 400 Horse and 27 French Foot Colours into the Towns which lay lower towards the Lake striving to block up the Avenues to the Valtoline on that side and to keep out the Spaniards from whom they being then quartered in the Towns about Fort Fuentes they in vain endeavoured to secure themselves The French proceeded the better in their works for that Serbellone being then sick could not for many dayes oppose them so as necessarily Affairs proceeded but slowly on this side But greater and more speedy oppositions came from Germany which had they been so fortunate as they were valiantly brought on or had they not been defeated by Rohans better fortune they would assuredly have put an end to the woes that that Country suffered long under Seven thousand Foot sent by the Emperour under the Baron Fernamont who had woon much honour in the recovery of the great Fort Filsburg upon the Rheine met at Tyrvolo near the Confines of the Valtoline who falling down with them into the Vally of Munister he to succour himself on his back built a Fort above the Town Sancta Maria Then marching towards the Mountain Ombraglio that he might enter the Country of Bormio he was kept out by Rohan who had diligently prepossess'd the passes or Rohan hearing of great moving on that side and foreseeing the danger which might thence arise he feared and not withouâ—… reason that all his precedent actions would prove to no purpose unless he should secure himself well on this side Parting then from Morbegno he marched speedily to Bormio carrying many of his men with him and finding la Serra de Bagni which is the usual way to pass from Germany to the Valtoline sufficiently fortified and garrisoned he feared lest the Dutch not being able to enter by that way would come in by the lower way of Agnedina leaving therefore his men in Bormio he went with some few to Agnedina which is a part of Rhetia and by the assistance of those Inhabitants who are bitter Enemies to the Dutch he soon block'd up and munited those Passes and put the Agnedini in a defensive posture assuring them that he would still defend them with his Forces which lay not â—…ar off in Bormio in case they should be assaulted on that side This being done he returned to Bormio where taking fit order for all things he returned to Morbegno fearing that the Fortifications were not there well finished and that they might be assaulted by Serbellone but he cast his accounts amiss for Fernamont who having well munited the new Fort of S. Maria was passed over the Mountain Ombraglâ—…o seeming as if he would send men to assault the Bagni went to assault the Sconce Fraelle and having taken it he went from thence by unaccustomed ways and having the good luck to meet with excellent guides he came to a certain place where playing upon those that defended la Serra de Bagni on the Flank the defendants were forced to quit the Serra to the Dutch who much beyond either their own or their adversaries expectation became immediately masters thereof by which loss the French did not only abandon the Bagni but the Serra and the Town of Bormio and left the whole County at the disposal of the Dutch who in a short space march'd on victoriously even to Tirano in the midst of the Valtoline and Rohan judging it impossible to resist so great a fury abandon'd the Valtoline and fled with all his men from Morbegno to Chiavenna burning the Bridges of Adda to keep from being pursued by the Enemy But this his diligence was more then needed for Fernamont being come without any opposition to Tirano and understanding that Count Montosi was with a thousand Foot in the Valley of Lovigno which was on his left hand he feared that he might pass from thence to Bormio and block up the Gate of Germany which he had opened wherefore he forbore pursuing Rohan and turning upon Montosi came to Lovigno where he found all that Valley also abandoned for all the French which were with Montosi were retreated to the Mount in tops and passing from thence to Agnedina were come to joyn with Rohan who was come to the same Agnedina by the County of Chiavenna Thus far the affairs of the Valtoline went as well for the Austrians and as ill for the French as was possible and if Fernamont leaving Montosi had pursued his victory through the Valtoline or had gone to Riva 〈◊〉 Chiavenna or if Serbellone had advanced with his men to Tirano when the Dutch fell down to Bormio or had he advanced to Riva when the French began to flye doubtlesly they might have carried the whole business But though the necessity of securing the Pass of Bormio may excuse Serbellone's slow proceeding admits of no excuse Fernamont's second errour was greater he might have returned to the Valtoline when he found himself safe behind by Montosi's flight and joyning with Serbellone might have gone to Riva or Chiavenna which being almost abandoned he might easily have made himself Master of them entring into the Countrey of the Grisons by the Valley of Lovigno he might have encounter'd Rohan who in his flight past that way he might have fallen down upon Chiavenna by the Grisons Countrey and might have made himself Master thereof it being inclosed between his and Serbellone's Forces But not doing any of these things any of which if he had done he might have been sure of Victory he left his men in Lovigno and went privately to Tirvolo only to provide victuals for his Army that he might maintain them without incommodating the Countrey a resolution which though it was commendable for the piety thereof was to be blamed by reason of War for Rohan going to Coira and assembling the Inhabitants together he encouraged them the best he could to re-assume the business of the Valtoline which if it should fall into the hands of the Dutch they might despair of ever regaining it whereas he faithfully promised to restore it to them as soon as it should be recovered and said that he had Orders from the King so to do The Grisons abhorr'd that the Valtoline should fall into the hands of the Dutch wherefore they chose as the lesser evil to go immediately to the recovery thereof with those very French who but a little before had appeared so desirous to retain it for themselves they therefore joyned all their Forces with those of Rohan and fell down into the Valley of Lovigno and coming at unawares upon the Dutch before Sun-rising who looked for nothing less but were
made at him and he was saluted by some Dragoons but received no prejudice at all by them The night coming on the Spaniards thought that the Enemy had found such difficulties in the Plain as he would forbear attempting any thing and they thought themselves safe enough on the Hills side for the Reasons already said Wherefore thinking that the Enemy despairing of any good success would attempt nothing they consequently held themselves sure of Victory and applauding the Governour for his wisedom and military wariness they approved of his counsel who had chosen to sit still and overcome so they minded nothing but reciprocal congratulations But Harcourt not at all deterr'd by any difficulty he found on the Plain after some consultations thought to assault the French towards the Plain on three sides that very night a good part whereof being spent in consultations and in ordering their marches and one of the Guides bâ—…ing run away who was to have guided them to the furthest place where they intended to fall on at last when day began to clear up changing his resolution Harcourt resolved to try whether the natural difficulties of the Hills would not be more easily overcome then the oppositions upon the Plain he therefore made a Bridge be thrown over the Gattola about break of day in that Valley by which beginning his course he afterwards made his men pass over the Bridge before day thinking to make them ascend the opposite hill and there to re-attempt the enterprise which design being soon discover'd the Governour sent the Dragoons with some Foot Companies to desend that hill which the enemy strove to get up but the provision was but weak and in vain for Harcourt finding that he must either mount there or shamefully give over the enterprise advanced almost all his Forces against those Dragoons and succeeding therein drove them after a long dispute from the station which they had taken but a little before and being master thereof endeavoured to make twelve pieces of Cannon be drawn that way The Governour by the bad success of his men began to fear the worst and going from his quarter he commanded Don Mauricio to advance with half his Horse to defend a certain station beyond the line seated upon the hanging of a hill behind an Hermitage where 400 Musketiers were placed that he might oppose the enemy who was to ascend by that way and not suffer him to get any higher Harcourt when his Artillery was got up the hill made four batteries of them wherewith he began from Sun-rising to play upon the opposite Plain with much prejudice to the quarters which lay below and to the enemies Squadrons then leaving the Piedmontese Horse and Foot under Villa and Pianezza to the end that holding the enemy play there they might diver them from succouring the hill when the French should ascend he march'd by the climbing of the hill in this order il Signore della Motta Odencourt mounted on the left side with six Regiments of Horse and as many Foot together with some Troops of Dragoons Harcourt himself got up with the rest of the Foot on the right hand the rest of the Horse under the Vicount of Turin march'd up in the Rere they all got well up having not only overcome the difficulties of the situation which the Governour thought was not to be done but the opposition which was made at the Hermitage which was abandoned at the very first assault and then that of the Horse under Don Mauricio which were placed behind the Hermitage which not being back'd by any Musketiers after some resistance made was at last forced to retreat so Harcourt having overcome this impediment also pursued his march the more freely and got to above the Trenches The hills were but badly fortified for the line of circumvolution not arriving at the height thereof it was commanded by the part above it and the Work was made in such haste and disorder as both the line and the ditch which munited it were in many places overlooked by the ground that was without and there were but few defendants for the Governour as hath been said thought that part sufficiently secured by its situation but some of the chiefest Spanish Commanders thought that the enemy would not adventure an assault even from hence so much did they confide in their own Forces and made so little account of the enemy amongst which was Don Antonio Sarmiento one of no small authority but better at the Gown then Sword and yet he did not only meddle in giving Counsel but in issuing out Orders in the Camp and thinking that Harcourt durst not give an assault but that he endeavoured by feigned attempts to divert the Camp from that side by which he thought to steal in the succour he persisted so much in this opinion as he would not alter his mind though he saw Harcourt gotten to the top of the hill And seeing a certain lower part of the line subject to be damnified and not caring to defend it he sent the Souldiers that had the guard thereof into the field and placed them in an eminent part without the line thinking that defence might be better made there but he was mistaken and it proved to be of very bad consequence Harcourt being gotten to the top of the Hill and seeing his advantages and the disadvantages of the Enemy he began to hope well and that he should be Conquerour that day wherefore he cheerfully disposed of his men for an assault and he himself and Count de Plessis Pralin who commanded that station went to assault the upper part of the Trench who having chased away those who were placed by Sermiento to guard the more higher outward part they went to assault the upper part of the line hoping to have the like success there but it proved otherwise for two Brigades of veterane Spaniards who were long accustomed to War being set to defend that place the Assailants were thrice repuls'd but at the fourth assault which was more fierce then the former the Defendants were forced to yield and at the same time that part of the lower Trench which was unfurnish'd of Defendants by Sermiento as hath been said being assaulted by Turenna was easily broke through so as the line being thrown open in two parts the French like a swift Torrent which having broken down the bank doth overflow the fields burst in into the Spaniards quarters and at the same time Villa and Pianezza did not onely assist by way of diversion in the plain as they were ordered but valiantly advancing they also broke into the Trench in the plain which was much better munited then that upon the hill a Fort munited with a good ditch stood opposite to them which without any defence made was taken by the Foot So as they having forc'd the line below at the same time that the other had broken into that upon the hill they entred the line and speedily making a Bridge with materials