who drawing neer him by a certain cover'd way gave furiously on upon the Foot and made great slaughter insomuch as Colonel Muler together with five other of the best Captains being slain and their ranks broken after a furious fight which lasted for some hours they were routed those few that fled were part of them killed by the Country people part throwing themselves into the Adda were drowned as for the other two Squadrons the Reer escaped safe away the other which went to recover Tyrano after having made some resistance fled with the loss of their Baggage which remained in the Enemies hands the Kings men returned victorious into Tyrano and the vanquished finding they were not pursued rallied together and went being in number about 4000 to assault the Town but Pimâ—…ntello having assembled the Foot together and put them in order made such resistance as the Enemy being plaid upon by the Artillery and indamaged by smaller shot could do nothing of moment nor â—…urst come to an assault though the Walls were in some places weak and ruinous but retreated towards the Mountains which confine upon the State of Venice from whence going to Bormio they returned home The conflict indured five hours with great courage on both sides above 2000 of the Grisons were slain those being comprehended who were drowned in the Adda and of the Spaniards not above 50 amongst which Ottaviano the Governour who was one of the first thaâ—… assaulted the first Squadron and a Nephew of Iovan Bravo the spoil was great amongst which they found much of what was taken from Bormio and 32000 Ducates destined for the Souldiers pay after the Victory they went to Bormio which being abandoned by the Garrison made no resistance where they built a gallant Fort royal and munited the Town with a great Trench by which and by three little Forts erected along the Valley the one at Tyrano another at Morbegno and the third at Sondrio the Kings men were masters of the Valtoline and the new built Forts being kept by the peoples consent for Guard of the Country and the liberty thereof they began to settle a form of Religion and Politick Liberty to the end that those of the Valtoline being govern'd by themselves might under the protection of Spain whereinto they were by a particular Decree received injoy their Religion and be secured in their liberty which they had happily recovered The Archduke Leopold who keeping correspondency with the Duke of Feria aimed at the recovery of the Towns of the third League which were aâ—…iently rebelled from the house of Austria did at the same time build a Fort which he called San Maria in the Valley of Mosero in the Grisons jurisdiction to the end that remaining just where the Valtoline joyns to Tirvâ—…lo the union on both sides might be the betâ—…er secured To these happy successes more happy Negotiations were added for not long after the Grisons being dejected purâ—…ly by the great blow which they received in the Valtoline and partly confused for the repugnancy of opinions which was risen up amongst them la Griggia which is the chiefest of the three Leagues sent Embassâ—…dours to Millain and capiâ—…ulated with Feria touching the restitution of the Valtoline to its former condition upon very favourable terms for the inhabitants Religion and Liberty and obliged it self in name of the other two Leagues in a perpetual League with the State of Millain and what was much desired by the Spanish Agents to graâ—…t freâ—… passage for the Kings men thorow their Towns but this Capitulation took no effect though many of the Commonalty of the second League concurred therein for the third League contradiâ—…ting it and particularly those of low Engeâ—…ina the number of those who were against the Capitulation of Millain began to increase and their faction grew stronger the rather because they were much fomented by the Venetians and French Embassadour who adhered unto them The Embassadour was the same 〈◊〉 who having held intelligence with Feria but a little before had procured and had had a hand in the insurrection of the Valtoline but not being able to see it now â—…ain under the authority and almost under the command of the Spaniard and that â—…e himself had been the means and worker thereof he was pieced again with the Grisons and with contrary indeavours favoured the oppression of the Valtolinians to drive the Spaniards from amongst the Grisons to the recovery of the Valley which they had lost they were thereunto also incited by their Preachers who detesting the Capitulation of Millain called in their publick preachings and in their private meeting the Favourers thereof Authors of scanâ—…al Enemieâ—… to the publick liberty and Traytors to their Country so as there proceeded great altercations between those who were against it and the Duke of Feria having taken five Companies of Swissers into pay in favour of those that sided with the Capitulation he sent them into Rhâ—…tia whereat the Country rise up in Arms and the very 〈◊〉 of the Capitulation not adhering much to their former opinion the Swissers were forc'd to retreat so as this party having gotten the upperhand they began to implead the chief Authors of the Millain Capitulation as having betrayed the publick liberty by agreeing thereunto without the publick consent of all But new Orders being sent at this time from the Court of Spain reduces the trouble to a more quiet Negotiation The Princes of Italy were much moved at these proceedings of Feria and resented them and the Venetians who as hath been said covered both their own and the common liberty and by disbursing out moneys largely unto the Grisons had indeavoured that he might not compasâ—… his ends had also by their Embassadour made great complaint thereof to the Court of Spain accusing the Governour as a perturber of the publick pâ—…ace and as an insnarer of the liberty of Italy as did also the new Pope Gregory the 15th who succeeded Paul the 5th who died in the beginning of the year 1621 this was Cardinal Lodovisio Archbishop of Bullognia he was commonly held to be not well affected to the Spaniard by reason of the distastes between him and Don Piedro di Tolledo when being the Apostolick Nuntio in Lombardy and Piedmont he negotiated the composition of those wars and therefore as one that detested the Spaniards and loved not to see them increase in greatness and authority it was thought he would not omit suppressing those ends upon this occasion which did so much vex him so to make himself famous by restoring Italy to her former security and thereby make the beginning of his Popedom more acceptable He wrot a Letter with his own hand to the King of Spain complaining of and much resenting the Governours actions as prejudicial to the common quiet and satisfaction and desiring him that he would not deny him this favour which he very earnestly desired of him in this the beginning of his Popedom he did also seriously admonish
the Kingdom but in effect by his own command sent him some Ships as it was said fraughted with Foot Count Iohn of Nassau was also daily expected to come with men by land from Holland and it was heard that succours came from Germany to assist the said Duke which were sent him from the Protestant Princes of that Nation who did not a little foment the Wars of Piedmont Nor did the Venetians foment them less then they though secretly who from the beginning being anxious at the proceedings of the Spanish Army and fearing that the Duke might be oppress'd began to assist him underhand with moneys and advice and afterwards seeâ—…g his affairs proceed prosperously they being desirous to abate the Spanish grandezza were not wanting in sustaining him and shoaring him up to the end that he might resist him who thought to suppress him So all these Princes being thought privately to blow this fire it was imagined that their Embassadours who Negotiated the business did not proceed therein with sincerity unless it were the Popes Nuntio for both their manner of treating and form of conclusion was sufficiently different from that reallity which in appearance they did profess and contrary to the great confidence and good correspondency between the Kings of Spain and France the French Embassadour having the â—…ppointment made at Madrid in one hand and in the otheâ—… the intimation of War being consequently able to compel the Duke by the latter and to force the Governour by the other so as he was the chief Arbitrator of all that Negotiation the rather for that the French Souldiers and Captains who fought on the Dukes behalf depending upon his command he might at his pleasure make them forego their Arms and bereave the Duke of the greatest part of his Forces and though by orders from his King he was to be careful of the reputation of the Spanish Crown and to give satisfaction thereunto and as a good servant to so great a King ought not to suffer the peace to be concluded otherwise for the example which it would be to all greater Kings and being trusted by the Barons of France was chosen by the Queen to be imploy'd for this end at the Court of Spain yet the Authority and common desire of the Princes of that Kingdom wherein they differ'd from the King in point of keeping friendship with the Crown of Spain prevailing more with him as also peradventure the French humour naturally averse to the name of Spaniard he made less account of the Kings command which was the chief cause of all the inconveniences which befell the Spanish Army For doubtlesly things would have gone otherwise if he had punctually observed his Kings directions immediately after the Victory upon the Hills but whilst under pretence of not exasperating the Duke he proceeded sometimes too favourably with him and sometimes approving of his jealousies he feared that by intimating War unto him Piedmont might be made a prey to the Victorious Army much to the Kings prejudice and that therefore he temporiseth with the Duke wherein he is fautor'd by the English and Venetian Embassadours the Duke knowing what was done fenc'd himself on one side with subterfugeâ—… and delays and on the other side assaulted the Enemies Trenches and faced him and on the contrary the Spanish Army as hath been said mouldred away and the weaker they grew in Forces and Men the Duke had the less mind to come to an agreement and consequently standing harder upon the advantage of Articles propounded delays and greater difficulties and hoping to get the better at the last had a greater desire to fight and venting his conceived hatred against the Spaniards aspired at glory by the total Victory of so invincible an Army and the Embassadours who would spin the thread of the Negotiation aâ—… they were resolved to do held the Governours in hand with efficacious promises of peace the conclusion whereof being from day to day defer'd and they the mean while delighting to see the miseries of the Spanish Army they delaied so long as finding it at last reduced to so great weakness as that it was not able to fall upon any enterprise they began to treat of new conditions which together with the three particulars of Madrid contained many other things of satisfaction to the Duke Thus was the Capitulations of peace made upon the beneath written terms and agreement That the Duke should disarm effectually within one moneth and retaining only four Companies of Swissers for the safety of his States together with as many of his Subjects as he would should casheâ—…r all the rest of his men that he should not offend the Duke of Mantua's Dominions and that his pretentions should be discus'd in the Emperours Courts of Justice On the contrary the French Embassadour promised that the Rebels of Montferrat should be pardoned and be fully restored to their Goods Honours and Offices that he should be protected by France in case he should be molested by the Spaniard contrary to what was agreed upon to which purpose express command was given in the Kings name to Marshall Diguere Governour of Dolpheny and to the other Governours of Provinces confining upon the Dukes Territories that immediately without expecting any orders from the King they should succour the Duke in case the Conventions should not be agreed upon that the Swissers and Walloons should be restored to free Commerce in the State of Millain that the places taken by either side should be restored that all the French should be generally pardoned who had served in the present War contrary to the Kings command that the King of Spain should not demand passâ—…ge for six moneths space of the Duke for any men That the Duke should have three moneths allowed him to give notice to his friends that they were to abstain from any hostility against the King during which time the Duke repairing any damage which should be done nothing of Hostility which should happen should prejudice tâ—…e peace and herewith the removal of the Spanish Army was agreed upon in form following That the French Embassadour should desire the Duke to draw a thousand Foot out of Asti at whose marching out he would write to the Governour and cause him to quit his quarters and to retreat to Croce Bianca and to Quarto Which being done tâ—…e same Embassadour was to intreat the Duke to remove the rest of the Souldiers out of the City and the French Embassadour promised that on the same day that that should be done the Spanish Army should march out of Piedmont and that then the Duke should immediately disâ—…rm but with this promise from the Embassadour that after such effectual laying down of Arms the Governour should so dispose of the Kings Army as neither the Duke nor any other Prince of Italy should thereby have any cause of jealousie and that the King of France should ratifie the agreement within twenty days All these Articles and Conventions were reciprocal
ballance on one side and by standing Neuter she should keep them both her friends so as by his Pontifical Authority and by the credit he should get by his neutrality he should be the better able to compose businesses Being therefore desirous to proceed maturely in so weighty a business he resolved first to use peaceful endeavours with the King and to procure the restoring of the Valtoline by civil means and by Negotiation but so much circumspection in such urgency of affairs was interpreted a luke-warmness and coolness of Counsel especially by such who are better plâ—…ased with actions of resentment then with such as are considerate and duly weighed and much more by such who might reap advantage by the Popes resentment and therefore the Popes circumspection made all men wonder and afforded variety of discourse and interpretation no less then did the fervency of the French and their double-dealing upon the present occasions On the one side none could conceive so little respect from the French to be used towards the Apostolick See that so little account should be had of the reciprocal conventions touching the depositure and of the Promises and Declarations made by them but a little before in the face of the whole World of not innovating any thing concerning the Valtoline on the other side it past not without admiration that the Pope not making any the least account of so many Counsels and so many Protestations and offers made by the Spaniards accompanied by the evidence of such preparations made by the French and by the Venetians would first wait for the blow before he would hold up his hand to fence it and that he did so sleightly resent it when the blow was given and none being able to believe that he was really deceived it was therefore argued that he suffered himself to be deceived by secret intelligence and as suspicion when it is once entertain'd draws unto it all the actions of those who are already become suspected so the Pope who from the beginning of his being Pope was held to be sufficiently inclined to the French it was thought that partly to please that King in that wherein he was so much press'd in point of honour partly not to incense the King of Spain by the express delivery up of the Forts after his Declaration made in points appertaining to Religion that he saw this practise which did indeed give some colour to this commotion and did oblige the Pope to provide for it and perhaps also as some men thought because he was not of opinion that the depositure of the Valtoline did suit with the interest of the Apostolick See even when he was Cardinal and much less now when if the two Kings should fail the Souldiers which were in the Valtoline the Pope must supply their defaults with the Churches moneys that therefore he chose the middle way and did permit the French to make themselves masters thereof by force to the end that afterwards he might dispose thereof with advantage and reputation to that Crown and so with greater safety and satisfaction to the common affairs and that therefore thinking this the best course he could take for the safety of Italy over which he was very vigilant and to suppress the unextinguishable fire of war which did hang upon the Gates thereof he chose as the lâ—…sser evil to consent to the wills of the French of the Venetians and to the common sence of the Italian Princes some setting aside such nice Considerations said more freely that the Pope was no lâ—…ss troubled then the Venetians that the Spaniards under pretence of Religion should get footing in the Valtoline thereby to trample upon the Liberty of Italy and reduce the Apostolick See and so many Princes iâ—…to slavery and that therefore abhorring their intentions they were vex'd at nothing more then to see themselves undone by such ambitious ends so as not accepting the Spanish succours he gave secret orders to Bagni that he should suffer himself to be overcome by the French many also discoursing yet more freely of the Popes mind said that the Pope not being content with excluding the Spaniards from the Valtoline to have thereby deluded their ends and secured the Common Liberty did nourish yet greater designs in his bosom and aspired to curb their immense power and ambition so to reduce the affairs of Italy to within such a compass as the Princes thereof being gotten free from the Spanish tutelage might govern themselves as they listed and dispose of themselves and of their own business without such respects to that Crown and that therefore joyning with the French the Venetians and Duke of Savoy he did go along with them in the same common ends which was to pull down the Spanish greatness This opinion was much strengthned by the great conformity of genius between him and Cardinal Magallotti Brother to his Brothers Wife who in his first conferring of promotions was by him made Cardinal whose Counsel he did so highly esteem and so much confide in as he was wont to say that if there were another World it might be govern'd by his opinion and though the Pope himself was of solid Counsel and very capable of Publick Government and that he needed not to be advised by any one and that his favours confer'd upon Magallotti and his having imploi'd him much in publick Affairs might be attributed to his alliance to his ancient Friendship and to the desire which is usual in Princes to exalt their Favorites yet the most difficult affairs of the Papacy passing thorow Magallotti's hands and all men esteeming him to be high in the Popes favour it was necessarily thought that he had a great stroke in all publick resolutions and therefore Magallotti being rather of a brisk and stirring spirit then given to mildness and moderation and much more inclined to the French then to the Spaniards made men think that the Popes deliberations passing thorow Magallotti's Forge did partake more of that temper then of neutâ—…ality which he did so publickly profess whilst in these ruptures having taken into consideration how much the affairs of Religion would be endangered and how much he ought therefore to have opposed himself even in Arms against whosoever should bring wac into Italy he was wont to say that of a Judge he would not make himself a party that he would not break with either of the Crowns that he would not exasperate the King of France nor provoke him to any strange resolution by which that Kingdom might separate it self from the Church whereof there being some speech at that time in France whereat the Pope was much troubled would sometimes say that he would not imitate another Florentine Pope who by not knowing how to carry himself dexterously in point of neutrality had given occasion to the disunion of Englaud These were the opinions these the discourses which were commonly had in Italy and even in the Court of Rome which being somewhat controverted
joyn with him in excluding the Spaniards and he was almost certain that the Governour to shun greater inconveniencies would give way that the Citadel should rather remain in his hands then in those of the French The Commendator Pasâ—…ro one of much experience and in great authority with the Prince was cry'd up for the Author of these counsels which being divulged about the Court were approved of by the Piedmontese nobles as those who being naturally more inclined to the French then to the Spaniards apprehended that to fall under the Spanish Empire was the worst of evils that could befall them They therefore thought that to keep from that misfortune they had best embrace any thing how slender so ever and expect better fortune The Prince being oppress'd by the nearness and by the greatness of the danger which though it was foreseen when a far off yet was it never so inevitable nor formidable as now Being therefore resolved to do all that was possible he sent a Letter to the Governour on the seventh of Iuly wherein he signified unto him that he could hold out no longer and that if he were not relieved within four dayes at the furthest he would without more a doe accept of the French offers and would surrender the City Which Letter was very unfortunate for the Prince and for the business in order to the relief and to the raising of the siege was the ruine of the common affairs did overthrow the Princes cause and on the contrary raised the French Army out of the extream precipice and danger whereinto it was more then manifestly brought The City was not effectually in so great streights as the Prince would fain have made it been believed to be for it had great store of Corn nor did it want grist as before that default being much supply'd by hand-mills which were daily made And though in conforminy to what the Prince had writ the Governour was also informed by Don Antonio Sotelo of the aforesaid wants who though he was chief of the Kings men and affairs that were handled in the City had upon many occasions appeared apâ—…e to please the Prince then careful of the Kings concernment yet the Governour had received contrary intelligence from other Captains and in particular from Marquess Serra who looking more narrowly into affairs knew that the City might hold out longer and woe his mind freely to the Governour and did assure him that there were those who had offer'd to maintain the City with bread for two moneths at no exorbitant rates Which offers the Prince refused as thinking them impossible to be performed and though there was more want of powder then of bread yet it was found that the City held out and made stout sallies upon the Enemies quarters twenty days after the eleventh of Iuly and yet had received no recruit in powder and the danger of the French succour which was said to be very neer proved vain for La Gatta being stronger in Collegno then the relievers who were not above 4000 Foot and some Horse it was impossible for to pass that way or to force the Garrison The Governour seeing himself taken off from continuing his designes and bereft of the victory which he so longed after and was neer getting by the Princes so precise pressures and resolute proâ—…estations he was much astonished and was the more confused for that by letters which he received at the same time he was informed as hath been said that the City was in a far different condition from what it was represented to be in by the Prince so as suspecting the Princes pressures must needs ayme at some hidden end amongst many things which he thought upon at last he light upon one or two either that the Prince had closed with the French or was upon agreeing with them And that therefore that he might the better honest his surrounding of the Town he put him upon the poynt of speedy relief that so he might provide for himself abandon the King of Spain and bâ—…ake himself to the King of France or else that he would revive his claim to putting of a Garrison into the Citadel The Governour had alwayes proceeded so reservedly with the Princes as without either assuring them of his intent or making them despair he had still held them in expectation that they should be pleased and they were always confident to have what they pretended unto either with his will or against it wherefore he was forc'd to vary his determination in the Enterprise though it proceeded on very successfully and to put the certainty of Victory upon the uncertain chance of a Dye He therefore began greatly to doubt what peradventure was true he knew no better way how to avoid this exigency then by feeling Paseroe's Pulse with offering him six thousand Pistols to procure the Prince to delay his expectation of succour for fifteen days to the end that he might the better attend the keeping out of that relief which was expected by the enemy from France hoping nay firmly believing that if that succour could be kept out the Siege would be raised before the desired time of delay should be expired and that by this means he should not need adventure his Forces in relieving the City The care of this was committed to Marquess Serra who was chiefly trusted by the Governour in carrying on this Siege but this Negotiation not being to be ended so soon by reason of the difficulty of giving and of receiving advertisement and for that it becomes those that negotiate in such affairs to wait the conjuncture of times the eleventh day being come before the Negotiation was ended the Governour who had precise Orders from the King not to give the Prince any occasion of foregoing his party he suffer'd himself to be pul'd on by necessity and by the Prince his inclinations as one doth sometimes who rides an unruly horse and resolved to please him he therefore agreed upon the doing of it in this manner The Governour was to go from his quarters of Montcalleri and Gatta from his of Collegno upon the break of day on the eleventh day upon the sign being given by certain fires and should fall upon the enemies Trenches Gatta was to assault those which were between the Porporata and a certain Channel which is called Martinetto and the Governour those which do terminate on the banks of Poe neer Valentino that the same night 1000 Horse should be sent to the Prince by a Foord over the Poe which being joyned to his Horse might enable the Prince to sally strongly out of the City that same night and face the enemies Horse The Prince was to go with this recruit of Horse and with the Spaniards which were with him towards Valentino to facilitate the Governours entrance on the innerside and to the end that these three which were the chief actions might succeed the better the Governour was to place eight piece of Cannon upon the hills beyond
that which better preserved the Publick peace was lest as in former times Quarrels amongst themselves had made way for the Spanish greatness into Italy and confirmed it there they might now make it more formidable by affording it matter of more progress whereby to augment it self Therefore all former strife and contention being forgotten and all turbulent and ambitious thoughts being laid aside they were very intent in quenching all seeds of scandal or dissatisfaction which might discompose that Union and telligence wherein the neer and eminent danger the truest Ligament of any whatsoever Agreement or Convention did keep them tacitely conjoined in the deâ—…ence of themselves France a powerful and neighbour Country and Rivâ—…l to the Spanish Name out of antient pretensions as a stout Counterpoise to the greatness of the Spanish Nation did also adde much to the safety of their Affairs and did the more confirm the King of Spain in his good will to the peace of Italy and in his not disturbing nor distasting the Italian Princes in their antient peacefull possessions Italy being for the aforesaid reasons thus secure for forreign Nâ—…tions and ballanced within her self and well established in peace by the counterpoise of reciprocal apprehensions both of the Natives that by troubling their Affairs their liberty might be hazzarded and of Forreigners that the Empire might be prejudiced every one and not without reason was perswaded that being now escaped the so terrible Tempest wherewith she was threatned she would easily nay of her self settle her former peaceful condition and long continue in it But all humane reasons and judgments are easily exposed to even the sleightest accidents Francis Duke of Mantua and Montferrate dyed of an unexpected death about the end of the year 1612. Mary his young and only Child survived him whose Mother was Margaret eldest Daughter to the Duke of Savoy in which Francis his death though the main course of common Affairs seemed not to be much concerned the Bond of common Concord remaining uninjured yet did his death shake the Foundations upon which the Publick Peace seemed to be so firmly grounded and occasioned much misery and calamity to Montferrat and to the neighbouring people by the Wars which immediately insued in those parts The great Rains fierce Winds and terrible Thunders which happened but a little before in Lombardy wherewith the fields were for many days overflowed to the great prejudice of the ground and terror of the Inhabitants seemed to be a sad Augury of this These States fell for want of Heirs Male upon Cardinal Ferdinando Brother to the deceased Duke Who though he was acknowledged by all to be the true Heir and that the People Officers and the whole Court did with much joy congratulate his Accession to the Dukedom yet because it was thought thâ—…t the Dowager Dutchess might be with child he would not as then accept either of the Crown or Title of Duke but deferred doing so contenting himself with the Government of the Dominions till he might be sure he was true and Legitimate Heir And Prince Victorio Amadeo eldest Son to the Duke of Savoy coming not long after to Mantua to consolate the Dowager his Sister and to bring her back to her Paternal Country he desired leave that he might likewise carry the little Daughter along with him to Piedmont which desire having been much insisted upon formerly by the Duke Grandfather to the young Lady Mary begat not a little commotion in the Cardinal and in the whole Mantuan Court who very well knew how such demands strike at the Foundation and safety of the States And it being thought too dangerous to give way thereunto as also unseasonable then to deny the result of so weighty a business was defeâ—…ed hopes being sometimes given therein difficultâ—…es sometimes objected till it might be more certainly known whether the Dowager Dutcâ—…ess were with child or no who for better satisfaction it was resolvâ—…d should keep in the 〈◊〉 of Mantua the mean while also But their delays making the Duke more fervent in his desires he did all â—…e could to remove them he also made herein use of the favour and Alliance which he had with the Catholick King in whose Court whether by means of Officers or no it is not known the young Lady Mary was Proclaimed Heir to Montferrat Whereof they affirmed women were by the Laws capable and that women had more then once inherited it For it was said to have passed by the means of Violante Daughter to William the Fifth sirnamed the Great from the Paternal Family of Alaâ—…ame into that of the Paleologi and it came into that of Gonzaga by no other means then by Margaret Paleologa who succeeding therein past it over to those that descended from her by Frederick Gonzaga That therefore it ought not to be held a new thing if that State should now be seen to pass by Female succession into another Family which was come into the Family of Gonzaga That Succession in the first place belonged unto the Children without distinction of Sex all other Relations being wholly excluded That it was thus Ordered by the Civil Law and Law of Nature according to which the Succession of great Kingdoms yea even that of Spain was governed That therefore it was too inhumane a thing to permit that that Infant descended from the Austrian Blood Neece by the Sisters Side to the King should be brought up with so much danger in those her so tender years with her Rival who by excluding her aspired at the Succession of so great a State But that it was no less dangerous not to take such order as that the succession of Montferrat might not occasion some important insuing disorder in Iâ—…aly The Italians thought that these or the like pretensions might make great impression in that Court when they saw the Duke of Savoys demands were so much favoured in Italy by the Kings State-Ministers and that they did afterwards indeavour that that Infant should by common consent of all parties be placed in Millain as in a place in the midst between the Dukedoms of Savoy and Montferrat but the people and Court of Mantua were much more troubled when they saw greater demonstrations added to so pressing desires For many persons of quality being in that City who weâ—…e come to accompany Prince Victorio part whereof were Savoyards and part Millanesi and Spaniards who were sent thither under several pâ—…etences from Millain the Mantuans began much to distrust that the Duke had â—…ome more hidden end The Cardinal was therefore forced to have a greater care of the custody of the Child and to give order that thaâ—… Corps de Guard should be kept round about the City and that the most convenient places should be diligently looked unto so to obviate any inconvenience which might happen in such a Commotion and the Child being declared as well in Italy as in the Court of Spain to be Heir of Montferrat a greater desire was daily
irksome to them through solitariness They were honoured only with Titles and exterior demonstrations but were not otherwise in any favour or Authority at Court The eldest Prince died not long after who upon the like occasions had great disputes with the Duke of Lerma and the rest returned into Italy if not displeased with the King at least but badly satisfied wiâ—…h the Court as not finding that countenance and welcome as they thought became their condition These and the like accidents though out of private occasions and proceeding rather from the State-Officers then from the King wounded the Duke to the very soul who was much exasperated by former proceedings and if he had met with any occasion he would peradventure have been willing to have vented his disdain but neither the times nor the condition of his own affairs corresponding with his desire of resentment he was forced to cloâ—…e his passions and to expect a more opportune time whilst thus fought with by inward haâ—…red such occasions at last happened when he least expected them as brought those opportunities home unto him then which if he had sought after them he could not have met with greater William dalle Marche Duke of Iuliers and Cleves died about this time in whose death all his whole Family failing many several German Princes pretended to the Succession of those States Amongst the rest Leopold one of the Arch-Dukes of Austria and the Princes of Brandenburge and Newburg which latter two joining against the Arch-Duke possest themselves of all that appertained to those Dukedoms except Iuliers which fell into his power Leopold's Cauâ—…e was not adhered unto only by the House of Austria and by the King of Spain but by all the Catholick German Princes who thinking it pernitious for the Catholick Religion that those States should fall into the hands of Heretick Princes contracted a League in the behalf of the Arch-Duke and chose the Duke of Bavaria for their Captain-General The two 〈◊〉 finding themselves too weak against such a League had recourse to the King of France whose Kingdom after so many calamities of preceding wars having now injoy'd peace for many years and consequently flourishing more in Arms people and riches then it was ever known to be before himselâ—… being obeyed by all the Orders of this Kingdom and reverenced by all the Princes of Christendom and not thinking it became him that the Crown of Spain and House of Austria should grow to a greater height took upon him the protection of those Princes and with caution to the Catholick Religion of those Inhabitants he promised to assist themin the possession of the controverted States in whose cause the Protestant Princes of Germany did also adhere And the King of France being made their Head they prepared openly to oppose the Arch-Duke the King perceâ—…ving that from hence great combustions were likely to arise applied his mind to much greater designs Betaking himself therefore not only to make stout preparations of Arms throughout his whole Kingdom but also to negotiate new Leagues and Unions with Forâ—…eigners he sollicited many of the Italian Princes to whom he thought the neighbourhood of the Spaniards was either suspitious or troublesome promising them great Rewards and increase of Dominions if by joyning their Forces with him they would take up Arms in Italy against the King of Spains Dominions The chief of these were the Venetians and the Duke of Savoy the former in respect of the great opinion which was held not only of their forces and wealth but of their Counsel and Wisdom The other for the Neighbourhood of his Dominions and for the vivacity of his military Spirit naturally inclined to new Enterprises as also out of the distastes and bad satisfaction which he had often received from the Spanish State-Ministers Count Fuentes who though he was very old and upon the confines of death was yet alive and much feared and reverenced and the Affairs of Spain flourished much as hath been said under his Government The 〈◊〉 notwithstanding either professing to abhor turbulence and novelty or fearing to provoke the Spaniards refusing the first great offers made to them by the King of France would have no hand in a business of such moment which was like to work great Revolutions in the world not without danger to their own Affairs The Duke who on the contrary though strangely scandalized at the Court of Spain would not let slip such an occasion willingly and was therefore willing to listen to the Kings great offers whereof one was to marry the Kings eldest Daughter to Prince Victorio yet calling to mind the long and bitter wars which the Kings of France had made upon his Father and Grandfather by whom they were beaten almost out of all their Dominions And on the contrary his recovery and being kept in long possession of them by the favour and adherence of the Crown of Spain the annual Revenues which he received from thence which would upon any the least occasion be taken from him to boot with the troubles and wars which he was to undergo by incensing the Spaniards in all these respects he began to doubt lest to pass from the one adherence to the other would be too dangerous for him and for his Children who were by so streight interests and by so near alliance joyn'd to the King of Spain wherefore not totally excluding but keeping the Treaty on foot with the French he thought to make use of this occasion as of the means whereby retaining his former friendship with the King of Spain but upon better conditions he might get a greater esteem put upon himself and his affairs Or totally foregoing Union with Spain which he thought would be now reduced to subjection and slavery indeavour to link himself close with France and by the â—…avour and assistance thereof arrive at that Grandezza and Augmentation of State which having long looked for in vain from the Crown of Spain he could never attain unto He therefore demanded one of the Daughters of Spain for Wife to his Son together with a Portion in Land which might serve in recompence for his antient pretences and other annual Revenues and honourable places for his other Children to the end that they might live in Port and Splendour sutatable to the Nephews of so great a King And to remove the obstacles and difficulties which he might meet with in these desires he thought it necessary to win the Duke of Lerma and to interest him in these his demands for when he should have got him he hoped he should succeed the more easily in all the rest Laying aside therefore all former contentions and emulations â—…e loaded him as it is said with hopes and mighty promises which depending absolutely upon his own will might bring unusual greatness and splendour upon his Family and descendants wheâ—…eby to make so powerful a Minister of State give way unto and facilitaâ—…e whatsoever he should demand of the King for his Sons
necessarily they must be Four hundred French were at this time come by Sea amongst which were many Gentlemen and people of good account who were friends and adherents to Nevers who at the first hearing of these rumours came from France to assist him and being back'd by Gallies belonging to the Kingdom came in the Seas of Genoa in small Barks to find him out rather as Travellers than Souldiers for though the State of Genoa had with an intention of keeping neutral inclined at the beginning of these Commotions not to give passage to 2000 Tuscans which the Great Duke had destin'd for the assistance of Mantua yet being much troubled lest Montferrat should change its Lord at last winked at any one that should pass privately through her Territories in assistance thereof But these people who came from France in haste not being very well provided proved not so advantagious as the condition of the time required save only that they gave some reputation to the Affairs of Montferrat and that witnessing the readiness of that Nation and the zeal thereof towards the Duke of Mantua it made the News which was divulg'd in Italy of the great preparations of that Kingdom be believed And yet the necessary delay which the French succour required making their hopes of the reliefe of Nice but small doubtlesly when the Duke of Savoy should have got it he would have been Master of all this part of Montferrat which was all reduced to underneath the Duke of Savoy's obedience save Cassalle and Pontestura And consequently all men being full of fears and jealousies they murmured greatly against the Governour of Millain that he should so long suffer so great a violence that he should so little value the Kings reputation he was held to be the Pieâ—…ra dâ—… 〈◊〉 the Sâ—… of offence or stumbling block to be the original mover and first fautorer of so violent and detestable an enterprise for how durst the Duke else have dared to attempt a State which was taken into the protection of so great a King How else durst he despise the Majesty of that Crown and the so neer and powerfull Forces of the State of Millain Nay they murmured against the King himself and the Spanish Nation as if they had openly conspired with the Duke of Savoy against the Duke of Mantua in a nick of time when the King of France was not able by reason of his Minority to oppose their designs Wherefore all Italy was in a rage and seeing the harmony of concord out of tune and the common safety and publick quiet disordered began to distrust the King and that Nation whose ambition and desire of rule was not bounded with Montferrat And as the private men did not forbear expressing their sense and back bitings in Libels clapt up in divers publick places even in the City of Millain so the Potentates of Italy began to waver in their friendship and inclination to that Crown and bethought themselves of new remedies whereby to provide against those dangers which they thought the safety of the common Affairs might be subject unto by so great a novelty But in this fluctuation of minds and accidents Orders came from Spain which causing much joy shew'd how vain their murmurings and bad opinions were of that King and Nation The News of these so great Commotions was come to that Court both from Italy and France and though they fell upon many considerations yet the Justice and Equity of the Cause prevailing before all other respects with that King and Counsel as likewise the Peace of Italy and the not permitting that any other Princes should grow greater by the oppression of another principal foundations whereupon having always wisely ballanced the Affairs of Italy they had also the better secured their own it was with extraordinary readiness resolved in that Court according to the great and urgent importunities of the Pope and Princes of Italy and according to the Queen of France her desire that the Duke of Mantua should immediately be put into the full possession of whole Montferrat In conformity whereunto it being known that Prince Victorio was come to Barcelona being sent by his Father to draw the King and that Court to favour his Cause he was immediately commanded to tarry in Montferrat not far from Barcelona and not being admitted to see the King to tarry there till restitution of whole Montferrat should be made by the Duke his Father Which action was of much satisfaction to all Italians and shew'd how much the King and Court of Spain were unconcern'd in these commotions On the contrary it was cause of infinite distaste to the Duke of Savoy he thinking peradventure that the King of Spain being not content to favour his adversary in his sentence but that out of an ambition of purchasing the name of a just and uncorrupted Prince he would not stick to suppress him even in his own son in whom he had placed his final hope and whatsoever he was to expect from that Court which had made him covet that the world might know he was more in favour with that King then the other Italian Princes These Orders being come the Governour was ready to obey them but his Orders being very slowly proceeded in the Swissers not being as yet arrived nor Rho's nor Gambaloita's Regiment yet fill'd and Nice being sorely beset both by day and night the Town began to be out of hope of holding out long for the relief thereof it was therefore necessary at the present to make use of almost the whole ordinary Garrison of the State of Millain Wherefore Don Antonio di Leva Prince of Ascoli one of the Grandees of Spain who being at that time in the State of Millain was chosen by the King to be Camp-Master General was sent thither with six Companies of Light-Horse whereof Don Sanchio de Salina Lievtenant of the Cavalry of the State was Captain with 3000 Spanish Foot commanded by the Camp-Masters Luigi di Cordova and Giovan Bravo di Laguna and some few Italians assembled together by Lodovico Gambaloita which did not in all make 4000 Foot and 600 Horse who joyning at Iâ—…cisa a Town in Montferrat with Prince Vincenso and the Duke of Nevers who had with them 600 other Horse and about 2000 Foot amongst which were French thâ—…y marched in company towards Nice But the Duke seeing that his designs were withstood on one side by Cesars command and on the other side by the King of Spains Forces and finding also that Italy was against him and the French much irritated and consequently knowing that it was impossible for him to withstand so many Potentates who were joyn'd together against him in the behalf of the Duke of Mantua whom he peradventure had hoped to have supprest and undoubtedly to have vanquished at the first push making vertue of necessity resolved to yield to the condition of times and to give way unto the Kings will whose Forces having never formerly withstood he had
great inconvenience and prejudice Being moreover over-born by his immoderate anger and implacable hatred to the Spaniards he in almost a despairing manner minded more his revenge then the preservation of his own affairs And as men grow most fierce when they expect the worst of evils so he aspiring at greater matters and promising himself more then he could hope for undertook to hold Intelligence with forreign Princes who emulated the Spanish greatness by whose favour and assistance he exceedingly hoped to stir up all Europe against the Spanish Grandezza He did persist the rather herein by reason of the Kings and his Ministers of States inclination to preserve Italy in peace as also by reason of Orders come from that Court to the Statesmen of Italy that they should imbrace all occasions to suppress the present uproar with the Duke and that he would reserve himself for the last remedy to break the peace with him in case he should grow contumacious So as thinking that come what would come it might be in his power to keep himself unprejudiced by war if he would accept of what now he refused he thought it would be more glorious for him to submit to the Kings commands rather inforc'd then of freewil and after he had tryed the fortune of war rather then before he had looked the enemy in the face Yet the Dukes distastes were not at first such nor so desperate but that some way of accommodation might have been found had not a Letter written by the Duke of Lerma to the Governour of Millain which was divulged by him made the malady uncurable Directions were therein given That the Duke should precisely disarm and that in case he should not obey That he the Governour should enter Piedmont with all his forces and make him know it behoved him to obey the Kings pleasure whose Ministers for so it was added were ill satisfied with so many difficulties and such resistance He concluded That it was firmly believed that when the Duke should know this resolution he would not forbear observing the Kings Orders This Letter like a spark of fire in well-prepared materials made the combustions which afterwards ensued the greater the Duke being touch'd to the quick and thinking that Lerma in this Letter shewed no respect unto him but that he was therein treated as a subject did so detest it as being much disturbed in mind and little less then mad all his indeavours were to use the greatest demonstrations of resentment and of disrespect to the Authority of Spain that he could devise Neither did he himself conceal the reason of such combustions for he was wont to say openly that word Obey had made him take up Arms. Thus words are oftentimes of more force then deeds and outward demonstrations offend more then reallities The Breach began from a protestation which the Duke caused to be made to the Governour when he saw that there was no means of composition left wherein going over the war of Montferrat from the very beginning thereof till the restitution of the places he had taken he said That he was induced to make that Kestitution out of hopes that his Niece should have been delivered up into his hands according to the promise made him as he said by the Governour in the Kings name and that all Rebels should be pardoned and losses by war and under promise also of a quick and friendly composure of the differences touching the State which he had restored He complained that he saw nothing made good which was promised notwithstanding the many importunities made in the Court of Spain even by the Prince his Son after having been detained there for almost a whole year the Moneth being therein computed wherein he was detained in Montferrat to his so great mortification He added That as for the Instrument presented to the said Prince in Court it was neither answerable to what was promised him nor to his just demands so as he could not in honour accept it Then he proceeded to relate How that after the said Instrument was presented unto him at Turin from the Governour he at the Governours desire had begun to treat of accommodating differences and how that after many debates he was told that there was no more composition to be thought of but to do what the King had ordered And finally ripping open what had been said and replyed in that business he concluded that the Governour had not only not made good any of his promises but had hindered the composure of differences which was by himself begun to no other end hat to keep him the Duke in hand that the mean while he might have time to prepare for the war which was already plotted against Piedmont Wherefore he made his protestation that he would make all necessary and fitting preparations to defend himself That he would give notice to the King and to all Princes particularly to those of Italy how ill affected the Governour was to him and to his family which was so devoted to the Crown of Spain in the service whereof both he and his Predecessors had so often hazzarded their lives and fortunes At this time Prince Philiberto the Duke of Savoy's second son and Lord High Admiral of Spain coming with the Spanish Gallies into Italy brought 2000 Spaniards who being landed near Genoa and bent for Millain he steered towards Naples and Scicily where the rendezvouz for the Kings Gallies was appointed as those also of other Princes to oppose the Ottoman Fleet which being put from Constantinople it was held for certain that it came to prejudice the Kings Territories to revenge the loss of 8 Gallies taken the preceding Autumn by Don Pietro di Girona Duke of Ossona a Grandee of Spain and Viceroy of Naples with the Saylors and Shipping of that Kingdom led by Octavio of Aragon who lighting upon them at unawares in the Levant Seas easily made himself Master of them and brought them in triumph into Sicily With these and other people brought from several parts into the State of Millain the Governour had an Army in the field of 1600 Horse and 20000 Foot 4000 whereof who were Swissers not being by reason of the ancient League to fight against the Duke they were put into several Garrisons in the State of Millain and the rest marching towards the Confines of Piedmont the Governour came forth of Millain on the 20th of August with the Standard general and went to Candia a Town in the Novarese near to the Dukes Dominions Here whilst he was mustering his men and expected other provisions for War he gave order to Don Lewis Gaetano who was Embassadour for the King with the Duke that he should make his last tryal to bring him to condescend to the Kings will and that if he should make any difficulty upon the manner of disarming he should promise him that the Governour would pass his word unto him in the Kings name that he would neither injure him nor the Pope
was safe on the one side from being injured by the Castle That the Citizens were but ill satisfied with the Prince That the Passes in Piedmont which were scituated on steep Cliffs might be unexpectedly taken by a few Souldiers and be by them defended which being taken that the Castle and City could not be relieved and therefore might be easily mastered by any who should go thither with convenient Forces They also said that the Castle of Villa Franca a spatious and safe harbour was but weakly walled guarded only by 50 Souldiers and subject to be plaid upon on several sides that howsoever Cape San Sespiro a place commodious to land in and very neer Villa Franca might easily be surprised and fortified as not being provided either of Guards or Fortifications he therefore proposed either of these two enterprises as feasible to the King the rather for that he being Master of the Sea had the whole River of Genoa together with the Haven of Monaco for his friends so as if either of these two enterprises should be taken in hand at the same time that the Land-Army should enter Piedmont it might be probably hoped that landing between six and eight thousand men in those parts they might easily be effected or if they should meet therein with any greater difficulties it would howsoever be very advantagious to make the attempt by reason of the great diversion it would be to the affairs of Piedmont The Court was pleased with this proposal and it was presently ordered to be put in hand so as necessary provision and materials were furnished from Genua by the said Vives and the people which were come from Naples and those which were shortly expected from Sicily were deputed for that service but because contrary winds caused much delay the Duke had notice of the Enemies design and fortified Cape San Sespiro re-inforced the Garrison of Nice and of his other Maritime Towns therefore the Governour either that he might not irritate the French when they should see the places confining upon Prevence assaulted and to which they have ancient pretences or finding the difficulties and that they were prevented by the Duke forewent these their first intentions and fell to besiege Oneglia a Town belonging to the Duke 40 miles distant from Nice towards Genua wherefore Prince Philibertus being gone for Spain though the Gallies which were expected with men from Spaine were not yet come yet Don Alvaro Bassano Marquess of Sancta Croce Captain of the Neopolitan Gallies went thither with his Gallies and with those that keep usually in the Haven at Genua commanded by Don Andrea Doria in them there were six Neâ—…politan Companies under Vespatiano Macedonico and eight Spanish under Pietro Sermiento Camp-master Oneglia is a Town di 500 fuochi upon the sea shore having on the east side craggy hills on the west it is watered as it were with a little river beyond which stand some hills which entring into the sea make the Premontory commonly called Cape St. Lazero her jurisdiction towards the sea lies neer the mountain and the river it extends much further on the land side having the command of three very fruitful 〈◊〉 peopled by 60 Villages besides which there are other two Maro and Perla which belong likewise unto the Duke The place it self never having seen the face of an Enemy is not any ways fortified unless with a Castle built after the antient manner and by a Bulwark towards the sea which serves rather to keep out Pirates then to fortifie the Town But the Dukes Commanders and Souldiers being entred thereinto they made divers Fortifications there they drew a trench along the river on the West side and a bank of sand along the shore for it was defended on the north side by a Country of friends and on the east by craggy hills Count Lodevico della Moretta Marquess di Dogliano commanded there in chief who had with him many Captains and Souldiers as well of the neighbouring Valleys as sent by directions and order from Piedmont Sancta Croce landed his men on the 19 of November by permission from the Commonwealth beyond Cape St. Lazero and though his leave to land was upon condition that he should not make any they in her Territories yet making no account thereof St. Crece quartered himself on this side the river and planting his battery there he begun to command the Campagnia and to remove all impedments The next night he sent some of his men beyond the river who after a stour dispute having gained the further bank made themselves masters of many ways which led unto the walls and at the same time bringing two pieces of Artillery upon the Piazza of St. Moro to begin the battery from thence they beat back above 500 Souldiers from the Trenches and Rampiers which they had made thereabouts with loss of only eight assailants and some that were wounded But being there infested by others who were fortified in some other houses which stood a little higher and by certain Mortar-pieces which were placed on the Dukes Palace he turned his Artillery thither-ward beat down the houses and boldly assaulting them he repulst the defendants who were 300 in number and pursued them to the Covent of St Augustini whither they retreated in great disorder The Covent was immediately inviron'd with Trenches which was very opportunely seated for defence of the Town and was plaied upon all that night 400 of the Garrison who were there defending themselves very valiantly This mean while the Gallies lay not idle but landing men came upon Oneglia cleared the Campagnia with their Artillery and beat down the tops of the houses though that they that were within indeavored to keep them off with the Artillery of the Castle and of the Bastion which was on the sea side And landing a great Cannon between the river and Cape St. Lazere they therewithall slew many upon the Trenches Those who were within defended themselves manfully but their Ammunition grew low as was conceived by their so seldom shooting and a Falluca loaded with Muniton which was sent from Villa Franca was intercepted by the Gallies so as they grew daily more and more to despair of succour For Count Guido who fell down from Piedmont to this purpose with 200 Horse and 500 Foot being necessarily to pass thorow the Territories of Genua was denied passage It was therefore thought the Town would be soon surrendred and those within had already obtained Truce for three hours by means of a Capuchine Friar seeming as if they would yield up the Town but with intention that they might fortifie themselves the better for the Rampiers being finished a little before the time of Truce expired they let fly a piece of Artillery into the Camp and gave a furious volley of Musket shot from the Monastery On the other side those without reinforced their batteries on many parts but did no great good thereby the defendants making valiant resistance and killing many of
might draw neerer the sea he sent Don Lewis di Cordia Don Piedro Sarmiento Don Ieronymo Pimontello and Thomaso Caracciolo to quarter in those parts with their Brigadoes and some Companies of Iovan Piedro Zerbelloves Brigade and afterwards being advised thereunto by Sancta Croce and Don Carlo Poria who were come into Allessandria he ordeâ—…ed Don Piedro Sarmiento to 〈◊〉 himself of Montbaldne Dente Roccaverano and Cortemiglia by which places the Spaniards became masters of all that Country which lying between the River of Genoa and the lower Montferrat is called Le Langhe Montbaldone and Dente came in immediately to Sarmieneo who going with his Artillery to Roccaverano it is not known for what cause and therefore not without wonder to all men he had new orders to supersede wherefore retiring back the Duke sent 100 Foot to re inforce the Garrison of Cortemiglia he afterwards took Bozalasco Gorzegno Manoxino and other Towns thereabouts this was the success of the Wars of Piedmont in the year 1614 at the end whereof the Governour went to Millain to take order for greater provisions for War the next year and two Millions of Ducates being come to the Haven of Genoa part whereof was for the Army in Flanders part for that in Lombardy the Gabels upon Merchandize and other things was increased to above a third part in Millain The sum whereof being turn'd into annual revenue and a good part thereof sold to particular persons brought great store of moneys into the Exchequer which were afterwards assigned for the War which was noised would be great the next year Levies of men were ordered to be made in Germany Swisserland in the Kingdom of Naples and in Lombardy and not herewith all content the King desired the Genoeses the great Duke of Tuscany the Duke of Urbin Duke of Parma and the Commonwealth of Lucca to send such men to the State of Millain as either for their own concernments or by the condition of obligation they were bound to do and he did this not so much out of necessity as for the honour of the undertaking and to shew how much the Princes of Italy did adhere to the Kings party yea even against an Italian Prince The Princes of Italy were not well pleased to see him proceed with such a bulk of War against the Duke for though the defence and protection of Montferrat and the preservation of publick peace had at first rendred the title and cause of the Spanish Forces less odious yet since the end was now altered and that revenge was indeavoured which made them apprehend worser things they began in respect of the common interest to abhor the proceeding and yet Urbin Parma and Lucca preferring the Kings Authority before any other respect yielded easily to the Kings request The great Duke made some difficulty alledging that being obliged to send 4000 Foot and 400 Horse for the State of Sienna which he held in Fee from the Crown of Spain to defend the State of Millain he was not now bound to do it when as the State making an offensive and not a defensive War his obligation and tenure thereof was inlarged the example being of great consequence and of greater prejudice but reply being made that that which assaulteth must of necessity also be defended his excuse was not accepted of chiefly since as it was said he who held so great a State in Fee from the King ought not to stand so precisely upon the words of his obligation It was therefore agreed that 2000 Foot should effectually be sent which should serve to defend the State and not to offend the Duke and some supplies of money were sent the Genueses case was otherwise who not being requiâ—…ed to administer relief out of any obligation but only by way of fiendship and correspondency and for the great Interest which they had in the Crown of Spain excused themselves upon the necessity they had to guard their Confines towards Piedmont and to keep the Sea and River open for the passage of the people which came to the State of Millain which Reasons gave satisfaction The Duke was not this mean while idle for being much incouraged by the past successes and having after he saw the Governour once more gone out of Piedmont quartered his men in several parts of the State he was wholly bent upon desending himself and not upon agreement He sollicited the promised assistance of the Transalpine Princes and guessing at what was to come by what was past he grew so confident that as he was wont to say his own person was sufficient for half the Spanish preparations Yet the fear of the future war grew daily greater and was confirmed by the knowledge that though the King had declared it did not become a free Prince to ask pardon of another Prince upon the making of peace and that therefore he never expected any such thing from the Duke yet with an intention of resenting what the Duke had done in his Dominions he had openly refused to accept of the last Capitulation subscribed by the Duke But this fear was much more increased by the retaining a Post who coming from Spain was taken Prisoner as he past in a little Barque from Antibo to Finale and was sent to Turin with the Kings and Councels Letters the which being opened and Printed the Duke caused to be divulged throughout Italy together with other Writings wherein he justified his own actions tending as he said only to the defence of his own State which is so natural for all men to do and to the preservation of peace To obtain the which he added he had not refused any submission which became a free Prince And because the Kings Lettess and those of his Counsel contained bitter complaints of what had happened and sharp reprehensions of the Governours actions and breathing forth nothing but fire and threats charged him with having troubled him with grievous war The Duke taking his rise from their apprehensions fill'd the Papers with grievous Revilings of the Spanish Nation blaming the Spaniards without any respect That under the fair pretence of peace they aimed only at the usurpation of his State and that therefore the King refusing the just Capitulations subscribed by him the Duke did incite all the Princes of Italy against him drawing forth all the usual Garrisons of the Kingdom of Naples and Scicily pardoning the most heinous offendors as if he did proceed with all his Forces and Authority against an enemy to Christendom Nor did the following actions delay the confirmation of the fear of the future war for hardly was the tacite Truce occasioned by the sharpness of the season ceased when Arms were taken up with greater fervor about the end of March 1615. Cordona's Spaniards who were quartered in the Langhe were the first that moved who through intelligence held with those of Roccavrano who were weary of the French Garrison entered the Town by night through a hole made in the walls and slew
some of the French the rest whereof retired into the Castle and made themselves Masters of the Town and the next day of the Castle which could not he relieved the Passes and Avenues thereunto being anticipately possessed The Duke being awakened as one out of a deep sleep by the loss of Roccavrano who had been quiet enough in Turin began to doubt Cortemiglia whither he presently sent some Regiments of Piedmontesans and 800 Switzers and coming from thence to Cherasco he furnished all his men in those parts with Ammunition and Artillery But the Spaniards perceiving by Letters which were intercepted that Count Guido went to the recovery of Roccavrano and that to that end the Count was come with some men to Castine Mortara Governour of Alessandria being sent to for succour by Cordova who was anxious of the mustering of men made by the Duke not far from his own and his companions quarters sent him 1000 Foot advising him to assemble together all the Souldiers which were quartered in those parts lest being assunder they might be the more easily oppress'd by the Duke And giving notice of every the least particular to the Governour and having after much pressing obtain'd means money and munition from him whereby to come into the field he went from Alessandria with 600 Souldiers five Troops of Horse and two field-pieces and having given order to Ieronymo Pimontello and to Ieronymo Gamboloita to go with a thousand Souldiers which yet remained with them from Tortona to Castine he himself directed his course also thitherward Here he thought to muster a body of 5000 Foot and 600 Horse all commanded men and most of them Spaniards and confided so much in their valour as perswading that the Dukes men would not be able to make head against him he promised himself secure victory at the first incounter Bistagno a Town of above a hundred and more Families belonging to Montferrat lies between Cassine and Cortemiglia and being upon the rode-way which comes from the Sea it is of no small moment for the safety of the usual passage of people who coming from the Ligustick Sea pass into the State of Millain Hither came Mortara lest the place might be prepossessed by the Duke and with him came Pimontello and Gamboloita with the men of Tortora and not long after Cordova who had left his Brigade in Spain and by order from the Governour Don Sanchio Salina likewise and Caracciolo to assist and advise Mortara whose too great fervour made the Governour apprehend some inconvenience Gamboloita was sent with his men and some few Horse to defend Monastero a place two miles beyond Bistagno for the safeguard of Cordova's men who were to come from Spigno to Bistagno but the Duke thought he had assuredly caught Mortara and the other Captains in a noose when he saw them come thither with so few men Wherefore placing the hope of so happy success in speed he came out of Cherasco and throwing a Bridge suddenly over the Tenaro he past over to Neviglie and came that way to Castino and so to Cortemiglia where leaving the Switzers and a great Garrison under the Commendatore della Motta he parted on the 16th of April being holy Thursday towards Bistagno with 1200 Horse and about 7000 Foot and thinking to get thither early in the morning and to have taken the enemy at unawares he marched apace all that night but being held play by the Garison of Vezema as he past over the Bridge at Bormia which is neer the Castle and having lost some time the nâ—…xt morning in sacking and burning Cassinasco a little Village which hâ—…d the boldness to resist him he mar'd his designe for Mortara having notice of the Kings coming whilst he was at Dinner sent Cordova presently away towards his Brigade he sent to his men who were quartered in the neighbouring parts to come to Bistagno and getting immediately on horse-back with Salina and Caracciolo and followed with a Troop of Horse with Musqueteers en Crupe he went towards the Hill which leads to Cassinisco to incounter the enemy but having advanced couragiously and placed some of his Musqueteers to defend the Passes he returned back immediately to take order for the defence of Bistagno where his men stood in battel array ready to receive the enemy but being astonished at the great number of men which they saw come down the Hill with the Duke they suddenly retired to within the walls of the Town and having flanked the Gate with earth they put themselves orderly in a defensive posture and Skirmished all that day and the next night seeking to keep the enemy aloof off lest coming near they might throw down the wall with Spades and Pick axes The mean time Salino Pimontello Caracciolo and chiefly Mortara's self though he was then troubled with the Gout sometimes on horse-back sometimes carried in a Chair went comforting providing for what was needful and incouraging the Souldiers in whose assistance the Towns-folk yea even the women labored with much affection and zeal though the Duke had sent Letters before his arrival to the Consuls and Officers of that Communalty wherein he professed his only aim was to secure his own State and to drive the Spaniards from thence promising safety both of life and lively-hoods but failing in his hopes of taking Bistagno by surprisal he be took himself to force and because he wanted great Guns which were left behind by reason of the speed of their march he began to block up the Avenues so to hinder relief He first repuls'd Gamboloita who marching with his men from Monastero would have gotten into Bistagno and not long after the same Gamboloita joining with those who came with Cordua from Spigno to relieve Mortara they were both of them set upon by the Dukes men led on by Cavalier Boglia and Monsieur di Polimia as they descended the Mountain beyond Bormia and after a Skirmish of three hours they were forced to retreat towards the top of the Mountain and to desist from the enterprise having won more praise for their daring then for Military discipline and left about 200 fighting men behind them The news of the danger Bistagno was in being divulged round about and afterwards throughout all Italy turn'd the eyes and minds of all men upon the Duke not only for the danger those Commanders who were the chiefest of all the Spanish Army were in of being made prisoners and the destruction of the men that were there but because upon the taking of that little Town the scattering of all those other men who were quartered in the Langhe did depend who being Veâ—…eran Souldiers and most of them Spaniards were thought to be the sinews of that Militia and the foundation of the Empire of thâ—…t Nation in Italy Moreover the Duke by his taking of Bistagne would have been master of all the Langhe and would not only have been a great hinderance to the succours which were expected from beyond Sea
formerly kept secret grew now to be manifest The King of England and many other Protestant Princes of Cermany who seemed to â—…avour him confirm'd him in his belief that being upheld by so many and so potent Princes he might withstand the violence which was thrâ—…atned him and this opinion was increased in many men by the coming of Embassadours at this time to Turin from the King of England and from some German Princes but that which did out do all other appearings and seemings Marshal Deguieres's coming into Piedmont made all men wonder he having been long held to be one of the best Commanders in France and one who took the Dukes affairs very much to heart and more an enemy to Spain then any other French-man this man though he came in a peaceful posture and unarmed as it were to be a superintendent over the French Embassadour's Negotiations and privately to inform himself whether things were in that dangerous condition as the Duke related them to be yet the good correspondency which was held between him and the Duke and his continual assisting him his being nominated in the Capitulations of Asti to see all things perform'd and much more the great desire which he and the other French-men seemed to have of maintaining and backing the Duke upon this occasion so to lessen the Authority of the Spaniard in Italy made it appear manifestly that if the Governour should persist resolute in not disarming he would call the French Souldiery into Piedmont who were said to be ready at his beck upon the Confines of Italy and prepared for Piedmont His coming therefore did not only much countenance the Duke but all the Embassadours future Negotiation and the Duke being very vigilant and ready witted and accustomed to consort the disposition of his genius with outward demonstrations made much use of this present occasion in bâ—…asting of his own Forces and of the assistance which was promised him and which he hoped for wherefore receiving the Marshal with excessive and unusual honour and with singular magnificence and keeping close at very private Counsel with him â—…e seemed to repose much confidence in him not pretermitting any term of honour and liberality to make to himself propitious particularly such who being intimate with the Marshal might further most his ends and his desires but these so many demonstrations did more prejudice then further the conclusion of the agreement for the Spanish Ministers of State being very much troubled at the King of France and King of England's interposing themselves in the affairs of Italy did very much dislike nor could they tollerate the Capitulation agreed upon in France wherein the King swore unto the Prince of Conde and the other confederates that he would cause the Articles of Asti to be performed and the Embassadours and Marshals coming to see them executed and the new preparations which were said to be made in France for Italy being hereunto added they thought that the French did arrogate that authority to them in Italy by rigour and threats which the occasion and conjuncture of times and much easiness of the preceding Governour of Millain had procured unto their King and that the Venetians and other Princes did by declaring themselves to adhere unto the Duke pretend to have an eye unto their Crowns authority so as if the power and dignity thereof were therein too much concerned they thought themselves the more bound to resist what so great a union of wills did threaten for that the danger was greater that if they should give way it might be esteemed they did it out of fear of the French Forces A respect which if it penetrated deep into any one it must needs make a deeper impression in the Governour as in him who being come into Italy wholly inflamed with exalted thoughts who had put himself in a posture of restoring his Kings authority to its former condition would have been too much failing to himself and to the opinion which he had generally won if he had gone less in any thing then what he had at first so openly profest and it would have been basely done by him it seeing his affairs grow worse and worse he had not indeavoured by all possible means to sustain them and if he had not been the more sollicitous in providing for war by how much his enemies bravadoes were the greater Therefore to boot with the moneys which he had already disburst for raising of men that it might be seen he durst sheâ—… his face and to make them jealous who did almost already openly threaâ—…en him he sent some Forces to the Venetians Confines and to the Confines of Piedmont and as if he would assault the Staâ—…e of Venice for the effects of their League with the Duke appeaâ—…ed daily more and more he gave order for a Bridge to be made over the Adda Whereat though the Commonwealth were much troubled yet having a great scarcity of men at that time the Senators not being able to do more were forc'd to commit the defence of that part of the State to the people of the Country Whilst the Governour was thus busied in making preparations every where the Embassadour after having staid some days at Turin came to Millain the substance of whose Embassie was That the King had by reason of the accidents which hindred the laying down of Arms used many indeavours to the Duke and given him his word to secure him from the extraordinary Militia of the State of Millain but that the Duke not being therewithal satisfied the King out of his great desire to publick peace and by the obligation which was upon him by the Articles of Astiâ—… did desire him that he would prosecute the disarming which was begun by his Predecessors to the end that the restitutions of the Towns might be come to and the execution of other things appointed by the peace To this proposal which was given in in writing the Governour replied in a long discourse given also in in writing wherein by a methodical Narration of all things that had occur'd from the beginning of the war of Montferrat to the peace made at Asti he inferr'd That the King had done all things for the protection and security of that State to which he was much sollicited by the Queen of France That the King was not bound by the Treaty of peace to dismiss no not so much as one man and that the Duke had only at the beginning given satisfaction in this point but that he had afterwards openly countervened it by the many novelties attempted against Montferrat by his new Levies of men and by his League lately concluded with the Venetians against the House of Austria So as the King was in all acceptations free from the Articles of peace That the Duke refused the security offered him by the words of two so great Kings not out of any doubt or distrust but in favour to the Venetians and that therefore the King of France was no
communicated nothing to the rest save sleight and ordinary affairs whereat they thinking themselves injured did the more willingly thwart his Counsels and Resolutions The Embassadour Bettune returned about the end of August from Turin who professing that he had used all his best indeavours to make the Duke bear all due respect to the King and to the house of Austria brought with him in the Kings name a middle way for composure of the present differences Which was that the Treaty of Asti should be made good with the reciprocal restitution of all places taken away that it might be lawful for them both to keep armed with reciprocal word of not offending each other till such time as it should be fully accorded within a certain prefixt time in which interim the whole Treaty might be fully performed and that the Governour should abstain from injuring the Venetians whilst the King should indeavour the composure of those differences by his Embassadours sent to the Emperour to the Archduke and to the Venetians These Proposals were debated in full Council where it fell into consideration 〈◊〉 if the Duke and the Venetians being agreed the Kings Forces should go against one of them and the other should assault the State of Millain whether the war might be diveâ—…ted from the assaulted Dominions and that the Governour not having a sufficient Army for two offensive wars whether it were better to accept of tâ—…e Proposal only so far as regarded the affairs of Piedmont and turn with the Army against the Venetians so to divert them from the war of Friuli or whether if the said Proposals should not be allowed of they should assault Piedmont it was said for the first part that the war against the Venetians was the chief cause of retaining and afterwards of increasing the present Army that it might seem sufficient for the Kings honour to seem to lay down Arms as the Duke had done instead of effectually doing so and the King of France having by the Dukes word secured those of Spain that Montferrat should not be assaulted whether the King especially when the Duke should have past his word again not to innovate any thing to the prejudice of the State of Millain might dissemble and keep still in Arms so to keep from making war upon him which would not be so easily decided because he was daily succoured by men from France that therefore it was more expedient to secure affairs with the Duke to assault the Venetians Towns to bereave them of all defence and so to assist the Archduke by diversion But they were much troubled left the Duke when he should see the Kings Forces go against the Venetians might think himself free and might assault the State of Millain according to the Articles of Confedeâ—…acy and this the rather for that the Marshal being at the same time gone for France with speech that he was to return suddenly armed the Duke was gone to Creseentino where having built a Bridge aâ—… hath been said over the Poe he did not only prepare for defence but drawing neer the Confines of Millain did fortifie at la Motta where having also thrown a Bridge over the Sefia a River which divides his State from that of Millain he gave evident signs that he would be the first who would pass over with his Army which begun already to be numerous To remove these doubts the Embassadour was demanded whether his word past of not offending would serve if the Kings Forces should march to the prejudice of the Venetians and he answering that he had had no speech thereof with the Duke the other opinion prevailed that war should be made upon Piedmont though Don Giovan Vives who was got into great power with the Governour and was commonly thought either the Author or great Fautorer of the renewed war seeing the Court of Spain averse from war and for the aforesaid Reasons the Governour weary or grown cooler therein or peradventure to keep the fault from being imputed to him if any inconvenience should happen by the war which the Duke was advised against giving his opinion openly in writing exhorted the Governour to accept of the Embassadours offer for what concern'd peace with the Duke and that setting in the Frontiers of Piedmont 7000 Swissers and 10000 other Souldiers did exhort him to assault the Venetians State with the remainder of his Army which was 13000 Foot and 2000 Horse molesting it till such time as they should restore to the Archduke what they had taken from him in that war But this advise being neither accepted by the Duke nor allowed of by the rest nor yet the Embassadours new Proposals this answer was given the Embassadour That his Propositions were not answer able to the Capitulations at Asti nor if they were was there any Reasoâ—… to yield thereunto the many things which the Duke had to object against them being understood that the King of France who was interessed in these affairs only for what concerned him in that Capitulation was not allowed to make any new Proposals that in respect of the new alliance and good correspondencâ—… which was contracted bâ—…tween him and the King of Spain he should rather oppose theâ—… intâ—…rpose himself in the so many commotions made by the Duke to the house of Austria and to the Kings Dominions tending to the prejudice of the publick peace and this so much the rather as that the same Proposals would not be a fitting remedy for the present evils for by keeping in Arms the people werâ—… excessively prejudiced Princes were pâ—…t to infiniâ—… expence and nâ—…w unlooked for Tumults were indangered from whencâ—… bloâ—…dy Wars might afterwards 〈◊〉 that it was superfluous to restore that anticipately which differences not being afterwards agreed was necessary to be retaken And in fine the Governour complained that the Embassadour after having a moneths space allowed him to treat of atonement should propound nâ—… terms and new delays when he should have brought the Dukes ultimate resoluâ—…ons touching â—…is accepting or not accepting of the 〈◊〉 which was offer'd him though afterwards laying the fault upon the Duke he added that this was one of that Princes usual pieces of cunning that he might the bettâ—…r prepare himself for the defence and that letting the season for the Field pass over the Kings Forces might become unuseful to offend This answer was followed with extraordinary orders and diligence in putting the resolution which was put on in execution for the Embassadour not ceasing to give them hopes and almost assurances that the Duke should promise not to move no not though they went against the Venetians he did not obtain his chief end which was to keep them from providing for war for the Governour sent Orders to 〈◊〉 that were already upon the Venetian Confines and to the rest of the Souldiery that was in the State that they should speedily march into the Novarese whither he said he would send the Artillery and Ammunition the next day
to that City were not the Navigation hindred by its being inclosed between Verrua and Crescentino as between two hedges so as Victual nor Ammunition could not be brought to the Spanish Army if it were to enter into Piedmont by Montferrat unless they should be first masters of one of these two places They making much for the conveniency and inconveniency of the Armies advancing the Governour resolved to make himself master of them he therefore marched from Stroppiana going a little above Costanza but in so little good order as certainly if the Duke had known it and would have hazzarded he might undoubtedly have cut the Reer in pieces which march'd at a good distance from the Body of the Army but the great advantage in Forces which makes Commanders sometimes careless suffers their errours sometimes also to go unpunished they might easily have gone in one days march from Costanza to Crescentino and the Governour might doubtlesly have gotten into it and made himself master thereof it being but weakly garrison'd if he had march'd directly on The Duke knew the danger and apprehending it thought it necessary to be prevented but the resolution was far more easily taken then executed for he who will go from Assigliano and Ruisecco whither the Duke coasting along the Spanish Army was come will get into Crescentino must either pass by the Enemies Army or else must go far about and as it were by a bow on the upper side The Governour then who march'd in a direct line must either come before Crescentino before the Duke or incountering him in his march must fight him upon great advantage the rains moreover were at this time very great and many gullets of water which cross'd the way by which the Duke was necessarily to march being swollen by the rain were almost not to be past over especially by the Foot but necessity made that possible which seemed impossible and Fortune which is often a friend to couragious resolutions did miraculously favour the Dukes affâ—…irs in this so difficult a case for having sent his Baggage and other incumbrances to Vercelli whither he feigned to retreat he suddenly went at the first watch of the night from Ruisecco and being cover'd by the darkness and by the rain which poured down he march'd till day with incredible speed and having past over all the gullets of water being therein assisted by his Horse he got at last a little after day break to Crescentino weary â—…nd ill accommodated and much lessen'd in his numbers by the tediousness of the march but not being at all hindred by the Governour who instead of going straight on by the way of Desana went being advised so to do by the Prince oâ—… Ascoli by Trinâ—… much the longer way only that he might have better quarters for his Army that night So as not going by a line as he ought to have done but marching in a semi-circle contrary to where the Duke went he lost not only the opportunity of getting into Crescentino but of a signal Victory when the Van went early the next morning from Trino it might see the Dukes Reer two miles before entring into Crescentino and having no order to fight did not assâ—…ult it This action of the Dukes was really very gallant and singular whether you consider the boldness of the resolution or the diligence of the execution or the happy success thereof but chiâ—…fly if you consider the importancy of the enterprise or the great alteration of affâ—…irs which would have hapned if Crescentino had been lost The Governour having lost this design went towards Livorno and Bianza two Towns of the Canavese not above two miles distant one from another in which march some of the Cavalier Manta's Horse meâ—…ting with some of the Governours men they took Don Francisco son to the Embassadour Vives prisoner whose Horse as he advanced somewhat before the rest fell and he himself was sorely wounded in the neck and some carriage of the chief Commanders fell also into the Dukes hands The Duke suspected that the Governour would go from Bianza Livorno to Chivasso a great Town in Piedmont upon the back of Crescentino wherefore he caused a great Trench to be mâ—…de upon the outermost bank of Dora neer to Saluggio and placed 1000 of the Country Musketeers to defend it and fearing also lest the Towns of Montferrat might prejudice his affairs by giving receptacle to the Enemies Aâ—…my he took Râ—…dazzano and Verolengo before their eyes Towns of Montferrat neer the Poe together with almost all the Canavese and gave order to the Cardinal his son to go from Turin and take Vulpiano a place not far from that City and those of Lauriano and of St Sebastian killing his Keeper of the Castle he put them both to fire and sword thinking that if those people were not made an example the others would not forbear to do the like upon any sleight occasion Thus miserable Montferrat being exposed to the Dukes injuries was in the midst of the Enemies and of the Protectors Forces afforâ—…ing quarter to the latter out of good will and to the former out of fear nor durst the people thereof for fear of severe punishment which was duly executed upon them move or anger the Duke who by rigour had made the way as open to him there as through his own Sâ—…ate the rains continued still and the season was very bad for the Fâ—…eld so as the Governour could not only not attempt any of the enterprises suspected by the Duke but being by the rigidness of the weather to lie idle some days in Livorno and Bianza began to want Victuals He resolved therefore to go to St. Germano and from thence to Inurea weak Towns but capacious and of fruitful Territories conceiving that the Duke would either go or not go from Crescentino if he should go he would be in manifest danger of being routed his men being much lessened and so the Governour proving victorious might have free way to advance without any opposition and attempt whatsoever enterprise if he should not go out he might easily take those two Towns which when he should have done the whole Country on this side the Dora even to Vercelli would be at his disposal where he might not only quarter his Army commodiously all the succeeding Winter but the City of Vercelli as being cut off from Piedmont and excluded from any succour would without any danger or effusion of blood fall that Winter into his hands The design would have been more easily effected then discoursed if continuing the same begun execution he he had persevered in the same mind or if the Governour making use of the occasion and of the good success of Victory which he got afterwards had prosecuted it with the like vigour for the Army being gone from Livorno and Bianzo and in his passage taken Santia a Town that is now open and of no moment but formerly famous for having resisted the Spanish Army when it was
in secure peace but thinking himself derided by a Fisher-man who told him how neer the Enemy was caused him to be put in prison and not long after some Barques were taken loaded with Mâ—…rchandize and Victuals for the Army which being retreated to Liesina and not daring to stir from thence suffer'd the Enemy to rove â—…reely over all those Seas It was commonly said that Commissary Zane when Consultation was held by the Captains and Officers whether or no they should make use of the present occasion and taking the advantage of the wind fall upon the Enemy that after he had by his Authority and Reasons contradicted their opinion he at last drew an express command out of his bosom from the Senate whereby he was absolutely forbidden to give Battel no not upon any whatsoever advantage and truly the Commonwealth having so powerful an Enemy so neer at hand who publickly threatned to assault the City and the loss being beyond comparison greater which they should have received if they had been beaten then any advantage that could have redounded to them by Victory and that being able of her self to maintain the Empire of the Sea against that Enemy who they knew could not trouble them long it suited well with their wisdom to prefer wholsome and saâ—…e resolutions before such as they were not certain should prove glorious and that it became them not to hazzard that Fleet upon the uncertainty of Battel which being the only defence of that City ready to be assaulted and which being the greatest strength that they could then put together was thought the only foundation of the Venetian Honour and Empire which could not probably waver so long as that Navy was safe so if that should be lost would infallibly draw after it great mischief and little less then the utmost danger of the Commonwealths safety and the danger appeared so much the more probable for that doubtless as if they should fight at a distance the Venetian Fleet by the advantage of theâ—…r Guns would have much vexed that of Spain so if they should come to close fight the Venetians being badly provided of defendants would have been easily worsted by the Spaniards the want of Order and Military Discipline in the Venetian Fleet was also to be confidered for never a one of the Masters knew what their place was nor what upon such an occasion he was to do there was no distinction of Wings nor Squadrons but the whole Fleet was one great body mis-shapen and confused and therefore unable to move and more troublesome to its self then formidable to the Enemy but it was no less considerable that when contrary to the aforeâ—…aid probable Reasons of the Venetians being worsted they should have had the upper hand the victory must needs have been got by much loss and effusion of blood in which case if the Turkish Fleet should have come and have found the Venetian Fleet weakned and the Spanish beaten might it not have come up even unto Venice and without any contestation or opposition have done what the Spaniards threatned it was therefore in this respect thought that it became not the Commonwealth to expose her safety to the certain danger wherewith she was tâ—…reatned upon whatsoever event especially since not only tâ—…e Venetian Commonwealth but whole Christendom would have bâ—…n much indangered by this conflict for of the two Fleets which being both joyn'd together make but a proportionable Bulwark of Christendom against the Maritime Forces of the Ottoman Empire when one of them should have been discomfited and the other weakened Christendom would not have had Forces sufficient to withstand the Ottomans Fleet if it should have come against it and therefore many strengthning their Reason and fixing their Thoughts higher attributed that sudden and unexpected change of wind to a great miracle and acknowledged it to proceed from Gods Divine goodness yet they proceeded in Venice according to their usual custom against Commissary Zane as they had done against Bellegno sending for him back to Venice taking his place from him and proceeding hotly by Process against him and yet after some moneths he was acquitted by a great number of Voteâ—… in a full Council of the Pregati But the success of the Fleet and the loss of the Mahouns caused great commotions in Venice the rather for that false news being brought some few days before of the conflicts and of the vistory gotten by the Venetian Fleet great Feasts and Triumphs were made by the Nobility who believing that report could not contain themselves in rejoycing and congratulations and the Common People following the example of the Nobiliry fell into excesses even such as were scandalous they ran tumultuously in great numbers to the Spanish Embassadours Palace and mingling opprobrious speeches with their shouts and out-cries they had almost fallen to injurious actions and elsewhere they hung up the Portraicture of the Viceroy by the feet and after many scornful and abusive speeches set it on fire but the truth being afterwards known the Commonwealth was much afflicted both in private for the loss of the Mahouns of so great value and for the continual damage suffer'd by the Croates and was much astonished and confused in the Publick for the loss of their ancient Reputation and for fear lest the Spanish Fleet according to the Viceroys threats and commands might draw neer their Washes and assault their City They knew not what courses to take which might suffice to remove the imminent danger but finding them all to be short and unproportionable they complain'd of the King of Spain who being chosen by them to be a pacifier of the differences between them and the Archduke instead of making peace had proved so bitter an Enemy suffering them to be under hand so injuriously dealt with by his Minister without any respect had to the friendship which was publickly profest between them and yet the King who did not desire that the Treaty of Peace which was by him reassumed should be disturbed preferring kindness before revenge for they had injured him by assisting the Duke of Savoy and peace before whatsoever victory as soon as he had given way to the Commonwealths desire of interposing himself in the present differences commanded the Viceroy being much press'd so to do by the Commonwealth to send for the Fleet back from the Gulf and that his command might be the better observed he sent Orders to Don Pietro di Lieva to retâ—…eat immediately with his Fleet without injuring the Commonwealth into the Tuscan Sea and as good luck would have it for the Commonwealth the Kings Orders came to Don Pietro when he was not far from the Venetian Washes and when the Venetians as finding themselves in greatest danger did exclaim most against the King wherefore Don Pietro having had some inkling of the Turkish Fleet that he might not be inclosed between two Fleets retreated and leaving the Galleoons at Brindisi came according to the Kings command
before him with some Horse-Troops to scoure the Country and to make discovery he took St. Michele which afterwards when Baglione came thither was diligently fortified By the third way went Count Nassaw with the Hollanders waited on by some Troops of Horse and some pieces of Artillery who coming to the Town called St. Martino in Carso took it then going to the Fort which is called delle Donne at the third shot he took it upon Articles not long after he did the like to the Fort Imperial a little lower and neerer Lisonzo which commands the River and was therefore of great concern in keeping succours from Gradisca Only Giovan Martinengo who led on the fourth Squadron and to whose share it fell to bring on the Artillery and to advance by the way which lay neerest the River met with a rub for being to take the Fort Stella which was upon the way over against Gradisca and being come so neer it as he began to make Trenches for Battery two companies of Swissers and Grisons being afraid without any occasion began to Mutiny which Mutiny passing into those of other Nations they began all to wheel about and to run Martinengo not being by any means able to stay them and Commissary Erizzo coming in he had much ado to perswade them to turn back and carry off the Artillery which they had abandoned and which had they made the least delay had fallen into the hands of those of the Fort. Martinengo retreated to Sagra and sending the Artillery from thence to St. Michele he fortified himself at St. Nichola Medici not being bound to keep any one place discharged the Office of a General and ran sometimes to one place sometimes to another incouraging providing for and ordering all things which appertained to the March the same night to the end that the Austrians being assaulted in several places might have the less conveniency to oppose the passage of Carso some of the Commonwealths Galleys drew neer Dulcigno a great Town belonging to the Archduke in the Gulf of Triesti and playing upon it with their Artillery did it much harm and on the other side of Lisonzo Trivigiano coming from Luciniso according to Medici his Orders at mid-night with a great many Horse came to Lisonzo and sâ—…eming as if he would pass over it kept the Enemy busie that was lodged on the other side and a little lower neer Fora Francisco and Carlo Strasoldi who had the same Orders being come to the River side and not seeing any appear against them but finding by counter-signs that the Venetians had luckily overcome the Mountain they boldly entred the River which was somewhat more swollen then usual and coming to shâ—…ar on the other side they were presently followed by many Horse and particularly by two choice Troops the one led on by Udine the other by Cividal the former belonging to Commissary Contereno's self and the other to Giovan Bassadone Lieutenant-general of Friuli both of them ancient Senators who notwithstanding having foorded over the River possess'd themselves of the furthermost bank and ways making themselves masters of them and of the enemies Rampiers The Austrians were sufficiently astonished at this strange and unexpected passage as well over the Mountains as over the River and forgetting their former Generosity grew into great confusion and doubtlesly if the Venetian Commanders had proceeded on with the same fervour they would freely without any opposition have gotten to the Walls of Goritia being only three miles distant from the bottom of Carso whereof by reason of the great terror they were in they might without much ado have made themselves masters Horatio Baglione was aware of this so rare occasion who with many reasons and reitterated perswasions exhorted Medici not to let it slip but Medici being very cautious and circumspect would not be advised by him And whilst he fore slowed the business upon the descent of Carso to discover the Country and to pry into the enemies proceedings whilst busying himself in making of Trenches and Fortifications for the safety of his Quarters he plaid the part rather of a Cunctator then of a Dictator he let slip the occasion for the Austrians arguing by this the enemies delay that they had but little mind to advance reassumed their â—…ormer courage and resolved to stand upon their defence which resolution was â—…omented by Count d' Ampierâ—… who was at this time come from Germany and who by his â—…atural vivacity by his Authority and by tâ—…e assured succour which he told them was ready in Germany and assured them would be very quickly in Italy incouraged the Captains to resist and manfully to oppose the enemy Between the Carso and Vipao a River which as hath been said runs at the bottom of the Mountain towards Goritia is a Palace in form of a Castle with a Wood walled about called il Pallagio è Barco di Rubbia situated just where Vipao falls into Lifonzo and is therefore flank'd on two sides by the same Rivers Baglione seeing it abandoned would have made himselâ—… master of it for the doing so made much for the main business but being forbidden by Medici Colonel Standato entered it with 1000 Foot and not long after Maradas with more men and they fell forthwith to fortifie it and to surround it with platforms Here ended the success of that passage for the Austrians having fortified il Pallagio flank'd il Barco with Ravelines and munited the Banks of Vipao with new Works the Venetians found another Gradisca to besiege and another Lisonzo to overcome on the other side of Carso about which they entertained themselves to little purpose till the Peace was concluded Many Batteries many Attempts many Skirmishes were made by both parties with variety of Fortune which since they made nothing for the main of the war will be superfluous to relate and pâ—…radventure irksome to read The end of the business was that the Venetians could never drive the Austrians thence who had always the better not only in defending il Barco and the River but also in relieving Gradisca which the Venetians could not by any means they could use obviate General Trautmistorft dyed in the defence of il Barco being shot whilst too couragiously and contrary to the opinion of his own men he stood upon a Raveline which â—…e himself had given order for He was a Gentleman well born of great courage not dâ—…unted with any danger very vigilant in all things belonging to war but of a Genius more given to Skirmishes and petty actions then to the main enterprises and therefore deserved rather to be esteemed a good Souldier then an excellent Commander for being always provided of excellent Souldiers and having to do with a weak and undisciplined Army and which was moreover continually maceraâ—…ed with sickness he could never totally overthrow them So though he was always assailant and had always more the better in private actions yet he seemed to be always more for defence then offence And
the Venetians who were continually losers seemed in general to be victors having always carried the war into the enemies Country without losing any thing they had gotten and always advancing somewhat towards new Acquisitions Many laid the fault of this not upon the Commâ—…nder but upon the scarcity of his men and of necessary provisions for war others imputed it to his being too prodigal of his own life and spacing of his Souldiers lives others laid it to the secret orders of the Emperours chief Officers corrupted by the Venetian Gold But howsoever he being well esteemed of for his great valour both by the Emperour and Archduke his death did very much trouble tâ—…em On the Venetians side Baglione was slain whilst he with 500 Foot opposed a great squadron of horse upon the Carso as they were carrying relief to Fort Stella that so they might put it into Gradisca with him there dyed Virginio Orsino di Lamentana and 500 Foot who were almost all of them put to the Sword by the Austrians There also dyed but upon other occasions Danielle Antonini and Mark Antonio Mazzano both of them of Udine Count Leonardo Gualdo Francisco Maria Albertaccio all of them being prime Commanders in the Venetian Army to 〈◊〉 with many others of lesser note Count Nassaw dyed tâ—…ere also but of sickness and his Brother Count Ernestus succeeded him It is thought that in this war what by the Sword 〈◊〉 by sickness there dyed of the Venetians above 30000 and not full 〈◊〉 4000 Austrians Trautmistorfâ—… was succeeded in his charge by Iovan Prainero a gallant Commander bred up in the Hungarian wars who was lucky in the defence of il Barco and in the relief of Gradisca and Pietro Barbarigo Procurator of St Mark succeeded Commissary Lando he who at the beginning of the war exercised the same place though under the bare title of Commissary and Lorenzo Iustiniano succeeded Commissary Erizzo The Venetians were much prejudiced in their proceedings by the continual 〈◊〉 whâ—…ch fell contrary to the season of the year for the Venetâ—…ans â—…ad passed over Carso in the beginning of Iune Tâ—…ese rains caused much sickness amongst the Souldiers and Lisonzo being extraordinarily swoln broke the Venetians Bridge at Cassoiano wherefore those of the Commonwealth could not conveniently communicaâ—…e 〈◊〉 the Bridge being broken nor could those of Carso be victualled by those of Friuli They were likewise much prejudiced by the mutinying of the Holâ—…anders who were displeased with their Captains for kâ—…eping back a good part of their pay which had been readily diâ—…burst by the Venetians but certainly the fallings out between Medici and Nassaw did most harm who strove for superiority and who should command and who obey Medici by his Patents from the Commonwealth being to command over all save the Commissary-general and Nassaw being by his Letters Patents not to obey any save the Commissary-general and the Commissaries not being able to compose the difference jealousies grudges and disâ—…astes grew amongst them whereby the cause of the Commonwealth was much prejudiced the Commonwealth not being only not well satisfied with Medici his service but his loyalty and truth being suspected if not publickly by the Senate at least by the Nobles who beginning to distrust him did publickly and generally deâ—…act from his reputation as if by private intelligence held with the Archduke whose Sister was Wife to the Great Duke of Tuscany Nephew to Medici he had not only let slip the opportunity of going to Goritia by proceeding so slowly upon Carso but as if having neglected the Commonwealths service in several things he had suffer'd the Enemy to bring succour to Gradisca when it was in greatest necessity The Governours of the Common-wealth do often fall upon such Rocks especially when affairs go not well with them and it is clear enough that if the War â—…ad lasted that he being weary of the Venetians â—…ealousies would either have left their service or they for their own greater satisfaction would have tried-first the others fortune and this was whisper'd to be privately treated on by the Senate but that they did not proceed therein by reason they saw the War was neer at an end and by reason of Medici his condition and alliance Marco Antonio Canale was also given for a successour to Trivigiano though Trivigiano had always shewed himself indefatigable in labour ready for danger and would have won much glory in that War had he not through the immortal malice he bore to the Spaniards obscured it by a piece of cruelty committed by him upon a Spanish Knight who being brought prisoner before him while the Prisoner submissively bowed unto him he thrust a Dagger into his breast and slew him The affairs of the Commonwealth proceeded but slowly in Istria and Dalmatia nothing of memorable succeeding therâ—…in save that Zimino a place of some concern was taken by General Antonio Barbaro in which action he lost 200 Souldiers and some Captains for the rest they spun it out till the conclusion of the peace which was made not long after with much advantage to the Venetians according to the custom of that Commonwealth which though she be good at Counsel comes short of other Princes in matter of the Militia and therefore since she is not fortunate in War makes peace upon more honourable terms by Negotiation but because the Siege and taking of Vercelles preceded that peace it will be necessary that returning to the affairs of Piedmont we first relate the progress of that War in the beginning of the Summer 1617. The End of the fifth Book THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY BOOK VI. The Contents THe Governour of Millain goes with his Army to before Vercelles and besieging it on all sides and the Town not being able to be relieved after a long Siege he takes it upon Articles The Capitulations of Peace as well for what concern'd Piedmont as Friuli are treated of in the Court of Spain and are concluded in the Court of France as also at Madrid The Duke of Savoy being assisted by the French who came into Piedmont after the surrender of Vercelles takes some Towns in Montferraâ—… and in Allessandria And at last in pursuance of the Capitulations stipulated in the Courts of France and Spain the Peace is concluded in Pavia between the Governour of Millain and the French Embassadour The Viceroy of Naples sends some Galleoons into the Gulf in defence of the Ragusiens who were vex'd by the Venetian Fleet which Galleoons get the better in fight of the Venetians A Conspiracy is discovered in Venice and some rumours are spred abroad upon the Confines of Venice toward Millaâ—…n between the Spanish Souldiers and those of the Commonwealth which being appeased a period is put to the War and Italy is restored to her former Peace THe Governour being recruited with new Forces and being kindled with new desires of re entring Piedmont with his Army aimed to give on theâ—…e where it might be to most
defences but being often beaten back sometimes from one sometimes from another Fortification suddenly erected by Sanfrone they were kept as it were at bay and forc'd to return back and quit the Stations which they had taken So as the Siege which otherwise would not have lasted long was necessarily prolonged and would have been so longer if those within had been better provided of Ammunition or if the Duke had been so lucky in succouring the Town with Ammunition as he had been with men yet he was very diligent in indeavouring it but the Governour took such good orders after the first relief was conveyed in as that thereby and by a strange accident that happened he could not effect it For the Duke chose out 500 of his best Horse and amongst them 400 Curassiers and sent them towards the besieged Town with each of them a sack of Powder to which he added 12 Load of the same Ammunition These men thinking to force their passage on a sudden and to get safely into Vercelles failed in their design for the Governour had already placed Ieronimo Ro with 800 Horse and 2000 Fooâ—… to guard that passage who lighting upon this Convoy the Dukes 500 Horse found the encounter harder then they had imagined and yet they repuls'd the first 200 Horse that came against them but Ro coming in afterwards and the Baron Batteville with many more men a furious volley of Musquet shot was let fly from the Trenches and fire taking unfortunately at the same time in the Ammunition it blew up with such violence as the whole Troop weâ—…e miserably dissipated many of them blown up into the Air and many to shun the fire threw themselves into the Sesia where they were either drown'd or shot only 25 got safe into Vercelles many being shrewdly scorch'd were taken prisoners amongst which M nr di Limogione the Prince Thomoso's Lieutenant 450 Horse were slain in this disaster hardly 50 escaped other sixscore were also ill dealt withal a little after in a bickering which happened in the midway which leads from St. Germano to Santia for a Troop of Horse being sent from St Germano commanded by Captain Pallestra a Millanese to disturb the Fortifications which were begun by the Dukes men they met with another of the Dukes Troops which came from Santia and at the first beginning of the Skirmish the Dukes men fled to underneath the Trenches of Santia and those few who could recover the Trenches being secured by the Musqueteers who kept the enemy off got free from danger but the greatest part of them were either slain in the encounter or in the retreat or carried Prisoners into St. Germano by Pallestra the Siege drawing on in length the Duke sent 100 Sacks of Powder wrapt up in beasts Hides to keep them from firing with 100 Horse by the way of Gattinara but this which was the third indeavoured succour had no better success for being discovered by the Marquess of Este who guarded that Pass with the Gens d' Armes most of them were slain and many of them made Prisoners The Army was not this mean while idle in besieging the City against which they continued the Batteries and laboured very much to beat down the outward Fortifications which besides the multiplicity and variety of them were so artificially ordered as when they were gotten with much effusion of blood they were either easily recovered or not hardly abandoned and sometimes there being a Mine underneath them they were fired and so the Works were blown up with those that were on them into the Air oftentimes when one Cavalier was taken another was the same night erected by the enemy which rendered the taking of the former the preceding day of no use to the possessors Thus the defendants not being wanting to themselves as long as their Ammunition lasted they did several ways with much vigilancy and industry annoy the enemies Army shewing themselves in great order and with much courage very ready for all necessary actions in defence of the Town against so stout and so fierce an oppugnation nor in this their defence were the Heavens less propitious to them sending down rain in great abundance for the fiâ—…st forty days which were not only great impediments to their approaches and military actions but did cause the neighbouring Riveâ—…s and Torrents to swell so high as the Trentinians who were quartered very low were forced for fear of the waters which overflowed the Banks to draw backwards and many disorders which happened in the Camp were causes of prolonging the enterprise which was of it self so hard and difficult But at last all difficulties being overcome by the pertinacity valour and courage of the assailants who removing all impediments wâ—…re so advanced in their approaches as they had made way for an Assault it was resolved to give one on the twelfth of Iuly by the whole power of the Camp which coming in good order to the enemie Rampiers and fighting valiantly the assailants advanced so far on three sides as they had sometimes hope to get the victory but those within being no less valiant the assault continued for the space of three hours the assailants not being able to make any progress many whereof were slain not so much of the ordinary Souldiers as of the Captainâ—… and of the better sort of which Monsieur de Quen the Walloon Camp-master and Captain Stampa and Don Alphonso Piemontello succeeding Quen in his place who was General of the Horse whilst he fought valiantly with his Sword in his hand and taught the Walloons by his own example to advance was shot by a Musquet in the Arm whereof he dyed within a few days to the great grief and sorrow of the whole Camp he not being only very valiant but extraordinarily civil and courteous Iohanni Bravo was also sorely hurt by a Barrel of Powder which fell on fire not far from the place where he was valiantly fighting Night coming on though they gave over the assâ—…ult â—…ey forbore not working with their Pick-axes and Gabbioons tâ—… get neâ—…r the Wall and to remove all impediments which yet remained from without that they might come to a second assault wherein they placed much hope of victory and of ending the enterprise gloriously For those within being reduced even to the bottom of their Ammuni ion and therefore making more use of stones then of Musquets 〈◊〉 was impossible for them to resist any longer but for all this did neither they nor the Duke forego their hopes for 400 of them 〈◊〉 out at miâ—… day under four French Captains to assault the Trenches and clog the Aâ—…lery who being discovered were repuls'd with much loss by two Companies of Musquetiers and the Duke making his utmost attempt to furnâ—…sh the Town with what it 〈◊〉 by a greater power tâ—…en formeâ—…ly came with all his men within six miles of the Camp and dividing 3000 men into three Squadrons who were commanded by Monsieur d'Orfe he sent them with a
be very ill satisfied therewith and according to her accustomed cunning laid the fault wholly upon the Embassadours as if they had done it of their own heads without the Commonwealths knowledge They therefore chose Seignieur Contarini in their place and sent for them presently back to Venice that they might give a severe account of that Action pretending that they had exceeded their secret Orders and particular Instructions They also complained hereof to all the Princes that weâ—…e their Friends protesting that they would not stand to the Articles agreed upon in France But whatsoever their secret Commissions were first it is to be supposed such prime Officers of the Common-wealth would not have transgressed so and moreover it is most certain that their publick Orders and Instructions were general and were sent after that the Senate had a Copy of the Articles published in the Court of Spain after they had been debated in Venice and after the Mahouns were lost So as the Commonwealth could not only not acquit her self by these her exclamations but did the more aggravate her fault and made â—…er cause the more odious as if not content with the small respect she had shewn to the King of Spain it had been lawful for her to treat the King of France so likewise who not having medled herein save only at the Commonwealths request and that he might do what would be very acceptable to her she when she had got her desire and advantage thereby would lay the fault upon the King which was her own But this excess past not unreseated for the King stomaching this refusal gave order that the new Embassadour Contarini should be ceâ—…ain'd in Lyons and not suffered to go from thence till the peace should be accepted of in Venice and till the other Embassadours should be freed from all imputation and should be fully restored to the enjoyment of all their dignities and places in the Commonwealth And yet the Venetians persisting in this their pretention a discourse in writing came forth not long after from Venice by which the same Embassadours said that they were forced by the King to stipulate that peace for as they alledged in that manuscript the King of Spain having referred the sole power of arbitrement of the differences in Italy to the King of France the King of France desired to make use of and to exercise that power and that having notice that the Duke of Savoy and the French passing into Piedmont after the surrender of Vercelles had committed violence in Alessandria where they had taken some of the King of Spains Towns the King of France began to doubt that the King of Spain when this should be known should alter his mind and by reason of these innovations should revoke the power of arbitrement which he had already granted So as out of a desire to end these differences before this News should come to the Court of Spain he threatned to abandon the Affairs of the Commonwealth and of the Duke in case the peace should not be speedily concluded and that he would joyn with tâ—…e King of Spain to the prejudice both of the Venetians and Duke of Savoy and that he did so far persist in this as he would not permit them time to send an Express to Venice So as thinking it the lesser evâ—…l they chose to comply with the Kings desires Which Justifications having neither substance nor solidity in them did make the fault more apparent and did much weaken the Commonwealths plea for if the King of Spain had referred the arbitrement of peace to the King of France why was not the Spanish Embassadour called to this action why was not this expressed in the ingrossing of that peace in the Preface whereof the King of France used as little forceable arguments as he could to honest the prevention that he might justifie it to be his own action as much as might be and what more fair and honourable Justification could â—…e produce for himself then this how could the King of Spain transfer the arbitrement of the affairs of Dalmatia Friuli and Istria to the King of France since they belong'd directly to the Emperour and to the Archduke which falling principally in the terminatâ—…on of that peace there was no reason why they should not only not be decided but even not referred without the knowledge of those Princes and without the intervening of their Embassadours and tâ—…e alledged violences as little to be believed if you either consider the Kings Person it being too contrary to the Laws of all Nations and wherein the Common-wealths Embassadours would hardly have met with the same measure at the Divano in Constantinople Or if you mind the rigorous discipline of the Venetian Common-wealth which is a severe exacter of observancy of publick Orders and Commissions from their Embassadours it not being likely that the Senators of that Commonwealth should so easily be threaâ—…ened into so great a transgression For who could fear that that King without any fault of the Dukes or Common-wealths who were then absent and knew not his Princely pleasure and which is of more moment contrary to his own interest should so threaten the Embassadours only for a little refractoriness every one being probably to believe that the King would have highly commended their wisdom and constancy in refusing to adhere unto him As for the fear that the King of Spain should revoke the power of Arbitrement by reason of the new Commotions in Italy the vanity of the Paper doth therein more appear since it is most certain that the new Rumours and Insultations against the Towns in Alexandria began on the third and ended on the ninth of September and that the peace was concluded in Paris on the sixth day of the same Moneth How could the King of France in so short a time have notice of that Commotion How could he so soon resolve what to do not to lose the power oâ—… arbitrement granted him how could â—…e 〈◊〉 with the Embassadours and afford them time to consult upon deliberaâ—…e and stipulate the Peace adde to this the large Authority and Power which the Commonwealth gives unto her Embassadours which they being to confer as they did were they not permitted to make peace And that if the peace agreed upon in Spain should not please the Common-wealth that it should be stipulated in France We may thereâ—…ore probably conclude by that Paper Writing or Discourse that the Common-wealths Embassadours were moved to that action rather out of any other respect then of that which was alledged But let us return to our Story The same Capitulations which were stipulated in France as hath been said were twenty days after accepted in Spain and agreed unto by the Emperours and Archdukes Embassadours in the names of their Princes by the Duke of Lerma in the King of Spains name and by the Embassadour Gritti in the name of the Commonwealth for the Court and King of Spain finding that the
The Duke finding himself to have with these Recruits and with those that were come out of Vercelles about 20000 Foot and between 3 and 4000 Horse was once more become Master of the Field And on the contrary the Governour having consumed many men first in the besieging and then in the Garrisoning of Vercelles and having quartered the rest of his Army which was much lessened in several places far from the Confines of Piedmont he was once more exposed to tâ—…e Dukes injuries who after Vercelles was lost was become more powerful then he and who being desirous to re gain if not Vercelles at least his Reputation for the loss thereof and to revenge himself for the losses and affronts which he had received had now opportunity to do it not only by the increase of his own Forces and by the Governours negligence but he had also many about him who incited him thereunto though he needed no inciters For the Commanders who were come from France being desirous of Novelties to allay the reputation of the Spanish forces and to make the Duke an amends for the losses he had suffered by their so long delay approved of his distrust as just and reasonable and said They would never go out of Iâ—…aly till they should see the Duke repossess'd of Vercelles The Popes Nuntio and the French Embassadour going to Allessandria to treat with the Govâ—…rnour desired him that he would either restore Vercelles or deposite it into the Popes hands or into those of the King of France or into the hands of some other Prince that he might confide in whilst the Duke should really disarm and should observe the whole remainder of the Treaty of Peace But the Governours distrust was no less who thinking that the Duke had not the first time proceeded siâ—…cerely in point of disarming thought he might justly doubt he would much less do it when Vercelles should be restored So as he would not depend therein upon the wills of others nor thought he that it suited with his own reputation nor with the dignity of the Kings Forces not to reap any good by the so much labour and so much monies spent in the taking of that City and he likewise was loth to hazzard it lest when the Duke should have regained Vercelles and being so well provided of Forces he might aspire after greater things but then considering how strong the Duke was grown by his new Recruits and that other Souldiers were marching to side with him on this side the Mountains he did not openly refuse to consent to the propounded propositions but pretending sometime to advise with his Councel sometimes that since there was question touching the alteration of the Articles of Asti by which disarming was to precede â—…estitution the Nuntio nor Embassadour had no power from their Princes to alter them he was ambiguous in his answers that he might delay the conclusion as much as he might thinking by this ambiguity and irresolution to make the Duke suspend his intentions as well as his Forces which being collectitious and made up of many Nations it was probable they would crumble away especially since the Duke had not monies any ways sufficient to pay them Whereas on the contrary his men being refreshed and lately increased in numbers he hoped to have the better Wherefore seeing the Duke so strong he had already given order for making new Levies of men in several parts and sent for a great part of his Army into Alessandria and the parts thereabouts But the Duke and the French more then he finding by these tergiversations and windings about but small inclination in the Governour to part with Vercelles they did distrust him the more and therefore being unwilling to be â—…ed with vain hopes or to wait till the Governours Forces being augmented he might treat of agreement upon advantage and as having the upper hand might prescribe them Laws in the making of peace being moreover desirous not to return to France without leaving some memory of their actions in Italy they instigated and encouraged the Duke who was desirous of revenge and to revenge himself for what he had lost to assault some Towns in the State of Millain Which opinion as many thought wrought upon the French Embassadour upon whose Authority the Forces of that Nation and their Actions did depend and this general opinion was grounded not only upon the eager inclination of so many Commanders of his Nation who were continually by him for leave to assault some of the King of Spains Towns but also upon his not being satisfied with the Proceedings he met with in Alessandria concerning composure of differences Count Guido his re-admittance which was constantly denied by the Duke of Mantua was also no little hinderance to the businesses of Italy The Duke being therefore resolved to make use of the present occasions went from Asti upon the coming on of night with his two Sons Victorio and Thomaso upon pretence that the Governour by his recalling of his men from Alessandria threatned to assault that Town and he carried along with him about 10000 Foot and 2000 Horse the Mâ—…rshalled on the Van with whom was Monsieur di Termes and upon break of day they came to Filizzano a great Town belonging to the King but open and without walls where about 1500 Trentinians were quartered who refusing upon any whatsoever condition to surrender the Town Prince Victorio and Prince Thomaso came up with the main body of the Battle and gave an assault wherein it was bravely fought on both sides the Assailants were thrice repuls'd but at last those within having no way to defend themselves but by setting their Carts and Carriages cross the way they were overcome at the fourth assault and all of them put to the Sword together with many of the Town of all sexes and ages some few whereof were taken Prisoners and the Town together with nine Colours of the Trentinians and two Colours of the Townsmen fell into the Dukes power Refrancore was surrendeâ—…ed to Count Guido by the Garrison which were 100 Swissers who as being Confederates with the Duke were sent home unprejudiced Ribaldone also and some other Towns beyond the Tannaro being terrified at what had befallen Filizzano surrendered whereby Nizza Acqui and Bistagno together with all the Langa even to the Sea being in a manner cut off from Alessandrino were much endangered lest the Duke should possess himself of them to hinder the passage of those who were expected to come to the State of Millain from beyond Sea and particularly 500 Spanish Foot who were at that very time landed at Savona But the Duke and the French it is not known for what reason leaving that Enterprize of greater consequence advanced to Quattordici where there were two Companies of Trentinians who having leave to march out with a Cane in their hands yielded the Town unto the Duke who marched farther on to take Solleri and Corniento in the County of Alessandrino
Forces and Ensignes of the Kingdom under publick faith for that the affairs of the war were already agreed between the two Kings which had kept him from making provision of new men and by Expresses sent speedily away to Paris he made the like complaints to the King of France accusing his Ministers that by assaulting the State of Millain with the Arms and Ensigns of France they had broken the good understanding and the Conventions of peace which were agreed upon between their Majesties of France and Spain But on the other side seeing so many French and Dutch in Piedmont and fearing that they had higher aims he did the more sollicite that the new levies might be made which were already appointed and as if the safety of the whole State of Millain had been therein concern'd he writ into Spain for speedy supplies of money and demanded the succour from the Princes of Italy which they were bound to send for the defence of the State of Milain and to the Viceroy of Naples that he would immediately send him the Souldiers which were in the Fleet it being then returned from the Gulf for it was not thought that the peace though concluded would be observed by reason of the Dukes new resentments wherein it was much doubted that dissimulation might be used though it was known that the King of France had sent in all haste to the Court of Spain to excuse himself for what had happened as being done contrary to his orders and beyond all expectation through the too great fervor and ardency of his Commanders who were more inclin'd to novelty then that their two Majesties should joyn together in Union And if the Duke when he was beaten and under batches was so little pliable to Treatie of peace how much less was it likely that he would now conâ—…ent thereunto when he was on the upper hand How was it to be believed that â—…e and the other Commanders should abandon so raâ—…e an occasion in the present conjuncture of times and accompanied with so great good success But the errours were already too much multiplied which were committed either in undertaking or in prosecuting the war the â—…aking up of Arms for a meer punctillio of honour had produced too bitter fruits the King and Court of Spain having been interessed in this war contrary to their own will by their Ministers in Italy minding now more the safety and quiet of Italy then the honesting of an advantagious peace which was that for which the Italian Agents fought did detest the continuance thereof beyond measure and the King of France not being able to minde the affairs of Italy and not being desirous to lose the honour of having once again made peace in Italy wish'd that it might be made by any whatsoever means and therefore as the King of Spain accepting of the King of France his satisfactions had sent very precise Orders into Italy for the execution of what was agreed upon so the King of France having upon the complaints made by the Governour sent a Messenger into Italy to reprehend the French Lords and Commanders sharply for what they had done and to wish them upon pain of grievous punishment to desist Italy was freed from the troubles of the late war and from the fear and dread of that which was to insue which was likely to have been more cruel and bloody then the former So as the Duke seeing himself on the one side at it were abandoned by the Venetians and that the two Kings were desirous he should agree and on the other side that he had brought his affairs to such a pass as that he might compound with satisfaction gave way to what was establish'd in France and in Spain the rather for that he was fully secured by the King of France that Vercelles should be restored and that his State should be secured and defended Thus then the here under-written Articles were made on the ninth of October in Paris whither the Governour was gone between the said Governour and the French Embassadour with the Cardinals assistance and intervening That the Duke should lay down Arms before the present moneth October should be ended according to the peace of Asti of which disarming the Embassadour promised the Governour should have notice given him by the King of Fâ—…ance that he should restore all places appertaining to the Duke of Mantua to the Church to the Empire and to whatsoever particular person this being done that the Governour to comply with the King of France his desire should in the King his Masters name restore immediately whatsoever had been taken during the war that all prisoners should be set at liberty on both sides as soon as the Duke should have restored that this being done the Governour should dispose of his Army according to the Articles of Asti upon these terms a period was put to the wars of Lombardy and Piedmont and the Duke at last laid down Arms rather for that he had less occasion to use them then that his desire to use them was lessened Rumours ceased not for all this on the Venetians behalf they were freed from fear of the Spanish Fleet which was gone by the Kings command from the Gulf and retreated into the Tyrrhene Sea they perceived the weakness of the Spanish Counsels and Forces in Lombardy that the Dukes Forces by the great recruits from France and Germany had got the upper hand they argued by the dissimulation used in the Court of Spain and by the insultings suffer'd in Alessandria that the King and that Court were weary of war in Italy and desirous to make peace upon any terms They therefore being confident that they should meet with the same respect and the like usage notwithstanding the peace already made will continue the Siege of Gradisca which they saw was reduced to so great streights as it could not long hold out howsoever were it either for the reputation of their Forces or out of a desire of getting that Town they could not think of coming empty-handed out of this war wherein they had been at so much pains and expence and doubtlesly if they had effected their intention all things would have been again in great disorder so loth would they have been to part with that they had gotten but their Counsel proved not at all fortunate for Archduke Leopold who had still an eye to the conduct of that war upon the Confines of Friuli and the Spanish Embassadour Resident in Venice knowing how impossible it was to be relieved nor having any other means whereby to provide for the preservation of that place writ to the Governour of Millain letting him know in what danger it was of being lost unless as the last remedy he would molest the Confines of the Commonwealth on his side The Governour therefore made many of the Forces who were quartered upon those Confines pass into the Counties of Bergomo and Crema who took from the Venetians the Castle of Fara
Foot between Radolfo Pianta Head of the Grisons that were of the French Faction and Cavalier Robustelli the chief of the Valtoline Faction was much fomented by Feria but with so much secresie as it was not known to any of the Princes Agents that were in Millain This Insurrection of the Valtolinians began the year 1620. The pretence was that they being anciently Confederates with the Grisons the Grisons being the stronger had turn'd their Confederacy into Command and exercised too great Tyranny over them not only over their persons and fortunes but over their Consciences and would therefore introduce the poyson of Calvinism and withdraw the people from their Fore-fathers Religion which they had suck'd in with their milk For after they had driven out those that sided with the French the Grisons as hath been said made their Preachers Arbitrators of their affairs who began to prohibite Indulgences in the Valtoline and to preach Calvinism to possess themselves of Churches and Monasteries and to make Colledges thereof for the breeding up of youth in their Sect to the end that they might totally root out the Catholick Religion And that this might the more easily be effected they put some of the chiefest and most religious of thaâ—… Valley to death Having therefore by Feria's assistance shaken off the servitude suffer'd by the Grisons they put all the Heretical Officers and Preachers to death that they could lay hands on Afterwards the better to maintain the begun Insurrection they possess'd themselves of the Passes whereby the Grisons might fall down upon them and vanquish them and fell to munite them with men and Fortifications wherein they were the more fortunaâ—…e for that Count Iohn Serbellone having by Orders from Feria assembled about 2500 Foot without the beating up of Drum was entred into the Valtoline to assist them But the Grisons preventing these designs fell speedily down with a great many men into the Valley of Chiavenna and from thence environing the upper part of the Lake they woond about into the Valtoline where having taken and fortified some convenient places to keep out relief from the State of Millain they went to Troana a great Town in the Valtoline and coming from thence to the Bâ—…idge caâ—…led Ganda upon the Adda they fortified it and made themselves Masters of Sondrio By which successes the Valtolinians 〈◊〉 the Grisons made more open recourse to the Duke of Feria for more powerful succour in this their so great danger Feria was not deaâ—… to their 〈◊〉 nor backwards in subministring succour for seeing the Proceedings of the Enemy and fearing greater 〈◊〉 commanded Gil de l'Arena to endeâ—…vour the securing of the affairs of the Valtoline who had fortified himself in Morbegno with those men who came in threeves into the Valtoline which he having happily done and recovered the bridge Ganda with the death of the Garrison who opposed him the Grisons forsook Sondrio and retreated towards Chiavenna But to the end that they might not enter another time by that way into the Valtoline Feria ordered Don Ieronimo Pimontello General of the Light-Horse of the State of Millain who by his directions was drawn neer the Confines of the Valtoline with some Companies of Horse and Foot to possess himself of the Shore of Chiavenna which being scituated upon the Head of the Lake lies in the mid-way by which people pass conveniently from Chiavenna into the Valtoline This Shore or Bank was well fortified by some of the Grisons who resenting the Spaniards attempts in the Valtoline were fallen down into the State of Millain and had given upon some of the neerest Towns thereof and carried away some Pillage Pimontello sent about 500 Souldiers in Barques to assault that Garrison which consisted of 300 Foot who landing not far from the Garrison went towards the bank intending to assault it But the Garrison being affrighted at their coming abandoned that Station and not staying to be assaulted fled into Chiavenna so as the bank fell without any disputing into Pimontello's hands which he forth with fortified By such like demonstrations as these the Duke of Feria had plainly declared that he had sufficiently ingaged not only the King of Spains Forces but his name in this Enterprise being moved chiefly thereunto out of two reasons The one because he saw the Heretick Swissers and the Venetians had openly ingaged themselves in the Grisons cause and in recovery of the Valtoline that Senate having sent money into those parts to raise two Brigadoes the one Swissers the other Grisons wherewith to go to the recovery of the Valtoline The other because the King of France his Agents by order from their King who was offended with the Grisons did not only consent unto but had a hand in the Valtoline insurrection and desired Feria to protect them All this was endeavoured from France to the end that the Grisons being molested on that part might have the more reason to have recourse to their King and their King by that means might govern them as he listed and causing them to abandon the Venetian Confederacy might recover his ancient Authority with that Nation wherefore Feria taking courage from the consent and intercession of the French and pretence from the Venetians intermission to meddle in that Affair thought it might be likely to succeed well whereby such conveniencies and safety would redound to his Kings Affairs He notwithstanding clâ—…aked his designs with the mantle of Religion as if he would have it believed that it was rather his zeal to the Catholick Faith and to Gods service than the conveniencies and interest of State and of his King which had made him embrace a business of that importance professing himself thereâ—…ure to be a better Catholick than Polititian he sent Priests of holy and devout life into those parts to preach the Word of God and to convert souls to the Catholick Religion He aggravated the wicked and detestable actions of the Calvinists committed against those of the Valtoline to force them to receive Calvin's Heretical Doctrine and the danger of that disease being diffused abroad in the neighbouring parts of Italy and State of Millain might infect all Italy with the contagion thereof Nor herewithal content he acquainted the Pope with the whole business intreating him and exhorting him by particular Letters not only to approve of but to concur in his actions in so pious and Catholick a business The pretence was very just and the colours very lively and apparent to justifie so great an action nor could there be a fitter occasion to effect it but the slavery of Italy which lay hidden under these religious pretences spoil'd all the glory and good which adorned this action and it being not probable that so many Princes whose liberty was concern'd in this business would ever suffer that the Duke of Feria should insnare their States and Liberties with such conceits as these it might upon better grounds be supposed he would meet with very many
Spain for the space of almost one whole Age have had trial of the good and sincere publick correspondency and of the acceptable and faithful service of the privaâ—…e Genoeâ—…es great were the conveniences and advantages which they thereby got both in publick and private On the other side those Kings having always born much respect towards the Commonwealth and having eveâ—… endeavoured the preservation of her Liberty the Genoeses did so confide in their affection and good will towards them as the neighbourhood and greatness of the Kings Dominions wherewith their are invironed and the powerful Forces of that Crown both by Land and Sea sufficient to begeâ—… diffidence in greater Potentates then the Commonwealth were not only no cause of fear nor terrour to her but they by long experience began to confide in them and they served as a Bulwark and defence to the Commonwealth against all hostile violence No foot of the State of Genoa was ever seised on no point of her jurisdiction injured nor the least part of her liberty and whereas the Commonwealth when she began to adhere to this Crown being then newly got out of Forreign subjection was faint hearted weak in Forces rent with intestine discords and both publick and private fortunes were exhausted by her regained liberty and by this new contracted friendship she did not only recover her former spirit and health but reassuming her native colour and being restored to her ancient splendour appeared in publick and in private as formerly and whereas having been formerly molested sometimes by one some times by another Potentate and troubled by intestine discord she had much ado to preserve her self but undergoing great storms was subject to many dangers after the union and good correspondency with the Crown of Spain she was brought into a safe Haven secure from Domestick and Forreign tempests she was respected by her neighbouring Princes honour'd by those that were further off not molested by her rivals nor offended by any and if at any time she hapned to be molested by any she was protected and defended by all the Forces of the said Crown as if she had been one of its Patrimonial Dominions The Nobility of Genoa prosper'd no less in their private affairs then in the publick some of them were honoured by that Crown with great Honours and Imployments others were favoured with Offices Dignities and great Rewards the City her self was embellished with stately Edifices which were not inferiour for Ornament or Magnificence to those of â—…ny other private personages private houses were strangely beautified none were like to them for Plate Jewels nor Moveables neither in quality nor quantity for the fortunes of private men some amounted to the yearly rent of a hundred thousand Ducates many to half as much and very many to less but still very considerable sums by which riches and splendor the Commonwealth being become very powerful she might justly be adjudged to be brought to a better condition in all respects then ever she had formerly been for though in paâ—… Ages when she was wholly intent upon Maritime Affairs she was become very glorious for famous Victories made by her numerous powerful Fleets yet the vivacity and refinedness of the Genoese spirits being become fierce by continual use of Arms wanting Forreign Enemies she could hardly keep from civil dissentions the result whereof was the ruine of Military knowledge and the common Countries destruction the same vivacity and acuteness growing wanton by the continual peace of latter times and being refined in civil Arts hath made them study publick Government the more and more desirous to preserve their Country and Liberty as the Spring-head of all their good and as the only stay and foundation of their private fortunes and being hereby become so happy both in publick and in private she had no reason at the present to envy the condition of former times her Subjects were no less glorious then those of former times in Military Affairs and for what concerns the Gown and Civil Affairs undoubtedly far beyond them she had plenty of men excellent for learning and for all kind of Erudition very wise for State-Government and which is seldom seen in so great affluence of private Riches and Authority singular for Religion Piety and Charity towards their Country so as though in point of greatness of State she may yield the upper hand to some of the modern Commonwealths yet can she not be thought inferiour for unanimity of mind for a solid and well regulated Government nor for the love of Liberty The Legislators of antient times and those who in their Rules of Philosophy have left excellent Precepts of Policy always thought private riches and excessive power in private Citizens to be the corrupters of mens minds wherefore as if it were a Plague or pestiferous Venome in a well regulated Commonwealth they did so abhor it as Licurgus the wise composer of the Spartan Commonwealth not being content with an equality of Land amongst the Citizens of his Commonwealth he would not permit them the use of Silver or Gold In process of time the same Spartans did of their own free will yield up the command of Maritime Fleets which the Confederate Cities of Greece did maintain in common to the Athenians for fear lest their Citizens being accustomed to so great a command might become contumacious to the Orders of the County and might some time or other have some Plots upon the publick Liberty therefore they provided against too great power and authority in their Citizens by the Law of Ostracism and how much did the Agrarian Law trouble the Commonwealth of Rome It is too clear and manifest how the Roman Liberty was at lâ—…st overthrown first by the too extraordinary power of Marius and Sylla and afterwards by the like of Caesar and Pompey some of the modern Commonwealths out of the same respects give the command in chief of their Land Armies only to Forreigners and the Supream Government at Sea which they cannot take from their Citizens they confide it in them so allaied as they cannot exercise it within a hundred miles of the City nor is it permitted to their Citizens to receive Pensions or take imployments or dignities from other Princes nor yet to purchase estaâ—…es or fortunes in other Princes Dominions lest their dependency upon that Prince may prove prejudicial to the Commonwealth The Commonwealth of Genoa by a singular and happy example which doth confound both the precepts of the ancient and the institutions of modern Commonwealths doth not only sustain her 〈◊〉 by the greaâ—…ness of the private fortunes of her Citizens but doth from thence take â—…orce spirit and splendor and by means of her Citizens great power recovers sometimes her lost liberty sometimes preserves it and becomes considerable to Forreign Nations and to neighbouring Potentates The Citizens of this Commonwealth treat with the greatest Monarchs of Christendom they get Revenues in Forreign Countries they are admitted into
Victuals Ammunition and Men they were said moreover to divide the Commonwealth of Genoa thus amongst them that the City of Genoa and all her River as far as Savona should belong to the King of France that Savona and the rest of the River till you come to Villa Franca should fall to the Dukes share that the number of the French should be between ten and twelve thousand Foot and 1000 Horse and on the Dukes side 15000 Foot and 200 Horse and sufficient provisions of Victuals Ammunition and Artillery the Venetian Embassadour did not joyn in this enterprise against Genoa for that it not being comprehended in the League of Avignon he said he could not consent to this new enterprise without new Orders from his Commonwealth but time being given him to write to Venice aâ—…d to receive resolution from thence he received Orders to conclude in conformity to what was agreed upon by the French and by the Duke This new League being made or reformed in satisfaction to the Duke they proceeded therein with as much privacy as was possible left if it should be known those against whom they were chiefly intended should take up Arms the French professed openly that they would submit to the Popes resolution for what concern'd the Valtoline and that the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 should for bear innovating aâ—…y thing against the Ensign or Garrisons of the Church they affirm'd the same in the Court of Sâ—…in declaring further that the King would attempt nothing to â—…he prejudice of â—…he peace and reciprocal correspondency and the Popâ—… believing their words and promises made not any preparatioâ—… in these so great commotions nor did the Spanish Court confide less in the promise of the Freâ—…ch then the Pope the King of Spain having contracted aâ—…mighty debt by reason of the late wars of the Valâ—…line and of Italy and being obliged to make great provisions of moneys and men for the present wars of Germany Flanders and Brasile the winter season which drew on being incommodious to prosecute waâ—…s already begun much more to commence new wars added to this belief for the meeting aâ—… â—…sa was upon St. Martines day and November was wholly ever before the Consederates appeared to make any preparations and none being able to believe that the French Armies would pass the Mountains that Winter it was thought that the meeting 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 would make more noise then deeds or that it did serve but aâ—… threats to advance the Negotiators parties and conditions but so great aâ—…action could not â—…be kept long concealed for to bâ—… or with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 which afforded sufficient reason of suspicion the Marquess of 〈◊〉 going to the Swissers and his so long stay amongst them occasioned much jealousie for though he seemed to go thither as 〈◊〉 Embassadour to adjust old accounts between that Nation and the Crown of France yet being always accompanied by the Embassadoâ—… of Venice and Savoy and by the chief of the Grisons who were driâ—… from their own homeâ—… and he being very busie in â—…aising men and in making preparations for war it was judged that he tarried there for more then the business of that Embassie Many Posts were also observed to pass frequently between the Confederates and that much business was in hand the which the less they could be seen into they gave the more occasion of distrust no less shews appear'd on the Venetians behalf in whose Territories but particularly in those of Bergamo and Bressia great preparations were observed to be made of Souldiers Victuals Artillery and Ammunition The people destined for the enterprise of Genoa fell down already from the Alpes into Piedmont and the Duke also levied many men in his State and for the greater sâ—…crecy he kept them in the dales of the Alpes which were neerest Piedmont and the Constable of Dolpheny made great levies of men giving out publickly enough that he would pass over the Mountains with them himself in person The more sollicitous the Confederates were in their proceedings and preparations the State of Millain was the more remiss in theirs which was at this time almost wholly unprovided and unarmed for the King not being contented to have appeased the minds of the discontented Princes by depositing the Forts oâ—… the Valtoline but the more to satisfie them and to remove all jealousies from them of being infested and consequently to take away all occasions of new troubles he had ordered the Duke of Feria to send all the men he could into Flanders and he to obey him had sent 6000 Foot and 800 Horse thither a few moneths before the Diet at Susa and had moreover sent Cavalier Pecchio's Brigade to Winter in Sardignia but Feria finding afterwards that this his shewing himself to be inclined to peace was not able to withhold the Counsels and Resolves of the League but that it did rather hasten the execution thereof he advertised the Court of Spain thereof desiring orders and provisions to prepare against the insuing storm This advertisement though confirm'd from other parts was not credited in that Court but he and Don Sanchio de Monry Marquess of Castagneda who succeeded Vives in the Embassie at Genoa having inform'd the King by Letters of the great danger wherewith the State of Genoa was threatened and how ill they were provided to defend themselves the King writ to the Commonwealth offering her all his Forces both by Sea and Land for her defence The Commonwealth which besides what she â—…ad already done proceeded to make great provisions were it either that she belâ—…eved too much in them or that she would stand upon her honour with the Court of Spain or that she thought it dangerous to bring the Kings Auxiliary Forces into her Dominions writ back giving a large account of what provisions she had already made and what she was to make seeming as if she needed no succour by which the Court of Spain argued that the Agents in Italy did amplifie the danger more then they had reason for But Feria finding the danger to grow every day greâ—…ter and to draw neerer and despairing of being able to make the Court take order for assistance he thought he was bound to do it himself he therefore recalled Pecchio's Brigade from Sardignia he gave order for another to Count Giovan Serbellone together with some Horse companies he desired and obtained a Brigade from the Duke of Parma and another from the Duke of Mâ—…dena he could get no more from Naples save one only Brigade and some Troops of Horse for the Viceroy hearing of the English Fleet would not unfurnish the Kingdom of many men and casting it up that these men being numbred into the usual Garrison of the State they would not amount to 16000 Foot and 2000 Horse he knew they would not be sufficient to defend the State and to succour Genoa and the Valtoline if as it was feared they should be assaulted all at once he therefore betook himself to think upon Forreign Forces
and since he saw he could hope for none from Spain by reason of the Courts great aversion thereunto and for that the Fleet which was gone to recover Brasile had carried away 10000 men from those Kingdoms and that Marquess Spinola who was imploied before Breda did rather want then abound in men and that for the aforesaid respects he could not ground much upon the Kingdom of Naples he betook himself to Germany where without expecting any order from the King he gave out Commissions for making great levies of Germans Besides because he could not expect provisions of moneys from Spain and that the State of Millain was so exhausted as it could not furnish him with any he applied himself to the Genoeses nor was his application in vain for some of the richest Gentlemen of Genoa and who did most study the interests of that Crown seeing how much the welfare of the Commonwealth was concern'd in the preservation of the State of Millain furnish'd him immediately upon his â—…are obligation with between three and four hundred thousand Ducates by which he was inabled to disburse the first payments and to raise four Dutch Regiments consisting of 4000 Foot apiece he believed that the Confederates intended their first blow against the Valtoline because he understood the preparations were in greatest readiness in those parts all the provisions of the Counties of Bergamo and Brossia were brought into Vâ—…lcomonica which confines upon the Valtoline The Marquess of Coure had already raised two Regiments of Swissers and one of Vallesani besides two others which were come to him together with 600 Horse from France through the Country of Berne much Victuals and Ammunition was sent him from the Country of Bressâ—… by the Rivers and Lakes of Helvetia so as not being able to conceal that any longer which was apparent to all mens eyes Feria sent often Messengers on purpose to advertise the Marquess of Bagni of every particular he being the head of the Ecclesiasticks in the Valtoline which Messengers being experienced in affairs of war and known in Fortifications might visite those Forts and might see whether they wanted any thing or no and who might offer Bagni Forces to re-inforce his Garrisons and to withstand the approaching assault but Bagni still refused his offers alledging that he had no orders from the Pope to receive nor to introduce any Garrisons of Forreign Princes into his Forts and the Pope did refuse it as well as he whom the Duke of Pastrana Spanish Embassadour at Rome did very much press thereunto in the name of the King and of Feria giving him a particular account of the danger the Valtoline was in of being assaulted by the Consederate Forces The occasiâ—…n of this râ—…fusal appeared plainly to be because the Pope as also the Court of Spain trusting in the express and clear promises of the French that â—…ey would bear all respect to the Forts which were guarded by the Ecclesiasticks and that the Kings Forces would never commit any hostility against the Ensigns of the holy Chuch did not apprehend the fears which were thought to be very remote and idle and therefore being unwilling to beget diffidence and distrust in either of the Kings he added that the succours which were offer'd were superfluous and dangerous lest they might draw humours to that wound which they endeavoured to heal by succours for he said it was probable that the French would take pretence to assault the Forts of the Valtoline from the entring of the Spanish succours thereinto and would turn those Forces against them which they profess'd were intended elsewhere and that they would assault them not as deposited in the Popes hands but as assigned over by him contrary to the agreement of the Deposition to the Spaniards so as esteeming the remedy a mischief he thought the Articles of the Depositure and the Majesty of the Popes name and Ensigns to be a surer defence and a fitter means to remove new occasions of war then the Auxiliary Arms of that Crown he therefore did so far persist in his constant refusal as the many and pregnant evidences which were laid before him by the Spanish Agents that the French preparations were intended against the Valtoline were always by him repuls'd as imaginary jealousies vain rumours and as subâ—…le Spanish inventions Thus did the Pope carry himself in these and in other Commotions which not long after happened against the State of Genoa for a great many Souldiers being already pass'd from France into Piedmont where the Constable was already arrived and the Duke of Savoy making also great preparations for war out of his immense hatred against the Genoeses the Commonwealth had recourse to the Pope that he would intercede with the Duke and that he would assist them with some men in this so great and so neer at hand danger but all these endeavours and applications were to no purpose for the Pope constant to his resolution of Neutrality would not grant her any succour only to shew himself desirous of her preservation he proposed a League between him and the great Duke for the defence of the States in common which Proposition the Genoeses took to be either a kind of honourable denial of their request or an endeavouring to separate the Commonwealth from the Crown of Spain to the prejudice of that conjunction which if ever at any time was now necessary for them and from whence they might promise themselves more potent certain and undoubted aid then from any other Prince or Potentate and thereby to draw her insensibly into a League with the contrary parties which were chiefly ill minded towards her for there being but little correspondency then between the Pope and the King of Spain and on the contrary much distrust the Commonwealth could not joyn in League with o her Princes and particularly with the Pope without offending the King of Spain and without injurying the good will correspondency and the weighty interests of the common affairs nor could she without danger to her self separate her self from the union of that Crown which she had found to be so certain for the space of so many years so advantagious honourable and faithful which Crown were it only for the necessity of her own interests was forced to sustain her with all her power so to cast her self into the arms of the Confederate Princes who so vehemently conspired her ruine and yet the Commonwealth trying the Pope as it were with the like cunning answered that they would willingly accept of the Confederacy if the King of Spain were therein comprehended which the Pope not giving way unto for it would be an apparent parting from his profess'd neutrality and a drawing the enmity of the King of France and of the other Confederates upon him the Commonwealth was therefore not to hope for any assistance from the Pope for 1000 Foot being at the same time desired of him by the Commonwealth and by the great Duke who had but little
need thereof he granted them to the great Duke and denied them to the Commonwealth then whom none could have greater need thereof and he denied them also those Corsicks which were granted to the Pope for the service of the Apostolick See in the time of peace But for all this the Genoeses wanted not Forces to sustain and defend themselves for having always doubted that the clouds of Susa would discharge themselves in a great tempest upon them they had not been sparing nor negligent in making provisions against it they sent into Germany for two levies of Dutch the one of 2000 the other of 3000 Foot they took order for 30 Companies to consist of 200 Foot apiece to be raised by the richest and chiefest Gentlemen they sent for 600 Foot from Corsica they brought in the Prince of Bozolo with 800 Foot and 200 Horse Prince Doria raised 400 more at his own particular charge and finally they had many Commanders and other Citizens who assisted the Commonwealth with men paid by themselves and with ready moneys these Forces being put together and added to those of the preceding year and being secured by the choice Militia of the State they thought they needed not fear the Enemies assaults for though all the aforesaid preparations could not be in a readiness at the appearing of the Enemy yet they would have a strength of between eight and ten thousand Foot and 200 Horse in the State all of them being paid besides as many more of the ordinary Militia and the State of Genoa being begirt by the Apenine toward Piedmont and Lombardy the Enemy must either enter in a gross body or by small numbers if in a gross body the strength of situation the sterility of the Country the difficulty in bringing Victuals and other impediments did secure them from the progress of the Enemy it being impossible for great Armies to continue long in that enterprise without much Victuals if in small numbers the Army of the Commonwealth being assisted by the same difficulties and being accommodated by the Country would be sufficient for defence to this was added that howsoever the Enemies Army entred the Mountains they must needs leave the State of Millain on their backs wherein though there was not very great Force at the present yet the few that were there and the ordinary Militia of so great a State was doubtlesly sufficient to shut up the passes so as neither Victuals nor provisions could be brought them and having them behind they might be inclosed between them and the Forces of Genoa on their Front which might occasion them many troubles and dangers and be such a hinderance to them as they could not long continue in oppugning the City but when the Forces should be augmented in that State according to the orders that were given and provisions that were ordered the ruine of the Confederates Army did plainly appear since it would be shut up between barren Mountains and the Sea without Victuals Provisions or hope of succour they must therefore of necessity be very circumspect in their proceedings in engaging themselves far within the Liguâ—…ian Mountains having considerable Forces on their Front being not safe behind and exposed to the assaults of a powerful Enemy especially since the Commonwealth besides ten Gallies of her own which she had then at Sea being to receive all the King of Spains Gallies for her defence together with the succour of men which were already preparing in Naples and in Sicily the Enemy could hardly be relieved by Sea and yet the Duke of Savoy and the Constable preferring vain and uncertain supposals before so solid and undeniable ground-works doubted not to enter couragiously upon the business for making account that the English Fleet and that of Marcelles should appear strong and powerful in the Ligustick Sea at the same time that their Land Army should draw neer the Sea and that being to be much more in number and Forces then the Gallies of Spain and Genoa they thought they would not only be able to keep those Gallies from them but supply their Army with abundance of Victuals and Ammunition which they should bring along with them so as not only the danger of Famine and the difficulty of bringing Victuals to the Land Army ceased but the expence thereof they thought themselves sufficiently safe from being disturbed by the Millain Forces by the union and good correspondency which continued still between the two Crowns the which they firmly believed their proceeding against Genoa would no way oppugne since that State was not directly comprehended under the Territories of the Crown of Spain nor could they perswade themselves that the Governour of Millain should move for fear of being the author of the breach or that he would commit any hostile act against that Army in which together with the Ensigns Royal of France which he saw therein displaied the Lord high Constable of that Kingdom did wage war in person and the State of Millain being then almost unarmed and unprovided of any manner of warlike provision having the French in the Valtoline and upon the Confines of Como and the Venetians armed upon the Cremonesian Confines they thought their moving would be rather desired then dreaded on that part since their Army in all warlike reason was to be superiour as they were much superiour in numbers of fighting men and in valiant and experienced Commanders for which cause it was likewise probable that the Governour finding himself in such a multitude of business with but a few men and those ill ordered he would not dare to meddle with a fresh gallant and impetuous Army led on by two of the most famous Commanders of the present Age. And to the end that new levies of Dutch might not pass into the State of Millain the King of France held Treaties with the Swissers that they should keep their Passes shut till such time as the enterprise of Genoa should either be perfected or brought neer perfection and of so great authority were the Confederates especially the French at that time with that Nation as all the Cantons the Catholick Cantons being comprehended which are united to the Crown of Spain and confederate with the State of Millain suffer'd the French to pass armed thorow their Country and in order contrary to their ancient customs and institutions and which had never upon any occasion been violated of not allowing passage to Forreigners unless either unarmed or few at once and this for nothing else but out of their great desire of preserving their liberty nor did it seem that so unaccustomed a thing did proceed from ought else but from their firm opinion that the Confederates preparations would devour the State of Millain which they saw was wholly unprovided of defence so as if they adored the French as Victors they durst not anger them Thus the Duke and the Constable taking it for granted that they were sure of the State of Millain by going to Genoa and
the French had done the like to those of Spain that were in France therefore the Duke and the Constable professing to observe punctually friendship and good correspondency with the States and Subjects of the King of Spain did not permit any act of hostility to their men and if any accident should happen to the contrary they proceeded to severe punishment against the Delinquents as done without their order thorow military licentiousness and excused themselves which was not only accepted by the Spanish Officers but seeding the French with the same food they assured them they should not be injured by their Forces many invitations were made moreover to the Duke and to the Constable and reciprocal friendly Offices past between them and upon complaint made by the Constable that some loads of Meal were taken by the Subjects of the State restitution was forthwith made the Governour who was unarmed being unwilling to provoke an Army which was strong and powerful upon his Confines but when he should have past the Apenine where the numbers of men would neither be an help nor hinderance it was certain he would not keep within the same bounds for it being as impossible to keep Genoa without the assistance of the State of Millain as to defend Genoa when that State should be lost it was apparent the Spaniards would be forced to break with all the World rather then to lose Genoa for these Reasons the Genoeses were reasonably well satisfied especially since they saw none of the Enemies Fleets appear but the Duke being desirous to clear the Pass of Rossiglione resolved to assault it with the gross of his Army on Holy-thursday the twelfth day after Ovada was taken the defendants who had had the better upon other occasions were afrighted to see so many men appear in good order so as distrusting not to be able to defend themselves they all basely forsook the Trenches before the Enemy came within Musket-shot and retreated unless it were a Company of the Corsicks which being placed higher made honourable resistance but afterwards fire taking in a Barrel of Powder at the blowing up whereof 20 of them were burnt and slain and seeing the places behind them abandoned they likewise forsook their stations and retreated to Rossiglione and the Enemy following their blow became masters of the Trenches and soon after of Rosâ—…iglione also which was likewise forsaken by the rest who making it a Rendezvouz for Arms for re-inforcing those who defended the more inward Trenches seeing that they all ran away they likewise begâ—…n to run so as the place together with the Victuals Munition Moneys to pay the Souldiers and other provisions fell without any opposition into the Dukes hands they continued running away till they came to the Sea only two Companies of Souldiers staid in Mansone where there was a little Castle very strong by reason of the narrowness of the Passage fifteen miles distant from Rossiglione towards the Sea wherein there was two small pieces and whither sufficient Victuals Men and Munition were sent from Genoa the Enemy entring Rossiglione past on to Campo a place only three miles more inward then Masone here they halted trying those of Masone with small Skirmishes and Articles of agreement who still defending themselves did manfully make good that Pass and that Castle all this while the new work of incompassing the Mountains with Trenches was hardly begun in Genoa the Walls of the City were not at all fortified and their Artillery whereof they had great store and very great ones were yet in their Magazines unmounted as in time of peace and lying one on the top of another they had no experienced Cannoneers little store of Match and the meaner sort of people was beyond measure increased by the concourse of women and others fled thither from the neighbouring parts for refuge the Souldiery which for a whole year were there assembled at the great charges and industry both of the publick and private much diminished those few that were left were sent to Garrison Gavi and Rossiglione and many of the latter were dissipated through the terrour of the preceding day 200 Neapolitans who at the earnest intreaty of Ianetto Spinola were by Iohn Ieronymo Pimontello sent to Tortona some days before what had hapned at Rossiglione as they past a long without thought of being assaulted were cut in pieces by the French wherefore the City appeared to suspect Feria as being abandoned in her so great danger so as the unexpected news of Rossiglione being brought to Genoa the City was in great terrour and confusion which increasâ—…d by the children old men and women of Vettri who flocking to Genoa full of fear and believing that the Souldiers of the Commonwealth who fled from Rossiglione and returned by the way of the Mountains towards the Sea were the Enemy affirm'd that Masone was taken and that the French did draw neer that therefore which befell Rome the City of Mars after the rout at Thrassimeno and Canna and at Hannibals approaching the Walls of Rome and of later times Paris when the Army of the Duke of Burgony and of the other Confederates in the War for the Common Good was heard to arrive and yet of later years when she feared to be assaulted by Charles the Fifths Army that which befel the Venetians after the Rout at Giaradadda befel the City of Genoa a City bred up for almost a hundred years in peace where there was not any that had ever heard the noise of an Enemies Drum or Trumpet some of the Gentlewomen went from the City some of the weaker sort of people fled others freed their houses of what they had of most value and worth and sent them to Ligorne The Senate amidst such a multitude of affairs and troubles hearing the opinion which was had of the greatness and neerness of the danger resolved forthwith to abandon Savona Gavio and all the other places of the State and to withdraw all their Forces to defend the City of Genoa upon whose safety and welfare all their thought were set therefore on Good-Friday the very day that they heard this news they sent all the Gallies that were in the Haven to Savona with order to the Commissaries that leaving the Citadel provided for they should presently return with all the inhabitants to the City Orders were likewise sent to Camp-master Doria in Ottaggio to do the like with all the Garrisons thereabouts and with those of Gavio the first Order was obey'd for on Easter Eve the Gallies returned from Savona with the people and Commissaries but not the other for Doria being experienced in warfare thinking it to be a rash resolution wrot back before he obeyed it that the Enemy having brought so many and so great pieces of Artillery by the way of Rossiglione there was no danger that they could possibly appâ—…oach the City without them and that the people might run danger of being lost if they should be brought away the Enemy being
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
Enemies Army retreats from the Enterprise of Genoa and attemps Savona but being overtaken by Feria retires to Piedmont Feria takes the City of Acqui he goes afterwards to Asti and from thence to Verrua where he stays long to little purpose leaving many of his men behind him and being forc'd to give over the Enterprise returns with his Army much lessened into the State of Millain many actions happen at the same time in the besieging and defending of Riva di Chiavenna wherein the Spaniards have still the better of the French they drive the French at last out of the Valtoline and raise the Siege of Riva The English Fleet falling upon Spain is repuls'd and having in vain endeavoured to take the Plate-Fleet which came from America retires into England torn by Tempests A Discourse upon the quality and usual Navigation of the Plate-Fleet the Apostolick Legate returns from France to Rome and is sent from Rome to Spain whither being come he finds the Peace concluded between the two Crownâ—… and the Affairs of Iâ—…aly and of the Valtoline composed The Pope and all the Princes of the League are very much displeased with this Peace as also all the Princes and the Court of France Some of them do therefore conspire against the Kings person In pursuance of the Peace the Forts of the Valtoline are restored and demolish'd New occasions of disgust between the Genoese and the Duke of Savoy The Duke of Guise his Fleet goes from Marcelles and comes to Ligorne and returns from thence to Marcelles without having done any thing The Duke of Mantua dies and long after his Brother who succeeded him in his Principality The Genoese Factors who were interessed with the Crown of Spain are much prejudiced in their private fortunes by reason of the alteration of Payments and of other Decrees made to their prejudice by the King BUt the troubles and dangers of Genoa which were not much compassionated in Italy met with more favour and benignity from the hands of God whose anger the Senators being desirous by all means possible to appease publick Processions and Vows were added to the private Prayers and Processions which were privately made in Churches and in holy places their Piety seemed to be presently seconded by Gods goodnesse for at the same time that the Doge Senate and People were pouring forth Prayers to Almighty God for publick preservaâ—…ion a Galley entred the Haven which brought in her a Million of Ducates from Spain a favour the more singular by how much more necessary for the present need and which was acknowledged to proceed the more from Divine mercy in that it came when least expected for two days before the arrivaly of this Galley news came from Corsica that the same Galley being gone from Genoa 15 days befoâ—…e fearing to be discovered by the Fleet that lay at Marcelles had lanch'd out into the Sea and was driven by the wind upon that Island where the Genoese thought her to be still detained by the same wind the news was true but the conjecture false for the wind changed there by favour whereof the Galley came seasonably to Barcellona and receiving in the moneys which lay ready there return'd with great speed and success to Genoa soon after some other Gallies appeared which brought with them six Millions more from Spain whereby the Commonwealth abounding in money was largely inabled to supply her urgent necessities and the private men of Genoa to whom those moneys belonged having redeemed their credit were able not only to furnish Feria with moneys to hasten the Levies of the Dutch and for other necessaries for marching into the Field against the Confederates Army but also moreover to provide for the Armies in Flanders according to their obligations with the Court of Spain The Rivals of the Genoese grandezza were astonished and not without reason when they saw their Common-wealth which they held to be in a perishing condition not only able to subsist and to maintain her self but to administer help to Forreâ—…gn Armies and make them move to their prejâ—…dice who had plotted her ruine Nor were her enemies less amazed whose whole thoughts were set upon her extirpation so as instead of flocking to so rich and plentiful a prey they began to fall from their hopes of success just as befel Hannibal who whilst he was with an Army before the walls of Rome understood that some Lâ—…gions were sent out by other Gates to recruit the Spanish Armies sent into that Province They fell yet further from their hopes when they heard that great succours of men were almost at the same time come to Genoa For from Millain to boot with those that were sent with Guasco came the Cavallier Pecchio after the loss of Gavio and Ottagio with part of his own Brigadâ—…e and part of those of Modena and Parma which did amount in all to about 3000 Foot and the Marquess della Croce came about this time to the City with 33 Galleys wherein were 4000 Foot all very good men and whereof 2000 were Veterane Souldiers trained up in the Wars of Flanders and a little before 1500 Neapolitans were come thither in some Galleons The Sicillian Galleys came also thither with 600 Spaniards which were sent by Ianettino Doria Vice roy of that Island at his own expence in defence of his Country Marquess Bozzolo came thither also with his three brothers 800 Foot and 200 Horse besides Infantry which came daily from Naples so as with these and those which Guasco brought from the State of Millain those that were sent from Lucca and those which came though somewhat late from Germany the Commonwealth was in a short time provided with about 15000 paid Foot for defence of the State and City besides many Commanders and people of Quality and experience who were brought thither from several parts upon extraordinary pay By means of these Forces and of her own people who were very vigilant in defending their Country and Liberty and with the Militia of the State the Affairs of the State were prettily well securâ—…d and almost brought into a condition of safety The Popes Galleys and those of the Great Duke came along with Sancta Croce which returning from Marselles whither they had carried â—…he Legate and meeting with Sancta Croce as he came from Naples to the relief of Genoa turned back the same way by Orders directed to the Captains from their Princes which Orders Sancta Croce brought with him it was not thought strange that the Great Duke should issue out such Orders who profest himself a friend to Spain and to the house of Austria the Popes Concession came more unexpected he being commonly held to be not only averse to the Spaniards but to joyn in ends with their Rivals and the French Embassadour Resident at Rome did exclaim much against it yet it was thought that the Pope to remove so great suspicâ—…ons which were had of him had done it at the perswasions of the
Recruits of men victuals and munition at the same time that they should come to Savona and that landing a great many men they would keep between Savona and Genoa out of a double end The one to keep relief from Genoa the other that they might play upon the City with their great Guns from Sea whilst it should be assaulted by the land Army and so to facilitate the surrender of Savona And to this purpose Prince Victorio had given the Duke of Guise 40000 Ducates when having taken La Riviera he was in Ventimiglia Upon these so sleight and weakly-laid foundations they would once more try their fortune Thus leaving their Quarters they marched through Montferrat towards Acqui whither they came within a few days without any disturbance For the Genoeses being more desirous to preserve Savona then to fall upon them in the Reer sent all their men thither Nor could the Governour of Millain who was come to Alessandria fall upon them as they retreated though he intended so to do For being got on Horseback to that end and being ready in Arms with his forces as he was saluted according to the Military manner by a Dutch Company his Horse rose up on end at the noise of the Musquet shot and threw the Governour who was somewhat corpulent down so as he was forc'd to keep his bed for some days Thus their Retreat proved fortunate though between two enemies Armies yet as the Reer was bringing up some small pieces of Artillery with about 800 Horse they had a bickering with some Troops of Horse which were quartered in Sesse a Town of Alessandria which is upon the way by which the Reer passed The Encounter was gallant and stoutly fought the Spanish Horse were fewer in number but coming to blows had the better of the enemy with little loss unto themselves for the French Horse had only breast-plates on and the Spaniards were armed at all pieces so as they slew and wounded the enemy without being hurt themselves Being at last dis-intangled and got loose they retreated commodiously The Army being come to Acqui and persevering in their intended march to Savona they destin'd Acqui though it were very weakly walled for a Rendezvouz for their Arms and for a safety on their backs wherefore leaving 3000 of their best Souldiers there in Garison with all the Ammunition and provision they could bring from Gavio they march'd on with the rest which were not above 8000 towards Savona When they were come to Spigno a Town which stands in the mid-way they made Prince Victorio and Marshal Crickey advance with part of their men to Cairo which was defended by 250 Neopolitans and playing upon it with some small Pieces of Artillery they after having made two shot took it upon Articles But the Governour having recovered his â—…all and finding that they march'd on still towards Savona held it now no longer time to stand idle nor to suffer that Town to be taken whilst he and his Army looked on which being of such importance to the State of Genoa was also a great concernment to the Crown of Spain Setting therefore all other respects aside he went out of Alessandria with 22000 Foot all very good men and with 5000 able Horse and marched towards Acqui whether being come he forthwith possest himself of all the eminent parts thereabouts and planted his Batteries which caused such terrour in the French who saw how weak their Rampiers were and that the Citizens would not for theâ—…r sakes run the hazard of being sack'd parleyed presently and agreeing to march out the Souldiers only with their Swords and Daggers and the Officers with their Horse and Baggage ' but upon obligation to return into France by the Country of the Vallesani lest they might return to the Army 2300 Foot marched out many who through great weakness were not able to go staying behind They found 17 Banners left there 500 Barrels of powder many Sacks of Victuals many Cannon Bullets Arms and artificial Fire-works and which was more remarkable the Dukes Wardrobe wherein were rich Liveries for Pages and Foot-men Saddles Bridles and other Furniture for Horses all very richly wrought and Moveables to a great value which the Duke had provided thinking assuredly to enter in triumph into Genoa So far had this Prince suffered himself to be transported by his aspiring imagination The Duke and Constable finding by the loss of Acqui which they heard of in Spigno the falshood of the Report that the Spanish Forces would not move for fear of disturbing the union and friendship of the two Crowns they were astonished seeing in what danger they were of being assaulted by two enemies Armies being inclosed between them amidst those Cliffs The Duke hearing the news got immediately on Horse-back and leaving the care of all things wholly to the Constable went with some few Gentlemen towards Piedmont The Constable seeing himself abandoned termed the Dukes departure down right running away and complained of his being left to manage the business himself alone and speedily calling back the Marshal from Cairo with whom came also Prince Victorio they went altogether to Bistagno where there being a Garison they were received without any withstanding But being aware that the Governour did advance with part of his forces to fall upon them in that place and that he had sent another part thereof to hinder their retreat and victuals they resolved to get out of those streights and to get into the open fields of Piedmont The Retreat being thus resolved upon the Constable and the Marshal heading the Van wherein were about 2000 Foot and almost all the Horse they parted early in the morning and marching apace they came without disturbance to Canelli The Prince kept in the Reer wherein were the bâ—…st men and making the Artillery advance he also retreaâ—…ed leaving the place to the enemy who ere he was well got out entred Bâ—…stagnano and pursued him without any intermission so fast as being got near unto him upon the going to of the day in the Valley of Munâ—…stero they faced one another within Musquet shot Some small Skirmishes passed here which the night parted without much loss or advantage to either side The mean time the Prince being careful of the Artillery and other incumbrances which he had much ado to get up the Mountains made great diligence be made in the climbing up and at the same time minced his own defence against the enemy who were at his heels But hearing that at last the Artillery was got to the Mountains top he also retreated thither without any trouble for the enemy having no order to fight nor to advance retreated to Bistagno and suffered them to retreat quietly into Canelli where he was received by his Father and by the Constable with great applause who had been in great anxiety for him The Governour would have made use of the present occasion and would have assaulted the Reer and taken away all the Artillery and
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
Millain refused to go into the Field till they had received their Pay Croce's diversion whereupon they did chiefly relie proved also vain he was to have entred Piedmont with those Forces which were in Savona and with Manfrino his five Horse by the way of Savona such an expedition at that time and by that way would have produced three very good effects First entring the enemies Country which did abound in Victuals wanting Forts and Ammuniiion and which was bereâ—…t of all defence he might have easily possess'd himself of it without any gainsaying by this diversion if made in a seasonable time have very much helped the business of Verrua and lastly the River of Genoa being by the interposition of this Army cut off from Piedmont and consequently deprived of all hopes of succour it would at the very appearance of the Gallies have been abandoned by the Garrisons of Piedmont so as of it self it would have faln to the Commonwealth Croce's genius who was better vers'd in maritine affairs then in band service and loved not to go far from the shore opposed this resolution which certainly would have been the most commodious and best for the common cause it was opposed also by that which serves always for an excuse to any Commander for either not beginning or not prosecuting an enterprise the scarcity of provisions wherefore being resolved that the recovery of Riviera should precede his entrance into Piedmont it was conceived that private emulation between him and the Duke of Feria bore greater sway with him then any respect of the common Cause wherefore not caring for the good success of the enterprise of Verrua he was not displeased that his rival might reap but little honour thereby parting therefore about the midst of Iuly from Savona accompanied by two Senators Iovan Battista Saluzzo and Agostine Centurione who were chosen Commissaries by the Commonwealth at whose expence and in whose name the whole business was carried on and carrying with him 8000 Foot and two Troops of Horse they betook themselves to the recovery of la Riviera the first in order was the City of Albenga which being first assaulted came first into the power of the Common-wealth though it were recruited but some days before both with Men and Victuals by the Gallies of Marcelles the battery began from the Gallies which by their Cannon beat down the Houses for the City stood within Musket-shot of the Sea-shore but that battery doing but little harm the people were that mean while landed and two great Cannons which being level'd against the Gate and Wall which weâ—…e towards the Sea after having plai'd upon them a while the defendants began to apprehend the assault which they saw was preparing to be given so as beginning to parley they yielded within a few hours upon Articles that the Captains should march out with Arms and Baggage and the Souldiers with their Swords as also they were not to serve for that Summer against the King of Spain nor the Commonwealth Albenga being taken all the Towns till you come to Porto Mauritio Oneglia being therein comprehended most of them being without Walls and abandoned by the Dukes men return'd under the obedience of the Commonwealth from hence they went to Porto Mauritio a place strongly situated munited with Artillery having a good Garrison in it and abundantly provided of Ammunition it stands upon a great Rock which being for the greatest part invironed by the Sea is as it were a Peninsula their Men and Artillery being landed they had no little labour to draw them up those craggy cliffs for many necessary things were wanting for the train of Artillery and the weather was then very hot Thomaso Raggio Iovan Battista Adorno and Iacomo Moniglia three of those Gentlemen who had raised and maintained seven Companies at their own expence and had continually served the Commonwealth with them very affectionately had the care thereof given them who not only by their Authority but by their example brought them in a short time to fitting places they raised three Batteries two on the Flank and one behind and the Defendants ordered their defences very fittingly against these Batteries by two days continual battery a breach was made fitting for an assault and the three forenamed Gentlemen were ready with their Companies to give an assault when the Defendants who had inriched themselves by booty taken at Ottaggio and Pieve being loth to adventure what they had gotten parlied and on the third day surrendred the place upon the same terms that Albenga had done but the Kings Souldiers missing the prey which they thought they should have had if they had taken the Town by assault turn'd upon many of the neighbouring Towns plundering and sacking them to the great grief of the Commissaries who could not bear with so great mischief done to the Subjects of the Commonwealth or with such an affront to themselves and finding that the Kings Captains took no care to prevent such an inconvenience Thomaso Raggio a man of a great spirit who upon all occasions had shew'd much zeal towards the affairs of the Commonwealth offer'd to remedy this inconvenience by force of Arms which offer being accepted of he was sent with many Companies of Souldiers to suppress this prejudice done unto the Country by the Kings Souldiers who hearing of his coming joyn'd together in a body and yet he had the good luck to make them soon retreat and imbarquing themselves in the Gallies with San Croce they went some of them to Savona some to Genoa for San Croce by reason of the excessive â—…eat and of the sickness amongst the Souldiers would not continue the enterprise which he might easily have prosper'd in for after the surrender of Porto Mauritio all the Towns as far as Ventimiglia being abandoned by the Dukes Garrisons return'd to the antiâ—…nt command of the Genoeses so as when he should quickly and happily have dispatched this business he might have facilitated the taking of Verrua by diversion but that so much time might not be sâ—…ent in vain the Commonwealth gave order that Pigna a great Town belonging to the Duke lying above Ventimiglia should be gone against where they understood that many of those who were gone out of Albenga and the rest of the Towns which were recovered were got together and it was feared that contrary to the Articles of surrender they might be a great disturbance to the Enterprise of Ventimiglia which upon the ceasing of the excessive heats and the amendment of the Souldiers was preparing for This business was committed to the Baron Batteville who coming thither with about 3000 Foot and having long batter'd the Trenches which joined to the houses and served for a wall or Rampier at last the defendants fearing an assault yielded upon Articles which being agreed upon and perform'd they delivered up the Town to Batteville in the delivery whereof the Ammunition fell on fire which occasioned much mischief to many amongst the rest to Iovan
Antonio Sauli General of the Common-wealths Artillery Son to Lorenzo who had been Doeg he being therein burn'd to death And at last the weather growing cooler and the 3000 Dutch who were raised by Philippo Spinola being arrived they went with all their forces about the midst of September to the taking in of Ventimiglia which was reduced with little labour For the City beiâ—…g after some Cannot shot abandoned by the Garrison who betook themselves to defend the Castle fell into the Genoeses hands The Castle being plaid upon on three sides held out a little longer but the assailants being gotten under the Counter-scarfe and the defendants fearing to be undermined which they saw they were begun to be they after eight days Battery yielded upon Articles That only the Officers should march out with their Swords and all the rest without Arms The little Marquesate of Zuccarello the first beginning of so many evils was yet in the enemies possession A 1000 Foot were sent thithâ—…r to whom all the Towns were instantly surrendred except Castle Vecchio which was longer ere it was taken then it deserved tobe for that it was requisite to bring Artillery to batter it which by reason of the roughness of the way and height of the situation was not without much labour and expence of time effected but at last all difficulties being overcome the Cannon being presented and the Castle somwhat batter'd it was also surrendered upon Capitulation to Iovan Ambrosio Casella a Senator and Commissary of the Commonwealth who succeeded Centurione Thus in the space of few Months the Commonwealth of Genoa which was assaulted by powerful forces and partly abandoned partly fought against partly plotted against in private by Italian Princes being solely protected and defended by the King of Spain kept not only unprejudiced from the fury and hostility of so many forces raised against her and from so many Princes which conspired against her but preserving her natural Liberty did in a short time recover all that the enemy had taken from her and entring the assailant Dukes State took some of his Towns and indamaged him as much as he had done her For to boot with the Towns of Oneglia and Pigna which were taken at the same time that La Riviera was recovered San Croce having regained Ventimiglia sent some Fooâ—… to Maro a Town appertaining to the Duke which lies above Oneglia and without much difficulty took it and all the Valley of Prelà When La Riviera was recovered the same forces of the King and Commonwealth which entring Piedmont should have helped to raise the Siege of Verrua by diversion as the Duke of Feria's Army had facilitated the recovery of La Riviera by lying before Verrua kept a good while partly in Savona partly in Albenga and afterwards being come from Albenga to enter Piedmont Sun Crâ—…ce would first take the Town of Orâ—…a one of the Dukes Towns which confined upon the Common-wealth which though it were great and well peopled yet made not much for the main concernment of the war and which for the badness of the ways by which the Artillery was to be brought did much delay the entrance into Piedmont The forces drew near that Town but without Artillery which was not yet come but was speedily expected And this Town standing in a Valley between two Mountains through the which the Tannaro runs which takes its rise from a little above it was impossible for the Horse to quarter very near it they therefore quartered two miles off which was the cause why they could do but little service upon an occasion which happened not long after they were quartered Don Carlo the Duke of Savoy's natural Son and the Marquess di San Trinità coming from Garrissio with about 2000 Foot and 200 Horses endeavoured to relieve Ormea but falling upon the Neapolitan Quarters under Don Antonio Tuffo their Camp master though they charged home yet two Troops of Horse coming in under Captain Spâ—…ra and other assistance with them from the neighbouring quarters the Piedmontese were beaten back with great loss which would yet have been worse if all the Horse had been there which by reason of their being quartered so far off could not be present at that action When the Artillery was come they raised two Batteries and having made a sufficient breach an assault was given which was stoutly fought on both sides but the assailant getting the better at last the Town was taken with much ruine and effusion of blood and was afterwards sack'd to the great inriching of the Souldiery who got as much booty there as the Piedmontese did at Pieve The Town being taken the Castle yielded the next day and both of them were freely delivered up to the Senators who were in the Camp who receiving them in the Common wealths name placed 600 Foot in Garrison there under Mark Antonio Brancaccio who upon that occasion was chosen Camp-master to the Common-wealth From hence they went to Garrissio another great Town of Piedmont wherein there was a good Garrison under Monfieur di Flescè but the fierce assault and taking of Ormea which happened with so great mortality did not terrifie the Towns-men of Garrissio only but the Garrison also who abandoned the Towns-men before the enemy appeared wherefore they sent the Keyes of the Gates to San Croce in signe of surrender yet the Castle held out nine days which whilst it was plaid upon by the Artillery and undermined the Horse over-ran those parts even to Céva plundering and much prejudicing the Campagnia wherefore those of Bagnasco being wise at the cost of others sent also to surrender to San Croce and the Castle of Garrissio which was at last surrendered was sleighted by San Croce Iâ—… was now about the midst of November when they went to Garrissio and the season grew daily more obnoxious by reason of rain and cold it was also given out about Garrissio and the Marquesate of Ceva that there was an assembly of men and that the Duke himself was speedily advancing with all his forces It was true that the Prince of Piedmont was come into the field with a Body of Foot and Horse to defend those parts and that joining with his Brother Don Carlo and the Marquess of San Trinità he thought to oppose San Croce But the news of the Dukes coming himself in person was the more confirmed in the Spanish Camp by the news of the Governours withdrawing from before Verrua wherefore San Croce was the more perplex'd what to do but this difficulty was eased by a Letter which as it was said came to him from the Governour wherein he was advertised that it being impossible for him the Governour to continue longer before Verrua which had caused him to rise from thence it was superfluous for him to advance any further on that side Fitting Orders being therefore given upon this advertisement they resolved to return towards the Maritime parts which being divulged through the Army the greater part
thereof believing the report of the Dukes coming thought that the retreat was occasioned by the certain knowledge thereof So as overcome with too much fear they retreated in very little order almost in a flying posture leaving part of the prey they had got at Garrissio behind them and one great Piece of Cannon which they could not bring over those rocky Mountains This was the success of Croce's entring Piedmont and the Prince when he was gone went to before Felizzano a Town belonging to the Marquesate of Finale and subject to the King but with no success for San Croce having sent forces to defend that place the Prince retreated also into Piedmont At the same time or a little before these things happened the Camp before Verrua not having by all their Assaults Mines and Batteries been able to get above twenty two foot into the Suburbs grew daily more afflicted with sickness and mortality so as being reduced to a very small number it was not only not longer able to continue that enterprise but neither to retreat without danger of being lost especially for that the ways so sunk by the fall of rain and the dirt was so deep as the Foot could not march without much ado nor the Artillery and other incumbrances be carried along But this was seasonably helped by the coming of Mansfield with his Dutch-men who were at last satisfied in point of pay and these men being fresh proved very fit to back the Army in its Retreat which being thus secured by the assistance of these new men Don Gonzallo made the Artillery be removed from his Quarters and be brought to the Rendezvouz for Arms. The Constable who being recovered of a long sickness was returned from Turin to the Camp seeing this did not let slip the occasion of assaulting the enemies Trenches which wanted defence and Artillery and were negligently looked unto by the Souldiers who minded more their retreat then making defence So as upon the change of the Guards which was made in the Dukes Trenches in the plain before Verrua he assaulted them so furiously as possessing himself of the foremost he came almost to the Dutch Quarters which he would likewise have taken if he had not been first stoutly resisted by Count Salma's Lieutenant who was slain in the fight and afterward by the Count di Solts who did not only repulse the enemy from the assaulted Quarters but made them forego the Trenches which they had already taken The next night the Governour began to remove quietly without the beat of Drum or sound of Trumpet yet this stol'n Retreat was not so silently performed but that the Duke who was aware thereof early in the morning went after the Army which marched but slowly His men though they were repuls'd by Mansfield's Dutch-men slew many of those who not being able to follow remained behinde upon the way besides two Spanish Captains who resisted valiantly in the Reer This Retreat was very seasonably made for a Recruit of 6000 Foot was at last come from France into Piedmont under Monsieur di Vigneles who at the same time that the Army removed came to the City of Inurea The Governour was afraid that these forces being joyn'd to those of the Duke and Constable passing through the Vale of Sesia and the Principality of Messerano might go to prejudice the Territories of Novara he therefore went with his Army which was reduced to a very small number to Novara but the Winter coming on and finding himself free from that danger he returned to Millain The Duke of Feria was not he alone who did partake of the misfortunes wherein the this-years Enterprises miscarried for it was observed that some sinister influence of the Heavens opposed it self against the good success of the Armies and Enterprises of this Year The so flourishing Army of the Duke and Constable was unfortunately lost amidst the Mountains of Liguria not having effected any thing worthy the greatness of their forces and designes That of the Marquess di Conrè back'd by the Venetians and maintained by their monies and provisions was likewise unfortunately lost in sitting down before an Inne a woful Harbour for Mules and Muletiers at the taking whereof having more then once offer'd he did not only return worsted but being assaulted in his own Quarters he received much prejudice and was dishonourably affronted for Papenhaim who succeeded Serbellone as hath been said in defending Riva having been content to keep there loytering for a few days with his Dutch-men finding at last that Coure despairing of doing any thing of moment was retired into the Valtoline and that leaving Garrisons only in Vico in Vercè and in Sasso Corbe he had distributed almost all his men in the Valtoline and in Chiavenna and being impatient of so long idleness he resolved to assault those Quarters which being fortified only on the Lake and on Riva's side were not at all fortified behinde the height and ruggedness of the neighbouring Mountains being esteemed a safe defence Papenhaim having therefore learn'd by certain men whom he had sent to discover those Mountains that people might be brought to fall upon them by that way he sent a thousand Foot by that way and he having armed his Barques and Brigandines went to assault those Quarters by water at the same time that the thousand Foot should fall down by the way of the Mountain upon them The event suited with the resolution for the Defendants being set upon unexpectedly on the back fled towards the Valtoline abandoning their Quarters and Fortifications which were presently taken by Papenhaim together with eleven pieces of Artillery and much Victuals and Ammunition nor there withall content he pursued them into the Valtoline and coming to the Fortifications of Troana and Morbegno he thought to have assaulted them whereof he writ to the Duke of Feria who being with small hopes before Verrua would not by any new enterprise hazard the defence of Riva which was of such importance to the State of Millain so as Papenhaim being master of all the Fortifications which the French had upon the lesser Lake was consequently master of all the upper Lake Thus ended this enterprise no less unfortunately for the French then did that of the Duke of Feria before Verrua and that of the Constable and Duke of Savoy against the Genoeses nothing else of moment hapned this year unless that the English Fleet going from that Kingdom about the beginning of October with 93 Ships wherein were about 10000 fighting men appeared in the beginning of November in the Spanish Seas and entring the Bay of Cadiz landed some of their men in the Island and five pieces of Artillery intending to fortifie themselves there and wait for the Plate-Fleet which was shortly to come from America The Souldiers were three or four days busied about taking the Fort called Puntale and having gotten it upon Articles they endeavour'd to make themselves masters of the Bridge which joyns the Island of
to the utmost part of the East upon this Viceroy who usually resides in Goa all the Kings who are Vassals Tributaries Friends and Confederates all the Government of Civil Military and Maritime Affairs doth depend they keep possession of these Seas by four Fleets distributed into fitting places and Havens insomuch as none of those Kings or People may sail thereon without leave and authority from the Viceroy no not so much as upon occasion of Traffick or Merchandize A singular thing and which was never pretended to nor put in execution by any Roman Emperour or other King the Kings of Spain reap many advantages by this Navigation for to them belongs all the Spices which are carried away in Ships to boot with many other Merchandizes and Jewels which are carried from the Indies to Portugal by reason of this so great wealth which comes every year to the Kings hands the Crown of Spain is held to be of the richest Monarchies that ever was known or at least which are at the present and yet the Wars of Germany and Italy have so exhausted him and brought him into such streights as to boot with all the Kings Revenues sold and engaged Spain is now the poorest of any Kingdom in Europe in point of Silver and Gold in so much as brass money runs curr at through all the Kingdom of Castile which they call Moneta del Veglione instead of Gold or Silver which occasioned disorders of great importance to that Crown Now to return to where welefr and to reassume the thread of our former History The same English Fleet being deprived of all hope of prey whilst it return'd for England â—…an great shipwrack by a cruel Tempest which arose which driving many of the Ships on shore splitting them the rest return'd torn and rent and in very bad order without having done any good home to England so as this powerful League proved no less unfortunate at Sea then it had done at Land the Negotiations Treaties and conclusion of peace which succeeded afterwards as shall hereafter be said were more unfortunate and less worthy so great preparations Cardinal Barbarino return'd about the end of February in the year 1626 to Rome from his French Embassie who got nothing by it but an acknowledgement that the King had aided the Duke of Savoy who had been hainously offended by the Genoeses not so much in respect of his alliance with the house of Savoy as to keep the Spanish Forces imploied in defending the State of Genoa so as they might not oppose his men in the Valtoline that it might be supposed that when the business of the Valtoline should be decided to the satisfaction of all and in conformity to the Articles of Madrid he would forbear offending the Genoeses whom he had neither reason nor will directly to injure But the orderly disposing of the affairs of the Valtoline pretended unto by the King seemed to be such as that they offer'd to restore all the Forts that were taken in the Valtoline to the Pope upon condition that they should be immediately demolished and that being demolished the Valtolinians should return to their ancient obedience of their Lords and Masters the Grisons the Kings ancient Confederates the Pope would not consent to such hard conditions as repugnant to the Catholick Religion and to the Popes endeavours so as the Legate departed from the Court and returned towards Rome little satisfied with the King and less with Cardinal Richelieu the Pope intending to send him upon the same Embassie to Spain found great resistance amongst the Spanish Agents who thought they should suffer too much in their reputation if the Embassie of Spain should seem to depend upon that of France wherefore protesting that the King should not receive him the Pope sent for his Nephew back to Rome thinking to send him as with a new and different Embassie from thence into Spain but neither were the Spanish Agents pleased with this who liked not that in the same Negotiation the King of France should have the precedency given him before the King of Spain after many debates this accommodation was found that the Title of the Embassie should be from the Pope relating to the Baptism of a Daughter of the Kings who was born about that time and that the Negotiation of peace should come in the second place as depending thereupon but for all this new Embassie the Pope forbare not to prepare for Arms in case he could not effect peace by his Embassie for thinking that he should not suffeâ—… a little by the worlds opinion in his own dignity and in that of the See of Rome by the usurpation of the Valtoline which had been done with so little respect to his Men and Ensigns who defended it and being moreover scandalized that his Embassie was not received with such esteem in the Court of France as became the Grandezza of the Sâ—…e of Rome and his deserts he took it also ill that the King of Spain did not readily restore what he had usurped but did stand upon unreasonable and impossible conditions he therefore resolved to resent himself by force of Arms and after having used friendly and benigne endeavours to little purpose he would shew that animosity and resentment which the world had desired to find in him from the beginning of these commotions and would send men to recover the Valtoline and the Forts thereof which were possess'd by the French so as the Spaniards continuing their former offers of assisting him with Men and Arms he sent 6000 Foot into the State of Millain commanded by Torquato Conti Son to the Duke de Poli to the end that joyning with the Spanish Forces they might go to the recovery of the Valtoline but the Duke of Savoy and the other Confederates prepared forces for the next season as well as did the Pope thinking to renew the war more fortunately and with greater forces then they had done the year before and news was likewise heard in Italy of great preparations which were made in that Kingdom to the same purpose wherefore the Commonwealth of Genoa not willing to be found unprovided let what would happen willingly listned to Proposals made by the Marquess di San ' Croce and the Marquess di Castagneda of making League with the Crown of Spain in defence of their common Dominions to which purpose an Army of 8000 Foot and 500 Horse should be by them joyntly raised two thirds of them to be maintained by the King and the rest by the Commonwealth and this Army was to be commanded by Francisco Qelio Brancacchio with title of the chief Commander of the Common-wealths Forces which together with many Germans and Italians entertained at her own charges caused two Brigades to be likewise raised the one by Philippo Spinola di Giulio the other by Hâ—…ctore Ravaschiero Prince of Satriano who raised them upon his own charges but these and the Popes preparations as also those of the Confederates proved
constrain'd to declare in favour of the one or the other of them with great danger to the present Occurrences yet in this so detestable example the new reconciliation and fear of alienating the Duke prevail'd over the merit of the ancient and uninterrupted friendship of the Commonwealth and the Dukes satisfaction was prefer'd before any respect of publick honour or of the Kings dignity wherefore the Governour and other Agents were very servent in the point of freeing the Conspirators and used all their endeavours in obtaining their pardon insomuch as they presented Letters written by the King to the Commonwealth for the Conspirators impunity which by the circumstance of time appeared to be framed upon Blanks which upon like occasions are trusted with chief Agents and the Governour sent Don Alvaro di Lusara to Genoa to treat herein with the Commonwealth propounding unto her Senators how easily they might obtain a safe and good peace from the Duke by pardoning the offenders and on the contrary how much their punishment would irritate him and would occasion new wars and troubles worse then the former The Dukes pretentions appeared to be false for the Conspirators forbore not to prosecute the business after the Truce which had it not been prevented would have been effected within a few days and though it did clearly appear that they treated with the Duke in Turin yet did they never alledg the Truce for their defence nor any order from the Duke to supersede nor any promise of pardon from him if they would desist so as it appeared clearly that all were but false pretences which he strove to maintain by his own authority by the favour of the Spanish Agents and by threats the Commonwealth being scandalized at so exorbitant pretences and at the Spanish Agents so strange pressures the Council which by reason of the paucity of the number is called â—…l minore but wherein the chief affairs off State are discus'd being called and Lusada's Proposals being therein taken into debate one rose up and spoke thus If I could perswade my self that for our greater misfortune we had any Julius Caesar amongst us who should dare to open his mouth for the impunity of these new Catalines I am confident that all we like so many Catos or Ciceros would rise up against so perfidious and pernicious an adviser and that we should resent the first mentioning of so abominable a plea with more then sharp invectives but since God be praised I see you all so set upon the just punishment of so execrable a Paricide I will pass by all becoming declamations upon this occasion as superfluous and will confine my discourse to the Question which falls properly under our present consideration to wit to what answer me are to give 〈◊〉 those demands which are made us in favour of these wicked ones and to the instigation of their fantorer and so great promoter of the conspiracy the Duke of Savoy in the name and by the authority of the King of Spains Officers demands more detestable then the Conspiracy it self as being so strange so unusual and so without example what would it be to pardon these guilty persons but to sow the fruitful seed of continual Conspiracy amongst those people who do perpetually disturbe our State and Government but to grant them a powerful Chiâ—…ftain for future sedition but to authorize and make our enemy Duke the Protector of our people which is the thing he so much now affects so as afterwards all rules of respect would be broken tho gate would be thrown open to insolency the fear of punishment taken away the Majesty of this Government suppress'd the Authority of this Order trode under foot and the peoples obedience lost and will any endure to hear of peace upon these conditions will there be any one found so little zealous of the publick good so wicked an enemy to the Commonwealth as will not rather chuse to run any misfortune how great soever suffer any death then consent to peace upon so ruinous conditions the bare dignity and reputation of the Commonwealth is not now the thing in question though we were to lose a thousand lives for it if we had so many but of the summa totalis of the publick safety but of the very soul of liberty but of the vital spirits of the present Government which after having received such a wound what would it become but a Carcase full of horrour breathing nothing out but ruine sedition and death it is good sometimes to pardâ—…n Conspiracies but it must be by Princes who are newly got into Principality we read of Augustus Caesar that having found revenge and punishment to be rather a spur then curb to new Conspiracies he approved of his Wives counsel which was to pardon and he found it to be a wholsome antidote and a more proportiable preservative for the malignant and dangerous disease of those times for the good name he got of being merciful and gracious did radicate the hatred which the people being grown perverse through fear did bear him and planted in the place thereof cordial affection toward a benigne Prince who before by frequent punishment was abhor'd and whose death they plotted what good will it do to use pardon in these tempestuous times when it shall be thought that it is not clemency nor sparing of humane blood but fear of the Dukes threatnings the fear of greater evils which hath extorted it from us so all the merit of benignity all the fame of clemency will be attributed to the Duke our enemy he shall be the pious deliverer he the affectionate Protector of the oppressed not only the guilty but all the male-contents shall thank him only we poor souls shall on the contrary side be accounted bloody oppressors we shall be hated by the people laugh'd at by strangers and generally detested by all men and therefore if to pardon so enormous a fault will in other respects be accounted a great errour in us how much will that errour be multiplied when it shall be known to be done at the importunity of the Duke and of the Kings Agents therefore the more we are thereunto prest the more backward ought we to be in consenting the more obdurate in denying it assuring our selves that undoubtedly we can undergo no misfortune and that no greater disaster then this can befall us good God! did we not fear the insolent threats of the Duke for a petty Fee-farm wherein the main of our affairs were little or not at all concern'd when he was upon good terms with the French without whose help he would never have dared to assault us and shall we now succumb to so unjust demands in a thing wherein our vital spirits are concern'd after that same Duke hath tried how hard it is to justle with our mountains when we see him inveloped in the wars of Montferrat irreconcilably fallen out with the King of France and so unsincerely united to the Crown of Spain
the Castle upon Articles that the Officers might march out with Arms and Baggage and the Souldiers with their Swords but they had hardly march'd two miles when contrary to conditions they were barbarously strip'd by the Neapolitans and others even to their shirts and many to their skins and those that strip'd them got as it was said much money which the French who came from Mantua were furnish'd with by the Duke not only for their private occasions but for defence returning from the taking of Punsone they betook themselves at last to the taking of the Hills which they began at the Town of St. George situated upon them where the oppugners made a Magazine of Arms and many Fortifications not only to defend themselves from the Garrison which was there of 300 Foot but to resist the insulting of those of Cassalle who sallying out very strong from the City did continually annoy them on the backs whilst they were most intent upon the Siege and yâ—…t the Garrison surrendered upon honourable conditions of being permitted to return to Cassalle From hence they went to Rossiglione a strong place both by nature and art the defendants resisted stoutly but Don Philippo Spinalo who ordered the busienss having presented Battery and plaid upon it with his great Guns for four whole days at last he level'd his great Cannon against the Gate and the defendants apprehending Mines which they saw were begun to be dig'd they grew distrustful to be able to defend it and surrendred it with safety to their persons The Governour being hereby master of the Hills began to block up all passes and avenues by which the City might be come unto on that side he then drew a long and a deep Ditch from the Poe to a rivulet called Gattola which falling from the Hills a little beneath Casalle runs towards Frascineso and disgorgeth it self into the Poe and many Fortifications were made upon both sides of the Ditch as also on the outward side of the Poe whereby Casalle was streightly besieged and being inclosed between the fortified Hills the Ditches and the Poe it was impossible to be relieved a resolution which if it had been taken at first the business had been already ended but being thus long retarded it did little or no good for much provision was already brought in and the compass of Campagnia inviron'd by the Governours Works was large full of Meadow-ground Trees and Shrubs so as the besieged had wherewith to maintain themselves for all the ensuing Winter and to wait for succour that Campagnia yielding great store of Wood and Roots Hay and Straw for the maintenance of Horse and Castle and Fewel for Ovens the which they might the more easily do for that the Governour quitting his former Quarters went to Winter between the Hills and Gattâ—…la leaving all that Campagnia uninjured he made a Bastion upon a little rise at the foot of the Hills upon which placing four pieces of Artillery he plaid upon the Castle and part of the Wall which together with the Citadel invirons the City on the Hills side but being so far off it did but little harm in this manner he continued all the next Winter the besieged drew out the Siege at length with great good order and vigilancy and sparing their Victuals and the besiegers with patience and industry and much hardship endeavour'd to streighten the City and bring it to surrender In this interim several Skirmishes hapned worthy to be particularly related if as they were valiantly fought they had conduced any thing to the main business in one of them the Marquess of Bevorone the head of the French being shot with a Musket-shot in the throat died which was a great loss to the besieged for he was the man who underwent almost the whole burthen of the defence but the bâ—…siegers were no less streightned in all things then the besieged not only for that lying for the most part in the open air they were subject to the sufferings of rain frost the distempers of weather but by reason of the great want of Victuals This years harvest was generally poorer then that of the preceding year and which made the scarcity the greater those who had corn in Millain out of avarice hid it that they might sell it at a dearer rate the next year and the Duke of Guise to keep Victuals from being sent from Genoa to the Camp and to the State of Millain did prohibit the exportation of corn from Provence and detain'd many boats which were sent from Genoa into those parts to fetch Grain to the end that they might not carry any Corn to Genoa and from thence to the Camp before Cassalle and the Duke of Nevers blocking up the Poe with two Forts upon the Mantuan side hindred the carriage of Provisions into Puglia and the other Maritime parts so as they were forced to send new Commissions to Naples Sicily and Sardinia which being brought by the way of Genoa to Millain and so to the Camp might ease the present necessity but the Orders being given out late and the far distance of place added to the scarcity of conduct requiring much delay the remedy suited not with the urgent necessity wherefore the common people of Millain impatient of delay and seeing the Bakers shops shut up began to mutiny which made the Governour leave the ordering of the Camp to Don Philippo Spinola and go to Millain to appease them which by punishing some and by sudden prevention he soon did but great was the scarcity of Victuals in the Camp insomuch as though Provision of bread was scarce enough in Casalle yet bread was cheaper there then in the Camp so as the besiegers being rather become in condition of besieged they suffer'd more want and by an unusual and peradventure unheard of example they were thereby likely to have abandoned the Siege many Souldiers died of hunger and mutinies were much feared which had certainly insued had not force awed the murmurers some of which not being able to wait for assured death by famine chose rather to endeavour their preservation by the doubtful event of running from the Camp so as the Army did daily diminish and it was impossible to raise more men as well for want of moneys as of victuals which affrightned whatsoever necessary provision or resolution there being no means found whereby to provide for the Forreign Souldiery and the very Souldiers who came from the State of Millain were in danger of mutinying thus weakly and with so many necessities did the business of Cassalle proceed and Cesars Edicts and Citation proceeded not more fortunately for the Count of Nassaw being come as hath been said into Italy with title of Cesarian Commissary and having sent out Monitors twice to the Duke of Nevers and threatned him with the Imperial Proclamation of banishment unless he would obey Cesars will by fâ—…eely yielding up the possession of those States and Nevers having at first desired in vain that his
Quarter some Contribution in what quality or quantity Collalto pleased to take it The Army being in their Quarters the besieged sallied out in great numbers and molested the stations held by the Enemy not without some advantage to themselves and prejudice to the Enemy Nevers going out himself in person with the Prince his Son and a good Band of men fell upon Mormitolo a place some five miles off where about one hundred Dutch were quartered who yielded unto him upon discretion He afterward went to Castiglione which he likewise took whereby making way for relief from Verona the Venetians had conveniency to convey victuals into the City they met with contrary fortune at Rivolta on the left bank of Mincio where it falls into the Lake which Town rising in Insurrections by the fomentation of the Venetians was recovered by the Dutch who went thither with the death of all the Towns-men who refusing to surrender the Town were even to the very Infants put to the Sword and though the Dutch Horse foraged the Countrey yet some succours were brought in from the State of Venice which being done by stealth were not sufficient by much for the need the City was in which being begirt by the Enemy wanted food and was also hardly handled by the Plague which was very great here as also in all the neighbouring Towns and Cities insomuch as getting into the City of Venice people died so fast as the care thereof was almost quite given over by those that had the looking to it the like hapned in Millain Bullognia and in all the Cities of Lombardy Romagnia and Tuscany but whilst the Cesarian Army winter'd in the State of Mantua and Spinola's Forces in Montferrat provisions for war as also Negotiations for peace ceased not in both which not only the Commanders in the Armies but the Princes of Italy laboured The Pope seeing the Dutch forces so neer the Church-Dominions sent about 18000 Foot into the parts about Bullognia under his Brother Don Carlo and 2000 horse and sollicited the building of Fort Urbano which he had resolved upon two years before and was begun at Castel Franco upon the way that leads from Modena to Bullognia and was a good and fitting Bulwark to Romagnia and the Church-Territories on that side but that he might likewise by his authority and endeavours stop the evils which threatned Italy he made Cardinal Antonio his Brothers second Son Legate who being also come into Bullognia where his Father govern'd the Ecclesiastick Forces he sent Monsieur Iovan Iacomo Panciruolo to Mantua to treat of some suspension of Arms between the Duke of Nevers and Collalto to the end that in the interim they might the more commodiously and with the better hopes treat of peace But this was but in vain for Collalto growing proud with successe made still higher demands and the Duke who had nothing more to grant but Mantua and Casalle had not wherewithall to satisfie his demands and pretensions so as there was no middle way left for them to meet in and the lesse for that the siege of Mantua being given over with so little honour to the Cesarean Forces and Casalle not as yet attempted by Spinola the new Dukes hopes were not a little comforted nor his confidence a little increased of being sustained by them who fomented him and were his well-wishers For whilst these two places held good all the other Town taken by the enemy either in the state of Mantua or Montferrat made but little for the main concernment of the Warr and it being very probable that the Armies being afflicted by the Pestilence by the Winter inconveniences and by those of the Campagina they would in time lessen and it was to be hoped that being much diminished of themselves they would be reduced to such a condition as not being able to withstand the French Forces which were to passe over the Alps very strong the next Spring they would be easily driven from their quarters a consideration which did must afflict Spinola For having two Armies on his back which he was to furnish with expences and provisions he feared he must be forc'd to squander out monies to no purpose this Winter and have need of it himself afterwards when there should be occasion to lay it out with profit Wherefore growing very sparing thereof he was lesse carefull in satisfying the Duke of Savoy's demands and necessities though he had other greater respects to keep him from furnishing him with monies which he proceeding from distrust did daily increase by reason of his continual treating with the French Sometimes by means of the victuals which â—…as bound to furnish the Army with which was to passe over the Mountains Sometimes by doing the like to those of Casalle Sometimes by the conduct-monies which were agreed to be given them when they should be come into Piedmont Sometimes by the negotiations which daily past touching the Dukes joyning his Forces with the French whereof there were pregnant suspicions by many demonstrations made by the Duke on purpose to make Spinola jealous Wherefore these actions being really repugnant to that good correspondency and inclination which the Duke profestto the Kings affairs when he demanded monies of Spinola and it seeming somewhat hard to Spinola that he should feed one with monies who continually fomented the enemy and who held continually so close intelligence with them he demanded from the Duke some cautionary Townes in Piedmont if he would be furnished with monies for security of his profest good will and inclination to the King of Spaine's affaires The demand did very much trouble not onely the Duke but all the Princes of Italy for it increased the jealousies of the Italian Princes if Spinola should get yet further footing in Piedmont to boot with what the Spaniards pretended to in Montferrat and the Duke in whom the Italian Princes did confide that he would not forgo the common cause as well in respect of his own as of the common interest Having complained to the King of Spain of the demands made by Spinola he obtained Orders from the Court to Spinola that he should desist from such demands and Spinola that the Duke might not be too much exasperated received some check for his too much severity Great Preparations for Warr were not only made in Italy but also elsewhere The King of France raised a mighty Army to come stronger then formerly into Piedmont and the Emperour and the King of Spain to keep the French from opposing the Duke and from forcing him to joyn with theâ—… prepared to assault France the one on the side of Spain the other on the side of Germany But both these proved rather Rumours then Reallities the want of money was the cause why on the King of Spain's side he having hardly sufficient to supply the Warrs within Italy Flanders and Germany so as he had not where withall to begin and maintain a new Warr with France And also the scarcity of
defence of Pontestura hoping that by gain of time they might the better mind their own Fortifications but the effects proved otherwise for on the fourth day the defendants began to parly and on the fifth agreed to surrender the Town upon all the conditions they could desire except that they were not to enter into Casalle nor tarry in Italy and they were bound to leave all their victuals and provisions behind them Thus Don Philip became master of this place and made the French go to Finale and from thence to Marcelles with little reputation from hence he went to St. George his Castle which was not above a mile and a half from Casalle where there were but twelve French men in Garrison besides the Towns-men who were very well armed and prepared for defence here they met with more resistance for the defendants refusing to surrender Don Philip began his Mines which he began to make upon the Flank of a Tower but they did no good by reason of artificial fire-works which being thrown from off the Walls burnt the pent-houses which shelter'd the work-men so they were forced to work further off in a better cover'd place where being safer they slew some of the defendants amongst which the Captain of the French whereupon the rest fearing to be served so likewise surrendred upon the same Articles that Pontestura had done but not with the like infamy Rossigliano remained yet untaken where there were about 300 French and Montferrians this place being cut off from Casalle by the loss of St. Georgio it was thought it would be loss of time to attempt it since it could not prejudice Casalle but Spinola to whom Don Philip writ sending word that they should proceed on they went thither the place was strong enough and seated high Marquess Moncausier the chief of the French Garrison was Governour a young sprightly man desirous of fame and to make amends by his valour for the obloquie that was laid by all men upon the French for having defended Pontestura so poorly so the business proved somewhat longer and more difficult the defendants upon the enemies appearance came forth and after some skirmishing retreated into the Town to which the enemy drew neer making their approaches on three sides and on two sides their Batteries but all their attempts which were many were manfully withstood and the Siege was held out for 15 days but at last a mine being made in the third approach to boot with their batteries they were forced to yield upon the same conditions as Pontestura had done only Moncausier with some others were permitted to go into Casalle which being block'd up by the loss of these places and kept from all succour and victuals and fearing to be shortly assaulted by Spinola's whole Army it was not likely to hold out long yet the French that were in it were not dismaid but hearing that a company of the Dukes Horse were quartered in Morano beyond the Poe they went out by night and passing over the River in Boats they fell upon them at unawares kil'd many of them and brought many of them prisoners into Casalle Spinola seeing the peace not effected left about 6000 Foot in Piedmont under the Camp-masters Don Martined ' Aragona Antoniâ—…dal Taffo Nicola Doria and Baron Shamburgs and 1000 Horse under Ierardo Gambacorti Governour of the Neopolitan Horse with Orders to them all to obey the Prince of Piedmont and he himself went to the Siege of Casalle and taking his leave of the Duke he excused the necessity of this his resolution upon the account of the great Garison of French which was in Casalle which keeping the State of Millain and part of Piedmont in jealousie no reason of war would permit that that Rendezvouz for the enemies Arms should be suffered by reason of the great inconveniences which might result from thence all their joynt Forces being in Piedmont and being confident out of his experience in taking in of Towns and by the opinion of his Captains that the Town could not hold out for above 40 days he promised the Duke that when it should be taken he would return with all his Forces to assist him Colalto also parted from Piedmont leaving between three or four thousand Dutch there under the Baron Gallaaso who were put in Garrison in Avigliana Spinola begun the taking of Casalle about the end of May not being resolved whether he should attempt it by Storm or by Siege though they hoped the Siege would not prove long by reason of the small quantity of victuals that were in it yet calculating that the number of defendants were lessened by the sending of men into the Towns which were taken but a little before it was judged that storming would prove the safer and the shorter way the rather for that the Forces of the French Army being sufficiently diminished the fear of their opposition was proportionably lessened wherefore it was thought better to dispute the business by force of Arms then streightning it by Famine to depend upon the success of a Siege which through uncertain and false calculations proves more uncertain and more falacious but were it either that his felicity followed him not but was fix'd to the Belgick soil or that the several ends and emulations of the Chieftains who managed that war did turmoil his genius or that his dâ—…ath which shortly hapned cut off the thred of his excellent fortune he was forc'd to succumb in this The Duke di Mena Nevers his second Son commanded in Casalle a young man and but little experienced in Arms so as his person served for little more then for the authority and reputation of the Government and conduct of Affaâ—…rs and to keep concord amongst the Captains and Military obedience in the Citadel was only a Garrison of Montferrians under the same Marquess of Rivara who had withstood the former oppugnation the French being 2000 Foot and 300 Horse defended the City and the Citadel who were commanded by Marshal di Toras one who had won the same of much valour and the opinion of being excellent at the keeping of Towns by his singular and valiant defending of the Isle of Rees which lies over against Rochel against a treble assault of the English Fleet the chief Fortifications when Toras came thither were only towards the Poe and towards the Plain where it was assaulted by Don Gonzallo it was but little or not at all fortified towards the Hill and Toras searing to be assaulted on that side was very industrious in fortifying it the Citadel had no out-works nor Fortifications save two Half-moons the one of which shelter'd the Gate whereby relief was brought the other that which was towards the City Toras made another very great one doubly begirt between the two bulwarks of the Citadel where he apprehended to be assaulted Neither were these provisions made in vain for Spinola thinking this the fittest place began four approaches from thence the first whereof was committed to
backwardness many to that they did not desire to declare themselves openly and contrary to the Emperour of whose greatness they were still jealous and had great reason to apprehend it and many to more hidden and malign ends of reducing that Duke into a necessity of throwing himself into their Arms and of yielding up that City to the Commonwealth if not being able to hold it he should be necessitated to yield it to the Enemy Nevers complained much hereof and the Embassadour of France then Resident in Venice no less then he and threatned That if the Commonwealth should proceed so cooly on her part his King also who was less concerned in the Affairs of Italy then they would do the like in Cassalle and Montferrat and would leave them both to the pleasure of the Spaniard The Commonwealth being either moved by these speeches or by the danger that Mantua was in in whose inteâ—…ests she so deeply shared resolved at last to send stronger succours She had about 3000 French paid by her who were brought from Provence to Venice by Sea part under Monsieur de la Valletta part under the Duke of Candale to boot with many others of several Nations to the number of 8000 Zaccharia Sagredâ—… Commissary-General in terra firma commanded in Chief the Duke of Candale commanded the Foot and Don Lewis de Este the Horse and Ieronymo Trevisano was Field-Commissary Vallegio a strong Town in the Territories of Verona towards the confines of Mantua five miles below Peschiera was made the Rendezvoz for Arms in pursuit of the Commonwealths resolution which was That Mantua should by all means be relieved The Commanders of the Army before the effecting of this design would make Castiglione and Mormirolo which were Towns neerer Mantua secure that they might the more easily relieve it and secure the coming of Market-people and the fruits of the field to that City and thought they had sent Forces to possess themselves thereof yet considering afterwards that to boot with the extraordinary expences which they must be at in fortifying those places the business would not succeed according to their intentions they bethought themselves better and upon new resolutions to take Villa-Buona Marengo and St Britio places neerer Valâ—…ggio not far from Coito The business of Villa-buona by Orders from Candale was undertaken by Colonel Vimarcato who was sent thither with his Brigade and that of Marengo by la Valletta who by order from the General entred it with a good strength of men the sending of a Garrison to St Britio was deferr'd till another time They began to fortifie both these Places and two Troops of Horse and some Corsicks were sent to Villa buona to boot with Vimarcato's Brigade which were already there But Galasso who minded what the Venetians did did not slight this their action but putting the body of an Army together consisting of 10000 what Horse what Foot marched with it to Villa buona and advancing some Companies of Croats they encountred with some Capelletti who being come from Villa-buona went to discover the Country and were followed by some Light-Horse La Valletta together with many Voluntiers and Lancepresadâ—…es went to order the skirmish if any should happen which being briskly begun was but ill sustained by the Capelletti for the body of the Dutch advancing which followed the Croats the Venetians wheeled about and were pursued to their Trenches where the Souldiers that guarded them being afraid began to run but being rallied by their Captains and made to take their former stations they did a while withstand the Dutch who strove thrice but in vain to gain the Tâ—…enches and to drive away the defendants in which interim the Dutch had raised a Battery of six Cannons which playing upon thâ—… Trenches and Half-moons and indamaging them much the defendants were forc'd to forsake them and to retreat in great confusion and disorder for the Souldiers who with much ado had been made formerly to stand by their Captains threats seeing some Pike men give back were surprised with sudden fear and fairly ran away towards Villagio leaving their stations to the enemy whereof some of them following and some having overtaken them with their Horse they were inviron'd and much bloody slaughter was made amongst them true it is that news of the Fâ—…ght at Villa-buona being come to Valleggio two Companies were presently sent thither the one of Croats the other of Capelle ti and Commissâ—…ry Antonius came soon aâ—…ter with some other Troops of Croats and â—…apelletti these being come to a place which they call Capitello â—…ound that they ran away from Villa-buona and the Captains thinking that they were but few that followed them halted and putting tâ—…emselves in order resolved by their opposing to back and secure those who running down right away thought to save themselves in Valleggio but finding not long after that the Dutch were many more in number then they imagined they alter'd their minds and retreated also to underneath the shelter of the Cannon at Valleggio whither when the Dutch approached a new and greater Fight was begun wherein all the Veneâ—…an Horse drew into the Field and fought but not being able to withstand the Dutch and being gauled by Musketiers which the Dutch had placed in some little houses hard by they likewise ran away to underneath the Ditches of Valleggio where being defended by the Cannon which held the enemy a while at a distance they secured themselves the rest who were in Valleggâ—…o not daring to come out to defend their own men nor to enter into the Fight nor to defend the Towns which were taken whilst they looked on and were plunder'd with great slaughter of the Inhabitants the Dutch were quarter'd a little way off and stood all night within sight of Valleggio inviting the enemy to fight who withdrawing their men into their houses dreamed not of coming forth but looking to be assaulted in their own Quarters placed their Souldiers to defend their Rampiers but the Captains fearing they should not be able to make the place good by reason of the cowardize and fear which they discover'd in their Souldiers countenances they resolved to abandon the Town which whilst they endeavoured to do without confusion and in good order and had given fitting directions to that purpose the Souldiers had hardly notice thereof when being surprised with greater fear then formerly they began to run away in greater fear and disorder then they had done the day before no commands of their Captains being able to stay them they all fled to Peschiera and Gallasso who had expected all night and till four hours after Sun-rising the next morning that they should sally out began to distrust he had precise Orders from the Emperour not to enter or indamage the State of Venice wherefore not thinking to assault the enemy in that station lest he thereby should disobey the Emperours command he thought to turn upon Mormirvolo whither he heard that 3000 of the
care upon him and who discharged it like a Souldier The French seeing that contrary to their opinion the Dutch were come unto the Camp found the disadvantage of their own Forces they were not only much inferiour to the Enemy in number 20000 Foot and 5000 Horse being computed to be in the Spanish Camp and for that the Spaniards Horse were better then theirs and in better order but for that though their Trenches were imperfect towards the Plain yet were they so high as they were able to withstand the first on set wherein the French are usually the best But the good order wherein the Spanish Army stood did chiefly amaze them which was thus A great number of Pikemen and Musketeers stood on the front of the Trenches behind which were two ranks of Battaglions in order but at such a distance from the Trench as the Horse which were on the Wings of the Squadrons and had their out-lets might manage themselves in the space which was between the Trench and the Squadrons and might commodiously go out and annoy the Enemies on the Flank who should assault the Trenches or over-run the Country as occasion should require It was notwithstanding impossible to Spuntare a Francesi who advanced in a double Front divided into three Bodies each one led on by a Marshal with the Horse on their sides and preceded by some forlorn hopes and yet the diffidence irresolution and the fear of what might happen in San Croce kept things equally ballanced these desired Agreement rather then Battle and the others though they more needed Agreement yet seemed they less desirous of it and the seeing the Enemy so forward to accord made them the more backward and God knows wheâ—…her the Mediators dealt sincerely in the business or no Mazarine went several times between the one Camp and the other but in vain the French being still resolute to relieve the City and to fight at last being got neer the Trenches their Horse on the left Wing were set upon by some few Horse led on by Octavio Picolomini who was advanced with them rather to discover then to fight so as all men thought they would have joyn'd Battle for some of the French Horse went to encounter them and they came to the giving of fire but Mazarine coming at the same time from the French Camp cried aloud Halt Halt whereupon all hostile Acts ceasing they came to this Agreement That Toras should come out of the Citadel with all the French where the Duke du Mayne should tarry with 1000 Montferrians and That they should swear to keep the Town in the Emperours Name That the Spaniards should do the like for what concern'd the Castle and the City and the Towns which they were possess'd of in Montferrat That the French Army should retreat into France and the Spanish into the State of Millain That for all things else the Peace of Ratisbone should be observed This being thus setled San Croce together with the Duke of Lerma and Don Philip son to the late Marquess Spinola came out of the Trench and the Duke of Nocera and Count Iohn Serbellone and about 30 other Lords the three Marshals came out of the French Army with the like number of Lords and Commanders and here in the same place which was intended for Battle they mutually embraced each other and Peace was established on the 26 of October the year 1629. which was readily put in execution for what was then to be done A raâ—…e and perhaps unheaâ—…d of exâ—…mple That two Armies of two such enemy Nations being so neeâ—… nay after the Skirmish was begun should not only abstain from fighting but should lovingly embrace one another with those hands which were ready to be imbrued in one anothers blood All men praised the courage and counsel of the French and their happy success who though far inferiour in Forces could notwithstanding make such excellent use of the Enemies fear as to make them agree and condescend unto what was contrary to all reason And all men on the contrary wondred that the Spanish Army should be so void both of couâ—…age and counsel as not knowing how to make use of so many advanâ—…ages but totally yieldâ—…ng to the Enemies preâ—…ensions they should so easily grant unto them that main point whereupon the whole success of the present War did consist and which being still maintained would have established the foundation of the grandezza of all the Kings Affairs and would have kept his Dominions in perpetual security and which being quitted occasioned the loss of regal authority and of that preeminency and safety of the Kings States for the maintenance whereof Arms had with so much scandal been taken up and which was the greater wonder that they should abandon their own and their Kings pretensions then when they were upon the point of obtaining them for it was most certain that the French Army was weary with so long a march was less in number then what it appeared to be worse in order for Arms Horse and all things appertaining to war then upon the present occasion was requisite so as if the Spaniards had been more resolute and bold in their proceedings the French would either not have dared to have hazarded a Battle wherein they were to fight against well-armed Trenches or if they should have fought they must necessarily have been defeated but San ' Croce who was not any ways experienced in matter of war apprehended and was afraid of all things The two Armies being retired from Casalle the Duke de Mayne remained with the Montferrians master of the City Citadel and Castle of Casalle under the Cesarean Commissary who though he was above all others and had the chief command in outward appearance yet being only to command such things as du Mayne would obey he was superiour rather in shadow and ceremony then in substance so little good was got by what was agreed upon San ' Croce went to Sartiranna and brought his men back into the State of Millain the French divided their men into two parts the one part whereof marched under Monsieur d' Arpasone through the Territories of Asti the other wherein were the three Marishals through the Canevese the restitution of the Towns in Montferrat remained for the full and perfect execution of the Agreement but Letters being come this mean while to San ' Croce from Spain with particular Orders what he was to do with the Citadel which was undoubtedly held in that Court that it would be lost as not being to be succoured San ' Croce doubted that the new agreement would not be well resented there and as in great resolutions the thing chosen is almost always repented the difficulties of what was found fault with being always imagined to be past and the consideration of what convenience might have resulted from the thing rejected entring in the place thereof so San ' Croce having forgotten the dangers and difficulties of war and being fuller fraught
were therein comprehended they resolved to return to the Camp and have it cleared by the General who being interrogated thereupon it is not known whether as being terrified thereat and repenting what he had done he imbraced the occasion which might make for his justification or whether continuing in his first design of bringing the business to that good end for which he profess'd he had moved it he freely answered that the Swedes were to be prosecuted with the common forces and exâ—…irpated as disturbers of the publick peace of Germany and he was so resolute in this point as no reason which could be alledged to the contrary being able to alter his determination and Arnheim and his companions consenting by no means that the Swedes should be driven out the Capitulations were cancel'd and the Treaty of Agreement was at the same time almost concluded and broken yet the Capitulation was so detestable as all men were generally much scandalized with it the rather for that Wallestein strove not to regain his credit afterwards by contrary actions nor to cancel the sinister opinions which he had thereby purchased but as if he scorned the vulgar opinion giving them new colours he did consolidate them more and more till in time they proved pernicious to him The Capitulations being broken Wallestein sent part of his Forces to assault Saxony which made the Duke thereof recall his men from Slesia to defend himself Arnheim immediately after he had received his Princes Orders marched with his Army towards Saxony leaving a Garrison in Slesia under the old Count de Toure a chief Lord of Bohemia whose authority was so great in the Diets of that Kingdom as the Palatine acknowledged his promotion to that Crown from thence which made the Count be declared a Rebell by the Emperour Arnheim also left Colonel Tubal one of the chieâ—…est of the Swedish Commanders to accompany the Count. Wallestein kept behind Arnheim having also left as many men in Slesia as Arnheim had done but when he saw Arnheim so far advanced as he could not return to succour the Count in Slesia he faced about and returning speedily to Slesia he came thither just then when his men were ready to fight the enemy and he did so surround the enemy as he took the Count and Colonel Prisoners and gave life and liberty to all the other Souldiers and Officers upon condition that they would march into the Emperours quarters and joyn themselves to the Cesarean Army but the Colonel finding a means quickly how to escape made men suspect that Wallestein had underhand given him his liberty as he had openly given him his life The Count having bargained for his own liberty delivered up the Towns in Slesia which were yet in his power and those of least consequence being delivered up the Duâ—…mo di 〈◊〉 which was the chiefest and which commanded all the Province and which by agreement was to be delivered up held out so as the Counts presence being requisite for the surrender thereof he was set at liberty upon condition that he should return prisoner if the Duâ—…mo were not effectually delivered up which not being done and the Count not returning Fritland was still more blamed of collusion with both the prisoners and much more for that having sent so many of the enemies to the Emperours Army he was thought to have done it for that owing their lives to him they should upon all occasions depend upon him yet professing himself abused by the Count and breathing out nothing but revenge he went with his Army to Turingia and Lusatâ—… Provinces which belonged to the Emperour but were in the Duke of Saxony his possession and prosecuting his former designs he seemed resolved to make that Duke and the Marquess of Brandenberg make peace with the Emperour he therefore made much progress there took many Towns amongst others Franckfort upon the Odâ—…r and Lansperg in Marca di Brandenberg both of them great Cities and of much consequence whereby he made way for passing further into the march in the Country of Brandenberg and in Pomerania in which case if he should come to the Coasts of the Baltick Sea he would keep as he threatned to do the Swedes from being relieved from that Kingdom and from returning thereinto these threats accompanied by the multitude of his Forces and by his happy success did so terrifie those Electors as finding themselves unable to make resistance they press'd very eagerly for relief from the Confederates protesting that that if they were abandoned they must be forc'd to abandon the Common Cause and joyn with the Emperour Oxenstern and the other Heads of the League were divided in their judgements not knowing whether they were to abandon or to relieve those Princes for by abandoning them to boot with the great errour they should commit therein and to boot with the loss of reputation they foresaw the manifest ruine of their party and union On the contrary if they should relieve them they must quit all upper Germany to the Emperour so full of Cities and Towns upon the Rheine and the Danow which so much to their praise and encrease of Dominion they had won and from whence they got infinite contributions of Moneys Men Victuals and Munition which Towns and Territories being abandoned were necessarily to fall into the Emperours power if they should go to relieve Saxony and they should thereby infinitely weaken themselves and strengthen the Emperour so amidst these streights they pitch'd their thoughts upon Bavaria which A'dringer being gone into Alsatia was bereft of all defence and they held it their absolute best course to fall upon it with all the Forces they could assemble taking it for granted that when they should have won that Dukedom the way would be open for them to enter Austria and to come even to Vienna they were confident that by this noble and generous diversion without loss of honour or of any thing they had gotten nay by making yet much greater acquisitions they might bring that relief to the Electors which they could not do if they should go directly to their relief with all their Forces without manifest loss of honour and what they had gotten for the Emperour being assaulted in the midst of his Empire would be forced to recall his Army from offending the Electors to defend himself so as Fritlands cunning would be deluded and his counsels countermined wherewith he had fancied unto himself to destroy their League The success out-did the expectation of so noble and generous a resolution for Duke Weymer being deputed to execute it he with 50 Cornets of Horse and 15000 Foot took both sides of the Danow and coasting along came to Ratisbone where sitting down at unawares he after several batteries forc'd it to surrender within 12 days having gotten it he advanced and took Straubingen and dechendorfe great Towns upon the Rheine and with such gallant acquisitions advanc'd towards Austria so as the Court of Vienna was in
more fear then the Electors of Saxony and Brandenberg had been by Wallesteins proceedings it was therefore resolved to send him precise Order to return and relieve Austria who being unwilling to give over so happy success and the great advantage which he hoped to reap thereby for the publick welfare was troubled much at Cesars Commands thinking that if that part of Germany should withstand the enemies assaults a little longer the assailants would be forced to change their course and leave Bavaria and Austria free to the Emperour so to relieve Saxony and the lower parts of Germany which for their own safeties sake they could not abandon but this his backwardness being badly interpreted by the Court which was not well satisfied with his late and former actions as if being more desirouâ—… that Bavaria should be lost then relieved he valued not the danger of Austria so as he might revenge himself upon that Prince he was at last but much against his will forced to obey the Emperours re-iterated Commands he therefore abandoned that Country and quitted the so many Triumphs which he had won and when he was come within twenty leagues of Ratisbone hearing that that Town was surrendered he advanced no further but finding that the enemy drew neer Passao a very strong place situated upon the Dâ—…ube and which being thought to be the gate of Austria was of no small concern he sent 3000 Foot to deâ—…end it but seeming not to care much for Ratisbone and less for Bavaria he retreated into Bohemia and came with all his men into the City of Pilsen the loss of Ratisbone which forced the Emperour to recall Wallestein from Saxony forc'd him also to send for Aldringer from Alsatia to relieve Bavaria which was powerfully assaulted by the Colleagues whose departure was necessarily accompanied by Feria who wanting men and being abandoned by Aldringer could not tarry longer with safety in that Country nor could Aldringer tarry safely in Alsatia without Feria nor retreat safely into Bavaria so as for their joynt security which by disunion would have been indangered it behoved them to joyn in abandoning Alsatia and in prosecuting that voyage and Feria being necessitated to follow the same way that the Dutch had gone in the midst of Winter to the great hardship and destruction of his men who begging quarter and lodging which were ransack'd and ruin'd by the Dutch who had gone before and quite berest of all provisions they could not get victuals for any money by which sufferings and by reason of the cold weather which was very great that Winter and which the Spaniards and Italians who are born under more benigne heavens could not well endure and being also often gauled by the enemy that Army was miserably wasted great hardships having occasioned frequent and dangerous sickness in it being at last after so many sufferings gotten into Bavaria Feria died of a Fever in Monaco and left the charge of his men to Count Serbellone and as by Wallesteins departure from the parts neer Saxony all the acquisitions which he had made returned to their former condition so by the departure of these two Armies all Alsatia reverted into the Swedes possession who returning to Brisack soon brought it into the former streights The Infanta not being able therefore to build any longer upon that Army for his journey into Flanders nor for the freeing of that Town and it behoving him to take his journey the sooner for that in the beginning of December 1633 the Infanta his Aunt left this world and the Provinces of Flanders wanting a supream head by her death press'd very much for his coming new Orders were therefore to be given and new levies of men were to be made wherein neither the Infanta nor the Spanish Agents in Italy were slack who diligently sent out Orders some for men some for other necessaries for that expedition and though the Crowns Provinces and Kingdoms were much exhausted by the select choice made by Feria the year before yet ere May was over the State of Millain was full of new Military men most whereof were old Souldiers of several Nations commanded by men very considerable not only for noble birth but for valour and long experience in war Count Monterei sent 6000 Foot and 1000 Horse from Naples all good men and excellently well armed under his Heir the Marquess of Torazzona two Brigades of Foot were raised in Lombardy the one by Prince Doria at his own expence who were commanded by Carlo Gausco Camp-master the other in the State of Millain by Marquess Lunato Marquess Spinola raised also 500 Horse at his own cost and moneys were paid out of Cesars Court for recruiting Duke Feria's Army Wallestein was demanded to send 4000 Horse of those that were in Cesars Army which he refused to do pretending that he could not lessen his Army but indeed because he did not like that this other Army which had no dependency upon him should enter Germany fearing that the Authority and Grandezza of such a Prince might eclipse his and moreover that the Spanish Agents against whom all his thoughts were bent might triumph over him The Infanta therefore that he might take from him his pretence of denial gave order that moneys should be issued out of the Cesarean Court for the raising of so many Horse in Hungary which should supply the place of those that should be sent into Italy to augment the Infanta's Army 600 other Horse were raised in Burgâ—…ndy by Count de la Torre one of the chief men of Burgâ—…ndy and 1000 Foot were also come from Spain under Count Fuenclara with these Forces and with other partly paid partly noble voluntiers did this Army march and the Infanta therewith towards Tirvolo through the Valtoline and came to Zusteyne to pursue his journey into Flanders through Alsatia so to joyn with the Imperial Army which was newly march'd into the fields under the King of Hungary Son to the Emperour he being chosen Captain General of the Cesarean Forces by his Father in Wallesteins stead who a little before was not only deposed from being General but declared by publick Edict in the beginning of the 34 Rebel and guilty of high Treason whereupon he was slain by his own Souldiers a singular accident and very well worth consideration and which drew the eyes of the whole world upon it not so much for the singularity thereof as for the circumstances which accompaâ—…ied this tragical event for the consequences which it drew after it and for the discourse and impression which it occasioned in the parties for which it deserves really to be numbered amongst the most memorable that hath hapned in these times or in many pass'd ages since such an accident deserves to be described to posterity with all the circumstances thereof though it was occasioned by many things which have already been spoken of yet will it not at all be from our purpose if somewhat exceeding the limits and confines of a
Spanish Agents thinking that he sowed discord between the Empire and Crown of Spain to the end that he might weaken them both and so destroy them and the Jesuites thinking that he was resolved to subvert the Catholick Religion which though in appearance he professed to worship yet many of his actions having another aspect he was no less suspected to be an enemy to Religion then to the Empire and it was thought that he profess'd the Catholick Religion only outwardly and to keep in credit with the Emperour who was a pious Prince but that for the rest that he intended to take away all the supports from the Catholick Religion and from the Spanish Authority that he might the more easily effect his designs against them All of them therefore used their power with the Emperour to contaminate these his endeavours amongst the Spaniards there was the Count d'Ognate Embassadour in ordinary with the Emperour and the Marquess of Castegnada also Embassadour in extraordinary with the King of Hungary both of them indued with excellent Counsel and Judgement who were very careful of the main Affairs Fritland had made both these his enemies no less then he had done the Duke of Bavaria but he had incens'd him now more then ever for that after the loss of Ratisbone he would not give the least assistance to his State which was then more in danger then ever wherefore the Duke exclaimed against him in Cesars Court his keeping still in Bohemia added to his being hated and suspected as also the probable doubt that he had still some design to make himself King thereof and that he tarried therefore there in these perturbations of Affairs to execute this his design now when in likelihood he might easily effect it not so much in respect of the Authority he had over the Souldiers who called him their Father and were ready at his least beck as that all the Princes and Hans Towns of Germany being much inclined to abate the Austrian name and authority would not only be well pleased therewith but would favour it and assist him therein but the more necessary provision appeared to be had against the accumulation of so many mischiefs the harder was it to finde them out Cesars Decrees were of small validity against him who had the supream and absolute arbitrement over all Cesars Forces so as the remedy appeared more dangerous then the disease and the Emperour still persevering in his resolution of not condemning one of disloyalty of whose fidelity he was so well satisfied he seemed not capable of putting on so stout a resolution but being at last overcome by so many exclamations and reiterated protestations or were it that the prejudice he received by the quartering of his men upon his Territories grieved him when he saw the very City of Vienna environed with his quarters and himself and his Court in a manner besieged before he would come to more sharp and severe courses he made his desires known to him by Father Chiroga a Spaniard a religious Capuchin and Confessor to the Queen of Hungary that in consideration of his being so grievously troubled with the Gout which was a hindrance to him in his Military actions he would be content to give over his Command of being General and retire himself as he had done formerly to a private life but were it either that he thought this desire was made at the instant pressures of his enemies or that he still persevered in his machinations he would not be perswaded thereunto but answered that he had no desire to serve the Emperour against the Emperours will that he was therefore ready to obey his commands but that it was also true that as well he himself as his Commanders under him had upon his Paroll been at great expence in raising men for the recruiting of the Army and that he was to see them paid for the expences they had been at as the Emperour was to see him satisfied that therefore he thought it reasonable that in the first place his Majesty should finde means to pay what he ought him and to his Captains and that convenient satisfaction being given in this point he would give over his charge and withdraw himself to a private life but the Emperour not being in a condition of disbursing so great a sum of money and the jealousies and frequent protestations multiplying he betook himself to somewhat a more severe way he sent the Baron of Questemberg who was his chiefest Officer to him and his chiefest Court-confident and through whose hands the Affairs of greatest consequence passed willing him to complain in his name against his pass'd actions and particularly for his quartering his Army in his the Emperours Patrimonial Dominions and chiefly in the parts about Vienna and he gave him also a very resentive instruction whereby the Emperour complaining very much of the loss of Ratisbone and of Wallesteins not recovering it he added that those quarters did so much trouble his Imperial Majesty as he would rather lose a Field Battle then indure them any longer when Questemberg came before Fritland were it either that he had always shew'd himself much devoted to his greatness or were it that he feared to exasperate him too much if he should deliver him his message by word of mouth judged it better to give him his instructions to read at the reading whereof Fritland being mightily incensed said that he would renounce his charge of being General for he clearly saw all his enemies used their uttermost power to make him do so whereupon he published this his resolution in writing and which made much for irritating the Souldiery he caused several Copies of this instruction to be dispers'd amongst them he also gave Order to his Cousen the Count of Tersica and General of the Horse and to Count Chiuschy his great Favorite both of them Bohemians who possess'd great Lordships in that Kingdom and to the Marquess Illo a Burgondian and one who was also much his favorite to negotiate with the Captains and Souldiers of his Army and make them not consent to his laying down his charge these obey'd the Generals commands and began seditiously to publish throughout the Quarters and Precincts of the Army the wrongs and injuries which were done to their General by his enemies the which not being any longer able to resist he was forced to renounce his charge and once more to give way to the apparent hatred of the Court Saying that he who was a Captain loaded with Victories and Triumph and who now was arrived at that height of greatness whereunto any humane thought could aspire was not troubled to return to a private life that once more after having undergone so many labours he might injoy the quiet due thereunto wherefore he was not troubled to disrobe himself once more of that command which against his will and inforc'd he had revested himself with that he was only troubled even to the soul to think that he must
with the gross of his men and offered himself ready to defend either that Town or Tortona if either of them should be assaulted by the enemy but when he saw the Marshal return from Piovera and go together with the Duke to before Valenza he hasted thither with Colonna and the men which were with him and being come into the Town he found it provided of an excellent Commander the Marquess of Celada a Spaniard nobly born whom being come a little before from Spain and seeing that they were likely to abandon Valenza could not suffer such an amazment and therewith such a prejudice to the affairs of the Crown and so great a lessening of the honor of Spain he therefore offered to take upon him the defence of that Town and to sacrifice himself and his fortune in so dangerous a business for the publick honour and safety who being a Gentleman experienced in Arms and sent from the Court with title of General of the Horse of an Army which by the Kings order and expence was to be raised in Alsatia his offer was accepted and much commended by the Governour of Millain the singular example of so generous magnanimity encouraged many and fill'd them with generous emulations so as not able to stand spectators of the loss of that Town to the loss of their reputation they resolved to follow him he entred Valenza two days before Colonna and Spinola came thither from Allessandria with men artillery munition and victuals Spinola took upon him the already begun defence the more willingly now that he saw the place commanded by so gallant a person whom he had very well known in the Wars of Germany and not refusing to serve under him the generous Spaniards would not exercise command over him but left the titular or seeming government to Martine Galeno who was the Governour before in whose name all things were done and they two Celada and Spinola joyntly and unanimously did with much care and vigilancy minde the defence of the besieged Town and seeing it provided of all things necessary for new provisions were daily brought in by the bridge they fell to fortifie it but the Town being environed onely with an old ruinous wall they first began to perfect the work which Spinola had begun which was a great strong Trench which being Flank'd with eight bulwarks begirt the Town at a competent distance on the outside by which work which was handsomly begun and perfected they hoped to keep the enemy from the wall as long as possibly they could and having time and convenience through Cricky's negligence to finish the work they munited it with many men and for the better defence they besides the Bulwarks made certain low Redoubts in the ditch which they call Capponiere by a word taken from Capons pens which they are like to these Capponiere some slingers were sent by a cover'd way from the bulwarks who kept the enemy at such a distance as he could not come neer the wall before he was master of the Capponiere the taking whereof as it was very hard they being under the shelter of the Cannon and musket of the Bulwarks which were on their backs so were they easie to be recovered in case they were lost for those that take them being play'd upon by the same Cannon and Muskets which did first defend them they are forc'd either to abandon their purchase immediately with much loss of blood first shed in the taking of them and afterwards in abandoning them which being abandoned are easily re-taken by the said Slingers through the same cover'd ways who when they can make no longer defence got with safety into the bulwarks the loss therefore succeeding the defence and the defence the loss provision was had for the long preservation and safety of the chief Bulwark by which the place was secured a moderen invention the which the sleighter it seem'd to be proved the more efficacious for it is apt to weary the fiercest assaults that can be given to Bulwarks nor did they employ their time onely in fortifying and muniting after Celada and Spinola were come but in sallying out also and in assaults for finding that the Duke of Parma's quarters were not yet perfectly fortified and hearing that his numbers were much diminished by the running away of many of his men they thought they might easily make themselves Masters thereof by assaulting them early in the morning whil'st the Souldiers were asleep but the event answered not expectation for as they sallyed out upon break of day towards the Dukes quarters they were driven back to within their own walls and fortifications with loss of men and reputation Richardo Auvoyadro General of the Dukes Horse a stout and well experienced Flanders Souldier whil'st he was diligently looking to affairs espied the enemy and giving an Alarm immediatly went out himself unarm'd as he was on horsback with onely fourteen other horse which he found ready and in order and encountred the enemy and falling upon a squadron of Carabines which were advanc'd before the rest he aâ—…ter a sleight Skirmish beat them back and afforded time this mean while for the rest to arm and put themselves in order to defend their quarters which the enemy being aware off and fearing they should fail of their hopes they retreated to within their works in great confusion leaving some of their men dead behinde them and amongst which Don Iovan di Chiavari nephew to Cardinal Albornizi whose death was recompenced with the like of Avogadro who after having repuls'd the Carabines being transported with the success advanc'd forward and going to assault some Curassiers was slain by a Musker shot to the Dukes great grief who confided much in his Councel valour and experience Valenza being fortified and 5000 good foot being left there Colonna went out with only 800 Horse and retreated to Pieve del Cairo a Town beyond the Poe in the â—…omellina six miles from Valenza expecting more men which were to come from several parts and in the interim was a Convoy to the Provisions which were continually sent and this he did lest it might be taken by stoln assaults which would have been prejudicial to the relieving of Valenza wherein many valiant and experienced Commanders tarried the very flower of the Spaniards besides Marquess Spinola so as by the confidence that was had of them by the Works and Fortifications which were continually made and by the continued assistance that Don Carlo Colonna who kept in the Lomellina gave them the condition of the Town seemed to be somewhat bettered This confidence grew greater for that the besiegers were found not to proceed with such vigour and diligence as they ought to have done The Duke of Parma who being of a fiery spirit and desirous to bring the business to a good and speedy end thought every least delay a loss of time nor could he endure that the business which of its self was like to be short and sure should be
out of the French which they had conceived of him by reason of what had hapned before Valenza by giving them this place in lieu thereof which was of greater consequence and a more convenient seat And therefore he did not onely assist the already begun Fabrick by his care and diligence but stuck not sometimes to work thereupon with his own hands as a private Souldier The work was begun about the end of November in a time when the Lomellina having already been the seat of the War before Valenza was wholly destitute of victuals forrage and of all things else necessary for the maintenance of an Army in a time when the earth being cover'd over with Ice and Snow and the ways deep it was impossible they could be disturbed in their work an advantage which was well repaid by the prejudice that the same difficulties occasioned to the labourers and to the whole French Army for the Souldiers not being able to resist the bitterness of the season and the scarcity of victuals so many of them died as in a short time and before the Fort was finished they were reduced to a very small number yet the work was finished and abundantly provided of all warlike necessaries but not being able to tarry in so desolate a Country for the scarcity of victuals a sufficient Garrison being left there all the rest of the Souldiery went out and ran plundering up and down some in the lower Montferrat some in the parts about Alessandria where taking Towns they with much rigour used towards the Inhabitants got together as much victuals as they could and brought it all speedily into the new Fort. The Duke of Parma was not present at this building being gone to Paris to negotiate his own interests with the King hoping not only to be rewarded and honour'd but to be by him assisted in the maintaining of his Dominions which in his absence were exposed to the assaults of the enemy in defence whereof the Duke of Savoy were it either to regain the Kings favour and to cancel all shadows of suspition or to ease Piedmont from quartering he sent the Marquess Villa with 1800 Horse and 4000 Foot to boot with the remainder of the Parma Forces to go joyntly to the defence of those Staâ—…es The Marquess marching out of Cassalle and having without any opposition cross'd through the Country of Alessandria came to Scrivia a River which runs neer Tortona but the new Governour who hearing of this marching was before hand got into that City hoping assuredly to hinder the enemies passage over that River to which purpose he placed two pieces of Cannon and some Sacres upon a certain rise on the inward bank on the opposite side whereof the enemy marched already and he also placed all his Musketeers there he also sent a Troop of Dragoons beyond the River to discover the enemy which were driven back over the River by the Marquess his Guard and forced with much loss to get within shelter of the Artillery on the other side The Marquess drew out his men in battle array to venture foording his men over and after having skirmished a while finding himself inferiour to the enemy both in Forces and situation desisted from passing over there and tried whether he might not overcome the enemy by Military industry this River is foordable only in three places the first in this place which was well guarded by Tortona another five miles lower at Castel nuovo the third between these two which is called passo della Lupa The Marquess would not venture over here it being so neer the other place and from him the Prince being come to Traghetino within three miles of Castel nuovo found that Villa stood expecting him in the field with his men in order and not thinking it fit to face a Captain and old Souldiers proud of their late got Victory with fresh and unexperienced men staid expecting new recruits from the State of Millain where by order from the Governour some 3000 Foot were in readiness to assist the assaulted State under Don Iovan Vasques Cornado Governour of Cremona and 800 Horse under Don Vincenzo Gonsaga Lieutenant General of the Horse of the State of Millain who being come from the greater Cassalle in Barques along the Poe to Boreto a Town of Modena landed there and joyn'd with Prince Lewis intending to fall joyntly upon the State of Parma Marquess Villa at the news of the coming of this recruit was gone from Castel nuovo to the banks of Poe between Barcello and Colorno thinking that this succour would land there that so he might keep them from landing but seeing them fall lower and fearing what did indeed happen that when they should be landed they would march into the Country of Parma he thought to oppose them at the pass of Lenza a little River which divides the States of Modena and Parma upon which there were two Bridges upon one of the which called Ponte della Sorbolla he himself stood with his men and sent 500 men of Parma to defend the other thinking that the enemy would fall on by that of Sorbolla but seeing that they went to assault the other and that having driven away those of Parma not without some loss they were pass'd to this side the River he feared that they would overrun the Country even to the Walls of Parma as they might well do wherefore leaving the Parma Militia to guard the Bridge of Sorbolla he went himself with his men to the Hospital St. Lazzero to keep them from advancing neerer the City between the River Lenza and the City of Parma there goes a large way with a great Ditch on either side the Prince and the Spanish Commanders thinking to charge through to the City by that great way they put their men in order and so did Villa his a Van of 500 Musketeers march'd before the Prince his men half on the one side half on the other side of the way betwixt whom the Horse marched and behind them the rest of the Spanish Foot and in the Reeâ—… came those of Modena 5000 Foot and 1000 Horse in number The Marquess disposed of his men en Croupe and were it either that the Spanish Horse which advanc'd wanted Musketiers or that the way through which they came galloping was so narrow as no more then five Horse could come on front it was easie for the Marquess who already was pass'd over with the Piedmont Horse to make head against them and to keep back and repulse the enemies Horse by his Musket-shot who being dispers'd fled some to Castel nuovo some to Ponte Curone some being loâ—…e wounded some slain Don Martine d'Aragona received a sore wound himself and the Governour not appearing with any succour the foord was forsaken so as not only those who were already pass'd but those that tarried behind pass'd over together with the Foot without any gainsaying Villa being doubly glorious first for having deluded the enemies advantages by his
cunning and by his valour routed their Forces he pursued his march and came with his men to Castle St. Iovanni and from thence into the States of Piacenza and Parma and having distributed his men in these States instead of being a guard and defence unto them he drew a new war and a new enemy upon them for he had no sooner refresh'd his men but that he entered the Dukedom of Modena with 1000 Horse and 200 Foot without giving any notice thereof to the Duke of Modena and having taken Castel nuovo del Regiano he made a Rendezvouz of Arms there and quartered his Horse in the neighbouring Towns putting compositions upon them The Duke of Modena took this freedom ill as he had reason to do chiefly finding as it was true that this was not done by Villa's own motion but by order from the Duke of Savoy and the Marshal and perhaps also from the Court of France in resentment of his parting from the League with France without saying any thing and for having wholly joyn'd with the Spanish party when so great a change was least looked for it not being likely that the Marquess would otherwise have done so great an affront to a Prince who was son to a sister of the Duke of Savoy whose Captain General he was the Duke of Modena thinking therefore how to defend himself and how to resent so great an affront muster'd 4000 foot and 1000 horse of the trained Bands of the State with whom and with two field pieces he sent his uncle Prince Lewis to oppose those who had entred his State in hostile manner and having sent news to the Governour of Millain of this unlooked for affront he expected good succour and assistance desended by the same forces he therefore placed his design on the passage at Castelnuovo as being further off and unguarded so as while he kept his files in order upon the side opposite to Tortona he feigned as if he would try his fortune over that foord that he might so keep the Governour at bay but ordered his horse to go down the river towards Castelnuovo where foording over the river without any opposition he made himself master of the further shore and when he thought his horse were well advanced he withdrew his foot and marched after them the Governor being too late aware of the Enemies purpose began to doubt that he might pass over that foord which was unguarded wherefore he dispatch'd away Don Martine d'Aragona speeedily thither with the greatest part of the horse and some foot to the end that he might be there before him to defend the passage but with express order that if when he should become thither he should finde the enemy were not yet come neer the foord he should endeavour to keep them aloof off it and if they were come so neer as that they were already begun to wade he should withdraw a little into a wood which was not far off for that he himself who prepared to follow him would come thither when half the enemy being not well over he might enclose them between his men and those of the Aragons who were in the wood and so having destroy'd that part the rest who were beyond the water might be forc'd to wheel about and might easily be overtaken and being in an enemies countrey and over-power'd by numbers might be assaulted and defeated but the design failed were it either that the Aragon did not perfectly obseâ—…ve his orders or that the Governour tarrying longer then he ought to have done marched not soon enough for the Piedmont horse got to the foord before those of the Aragon who though he got to the other side with some of his fleetest fore-runners at the same time when those of Piedmont entred the river and endeavor'd to munite the bank with the militia of Castelnuovo and to hinder their passage yet instead of retreating to the wood and affording time for the Governour to advance he gave order that his horse leaving the foot behinde should advance as fast as they could which the horse observing they came thither when the first part of the enemies horse on the head whereof was Marquess Villa having overcome the opposition made on the other side had already foorded over with Musketeers otherwise He placed 200 Musketeers on the Front which were entertained by a great squadron of horse 200 more Musketeers were on the right hand of the horse a good part stood behind some trees that were cut down which served for a Trench he fortified a place behind him with Parma's Souldiers to serve him for a retreat in case he should not be able to resist so many men nor herewith content he did not fill up the whole breadth of the way with Artillery to the end that if he were forc'd to retreat he might do it without confusion contrary to what the enemy did who promising themselves assured victory provided not any place of retreat the Skirmish was fought with much valour and courage and the Spaniards came very hot on at first thinking to discompose the enemies ranks at the very first onset but they were soon deceived meeting with as stout resistance for above two hours space but at last being overpowered in numbers Villa was forc'd to retreat which he did without disorder by the part of that way which he discreetly had left open Don Vincenzo Gonsaga pursued them fiercely as also Baron Battavilla and Count Arese who being opposed by Don Mauritio of Savoy with his regiment they met with some resistance but not long after the first falling on Scipione Fiesco brother to the Prince of Messerano and Captain Guirini were taken Prisoners and many were wounded and slain so as not able to make his party good any longer he was disordered and retreated without confusion also by that part of the way which was left open and certainly they would all have been certainly ruin'd had not Marquess Villa who had all this while assisted in the fight rallied all the valliantest of his men and putting himself on their head fought undauntedly and withstood the violence of the enemies who thinking themselves sure of victory came up in close ranks and cheerfully pursued the chase and though the Piedmontese met with hard usage by the Musket-shot wherewith many of them were slain yet did they so resolutely resist and the assailants were played upon so fast by the Musketeers who were placed behind those trees which being cut down served them for a rampier or trench as Gonsaga Battavilla and Arese who fought on the head of the horse being wounded Villa easily disordered the enemies horse being now without leaders and forc'd them afterwards to fly back in disorder Villa pursued them till night which came soon on and then he left free passage for the enemy to fly and to retreat and he bringing back with him above a hundred prisoners and of these some of the Chiefest he retreated victoriously towards Parma the City refusing
that the Marshal was gone with his Army out of Vespolno and that he was ready to give him Battle if he should advance and that to that purpose he had sent some Forces that morning to Sastrego a Town neer Strano where the Governour was to quarter that night the truth is that the Marshal was advanced with 1500 Dragoons and 1000 Foot to Serano and leaving them all in a certain Wood he himself advanced to discover Serano where he intended to lie that night and so to advance towards the Tessino The Governour hearing this which was also confirm'd unto him by Gambacorta who was so far advanc'd and got so neer the Enemy as he could not retreat he sent him forthwith order to fall upon him assuring him that he would come in unto his succour with the rest of the Forces Gambacorta was not slow in executing his orders nor the Marshal less slow then he in receiving the onset thinking that the whole body of the Enemies Army was not there but onely some Troops of Horse which went for forrage or to quarter in the neighbouring Towns So as falling together by the ears they fought a while with equal Valour and Fortune till two Troops of Dragoons of the Spanish party advanced who gave fire so fast as beginning to disorder the first ranks which were already well advanced all the rest were routed by the Commissary General of the Cavalry Don Ferdinandod ' Heredia and turning their Horses heads began to run and were pursued for a mile and a half by Gambacorta till being come to the wood where the ambush lay they staid Gambacorta doubting the coming of the Governour whom he saw not yet appear and seeing that the Enemies faced about and prepared to resist feared an ambush and forbore pursuit nor durst he with unequal Forces run the hazard which he apprehended as if the Governour had come he would have done and so have gotten a fuller victory for which he deserved to be accounted not onely a valiant but a cautious and prudent Commander For being content with the slaughter and imprisonment of many he very seasonably with-drew himself and his men from the imminent danger There were slain in this conflict about 150 of the Marshals men and some 60 taken prisoners and all the mischief befell the Duke of Savoy's Horse which fought more stoutly then the rest and hereupon some dispute arose between the Duke and the Marshal The Duke complaining that the Marshal upon the first declension of the fight got upon a fleete Horse and to save his life abandoned the Dukes Horse Those that were worsted retreated from Vespolano to Palestre and the Governour going to Novara pursued the Enemy who though they made some shew of facing him yet when they heard he was come neer them they past back over the Sesia and retreated into Piedmont Hastily freeing that State which but a little before they had so resolutely assaulted And as this assault proved unfortunate for the assailants so neither had the diversion intended that effect which was hoped for For the States of Parma and Piacenza were molested in the interim the Duke of Modena was assisted in the State of Parma and the Kings men notwithstanding this unexpected assault were not sent for back from the parts about Piacenza But both the Dukedoms of Parma and Piacenza were sack'd fired and laid desolate and yet was the Duke of Modena sent to by the Pope to forbear all Hostillity against the Territories belonging to the Church and was desiâ—…ed by his Wife who was Sister to the Duke of Parma to come to composition and the great Duke of Tuscany Brother in law to the Duke of Parma interposed himself also in the business of compounding wherefore the Duke with-drew his Souldiers to within his own State But notwithstanding the Spaniards who were come to succour Modena forbore not to ransack the Country and to commit other hostile acts Carlo della Gatta having taken Castell St. Iovanni went to Rottofreno a Town 7 miles from Piacenza and not far from the Poe took it fortified it and put a Garrison of 600 Foot and 200 Horse into it which curb'd and troubled the whole Country It was likewise thought fit to molest the States in those parts which lay nearest Genoa 400 Foot were sent to Frederico Imperiale under Sergeant Major Francesco Tuttavilla and two Troops of Horse the one Curassiers the other Dragoons who together with some of Prince Doria his Militia being raised in Bobbio went against Valdetara a large Town belonging to the Duke of Parma where the Horse not being yet come 70 of the Trained Bands of the Country were entred but L'Imperiale making himself master of the parts thereabouts and causing two peice of Cannon to advance it yeilded That Town being taken and well garrison'd he went to destroy Le Ferriere a very advantagious place belonging to the Duke of Parma to which the way lies by a very narrow passage at the foot of a high Mountain called Della Penna wherein was a Garrison of the Duke of Parma's subjects L'Imperiale came against it with 500 Foot and the Troops of Dragoons the Pass after the first volley was abandoned all men running shamefully away passing on he came to Le Ferriere wherein there being a Garrison of the Country-men with some peices of Artillery and Morter-peices he met with some resistance but it lasted but a while for it yielded the same night that Imperiale came before it and all the Forges and instruments thereunto belonging were forthwith destroyed which was done by order from the Governour Moreover the Souldiers were permitted to plunder the whole Country who got thereby great booty in cattle and victuals Some few dayes after he past to the plain of Piacenza where he found the whole Country forsaken by the Inhabitants who fled and Imperiale advanced no further for hearing that greater number of the Dukes Forces both Horse and Foot drew nigh he kept his men on the side of the Mountain expecting greater recruits from Millain which did not onely not come for at Millain they endeavoured to send greater Forces on that side against the Dukes dominions but these very men were sent for back to be used in more necessary imployments The State of Millain was molested by the French at the same time that the Duke of Parma's Country was annoy'd by the Spaniards For the Garrison of Bremi over-running the adjacent parts of the State of Millain made themselves be soundly felt and on the other side the French were much afflicted with sickness occasioned by the ill ayr and marshes thereabout whereof 40 and 50 dying on a day they within a few moneths lost above 4000 of their men and it was thought what between the building and maintaining of that Garrison that Fort cost the French more men then the taking of such another would have done and diminishing not onely by the death of so many but also by the running away of multitudes
was marched thitherward and having in his passage recovered the Town and Castle of S. Iovanni was come to Arena a Town in the Territories of Pavia to receive the Duke whom they expected suddenly to see on the other shore and having driven away some horse which were in Arena they kept in those parts but the Dukes met with new and greater oppositions which kept them from advancing so far Count Ferrante Bolognino a Knight of Ierusalem one who had been long vers'd in the wars of Flanders and who was newly come to Italy to serve as Camp-master in these Wars having received orders from the Governour to hinder the passing over the Poe had made some fortifications upon the mouth of Tessino and had drawn thither also many mills upon which as also upon the banks he had placed many Cannons and Musketeers So as the two Dukes finding these new difficulties and oppositions as hard to overcome as those of Serivia they past no further on but betook themselves to make inrodes into the Countrey and to prejudice the Towns thereabouts which causing great fear in those of Pavia they knew not how they should be able to defend themselves from being sack'd if the enemy should draw neer their walls and truly there not being so much as one Souldier in the Town for the Governour as you have heard had sent for them all to the Trench the danger of that City was not inconsiderable not onely in respect of plunder but also that it would be very hard to get the enemy who was very strong out when he should be possest thereof the Governour apprehending this sent Spinola immediatly to defend it with five hundred Musketeers which yet were not sufficient to free those Citizens from fear who for their greater safety and to keep the enemy from their walls were resolved to break down an arch of that noble and magnificent bridge which close to the City stands over the Tessino but these and other provisions which were hâ—…d were more then was needful for the preservation of Pavia for the Confederats letting slip so fair an occasion whereby they might have conveyed the Duke safely into his Countrey drew back though they were not pursued and returned to Bremi where not giving over the thought of conveying the Duke into his Countrey they resolved to make the enemy forgo the Trench by a lusty diversion which being abandoned they might pass him over with a few men into the country of Piacenza they knew that the continent of Novara as being that part which of all the State of Millain was farthest off from the Trench was totally without Garrison or defence wherefore they thought that by going thither with the main body of their army they might cause the Trench to be abandoned so being come to Bremi they sent the Duke of Parma with 3000 foot and 300 horse towards Nizza to the end that when the Trench should be forsaken he might pass with those men into his own dominions they afterward gave out that they intended three things to the end that the Governour being to defend them all might speedily leave the passage over the Trench free to the Duke The first was to sit down before Valenza The second to go take in Sandoval And the third to march strait towards Novara The Governour hearing these designs published did at the same time make two provisions he sent Don Iohn di Gattai with 3000 foot and some horse to succour Valenza whether Don Francisco di Melo resolved to go soon after and he sent Gambacorta with the greatest part of the Cavalry to relieve Rottofreno wherein there was but a small Garrison for that part thereof were sent for to the Trench wherefore it was streightly besieged by Marquess Villa who finding the Dukes expectation vanished by withdrawing of the Leagues Army and hearing how the forces were lessened about that place did not let slâ—…p the occasion of going to take it both these provisions were well warranted for Garrai getting into Valenza whilst the enemies army looked on endeavour'd sollicitously to perfect the Fort S. Diego which was already begun upon the Banks of Poe in the same place where the Fort was much guarded the foot of the Bridge of Valenza toward the Lomellina that upon the like occasions that place might be secured which Fort was soon perfected or at least put into a condition of convenient defence so as being assaulted by the French whilst they marched from Bremi to Novara it did not onely resist the assault but two hundred horse going forth under the shelter of the Artillery of the Fort they repuls'd the assailants and slew some of them and in particular the Maâ—…quess of Canesi a prime Cavalier of the French and of great expectation and Gambacorta who went to Rottofreno finding the passes well block'd up and fortified by Villa returned back not doing any thing yet the preservation of that place being of great consequence he was sent thither again with the same Cavalry accompanied with a good strength of Musketeers and being come thither he did not onely bring in the relief but made the enemy remove just when the Town was ready to surrender which mean while notice being come to the Trench that the enemies Army was marched towards the territories of Novara the Governour being very careful of those parts which were wholly unprovided of any Garrison sent Don Martine d' Aragona and Lodovico Guasco away with all speed and with a good strength of men to mark what way the enemy went and to defend the Towns of those parts as well as they could from them and to the end that the enemy might not attempt passing over the Tessino in the Barques which usually go thereupon he gave order that they should all be detained either in Pavia or in the greater Lake from whence Tessino comes The Governour continued notwithstanding with the main Body of his Army at the Trench except it were those who were sent to Valenza when the enemy drew neer the Town and who returning were busied in keeping that pass block'd up from the Duke the Duke was come already to Nizza with the men that were allotted him where he tarried till he might see the Trench abandoned that he might pass into his own Dominions whilst the Army of the League being come into the Territories of Novara overran that Country firing and laying all things waste where they came sacking some Towns and bringing others under composition and as it went to Fontaneto a Town not much fortified but of much consequence for entertaining Commerce with Vercelli and Piedmont the Towns men who confided in the Castle which was there made some resistance but being overcome on the fourth day they were miserably sack'd in revenge for the death of Marshal Toras who was unfortunately slain by one of the first Musket-shot that was made out of that Town a death unworthy so gallant a Commander and which was very ill resented not only by
new attempts and seeing the State of Millain almost freed of the Confederates Forces he sent some of his men under Don Martine d' Aragona to prejudice that Duke with order to quarter in those States and that without attempting any thing against the chief Cities he might over-run the Country to the end that the Duke being mortified by such losses and terrified by fear of greater might learn to know how unable he was to defend himself against the Kings incensed Forces Don Martine being entred into the State of Piacenza first freed Rottofreno from being besieged by the Dukes men drove away the assailants and killing and taking many of them prisoners pursued them to underneath the Walls of Piacenza he afterwards recovered the Castle St. Stephano for Prince Doria which was taken from him by the Dukes men and Cardinal Trivultio being entred at the same time by Orders from the Governour with a Regiment of Dutch into the States of Cremona and Lodi he drove out those that were placed there in Garrison in some Towns that the Duke had taken but a little before in those parts then passing over the Poe and joyning with l' Aragona he went to possess himself of the State called Palavicino by which acquisition all Commerce was almost interdicted between Parma and Piacenza many Towns of those Territories were afterwards taken and the Salt-pits were destroyed which brought in a great revenue and the Duke of Parma not able to keep the Field against the Spaniards retired to Piacenza where he was first besieged at a distance and closer afterwards it is a thing verywell worth observation to think how that Prince amidst so many adversities and being so neer utter ruine did notwithstanding keep so close to his first resolutions and how he kept his first hopes against all probability of not only obtaining his pretensions but even of being preserved from imminent ruine for though he had much reason not to doubt that the King of France who was his onely hope and who endeavoured now to get the Princes of Italy to adhere unto him would suffer that the first and almost onely one of those Princes and who so freely and so couragiously had declared for him and his Crown would suffer that he should now upon that account be opprest and ruined making him thereby an example to others how little they were in the like case to relie upon the protection of that Crown yet the Affairs of that King were at that time reduced to so bad a condition that they rather seemed to need being assisted by others then to assist others The Cardinal Infanta going from the Confines of Flanders with a gallant Army was entred Picardy and having taken La Capella and Corbie two principal places upon those Frontiers over-ran that Province victoriously and burning and sacking all before him he was advanced even to the Walls of Amiens and St Quintins And the King not having Forces in readiness to with-stand so sudden and so unexpected a storm caused Men and Armes to be tumultuously raised for the defence of Paris it self and by an Edict which the French in their Language call Arierban which is as much as to say the last Call which the Kings of France never make use of but in extream necessity he summoned all his Feudatories and all his Nobility to assist in defence of the publick safety which was then tottering Nor was this all the danger of that Kingdom for the Prince of Conde was forced to rise from before Dole a Town in Burgondy whither he had been sent a little before by the King with a powerful Army For Gallasso being assisted by people of the same County was entred Burgondy with a strong Army and over-running all the Towns thereof on this side the Some had taken Merabaule and was come to before St. Iean di Beaulme a Town standing upon the Some between Verdune and Shalloune Nor was this Kingdom in less danger on the parts towards Spain whither the King having sent a powerful Army commanded by the same Prince of Conde wherein were many Signieurs of France that served to assault Spain on that side and the Prince being encamped before Fonterabie a frontier Town of Spain over against Gascony he had reduced it to great extremity not without much danger to Spain if it had faln into the hands of the French as necessarily it must have done had not the Admiral of Castille come from Spain with 10000 Foot and 1500 Horse which passing over the Pirenean Mountains came unexpectedly to before Fonterabie just as it was upon Articles of surrender and freed it luckily for at the Admirals appearing the Prince of Conde raised the siege and the Admiral taking St. Iohn di Luz and besieging Bayonne over-ran Guascony plundering and bringing the parts thereabouts into composition how could the Duke of Parma expect or fancy unto himself any assistance from the King of France whilst his own Kingdom was so full of troubles and assaulted on so many sides and which was worse for him the French were almost gone all out of Italy and the Spaniards were increased in numbers and reputation and left untroubled by that League which was intended for their ruine He saw apparently that could not be diverted from prejudicing him nay the Governour of Millain having heard that some few French who were yet in Cassalle were ready to pass over to Piacenza in boats when they should see the Poe swolne with water had ordered that a Steccado should be made over that River neer Valenza to withstand those Forces and had a good Garrison to be placed there to oppose those boats and all others who should go upon that River And the Governour had given order to Cardinal Trivultio to have an eye to those parts who fearing lest some Mantuans and some of the State of Venice not being able to enter the nearest way into the Dukes States might by way of diversion assault the State of Cremona or of Lodi he went first with the men that were assigned him to the frontiers of those Counties to defend them from any incursion so as that Prince was excluded from any succour on every side There was onely one loop-hole left open from which he might hope for safety amidst these so many streights which was the King of France his Fleet at that time come into the Ligustick Sea as shall be said in its proper place But to boot with the hindrance as shall be said which the Spanish Gallies gave to the landing of the French Fleet keeping it from landing its men the Governour who was himself with part of his Army in Alessandria stood ready to oppose any who should land in relief of the Duke or to prejudice the State of Millain This was the condition of this Dukes Affairs and to fill up all his misfortunes the Emperour after having taken the Duke of Saxony off from the Protestant League and brought him by the peace of Prague to side with him he
French Garrison in thither and had done it had not Marquess Villa who was not perfectly recovered of his sickness been aware thereof and brought many of the Dukes Militia into the Town by which he seasonably prevented the Marshals designs This Dukes death was the occasion of great wars to Piedmont which we will leave to speak of till the next Book for we must now give over the affairs of Lombardy in the condition we have spoken of and looking a little backwards re-assume the proceedings at Sea which not to interrupt the Land affairs are of purpose treated of here About the time that the things which have been spoken of hapned on Land the Fleet at Sea which having put twice forth from the Haven at Naples could never light upon Provence fell at last upon the two Islands of St. Honorato anciently called Lerino and St. Margherita the latter being divided from the former by a narrow channel small Islands and almost uninhabited Count Monterei was the occasioner of this enterprise who having laboured the sending out of this Fleet twice and spent vast sums of money therein was loth that this enterprise which he esteemed as his own and from whence he hoped to reap great things should vanish away in smoak and seeing that the defence which was prepared in Provence and the lessening of the Fleet which was shatter'd by tempest made the enterprise unpossible to be effected as it was first designed he turned his force upon these two Islands The Marquess of Ferrendina did also co-operate herein who appearing in the Seas of Genoa with a Squadron of Spanish Gallies whereof he was Captain being well furnish'd with Souldiers he found the Marquess of San ' Croce with the Neapolitan Fleet in the Haven at Vai who had but few men aboard he having sent them as you have heard to before Valenza Ferrendina incited San ' Croce to joyn with him in taking of these Islands which when they should have taken they thought they might at least be able to hinder those of Provence from Trafficking by Sea and be ready for some greater enterprise as occasion should be offer'd About the midst of September San ' Croce Ferrandina and Don Carlo Doria Duke of Tursis went with 22 Gallies 5 Ships and some Shallops towards those Islands whither when they were come they landed their men the same day in the Island San ' Margherita as being the greatest and neerest the Continent and therefore apter to be relieved they without any withstanding became masters of it taking a small Fort which was all they found in it wherein were 50 Souldiers in Garrison who after having made some shot surrendred the Fort they went afterwards with their Gallies to batter a certain Tower called le Crocette which was newly built upon a point of the Continent so neer the Island as they plaid upon them with their Artillery from the shore over against them whereof they thought they might easily make themselves masters but the Tower resisting and many men coming to defend it they gave it over they then went to the Island St. Honorato where though they met with more resistance because there was there a greater Garrison and better Fortifications yet it was surrendred though it held out somewhat longer then St. Margherita there marched out of both these Islands about 400 Foot and the Viceroy of Naples receiving advertisement of all that was done abundance of victuals Munition Arms and Artillery and all things necessary to munite them and maintain them were sent from that Kingdom there was great fame at this time of Maritime preparations made by the King of France both in the Seas of Britanny and Provence to furnish out a powerful Fleet and to keep it in the Mediteranean not only to secure Provence from the Spanish Fleet but to resent himself upon the Kingdom of Naples for his offences intended against Provence it was therefore given out that the King of France holding intelligence with many Lords and others of that Kingdom who were held to be dis-satisfied with the Spanish Empire would send that Fleet to prejudice that Kingdom which when the Vice-roy Monterei heard it made him not only provide for offending Provence and for securing the State of Millain but for defending that Kingdome in case effects should be answerable to what was said No appearance was ever found of the intelligence or dissatisfaction which was spoken of though strict inquiry was made thereinto and yet without omitting to provide for the war of Lombardy which the Viceroy minded as much as that of Naples he made all places where the Fleet could Land be munited with strong Garrisons he gave order for levying a Dutch Brigade he armed at least 40 men of war he re-inforced the Gallies made great provision of Arms Ammunition and Artillery he made many Brigades be raised throughout the Kingdom he gave order that the Mediterranean Militia should be in readiness to come if occasion should serve to the sea side he chose 15000 of the best experienced Neapolitans to defend the Walls and he did apply himself with such diligence and indefatigableness to have a care of all places as he might be truly said to be the soul which did at that time maintain and inanimate the vast body of the Spanish Monarchy which was assaulted on so many sides all these provisions were so ascertained and so fitted as the French Fleet which was numerous for Vessels and Souldiers hearing thereof forbare not only assaulting but approaching the Coasts of that Kingdom and keeping long in the Ligustick Sea did not any thing worth so great a preparation nor could it ever hinder the passage and landing of Souldiers which were sent from Spain and from Naples to the State of Millain for the requisite re-inforcement of the Army in Lombardy for at the same time that the French Fleet lay in the Ligustick Sea the Spanish Gallies came to shore at Finale whilst they looked on and landed as many men as they pleased without any hindrance The French Fleet consisted of 60 ships which were come from Britanny into the Mediterranean commanded by Henry of Lorreyne Count Harcourt and by Monsieur De Sordi Arch-bishop of Burdeaux to which were added 13 Gallies of Provence amongst which was the great Galleoun Guise commanded by Count Poncurletto all very well rigg'd and provided of Artillery and all other Navall necessaries they sailed all of them by the Islands which were taken by the Spaniards but a little before not making any one shot at them though they were provoked by many made from those Islands and tarrying a while at Villa Franca they appeared in the Ligustick Sea about the end of September 1636. The Spaniards Forces at Sea were far inferiour to this Fleet wherefore it became the Spanish Gallies to give way to the French Fleet and to keep out of the reach of Cannon wherein the French exceeded them And yet the Duke of Ferrendina who was in the Seas of
compassion which prevailed nothing with the King of France The Edict being published the Governour in execution of the Kings Commands went to encamp before Vercelli which was a City begirt with walls strengthned by Bulwarks and environed by a large Ditch beyond the which were many fortifications ordered and made with incomparable industry by Duke Charles Emanuel when it was restored to him by Articles of peace in the year 1617 after it had been taken from him by Don Pedro di Toledo by which excellent fortifications which rendred it almost impregnable it was in a manner new built The Marquess Dogliano son in law to General Villa a great confident of the Dowagers was Governour of the Town who together with his Father in Law opposed the Marshal when after the Dukes death he would have taken it two days before the arrival of the enemies Army there were two Troops of Horse entred into the Town which were sent from Turin which came in a very seasonable time for the more secure the Town was by reason of the fortifications the more need it had of Souldiers for there were in it only three Troops of Horse the two Troops that came last being therein numbred and the Foot of the Garrison together with the Citizens which were fit to bear Arms were far short of that number which was requisite to defend all the works but the Defendants though they were but few trusting in the relief which they shortly expected betook themselves couragiously to the business they knew that the French Army was fallen down from the Alps and was come into Piedmonâ—… more in number by what was given out then indeed they were but in effect being joyned to the Dowagers men they made neer about 7000 Foot and 3000 Horse The French Army was commanded by the Cardinal Della Vallette and by his elder brother the Duke of Candale who though they Commanded the Kings Forces in Piedmont with equal Authority and with the like title of General yet the Cardinal had the preheminency in Authority both by reason of his being Cardinal and for that the Cardinal Richelieu did more confide in him but as the news of these Forces which were presently to come to relieve the Town did much encourage the Defendants so did it make the Governour of Millain the more careful to fence himself against such a force which he foresaw would fall upon him when his Siege was at the fairest and therefore having allotted their quarters to each nation he betook himself with all diligence to draw the line which was about ten miles in compass a work not only strong for the large compass thereof for the greatness and heighth but more for the deepness of the ditch which it was environed with for the Artillery which was set in several convenient places and for being very well tackled the line was soon finished through the diligence which the Governour caused to be used therein but though the work nor workmen were not disturb'd from without for the great store of rain which fell kept the enemy from advancing fast yet were they often assaulted from within by the Garrison of the Town who whilest the Army being busied about their Fortifications did not much minde the Siege made out four Sallies at one and the same time which being given in four several places they were at last repulsed though they fought valiantly and in one of them which was made on the Governours own Quarters they left many behind them whereof four Captains and one Serjeant Major The line being finished they fell to make their approaches and order was given to make batteries the Spaniards and Burgonians wrought over against a great Tenaglia which was before them the Dutch and Grisons wrought over against another Tenaglia which stood on the Front of their Quarters and the Italians wrought also hard against a great Bulwark which was without the City all of them striving who should be the first that should finish their task And whilst these were thus busied they ceased not to molest the City in several manners particularly with Granadoes which flying on high and then falling into the City broke down houses and few many They betook themselves also at the same time to the taking of certain little houses which though they were without the Enemies Fortifications were not abandoned by the Defendants The Dutch went against these on one side and the Italians on another and at last they took them though not without much loss of blood to the assailants amongst the rest Bartholomeo Palavicino was there slain a Captain of Horse whilst he was backing the Foot who fought against the little Houses Count Iulio Cesare Boromeo Camp-master was also slain there The Defendants were not discouraged at the loss of these two Houses but sallying out the next day they recovered that which the Dutch had taken and slew almost all that had taken it and took the Captain Prisoner who was notwithstanding rescued by his own men before the fight was over and the same House was again regained by them not without much loss of blood But as the Camp without was held work by the sallies from within so did not they cease to molest the Enemies Country which was without by sending out Horse Don Vincenzo Gonzaga routed a Troop of Tronsono's Horse and others did the like The news of succour which was coming did this mean while encrease and the Dowager being much concern'd in the preservation of this Town resolved to go her self in person to Crescentino where the whole body of the relieving Aemy was to meet Here she assisted at the general Musters encouraging the Souldiers with her presence and by her fair demeanour and by her speech wherewith she was richly endowed by nature she incouraged the Captains and chief Officers giving them rich presents and omitted not any thing which might incite them to expedition and to behave themselves bravely in this business which the more to inanimate them she called hers but the Army was retarded by the abundance of rain which kept them from marching at last after long delay they marched on with ten piece of great Cannon The Cardinal and the Duke his Brother who were naturally given to be extraordinary circumspect slow and irresolute in all their Military actions did also much delay this succour insomuch as they appeared not in sight of the besieging Army till 20 days after they had begun the Siege The Governour had therefore the longer time to perfect his Fortifications and to bring on his approaches and to throw a Bridge over the Sesia by which he might send to encounter the enemy in case they should attempt to relieve the Town on that side at last the first ranks of the French appeared on this side the River and all the rest appeared soon after but the Commanders stood some days idle contemplating the strength of the Trenches which finding to be almost unvanquishable they also threw a Bridge over the Sesia
over against the Abbey of St. Lasaro by which they sent men to possess themselves of that Abby which being defended but by 60 Souldiers after the making of some shot surrendred here the French made their head-quarter and began diligently to fortifie it viewing attentively on which side and where they might best bring the relief and the Governour though at the first appearance of the enemy he seemed very desirous to fall to an assault lest in case of delay his Army might be assaulted by the enemy on the back yet he was kept from doing so for that all things were not ready for an assault For though the Spaniards were already come to the brink of the ditch of the Tenaglia on the front whereof there stood a Half-moon which was made undefensible by their Cannon-shot and though the Dutch were also gotten to the ditch of the other Tenaglia yet the Italians who were in the middle between them were not come within 45 paces of the Bulwark which they were to assault and yet the Governour fearing to be disturb'd if he made any longer delay setting all considerations of whatsoever difficulties aside gave Order that every one should be ready in their quarters about two a clock at night Thus the sign being given at the hour appointed they fell on couragiously and finding the defendants awake and vigilant the conflict was great and hard the defendants assisting themselves with Granadoes Fire-works and Stones and the assailants as valiantly overcoming all difficulties continued constant in the enterprise The Spaniards having first of all bereft the Half-moon which stood before them of all defence by their Artillery got upon the Tenaglia and killing some and taking other some of the defendants prisoners they became masters of it and fortified themselves therein the like befell the Dutch who likewise took the other Tenaglia The Italians met with more difficulty as not being yet fully prepared the Bulwark which fell to their share yet overcoming all difficulties they advanced unto the ditch and driving away the defendants betook themselves to the Bulwark which not having been plaid upon appeared impregnable yet being masters of the ditch they would not quit the enterprise but digged a Mine the fear whereof made the Bulwark be abandoned the next day and the assailants took it and fortified themselves there the defendants were astonished at the loss of these three chief places the rather for that they saw it was done whilst the French Army looked on who without moving suffer'd these three so important Works to be lost and yet when those within the Town were offer'd fair conditions by the Governour they shewed much courage and confidence in their answer but on the other side they acquainted the French Army with what they had suffer'd and in how great danger they were of being lost if not soon relieved not only in defending themselves against assaults and in sallying out but for want of bullet to supply the which all the Pewter of the City had already been made use of upon which news the French Army advanced to within Musket-shot of the City on Sandoval side and intending to break down the enemies Bribge they sent a Fire-boat down the River which being detained fell on fire to no purpose yet resolving to bring relief they cast their eye upon the Island made by Servo and Sesia and thinking that as indeed it was to be the weakest part they resolved to pass by there and to keep the Spanish Camp from re-enforcing the Island upon the coming on of night they made several seeming assaults upon sundry parts of the Line nor did the Stratagem prove vain for the enemy fearing that the succour would be attempted on a part which was guarded only by the common people they sent for some men from the Island thither though the Marquess Serra whose charge it was to defend the Island did sufficiently oppose it so about the fourth hour of the night a Body of 1500 Foot advanced part French led on by Colonel St. Andrea and partly Savoyards and Piedmontese led on by Colonel Senantes The Cardinal deputed Monsieur di Castellano a Marshal of the French Camp and the Marquess of Pianezza General of the Dowagers Foot to order the whole action who had leave to cull out the best commanded men both of the French and Piedmontese to order the business to discover the foords and to pass their men thorough them whilst the rest of the Army stood ready to keep off any diversion the relievers waded over the foord which came up to their middle and the Marquess Serra prepared for defence industriously notwithstanding his Forces were dismembred they were stoutly resisted every where and the attempt would doubtlesly have failed if aguard of Grisons who were placed between the Spaniards and Italians had fought as stoutly as the rest did but no resistance being there made for they basely abandoned the station at the very first brunt the relievers began to pass over the Line Serra who was imploy'd elsewhere when the business began came to that place and finding that the defendants had basely thrown away their Arms and were directly run away he encouraged those few that followed him and gave in amongst the thickest of the enemy where fighting with much danger to himself and encouraging others by his example he stopt the current of the relievers and though he was shot through the Arm by a Musket he continued fighting till Francisco Tuttavilla Lieutenant to the Camp master General came in to his relief with a squadron of those who were under Bolognino and who having no certain place allotted them to defend were appointed to go where there should be most need And Bolognino coming in with the rest after Tuttavilla those relievers who had not yet past the line were repuls'd Moreover the Horse which being distributed into several squadrons stood in guard between the City and the line were faulty also upon this occasion some whereof ran down-right away and part being deceived by the succourers who in the dark night cried Viva la Spagna past by those Horse and stole into the City and about 1200 of them entred with the succour which did prolong the life of the Town for a few days but was not sufficient to do so long For the Enemy having possess'd themselves of the chiefest out-works those of the Town were not able to recover them though they endeavourd it For they sallied to recover the Bulwark which was taken by the Italians here the conflict was greater then in other parts and it had been recovered had not Bolognino advanced with the most of his men and after a bloody contest forc'd them to retreat and the assaults given for the two Tenaglia's had the like fortune from both which after a fierce fight the Assailants were beaten back The Governour being angry to see the Town relieved made some Officers be proceeded against and put to death who thorough their carelesness were the occasion
banish'd from his Paternal Country which God and Nature had given him and complaining of the imputations wherewith he was charged that he held intelligence in the Towns of Piedmont and of his being threatned with the French Army he added that as the small company which he brought with him into Piedmont did fully demonstrate the vanity of the imputations which were laid unto him so it shewed how little he feared the French Forces building upon the peoples love and favour against any attempt of the French he finally desired her not to credit such imputations and not to shew any resentment upon those who were maliciously blamed to have held treaties with him but this his intercession prevailed not for being found guilty they were by the Senate condemn'd to be put to death process was made against the Governour who was kept prisoner in Turin till such time as he was set at liberty by the Princes when they took Turin as shall be said hereafter and he died afterwards of a natural death whilst he took up Arms in the Princes behalf whose quarrel he embraced as soon as he was at liberty The Princes forbore not for all this to pursue their pretences and being desirous that their justification might precede their taking up Arms they made use of the anger which the house of Austria had conceived against the Dowager for her having renewed the League and for her having joyn'd in Arms with the King of France and by the favour of the Court of Spain which had embraced their cause they obtained a Monitory Decree directed to the Dowager from the Emperour as from the Sovereign Lord of Savoy wherein she was fairly exhorted to forego the League which she had renewed with France and to appear before the Cesarean Tribunal to justifie the Guardianship of her Son and the Regency of the State which she had taken upon her The Senate and Nobility and people of Piedmont were also ordered by the same Decree to perswade the Dowager that Cesars Orders might be duly executed but all this would not do the Dowager would not admit of such Decrees or Citations pretending them to be novelties and attempts upon the Sovereignty of the Piedmontese Principality no Emperour having ever formerly interssed himself in Guardianships This mean while Prince Thomaso about the end of February in the year 1639 came from Flanders to the State of Millain to prosecute his and his Brothers pretentions whither as soon as he was come they agreed upon the manner and way of making war upon Piedmont The whole business was by the Emperour refer'd to Don Francisco di Melo the King of Spains Plenipotentiary to the Princes of Italy with whom after many discourses it was concluded that war should be made to possess the Princes of Savoy in the Guardianship of their Nephew and in the Regency of the State and amongst other things it was agreed that the King of Spain should assist them herein and should work with the Emperour to declare them to be their Nephews Guardians and Regents of the State to the exclusion of the Dowager that the Towns whereinto the Princes should be received by the peoples free will should have Garrisons put into them by the Princes and that those which should be taken by Force of Arms should have Garrisons put into them by the Governour of Millain he being bound to restore them to whom they should be decreed by the general Peace and that howsoever the Politick Government of Justice and the Revenues should belong unto the Princes as Governours of the State but the Governour who was to make the war refused to subscribe these Capitulations for he said he was ordered by the King of Spain to make the War of Piedmont upon his Majesties account wherefore he could not alter the title without new Orders but he assured the Princes that he would connive at and underhand allow them whatsoever was contained in the Capitulation The Princes might clearly see by this that the Spanish Agents were not to fight upon their interests but upon those of the King of Spain and that they were to make use of the favour and assistance which the Princes had with the people for the more happy progress of the Kings Forces in Piedmont and they might have known it better by the very substance of the Agreement though the Governour should have subscribed it but the necessity which the Princes were brought into made them care the less for future danger so they might escape the present or were it that they did assuredly hope that all the Towns even those wherein the strongest Garrisons were the Garrisons and Governours being Piedmontese would willingly receive them when they should appear with convenient Forces for they were so confident of the peoples favour as they thought it would be always in their power to dispose of them as they listed wherefore being desirous to forward the business they thought good to give way to what the Spaniards desired The Governour making use of the pretence of putting the Princes into the Government of the State did not only think to drive the French out of Piedmont but to make himself master of the chief Towns of that Principality and so to make the Princes and all Piedmont depend upon the King Things being thus established the Princes plainly let the Dowager know their intention which was to come to Turin to keep there to serve her to take order for their own and for the common affairs to defend the Vassals to free the State from the imminent danger of Forreign Forces and to preserve it for the Duke to whose Guardianship as also to the Goverment of the State they were chosen and deputed by the Emperour even to the exclusion of her the Dowager and yet they added that they would be contented to take 〈◊〉 in for a third in the Guardianship and Regency declaring finally that nothing less would content them and that they were resolved to do their utmost and to lose their lives rather then not compass this that was so justly due unto them The Dowager who neither in respect of the King of France his authority nor for her tie of consideracy could not only not receive the Princes who adâ—…ed to the Spaniards in part nor in whole into the Guardianship or Regency but neither suffer them to tarry in Piedmont thought this answer to be an intimation of War but was not thereat any whit abash'd but gave order that Proclamations should presently be made throughout the State that the people should take up Arms for the defence of their Lord the Duke whose preservation was concern'd in this War and for the defence of their Country which was shortly to be assaulted by Spanish Forces led on by the Princes she hoped by this means to prevent their intentions but she failed therein for the people as the sequel will demonstrate were much devoted to their natural Princes and more inclined to be govern'd by them then by
the Dowager who was not now so well beloved by the people as she was before this innovation by reason of her so great dependency upon the King of France by her renewing the League and by her removing of the Garrison and Governour of the Citadel On the contrary the people did much compassionate the Princes by reason of the hard condition wherein they were being banish'd their Country deprived of their Revenues and kept as if they were publick enemies from the administration of those State Affairs wherein they were so much concern'd The Dukes unhealthfulness as it was given out and the small hopes of his life did much work upon the peoples affection on their behalfs as on those whom they expected should quickly succeed in the Principality and the rising Sun having already found many worshippers the generality of the people thought they had but small reason to place any hopes in the Dowager and were more inclined to the Government of the rising Princes then to that of hers which for the aforesaid reasons they thought would be quickly at an end they also doubted that very much which the Princes themselves gave out that in case the young Duke should sail the Dowager had resolved to make her Daughter Queen of France giving her the States of Piedmont and Savoy for her Dowry to the irreparable prejudice not only of the succession of the Princes but also to the peoples liberty wherein when the Ducal-house should be debar'd succession they ran manifest danger to be subjected to the French yoke and be made slaves thereunto wherefore thinking themselves more concern'd to adhere unto the Princes then to the Dowager they forsook her intrest and past violently over to the Princes party and yet many others confiding in the Dukes health and in the Dowagers authority adhered constantly to her the people of Piedmont were therefore no less confused and differ'd no less in opinion then were the Dowager and the Princes between whom no composition being to be made War must necessarily ensue The Governour of Millain did of all other things chiefly design to end a petty business which though it was but a small one was of no small consequence which was to take Cengio a little Castle in the Langhe seated on the back of Savona but strong fitly situated not only for the predomination of the Langhe but for the passage of Souldiers who landing at Finale go into the State of Millain and of those who upon occasion were to be sent from the State of Millain to Finale in relief of that Marquisate if it should be assaulted by the French Fleet as it was then doubted it would be the Governour thought also that the Princes would be much helped by this to enter Piedmont assisted by the King of Spains Forces for this Castle was very necessary to Piedmont for the keeping of the Langhe which the Duke of Savoy did formerly affect wherefore both the Governour and the Princes thought assuredly that the Dowager who would be forced to succour this place with all her forces would be necessitated to draw out the Garrisons from out the more inward parts of the State and would leave them undefended and open to be assaulted by the Princes Don Antonio Sotelo was therefore sent with some Brigades to clear the ways which led to that Castle and to keep it from having new Garrisons put into it and after him went Don Martind ' Aragona who was intended to be the chief Governour of this enterprise with a good body of men who at his first coming there as he was spying out the fittest places to plant his Artillery was shot in the head by a Musket whereof he immediately died in whose place Sotelo was chosen by the rest of the Captains who fell all of them very busily to effect this business but the Dowager and Cardinal Valletta hearing thereof were not slow in providing to prevent it The Cardinal marched with his French from Cassalle and Marquess Villa from Turin with almost all the Dowagers Forces and joyning together they came within sight of the Trenches which the Enemy had made who kept themselves patiently therein suffering the Bravadoes which were often made by the others but when the Enemy seemed to be weary and tyred they came unexpectedly with much fury out of their Trenches and after a long Fight routed the assaulters killing about 300 of them and having pursued them a while they retreated and those of the Castle seeing no more succour appear and finding the batteries already all in order and that the Enemy were prepared to give an assault they surrendred the Castle at the same time that the Governor sent to take Cengio Prince Thomaso went from Vercelli with 2000 Dragoons about Sun-set and having marched all night appeared about break of day before Chivazzo a great Town upon the left side of the Poe twelve miles from Turin he sent Count Serravalle before with eight Horse under pretence of carrying Letters to the Governour of that place kept there till the Prince who came after him with the Dragoons became easily Master thereof there was then no Garrison in this Town the gates were guarded onely by some few Towns men for though it was a place of great consequence yet being far from the confines of the State and almost within the bosom of Piedmont it was not judged to need a Garrison the rather for that some squadrons of Horse were placed to guard the banks of the Dora Baltea which were thought sufficient to guard all the places seated within that river but the Prince past a little below them so they were no hindrance to him but passing succesfully on he made himself Master of the Town at which unexpected accident the Inhabitants were much troubled but when they heard live Prince Thomaso cried they past from a great fear wherewith they were posses'd to great joy and gladness and flock'd unto him with much applause and were the first of the Piedmontese who rendred him ready obedience as Guardian of the young Duke the Inhabitants of Chivazzo were not they alone who seemed to rejoyce at this happy success but even those of Turin did the like wherefore it was the common opinion that if the Prince had presently marched thither he might likely enough have been received there with the same acclamation and applause and acknowledged for Gardian of the Duke and Governour of the State the rather for that that City was wholly unprovided of Souldiers they being all gone to succour Cengio the Dowager therefore apprehending danger sent in great haste for the Cardinal and Count Villa from the Langhe to provide for the hazardous condition of Turin which was much the occasion of the loss of Cengio for the relievers hearing of the Dowagers from Turin went with all speed thither and quitted the relieving of that Castle the Dowager when she heard of what had hapned at Chivazzo sent the young Duke and his sisters from Piedmont into
condition Cuneo was they resolved to go thither they had great hopes of taking it for the Prince Cardinal would either go out of Cuneo or he would not if he did Corvo who was Serjeant Major there offer'd to yield the Town to them and if not they were sure to take it by reason of the small provisions that were there and if they should take it it would put an end to the Civil War since the Prince Cardinal who was the Head of the controverted Guardianship would be therein taken Prisoner whereof Duke Longueville made himself so sure as he writ thereof to the King as of a thing done but they were much deceived for Cuneo was not taken and Turin was lost which the Prince Cardinal did cunningly foresee for Prince Thomaso whilst he was in Mandovi going to see him at Cuneo and having earnestly desired him not to suffer himself to be enclosed in that unprovided place which was not such as he ought to adventure his person therein and therewith the whole affair he absolutely refused his advice for he held undoubtedly that if he should go out the Town would be lost and on the contrary that the Governour of Millain would either come with all his Forces to relieve him or that else he would go to Turin which he might easily take all the Dowagers and French Forces being now in these parts and the Siege of Cuneo being to be abandoned for the necessary defence of Turin the freedom of his person and the like of the Town would ensue but these very thoughts falling into the minds of those who fought on the Dowagers behalf they likewise knew what dangers Turin and the Citadel and the Dowager that was therein would be subject to if when they should go with almost all the Forces of Piedmont to an enterprise so far off the enemy making use of the occasion should come strongly against Turin whilst it was unprovided of defence it was therefore thought necessary that the Cardinal of Valletta should go with all his men to defend the parts thereabouts which resolution was approved of and pursued by the Cardinal and was as good as necessary and if it had been as well perform'd as it was plotted it had quite oveâ—…throvvn all the Prince Cardinals Counsels foâ—… both Turin and the Dovvager would have been preserved from danger and Cuneo would have been taken with evident hazard of the Prince Cardinals person but the misfortune in performance marred the design and made good the Prince Cardinals opinion when the Cardinal Valletta was gone Duke Longueville went to Cuneo and on the sudden in the night season assaulted the out Works and forc'd the defendants with much loss to them to forsake the Works and betake themselves to defend the Walls and the Gates which the assailants had well nigh taken as they pursued them he therefore had happily begun his business and had fair hopes of ending it successfully but before the Trenches were begun to be made the whole thred of the business was cut off by a Letter of the Cardinal of Valletta's wherein he signified to Longueville that the Enemy came very strong against him and that he could not possibly withstand them unlesse he were recruited with eight hundred more Horse though the Duke was somewhat amazed at this demand yet he readily sent the desired Horse that the Cardinal might have no occasion to fail in what was by common consent agreed upon but the want of these Horse forc'd the Duke to abandon Cuneo and to retreat to a Town neer to Fossano called St. Albano whereby one part of the Prince Cardinals judgement was verified that Cuneo would be abandoned to relieve Turin and the other part proved as true not long after for Prince Thomaso having had speech with the Governour of Millain in Aâ—…sti and having perswaded him to relieve Cuneo and his Brother at least by diversion got of him 600 Spanish Foot under Marquess Caracena and 2500 Horse under Carlo della Gatta with express promise that all the rest of the Forces should immediately follow him so he went forthwith from thence and came speedily to Villa nuova where getting 500 other Foot under Camp-master Tuttavilla he past over the Poe about the evening and came by night to Vallentino Villa nuâ—…va Carmagnuola and Turin make a just triangle wherefore when news came to the other two Cities that the Prince was come with a great body of men to Villa nuova they were both much terrified and began to cry out for help The Dowager sent Count Piveasâ—… forthwith to the Cardinal of Valletta desiring that he would hasten to defend her and the City of Turin and the Cardinal fearing no less then she to be assaulted in Carmagnuola not knowing what to do did not stir The Prince kept in Vallentino till midnight giving out fitting Orders for the surprizal of Turin and in maturing intelligence with those that guarded it and having ordered all things well resolved to assault the Town on four sides The Marquess of Caracena was appointed to assault the Castle Gate with the 600 Spanish Foot which were the very best of that Nation that beating it down with a Petard he might make himself master of it Tuttavilla was sent to scale the Wall between the Bastion of S ta Maria and that of Citta nuova Colonel Alardo was ordered to fall upon the Posto di nostra Signora towards the Citadel and Count di Vich was sent to fasten a Petard to Porta nuova and each of them had sufficient Orders Instruments and Men given them for what they had to do each of them did punctually perform what they were appointed at one and the same time which was at fiâ—… a clock at night and the darkness of the season was a great furtherance to the enterprise and yet Caracena could not fasten his Petard for he found the Bridge drawn up and the Ladders wherewith he was to scale the Walls were too short he notwithstanding fell to break the Steccadoes which lay along the Courtain toward the Bastion Verde and entred thereby into the Garden of the Pallazzo Ducale Tuttavilla who was abandoned by his guide who could not endure the noise of a Musket marching alone with his Squadron and groaping in the dark light upon a Half-moon which was defended by 500 Souldiers and after having skirmished a while with them he at last made himself master thereof then entring the ditch to fall to the Scalado he also found his Ladders too short wherefore being called upon by Caracena he resolved to go to him and being joyned they entred the City by the Garden and formed two Squadrons upon Piazza San ' Iovanni The Dowager hearing that the enemy was entred the Town withdrew with her Guard into the Citadel being waited upon by the Lord Chancellor some of the chief Magistrates of Turin and by a great many Ladies and Gentlemen Caracena and Tuttavilla went to the Castle Gate they broke the Portculles and
to keep his men within the Walls would not go out they did not only give themselves to better the Fortifications which they there found but joyned another Fort which they themselves made to that which the Prince had erected above the Monastery which commanded all the other Fortifications even those of the Bridge they likewise fortified the heads of the Bridge better and extending their Trenches towards the Burrough they placed a very strong Garrison there of 2000 Foot and 1000 Horse which were commanded by Count Plessis Pralin the rest of the Army was distributed into several quarters about the City the Inhabitants whereof were the same day so enclosed within their walls by theenemies Army as they could not hear news of any succour from the Governour unless it were by various inventions which they found and which did often deceive them by which they inform'd the Governour of what streights they were in and sometimes received hopes of succour The Governour was much troubled at the scarcity of powder that was in the City wherefore he sent Carlo della Gatta with 2000 Horse to Inurea that he might endeavour by a greater force to bring in that Ammunition which was left there but it proved in vain for la Gatta being come with that Ammunition to Cassalle five miles from Turin and having found conveniency to inform the Prince of all things he was willed by him to retreat for that it was impossible for him to get into the City he being first to overcome La Stura and La Dora which were then munited with strong French Garrisons but in his return passing thorough the Canavese he found the Town of St. Mauricio taken again by the French and ready to be sack'd which he freed with the death of all the French whom he put to the sword Harcourt kept this mean while in the Vallentino expecting that the people should rise in the City as the Prince and the Governour did when they came first before it the preceding year But this proved in vain for for all that he could do there was not any one amongst the Souldiers who was discover'd to comply with the Dowager or were blemish'd so much as with any such thought but all of them during the whole siege proved faithfull to the Prince Wherefore Harcourt failing every day more and more of effecting his desire by that way he try'd another La Dora falls a little above the City by a cleft into a Channel which conveyes water to the Mills which serve the people with grist He therefore gave order that that cleft should be dam'd up with earth by night so as the Mills not being able to go for want of water the City which abounded in Corn began to want bread For there were onely two hand-mills within the Town which could not possibly supply so great a multitude with grist so as the City was in a short time like to be famish'd for want of bread though it abounded in Corn. Harcourt resolved to reduce the City yet to greater extremities and to make it altogether despair of succour with hopes whereof being fed it patiently suffer'd all hardships For at last he began to draw a line of Circumvolution which beginning from the bank of the Poe about a Musket-shot above the Vallentino ran along the plain towards the West and came to the Church Della Crocetta just over against the Citadel and then winding about the Citadel came to the great Edifice called La Porporata and continued to the Dora crossing with it came to the little house which is called Bianchina and then declining by the Madalene to the mouth of the same River where being broken off by the source or course of water it was reassumed again and terminated in the neighbouring banks of Poe a compass of eight miles which being furnish'd with small Forts and other works was divided into six quarters wherein the French and Piedmontese Armies were thus distributed Count Plessis Pralin the first Marshal of the Camp was quartered from the bridge to the Parco This quarter contained within it the Burgo and the fortifications of the bridge and of the Capuchins hills From Vallentino where the line began towards La Crochetta and so forwards towards La Porporata La Dora and Le Cassine divia d' Albera was General Harcourt quartered and with him the Viscount Di Turenna Camp-marshal of the French Horse The Circumvolution made a great bow from one bridge upon the Dora to another bridge below the Parco and neer the Poe to which La Dora served as a string wherein Ill Signeior della Motta Odencourt field Marshal was first quarter'd who commanded a small body part Foot part Horse who were left by Duke Longueville and were subordinate onely to General Harcourt But afterwards the Porparata was assigned him for his quarter together with a good part of the line on both sides and with him were Villa and Pianezza quartered with the French and Piedmontese Horse The Citizens of Turin saw themselves thus surrounded and as it were imprisoned and were not able of themselves to break the line which did not onely threaten their liberties but their lives and fortunes And in these great streights all their hopes lay in being relieved by the Governour which they were day by day inform'd should be ere long For he having rallied his men and re-inforced his Camp was come from Vercelli to Crescentino and by a bridge thrown over the River there marched straight to Cheri where having stay'd some days to get his men together he endeavour'd by all possible means to get neer the City to free both it and the Prince from fiege in which time the Prince desirous either to try the Enemies Forces or to give a trial of his sally'd very strong both in Horse and Foot by night out of the City and fell upon Motta's quarter which was at the Magdalene beyond the Dora and charging him whilst they were all a sleep his men entred even into the Rendezvous of Arms of that quarter wounding and killing many before they could put themselves in a defensive posture which proved not such but that after having done them much prejudice the Prince might get to within the shelter of the Cannon of the City whereinto he retreated with little loss to himself and more to the Enemy This action revived the spirits of the besieged and much more the bringing back of the water of Dora to the Mills which was done by the Citizens a great band whereof back'd by a squadron of Musketiers went out of the City and coming to where the water was dam'd up broke as much of the earth which closed the orifice as made way enough for water to turn four wheeles and the next night the current of the River broke down the rest so as the water came plentifully into the Channel much to the comfort of the City which thereby got bread enough To these two happinesses which amidst so many evils appeared to
which were made they provided sufficiently for Grist The Governour agreed with the Prince to send him 200 load of Ammunition at a certain hour of night which was to be conducted by Don Vincenzo Gonzaga accompanied by a good body of Horse which was to bring the supply to Motta's quarter whither the Prince was to send Horse to receive it but neither did this design prosper for the nights being very short and Gonzaga being to foord over la Stura and la Dora after he had foorded over the Poe before he could come to the place appointed he knew he could not get thither before the Sun would be up so as perceiving day break a little after he had gotten over the Poe and fearing lest he might be met by the way he returned back This night the Prince was come in his own person out of the City to receive so necessary and so desired a recruit and with him was Don Antonio Sottelo with all the Horse back'd by Marquess Serra with Foot and being come to the place appointed he was discovered and assaulted by the Enemies Horse The Prince withstood the assault manfully and after a sore contest repuls'd the Enemy wherein la Serra behaved himself gallantly who sheltering the Horse with his Musketiers afforded them conveniency of forcing the assailants to wheel about who being pursued left above 200 of their men behind them and five Captains wounded not above ten of the Prince his Forces being left behind amongst which a Dutch Captain who being stript was to the admiration oâ—… all men found to be a woman who having always kept company amongst Souldiers in mans habit was never known to be what she was but alway conversing like a man and fighting as valiantly as any man was in a few years gotten from being a Foot Souldier to be a Captain of Horse when she was taken her life was offer'd her if she would demand it but she scorning so low a behaviour chose rather with an undaunted spirit and high words to die honourably then to live a life which she should have obtained unworthily The day beginning to clear and the Prince seeing no Ammunition appear he ordered a retreat which was orderly and gallantly made even in the face of the Enemy though not without much grief for not being succoured by their long expected Ammunition but ere long the besieged were provided of Powder and all things necessary for defence by an unusual and never before practised or known way convey'd with safety and speed from the Camp to the City Commerce being block'd up as hath been often said between the Camp and the City so as there was great trouble of giving and receiving advice upon reciprocal occurrences and necessities a certain invention was found out by a hollow Bullet whereinto Letters were put and the hole stop'd up with a stopple made of a piece of Wire which being put into a piece of Artillery was shot from the Camp into the City and from the City into the Camp the sign being formerly given by a great smoak to them who were to receive it that they might watch where the Bullet fell by this means the Prince and Governour conversed freely such conveyance being to be sent hourly which were afterwards by way of mockery called flying Posts and as it is not hard to add to things which have been formerly found to succeed well this lucky and useful invention was improved in the conveying of Ammunition for War in bigger Bullets capable of fifteen pound weight of Powder which being more carefully squeezed together and put into a Mortar-piece were by the force of fire blown into the City over the Heads and Trenches of the besiegers who were very angry thereat and finally this invention served to furnish the City with Salt-peter and with Salt for want whereof it suffer'd much especially since men being glad for want of other meat to eat the flesh of horses this food eaten without Salt caused much sickness and mortality in the City above a thousand of these Balls or Bullets were thrown into the City which furnished the besieged with above 15000 pound weight of Powder Thus did the besieged behave themselves sparing their Victuals by parcimony and encreasing their Grist by Hand-mills and provided for their defence by this new device of flying Bullets comforting themselves with hopes of being one day freed from so many afflictions amongst these adventures it fell out that Monsieur d' Argenson and Monsieur di Govone who was Governour of the Citadel as they went from the Camp to Pinarvolo were taken prisoners by two Troops of Horse carried to Cheri and were by order from the Governour sent to Millain Argenson was President of the Senate at Grenoble a Gown-man but very well credited in Affairs both of Peace and War and of such authority as little of any moment was done without his approbation not only in the Camp but neither in all Piedmont The Prince and Governour were very well pleased with the taking of these two Gentlemen for having it in their thoughts to surprize the Citadel which was but weakly garrison'd a good part of the Gâ—…rison being drawn out and placed as hath been said in guarding 〈◊〉 â—…ard Line they thought that the Citadel would be the more eaâ—… 〈◊〉 now that it wanted a Governour and now the competition 〈◊〉 â—…he Garrison which had formerly been the occasion of all the scandal and of the ill Government of the present War and which as it were spoil'd and disordered all the common designs could be no longer an obstacle for the Prince having upon this occasion desired the Governour that he would give over his pretentions The Governour who saw all things in so desperate and ruinous a case was better content that it should fall into the Prince his hands then into those of the French and resolved at last though too late to please the Prince therein but this too late remedy served but little to the expiring enterprise The Prince when he had obtain'd his desire said for what reason it is not known that it was not now time to make the inâ—…ended attempt which made the Governour interpret the proposed enterprise in a sinister sence as if the Prince verily believing that he should have his desire denied had intended to take some fair pretence of concluding the treaty of agreement with the French which was never yet laid down so the design of surprizing the Citadel vanish'd diffidence and mis-understandings did daily encrease all was full of jealousie which discomposed all Negotiations Yet the Governour took no notice of any thing by reason of the precise Orders which he had from the King he continually provided the Prince with all things necessary and particularly with Powder though not without great expence he listned willingly to any thing that the Prince propounded touching the relief of the City but he interposed such difficulties in all attempts as retarded the execution till the occasion was
be freed and the Prince not seem to be abandoned they resolved to try whether it might not be done by diversion they therefore went to before Chiavazzo the loss whereof would be of greater importance to the Enemy then the getting of Inurea so as it was likely they would give over the one to defend the other this counsel was so well taken as that Inurea being reasonably well relieved they might spin out the defence thereof and not endanger the loss of it by their going to Chiavazzo the design did not fail though the Prince was not much pleased with it being loath that the other Town which was of so great importance to him should be endangered but finding the Spaniards loath to hazard all upon one chance he consented to the diversion passing over the Dora therefore at Rivarotta the Army marched to Chiavazzo the Prince going foremost with 1000 Foot and Don Vincenzo Gonzaga with 1000 Horse being come to the Town the Prince desired to try the taking of it by Scaladoe whereunto the Governour was hardly perswaded yet he gave way unto it that he might not seem to reject all the Princes proposals but it succeeded not well for the Assailants were repulsed and many of them were slain and wounded to the number of above 400 so as the enterprize proving harder then was thought they began to repent their diversive resolution but knowing that if they should give it quite over they would be laugh'd at and that the enemy would not rise from before Inurea when that Army should be gone from Chiavazzo they began to make approaches whereby they came in three days to the Ditch which being full of water they found it redious and troublesome to pass over it yet they got over upon galleries and planks and coming to two Bulwarks they fell to mining the Defendants Sallyed out upon them stoutly but were beaten back leaving many dead behind them and some Prisoners amongst which the Governour of the Town 's Lieurenant who led on the Sally the Horse were not this mean while idle but scouring the Country they took the Victuals and ammunition which were bringing to the Camp before Inurea as on the other side those which were brought to the Spanish Camp were hindred by the Cavalry of Cassalle which passing over the Poe made inrodes oftentimes as far as to S. Ia and Vercelli when the Spanish Army was gone to Chiavazzo the French being out of fear of being assaulted on the back began to make several assaults upon Inurea and to play with their batteries upon the walls but so valiant were the Defendants as they rendred all their attempts vain nor being content with defending themselves they made out several Sallyes one whereof was done so resolutely as they past on even to a battery of three pieces of Artillery which they had takes had they not been assaulted by the French whose Horse was come up to them when they were come to the Battery and then seeing it would be rashness to oppose so great a Force they retreated to within their walls still fighting and in good order whereby the French finding how hard the business would prove and hearing that Chiavazzo was very neer being taken and that it would be assuredly lost unless it were speedily succored Harcourt was forced to abandon the one that he might not lose the other so as after 35 days fiege wherein he had lost about 3000 men he resolved to quit it and to go relieve Chiavasso the Prince and Governour perceiving that the French Army was marching towards them and that they had therefore obtained all that they had pretended to by their diversion they past over the Poe upon a bridge of boats which they had purposely prepared and retreated with their Artillery baggage and with all their men cutting the bridge behind them and dragging the boats to the other shore to the end that they might not be pursued by the Enemy all was done in good order without the loss of one man through the great diligence skill of Prince Thomaso and of the Marquess Caracena to whose care the retreate was committed but understanding whilest they made their retreat that Harcourt when he went to Chiavazzo had left the bridge over the Dora before Inurea well munited that he might return to his former quarters when he should have freed Chiavasso and reassume the inâ—…e mitted siege or else that he might withdraw his baggage and ammunition which he had left in his quarter to the end that he might the more speedily relieve Chiavazzo to keep him from doing either of these Don Vincenzo Gonzaga was sent with 500 Horse towards the bridge that foording over the Dora at Verolengo he might get speedily into Inurea nor was this in vain for Gonzaga was not well come to Inurea when he might see the enemies Van upon return and make towards the bridge part whereof being already past over was assaulted by Don Gonzaga's Horse which were enforced by many choice Foot of the Garrison and after a long and stout dispute he forced the Enemy to give back and to forsake their quarters with the loss of much victuals munition and instruments of War which were found there which being brought into the Town Inurea was well furnished with what they wanted most at the cost of the Enemy wherefore Harcourt thinking it impossible to reassume the siege gave order that the bridge should be broken and retreated to Visea and to other neighboring Tovvns the Spanish Camp passing over the bridge at Verva went to Livorno where hearing of Harcourts retreat the Prince went joyfully to Inurea and the Governour with Cardinal Trivultio and other Commanders to Millain whither being come they sent their Army to their quarters Harcourt being gone from before Inurea though his Forces were weak by reason of the men that he had lost there and because the recruits which were usually sent from France every spring were not yet come he applied his mind to the surprisal of Alessandria which was proposed unto him by Seignior Covogne Governour of Cassalle as an easie enterprize and which now that the Enemies Army was sent to their quarters might be effected with a few men and maintained by small Forces he therefore sent Marquess Villa towards it about the end of Iune with the Dowagers Horse which amounted to about 800 and with 1000 French Foot which Harcourt gave him of his men and Harcourt to back him went to Battigliere a Town in the territories of Asti and from thence to Cerisola where hearing that the business was not to be attempted for that Cardinal Trivultio was entered that City with a good body of men and that therefore Villa was gone towards the parts about Alba he fell to consider what was next to be done he aspired after great actions and such as might equal his former but he wanted Forces equal to his desires Marquess Pianezza General of the Dowagers Foot propounded the taking of the Fort of
Ceva alleadging that it would require but a few days and small Forces and was notwithstanding of great consequences to pursue the rest of the Campagnia with more considerable progress and that notwithstanding Harcourts self might be free with the whole body of his Army fit to oppose any attempt of the Enemy and to secure the Country the mean while till supplies might come from Frances whereby when he should be recruited he might beâ—…ake himself to more important enterprizes he said moreover that Marquess Villa would approve of it by reason of the great advantage that would thereby redound to the Dowagers affairs and for that being already upon the way to Ceva he would advance thither the more easily with his Horse and with the French Foot which were with him and lastly he pâ—…ofer'd to go thither himself in person with 1500 of the Dowagers Foot ' desiring only one Regiment of French and three small pieces of Artillery assuring him that without further incommodating his Army he and Villa would speedily dispatch the business Harcourt was pleased with the proposal and gave way unto it so Pianezza went towards Alba to joyn and settle the business with Villa who approving of the design took upon him to go with 800 of the choicest Musketiers and with the greatest part of the Horse but without baggage to prepossess himself of the Town and of the victuals that were there and to block up all Avenues from the bringing of any succour to the Fort whilest Pianezza should advance with the Foot Artillery and Munition Villa at his first arrival made himself master of the Town and of some neighboring places which might have been a hindrance to him in taking the Fort and Pianezza having overcome the difficulties of the ways which were bad enough for the bringing of Artillery came within three days to the Town of Ceva and joyning with Villa the next day which was the fourth of Iuly began to attach the Fort their men were divided into two parts Villa placed himself with one part under a certain Tenaglia which had been abandoned by the Enemy and Pianezza with the other part on the right side of the said Tenaglia against a bulwark which was neer the gate and ordering their Cannon they betook themselves to take away their defences and then to fall upon the wall and to make mines whilest these things were doing Harcourt kept about Alba to oppose any succour which should be brought to the Fort or to prevent any design that the Spaniards might have of falling upon any other place but it was more then needed for 〈◊〉 Governour keeping still in Millain and the Prince in Inurea thougâ—… Cardinal Trivultio was gone to Allessandria where the chief Heads of the Army were met and where the people of those parts being mâ—…t were ready at any beck of the Commanders yet the many provisions which were there taken proved to no purpose they being to expect resolution from Millain which not being according to the Prince his Genius the time for action was spent in sending re-sending the consultations answers and replyes between Millain Alessandria and Inurea Wherefore the siege continuing without disturbance Marquess Pianezza had been very diligent in working the Mines on his side and though he had met with some obstacles yet he overcame them and went on So as his Mine being perâ—…ected before that of the other side he feared lest the Enemy might blow it up be summoned them to surrender threatning that otherwise he would give fire to his Mine which when it should be once done there would be no more place for parley And answer being made that they desired first to see some effects Pianezza drew up his men immediately that they might fall on as soon as the Mine should have play'd which having made a breach of 25 paces brâ—…ad the besiegers made a furious assault which being manfully with-stood by the Defendants order was given for redoubling it with greater vigour But the Defendants having done their best at the first they feared what might ensued if they should be re-assaulted Whereâ—…ore seeing all things ready for giving a new assault they did beat a parley and articled to surrender whereupon about 200 Spaniards and Piedmontese march'd out and were according to Articles convoy'd to Bagnasco This business was of great consequence to the Dowagers affairs for to boot with the great advantage she got from that whole County the taking of this place drew after it the like of the City Citadel and County of Mondovi For the Fort of Ceva being taken and afterwards the Town of Mulasana the Marquesses resolved to go to the taking in of Carru a strong Castle in those parts which held still for the Princes and Pianezza marching thitherward with some squadrons advanced towaâ—…ds the City of Mondovi inâ—…ending rather to frighten it then out of hope to take it nor did this prove amiss for those Citizens being terrified when they saw the victorious Forces advance towards the City they fâ—…ared they were come to take it they therefore threw open the Gates and willingly surrendred it He pursued his march afterwards towards Carru which despairing of reâ—… surrendred within twenty fours Ceva and the City and County of Mondovi being taken all the neighbouring Country return'd to the Dowagers obedience together with the Fort Carru Whereby the City of Conio being almost quite separated from all the other Towns of Piedmont which were â—…eld either by the Princes or Spaniards it was thought it would not be hard to take iâ—… especially since it could not be succor'd by the County of Nizza on which it confined not so much for that the Prince Cardinal had no Forces to draw into the field as though he had had any or that he should be furnish'd with any from Spain by sea yet the ways were so bad which led from the seâ—… side to Pieâ—…mont and the passages so difficult as it was impossible to convey men thither So as no Forces were to be feared from that side and Harcourt being willing to make use of the occasion threw himself immediately before it with his own and with the Dowagers men The enterprize was very hopefull nor of less advantage and consquence by reason of the scituation which being placed at the foot of the Apenine where being cut off from the Alps it divides the County of Nizza from Piedmont Conio is seated in an eminent place enclosed between two Rivers which falling down by two Valleys formed by the Apennine and running some few miles by the plain which lies beneath enclose that Town between Of these two Rivers the one which is called Ghez runs so close by one side of the Town as it serves it for a safe and deep ditch and by the height of the steep banks makes it unaccessible the other which is called Stura being about a bow shot from the Town is not of so much safety to it wherefore the Fortifications are the
and ought to shew himself more constant in his devotion to that Crown he was past over to the Enemies party not without prejudice to the Crown of Spain But these are things the verification and discussing whereof would require more time and the decision thereof not appertaining to the Author of this History it will suffice to have lightly touch'd upon the accusations and excuses Yet the same Agents who had some knowledge of the fact before it was done endeavoured to prevent the danger but the success was so sudden as all provisions and remedies came too late and truly the more unexpected this blow came the soarer and more insufferable was it But greater blows then this which the Crown of Spain received at these times both in Italy and elsewhere made this appear the less for the Kingdoms of Spain weâ—…e so shaken first by the Insurrection of Catalonia and afterwards by that of Portugal aâ—… they never were the like since that Crown arrived at so much greatness The Catalonians after their Insurrection had recourse to the King of France and by submiting to that Crown had got assistance against the King of Castile whose Forces were entred Catalonia to reduce it So as the French Forces entring that Province also they often routed the Castilians and having finally made them almost all retreat to the neighbouring Kingdom of Arragon they rendred the recovery of Catalonia very difficult which was almost wholly lost and the King not being well provided of men to quell the Catalonians and to drive the French out who had almost made themselves Masters thereof he was forced to make use of the Portugal Garrisons to subject the Catalonians So the Portugueses being quite rid of the Castrlian Garrisons made use of this occasion to withdraw themselves from the Castilian Empire which was to them so hateful and so insufferable They thereto made Don Iohn Duke of Braganza their King who was descended by the Mothers side from the ancient Kings of Portugal and the Castilian Forces not being able to subdue both these Insurrections they were necessitated to insist first upon that of Catalonia whereinto the French poured in men at their pleasure wherefore the Portugal Insurrection was but weakly withstood so as it grew daily greater The new King was better established in his new Kingdom as well by reason of the peoples love as of the friendship and favour of other Princes who out of Emulation to the Spanish Grandezza fomented the Insurrection of the Portugueses So as what by the natural Forces of Portugal and by what he received from forreigners the new King kept the Castilian Forces conveniently from the Confines of Portugal To the loss of the Kingdom of Portugal was added the loss of all the Kingdomes and Provinces of the East Indies and of all the Seas and Islands belonging to that Crown and in the Western parts of Brasil for being govern'd and garrison'd onely by the Portugueses and none but Portugueses being suffer'd to saile towards those parts nor to tarry there by the way of Traffick as soon as the news of the new Kings exaltation to the Crown who was of the Royal lineage was come into those parts they all joyntly with great applause acknowledg'd him for their King and readily swore Allegiance to him The Spaniards also at this time lost many considerable places and battles of no small consideration in Flanders the Fleets of the said Crown were almost dissipated by naval Conflicts by contrary Winds and by other casual disasters their Forces being afflicted by several misfortunes in Lombardy and Piedmont had lost their former lustre The Austrian Empire suffer'd also very much in Germany and not being able to hold that mutual correspendency nor to receive such aid as had wont to pass between it and the Crown of Spain both those Crowns lost much of that Authority and Grandezza whereby they had made themselves so considerable and so formidable with the greatest Princes of Christendom for almost one whole age and because Germany being lacerated by continual Wars and impoverished in people could not furnish the Wars of Italy and the State of Millain with Souldiers as it had wont to do nor Spain whose Exchequer was exhausted could subminister that quantity of monyes to the Germane Empire as it formerly had done nor take order for great Levies of Dutch for Italy the Spanish forces in Lombardy and in Italy were necessarily reduced to great vveakness and discredit insomuch as the Potentates of Italy to vvhom they vvere so formidable before as doubting nothing more then to be over-run by them they vvere vvholly bent upon pulling them dovvn being novv totally free of that fear and as much terrified with the apprehension of the French forces which they saw were gotten to a fatal greatness in Spain it self in Flanders in Italy and in Germany they studied how to maintain that Spanish Empire which they endeavoured to suppress so much before all of them holding it for undoubted that the lessening thereof would prove the lessening of their ovvn States amongst these the Venetians who formerly had always been more averse to the ends and interests of the Crown of Spain then any others changing their counsels with the alteration of affairs began to be their first and most zealous protectors they being the onely bank which could keep out the stood of the French fortune from overflowing and drowning Italy and their own Dominions which they willingly hazarded some few years before when the Duke of Rohan falling down by the Valley of Sarfina from the Valtoline into the State of Millain when the Duke of Savoy and Marshal Cricqui being past the Tessino infused such terrour into the State of Millain the same Rohan being now to pass over a little patch of the Venetian State of not above two miles long before he could come to the State of Millain the Commonwealth which had been so favourable to him before in the getting and keeping of the Valtoline were so averse unto him upon this occasion as they would by no means permit him to come over that very short space of Ground which had they done it would have much increased the danger of that State not onely the Spanish Agents but all the Potentates of Italy were very well satisfied with this action who knew not so much by her present as by her past nay contrary carriage how intent and watchful that Commonwealth was over the well-fare and preservation of the publick peace and liberty the same respects made the Governour of Millain more wary in engaging themselves in battle finding that by the want of ready leavies of men in Germany they wanted the conveniency of supplies to their armies when they shall by any accident be routed or otherwise worsted to this was added that Spain it self by reason of the Wars that were then very hot there required men both from Germany and Italy so as not being able to send men into Italy the Spaniards were
possess'd by the Enemy and were both of them a great help to defend the City The Army being drawn neer the City and having at the very first taken the Suburbs they planted their Artillery against the walls trying if the Citizens would willingly surrender which they not doing they began their battery wherewith having made a breach Galeotti found the City was not to be defended wherefore they retired so hastily to the Castle as they had not time to carry their victuals along with them nor to break down the mils which were neer the walls things which did afterwards much accommodate the enemy who entring the City the fifth day when the Garrison had abandoned it and the City by the Bishops interposing surrendred upon condition So as the Enemy began immediately to begirt the Castle with Trenches and possess'd themselves of the Church Monastery of S. Dominico which stood between the City and the Castle the Garrison not having fortified it to keep from 〈◊〉 men in the defence thereof having hardly enough to defend the Castle And yet either foreseeing or already finding how prejudicial the taking of that Convent would be unto them they â—…ndeavoured to recoveâ—… it the next day by a stout sally but were forced to retreaâ—… The Duke sent the Horse afterwards to scour the Country who without resistance took the Castle Nuovo di Scrivia which Prince Thomaso chose for his quarters and having placed a quarter also in Pontecurone he took Voghera which threw the Gates open then turning upon the Towns and Villages thereâ—…bout he got good store of Victuals and brought it together with much more booty into the City but those who dwelt upon the hills resisted and preserved their goods and persons with much prejudice to their opposers the first and most important resolution of the opposers was to take Serravalle a Town scituated upon the way that leads to the Sea which being a place of great consequence whereby commerce with the Staâ—…e of Genoa was either block'd up or maintained the business was committed to Marquess Villa who going from the Camp with the Piedmont Horse and five French Regiments of Foot which in all made 1500 Horse and 3000 Foot he marched thitherward and took first Stasono which did willingly surrender and came afterwards to Serravalle where taking the Town without resistance he betook himself to the Castle whither the Garrison was retreated and where there was not any provision and yet it held out and afforded the Governour Siruela time who was very desirous to preserve that place to get together as many men as in so great streights he could from the Garrisons of the State of Millain and of the Towns in Piedmont having called Count Galliazzo Trotti from Asti and Don Vincenzzo Monsurio from Vercelli who by reason of the neighborhood of the State of Millain got into Allessandria without any hinderance with all their men Fra. Iovan Pallavicino Camp-master met with more difficulty and danger who was sent for by the Governour from Villa nova vvith order that leaving men and munition sufficient to keep that place from surprisal he should come into Allessandria vvith the rest vvhere the Governour stay'd expecting him to vvhich purpose he sent him â—…00 Horse to be his convoy Villa nova is neer upon 40 miles from the City of Alessandria in the midst of Piedmont neer to Towns strongly Garrison'd by the Enemy so as he was to march through the Enemies country which Pallavicimo did with much valour and speed and though he past very privatly to keep from being discover'd by the Enemy yet was he pursued by the Garrison of Carmagnuola which overtook him at the bridge of Villa Franca and strove to keep him from passing over it hoping to effect their desire by reâ—…son of 200 carriages which he brought along with him laden with warlike ammunition and also one Cannon so as they promised themselves clear victory with the slaughter of all his men and the getting of all his munition but Palavicino not at all abash'd at their approach placed himself with his ranks in order before the carriages and facing about made head against the Enemy and held them play till the Carriages and the Cannon past over the Bridge after which his men began to march in good order with their faces still towards the Enemy and still fighting who passing over after them did still pursue them till Pallavicino beâ—…ng come with his men to Gombino a Town two miles distant from the Bridge made himself master thereof and fortifyed himself in an advantagious place where he stay'd with his men in order expecting that the Enemy should advance but they not daring to assault him upon such disadvantagious tearms left pursuing him and retreated towards Carmagnuola suffering Pallavicino to pass freely into Allessandria whither he came safe with his men and carriages this so great recruite being so luckily come to the Governour was of great consequence for with them and with some other men that he had he made up a body of 5000 Foot and 300 Horse with the which marching into the field on the eighth of Octber he came to Fregarvola a Town neer Bosco intending to go from thence to Serravalle whither he had sent some Foot already that they might endeavour to get one after another into the Castle and though his men were fewer in number then the Enemy yet the Enemy being distributed into several quarters the Governour doubted not but that he being more in number then any one of the Enemies quarters his design might take effect Nor was he therein deceived for it fell out better then was expected the Duke of Longueville who was before Tortona with but a few men hearing of this expedition and fearing that the Enemy might fall upon some part of the Trenches which were ill provided of Defendants and might enter into the Castle and so into the City and cause some important mischief sent speedily back for all the Horse which were dispers'd abroad in several parts and brought them neerer Tortona and moreover sent for Marquess Villa from Serravalle who writ back that he thought it better to quit Tortona and be masters of Serravalle then to abandon Serravalle and come to before Tortona for that the way by Sea being block up on that part to the State of Millaln Tortona would not be able to hold out long and way would be made to further progress he therefore advised him to give over that Siege and to joyn with him in the taking of Serravalle but Longueville persisting in his own opinion redoubled his order with more efficacy Wherefore Villa leaving Serravalle though unwillingly forewent that Castle and the Town which he had already taken So the Governour having by the meer fame of his march luckily freed Serravalle which was held as good as lost he sent a sufficient Garrison thither to guard it and furnished it with munition keeping afterwards in the Town of Bosco he stay'd there to
keep the victuals and munition from coming to the enemies Camp which were sent from Piedmont by Montferrate believing that the Enemy not being able to maintain that siege long for scarcity of victuals and munition must of necessity give over the enterprize and to this purpose he acquainted the Commonwealth of Genoa how unjustly they intended to invade the State of Millain and how prejudicial that would be to the Genoeses wherefore he exhorted that State not to afford any conveniencies to their enemies the Commonwealth hereupon took into consideration how that all the Castles which she held beyond tâ—…e Apenine were open except it were Novi which was onely inviron'd with old weâ—…k walls and that sharing more of the sterility of the neâ—…ghbouring mountains then of the fruitfulness of the valleys of Lombardy they are of themselves not onely unable to feed Forreign Armies but even not onely to provide for themselves and that they â—…eeded to be provided with victuals from their neighbouring Towns Wherefore since they were more furnish'd with victuals from Novi then from home the inhibition desired by the Governour would be superflâ—…ous and no ways helpful to his pretended end but would be veâ—…y prejudâ—…cial to those people who would be thereby provoked to Military Licentiousness by the pillaging and plundering the whole Countrey in resentment of the affront nor would the mischief cease here for the King of France would be offended with the Common-wealth for this action which peradventure he would esteem little less then Hostile wherefore the Commonwealth having acquainted the Governour with these reasons sent a competent number of Souldiers to Novi under Philip Palavicino one well vers'd both in Civil and in Military affairs and enjoyned him that he should endeavour the quiet of those confines and to keep them from the inrode of disbanded Souldiers and not to suffer any innovation whereby the liberty of that market might be prejudiced so the French whose quarters lay neer that Market coming thither to buy victuals at any rates the prises rise to such a heighth as it drew great store of Victuals from the 〈◊〉 of Millian which was no little ease to the French Army which the Spaniards not being able to suffer who were for the most part quartered beyond Tortona towards the Poe could not make use of that market as the French did they complained of the Commonwealth as if she had favour'd the French more then them not seeing nor being willing to see that almost all the victuals which were brought to Novi came from the State of Millain and that they not being able by any means their own scourers of the Country could use to keep their own subjects from bringing victuals to Novi they were cause of that mischiefâ—… to themselves which they preâ—…ended to receive from the Commonwealth thus the French Army without loss of any time continued to besiege that Castle about which having taken up their quarters and drawn a line about it they made four approaches toward it two towards the City and two towards the Mountain and Turenna's Regiment being quartered over against a certain half moon he vvas forced by a gallant sally which was made to quit it the like to which befel another Regiment which was quartered upon the edge of the Ditch it being beaâ—…en back by another fierce sally several other sallies were likewise made with various Fortune but for the most part with advantage to the opposers And Bosco being inconvenient to the Governour Siruele by reason of its â—…ar distance for he could not from thence hinder a convoy of powder which was sent from Cassalle though he had sent the Marquess of Caracena to intercept it he thought he might keep out relief better by removing to Pozzola which lay upon the rode way to Tortona from Novi and Monferrate not above six miles from Tortona which was divided from thence by the Scrivia he therefore went thither with all his men but not being able to tarry there long by reason of the scarcity of water and forrage and because he thought the Castle could not hold out long he thought it necessary to give over the thought of belâ—…guering the Enemies Camp and to relieve it by open force he therefore resolved to go from Pozzuolo and to march towards Sale vvhich lies a little lovver tovvards the Poe on the leâ—…hand of Scrivia he marched in battle array in case he should be assaulted by the Camp from before Tortona as he vvas threatned to be he vvas also moved to remove his quarters hearing that Marquess Villa was gone from the Camp and having past over the Scrivia was marched towards the Tanaro to receive there a good quantity of powder which he knew was to be brought from Cassalle which the Governour 〈◊〉 of he had before sent order to Valenza that they might be careful to intercept it and those of Valenza were not negligent in observing his Orders for having assembled both Horse and Foot from the neighbouring parts they went in pursuit thereof and lighting upon the Convoy they fell so furiously upon the Convoyers as to save theâ—…r lives and not being able to save the Powder they threw a great part of it into the Poe and being come neer Bassignana they left the rest upon the banks of the Tanaro and Marquess Villa being come to that River and seeing the Country people busie in sharing the rest he set Musketiers along the shore for fear of whom the Country people fled and left the Ammunition and Villa spying a Barque which lay hulling in the River without any Boat-men he made some of his men swim towards it who took it and brought over the Ammunition in it and laying it upon carriage-horses which they had brought to that end they brought it safe to the Camp before Tortona whither Villa came safe also before the Governour of Millain got from Pozzuolo to Sale who since he had mist of meeting with Villa in his return as he intended to have done he sent some of his men to recover Casâ—…el nuovo di Scrivia from whence a Troop of Horse that lay there in Garrison going out to discover the Enemy they skirmished with them and were repuls'd by them and the keeper of the Castle at his return found the gates shut upon him by the Towns-men so as failing of that refuge he went to Pontecurone to joyn with the Horse which were quartered there and the Governour passing over the Scrivia with the rest of his men went to Castel nuovo which made all the Country towards Tortona on this side the River be abandoned by the Enemies Horse and Foot which were quartered in those parts who came all to the line of circumvolution about the Castle whereupon the Governour went to Pontecurone and finding it empty he made there a Rendezvous of Arms and placed some Troops of Horse there which were newly come from the State of Millain and hearing that there were only 100 French in Garrison
appli'd a Petard to the Gate which being thereby thrown down the Horse entred which waited there to be let in Fontana Captain of the Gate was thought to hold private intelligence with Prince Thomaso as also Amerino Captain of the Swissers who were deputed to defend the Steccado who being corrupted by moneys made no resistance but presently past over to the Princes party for which he was question'd by the Cantons Count Vischio by reason of the great darkness and opposition made by the defendants lost his Guide and his Petard so as not being able to execute his Commission he entred the City by the Bastion Verde by which the Spaniards and Italians also entred the Castle-Gate not being as then opened nor could Colonel Alardo do what he was appointed being stoutly opposed but he entred by the Castle-Gate which was now opened so as before full day the City was reduced into the power of the Prince not any of the Citizens appearing in defence for the Dowager had commanded that upon pain of death none of them should stir out of their doors but when they heard that she was retreated into the Citadel and that the Prince was entred the City they ran out to the streets and Piazzas with unusual expressions of joy and flock'd about the Prince with incredible applause but their congratulations which lasted many hours were not any hindrance to what was necessary for defence for they presently fell to block up the ways which led to the Citadel to keep the City from being from thence assaulted which was diligently observed all the rest of the day at night Lights were put in all the Windows and the Citizens stood with their weapons in their hands together with the Souldiers to defend the streets fearing some sallies out of the Citadel and the Prince made the Rampiers be raised to keep the City from being prejudiced from the Citadel The next day things were better secured by the entrance of the Governour of Millain with the rest of the Army who together with the Prince viewing all parts as well within as without the City by which the City might be entred they munited it with Souldiers and other necessaries To end the work compleat the Victory and to put an end almost to the War there remained the blocking up of the Citadel on the out-side and the keeping it from any succour by continual circumvallations which required not the guarding of above three miles for the Citadel was more then half begirt by the City Five days after the City was taken the French and Piedmontese Army appeared coming from Cuneo who when they heard the sad news of the loss of Turin marched speedily to relieve the Citadel and finding no Trenches to keep them off nor any Forces in the Field to oppose them they secured the Citadel they quartered their men without opposite to the City towards la Porporata and none but the chief Commanders went into the Citadel to kiss the Dowagers hand and to consult of what was to be done The Dowagers affairs begun to better a little by so seasonable a succour and the French began to be much encouraged the Spanish Army was in the City and all the Citizens that were fit to bear Arms were very diligent to defend it moreover the Trenches which were over against the Citadel were in good order and did shelter the City indifferently well from the shot which were made from thence The Marquess of Caracena having assisted therein with no lesse diligence then danger who foreseeing how much the defendants might be damnified by the Garden of the Carmelites which commanded the Trench and streets of the City if they should be possess'd by the Enemy prepossess'd himself thereof and munited it well and put a good Garrison into it and therefore though both the French and Piedmontese who were in the Citadel did much desire to assault the City and to drive the Enemy from thence yet the Cardinal of Vallette opposed it and by his Authority of Supream Command of the French Forces curb'd the general desire yet being overborn by the General order of Longueville and of the other Commanders and for that he would appear to have some hand therein rather then out of his own addiction he consented that 300 of the best men of the French Army should assault la Citta Vecchia under the Marquess Nerestano who accosted the walls and fell on furiously but being stoutly opposed were forc'd to retreat with the loss of many of them amongst which the Marshal Nerestano and the Camp-masters Alincourt and Valiaci together with other officers and gallant Souldiers and with little loss to the assaulted by which as well he as the rest of the Captains having found by experience how much harder it was then they had imagined to recover the City and the Dowager being put to great streights in the Citadel they thought it fit that she should go from thence and should go together with her Court to Susa which was so necessary as it was presently done she went out with an undaunted spirit bearing in her bosom two consolations amongst so many misfortunes the one that if she had been suffer'd to Govern according to her own will she had not fallen into such misfortune the other that the King her brother who had brought her into that condition would doubtlesly bring her out of it at her departure she left the Citadel in charge with the Duke of Longueville who received it as deposited by her in the King of France his name for she confiding but a little upon this occasion in the Piedmontese and in so great perplexity and cross fortune not having Forces sufficient to defend so important a place threatned by so neer and powerful an Army and not having wherewith to fight nor to subsist for above two moneths she thought she could not do better then to put it into the protection of the King her brother being come forth and attended by a competent number of hers she came to Susa where she waited looking in vain where this so great storm would finally fall a treaty of Truce was afterwards introduced between the Abbot Vasques in the Governour of Millain's name and Mousieur d'Argenson on the behalf of the Duke of Longueville which was desired by Longueville not so much for the scarcity of provision in the Citadel as for the precise orders which he received from the King at his departure from Court and which were often after reiterated by which he was enjoyn'd that he should rid his hands as soon as he could of the Wars of Piedmont to the end that they being over he might go into Flanders or Germany but Prince Thomaso was totally against it thinking any whatsoever Truce injurious to his cause and to the whole business and for that he knew for certain that the Duke had orders to rid his hands of the business as soon as he could so as departing with the forces he brought and Vallette's men
being diminished the French Forces grew very weak for there was great scarcity in the Citadel he moreover that he might keep the Governour of Millain from consenting thereunto added that the Truce would be destructive not onely in relation to the Citadel of Turin but to Cassalle it being certain that by the Truce some respit would be given to them both and did further alleadge that the Truce would be prejudicial to the affairs of Flanders Germany and Spain as well as to those of Piedmont by reason of the aforesaid orders given to Longueville to go to some of those parts and that the King of France when he should have respite from the Wars of Piedmont would intend those other Wars the more but the Governour who did not believe that Longueville had any such orders desired to return to Millain and be free from the troubles of Wars and perhaps also being distasted that such a Garrison should not be put into the Citadel when it should be taken as he would have and that so the victory should not appear to be his but anothers he therefore was for listning to the Truce so they chose Deputies to Negotiate the business the Dowager chose Marquess Villa Prince Thomaso chose Count Messerati the Cardinal of Vallette and Duke Longueville chose Mousier d' Argenson and the Governour of Millain chose Abbot Vasques all theâ—…e meeting in Vallentino the Truce was concluded which was to begin on the fourth of August and to end on the twenty fourth of October the conditions to be these That the City and Citadel should remain in the Condition they were at the present with power to either of them to make what Fortification they listed so as that neither of them should advance their works beyond a Line which should be drawn by common consent between the City and the Citadel that the Armies should withdrew into their own Towns and Provinces and should forbear all Hostility that none should go from his own quarters into the others without a pasport that Cassalle should continue in the same condition it was in at the present onely that it might be Lawful for the French to change 600 sick and infirm Foot of the Garrison of the Citadel for as many strong and able men and that it might be lawful to change Prisoners The Truce being thus concluded Arms were forborn The Governour retired to Millian carrying some of his Army along with him leaving some in Piedmont and quartering some of them upon the Confines Prince Thomaso was not onely unsatisfied with this Truce but thought himself thereby injured thinking that the Governour of Millain had abandon'd him when his business was at the fairest and when he was as good as in possession of the Citadel nor were the Emperour and the Infanta of Flanders less displeased thereat then he both of them apprehending that when the affairs of Piedmont should be quieted Longueville would come down with his Forces either into Flanders or Germany so as they complained grievously thereof all three to the Court of Spain which being no less ill satisfied therewith then they feared that when the War should be at an end in Piedmont it would for certain break out in greater fury in Catalognia wherefore the Governor of Millain was very hardly spoken of in that Court and the King of Spain being scandalized both for his ovvn affairs and those of others and the Governour roundly check'd and a strict account required of him for it it was generally thought in Italy that the contention touching the putting a Garrison into the Citadel of Turin had made the Governour of Millain make Truce fearing that it might occasion much strife but the Governour alleadged nothing in his defence but the diminution of his Forces which was occasioned by the many Garrisons which he was necessitated to leave in the Towns which were taken in Piedmont whereby not being able to keep the Field he thought it better to desist with honour from that enterprize by the way of Truce then to do it with shame as he foresaw he must ere long be forc'd to do But the expiration of the Truce shewed how little justifiable this his plea was for though the French Army was recruited with new men during the time of Truce and that no supply was sent to the Spanish Camp yet the Governour of Millain marchâ—…d into the Field with more men then the French did as shall be said But as the Governours plea in his own defence would not bear water so the Emperour and the Infanta's fear of Longuevill's Forces proved vain For those Forces were left behind in Piedmont to the end that that Country might not be unprovided of men and Longueville was sent into Alsatia with onely the Dutch Regiment to succeed Duke Weymer in being General of the French which Weymer then dyed and yet the King of Spain either to resent this action of the Governours or to satisfie Prince Thomaso commanded the Governour that for the future he would be advised by Prince Thomaso The Truce was not well concluded when the King of France and the Dowager were held to be the breakers of it he by her will having brought French into Susa Avigliana and Cavor Wherefore 600 sick men of the Citadel of Turin being by the Articles of the Truce to be changed for as many strong and able men the Governour of Millain would not allow of the change against which the French objected that the reciprocal Articles of the Truce did not oblige one party between themselves they therefore said that the King and Dowager making joyntly one of the parties they might do any thing between themselves without offence to the League and on the contrary they complained that the Truce was broken by both the Princes for that the Prince Cardinal by authority of his pretence had made no less acquisition after the Truce then his brother had done by all his Forces since going without any Forces from Cuneo to the Maritime parts he had obtained Villa Franca and the haven thereof by voluntary surrender as also the Fort S. Sospiro and the City and County of Nice where he was received by the people with much applause and that driving out the Governour of that Castle which by art and scituation was impregnable he soon after forc'd the Castle to surrender And that all the people had sworn fealty to him as to the Dukes Guardian which was verily a great acquisition that City Castle and Haven being one of the chief keys of Piedmont upon which the French had alwayes an eye and were alwayes intent upon the recovery thereof as part of Provence which of ancient right did belong to the Crown of France and this purpose 4000 Foot were at that time sent from Provence under that Governour and the Kings Fleet kept hovering upon those Seas but that the Prince Cardinal had subverted these designes who without Arms or any opposition by the bare authority of his presence and