been guilty of much Violence and Extortion in the execution of his Commission The President Bailleul was ordered to go to Court with these Instructions who was to be attended by one Councellor out of every Chamber and two out of the Grand Chambre these were the Messieurs Meusnier St. Tot Canaye Camus Pon Casse Bitrult and the Counts Montanglau Mangis and Martmean who set forward upon the 8 th of Iuly towards the Court. There were in France at the same time several Councellors sent from the several Cantons of the Switzers to sollicite on the behalf of their several Countries the payment due by the King unto the Forces of that Nation under his pay the same amounting to a very considerable sum upon occasion whereof many of the Commanders and Souldiers being discontented had in several places laid down Arms and declared that they would serve no longer unless they were paid all their Arrears and secured of their Pay as it should grow due for the time to come This affair was a matter of great consequence in that conjuncture of time and was also very carefully considered by his Majesty's Council who were sensible that 't was a thing of huge importance not to disoblige these Forces which being well paid do serve truely and faithfully on all occasions And the Marquiss of Chasteau Neuf Keeper of the Seal Monsieur de Longue Treasurer and Monsieur de Tillier Secretary of State were therefore appointed to treat and agree with them who after several Meetings and Treaties had between them at last upon the 20 th day of Iune came to the conclusions following First That they should be forthwith paid in ready money 40000 Doublons and 60000 more at three days of payment the first at the end of July then next following the second upon the last of September and the last Payment to be made on the last day of December the same year together with 1000 Doublons more for the Interest of those Sums For the Payment whereof his Majesty was to deposite some Iewels as a pledge for the securing of those Payments Besides which his Majesty was to pay in five years following the sum of 250000 Doublons more by 50000 Doublons at each Payment The first to begin upon the first of January 1651 and that the sum of 66000 Doublons more should be paid in the year 1656. all which said Payments should be secured by assignations to be made upon the Kings Revenues of Lyons Valentia and those of Paris for which the Farmers of those places were to give security As to the payment of the Colonels Captains and Souldiers that should be in his Majesties service there should be a Fond established and 15000 Doublons paid monethly until all was satisfied This Agreement was signed by both parties Registered and Verified by the Parliament in solemn form with which the Cantons were all satisfied and the Deputies returned home highly contented with the Honours and Favours his Majesty had been pleased to bestow upon them declaring that they would continue to serve him faithfully with their Lives and Fortunes upon all occasions The end of the Fourth Book THE HISTORY OF FRANCE The FIFTH BOOK The CONTENTS The King and Court Return from Champagne to Paris The Spaniards raise their Siege from before Guien a Iourney to Guise is proposed and resolved upon The Frondeurs are apprehensive thereof and Mutiny again against Mazarine commotion in Burdeaux at the news that the King is marching that way The Princess of Conde incourageth the Burdelois who therefore joyn with the Princes and prepare to make Resistance something of action insues and soon after agreement is made The Kings entry into Burdeaux who within a few days parts from theme and comes to Fontenbleau The Spaniards besiege and take Piombino and Portolongone in Italy and make themselves Masters of La Capella and of Rethel in Flanders The Princes are carried from the Castle of St. Vincennes to that of Marcoussi The Archduke moves a general peace with the Duke of Orleans his ends and Artifice Mazarine goes to the Army in Champagne Marishall Plessis Pralin takes Rethell gives Battel to General Turenne Routs him The Spaniards take Flix Mirauet and Tortosa in Catalonia The Princes liberty is proposed by the Duke of Orleans and by the Frondeurs Many Treaties are had and many disorders arise thereupon THE Court being returned from Champagne to Paris it was not hard for the Cardinal to free himself from being Prest to Transport the Princes into the Bastile as well out of his great affection which he bore unto the King and Queen as by the instigation of the Princes Friends and Kindred who apprehended Condé's life if he should fall into the hands of the Frondeurs and especially of such as being full of Malice and Revenge made them not a little afraid knowing very well that all of them being fully bent to effect their desire which was to strengthen their Faction the most they could either by totally annihilating the Prince or by winning him wholly over so to destroy afterwards either by his assistance or without his obstacle the Cardinals Authority which made them press the Queen that the Princes persons might be secured rather in the Bastile than elsewhere News came this mean while that the Spaniards had raised their Siege from before Guise whereat the King's Ministers did not a little rejoyce seeing their advice had succeeded so well Wherefore the courage of the Cardinals Enviers failing who saw him grow daily stronger and stronger The Duke of Orleans took occasion thereupon being eg'd on by the Coadjutors to joyn the rather with the Frondeurs so to counterpoize that greatness which did not a little vex him They therefore by common consent resolve to hold up their Authority especially in Paris wherefore the time of choosing the Provost of Merchants a place of concernment especially then when the City was divided into Factions being now at hand they gave out that for the following years they would have Monsieur La Feure have that Office who was a Counsellor of Parliament and in whom they did much confide to the end that being joyn'd in interest with the Inhabitants they might the more freely dispose of the Counsel of the City so as they press the Cardinal now no longer in a fair becoming way but told him boldly that they would be gratified in that person And the Dutchess of Chevereux the Dutchess of Monbazon and Duke Beaufort told him freely that if he would have them esteem him their Friend he must by no means refuse it The Cardinal was much troubled at this he complained much of the Frondeurs boldness which setting aside the respect they ought unto the King they durst so sawcily meddle with that which did not belong unto them but as in a great storm a wary Pilot strikes the main yard and takes down the Masts to keep the Vessel from being exposed to the injury of the winds so the Cardinal the
blood as was possible he did again endeavour an agreement before he entred the Province which he gave in charge to Monsieur de Lavie who took upon him to write to Monsieur Mirat chief Counsellor of the Parliament of Burdeaux desiring him that he would come himself in person to Roquedetau that they might confer touching the propositions to be sent to the Parliament the invitation was embraced and Mirat being come to the place of conference Lavie told him that the King was willing to listen Graciously to the Remonstrances of Parliament and to the Princess of Conde's intreaties touching the Princes liberties and that he hoped to get a Gracious answer from their Majesties within 15 days if that the Dukes of Bulloin and Rochfaucolt would withdraw and that the City would lay down Arms it not being fit that the King should set the Princes at liberty whilst his Subjects were in Arms. Miratz ingaged himself in the names of the above-said Dukes that they should speedily retire to their own houses and should quit the Kingdom if the Queen should so command them so as the Princes might be set free and thus the conference ended Yet the same Dukes indeavoured still to unite themselves more firmly to the Burdelois and to get speedy succour from Spain which declared it would assist them but would first see the Parliament declare it self more openly which occasioning some difficulty it was so handled as some of the more seditious sort made the meaner sort of people Mutiny besieging the publick Palace so to force the Parliament to make the pretended Declaration which they did but much against the will of the Assembly who were about to accept of the King's proposal Giurato Pontack went with a great Squadron of armed Inhabitants to assist the Parliamentarians and by the death of 3 or 4 of the most seditious freed them whereupon the Princess of Conde went to the Parliament and excusing her self said she knew not of it Osorio to incourage the Counsellors caused some chests or Patacoons covered over with doubloans to be brought which made a sumptuous shew that all appearing to be Gold the publick might hope for assistance and particular men for profit Things being thus establisht it was thought fit to send Osorio out of Burdeaux so not to make the Court party more Jealous and to let the Princes do what they should please upon this occasion and so to cover over the loathsomness of that disobedience which was deeply rooted in the hearts of ill minded men The Duke de St. Simon Governour of Blaye went at this time to pay his respects to the King and to assure him of his Loyalty The Count d' Ognon of the Family of Faucot Lieutenant of the Governments of Rochell of the Islands of Oleron and whereof the said Ognon after the death of Marshall de Breze had made himself almost an independent Master would not go to Court feigning himself to have the Gout thinking to stand looking on and to advantage his interests according to the conjuncture of times either by absolutely establishing himself in the close of affairs in those Governments or by becoming necessary to the Court oblige their Majesties to make him Duke and Peer and Marshall of France which he very much longed to be The Cardinal was aware of his designs but did dissemble seeming to believe otherwise than he did and thinking it better to leave him quiet there than by seeming to distrust him to put him upon some headlong Resolution especially since he seemed rather inclined to follow the Princes party than to be Loyal to the King His Majesty being advanced to Sibour the Parliament of Burdeaux sent President Pichon with some other prime Counsellors to him who being brought into his presence in few words told him that nothing better became a puissant Prince than Clemency which was the bait which did captivate hearts and establish Scepters who by their Birth-right were acknowledged to be the Sovereigns of State and by their mildness became masters of men That the Parliament hoped for these favours which had always kept within the bounds of duty nor had ever any other aim but the service and glory of his Majesty through whose goodness they hoped to see that fatal Tree eradicated which brings war and confusion with it wheresoever it comes The Court was no ways satisfied with this complement which was specious in appearance but unaccompanied by effects for the Burdelois continued disobedient and still strove to bring over the people of other Provinces to joyn with the Parliament together with their secret intelligence still held by the Princess of Conde with the Court of Spain wherein their chiefest hopes lay and they strove particularly to keep correspondency with the Parliament of Paris From whence they were still incouraged by express Letters Offers and Messengers saying they would serve them as also did Duke Beaufort the Coadjutor and the Frondeurs still endeavouring to seduce the people against the Cardinal yet the aforesaid Deputies were civilly heard and answered with like civil words Monsieur de l' Vrliere being appointed to treat with them and to produce such proposals as should be thought convenient They also tried the Loyalty of the Parliament of Tolouse to interess it with that of Burdeaux But those of Tolouse proceeding maturely in their resolves and not caring much whether the Cardinal or any other were the director of Government would not joyn with them especially since their City not being Fortified and lying in the Center of the Province it would upon all occasions be subject to the evils of War But in regard of the publick good they mediated with his Majesty that he would grant the Burdelois desire by favouring them with the removal of the Duke of Espernoun from that Government Whilst affairs went thus Marshal Millerey who was ordered to go into those parts with such Forces as he had got together in the Neighbouring Provinces about the end of Iuly entred into that Tract of ground which lies between Garomne and Dordone called the Country between the Two Seas and assaulted the Castle of Vaires there was a Burrow beneath it intrencht by the Burdelois and guarded by 300 Foot Commanded by Monsieur Richon a Citizen of Burdeaux who did defend it Valiantly till the 3. of August but was afterwards overcome through intelligence which was held by Marshal Biron Camp-master with a Captain that was a kin to him that commanded the Castle Here was Richon made Prisoner and being brought to Sibour was by the Court hanged for a Rebel notwithstanding means used to the contrary by the said Marquis Biron and at last by Madamosella de Orleans who had her request granted though too late for sentence was executed before the pardon came In this interim the form of Agreement was drawn up on the Courts part by Vrtiere and made known to the Deputies of Burdeaux the effect whereof was that the King was come into Guien to shew his
Thus the Treatie of peace advancing and no relief appearing from Spain the Burdelois bethought themselves of setting some treaty on Foot and the Cardinal being willing to admit of any reasonable desires gave way that the Duke of Candalle might send a Pasport to Gouruille by another name for him to go to Bourg Whither being come he offer'd in the names of the Princess of Conde and of the two Dukes of Boullion and of Rochefaucolt all the security that the Cardinal could desire nay they went so far as the very Generals themselves offered to become Prisoners for six months to assure him the more of their real intentions They also propounded a marriage between the Prince of County and a niece of the Cardinals and though the Burdelois had an unspeakable aversion to the Duke of Espernoun who by that Treaty was to be removed from that Government yet they offered to beg him upon their knees for their Governour provided that the King would grant the Princes their liberty But the Court could never be brought to declare it self in this for it had ingaged its word to the Duke of Orleans to do nothing without his knowledg Affairs being upon these terms the Treaties of peace commenced with the Commissioners of Burdeaux assisted by those of Paris who were come purposely to Burg and after several conferences it was resolved that conformable to the proposals made by the Duke of Orleans Articles should be made as they were without the knowledg of the Princess of Conde or of the Dukes of Boullion or Rochefaucolt These Articles consisted of a general Amnesty granted by the King to all the Inhabitants of Burdeaux to all the Generals Captains and Soldiers that served in that City that the Princess of Conde might retire with the Duke of Anguienne to one of his or her Houses in Anjou where she might live and injoy all her Estate and that of the Prince her Husbands securely she being to renounce in writing which was to be delivered into the Kings hands all Leagues and confederacies made by her as well within as without the Kingdom and that in performance thereof she should give order for the ceasing of all hostility made or ordered in her name or in the name of the Prince her Husband in his Towns of Berry Turen and in other parts on this side the River Loire and to withdraw Garrisons from divers Towns possest by them which should be put into the Kings obediens And that she the Princess might go to Montrond upon condition that she would reduce that Garrison to bare 200. Foot and 60. Horse to be paid from the time forward by the King out of the Revenues of that Province provided that she put in necessary caution that the Militia of that nor of any other Towns should make no outrodes nor commit any Hostility against the Subjects of those Provinces and all of them might enjoy the present act of Amnesty by vertue whereof all Prisoners of War on both sides should be set at liberty that when this Declaration should be published all were to lay down Arms and that all the Soldiers in Burdeaux and in all the Towns confederate therewith should be cashiered and have Pasports and Safe-conducts given them that all decrees and orders made as well by the Parliament of Burdeaux against the Duke of Espernoun as by him against the Parliament upon the occasion of the present commotions should be void and null and all things should be put into the same condition as they were before the War that the better to facilitate the performance of this present Treaty and to content the City of Burdeaux and all Guienne the King would remove the Duke of Espernoun from the Government and send them another Governour The Princess and Dukes being advertised that the agreement was made without them sent Monsieur Figean to be present at the Treaty and to subscribe the Capitulation in their names The agreement being published on the 2 d. of October and all Hostility ceasing the Princess of Conde the Dukes of Anguien Boullion and Rochefaucolt together with a great many Gentlemen went the next day from Burdeaux toward Contras and within half a League were casually met by Marishal Millerey in one of the Vessels of the Fleet and by divers other Vessels of Monsieur Mautrick who saluted the Princess with all their Artillery and the Marishal accosting her asked her whether she would pass under the Windows of their Royal Majesties and not come out of her Barque to kiss their hands To which being so advised by the Dukes she answered that she would willingly go do her duty and upon her knees beg her Husbands liberty if she thought her doing so might be acceptable The Marishal presently dispatcht away a Boat to tell the King that the Princess was coming to pay her respect to their Majesties who soon sent Duke Danuille with many Coaches to meet her and when she was come to Court she was lodged in Millerey's house and was complemented there in the name of the King Queen and of all the Court though the Marishals invitation was not well liked since no good could come by this visit and that it might rather cause as indeed it did Jealousie and Suspicion in the Duke of Orleans that the Cardinal meant to set the Princes at liberty without his consent or knowledg The Princess afterward visited their Majesties and complements being past with bended knee and pouring forth abundance of Tears she humbly beg'd her Husbands liberty using such passionate and affectionate Speeches as did not only move their Majesties but all the standers by which when Madamoselle heard of believing that at that meeting the freedom of the Princes was concluded without searching further into the truth she dispatcht away a Messenger to the Duke her Father at which news he was much troubled as was also all the Frondeurs but hearing afterwards that the Princess had got nothing but hopes they were pacified The Dukes of Boullion and of Rochefaucolt did also press the Cardinal in private to the same effect intending either to obtain the Princes their liberty from the King or to make a breach between the Cardinal and the Duke of Orleans they told him that the Princes would be the more obliged to him when they should see their liberty proceeded merely from his affection and not inforced that it would redound much to his glory throughout all Europe when it should be seen that it lay in his power to restrain and also to reestablish the Prince in his greatness That the demeanure of the Frondeurs might make him know that their designs were first to ruine the Princes to the end that they might afterwards more easily pull down him the Cardinal or else by giving them their liberty ingage them to joyn in his and the Queens ruine that the War was ended in Guienne but that the desire of re-kindling it would never end in the Kingdom as long as the Princes
next day as the Assembly rose a great noise â—as heard in the outward Hall of the Palace made by divers who were hired to do it amongst which one was so bold as to say and swear to President Mesnies in an outragious manner that they would have justice and a fig for Mazerine which made the President return into the Chamber fearing worse The Duke of Orleans answered to the desire made unto him by the two aforesaid That he would not come to the Assembly for that there was so great tumultuating and that when he should come it should be to the cost of some body who made it lawful to publish that the Princes were removed from Marcousi to Haure de Grace without his consent that knowing they would not meet without he were present to treat of affairs of such importance he would not come to them but let them do what they would nothing was to be done but to remit that business to the Queen to do what she pleased therein and that it had never been heard that the Parliament did meddle in any such affairs That whereas it seemed strange unto them that Monsieur di Bar should guard the Princes let them consider that the late Prince was guarded in the Castle of Vincennes by a Lieutenant of the Navarre Regiment Notwithstanding they continued to treat of the Princes and the aforesaid Dandales moved that a Remonstrance might be made both by word of mouth and in writing to the King that Haure de Grace not being a sitting Prison for Princes of the blood nor la Bar of a sitting condition to be their keeper it being a place belonging to the Guards of the Kings body the Princes might be removed to the Louvre and be there guarded by the Kings Officers Crespin being of the Kings party asked where the Parliaments Artillery was to force Bar to let loose the Princes and whether they had 50000. Ussieri or Serjeants to make an Army and besiege him in case he refused to obey them Thus the Assembly ended without concluding any thing and adjourned till the next day When the Marishal de L' Hospital being in the great Hall and hearing himself called a Mazarinian turned about and said aloud who is he that calls me a Mazarinian one of the insolent people replied I am he that says so but who are you that ask me The Marishal wisely said nothing finding that they were people who desired nothing but to raise Tumults When the Assembly met again the same Dislandes propounding what he had done before added that if the Parliament should think good to fall upon the Cardinals bad Administration of Government he would lend his helping hand but that then the other Parliaments must be invited to co-operate joyntly for the good of the State this being well liked by many afforded occasion to many to commence the discourse Counsellor Brussels seconding Dislandes added that all the Evils that had befaln France for the four last years had proceeded from the Cardinals bad guiding of affairs he imputed unto him that he had appropriated unto himself almost all the Revenues of the King that he detain'd the pay of the Armies and of the Fleets for his own use which occasioned the Soldiers plundering and extortions even to the Gates of Paris That it was a shame for France to tolerate a stranger so long he then fell to speak of the Prince of Conde shewing that in the Kings own Declaration he was charged chiefly with being too ambitious of having the places of Government bestowed upon his Friends which if it were a fault in him it might much more be called guilt in the Cardinal there not being any strong place whereof he was not now absolute master that his going to Rethel was only to treat of Charleville and of Monte Olimpe and alledging divers other examples and reasons concluded that in their Remonstrances they must mention the Cardinal and declare unto the King in writing the unless speedy remedy were taken he went about to undo the State Champound Refuge Meusiner Sevin Coqueley and others continued to inveigh mightily against the Cardinal but nothing was resolved upon for the delight of backbiting spun out the time till it grew late nor was there any thing concluded the Munday following For news coming that the Battel of Rethel was won the Chambers were invited to assist at Te Deum which was no pleasing news to many for that it was altogether in praise of the Cardinal in whose behalf Malnerdeau Champre advancing said that all the good Fortune of France proceeded from the Cardinal who was the cause of obtaining that Victory and of all the advantages gotten by the former Champagnias He commended his Government and joined in opinion with those that were for the King And for what concerned the Prince they were to be given into the Cardinals custody who would have a particular care of them but he was not listned unto The Parliament met the following days and the Coadjutor discoursed vehemently against the disorders of the State not naming any body he said that the Victory being gotten and the Enemy being so reduced as they could do nothing they must think upon home affairs and free the Kingdom from the bad Administration of the Finances but that all things could not be done without setting the Princes at liberty which was a point of State and ought to be done though they should not prove innocent Barine master of the requests Aisne and other Councellors continued still to blame the Government but President Viola was more passionate than all the rest he discoursed largely of the Princes affairs he spoke of the Cardinal as of the common Enemy He quoted a place of Scripture where it is said that Forreigners ought not to be received into the Government of States nor be acquainted with publick affairs adding that all the Kings confederates did abandon him by reason of the bad satisfaction they received from the Favourite when they were to negotiate any thing That the few Princes of Italy who were yet Friends to France were in doubt whether they should continue still so or no that Catalonia which had cost the King above 60. Millions was about to be lost That the English did threaten that all France was full of fire wherefore he concluded for the Remonstrances Blanmenill and Gilbert shewed examples â—out of History of what disorders had besaln States which have been governed by Forreigners and how that all Princes that ever made use of them have been forced to abandon them and to send them away and here amongst other examples he alledged the Declaration made by the late King Lewis the 13 th when the late Prince of Conde was set at liberty after a long imprisonment occasioned by the ambition of the Marquess de Ancere a Florentine Gilbert remembring violences committed by Ministers of State against the chief Lords of the Land added that Favorites thought themselves out of credit when they did
that you will grant a place of safety to Madamoselle de Longueville where she may pay her piety to her Father This Resolution of Parliament which was the first thing that was done in favour of the Princes did much incourage the Enemies of the Kingdom to further their wisht for intent and being backt by the Assembly they betook themselves to endeavour rather the Cardinals ruine than the release of the imprisoned for though their projects were maskt over at first with the pretence of the Princes liberty which was approved of by many as what might impede greater disorders yet the Coadjutors secret meaning being by little and little to ingage the Parliament and Duke of Orleans in the behalf of the Princes and in prejudice of the Cardinal he did what he could to keep off the Cardinal and to bring the Princes to Paris under the judicature of Parliament because unless the Cardinals expulsion had preceded it might have impeded the Princes freedom or that if he had furthered it he might have been upon such conditions as he might have been arbitrator of the Government of the Court and of the whole Kingdom which was the groundwork of all his thoughts as we shall in all his actions observe so as it may be conceived that he had no solid reason for his hatred against the Cardinal but only the Cardinals glory and fortune The Queen who proceeded very considerately in all her Resolutions and who endeavoured nothing but the service of the King her Son sought to gain time hoping at last to make the Duke of Orleans see with what cunning the Coadjutor went about to abuse his natural goodness She defer'd answering the Commissioners eight days in which time she and her Counsel having dived into the Parliaments design she answered them that the Assembly had wont to advertise the King when they medled with any thing touching his Authority before they took any Resolution that they had done so the year 1562. upon the Letters which were sent them by the late Prince of Conde That the late commotions were an example of this when the Parliament would not resolve any thing upon the Duke of Orlean's Letters without knowing the Kings pleasure first therein that now they had altered their course having resolved upon the Petitions of the Princess of Conde and of Madamoselle Longueville and undertaken to make a Remonstrance for the Princes liberty not letting the King know that any such Petitions were presented them That though this was a business whereof the Parliament ought to take no cognizance since it depended soly upon the Kings Authority and that it could not be granted but by his mere goodness regard being had to what was contained in his Letters sent to the Parliament and to all the Sovereign Assemblies and received with applause by the People yet all this should not keep the King from giving the Princes their liberty which he was content they should have without delay provided that the Forces of Steney should cease and that Marishal Turenne would lay down his Arms and to the end that none that were of that party might have any pretence to retard the doing so the King offer'd pardon to all that had been or were yet of that party to which purpose he would order Letters to be sent presently to the Parliament and that as soon as Arms should be laid down the King would free the imprisoned Though some few who had other designs in their head were not well pleased with this yet the greatest part of the Parliament appeared satisfied and it was ordered that some should be sent to the King to make the keepers of the Seal expedite this Decree But whilst affairs past thus between the King and Parliament we must not omit what was done at the same time on behalf of the Princes The Princess Palatine and her friends seeing a general disposition to favour the Princes and an extraordinary aversion to the Cardinal she continued the Treaty which as hath been said was begun and at last concluded it with the Duke of Nemeurs who had both of them full power from Conde It was managed and ended by Croisy a Counsellor of Parliament and subscribed by the Duke Beaufort the Coadjutor President Viola Monsieur Arnaude and by Fosseuse every one ingaging for themselves The principal Articles contained an agreement how to obtain the Princes liberty by the Parliament and peoples means The Coadjutor insisted upon the means how to remove the Cardinal from about the King and that the Princes adherents should oblige themselves strictly thereunto And though some of Conde's Friends were for giving all satisfaction to the Cardinal to interest him in the Prince his liberty yet all were not of that same opinion least if it should be discovered that they should indeavour to pull down the Cardinal the Princes might be plunged into greater difficulties either by hazarding their lives or by losing the hopes they had of getting their liberty by agreeing with the Cardinal yet the Coadjutor insisting that he would do nothing but upon that condition and promising to ingage the Duke of Orleans therein they were forced to consent thereunto and that the Cardinal might not come to the knowledg of this they resolved to keep it from Beaufort left he might communicate it to the Dutchess of Monbason and she to others so as the Treaty being carried by Croisy to the Princess Palatine to subscribe and read it the Coadjutor handled the business so as that this Article was skipped in reading and that Beaufort did also subscribe it without perusal but pretending that the Original which was to remain with the Frondeurs might be delivered to him and that the Transcript might remain with the Princess Palatine whereby they might meet with the same inconvenience they resolved without her knowledg to put them both into the hands of Blanmevell sealed up making him give his word never to give them out but in the presence and by the consent of the Coadjutor and of the President Viola To this Treaty another was added some few days after between the Duke of Orleans the Palatiness and the Duke of Nemeurs wherein they ingaged themselves to use all their power for the Princes liberty And in the same Treaty a marriage between the Duke of Anguien eldest Son to the Prince of Conde and the Dutchess of Alanson second Daughter to Orleans was concluded with obligation that the Prince should not change any of the Kings Council nor place any others therein without consent of the said Orleans in it was also confirm'd the marriage between the Prince of Conty and the Dutchess of Chevereux wherein there were some rubs put by Conde's friends presaging what the consequences might be But the Coadjutor kept still firm saying this was the only means to win the Duke of Orleans his favour though it was known afterwards that he did not so passionately desire these marriages After these Treaties the Prince of Conde's
be in safety out of Paris And the Frondeurs growing still more wavering being still bent to bring affairs to some extremity strove to raise sedition in the City under colour whereof they might legâ—timate their pretence to remove the Queen from her Regency chose a new Council for the King and that they might take the Government of the Kingdom upon themselves but were it either out of Gods goodness or the innate goodness of Orleans and Conde who were against too violent Revolutions all such attempts were still kept back leaving the Government to the Queen and continuing the Kings Council in their places in peaceful manner The Cardinal went from Haure with about One hundred Horse and with some of his friends marching in long cold dark nights till he came into Picardy where he was received civilly by all but by the Town of Abeville where he was forced to pass over the Some in small Boats which were there by chance and being past over he came to Dorlans a strong Town between Amiens and Arras accompanied by Bar the Governour thereof where he staid a while considering how he might take his journey with most safety for there was danger in passing those Frontiers without a pass which made the Queen write to him to be gone speedily out of the Kingdom The Parliament being assembled on the 20 th of February the King's Declaration was brought unto them which contained that no Forreigners though naturalized should hereafter be admitted into the Council of State which being read it was added that no Forreigner nor French Cardinal should be admitted into the Council which was done not so much in respect of Cardinal Mazarine as to exclude the Coadjutor who disturb'd all things that he might be made a Cardinal and so become first Minister of State Beaufort was one of those that were the Authors of this Addition being distasted with the Coadjutor for having concealed from him the negotiations which he secretly held with other confederates And the Princes friends insisting still to have them declared innocent the Queen being willing to please them was content that such a Declaration should be made the contents whereof were That the King growing apprehensive of the Princes their actions by information had from several parts was forced for the good of his State to secure them that time which matures all things and brings the truth out at last had made him know their innocence and how the Crown was prejudiced by their imprisonment that therefore in an affair of such importance and in respect of the Parliaments earnest supplications and by the advice of his Unkle the Duke of Orleans and others of his Council he had resolved not only to give them their liberty but to take away all pretences that might prove prejudicial to their Loyalties he did declare the said Princes not only innocent of all jealousies which had wounded their Reputations but that all Conde's actions in particular had never tended to any thing but to the establishment and increase of Regal Authority and to the good of the Crown whereof the King was fully satisfied annulling all Letters and Decrees given out against the said Princes and restoring them to their former places honours and dignities this Declaration was verified in Parliament on the 27 th Printed and disperst throughout all Europe And therein were also contained the Dutchess of Longueville Marishal Turenne and all the rest of that party Six days after the Parliament met again and the Decree made against Forreigners though naturalized was read with the addition of excluding all French Cardinals from the King's Council Orleans was the first who spoke being wisht so to do by the Coadjutor and said that after this Declaration the Clergy had made a Remonstrance upon it to the King and that Archbishop Ambrune had told his Majesty that of the three orders which are in France the Ecclesiastick was the first and noblest that no such motion had at any time been made since France had been a Monarchy That the Oath which Cardinals take unto the Pope comes after that which they take to their King and Countrey so as they were injured by being excluded the King's Council and in being berest of serving the State that this exclusion would not be well taken in Rome'â— that they had been Mazarinians that had insinuated this novelty into the mind of some body to revenge themselves of the Parliament by putting discord between it and the Clergy that when this Declaration was made he was present and was against inserting that clause foreseeing the mischief it might occasion by causing division between the Clergy and Parliament The first President said That the French Clergy were not any ways concern'd in this for in the decree all French Archbishops and Bishops were excepted wherefore they had no reason to complain and that the Archbishop Ambrune would be but little praised for his Remonstrance it being well known who it was had excited him to make it Monsieur de Courtine master of the requests alledged two examples to shew that the Clergy ought to content themselves with their callings and not meddle in Court affairs The one of Antonio Perez who being fled into France in the time of Henry the 4 th was one day asked by his Majesty how he thought France might be best governed he answered by three things by good Council rich Finances and by keeping great power in Rome inferring that to be powerful in the Pope's Court they must have many Cardinals there and that therefore they were to be kept at Rome as not being necessary in France The other was the example of the late Archbishop of Burdeaux who going to take his leave of the Pope's Nuncio when he went to command the King's Fleet the Nuncio thunder'd these words into his ears You shall not give an account of the men that shall be slain in the War which you go to make but of those that shall dye in your Diocess during your absence you shall be sure to give an account inferring that a Pastor should have a care of his flock Monsieur Barin la Galissennieve who was also master of the requests spoke against the Cardinal saying he was to be made to give an account of his Administration of Government President Charton said that the Crown had suffered much by the Administration of Cardinals and that worse was to be expected if they were continued in that imployment The Resolution was put off till the next day when much dispute being had thereupon by the first President it was at last decreed that the Cardinals should assist in their Functions in Rome and not meddle in State ' affairs and that her Majesty should be humbly desired to send a Declaration to the Parliament conformable to the Decree of the 9 th and of the 20 th of last February as well against Forreigners as against French Cardinals that they might not be admitted into the King's Council and Archbishop Ambrun's
not be done without jealousies amongst themselves and in the Parliament it self which was desirous to inlarge its Authority which being usurped must needs have been to the prejudice of the Princes whose Maxim it was to keep the Court weak and flexible to their pretentions but not to increase the power of Parliaments which was the reason why they abstained from all violence and meddled not with the Government not forbearing notwithstanding to bereave the Queen as much as in them lay of her faithfullest servants that they might place their friends and confidents about her which though it were foreseen by her and her State-Officers yet they suffered that cloud to discharge it self upon the Cardinal and they instead of giving themselves over to the contrary party did stoutly maintain Regal greatness so to find out means how to bring the Cardinal back so the remainder of that year past on as shall be by degrees related 4 The Spaniards in Flanders were this mean while intent upon what the issues of the Novelties which were budding forth in France would be upon which other considerable consequences for them did depend They sent to the Dutchess of Longueville and to Marishal Turenne in Steney to mind them of the agreement made between them never to separate till the Princes were set at liberty and the peace between the two Crowns were concluded They answered that they would go to Paris to co-operate therein as much as they could and that if the Spaniards should not be content and that their Mediation should do no good they would return again to Steney and make good their promise where with all were fully satisfied whereupon the Dutchess went from Steney and sent Monsieur Sarasine Secretary to the Prince of County to Brussels to thank the Arch-Duke and Count Fuensaldaglia to assure them that when they should be at Paris they would indeavour the perfecting of the treaty by which the Princes after their disimprisonment had obliged themselves to continue the War till such time as peace were concluded between the two Crowns The Dutchess came to Paris on the 15 th of March with great applause of the People and was met without the City by the Princes her Brothers by her Husband and by a great many Lords and Ladies and this the rather because her coming brought with it some appearance of a general peace which the people did very much desire so as if her departure from Paris were cause of great disorder her return was no less noble and glorious The Gates of Paris were still guarded as before with Armed Citizens for they still suspected the Queen would carry away the King and now the Court nor L' Hostelle de Orleans were no more frequented with visits but Conde's house and Longuevilles the famousest Warriers flocking to the one and all the Ladies to the other the Prince of Conde and his Sister Longueville might have then become Arbitrators of the Kingdom if actually keeping that inclination to peace as they seemed by their words to do they had made use of the favourable conjuncture of time for they coveted nothing more than reality in proceeding of the Treaty of peace nor was there any that doubted the truth of their desires for the Dutchess of Longueville sent away Monsieur Croisy to Steney with power from the Court to conclude peace or a general Truce This treaty was so carried on as though neither the Spaniards nor the Princes faction did really desire it it afforded Turenne a fair pretence to withdraw from the Spaniards imployment so as that Orleans as shall be hereafter related being afterwards offended by the innovations of Paris for the permission given by the Council to the Marquess of Chasteauneuf the Flanders Agents thought it now a fit time to listen to the proposals of peace made by Croisy For the whole negotiation was reduced to a particular conference between the Duke of Orleans and the Archduke without the intervening of Mediators and it being believed that the Queen would not trust the Duke of Orleans with such a negotiation the Archduke made his good intentions towards peace appear unto the people which if refused would increase the troubles in France for all the stops that should be met with therein would be imputed to the Court but it proved otherwise for the Duke of Orleans being in some sort reconciled to the Queen the Spanish Agents though they gloried in this their desire by sending Don Gabriel di Toledo to Paris and by assenting to the particular conference which was agreed should be held between Peroun and Cambrey Croisy having declared that the Duke of Orleans the Duke of Longueville the first President and Count Servient would be there their little desire thereunto appeared when they said that they must first expect orders from Spain and that though they knew it was the Catholick King 's intention that this treaty should be commenced they could proceed no further therein till they had received Commission from the Catholick Court which was by the going of Marquess Sillery to Brussels who by his proposal puzled the whole business wherefore Turenne knowing that he had fully satisfied his promise of procuring peace took occasion to retire and to fall totally off from the interest of Spain and went likewise from Steney to Paris But Conde being intent upon making himself great and professing much gratitude and affection to the Duke of Orleans that he might come more vigorously with him in withstanding the violences of the Court and to bind themselves to a more faithful confederacy concluded articles of marriage between the Princess of Alanson and the Duke of Anguienne Conde's eldest Son which though peradventure it might not be pleasing at Court by reason of the consequences which it drew after it yet it behoved the Court to seem to like it for the prejudice which might have been otherwise received by the increase of popular tumults Conde's indeavour to break the Marriage between the Dutchess of Chevereux and his Brother was very prejudicial to him for thereby he provoked a Ladies hatred who was apt to bring much trouble upon him the success whereof by reason of what insued thereupon being worthy to be known I will briefly acquaint you with it The Dutchess of Chevereux was always no less noble than generous in her proceedings wherefore the first time that the Prince of Conde visited her after he was at liberty she delivered up unto him the promise which her friends had gotten in writing for the marriage between his Brother and her Daughter saying that she had not desired that writing to oblige him thereunto otherwise than to assure him by such an earnest of her indeavouring his liberty This noble action was much talkt of at Court whereat the Queen was much troubled as if she did triumph over her misfortunes so as not only for the Queens dislike thereof but in respect of the interest of the Crown these insuing marriages were held to be the
forerunners of new troubles for that the Alliance made between Subjects of so great birth and spirit might if they lifted keep the Kingdom still in disorder had not several interests interposed in breaking this Alliance one whereof was the Dutchess of Longuevil's arrival at Paris who as being a handsome young Lady could not without envy tolerate this honour in Madamoselle Chevereux who was not so old as she who when she should be her Brothers wife as Princess of the blood was to be her Superior and because she could not brook coming beneath her being infinitely beloved by her Brother the Prince of County she indeavoured to divert him as much as she could from the Marriage to this was added the opinion of the Prince of Conde that his Brothers life might be shortned by this Marriage he being in the opinion of Phisicians but of a weak complexion but much more that he might not be bound to renounce for ever the great possessions which belong'd unto him by Church-livings and that he might also give too great countenance to the faction of the Frondeurs nor was the Court wanting in having an influence upon this whose Agents and particularly Count Serviente and Monsieur de Lyons had a great hand in the Government thereof who being still thought to be good friends and faithful servants to the Prince did according to what suited best with his interests infuse into him what they knew was good for the King's service The Queen likewise had a part therein who being desired by the Prince so to do wisht the Dutchess of Chevereux to proceed no further in this Alliance without the Courts consent in short the treaty vanisht the very Princes failing in their Devoirs whereat the house of Chevereux was highly scandalized in so much as the Dutchess who was very sensible of injuries and of a manlike spirit resolved by the Coadjutor's means who was her great friend to be revenged Whilst this treaty was breaking off the Duke of Rochfaucolt to bring it on again agreed with Madame de Rhodes an intimate friend to the Dutchess to her Daughter and to the Coadjutor that it behoved the Prince of Conde to have his Brothers Marriage take effect and that it behoved the Frondeurs to make Conde Governour of Guienne County Governour of Provence and Lieutenant General of Guienne and that this should be done at one and the same time on both sides But the Frondeurs not being in a condition to make good what they offer'd unto the Prince he thought himself also not bound to observe what he had promised concerning the Marriage The Coadjutor who was become an Enemy to the Dutchess of Longueville and to Rochfaucolt told the Prince that the Dutchess and her friends were not troubled at his proceedings in this affair but that the Dutchess of Longueville did for her particular concernments go about to break this match yea without the Prince his knowledg and that therefore he acquainted him therewith that he might be aware thereof the Prince finding out the design was very angry and told the Coadjutor in plain terms that he was sure to expect little from him and from the Dutchess of Chevereux when the match should be concluded since he sought to put division in his Family and to put discord between him and his sister allied unto him no less in love than in blood and then he communicated the whole business to the Dutchess and to the Duke of Rochfaucolt The Prince by this visit found that his Brother was really in love with Chevereux and that he had desired President Viola to draw up the Articles that so all obstacles might be removed and the business not retarded That Monsieur de Leghe a friend to Chevereux had discoursed long and frequently with County so as these things being added to the Advertisement of President Mortaro who was a friend and servant of Conde's who told him that the Marriage was to be concluded secretly without expecting dispensation and without his participation which made him resolve to take his Brother off from the thought thereof awakening in him some jealousie which he had formerly conceived adding that he thought he might do well to renounce that contract wherein his Sister Longueville did also labour so as they joyntly agreed how to silence it for ever and afterwards they agreed with Count Serviente and with Monsieur de Lyon that the Queen should forbid Chevereux and County to proceed any further in these espousals which was the cause of all the distasts and disagreements which insued afterwards and which did facilitate the Cardinals return to Court Thus Conde losing the Dutchess of Chevereux lost also the Coadjutor who became his bitter Enemy as well for this as for that he found he either could not or would not help him to be Cardinal The Duke of Bullion and Marishal Turenne flew also from him for his coolness in maintaining their interests in the business of Sedam he likewise lost Grandpree for not restoring him to his Government of Moson in the acquisition whereof he had so great a share and which was yet held by the Spaniards he likewise lost the Marquess Savebeuf by reason of some certain pretentions which he had and by his changeable nature he lost the first President of Parliament Mole for having prefer'd President Viola to be Secretary of State before Champetreux who was his eldest Son and with him he also lost many Counsellors of Parliament he likewise lost the Princess Palatine for not using his Authority in making Marquess Vieville superintendent of the Finances as also in consideration of her own interest and that she having assisted Conde so much she had not as yet got any good thereby she knew that to quench her thirst she must go to the Fountain's head and that persons of her condition could receive favours only from the King wherefore upon conference with the Dutchess of Longueville they both agreed that if they could get the Prince to give way that the Cardinal might return to Court they might have what they would of the King they communicated this their thought to him who suspended his resolution therein neither granting nor denying it Which they interpreting to the best sense the Princess Palatine motioned it to the Queen who listned attentively thereunto and said she would procure excellent conditions for Conde if he would do his duty But he having divers respects one contrary to another was a while doubtful what answer he should make but being told by his friends that he could not handsomely treat thereof without the Duke of Orlean's consent who had dealt so cordially for him and remembring with what applause he was received in Paris when after his imprisonment he came thither not so much in respect of himself as for being held to be a bitter Enemy to the Cardinal he resolved upon the denial wherefore the Princess Palatine having discover'd her thought unto him under the Seal of secrecy and he
in this whether they were to have the Queens permission or whether it was sufficient to have leave from the Lieutenant General that the Nobility had Assembled for three reasons for the liberty of the Princes for driving out the Cardinal and for the maintaining of the Nobilities priviledges which were lost by the bad Government of State Ministers That nobody could doubt but that the two first points were contrary to the Regents desire since the Princes had been imprisoned by her that therefore it was unnecessary to ask leave for the Assembling of the Nobility seeing it was contrary to her sense wherefore not being able to address themselves to her Majesty they had be taken themselves to the Lieutenant General who having given them leave to meet the occasion of taxing them for having taken upon them an unjust power ceased That those who sided with the Cardinal said this was a Criminal fact but that they could not shew any other way which was more innocent that they were shut up between two great extreams either to become guilty by complaining or to be opprest by holding their peace and to suffer that without remedy the honour of their Wives and Daughters their Goods their Houses and all they had should be exposed to the insolence and violation of Soldiers Marishals Task-masters and to the avarice of Officers and that their liberties and immunities should be opprest through the jealousie of those who had neither birth nor worth thatthe Kingdom of France was a free Kingdom and that the most noble and freest part thereof ought not to be forbidden lamenting and demanding justice against such excesses and their conclusion was that any thing might be done which was just and reasonable at last the Clergie and after them the Nobility did acquiesce upon the reiterated desires and perswasions of the Duke of Orleans and of the Prince of Conde and much the rather for that they had not met with such correspondences as they looked for from the meeting of the third order without which and contrary to the King's power the Clergy and Nobility could of themselves do nothing So all was husht up upon hopes of the next Assembling of the States General which Orleans and Conde did under their hand assure them of The Cardinal being gone from the confines of France Paris grew weary of keeping continual Guards at the gate for which the Soldiers had no pay wherefore those Guards were taken away so as the Court being at liberty to go into the City and Country the Princes party was thereby not a little weakned who confided much in Armed men Conde began to apprehend a second imprisonment which he feared as himself said more than death wherefore he grew more circumspect than usual The Court began to take courage and to think how to uphold the King's Authority and because the Cardinal at his departure counselled the Queen to recall Count Chavigny who was Conde's friend to keep him from thinking to return by some other means he was sent for back and the seals were taken away by the Queens direction from the Marquess of Chastauneuf who was suspected to be become a friend to the contrary party and were given to the first President Mole which made it be believed that the Queen did all by intelligence with the Prince who was a friend to Chavigny and Mole and an Enemy to Chasteauneuf the next day he took the wonted Oath and the Queen used him with honour and esteem whereat the Duke of Orleans was much amazed in whose House the Prince of Conde Duke Beaufort the Dutchess of Chevereux and of Moâ—bason met together with the Coadjutor and other conspicuous persons of that party and they discoursed long upon the Queens taking too much upon her contrary to their pretentions speaking openly that if the Duke of Orleans would suffer such shame he would incourage his Enemies who would grow the more haughty But because the Council differ'd in their opinions it will not be amiss to lay open the affections of the one and of the other because private interest is more minded in France than in any other Court or Nation and is prefer'd before any publick consideration The Duke of Orleans his Daughter Madamoselle Duke Beaufort and the Dutchess of Monbason minded only their own greatness The Prince of Conde and his adherents cared not much for this mutation as being adversaries to Chasteauneuf and friends to the first President the Dutchess of Chevereux and the Coadjutor as friends to Chasteauneuf were more incens'd against the Queen than all the rest the rather for that they thought they had been upon good terms with her Majesty Orleans broke forth into sore complaints against the Queen for making such alterations without his knowledg Duke Beaufort offer'd to make the people rise in his behalf when he should please Count Montresore a great friend to the Coadjutor said it was no longer time to dally that the people must forthwith take up Arms and force the first President to forgoe the Seals and afterwards go with the like fury to the Queens Court and do as occasion should serve it was thought that this being a violent proposal came from the Coadjutor who was of the same opinion but the Prince of Conde who held private intelligence with the Court declared he would not ingage himself in a War in the Streets of Paris as not being accustomed to fight with stones and that therefore he would leave the care thereof to others That he would be ready to obey the Duke of Orleans if he should so command him in going presently into Burgundy to raise men and make War wheresoever he should please Upon these speeches of so renown'd a man the diversity of opinions ceased and the Marishal de Estampes one that loved not troubles said it was now late and that the business might be defer'd till the next morning which was done The Coadjutor finding Conde to declare thus much intreated the Duke of Orleans to give him leave to withdraw himself from the intrigues of the Court and follow his study and seemed to continue a while thus resolved The Queen was somewhat troubled at the taking the Seals from Chasteauneuf and giving them to President Mole by reason of Orlean's so highly resenting it which the Frondeurs also did so as fearing some extravagancy though she did much protect the first President she was at last forc'd to forsake him and to take the Seals away from him and to deposite them in the Lord Chancellor's hands with promise under hand to the said President by Marishal Grammont that they should be restored unto him when the King should be of years yet was not he well pleased since the Queen had made him accept that place against his will not being able to protect him therein but he was more offended with Conde from whom for his past service he promis'd himself more fervent assistance wherein the Prince failed him to keep from breaking with the
Duke of Orleans Before the Seals were taken away upon fear that the Duke of Orleans might withdraw from Court and seduce Conde along with him the Queen being desirous to recompence the first President with as good a thing or better made many gracious offers to him as to make a fifth Secretary of State and give the place to his eldest Son or to buy a Presidents place in Parliament for him or to give him his own place after his life but he not being content with any of these she offered to make him Archbishop of Tolouse and indow him with 6000 pound sterling a year And it was further said that she offered to make him a Cardinal and his Son first President so as he would willingly resign the Seals all which he did scornfully refuse and contrary to the wishes of all his friends who told him that a Cardinal and a first President were never known in France to be of one and the same Family which made it be believed that either he thought very well of himself or that he feared to be deluded or that the place of Guard de Seaux was to be prefer'd before all these A treaty of peace with Spain was this mean while introduced by the Dutchess of Longueville's and Marishal Tâ—renne's return to Paris but Conde foreseeing that if this were effected he should be ruined he resolved to send Marquess Sillery about the end of April to Flanders under pretence of the same treaty of peace but in effect to negotiate his own concernments and to renew the treaty which was held at Steney with the Spaniards by Monsieur Croisy and this was the first correspondency which the Prince had with the Spaniards and which yet continues and was the cause why the Spanish Agents did not agree with France touching the general peace The Duke of Espernoun desired as much as the Court did that he might be permitted to quit the Government of Guien so to shuâ— the disorders which might insue by his remaining in a Province ill afâ—eâ—ted to his name the only difficulty lay in finding out another Government equivalent to that of Guienne It was reported that the Prince of Conde not being well pleased with those of Burgundy for not having appeared in hâ—s imprisonment cooled in the affection which he bore them before Espeâ—â—oun thought therefore that Conde would be easily perswaded to change Governments with him especially being much obliged to the 〈◊〉 for having made head against the King for his liberty wherefore the Duke of Candâ—lle sent Gourvill to propound this unto the Prince whom he found willing to accept thereof upon some conditions which were that he would have Guieâ—ne with all the Towns therein and that he should reserve unto himself in Burgundy the Castle of Dijeon and the Town of St. Iohn de Asne no mention was made of Belgard it being his own particular Patrimony for that Burgundy yielded five or six thousand pounds sterling more than Guienne but these things not being agreed upon the business broke off The Cardinal hearing of this negotiation wish'd the Queen not to permit this change for many reasons which shall be hereafter mentioned The Prince hearing this began to desire that which formerly he had not cared for saying that he would have that change with the aforesaid retentions and that if the Court were against it he would cause new troubles this business was often debated in the Privy Council pro contra Some said that Guienne was well â—cituated for receiving help from Spain and England in case of revolt That the Prince of Conde held intelligence with Spain already which was the only cause why he desired that Government that Guienne and Poictou joyn'd one upon another whereof the Duke of Rochefaucolt was then Governour who was Conde's great friend that the Duke of Rohan Chabot in Anjou was of the same party that Brovages both of them places of importance and the Islands of Olleron and Ree were in Count Ognon's hand who declared against the King that Normandy was under the Duke of Longueville Brother in law to Conde and that Britany was in the Government of Marishal Millerey who was about to ally himself to the said Prince by marrying his Son to Madamoselle de Tremaglia That by reason of so many Towns Provinces and friends back'd by the Spaniards and if need should be by the English France was exposed to apparent danger it was therefore concluded that this evident danger was not to be permitted in so many important Provinces the rather for that the Prince keeping Belgard St. Iohn de Asne and the Castle of Dijeon in his hands should be still as good as Master of Burgundy These reasons were of themselves sufficient not to permit that Province to the Prince of Conde had not Count Serviente one of long experience in Court affairs with strong reasons maintained the contrary he said that in great storms experienced Mariners stood not upon casting part of their loading over-board to save the rest that the King's Authority was in great danger that it was therefore needful not only to watch carefully but even to spend whole nights in thinking how to fence it if not in whole yet in part from the assaults of ambitious people that their Majesties were as Prisoners in their Palace whilst the Frondeurs pretended to take the Regency from the Queen and to take the Government of the whole Kingdom upon themselves That the Assemblies of the Clergy and of the Nobility prest the calling of the States General pretending to keep off the King's majority till he were Eighteen years old and in the mean time to chuse a Governour of the Kingdom That that strong-wound-up Rope composed of the several threads of many friends became strong and not to be broken that destruction was at hand unless this knot were untied by the yielding of one and abating of the other party that he was of their opinion who held that it was not good to grant Guienne to the Prince so to make him greater but that when he considered how great an acquisition it would be to take off a Prince of such esteem from the Frondeurs he was of another mind for that the true means to break the knot of the Enemy was to divide them the Male-contents being then only to be pacified when they see themselves abandoned by great ones that it was true that Guienne was of importance for scituation and for the peoples condition but that it was as true that it could not prove so prejudicial as was supposed That it was well known that the greatest part of the Gascons were of the Prince his opinion and that it was not to be doubted but that they would second his designs as well if he were far off as if he were their Governour so as by giving him that Government that was only given him which was already at his disposal and that by gaining Burgundy made him lose what he had That
the one of these two Provinces lay towards Spain and England the other seated amidst the Richest and most noble Provinces of France confining upon Flanders and not far from Germany that it was not to be imagined the first should be able to subsist by the backing of Spain and England because it was not to be believed that the Prince of Conde who by blood was so interessed in the Crown would be so foolish as to dismember the Kingdom of so noble a Province to throw it into the hands of the Spaniards who were natural Enemies to France or of the English who were proud foes nor were things so easily done as designed that it was not time for Spain to ingage in new enterprizes and that all the aid was in considerable which could come from England which was not sure to establish her new state by her own Forces much less to send them abroad to purchase new Enemies that reason of State might require that the power of France might be divided and weakned but that the English could not desire that by the lessning of this the power of Spain should be increased which as being apter to raise Naval Fleets ought consequently to be by them more feared that on the contrary Burgundy the Prince of Conde's Government confining upon Germany and joyning upon Flanders which is the Magazine of the Arms of the Spanish Monarchy would be more apt to foment the Male-contents in Paris when that City as there was now great likelihood should declare for their party And that the Princes passing over the Loire to Carita and joyning with Berry the Government of the same Prince and from thence with Poictou Limosin and Anjou all which Provinces were held by his friends and afterwards with Guienne it was to be feared that the Kingdom being cut through the very midst by such a knot the said Princes might not only be able to maintain themselves in Guienne but make good their party in Paris by the assistance of Neighboring Burgundy and by the Forces of Flanders and Spain reduce the King's Dignity to an inevitable precipice it being insidiated by so many seditious male-contents who by such an opportunity might compass their pernitious Machinations That therefore his opinion was that this change might be permitted and that to moderate the great opinion which the Gascoigns have of Conde they should be suffered to see him for that men are apt to worship a great Warrier more when they hear of his prowess in War than when betaking himself to his quiet he falls into those licentious courses as are usual to the military profession and oftentimes those Flowers which are most pleasing to the eye do most nauseate the Nose And the mean while the King's power breaking out in his Majority would like the Sun dissipate those clouds which do darken the luster of this Kingdom and obfuscate the splendor which other Planets exhal'd from thence and the Crown will re-assume that happy motion which hath hitherto accompanied it Wrought upon by these reasons all of them did unanimously concur to the permutation of these two Governments the which being obtained by the Prince made him also pretend to change Champagnia but the Government of Guienne not appearing so prejudicial for the aforesaid reasons as that of Provence it would not be listned to The Cardinal without whose allowance this change was made blamed the resolution weighing that if it made not much for the Prince his interest he would not have pursued it so hotly writ that he thought it would prove too prejudicial unless it were granted him for some more secret and more important respects and for what concern'd Provence he exaggerated much against them who would so much as hearken to it and wish'd the Queen and Council to have a care of it and not to place so much power in the Prince of Conde for that the more power was given to him the more was the King's Authority lesned It had been much better for the Prince to have taken upon him the supream command of the Army as well for the Grandezza of the Kingdom as for his own glory and Reputation but he did not value it as well in respect of what hath already been touched upon as that he did not too much trust the Queen who was jealous of all his ways and therefore considering that putting himself into an Army composed of Veteran Soldiers who were all faithful to the King who reverenced nothing but his Majesties orders he imagined that he could have no other obedience from them but what did merely concern the service of France wherefore he refused that command which the Queen confer'd upon Marishal de Auniont This Army being provided of Officers who did all of them depend upon the Court was considerable both for number and valour but did not much that Summer for want of monies which was occasioned by the Kingdoms disorders lying only upon the Frontiers of Flanders as shall be said hereafter Whereat the Parliament being moved whose designs were to win upon the peoples affection seeming to be their defenders decreed on the 19 th of Iune that the order made before for remedying the unruliness of the Militia should be put in execution and nominated some Commissioners to that purpose who were to go whither they listed but all in vain for they wanted power to make themselves be obeyd the Soldiers making themselves merry with all their resolves which was not unpleasing to the Court whose concernments were Govern'd according to advice given ever and anon by the Cardinal who though he were at Brules in Germany was informed of all that was done at Court according to which the Councils were there regulated and the King did continually assure him by his Letters that he would by all means have him near his person though it should be with hazard of his Crown yet great secrecy was used in this correspondency the Court being at Paris for fear of being again beset with the City Guards if it should be known Amongst these irresolutions of the King's Council the Cardinal's friends sought to win over the Prince of Conde industriously imploying those therein who were known able to promote so slippery a business The Princess Palatine was desired to interpose her self in this accommodation but she being unwilling to break her word given to the Dutchess Chevereux touching the Marriage and to the Coadjutor touching his being Cardinal declared that she would be ready to do any thing that would not clash upon these two points by retracting from whence she might be taxed with breach of promise but the affairs in the treaty of Guienne altering upon the breach of Madamoselle Chevereux marriage opinions also altered and hence began all things to change The Princess Palatine did notwithstanding say by consent of the Dutchess of Longueville that if the Queen would be gracious to the Prince she would quit the Union whereunto she was now annext and would cordially joyn
Prince touching the keeping of his word notwithstanding all this his father the Duke of Vandosme was sent for to appear in Parliament and being asked whether or no he had given his consent he could not deny it saying that he had been therein assisted by the Duke of Orleans in the beginning but that after the Cardinal was gone he spoke no more to him therein there being no occasion for it so as the business remained thus without more ado Paris being in great commotions by reason of these Controversies all mens eyes were upon the proceedings of the Court and Princes and the curiosity of inquiring into these affairs grew to such a degree as when the Parliament met to treat of publick affairs and of the Cardinal many of the Commonalty and of the Nobles ran armed to the Palace some to assist the one some the other party wherefore the danger growing daily greater by reason of the several interests the Parliament made a Decree that all men should withdraw upon pain of life and the King's Officers were charged to see the decree executed The Duke of Orleans was desired to interpose in making the agreement but the greatest part were for Conde's party whereof Orleans was one wherefore the Prince incouraged by so great a party in Paris resolved to tarry in his Palace which was well guarded by those who lay therein and in the neighbouring houses nor went he ever to the Court alledging that it was only out of fear of his life or liberty but he forbare not to pass freely through the Streets of Paris and being once in a fair Coach in the Course together with the Prince of County and the Dukes of Nemeurs and Rochefaucolt he unexpectedly met with the King as he came from bathing himself whereupon causing his Coach to stay as others did he made a low reverence to his Majesty but this incounter was not well interpreted neither by the King nor Council and the King was well nigh to have made him been unhandsomely treated by his Guard had not his fear of displeasing the Queen his Mother as he told her afterwards diverted him Wherefore Conde gave out that he would go to his Government of Guienne which he would have done had not his partakers fearing least the Cardinal might return in his absence keep him from doing so This mean while the Queen having sent a Letter to the Parliament to send Commissioners to her which were soon sent she told them that the Declaration against the Cardinal was not yet issued forth because those Commissioners who were to agree thereupon with the Chancellor had not as yet appeared that howsoever her Majesty would not teach them what to do knowing the zeal and fidelity which they bore to his Majesties service The Chancellor made a long speech afterwards in praise of the Prince extolling his deserts in regard whereof as also to satisfie his Highness the Queen had turn'd away three Officers who had served her well whom she had not only no mind to recall but did declare that they should return no more to Court which she was content might be Registred in Parliament that howsoever she could not forbear saying that the Prince was ill advised since he had no way to excuse his now proceedings being bound to keep about the King whom he was to serve with all due respect and obsequiousness he added that nothing but seditious and scandalous Papers were thrown about the City of which he desired them to inform themselves and to punish the Authors though some were not pleased that the mouth of the common People should be stopt for to take notice of what they say was to make what they said better reputed and was an occasion to make them renew their railing with more petulancy the chat of the rabble rout being like a fire of straw which the more you strive to quench the more it smokes The Queen did at this time desire the Duke of Orleans That he would joyn with her in choosing a Council to assist the King who answered that he would speak therein with the Prince of Conde The Queen reply'd that was not to be done for that he had declared himself to be an enemy of hers and blamed the Prince for indeavouring to incite tumults amongst the people in his own behalf and that as the King went over the new bridge to the Iesuits the people being set on by him cry'd out may the King live may the Princes live and away with Mazarine The next day the Parliament met and and fell to discourse of Duke Mercure's Marriage who was charged that within three days he should deliver up unto the Secretary of the Parliament the circumstances of his marriage that all might be made known to his Father the Duke of Vandosme it was also ordered that all the Decrees against the Cardinal his Domesticks and Kindred should be renewed and particularly against Madomoselle Mauzeni whom they did by name forbid coming into France and commanded that if she should come she should go from thence within Eight days The Declaration which the King was to make against the Cardinal was also read and Orleans caused the damage to be added thereunto which had insued by his hindring the general peace as also by his undertaking the War of Burdeaux without his consent and Conde caused it also to be inserted that his imprisonment was occasioned only for his not consenting to the marrige of the Cardinals two Nephews with the Dukes of Mercure and Candalle The Queen who had still an eye to Conde's actions being told that his Troops would not only not come to the King's Army but march towards Champagnia and being also advertised that the Prince caused divers Towns to be fortified she made the Duke of Orleans tell him that he should give her a precise account of those his actions and that chiefly he should command all his Troops to joyn with the King's Army and that otherwise she would give order to have him treated as an Enemy and to be imprisoned But Conde attributing the reasons thereof to his aforesaid jealousies which made him provide for his safety left the Court in the same perplexity Who thinking they had good reason to proceed against him as guilty sent a Letter to the Parliament who were meeting to treat of the aforesaid marriage charging them to come to the Palace Royal and did the same to the Sovereign Companies of the Chambers of account aids and to the Magistrate of the Commonalty of Paris who going all thither they were brought before their Majesties in the presence of the Duke of Orleans the Prince of County and of many other Dukes Peers and Marishalls of France and of other chief Officers of the Crown The King told them by his own mouth that he had sent for them to acquaint them with his intentions for the publick good as also to let them know the proceedings of the Prince of Conde with which he hoped to
That the liberty taken by those Forces to plunder his Majesties Subjects had caused many Soldiers to go from his Majesties Camp and to go into the other which did what they would that he had thought fit to acquaint them with all these things though the most of them were already sufficiently known believing that these publick proceedings of the Prince would prove that his secret designs could be no less dangerous nor could be no longer dissembled without abandoning the rudder of the State which God had put into his Majesties hands and which he was constantly resolved to maintain That without speedy remedying disorders the Enemies of France would never apply themselves to the so much desired general peace nor reform the abuses of the Kingdom without stopping the course thereof which his Majesty was resolved to do This writing being read the Prince of County who was present told the Queen that the Prince his Brother had done nothing but what he was able to justifie and that these were the impostures of his Enemies whilst things continued in this disorder Conde continued to visit the Counsellors to assure himself of their favours and indeavour'd to keep his friends well dispos'd to him in all parts and upon all occurrences The Queen on the contrary advising continually with her friends and making particularly use of Abbate Vndedey who did all he could for the service of the Queen and Cardinal found it was necessary to chuse new Counsellors to supply the places of those that were put out And the Duke of Orleans being of the same mind who was therein advised by the Dutchess of Chevereux and the Coadjutor it was resolved that assoon as the King should be of years the Marquess of Chasteauneuf should be made chief Minister of State that Marquess Vieville should be made superintendent of the Finances and that the first President should be confirmed Guarde de Seaux the first because he promised to use all his power in getting the Cardinal recalled though he failed therein afterwards as shall be said Vieville because President Maison who was superintendent of the Finances was thought to be too much concern'd in Conde but the Prince declaring that all this was prejudicial to the decrees of Parliament and to the King and destructive to the Princes of the Realm promised he would never consent to Chasteauneuf's return who would prove worse than the Cardinal saying that those that favor'd him were his implacable Enemies That the Dutchess of Chevereux and the Coadjutor were the chief Plotters saying that they and the three Barboni were Authors of the writing which was pretended against him he therefore desired his Royal Highness to maintain his interests as he would do his till death For what remain'd he absolutely declared that rather than to see the King put into the hands of his Enemies he would throw himself into the hands of the Spaniards and after so much freedome of words he bewail'd the unhappiness which threatned France and all good men wherefore the Coadjutor thinking that the Prince his words might work something with the Duke of Orleans he strove to keep the Duke in his former opinion A treaty was this mean while begun between Chasteauneuf Villeroy and Chavigny by the means of Counsellor Croisy and Monsieur de St. Romain whereby they had almost brought the Prince to consent to the establishment of the aforesaid Council provided that the Queen would speak to him therein But these Lords not daring to move the Queen to do so least she might suspect they held some intelligence with the Prince the Dutchess of Aiguillona and Count Brien were imploy'd to desire the â—ueen that she would suspend the business for a few days but she fearing that this was a new trick of Conde's to keep her from performing her word proceeded in the establishment which afforded afterward cause of new complaints This writing was followed by divers other pressings that the Prince his actions might be known to be such as did not become his duty and which were condemned for such when the Parliament met the Prince appeared waited upon by some of his followers but Orleans came not thither that day wherefore Conde intreated the Assembly to adjourn the handling of what was communicated to them at the Palace Royal as also the reading of the King's writing to the end that the Duke might be present at the reading of them pretending to justifie his actions wherein the Parliament was pleased to gratifie him and sent to invite Orleans to come thither but it was thought he would not come having heard that what was done against the Prince at Court was thought to have been done by his knowledg for that it was imagined the Queen would not have attempted it without holding intelligence with him but foreseeing that unless he were protected by Orleans his adversaries might undo him by what was alledged in that writing he again desired his presence in Parliament that he might not want such a prop in a business of such importance The Duke having excused himself for several reasons the second time the Prince desired him that at least he would give him a Declaration of what had past between his Highness and him the Duke could notwithstand the violence of these pressures which were seconded by President Viola but yielded thereunto rather inforced than willingly So as sending immediately for the Secretary without giving the Duke leave to repent he caused it to be written the 18 th of August the contents thereof being as followeth His Royal Highness declared that till after Seven a clock at night on Wednesday last Count Brien had not acquainted him with the Queens resolution of calling the Sovereign Assemblies together and those of the City to tell them that her Majesty had no intention to recall the Cardinal and that she would issue out all necessary Declarations to that effect and that she might say that the Prince had not been at the Palace Royal since he the Duke had brought him thither That the next day the Queen made him come into her Oratory and caused the aforesaid writing to be read unto him whereof he had had no knowledg wherein there were many things which might be gain-said and particularly touching his intelligence with Spain which he judged not fit to be read but that the Queen would absolutely have it done saying that it was necessary for her discharge the King being to be of years within Twenty days He moreover declared that the Prince had propounded unto the Queen and Council after Marquess Sillerey was sent to Brussels that there were two ways whereby to make the Spaniards go out of Stenay the one by a treaty the Spanish Agents having offered the said Sillerey so as a suspension of Arms might be had between them and the Towns of Luxemburg during that Campagne the which being by the Queen denied the Prince had told the Queen that he could not drive 500 Soldiers who were in the Town out
with 200 in the Citadel those of the Town being at all times to be re-inforced by the Enemy wherefore if her Majesty would send him 2000 men he would do his utmost to expell them he moreover witnessed that he did not think it fit that the Princes or Dukes Forces which were design'd for the Army of Picardy should be commanded by the Marishal Ferte Senetre who being too true to the Cardinal had guided him in his journey and received him into his Towns after the Decrees of Parliament made against him that moreover he had desired him as Lieutenant General of the Kingdom to send some that depended upon him to command them promising that hē would willingly obey him and that to that purpose he had named Monsieur de Vallon for that imployment who being ready to go he received orders to the contrary whereby the said Forces were willed to tarry there and expect Monsieur de Vallon who was to command them He declared also that the Iealousies which were taken were not causless as he had formerly declared in Parliament knowing that something had been done to his prejudice and that after having brought him to the Palace where he was not too well received he had not desired him to return any more thither he also affirmed that otherwise he did not believe that the Prince had at any time had any ill intention against the King's service or the good of the Commonwealth The Prince having obtained this writing thought he had gotten all he could desire from the Duke of Orleans and doubtless this Declaration though a weak one made for him but the Duke being troubled that he had so easily granted this writing acquainted the Queen therewith saying that he had protested to Conde that he would please him only that one time and that for the future he would never do so again nor that he did any ways intend to nourish civil dissentions to the King's prejudice yet this was ill taken at Court though covertly not to increase ill will The Parliament meeting afterwards and the King's Declaration being read the aforesaid Declaration was read by a Secretary of the said Dukes containing Conde's justification which being read the Prince added many other things tending to his own discharge and added that all proceeded from the actions of his Enemies whose designs were known to be pernitious to the State alledging for example the violent proposal made by the Coadjutor the preceeding winter in L' Hostelle d' Orleans to go and take the Seal by force from the first President and go from thence to the Court. The Coadjutor rising up at these words said boldly that what he had said was altered that he could justifie all his actions and Counsels and that he would never cry peccavi for any thing he had ever spoken High and bitter speeches past on both sides The Counsellors began to speak their opinions not being displeas'd with the present differences whereby they became Arbitrators and almost judges of the Royal Family many things were said many would have the Queen produce proofs for what she had said against the Prince others that the Duke of Orleans should be intreated to intercede in a business of such importance and to beseech the Queen that she would out of her goodness extinguish this fire in its beginning In fine that all things should be refer'd to her Majesty to whom they sent the writing which was given in by his Highness in excuse of the Prince that she might order all things by her supream Authority as she should think would stand best with justice but the time being short nothing was concluded and the Assembly was adjourned till Monday The Prince went forth followed by many of the meaner sort the Coadjutor did the like being also well accompanied The Sabbath day being spent on both sides in getting Votes the Duke of Orleans had private conference the same day with the Queen but what it was is not known On Monday the Parliament met where the Prince appeared attended by many the Coadjutor did the like accompanied amongst others by the Duke of Brisack by Monsieur Montresore and other Courtiers and with many Citizens who were of his party Armed with Swords and Pistols And the yard great Hall which are by the Parliament house were filled with people of both factions The house being set and Conde being told how the Coadjutor had been attended thither he said he thought it strange there should be any in that Assembly who should vye with him for Magnificency and as it were contend in the Streets with a Prince of the Blood and that he believed the Parliament would take order with such audaciousness The Coadjutor finding himself concern'd herein said that he wondred much at such complaints all men knowing what respect and value was to be put upon a Prince of his condition and merit and that if he were aimed at therein he profest all honour and respect unto him But that obedience was due to none but the King who left the way open for all men To this the Prince answered with some Acrimony and as the Coadjutor was ready to reply a murmuring arose in the house which silenced them both Many Counsellors said this was not a way of Parliamentary proceeding the rather for that the Palace yard was full of armed men who were assembled there little to the safety of the Counsellors and less to the freedome of their suffrages The first President seconding this said unto the Prince that he being the most eminent person was to give the first example wherefore he desired him to dismiss his retinue and then turning to the Coadjutor said as much alledging what inconvenience might else insue The Prince gave order to the Duke of Rochefaucolt to dismiss those who were come along with him the Coadjutor said he would go do the like but in a bold and scornful manner in somuch as walking faster then Rochefaucolt he got thither before him and as he walked Per la Perquet or in the ante-Chamber he came into the Hall at whose appearance all his party drew their Swords and those belonging to the Prince did the like The Duke thinking that the Coadjutor who was in the midst of the Prince his people would hardly escape thought how to make use of the present opportunity but the Coadjutor being aware of the danger return'd presently to the Parquet or Ante-Chamber Rochefaucolt who stood at the gate and saw him coming shut his head between the two leaves of the gate door where he held him fast affording time to those of the Princes party to have kild him if they had would for Rochefaucolt would not kill him himself least Montresore and others of the Coadjutors party might have drawn their Swords wherefore he left it to the Prince his followers amongst which were the Count of Duraz and Signan Marquess Rogefer Monsieur de Picaces and others whilst the Coadjutor was in this condition likelier to dye
were not in wisdom to be trusted in any one place that none but those that desired his ruine could be offended thereat and that if these had been less circumstantial and better advised since they knew that his Sister was in the Monastery of Carmelites at Burges and his wife assign'd to a house of his in the time of his imprisonment they would not have raised jealousies of a thing which was not only permitted but also very indifferent nor yet badly interpret the exhibition made by him of his Revenues for the payment of his Debts and keeping of his House in the time of his imprisonment That no condition was drawn from him touching Stenay wherein it was easie to judg he could not oblige himself in any thing since it was not in his power the Duke of Orleans having made it sufficiently known that he had not failed in any thing that became his duty to the King nor to his Birth since conformable to what was witnessed by his Royal Highness after the return made by Marquess Sillerey who went to Brussels by order from the King he had offer'd to make the Spaniards go out by way of treaty so as promise might be given that no Hostility might pass between the Towns of Stenay and Luxemburg or that if they would give him 2000 men he would force them to withdraw from thence which not being granted him by the Queen he was not to be blamed that the Garrison which consisted not of above 200 men did not drive out the Town Garrison wherein were 500 and which might at all times be recruited by the Archduke for what concern'd the pass of Dun it was so inconsiderable as 300 men might have driven out the Enemy which was unable to preserve it that concerning his Forces abiding upon the Frontiers he could not be therein better justified than by the Duke of Orleans who declared that he had done nothing therein but by his direction and to hinder the dissipation of the Forces which might be very serviceable to the King and wherein their ruine and that of the whole Army would have been unfallible which was commanded by Generals and Officers totally depending upon the Cardinal it being well known that the rumour spread abroad that the Forces abiding in France was but a trick to exclaim against him since nothing was said of the Forces of Turenne Vandosme who were quartered in the neighbouring Towns of Schale and Netencourt and which were never drawn out into the Field that the licentiousness imputed to his men was an epidemical and no particular malady against the which the Parliament having provided he had already declared and would still protest that he would take order that those who should have failed therein in his Troops should be punished according to Law To what was said that he held intelligence with the Spaniards he with much vehemence protested it was totally false and merely the Calumnies of his Enemies for which he required reparation from the Parliament as of the greatest outrage which could be committed against one of his quality and to the dignity of a Prince of the blood and he desired the Assembly to interpose their Authority in desiring their Majesties to nominate the Authors of those Calumnies and to demand memorials and advertisements of the said imputed intelligence wherein he would submit himself to their judgments if they should find that he had done any thing contrary to the duty of his birth By the news which was had of this writing and by the indeavours hotly pursued by Conde and his friends the Queen after many passages in Parliament was at last inforced by the same necessity which made her do many things in that present conjuncture of times even contrary to her will to make the King publish another writing clean contrary to the former in discharging the Prince of the former accusations which she sent to the Parliament which argued great weakness in the Court and gave occasion of blaming the first indeavour as a thing unusual The Parliament did this mean while declare That all this was done to render him universally odious and to make him despair that according to the Courts designs he might be the first that should take up Arms and from the 22 th of August till the 7 th of September it was much debated by those of the faction of the Princes whether or no Conde could with safety be present at the Ceremony of the King's Majority but fearing or seeming to be afraid he went two days before from Paris pretending to visit the Duke of Longueville at Trie in Normandy and writ a Letter to the King before he went which was given his Majesty by the Prince of County the same morning that his Majesty made his entry on Horseback and went afterwards he and the Duke Rochefaucolt waiting for him in their place in Parliament to assist at the Celebration of his Majestie 's Majority This Letter said that not for want of good will but merely out of fear of danger to his own person he forbare being present at the Ceremony The Prince being gone accompanied by the Marquess of Iersey and Monsieur de Monpasson of the house of Gondrine went by Pointois to Trie at the same time that Longueville came thither with whom he complained much against the Court proceedings and particularly that Servient Tillier and Lyon being banish'd from the Court Chasteauneuf Mole and Vieville were put into their places The first chief of the Council the second keeper of the Seals and the third superintendent of the Finances all which he thought were worse than the former three he then desired him to declare for him and to follow his fortune assuring him of assistance from the Spaniards both in men and money but the Duke keeping firm to the Court would not put himself into these troubles upon uncertain hopes and so giving him fair words kept firm to what he thought was best for his own interest After this meeting the Duke return'd to Normandy and the Prince having heard that the Dutchess of Aiguilon had offer'd the Queen by Count Harcourt that she would bring him to her either dead or alive with bare 200 men which the King had given her the which was absolutely denied by his Majesty instead of returning to Pontoise went to Chantelly where the Dukes of Nemeurs and Rochefaucolt went to meet him to know what resolution they were to take But to return to the affairs of Catalonia the Spaniards after the taking of Tortoise kept quiet there in their winter quarters providing for War that they might carry on their Forces in due time to such enterprises as the time should invite them whereof the Catholick Court making use by reason of the civil discords of France which happened so opportunely for Spain the Spaniards failed not to weigh wisely what might make most for their advantage but their chief hopes were to take Barcellona by the re-inforcements which they expected from
to hault at the Village above the aforesaid Castle that he might make use of them if he should be forced to retreat The Spanish Captains coming in as their Soldiers ran away rallied them so as the French were forced to retreat to their reserve where the Foot behaved themselves so well as having disordered the Spanish Horse by a furious volly of Musquet shot Pardalian had opportunity to fall upon them with his reserve and to discompose them killing many and taking many Prisoners The rest of the day was spent in defials and slight Skirmishes on both sides and they lay that night in the fields which retarded the march of the Spanish Army one day and made the Spaniards hazard the loss of their Rear if Pardallian had had more men or had the Piemontese Militia done as they ought to have done Thus without makeing any more attempts they all retreated to their former quarters and where they staid till they were forced to remove by mere accidents as small be said in the insuing books The remainder of this year and the beginning of the next were spent in treaties between the Governour of Millan and the Dutchess of Savoy to whom the Spaniards made great offers perswading her to make use of the present conjunctures of time when little assistance being to be expected from France by all reason she ought to agree with Spain and shun the ruine which Piemonte was likely to run into for want of necessary defence but the Dutchess though she seemed not to be distasted with such a treaty yet entred she thereinto only to feed the Spaniards with hopes till times might prove better THE HISTORY OF FRANCE The SEVENTH BOOK The CONTENTS The King's Majority after which divers expeditions are made Marquess Chasteauneus is sent for back into the Court and made Minister of State The seals are given again to the first President Mole The Coadjutor Gondi is named by the King to be Cardinal The Prince of Conde retires to Berry and from thence to Burdeaux The King goes with his Court to Berry and from thence towards Guienne Divers accidents of War happen Cardinal Mazarine is sent for back by the King who raiseth men to enter France War begins again in Guienne with several successes which are advantagious for the King Count Marsine abandons the King's service and goes from Catalonia to France to Conde's party The Duke of Nemeurs raiseth men in Flanders and falls in with the party of the Male-contents The Cardinal parts from Sedam and comes with about 6000 Soldiers to Poictiers to serve the King the Duke of Bullion and General Turenne are received in favour to the Court Turenne is declared General of the King's Army Angiers is taken The King marcheth to Blois Nemeurs enters France with the Army which he raised in Flanders Differences arise between him and Duke Beaufort who differ in managing the War Count Paluan besiegeth Montrond Madamoselle comes to Orleans and keeps that City from declaring for the King The King's Army advanceth to Guienne Conde comes incognito from Guienne to Nemeurs and Beaufort's Army Several accidents of War happen The Spaniards continue the seige of Barcellona ON the 7 th of September the day destined for the Ceremony of the King's Majority all things were prepared which were fitting to Celebrate such an action the King Queen Princes and great ones of the Court go to the Hall of Parliament where the King being seated in his Chair of Justice the Queen sate on his right hand together with the Dukes of Anjou and Orleans Prince of County the Dukes and Peers of France who were there viz. the Dukes of Vsses Mercure Beaufort Luines Brisack Rochefaucolt and Candalle who were followed by the Marishals of France viz. D' Estree de L'Hospitalle Villeroy Oquincourt la Motta Plessis Pralin de Estampes the Son of Millerey great Master of the Artillery and on the left hand sate the Lord de Aumaule Archbishop of Rheimes Cohorse Bishop of Beauvois Vialarde Bishop of Chalouns Barada Bishop of Noyoune the four Ecclesiastical Dukes and Peers all these sate on high and lower on the right hand sate the Archbishop of Paris the Bishops of Saulis and Tarbes at the Kings foot sate Duke Chamberlain Ioyeuse the chief Provost of Paris the Counts Charost Tremes Gesure and Villaquiere who were Captains of the King's Guard Count Brienne Messieurs della Vrliere Plesses Guinagaude and Tillier who were four Secretaries of State upon a Bench over against the King's feet At the Queens feet sate Monsieur Guitand Captain of her Guard Coninges her Lieutenant Count Harcourt with the Crowns Sword in a violet velvet sheath studded with Golden Flower-de-luces The Chancellor in his usual place in a velvet Gown upon another seat behind the Counsellors of State sate the six Masters of Requests and President Montaro upon another Bench sate the Princess of Carrignano and her Daughter Princess Luise and then the Queens maids with their Mother in the high Lantern sate the Queen of England the Dutchess of Orleans Dutchess of Espernoun the Marquess of Gesures and Cominges in the Lantern on the side of Nodari the Pope's Nuntio the Embassadors of Venice and Holland in the Tribunal upon their knees four Heralds at Arms two before and two behind one bearing the hand of Justice another the Scepter and the other two Truncheon of violet Velvet studded with small Golden Flower-de-luces the Dukes of Crequi and Mortman chief Gentlemen of the Kings Bed-Chamber and Marquess Sourches grand Provost of France and on seats below all the Counsellors Officers and others of the Court and Parliament Being thus stately inthroned the King spoke thus I am come to the Parliament to tell you that according to the Laws of the Kingdom I intend to take upon my self the Government of the State and hope through God's goodness to do it with piety and justice The Chancellor will tell you the rest who standing up and bowing low unto the King made a neat discourse upon that action which when he had done he return'd to his place Then the Queen rising a little from her seat spoke thus unto the King Sir this is the 9th year that by the will of the late King my ever honour'd Lord and Husband I have taken upon me the care of your Education and the Government of the State God of his goodness hath blessed my indeavours and preserved your person which is so dear to me and pretious to your Subjects Now that the laws of your Kingdom call you to take upon you the Government of this Monarchy I with much satisfaction surrender the Authority that was given me of Governing it hoping that God will assist you with his spirit of strength and wisdom whereby to make your Kingdom fortunate Then the King turning towards her with a chearful countenance said He thanked her for the care she had taken of his Education and of the Government of the Kingdom that he desired her to continue
counselling him and that she would be his chief adviser The Queen bowed and in sign of Homage would have kist his hand but the King embraced her and kist her with much tender affection The Duke of Anjou being next him kneel'd at his Majesties feet and kist his feet swearing fealty unto him The King with a smiling countenance embraced him The Duke of Orleans and County did the like the Dukes and Peers and Marishals of France stir'd not from their places Then the first President as chief of the Parliament making a low Reverence said that in a day of so August memory and of the applause of all the orders of the Kingdom he could not forbare telling his Majesty what obligations they all had to that great Queen the second Deity on earth by whose wise Counsels her Regency had so happily terminated and with such like eloquent expressions concluded those affectionate fidelities which are due from Subjects to their Sovereign This being ended the King Queen all the Dukes Peers and Marishals of France humbly bowing themselves in order and the whole Parliament standing up his Majesty descended from his Throne and went to the Chappel of the Palace where after having powred forth some prayers to God went down and returned in his Coach to the Palace-Royal attended by the Princes Nobles and Lords on Horseback and as he past over the Pont Neufe was cryed up with that infinite affection which the French bear their King This Ceremony being over Marquess Chasteauneuf was sent for back to the Privy Council and the Seals were again taken from the Chancellor and given to the first President as the Queen had promised him This Establishment of the first President as also of Chasteauneuf and Vieville who were called the three Barboni or great Beards was suddenly done without any delay because Chasteauneuf being in his heart an Enemy to the house of Conde and the first President and Marquess Vieville not very acceptable to the Frondeurs it was not thought fit to defer it any longer least they might meet with such hinderances which might be interposed by factious people After Chasteauneuf had been banish'd and had had the Seals taken from him he did all he could to reunite himself to the Cardinal for that on the one side he was an Enemy to the Prince and on the other side found that he had not the credit with the Duke of Orleans which formerly he had because it was counterpoised by the Coadjutor whom he knew to be of a turbulent spirit and who rather would have suffered Mazarine in the administration of State than him Moreover he perswaded himself that in time he might regain the credit which he formerly had had with the Queen for which he had been persecuted by Richelein Mazarine was well contented with his re-establishment in affairs for he thought him true to the King's service and for that he was not only well thought of but was allied to the chief Families But when these three Lords were setled in their places they did not very well agree together for Chasteauneuf did not much esteem Vieville though he had formerly been his friend He was likewise jealous of the guard de Seaux finding that the Queen placed all her confidence in him the guard de Seaux despised both of them saying that all affairs depended upon him though Chasteauneuf was therein better experienced than he so as upon these differences divers accidents happened which caused Chasteauneuf at last to withdraw himself For all this the Chancellor was not displeased with the Queen for he knew that those blows proceeded not from any demerits of his but from the mere necessity of the present conjunctures which forced the Queen to do things which were far from her desire to evade a greater mischief he went no more notwithstanding to Council but did withdraw himself of his own accord And Monsieur Guinegaude when he took the Seals from him told him that their Majesties were very well pleased with his service and the Queen made him be told by another that in case any other change should at any time be made she would prefer him before all others and would assist him and his Family by her protection upon all occurrences Chasteauneuf also in the beginning of these troubles when the Seals were the second time taken from him offer'd him to keep them for him and to restore them unto him if he would yield up the first place in Council to him as was done to the Cardinals who were first Ministers whereunto the Chancellor answered that his private interest should never derogate from the Dignity of his place for he was a private man and the Cardinals were Princes of the holy Church Affairs beginning now to be treated of bare faced in Court Marishal de Aumount's Forces were sent against those of Conde which were within three days journey of the King's Army but they fled and dispersed themselves without any fighting and some of them got safe to Stenay some to other Towns belonging to the Prince who returned no more to Paris but went to Eusone and from thence to Argeville a house of President Perauts where he tarried one day expecting to hear from the Duke of Orleans whether the Court did not remit somewhat of their austerity in the treaty of agreement which was again re-assumed by the same Orleans when the indeavours of the Princes Palatine proved vain whereby the Prince would have easily condescended to the Cardinals return for he could not well tollerate that Chasteauneuf should have that charge But Count Chavigny who would very unwillingly have seen the Cardinal return cunningly perverted the Prince his good disposition frightning him with a new imprisonment and minding him that if he should condescend to any thing which might contradict what he had formerly promised the Duke of Orleans and the Frondeurs he would totally lose their adherence and deprive himself of all other refuge and give himself over to the pleasure of the Court which he was always to suspect having had too great proofs thereof to which was added the Coadjutor's secret dealings and the like of some others to break this agreement as shall be said afterwards Orleans being willing to endeavour the Prince his satisfaction and to quiet all private discords chose Croisy as a friend to the Prince and Chasteauneuf to go unto him and to wish him from the Duke to be at Eusonne between Argueville and Simouns whither Orleans was gone but a whole day being spent in making these expeditions the Duke sent one of his Gentlemen to intreat the Prince to tarry for Croisy at Argueville The Gentleman mistaking the place whither he was to go were it either by misfortune or fate instead of going whither he was sent went to another place which was also called Argueville in Beaux far from the other Argueville So as the Prince having attended one day with impatience and interpreting delay to be dis-respect parted the next morning
for about 20 days making only some small Skirmish At the same time the Castle of Dion which till then had held for Conde was after 12 days siege surrender'd to Espernoun The King had all this while deferred his Declaration against Conde hoping that being aware of his errour he would accept of the agreement managed by the Duke of Orleans who proceeding slowly therein the Court grew jealous that they held intelligence together and that though they seemed to oppose the Cardinals return yet they did in their hearts desire it that they might make good their pretences which were grown very low and to draw over the people to them but at last on the 16 th of November the said Declaration was sent to the Parliament of Paris and was presented by the first President which caused great noise in the City and chiefly in the Duke of Orleans his Court and amongst the Frondeurs the Declaration said That the Prince of Conde was become guilty of high Treason having taken up Arms against his Sovereign and against the State that he held confederacy with the Spaniard intending through his ambition to disturb the peace of the Kingdom The Prince of County Dutchess of Longueville Dukes of Nemeurs and Rochefaucolt with other of their friends and adherents were contained in the same Declaration The King's Declarations being to be registred in Parliament they could not refuse to do it seeing that Conde was in open War against the King it was therefore Registred but with a caution that the Prince might have a months space to return to his obedience but the Frondeurs not being content with the proceeding of Parliament and highly netled with the fame of the actions of the King's Forces in Guienne foreseeing thereby the Prince his ruine and therewith the like of their own faction on the beginning of December scattered abroad divers papers in the Streets of Paris inviting the people to meet in Tornon-street intending by sedition to cause the Parliament to make such Declarations as might divert the Court from their begun proceedings against the Princes And some of the most outragious getting into the midst of an insolent Rabble went first with them to L' Hostelle de Orleans exclaiming against the bad Government and then went to the first Presidents house who strongly defended the Courts cause and consequently the Cardinals for he was grown so hated by the Male-contents as upon this occasion and many others he was in danger of being hainously outraged but being a couragious Gentleman instead of hiding himself he came down into the yard to that tumultuous rout and did by his presence so appease their fury as it might be well seen these tumultuaries were set on more by others than by their own passion for when they saw him not they were inraged against him and when they saw him had not a word to say such force hath integrity and a masculine vertue to mollifie any unbridled insolency The Parliament being met the 9 th of the next month made another decree against the Cardinal upon advertisement that he raised men to re-enter France and began to think upon all means how to hinder his return but he staying still at Dinan solicited new leavies whereby to come and re-inforce the King and his time of departure growing near he renewed his desire of a pasport from the Spaniards but they feeding him only with words he stole away suddenly one night and without drawing bridle for eighteen hours went to Bovillion not without danger of being interrupted by the Spaniards who kept an eye upon him or by Conde's Forces who being quartered on the other side the River did ever and anon make excursions into the neighbouring parts He sent from thence to acquaint the Spanish Commanders that he vvas gone and that though they would not pleasure him with a pass he hoped they would favour his friends with one which was presently granted and they were with much honour conducted by Don Antonio Pimontel to Bovillion from whencegoing to Sedam he resolved to march forthwith with the 4000 men which he had raised into France together with the Forces of Marishal de Oquincourt which were sent unto him by the King When this news came to Paris it caused great rumour and the Frondeurs Parliament and Dukes of Orleans and Beaufort were more troubled than the rest who being surprised when they least thought of it said aloud that it was not to be thought the Court would have so apparently broken their word which was so faithfully given and that their scorn in being thus deluded was too apparent They therefore hereupon called together all the Chambers of Parliament and decreed that in prosecution of the judgment given by the Parliament four days before Commissioners should be sent to their Majesties to complain of what was done contrary to their Majestie 's service upon the Frontiers by raising men giving out of monies and by news of the Cardinals return which were all contrary to his Majesties Declaration and the Duke of Orleans was desired to send some from him to joyn with these Commissioners and to insist upon keeping the Cardinal from returning They afterwards by publick decree prohibited all Cities Towns and Governours upon those Frontiers to assist him upon pain of high Treason and though they got but little good by these Declarations at which all men laughed thinking it a madness in them to command where the King had all lawful power yet some of them were so bewitch'd by a foolish presumption of Authority as they believed an order of Parliament was sufficient to keep the whole Kingdom in obedience So proceeding from one inconvenience to another declared on the 29 th of December that the Cardinal had incur'd high Treason for having contrary to their prohibitions return'd to Sedam and being ready to return to France They ordered also that his Library and all his Moveables should be sold and all his Rents and Benefices were confiscated and voted 50000 Crowns to be given to any body that would kill him or bring him alive into the hands of justice desiring his Majesty in such case to grant a pardon to the Murtherer who if through misfortune he should be slain in doing it they declared the 50000 Crowns should be given to his Heirs This infamous and scandalous decree by what was known afterwards was made by the private intelligence of Count Chavigny who by this means thought to keep the Cardinal from returning The Court of Rome was acquainted with all this it being believed that the Sacred Colledge would not suffer such an example to remain in memory of man and that such remedies might be found for it as depend upon the Pope's Authority but it being considered that if they shouâ—d fail in their attempt the Apostolick dignity might be too far ingaged it was past over nor did the Cardinal want Enemies as well in Rome as in France This mean while Marishal de Oquincourt following the King's orders
hearing that Harcourt was marching towards him left Prince Taranto in Xaintoigne to defended Xaintes Faileburg and some other Towns which were for him and went with some Horse and Foot into Guienne himself that he might be sheltred by the River Sille and by the Town of Bourg within one league whereof Harcourt was lodged who diligently pursued him But Ambleville and Berbisieux two walled and well Garrison'd Towns being on his back which might much incommodate the Army he that would take them must leave pursuing the Prince and give him time to look to his affairs otherwise he should err against the Maximes of War wherefore Harcourt resolved to continue his march and yet at the same time to reduce the aforesaid two Towns to the Kings obedience He sent Marquess Plessis Belliere against Ambleville who upon the sight of the Canon reduced it he left Monsieur Bellasons with the Regiment of Picardy to reduce Barbesieux who discharged himself therein with much honour and Harcourts self staying no where came with miraculous speed near to St. Andrea within three leagues of Bourg almost before his march was known where he found that Aubeterre whom he had sent before to possess himself of the passes and to take up quarters had been repulsed and but badly treated in his attempting the Regiment of Baltazar which was got into the Village of St. Antoine and that the Prince was in Arms with all his men and that he had placed himself in very good order in advantagious places So as not daâ—ing to advance further by reason of the advantagiousness of the Prince his situation he spent that night only in some small skirmishes wherein Harcourt not being able to discover the Prince his weakness many of whose men were wanting and could not come up unto him he lost an opportunity of routing him totally and might peradventure have taken him Prisoner The Prince passing his men here over the River went to Libourn and having refreshed his men there he went to Bergerack where he made the Fortifications desensible and return'd from thence to Libourn to see the Princess his Wife who was with child of a Son which was afterwards called Duke of Bourbone Being advertised that the Prince of County had taken Guadacosta a Town three leagues from Libourn and that he faced Marquess St. Luke and was ready to fight him he marched towards him and came opportunely for finding the King's quarters lay a sunder about Miradaux he got into the midst of them but being to pass over a Bridge before he could assault them they had time to give an Alarm and to put themselves in order about that Town notwithstanding he charged them with Marche's Regiment on one side and he himself being on the head of his men fell so furiously upon them as he slew many and took many Prisoners the rest got into Miradaux and gave an Alarm to the head quarter whence St. Luke came out with his men and put them into battle array The Prince did the like though he were fewer in number thus they stood looking upon one another not doing any thing Prince County came thither four or five hours after with the Marquess Montespan and with the rest of the Forces and here a Council of War was held to know whether they should charge the Kings Camp or no. Conde's Foot were but few and all new men they exceeded not 500 Foot and 700 Horse St. Luke had about 2000 old Foot 700 Horse the situation was steep and advantagious for the King's men so as it was thought fit to forbear attempting them till three pieces of Canon were come which the Prince had sent by water to take in Agen. All the day was therefore spent in lusty skirmishes wherein the Marquess his men had the better at first but when the Prince having released some of the Kings men whom he had taken Prisoners let the Enemy know that he was on the head of his Troops the Enemy were so affrighted at his very name as they began to retreat by night to Leyteres two leagues off in such disorder as the Guard which was advanced by County discover'd their march and gave notice thereof to the Prince his Brother he took with him what Horse were ready caused all the rest of his Soldiers to march and overtook the Enemy at Miradaux and charged them so furiously as he routed the Enemy who ran with some loss then with no less fervour he fell upon the Brigades of Champagnia and Lorrain who not being able to make their party good unbacked by Horse got into the Town but fared but ill the Town is environed with old weak walls broken down in many places and may rather be termed an open Village than a walled Town The Prince summon'd Count Marin Camp Marishal and Couvanges Colonel of the Lorrain's Regiment to surrender upon discretion they offer'd to yield up the Town and not to bear arms against him for six months But Conde finding the Town weak and that it wanted Warlike Ammunition thought he should have them all Prisoners of War within two days wherefore he refused their offer and resolved to attack the Town and planted two pieces of Artillery against it though he had but 80 Bullets and very little powder The besieged were likewise but badly Ammunition'd but St. Luke found means to have some brought in every night yet the Prince resolved to make a breach and made his Horse men light to give an assault but was hindred as not being in a fit condition Count Harcourt was come again to St. Iohn de Angeli after his having given many defeats where hâ—aring of the Prince his proceedings marched speedily towards him he past the Garomne at Avilare The Prince being far inferior in number would not stay for him but quitted the enterprise of Miradaux and retreated to Stafort where he refreshed his men and divided his Army in Pluma Peregrin and in the neighbouring Towns and sent from thence a party of Horse to inquire after Harcourts ways who was gone from Avilare to Lomagna intending to secure his quarters by taking Beaumont a little walled Town upon the River Gimona Marquess St. Luke being gone from Auch with other Forces was marched towards him and Saufbeauf advancing as near Stafort as he could to charge the Troops which should come out of the Enemies quarters Count Illabone and Aubeterre went towards Pluma to charge Conde's Gens de Armes who were quarter'd there and St. Luke went also against Pergaime Harcourt with the rest of the Army tarried in the midst of them to releive such as should have most need The Prince not having had any news of the Enemy till such time as they were got into the midst of his quarters was much surprised but being an excellent Commander and good at putting on resolutions he presently made all that were with him get on Horseback and drawing forth his Foot accompanied by the Dukes of Rochefaucolt and Belgarde Count Marsin and others
of condition went to discover the King's men which he found to be so many as he was forced to retreat not without danger and sent to all his Forces to meet at Buet a Town upon the Garomne that they might go from thence to Agen. Harcourt pursued him and would assuredly have routed him had he not tarried to take Pergaime whither all the Guards of the Prince his Generals were gotten commanded by Monsieur Roches where the Town being well walled he tarried till the Prince was come to Buet and had past over the Garomne which was done with much fear and in such disorder as had but 200 of the Kings Horse then appeared he would have run danger of being defeated and taken The baggage which had not time to get to Buet was sent by water over against Agen whither it was no sooner come but Harcourt leaving St. Luke before Pergaime followed him with the rest of his Forces to Burg over against that City Illabone Crequi and Coudray Monpensiere fell furiously upon the Baracadoes which were no less valiantly defended and the forlorn hope being lost Conde's men did so seasonably defend themselves as the Prince hasting thither and sending his men to assist their fellowes he freed them from danger and forced the assailiant to retreat thus his baggage got safe to Agen and the King's men lost their attempt Harcourt staid all that day in Estillac and the next day return'd to before Pergaime but finding it already surrendred upon discretion he sent Cowdray Monpensiere and Fermecon towards Stafort where there was 300 of the Prince his Foot and some pieces of Artillery and easily made part of the Garrison turn over to the King and other some return to their own howses upon promise never to serve any more against the King At the same time the Marquesses of Mountonsiere and Plessis Belliere by intelligence with the Citizens had besieged Xantes by approaches and battery The Garrison which was not able to defend themselves against the Enemy within and without capitulated and on the twelfth of March 600 Foot and 50 Horse marched out which acquisition drew after it the like of Faileburg whereby the whole River of Charente was reduced to the King's obedience except it were Bourages which held still for Count Oguon Whilst the King's Forces were imploy'd about Angiers the Duke of Nemeurs hasting for France with the people which he had raised in Flanders marched with about 8000 men for Fonsomma in Picardy from whence he went to the Province of Vexin where the Nobles being assembled to the number of 1000 Gentlemen hoping to have been back by de Elbeufs and Aumonts Forces would have kept him from advancing being incouraged by the Coadjutor who having many friends in those parts did privately indeavour to keep Conde from receiving so considerable Forces But being afterward spoken unto by Orleans who protested he would complain of him in case his aversion to the Prince should cause him do otherwise than he would the Coadjutor forbare soliciting the Nobles who were assembled at Maine to consult how to oppose Nemeurs The Duke of Orleans sent credential Letters to them by Marquess Villenes to appease them giving them his word that they should not be injured by the Soldiers Villenes found them otherwise minded so as he had much ado to perswade them the Gentlemen were not willing to understand him fearing least by permitting those Forces to enter their Province they might draw the King's Forces after them and that making that place the seat of War they should feel those miseries which are the product of Military licentiousness but afterwards considering that they could not keep from what they feared by opposition they resolved to be quiet They therefore sent three of their number to the Duke to tell him that instead of hindring they would assist him in his march which they ratified in an assembly held afterwards at Magny in the beginning of March wherefore the Duke to make good his word that they should not be badly dealt with by the Soldiers sent Monsieur St. Ibar one who was well known to the Spaniards as to them so as Nemeurs past to Mantes without any obstacle which Town he had secured some few hours before he came thither having thus past over the Scene he quartered his Army about Hadam a little City which lies between Chastres and Paris and whilst he refreshed his Forces there he together with Tavannes Clainchamp and most of the Spanish Officers went to Paris where they were received with extraordinary applause by the Inhabitants as deliverers of their City The Duke of Nemeurs and the other Commanders thought not when they came first thither to tarry there above two or three days but to return then and joyn with the Duke of Orleans men which were commanded by Duke Beaufort which returned from the Provinces of Perche and Main whither they were come when they heard of the siege of Angiers But were it either by reason of the good entertainment they found there or by reason of their natural negligence and being fomented by Orleans fearing least the Prince his Army by taking Towns upon the Loire might go to the relief of Montrond or go into Guienne afforded time by entertaining them in pastimes at Paris to the King's Forces to go from Angier's that they might take Ponte de Ce secure the Provinces beyond Loire and come to Blois and so to Sally which fell out just so For having dispatched the business of Angiers and knowing that Nemeurs was come into France the Court thought fit not to prolong time but diligently to provide for affairs on that side whither all their friends desired the King would come Their Majesties went from Saumures on the 7 th of March and went to Tours where divers Lords sent from several Provinces and Cities came to assure the King of their Loyalty and Obedience and amongst the rest Monsieur Chamuallon Archbishop of Roan Primate of Normandy sent by a great many Preâ—ates from Paris touching the decree made against the Cardinal shewing the King what injury was done thereby to the Church of Rome and to his Majesties self in having a servant of his outraged The Archbishop was graciously received and this Commission was famous as well for the matter as for the persons who brought it and it fell to this Prelates share to preach before the King who appeared in a glorious manner and with much eloquence enlarged himself upon the Parliaments proceeding so rigorously and by such unusual ways against a Prince of the holy Church not respecting that these were forms prohibited by both Divine and humane Laws and which was miraculous he in his discourse did openly praise the Parliament but obliquely stung it Marishal de Oquincourt marched at the same time with his Army to the same part by the way of Burgueville and Beaumont and sent his Artillery to Tours to be imbarqued upon the Loire and he with all his Troops went
the other Monastery de la perellas who were made to believe that this was done in expectation of some French Merchants who were to pass over the neighbouring Mountains with rich Merchandise this being agreed upon the Spaniard went on the 7 th of Iuly to the places appointed and were recruited by some Forces brought by Don Pietro de Lara they placed themselves so as that the Horse might withstand those who should first advance They were not above Four hundred they marched very silently and got into the Monastery of St. Dominico The French Garrison before they open the Gates use not only to look about all the places about the Town but to visit the neighbouring Covents particularly The Serjeant Major hid himself and his Foot in a certain place which the French had never observed and placed his Horse in a place apart called Valfagona When day appeared the accustomed Guards went out to search the Covent the Governour came to the Gate himself to wish the Souldiers to be vigilant and to keep all Country people out Salamanque sent a Frier who was held partial to the French to acquaint his confederates in the Town and agreed with another that whilst the one should enter by the first Portcullis the other should possess the second this being done the Serjeant Major came forth with his men and cutting the Rafters breaking down the Gates got with his best men at last into the City and after a small skirmish wherein few of either side perished he forced Faro the Governour to retreat with his Garrison into St. Marie's Church where he capitulated to surrender the Town the same day upon honourable conditions which were granted him by the Governour of Lerida who upon the first advertisement went thither himself in person The Spaniards having gotten Bellaguer thus turned presently upon the Castle of Castellon de Farfana and from thence to Camerassa both which not being provided for defence received the first offers which were made by Pietro Valenzuela and yielded obedience to the Spaniards THE HISTORY OF FRANCE The EIGHTH BOOK The CONTENTS The Prince of Conde leaves the Army and goes to Paris The Parliament sends again to the King to discard the Cardinal The Coadjutor Conde is made Cardinal Graveling is besieged and taken by the Spaniards Mardike is forsaken by the French The King of France goes from Guien to Melune and from thence to S. Germans The Army of the Princes fortifie themselves in Estampes S. Martino is taken Divers other incounters Orleans together with Conde send to Court to negotiate Peace Duke Charles of Lorrain enters France He makes the Kings Men raise the siege of Estampes They incampe near S. Clou. New troubles in Burdeaux The beginning of the Olmira Rumors in Provence The King goes to S. Dennis The Prince of Conde indeavors to bring his Army to Charrenton He is followed by Turenne He gets into S. Antoine where he is assaulted and a bloody business follows By Madamoiseles means the Gates of Paris are opened and the Princes with their Men are received in New Sedition The Palace of the Communalty is fired with much confusion and disorder not having effected what the Princes desired Conde solicites the Spaniards in Flanders to assist him The King goes to Pontois and carries the Parliament thither Most of the Counsellors refuse to go stay in Paris and continue the Assemblies The Cardinal goes from Pontois and withdraws out of the Kingdom The Parliament declares the Duke of Orleans Lieutenant General of the Crown and set 50000 Crowns upon the Cardinals head A Duel between Beaufort and Nemeurs wherein Nemeurs is slain A general Amnesty published by the King of France The Duke of Lorrain Prince of Witenberg and Spanish Army in Succor of the Princes they besiege Marishal Turenne in Villanova Montrond Surrendered Harcourt retreats to Brisack The Miseries of War Candalle commands the Forces in Guienne The King writes to the Duke of Orleans Barcellona besieged and lost WHilest Arms were thus managed in the Field Counsels were frequently held by both parties what resolution to put on The Malecontents being still more desirous how to establish themselves by lessning the Kings authority All agreed that the Cardinal was the ruine of the Kingdom All Paris was full of Libels and Satyrical Verses of fabulous Histories and politick Discourses Which casting durt upon Mazarine and the State Ministers redounded to the dishonor of their Royal Majesties and put bad impressions into the common people who were ignorant of the Arcana Regum All the streets sounded of nothing but of the Praises of the Princes and of the Archduke who were celebrated both in prose and verse by infinite Writers stiling them Liberators of the oppressed People And many Parish Priests did in their Pulpits take no less liberty railing upon the present Government and filling the Peoples ears with sinister impressions with no less blame to the Superiors who tolerated it then to the Authors thereof The Parliament desiring nothing more then the Cardinals ruine sent President Nesmond with Five Counsellors and other Deputies of the City to Sully where the King was to represent how necessary it was to put the Cardinal from his Council according as his Majesty had formerly promised Wherein Nesmond spoke with no less eloquence then freedom upon the Declarations made by the King and by the Parliament and did much complain that they had been so delusively broken But the Court was not at all moved with this for the others might well barke but they could not bite The Coadjutor in the interim continued in making a third party by staving the Duke of Orleans from off Conde's enterprise with whom he seemed desirous to be Friends and did really negotiate it But this was rather to perswade the Court to concur in his being made Cardinal which he thought the Court did cunningly prolong than out of a desire to reconcile himself to the Prince Who finding how necessary it was to make himself sure of the Duke of Orleans and to get the City declare for him as also to receive applause for the happy success at Blenau and to justifie himself in Parliament touching the Declaration made against him by the King and which the Parliament had justified but suspended the effects for a while came to Paris where he was received with general applause being met by the Duke of Orleans and an infinite of people The next day he came into the Assemblies indeavoring to justifie himself These Reasons brought him thither but could not keep him there but for a while for the Army needed his presence Count Chavigny who as it was reported had made his peace with the Cardinal by the mediation of Monsieur Faber and who did intend to do so with the Prince likewise Possest the Prince with new jealousies of the Coadjutor and of Chasteauneus alledging the example of the Duke of Orleans in Count Soisons affairs who had recourse to the King for favor
Rivers which were deeper then he thought which when Estrades hard he presently mustered all the Garison of Dunkirk viewed the Ammunition that he might the better know how to defend himself if he should be assaulted which he assuredly thought he should be where he found Two thousand Soldiers and Four thousand Inhabitants who wished well to the Spaniards and Victuals for no longer then May. Wherefore he thought it good to rid the Town of Three thousand useless Months which he put out of the Town and brought all the Corn into the publick Magazins And whilest the Spaniards were busied about the siege of Graveling he got in all the Victuals he could from the Neighboring parts sent out Two hundred Foot against a Village called Vulpes between Fernes and Newport where storming a Guard of Fifty Muskettiers he took away all the Corn and Cattle he could find And on the other side of the River Colme took divers Barks loaded with Wine Beer and other things which were going to the Spanish Camp and took several prisoners When the news of the siege of this important place came to the Court their discontent was doubled being imbroiled by the Princes and having Civil War Wherefore they poured out imprecations against Conde the first Author of all the misfortunes that were and that were likely to be But he laughed and laid all the blame upon the Cardinal so as there is nothing which doth more advantage the interest of a third party then discord between the other two The Spaniards were so fortunate this year as even the very French did applaud their proceedings which made them easily active in those enterprises which otherwise would have required longer time and have been of uncertain event The Court did notwithstanding forbear to apply Remedies to the weighty emergencies wherewith it was miserably distracted Marquess Oquincourt after the siege of Estampes leaving the Kings Army to be commanded by Turenne had order to go with Five hundred Horse to that part of Flanders and to joyn with Monsieur Mondedieu who had Two thousand Foot joyntly to indeavor the preservation of the place besieged some Ships were listed in Britanny and some in Normandy and Calice but want of moneys hindred Provisions nor were they to abandon the needs of their own Kingdom Wherefore their applications were so weak and slow and on the contrary the Spaniards were so solicitous and vigorous in their resolutions as the Walls being still plied by Artillery and Assaults the Inhabitants by reason of their small number not being able to hold longer out were forced to capitulate and upon good conditions of War to march out with three pieces of Cannon and about Eight hundred Foot went to Calice Thus the Spaniards with no small glory were masters of one of the most famous Forts of Flanders and which was to make way for the recovery of Dunkirk towards which Don Fernando Solis went with Four thousand Foot and Two thousand Horse within half a league of Dunkirk which he quartered in several parts and fortified himself every where insomuch as the Fort was blocked up at large round about Above Two thousand of the Spanish Army perished before Graveling and divers Officers of which Marquess Sfondrato General of the Artillery was one which sadded all their content He was shot by a Cannon in a sally which the besieged made out on the seventh of May and died on the tenth At the same time when Graveling was besieged in Flanders the Spaniards forgot not to think how they might get the long wished for Casalle the best means how to effect it was looked into by the Spanish Agents and it being hard for the Spanish Army to approach that City whilest all the Avenues were guarded by the French the Marquess of Caracena Governor of Milan knew that it was necessary to have Trino which lying in the way to Casalle as well by the way of Poe to which it is very near as by Land if it should be left in the Enemies hand would have much incommodated the enterprise Wherefore about Ten thousand Soldiers being raised upon the Frontiers together with Artillery and all things necessary for War Trino was assaulted on all sides on the fifth of May. There were Six hundred Foot and Seventy Horse in the Garison under the Government of Catalano Alfieri a Piemontese who commanded there in the Duke of Savoys name Too small a number to defend so great a circuite as was that of the outward Fortifications so as it was undoubtedly lost without speedy Supplies Which the French not being by reason of their weakness able to send the care of preserving the place lay wholly upon the Dutchess of Savoy who presently caused Three hundred Foot to be raised and gave order that they should fall dovvn the stream to recruit the besieged But it proved in vain for the Captain vvho had the charge of them for vvant of Boats as he affirmed staid tvvo days longer then he ought to have done vvhereby the Spaniard had time to hinder the attempt Wherefore the besieged failing of their hopes capitulated and marched out vvith Arms and Baggage Wherefore Caracena returned glorious to Milan but left the Army distributed into divers quarters upon those Frontiers that he might be ready for new enterprises when the approaching harvest should be ripe This acquisition was as acceptable to the Spaniards as that of Graveling For by taking Trino they might assault Cassale and drive out the French as they had hopes by Graveling to recover Dunkirk to the great glory of their nation who not only by valour but by wisdom knew how to make use of their Enemies confusion and weakness Greater disturbance continued still in Paris then elswhere Whether when Conde was come it is impossible to say with what expressions of joy he was received to that degree as the Kings faithful Servants and the Cardinals Friends durst not stir out of doors without great advisedness Which made the Marishal de l'Hospitalle the Provost of Merchants Cardinal di Retz and the Dutchess of Chevereux send to desire their Majesties to come speedily to Paris for otherwise when Conde's faction should be grown stronger they themselves should be forced to forgo all Agreements and Treaties The Kings Council being hereby incited and that they might preserve that great and powerful City resolved to draw near to it There were divers ways to go thither or to S. Germans for the Queen would not trust her self in the City being acquainted with what had past nor would she have been there received having the Cardinal with her The shortest way was by Estampes but by reason the Princes their Army lay about Montargis and might fall upon the Kings men either on the Flank or Rear they took a way which was further about but more safe which was that the King and his Court with some fevv more got to Auxere vvhere passing over the River Tone they vvent to Melune being sheltered by that River and
lessened The King staid at St. Germans whither a Deputation was sent unto him in the name of the Duke of Orleans and Prince of Conde from Count Chavigny and Secretary Goulas and the Duke of Rohan but not without jealousie of one another for it was thought their private instructions differed from their publick ones doubtless Chavigny was the ablest and wisest and he was for Conde Goulas was for Orleans and Rohan for them both these went with seeming orders not to confer with the Cardinal but by private agreement to treat with him as soon as they were come to Court and had made their Commission known they were told the better to cloke the cause of their coming that they had taken pains to no purpose and that so they might return so after having shewn some reluctancy they obeyed the Kings will without any contradiction whilst all were curious to know the contents of this conference they were struck with wonder when it was known that the Gentlemen were shut up with the Cardinal in his Cabinet and that they did privately negotiate with him but they were much more a stonished when they heard that Count Chavigny had himself alone private conference that night with the Cardinal to whom he propounded the Prince his full agreement if four things might be granted him viz. That Count de Ognone might be made Duke and Peer of France Count Marsin Marishal of France Prince County Governour of Provence and Conde himself Plenipotentiary of the general peace The Court would have yielded willingly to the first two nor would the Cardinal have opposed it much since it only concerned Titles But the Government of Provence and the Plenipotentiariship were totally rejected for the Cardinal declared he would never suffer his Majesties Authority should be prejudiced for his particular interest This Deputation did much injure the Princes for it was made in a time when the Parliament and Parisians were most incensed against the Cardinal and when all the chief Companies had resolved to desire he might be sent away when the Commonalty of Paris began to be of the same mind and when the Duke of Orleans and the Prince had declared in Parliament that they demanded no other satisfaction but that the Cardinal might be sent away wherefore they began to suspect them when they saw them act contrary to their former express declarations and many that were very well inclined to them grew cooler in the business which as shall be seen was one of their chiefest ruins After the Gentlemen were gone to Court from the Princes the Parliament Commissioners came thither with Remonstrances to their Majesties for sending away the Cardinal against whom President Nesmond spoke very freely The King listned unto them very graciously and told them that he was very well informed of his Parliaments good meaning and wished that they were so of him that he would confer with his Privy Council and would declare himself within three days thus with these general answers which were no ways positive did the Commissioners return to Paris They likewise that were sent from the Chamber of accounts and from the Court de Aides had audience the same day and had the like answer The Provost the Merchants the Sheriffs Procurator General the Communalties Notary and other Parisians came also to his Majesty representing unto him the miserable condition of his subjects and what necessity there was to send away the Cardinal who was the sole cause of all the mischiefs and misunderstandings The Guarde de Seaux answered that his Majesty was very certain of the love of his good City of Paris for whose further satisfaction he promised to return thither as soon as the passages should be open This he did to flout them for that at the same time when they made these representations to him they indeavored to hinder his journey by breaking the Bridges of Seene and Marne The Chambers were already met to know what answer their Commissioners brought from the Court and Orleans Conde and all the chief of the faction were there when news was brought that the Kings Forces assaulted the Bridge of S. Clow which was guarded by a small Fort whereupon the Prince got presently on Horsback crying aloud as he rid along the Streets Let us go to relieve our Friends This caused such a hubbub in Paris as above Eight thousand Armed Men ran on Foot towards the Wood of Bullonia not far from S. Clow with such fervor and readiness as if they had been old Soldiers and it was observed that there were Counsellors and Officers of Justice amongst them The Prince appeared at the Head of the Bridge accompanied with about Three hundred Voluntiers amongst which was the Count di Rieux the Dukes of Rohan Rochefaucolt and Sully Prince Marsilliack and other of the Gentry and the Cannon shot which the Kings men made at them shewed that they themselves were not come to conquer but rather to retreat as they did The day was fair and the Parisians very glad to see themselves under the famous Conde and their welbeloved Beaufort who drew them forth into Squadrons with no less delight for the novelty then labor for their unskilfulness The Kings men being retreated from S. Clow the Prince went to Madrid this is a Palace built by Francis the First King of France to keep his word to the King of Spain That he would not go from Madrid when being taken Prisoner his Ransom was in Treaty And here he resolved to fall upon S. Dennis a league from Paris begirt with weak and ill composed Walls and kept by Two hundred of the Switzers Guard But before he went about it he sent to know the Duke of Orleans opinion who having consented thereunto he marched with all those Horse and with about Five thousand Armed Parisians backed by Six hundred Soldiers of Fortune which were newly raised to recruit Condes Brigade and that of Burgondy Beaufort went with some Horse to the Highway from whence relief might be brought from S. Germans and Conde came by night to certain unperfected Earth-works from whence he sent to the Switzers to yield and march out But they answering by the Mouths of their Muskets those who were with him were so struck with such a panick fear though they were experienced Men and had shewn their courage in a thousand other Incounters as they all began to flie none staying with the Prince but Duke Rochefaucolt Prince Marsilliack Messieurs Berset Guitaut S. Ibar Gurville and Fontrailles So as if but twenty Horse had then come out of the Town they might easily have taken the Prince and the Seven that were with him prisoners But this fear being over and the Prince have rallied his men which were run away he went himself on Horsback on the Head of his Men and lighting at the same time got upon the Wall which was there broken down and entering in overcame two or three Baracadoes and made himself master of the place charging
and Monsieur Fourville The other incounter was made by Colonel Baltazar near the Castle Montiresi who foarding over a River with his Horse fell so vigorously upon the Kings Troops that they abandoned the Marquess of Montousie who being wounded in the Arm was forced to retreat the rest were all routed many of the Nobles wounded and slain Baron Montendre was taken prisoner Monsieur Nieull was killed Baltazar took the Kings Baggage and took also the Castles of Montanse and Bordoilles wherein he took much Stuff and put a Garrison into the White Tower Some Tumults hapned in Provence but they were soon pacified by Duke Mercures vigilancy All this while the Court ceased not to treat of peace with the Princes and particularly with Conde nor had it been impossible to reduce him had he not been diverted by the Cardinal de Retz and others for whom Quiet was not good Retz kept Orleans continually of a contrary mind wherefore Conde being unwilling to countervene the Duke with whom he had so often faithfully promised to joyn all Proposals met with difficulties and were interrupted The Court used the best means it could to render these machinations invalid The best way was thought to make the Parisians aware of their error which when they should be it would not be hard to stave them from off the rest and the Princes wanting the aid of Paris would soon have all their machinations destroyed Upon these considerations the Court went from Melune about the end of May and came to S. Dennis within a league of Paris to incourage what was undertaken by the Kings friends there The King used universal clemency treating them all as if they had been all equally affectionate And to let them see it was not his intention to block them up as the Princes gave out he kept commerce open The Kings Army which was conducted by Marishal Turenne followed the King and being recruited with Three thousand men by Marishal dela Ferte Senetre who was joyned with Turenne in command of the Army incamped near S. Dennis on the left hand near the Seene toward Paris which was invironed beyond the River on the West side by the Kings Forces who might at their pleasure block up the River and reduce the City to greater straits of Victuals then it was yet in This was taken by the Kings Council to be the best expedient For the people unable to indure Famine and the Citizens being debarred Traffick which was their sustenance and finally being annoyed by the ruine which was daily made in their Territories as well by Friends as Foes they would resolve to free themselves from so long slavery But for all these inconveniences suffered by Paris yet were the Inhabitants so obstinate trusting to the Princes and Frondeurs as hoping soon to see all the Mazarinians destroyed for so they called all the Kings party they thought not of their own undoing which made them the more willingly undergo their sufferings The King not being able by these ways to reduce the people who were backed by the Army and by the Princes indeavored to destroy the Forces of the Princes which not being thought to be hard their Camp not being fortified nor well seated and not half so many as the Kings Order was taken for all things fitting for the enterprise before the Spaniards should come with their promised recruits On the Twenty ninth of Iune Turenne came to the River to cast a Bridge of Boats over beneath â—spenay where passing over the Seene he might Assault the Camp at S. Clow. Which giving an Alarm to the Princes Army Count Tavannes dispatched away One hundred and fifty commanded Foot and as many Horse under Camp master Goville that he might interrupt the Kings Works till he might be ready to march thither with the rest of the Forces Goville went and finding the Bridge already advanced to the Island in the midst of the River between Argenteule and Epivalle and that the Artillery was carried to the opposite Bank sent word presently to Tavannes who was ready to get on Horsback and hastning his march came to the Bridge accompanied by several Officers and sent to acquaint Conde with it Tavannes retreated to a Village near the River and hearing that the Kings men past over returned to the opposit shore to hinder their landing Who finding the attempt not feasible was content to quit it Then leaving Fifty Foot and One hundred and fifty Horse to Guard the Station he returned to his Quarter at S. Clow the Prince of Conde having this mean while gathered together as many of his Friends as he could in Paris gallopped to that place and calling Tavennes and his Horse to him he fell upon the Kings Forces which were drawn up upon the Rivers Bank seeming as if they would perfect the Bridge and pass over to entertain the Prince whilest the rest should pass over beneath Poissy But Conde discovering the design and fearing least the Kings Army would pass at Espeney and Assault him he called a Council of War and resolved to remove his Camp from S. Clow and carry it to Charenton as a safer place where he had the Marne on his back and was flanked by the Seene He therefore on the first Munday of Iuly went from S. Clow two hours before Sunset past over the Seene upon the Stone-bridge and upon another Bridge of Boats and marched towards Paris But finding Orders given at all the Gates that no Soldiers whatsoever should be suffered to pass he made his Army march along the Ditch Richelieu and continued his march towards Charenton About half an hour after midnight the Cardinal had news hereof from a Confident of his that lay concealed in Paris who made his servant be let down over the Wall and sent word thereof speedily to Marishal Turenne who without loss of time Horsed his men and about five of the clock the next morning met the Prince his Rear as they were entring S. Dennis and were so briskly charged by Count Navailes las County his Regiment suffered very much and a Squadron of Conde which was with him fared no better Conde being come to Paris went to L'Hostelle d'Orleans to confer with the Duke and went presently again out of Le Porte S. Martine running like Lightning through his whole Army and sending divers paâ—â—ies towards S. Dennis to inquire after the Kings men he ordered Coâ—â—t Tavannes to continue his march and sent Monsieur di Foruemont again with some Horse to discover the number of the Enemy whom he discovered from the top of Mountmarter to be putting themselves into Battle Array The Prince finding his design discovered and that consequently whether he should advance or retreat his loss would be irreparable ordered Monsieur Beaâ—â—ean to send a Squadron of men to the top of Mountsaucon to observe the Kings proceeding and that the rest of his men should go to Pickepuses and to the Suburbs of S. Antoine thinking to defend himself there and the
rather for that he found part of the same Suburbs already fortified by Baracadoes made formerly by the inhabitants for fear of the Lorrainers The Kings Camp and all the Court was already on Horsback being resolved either to conquer that day or to end the War not only in respect of the superiority of their men but by reason of the long way the Prince was to go with his Baggage The Cardinal was so confident of this as having given fitting orders to Turenne he brought the King to the top of Sarone that he might be an eye witness of so famous an action and being upon the point of having the Prince either dead or alive he sent to his friends in Paris wishing them to be of good courage and that they should by all means take care that the Gates might not be opened for the Enemy to retreat nor for succor to be sent them from the City The Kings Army being come to Vilette within half a league of Paris and knowing that the Army of the Princes was gone from whence if they could have light upon them they would undoubtedly have routed them Marishal Turenne going on the left hand past by the Hills of Sarone and came into the Plain the Fauxburg S. Antoyne and Charenton drawing all his Troops out in order whilest the rest stayed on the right hand with Marishal Ferte Senetre And though the Prince being got to underneath the Walls of Paris had the advantage of place yet the Kings men knowing that he could not withstand them and the Court being assured that the Princes their Forces should not be received back into Paris they having been kept out the night before they resolved to advance boldly and to fall upon some Squadrons which were advanced into the Suburbs and who were pursued even into the Houses Here the Prince who with unparalleld valor bore the whole weight of that important fight made use of his wit where his Forces failed and gallopping on all sides divided all his Men in form following His Highness Brigade was placed on the left hand of the Suburbs those of Languedock Vallois and Ligueron on the right Conde and Burgondes Brigades on the right hand that of Languedock and that of Pelleins at the Baracado in the way which leads to the Castle of Vincennes And wanting Foot to furnish all the stations he ordered some of the Cavalry to back the Foot The Artillery was placed at the Heads of the Streets of the Suburbs and all the Avenues were Trenched and Baracadoed General Turenne having drawn out his Majesties Army in good order designed the French Guards to Assault his Highness and Languedock and the Brigades of Picardy and Marine to Assault the Vallois Two Batteries were placed against the Baracado which was Guarded by Tavannes One plaid upon the High-street of the Suburbs and the other on the Street which answers to the great Market Things being thus ordered whilest the Prince was ordering his men how to defend themselves the Kings men came on furiously charging the Eneâ—â— in two places and were valiantly withstood and for a while repulsâ—â—â— But the Brigades of Languedock Vallois and Langueron not being able to resist longer leaned with some loss towards the Market-place to whose relief the Prince himself came in the Head of his Horse Regiment and of that of Anguieâ— accompanied by Nemeurs Taranth and Vallon And here the fight grew hot the Prince gave high proofs of his skill in War and of his incomparable courage he thrust himself is he had been a Common-Soldier into the midst of the Enemy killed many with his own hands and with his Sword repulsed many To his eternal glory those who were formerly affrighted were incouraged and those Brigades replaced in their former stations who were driven away Marine having lost together with some that were wounded forty men here was Monsieur Goville slain but Tavannes and Languis did not play their parts so well For here Marquess S. Magrin gave on furiously on the Head of some Voluntiers and others upon the Princes Forces which he did much indamage and was likely to have utterly routed them had not the death of the sâ—id St. Magrine cooled the courage of his men he being slain the Kings Forces were repulsed but not without much blood of the Princes men who received here their greatest loss Marquess Rochecaufolt and Count Bossue a Dutch Colonel of Horse were there slain and Count Tavanes the Marquess of Ierse Cavaliere la Force Marquess Cogna Count Melune Baron Lorese with others of good quality were there slain In this interim the Count Navailes had taken the Street Rambulliet with some houses and two Barracadoes though they were vigorously defended by the adversary to whose succour came Monsieur de Laudes with a Dutch Brigade the Prince of Conde made good the Street which leads from the Gate to a large Piazza where the Kings men had seized upon some houses the Dukes of Nemeurs and Beaufort came just then to the Prince and these two who were not upon very good terms resolved to attack the Barracado which was taken by Navailes rather out of Emulation than Military wisdom though it were hard to take it which was well sheltered with weary and worsted men Yet Conde who though he foresaw the mischief did never forbear any hazardous bickering was perswaded by reason that though things should not sort according to his desire he should by so generous an action afford the Enemy matter to think upon and spin on the business which made most for his safety so as Rochefaucolt Marsilliack Flammarin and many others of the Nobles coming in unto him Rochefaucolt who saw Beaufort and Nemeurs forwardness joyn'd with them and fell to the assault but the Soldiers being weary and timorous to attack the Barracado marched along the Wall to shelter themselves from the Enemies shot and would advance no further this mean while a Squadron of German Horse being got into the Gardens where they were much incommodated by shot from the neighbouring houses retreated in disorder the Prince taking them to be the Enemy who were come to take that place and to charge him on the Flank and his Genreals finding that their Foot fell not upon the Barracado advanced to charge the same Squadron but finding them to be their own men they forbare any further attempt they and those Horse being exposed to a shower of shot which came from the houses and Barracado and here were Flemmerin Count Castres Monsieur Forneau and others of quality slain Which when the Generals saw they thought of themselves to assault that Barracado and though they went to ingage themselves in an eminent danger of desperate event yet excited by heat of blood and glory they considered nothing but their own boldness Thus did the Three Dukes and Prince Marsilliack themselves alone unassisted by the Foot which staid behind light from Horse-back and with their Swords in hand advanced against the
intollerable who plunder'd all the neighbouring parts and all Passengers it was likewise ordered that Process should be made not only against such as should cut or sell grain of the fields but also against those who had any hand therein or did buy any which decrees were strengthned by an Ecclesiastical Monitory against those that were Authors or accessaries of the said Riot these things were done to appease the Parisians incensed with the said violences whereat they seemed all to be offended there being few but were concerned either in their alliance or friends Wherefore the Prince having but small hopes to subsist with his own Forces and that speedy remedy was requisite he dispatched an express to Baron Battevile at St. Sebastians acquainting him with what had happened and of his great need of help without which he could subsist no longer Batteville sent these Letters into Spain which came thither in so happy a conjuncture as the Spaniards might easily assist him with some ready Monies whereby to accomplish those enterprises which could not be done without Mony The Spanish Gallions came on the eighth of Iuly that year from the Indies which brought 250000 pieces of Eight for the Kings share besides what came for particular men Conde sent also to acquaint the Spanish Agents in Flanders with his condition who finding the party of the Princes weakned much since the Duke of Lorrain departed out of France fed the Prince again with large promises resolving to send him 6000 men under Vlderick of Wirtemberg General of the German Horse in Flanders to which purpose Count Fuenseldaglia marched into the Field and passing between the Rivers of Some and Owse came to before Ethouny a Walled Town upon the River but not fortified where he found the Duke de Elbeus Governour of Picardy who had raised many men in the neighbouring parts to keep the Spaniards out of France but not being provided for defence he articled to go out himself and Monsieur de Maincampe his Lieutenant General on the 24 th of Iuly with some other chief Officers all the rest remaining Prisoners of War amongst which there were above a Hundred Gentlemen Voluntiers and about 500 Soldiers and Officers with some Horse Here the Spaniards staid some days as well to injoy that fruitful Country as to expect opportunity to advance towards Paris they notvvithstanding neglected the performance of assisting the Princes and Parliament not meaning to strengthen them so as they might force the Court to grant all they demanded in vvhich case in stead of adding fuel to the fire of civil War they vvould have extinguished it vvith the ruine of themselves From the second till the Twentieth of Iuly the Kings Army kept near S. Dennis and that of the Princes without the Suburbs of S. Victoire spending all that time in Treaties of Peace on both sides the substance whereof was that the King did finally declare That though he had always believed and did so still that their desires of having the Cardinal sent away were only pretences wherewith to colour their ends yet his Majesty who desired nothing more then his Kingdoms Peace was perswaded to gratifie the Cardinal by giving him leave to go from the Court which he had long desired to do but not till the affairs of France were better established To which purpose he wished the Commissioners to acquaint the Duke of Orleans and the Prince of Conde that they might send to negotiate the main points on their part and that they should tarry the mean while at Court expecting the Princes their answer from Paris And because some doubt might arise Whether the Cardinal should be effectually retreated before or after the establishment of affairs his Majesty declared That he should be gone as soon as they had agreed upon the manner before the business were effected The Parliament discoursed variously hereupon Orleans said the Answer was cunning and ambiguous to draw them to a Conference and spin out the business that if the Cardinal did really intend to be gone he needed not have made their Commissioners wait fifteen days for an Answer and in the interim fall upon violent means as was that of the second of that Moneth in the Suburbs of S. Antoyne to destroy the Army and afterwards to put all the Inhabitants of Paris to the Sword That if he intended to be gone there was no need of any Conference for nothing but his absence was required and that then the Princes would render all due respect and obedience to his Majesty That as touching sending of Commissioners in his name it was superfluous since the Parliaments Commissioners being there on whom he totally did relie he intended to do nothing without the interposition of the Assembly To which purpose he would have written his mind to President Nesmond but he would not nor could not send any other Commissioners on his behalf The Prince of Conde was of the same mind and said That he would write his mind to Nesmond It was then resolved That they should thank his Majesty for his gracious Message desiring him to make good his promise of sending away the Cardinal as soon as he could That the Princes would write to Nesmond or to some other of the Commissioners that he might insist upon the Declaration which they had made that as soon as the Cardinal should be gone out of the Kingdom they would perform what they had promised and would give order to the same Commissioners to receive his Majesties commands It was observed that the Prince did not now speak with that sweetness he was wont but somewhat more rigidly as if he were offended that his desires were not followed Monsieur de Boust did discreetly move that new Commissioners might be chosen to find out the best means how to dispose of the Soldiers and to use all possible means to have peace and that when this should be agreed upon nothing should be done therein till the Cardinal were sent away Hereupon the Parliament ordered their Commissioners who were at Court humbly to thank his Majesty for his promise of dismissing the Cardinal to solicite the effecting of it and to intreat the Duke of Orleans and the Prince to write to President Nesmond That as they had declared in the Assembly they were ready to lay down Arms and to render all due obedience to his Majesty when the Cardinal should be gone Orleans writ that the Courts desire that he and Conde should send Commissioners to the King could be understood no otherwise the long time considered that Audience was forborn to be given to the Parliaments Commissioners then as an usual trick of the Cardinals to keep the King from sending him away and giving Peace to his Subjects for his sole desire was to agree with his Majesty and obey him as he should always do with all respect and submission according as by birth he was bound The Prince writ to the same effect and charged Nesmond to give any assurance thereof
would imploy the former the King would be contented and would agree with them touching the Propositions contained in the aforesaid answer promising to send away the Cardinal before the Princes should perform their part when they had agreed with their Commissioners or with those of the Parliament But the Princes instead of accepting this offer not suffering the Commissioners to stay at S. Dennis and expect an Answer brought them back as hath been said where continuing to say The Court made merry with them they resolved the Cardinal should be dismist before they would do any thing The Parliament seeking how to make valid their pretended authority chose the Duke of Orleans to be Lieutenant General of the Crown and Conde to be General of the Forces under him but this was to little purpose for the other Parliaments of the Kingdom refused to do it and reprehended them for it But Orleans thought how he and Cardinal Rets who managed the whole business should be able at last to drive away Mazarine without ruinating the Court which Rets did least the Court being too much abased his irreconcileable Enemy Conde should be exalted too high Thus Rets his particular interest who longed to be the sole Administrator of Government by Mazarines expulsion and then by Condes ruine through the Union of the Queen and Orleans was judged the true cause of the ruine of that whole party and finally of his own imprisonment The Parliament did further Decree that the sale of the movables and of all things that belonged to Mazarine should go on and Fifty thousand Crowns as hath been said was set upon his head The Duke of Orleans went the next day to Parliament and accepted of the place of Lieutenant General of the Crown as long as the King was ruled by the Cardinal and desired he might have a Council chosen by the Parliament To which reply was made that they referred it wholly to his Royal Highness He went afterwards to the Exchequer where he made the same request and had the same answer He took for his Council of State Conde Chancellor Segniere Count Chavigny Nesmond and Longuevile Aubry and Archiere Presidents of the Exchequer and of the Court des Aydes Dorieux and le Noire and all the Dukes and Peers of that faction which were the Dukes of Rohan Rochefaucolt Brisack and Sully their first Consultation was had on the third of August But all this vanished into smoak for the whole Kingdom and even Paris it self being well wishers to the King there was not any that would obey the Lieutenant General Nay the Parliament of Tolouse which was the Metropolis of Languedock Orleans his proper Government though it professed much devotion to him declared The Decree of the Parliament of Paris to be null and void all which things proving contrary to the expectation of the Princes Conde grew almost desperate Wherefore not caring to please others since he was almost ruined for want of Moneys he assembled some of the Inhabitants by means of some of his adherents and perswaded them to furnish him with some Monies and though other means might be used to get Moneys from the people with less noise yet this was made use of which seemed more specious and feasible but in reality harder A Tax was laid upon all Gates of Houses wherein a Cart or Coach might enter of Twenty five Crowns upon the middle sort and Shops ten and upon lesser five This Imposition caused great rumor and aversion So as not above Twenty five thousand Crowns were gotten by it The Prince foresaw the unsuccessfulness of this and divers others but he failed of his design which was to make the Court believe that he could command Paris at his pleasure But this did little good at Court aad less in Paris For instead of disbursing Moneys the Parisians they broke forth into great complaints against his violence which did much increase the hatred of the Inhabitants against him and his adherents and caused the alterations which insued and not only the Prince but Beaufort began to grow less in the peoples good opinion for behaving himself too arrogantly in this Tax and the Parliament lost Reputation also Conde inlarged his quarters in the Village Iouise Four leagues from Paris since the King 's were gone to Pontoise but wanting Victuals and forage there he brought part of them to Charinton and part to St. Clow. Emulation and hatred continued all this while between Nemeurs and his Sisters Husband Beaufort not only for what had formerly past between them but through other disgusts occasioned by Ladies jealousies upon occasion of the sitting in the new Council which was contrived by the Duke of Orleans wherein Beaufort strove for precedency before Nemeurs no remedy being to be found and the business growing hotter Nemeurs challenged Beaufort who accepted the defiance They went towards Evening to the Horse market on the 30th of Iuly on foot with Sword and Pistol having each of them four seconds Count Burny Messieurs Ris Herecourt and Brillet were for Beaufort and Marquess Vallars who carried the challenge Messieurs Champ Vseck and Chasse for Nemeurs Nemeurs discharged his Pistol which missing Beaufort discharged his which hit and kill'd Nemeurs Beaufort went to part the seconds who were wounded already and ran half mad to his Brother in laws house bewailing bitterly what had happened Herecourt dyed of his wounds as did also Riâ— Orleans and Conde were much troubled at this sad accident Conde whose great friend and confident Nemeurs was would not see Beaufort in many days nor would his Sister Wife to him that was slain see him but complaining bitterly on her Brother went from Paris to bewail her self at her Country house Nemeurs was a young Prince of an high spirit and extraordinarily valiant of a courteous affable and generous nature as are all those of the house of Savoy which is reckoned amongst the antientest and Noblest of all the Families of Christendom he dyed without Heirs male there remained no more of that house but the Duke of Omale Archbishop of Reims who was his only Brother Touching precedence in this unfortunate Council of State another dispute arose between the Prince of Conde and Count Rieux of the house of Lorrain second Son to Duke de Elbeus For Rieux disputing with the Prince Taranto eldest Son to the Duke of Tremaglia Kinsman to Conde Conde would have appeased the difference but Rieux thinking that he leaned too much to Taranto did by injurious words provoke him to give him a blow with his hand whereupon Rieux drew his Sword and worse would have happened had not the Duke of Rohan and President Viola parted them and because Rieux in this action transgressed the terms due to a Prince of the blood Orleans sent him Prisoner to the Bastile not so much for punishment as to keep them asunder till his anger was over from whence he was set free the next year at the desire of the Duke of Lorrain
and went to the Duke his Father having past his word that he would forget what was past The King tarried at Pontoise from the 17 th of Iuly till the 19 th of August in which time great sickness grew there by reason of the straitness of the Town and the scarcity of all things Many dyed amongst which the Duke of Bullions death was lamented and this malignant influence dilated it self even unto Paris where a great many men of all sorts dyed in a few days the Duke of Vallois the only Son to the Duke of Orleans being about two years old dyed also this September to the great grief of his Father and Mother by his death Conde returned to be the first Prince of the blood as he was before the other was born for the Sons nor Brothers of the King are not called Princes of the blood but Sons of France Whilst affairs went thus in these parts Count Harcourt keeping still with his Army in Guienne to observe what the Princes Forces did went to besiege Villaneus upon the River Lot which was fortified only with old Wals and Towers but well garrison'd under Marquess Theubon wherefore he was forced to raise his siege after two months attempt The Kings men had ill fortune also in Flanders for want growing hourly greater in Dunkirk the Plague and dysentery grew so violent amonst the Soldiers as above a thousand of them dyed in eleven days and the rest were so weakned by continual watching as the Archduke resolved to approach it with 8000 Foot and 3000 Horse and Ten pieces of Canon there were not above 700 Foot in the City who were fit for service of which 200 of the Inhabitants who wished well to Spain did still keep Guard and the rest defended the Fortifications who were continually in Arms without being misled whereat there was such murmuring as they were thrice ready to revolt had not the Governor by hopes of speedy succor and by his much reverenced Authority detained them The Spaniards fell upon the Counterscarp on the sixth of September upon three sides with a Thousand men on each part the Spaniards and Italians won it and lost it again with some prejudice but being assaulted a second time with fresh men they won it wherefore Monsieur de Estrades finding that his men had given back and that the Enemy began to lodge upon the same Counterscarp fell upon them with 500 Foot and 40 Officers and charged them so furiously as after a bitter and bloody bickering he recovered the Counterscarp losing Seven Officers and Twenty five Soldiers and he himself was shot with an Harquebuse on the Thigh After this unfortunate but glorious accident followed treachery framed by three Soldiers who were bribed by the Enemy which being discovered cost them their lives and the Governor was commended for discovering and punishing it for six weeks past the Soldiers had but six ounces of Bread the day wherefore Estrades and all the chief of the Garrison thought it fit to yield to necessity and to parly wherein it was concluded on the 12 th of September that if they were not relieved within six days the place should be surrendered that in the interim there should be a cessation of Arms and that the besieged should be permitted to send two Captains one to Callis to the Marishal de Aumount and another to the Duke of Vandosme at Diepe to acquaint them with the condition of the place and in what need they stood of speedy succor Rivilliers went to Callis Rouvie to Diepe and they arrived so luckily as Marishal de Aumount began the same day to lade six months Victuals in several Barks and 1500 Foot at Callis to attend the Fleet which was gone from Diepe wherein they were to go to Dunkirk which being block'd up by some few Spanish Vessels it had not been hard to have fought them and to have made way through them But before we speak of the going of the Fleet we must acquaint you with what past in the Seas of Britanny before it went from thence the Duke of Vandosme vvho vvas Lord High Admiral of France vvas gone into that Province and had armed some Frigats about Rochel against Count de Ognons Fleet which was re-inforced with some Ships from Spain which threatned Rochel not a little When he had gathered together Twelve Ships Three Frigats one Gally and some other Vessels in Brest he went from thence on the 19 th of Iuly and coasting along Eiavet and other places some other Ships and Gallies joyned with him so as being about Twenty Ships and Frigates Four Gallies and Twelve fire Boats he went towards Olone and from thence to the Strand of Pallisse over-against the Fort Preda where Monsieur Souches Commander of the Isle of Rhe furnished him with some French Foot The Spanish Fleet consisted of Seventeen Frigates commanded by Admiral Antonio Misnell and by Antonio Dies who being drown'd between Blavet and Grois Cornelius Meigne succeeded him to this Fleet was joyn'd Twenty five Vessels and five fire Ships when news came of the Arrival of the French on the Ninth of August two hours after Sunrising they were at a competent distance to begin battle with their Canon which roared on all sides they advanced warily not to ingage themselves in danger a brisk wind blowing a little before night the Fleets were severed The Nativity a Spanish Ship was burnt and taken Commanded by Antonio Gonsales a Dunkirker a Ship of the Neapolitan Squadron vvas sunk aftervvards Vandosme vvould have done more but vvanting necessary provisions and monies he vvas contented to have driven them avvay sent his Ships into Haven and he landed at Rochel vvent tovvards the Court vvhich vvas then at Campagne vvhither he came on the Fourth of September from vvhence he vvas suddenly sent vvith orders to relieve Dunkirk to vvhich purpose expresses vvere sent into Britanny and the neighbouring Provinces at the nevvs brought by Monsieur Rorur of Dunkirks capitulating the Commanders of the Fleet made that vvays presently hoping to relieve the Tovvn But the Parliament of England at the desire of the Spanish Ambassador in London and the rather for that they liked not that that important Haven so near the Thames mouth should remain in the French mens hands they apply'd themselves to divert their succor vvherefore that Kingdom being strong at Sea by reason of the War declared against the Hollanders vvhen the French Ships appeared before Callis to receive in provisions and necessaries for the relief of Dunkirk assoon as they had cast Anchor Blake the English General fell upon them vvith many of his Fleet vvith such fury as they prepared rather to fly than fight though in vain for unless it vvere Three Ships vvhich held out at Sea and got into Flushing all the rest were taken but that the Parliament of England might not appear an open Enemy to France now that they were at War with the Hollanders they sent all the people that were in
on the Ninteenth of August passing first by Turennes Army which advanced from Lagny towards Brie and pursuing his journey he came to Bedam and from thence to Bovillon where he stayed Conde hearing that he was gone whereby all pretence of War ceased sent Marquess Ierze to the Lorraine Army whither was come the Succor which Wirtemberg brought the Princes with orders to fall upon the Cardinal in his journey and take him prisoner But the Spaniards who liked it not acquainted him with it so he escaped the danger The very same day the King went from Pontois and that he might win the more upon the Parisians when he came to Campaigne he published an Act of Amnesty wherein after a short account of all that had past from One thousand six hundred forty and eight till then he granted a General Pardon and Abolition of all that had been done against his Majesties service nulling whatsoever had been done by his decrees upon occasion of the present troubles from the first of February One thousand six hundred fifty and one till then as also his Majesties Declarations of September and the eight of October that year upon condition that Orleans Conde County and their whole party should lay down Arms within three days after the publication of the said Amnesty and to that purpose Orleans should within three days send a writing to his Majesty subscribed by himself wherein he should renounce all Treaties Confederacies and Leagues with any whatsoever without the Kings leave and that Conde and County should do the like and that they within the same time should put necessary orders into the Kings hands to make the Spaniards who were in Stenay Burg or in any other places to go from thence as also to make the Enemies Ships depart from the Coasts of France that Orleans and Conde should cause the Foreign Forces which were about Paris to march directly towards the Coast of Flanders and join their Forces to them of Turenne and Ferte Senetre and also all Forces that were farther off within fifteen days declaring that who should not do what was contained in this Amnesty within three days should not partake thereof wherein the King did only except such faults as had been committed between particular people of the same party which he left to the due course of Law This Amnesty with this bundle at its breech seemed a piece of cunning to those who liked it not saying that those not being therein comprehended who had fought Duels or assaulted the publick Pallace on the fourth of Iuly the King might punish whom he would under colour of this Riot It did not withstanding make impression upon those who liked not the cavil of the Princes and Frondeurs but had thought that when the Cardinal should be gone the Princes and Parliament would throw themselves at the Kings feet But though neither the Princes nor Frondeurs had any thought of accepting the Amnesty yet they appeared zealous of the general good seeming very well pleased that the Cardinal was gone Orleans and Conde went to the Parliament where it was decreed that thanks should be sent to his Majesty for dismissing Mazarine all the chief Companies and the whole body of the City did the like And soon after the Parliament resolved to intreat the King to return to Paris and the Princes declared they were ready to lay down arms when a good Amnesty should be granted Orleans sent an express to the Duke Anville who was a friend of his and one whom the King loved and who was very faithfull to the Queen to get Pasports from his Majesty for such Commissioners as were to negotiate a final Peace But Anville having detained the Messenger three days sent him back without an answer for it seemed not decent that the King should enter into other Treaties having supplyed all things with an Amnesty and intended that the Princes should presently lay down arms as they had offered to do when the Cardinal was gone from Court Anville writ therefore back to the Duke of Orleans telling him that he thought his request would be granted if his desire were made directly to the King which being done Marishal de Estampes had a Pass sent him to come to Court not as a Commissioner but as a Courtier and at the same time certain private Treaties were renued between Secretary Goulas Marquis Chasteaneuse and the Dutchess of Aguillon the contents whereof was to slave Orleans off from joyning with Conde whose declarations made in Parliament and to the Court were clearly found not to be real since at the same time that he said he was ready for Peace he protested at Madrid and Brussels that he would alwaies join with the Crown of Spain and continue war and did negotiate in England for assistance in his designs that therefore all assistance in France should be taken from him without which he would be but a bare Captain of the King of Spain and would be able to do but little against so powerfull a Kingdom when it should be wholly obedient to the King The Prince his Forces lay this mean while behind the River between Surene and St. Clou expecting Recruits from Flanders and those fruitfull hills being full of Vineyards and grapes beginning then to grow ripe the Soldiers did very much prejudice the people in these parts at whose requests they were sent to St. Victoire where some Soldiers quarreling with the Citizens upon the Guard five or six of the inhabitants were slain and twenty of the Soldiers which seemed to set them at variance But because the Cardinal knew that the welfare of the Royal party consisted in reducing the Parisians to a necessity of Peace which they began to wish the people Merchants and all others being weary of the ruines which they underwent he advised the King to go Campaigne as being more commodious for the Court than Pontoise and that he should never be allured to go to Paris without undoubted security of not being once more detained there and this was one of the chiefest Maxims which he recommended to the Queen in his absence which he gave in precise charge to Abbat Vndedei he added that the Kings Forces should go to oppose those of Flanders which were marching to assist the Princes and that if they should be too weak they should go to Villeneufe upon the Seene and fortifie themselves and have Provisions from Corbeile Melune and other neighbouring parts by means of the River where whilst they should tarry the Enemies Forces would be necessitated to keep there abouts also so as the Country being sack't and plundered by the Soldiery and Travellers slain the Parisians would without an open breach be in a manner besieged whereby the Princes would become odious as thought the chief occasion thereof that thus keeping corrispondency with their friends that were faithfull to them in Paris the Parisians might easily be brought to resolve upon fitting means to free themselves of their miseries which could not
same time to make his Name famous and to get good store of Mony from the Spaniards and that if he should fail of the appointed payments he might at all times make his Peace with the King upon advantageous Terms and that injoying the Wealth gotten by War which far exceeded what he lost in France he should make the World know that Troubles being the advantage of a Souldier they ought never to be fore-gone by one who professeth Arms. These Treaties being over the Princes and Parliament stood still upon the point That the Amnesty granted by the King and pardon for all that had been done the last five years was not as was desired to wit not general and without condition but that it reached only to the Parisians bearing but little respect to the Princes and Parliament they therefore pretended that his Majesty should give ample and unretractable Authority to the Duke of Orleans to frame another without any exceptions and that it should be Authenticated by his Majesty in the Parliament of Paris whither the Councellors that were gone to Pontois should come Many meetings were had about this his Royal Highness writ some Letters to Court Duke Anâ—iâ—e and Marquess Ioyeuse negotiated with the Privy Council and did many other things which would be too tedious to relate But the Court finding that it would be prejudicial to the Kin'gs Authority Pasports for the Parliaments Commissioners were absolutely denied so as Affairs remain'd intangled as before The Parliament being met on the third of October to hear what News Marquess St. Lambert brought who was return'd from Court Two Boat-men were imprisoned who cry'd Vive le Roy e Mazarino and many more were led to the Concergeria and Process was ordered to be made against them and it was said that this was done of purpose by some that gave them mony that they might move the people to Sedition This being brought to Court and that the Parliament continued to proceed against some of the Assembly in the Palace-Royal the King with his Council pass'd a Decree on the fifth of October Whereby He annull'd all the pretended proceedings of the Parliament of Paris which were or were to be publish'd imposing severe punishment upon such Commissaries or Iudges as should act any thing further therein and commanded all his Majesties People in Paris to see his Orders executed The King's Army lay this mean while at Ville Neuf St. George much straitned by the Princes Troops and those of their Confederates being more than they in number and were in danger to be beaten out of their Quarters and fought with in their Retreat for not only many of their men but many of their Horses perished for want of Victuals and Forrage The Court was much troubled hereat fearing some sinister accident for the Victory consisted in that Armies abode near Paris whereby the endeavors which made for the King were fomented The Princes who knew the importancie hereof and that if the King's Army were preserved all their Plots were ruin'd did what they could to overcome it by Famine but the neighbourhood of Paris and the sickness which besell Conde Wirtemberg and many other of their Chief men which may truly be attributed to an effect of Divine Providence caused the ruine of their Party Together with these sick Princes Lorrain and Beaufort and almost all the Chief Commanders were come to Paris with a considerable number of their best Soldiers for fear of some Conspiracy amongst the Inhabitants and to advise upon what was best to be done in this the Peoples tottering condition who were weary with the length of these troubles Turenne a no less wise than valiant Commander after a short consultation had with his Collegue Ferte Seneterre resolved to get out of these Straits and to remove his Army elsewhere where it might be safe and have whereon to live The 4th of October he past his Baggage and Artillery by night over the Seene by a Bridge of Boats by break of day his Army rise in such order and silence as they past undiscovered by the Enemies Sentinels Tavanes was the only General that was left in the enemies Camp who being aware of Turenne's march though too late sounded to Horse and put his Army in order to follow and fight him But Turenne being shelter'd by the River got soon to Corbeile a place which was guarded by the King's men where crossing the Seene upon a Stone-bridge he escaped danger with much honor and quarter'd upon the Marne between Meieâ—x and Lagny raising Victuals from all the neighbouring parts for the maintenance of his Troops The Princes were mightily amazed at this Conde in particular was scandalized complaining of his Officers carelessness saying That had he been well he would not have lost so favourable an occasion But what is past being past remedy On the 7th of the next Month the Prince's Army advanc'd to the head of the Suburbs of St. Antoine and for the defence of the City incampt near St. Vincents-Castle The King and Court went from Pontois to Mantes that they might pass over the Seene there and so come to St. Germains intending to come to Paris when things should go as it was hoped they would do The Parisians were resolved to withdraw themselves out of those miseries wherein they were plunged and being all of the same mind accordingly as Fortune forsook the Princes they sided with the King wherefore Conde finding the storm ready to fall bethought how to save himself and his Army by removing quickly from Paris and because by his going away and the King's return the good of Paris and the Cardinals return was foreseen many sought to follow the Cardinals re-rising Fortune and some of the Prince's Friends began to wheel about and particularly Count Chavigny Being much vext in mind at these changes of Fortune Chavigny fell sick and died on the 11th of October and this was the end of Lyon di Boutelliere Count of Chavigny aged 44 years one who at 19 years old was admitted into the King's Council and at the age of 21 and 24 was made Secretary of State and in 1642 had the care of all the important affairs of the Crown committed to his charge and when Lewis the Thirteenth died was made Plenipotentiary at the Peace of Munster He was quick-witted of a lively spirit ready counsel and ambitious of Glory and Greatness The Parliament and Town-house met often touching the present occurrences and all good men being grieved to see the poor Country people so wasted by the Souldiers especially by the Lorrainers who left nothing unransackt divers Commissioners were chosen in the Town-house on the 9th of October to go again to Court and to desire their Majesties to return to Paris But because the King intended not to admit of publick Addresses from that Assembly which was held illegitimate since Beaufort pretended Governour of Paris contrary to his Majesties Command was there it was propounded and agreed upon in
His Majesty was met at the Louvre-gate by the Cardinal de Retz together with a great number of Prelates at night Fire-works and Bone-fires were made the Bells rung Cannons went off from the Bastile and Arsenal and you might read Joy in the Faces of all honest men for this return whereby that City was quieted which had been so mâ—ch disturbed and so it did succeed for his Royal Presence dissipated all turbulent Clouds as doth the Sun Some Malecontents said notwithstanding that the Court came to Paris only for refuge That Conde might return who had a great Army that the design was to raise Impositions that therefore it behoved them to keep in Arms and to keep better Guards than bâ—fore for the King beguirt the Louvre with Guards and his Army lay not far off The night of the King's Arrival Monsieur Saivin was sent to the Duke of Orleans to will him from the King to retire to his House at â—imoâ—â—s He answered somewhat sharply and Beaufort who was present said That he should contain himself within his Quarters But they consulted again what Orleans had best to do some were for his not obeying but that he should tarry in his House at St. Germain's Suburbs from whence he could not be so easily driven out by the King 's bare Guards for it was thought the people would not take up Arms against a Prince so near a kin to the King and besides many Parisians depended yet upon him and upon others of his Party whereof Cardinal de Retz was one and who was much favour'd by the Parisians he insisted that if all the well-affected people would repair to those parts they might withstand the Court by the help of the Inhabitants of the Suburbs and that making Conde return with his Army and with the Spaniards and Lâ—rrainers it might be that the King unwilling to live amongst such confusion upon the foundation of Citizens who were subject to change might return to St. Germains or else that the business falling to a Treaty wherein Retz might become necessary to the Agreement he might be well with the Court and assisted by Orleans might be taken in to have a share in the State Government which was â—â—s main end The Duke would not follow this advice but resolved wisely to obey and to withdraw the next Morning to Lymours accompanied by Beaufort and Rohan and many others of their Party His Daughter Madamoâ—selle went also out and lived at Fargeaux a Castle of hers by the Loire towards Briara It was happy for the Court that Orleans would not agree and that he withdrew from Paris for the King being now in full Authority and the Duke refractory and out of Paris with all his adherents happy events might easily succeed The same day the Parliament met at the Louvre all save those who had not received particular Letters from the King which were the Presidents Bâ—llieule Thou and Violet the Councellours Brouselle Salement Genoa Pertaile Brisack Croysy Fouquet Machault and Martinau and all of them having their places in the great Hall near the King's Lodgings the King being underneath his Cloth of State said His Guard de Seaux should acquaint them with his will who after a short and Eloquent Oration upon the present Occurrences acquainted them with Four Declarations the Re-union of the Two Parliaments the general Amnesty the Prohibition that the Parliament should meddle in nothing but in things Civil and Criminal according to Law and the Names of those who by the King's orders were to withdraw which were the fore-named who had received no particular Letters from the King to whom Councellour Bitaut was added who by mistake had a Letter sent him all these were willed to withdraw as also Beaufort Roâ—an Rochefaucauâ— Frontailles Bulley Penis the Domesticks of Conde and of the Dutchess of Longueville President Perâ—ult the Wives Children and Domesticks of all that served then under the Princes and in any Towns held by them as well in Guienne as elsewhere who were not to return to Paris without the King's leave it being laid to their charge That they were those who had alwayes subverted the Parliament and made the People seditious Express Orders were also made against all things contained in the third Declaration The Queen of England and the Dutchess of Chevereux went the same day to visit the Dutchess of Orleans who sâ—aid in Paris by reason that she was with Child to whom Cheverâ—ux said in the Queen of France her Name That her Highness had leave â—o stay in her Palace or to go whither she pleased The Dutchess was very much affected with the novelty of this Action and answered modestly That she could not abandon the Duke her husband and thâ—â— not being able to do otherwise in the condition she was in she would be carried in Mens Arms but she did not so for she had express Orders from her Husband not to hazard her self being so near her being brought to bed as she was some few dayes after of a Daughter Prince Thomaso went to visit her and said That he was never of opinion that the Duke should go from Court whereunto if he would have come he should have been received with all cordial Affection by their Majesties But because it was not thought fit to suffer so conspicuous a Prince to remain an Enemy to the King Duke Anuille was sent to him to Limours on Wednesday to Treat of Agreement wherein the King desiring that Mazarine might be comprehended nothing was done The Duke was resolute never to be reconciled to him nor never to come at Court whilst â—e was at the Helm of Government for all things else he would have comply'd with the King A while after Secretary Tilliere and some others went to win him over but they could not prevail at last having acquainted Conde with what had past to whom he sent Camp-master Godoviâ—â— and being answered That he agreed with him in all things it was agreed That he should go 〈◊〉 quietly at Bloyse that he should send for his Forces from Conde's Army and joyn them to those of the King on Condition that they should not be imploy'd against the Prince to whom professing himself a friend he could not fail him in any whatsoever condition The Duke's Affairs being thus adjusted he perform'd what was agreed upon and withdrew himself wholly from the care of the World applying himself to live quietly and free from trouble Beaufort retired to Vandosme and all the others that were banisht went to their Country-houses mightily grieved and much more mortified that Mazarine should triumph over their Miseries President Nesmond and Councellour Vedau propounded the meeting of le Chambers of Requests to think how they might protect their companions who were in disgrace saying They would rather quit their Imployments than suffer such a prejudice But the major part being of another Opinion the Chambers met not and Nesmond being sent for to Court received a sharp reprehension accompanied
rather by jealousies and suspicions than natural passions had estranged themselves from their Obedience to his Majesty the first effects of which wise conduct were seen in the Pardon which the King by the Madiation of the Mareschal De la Motte granted unto the Baron of Sant Annes Governour of Leucata who had forsaken his Majestie 's Service upon several sinister impressions till by this way of sweetness he was otherwise convinced and satisfied This Cavalier had revolted by the suggestion of some unquiet Spirits and some distaste taken unto the Court by reason his pretensions were discountenanced but he was quieted and sweetned by the dextrous management and civil means used towards him by the said Marquess a person of great abilities with whom the last of November he made an Accord That pardon should be given to him and all the Inhabitants of Leucata his Sons who were Prisoners in Paris should be released the goods belonging to himself or his friends restored the Castle of Termes to be put into the hands of the Arch-bishop of Narbon to be restored to the said St. Annes after six months or otherwise in case his Majesty should not be pleased to ratifie this Article the two Troops of Horse raised by the said St. Annes should be put into his Majesty's Service and there should be paid unto him 860 Doubloons for his Charges in the said Levy and 415 for the Losses of the Inhabitants of Leucata and the Ransom of Poder his Cousin all the Prisoners to be freed all Treaties with the Spaniards or the Princes recalled and an assurance upon his Honour and Parol given never to swerve again from the obedience of the King The Cardinal had caused also a strict negotiation to be made with the Prince of Conde by means of some Confidents of his to pacifie him and make him quit the Spaniards Service offering him the Soveraignty of some Country out of France But whether it were that the Prince found himself too far engaged with the Spaniard or that the generosity of his Mind would not permit him to falsifie his word without some apparent cause or pretext or that he thought this Dignity too mean or were taken with the pleasant gust of those advantages he received from Spain and in particular with the great Assignations made unto him or whether he were led by other Suspicions Reasons or Respects amongst which probably that which held the first place was the desire of the occasions to use his Sword his great heart being unable without trouble to return into the calm of Peace the Propositions vanished without effect The Prince declared That he was no wayes ambitious of being a Soveraign Prince contenting himself with the Quality he had of being first Prince of the Blood that he knew not how again to trust a person that had once deceived him nor believe that person would be faithful to him who had before shewed himself not to be such that these Offers were like those Gifts which had formerly passed between Hector and Ajax that we ought to give least credit unto those things which appear most probable and that we must consider that how much more is promised for necessity so much more likely are we to fail thereof when that is over That he knew the Cardinal sufficiently for a person as apt to promise much as he was afterwards industrious to perform onely what suited to his own ends And he protested in fine That he would never consent to any Accommodation wherein the King of Spain should not also be included to whom he professed himself highly obliged The person imployed endeavoured to take from him all sinister Impressions and represented to him that he should call to mind he was a French-man and one of the Blood-Royal that he had too much Reputation and Glory not to be made the Butt of Envy and Jealousie to a Nation that had so much emulation with France and were ambitious to have no dependance but on themselves that to build his hopes upon those who proposed to themselves ends different from his was to make a ruinous building That Friends follow the Fortune not the Bodies of their Friends and that in quitting France he should be abandoned by all the French-men that ones Countrey ought to be as dear unto a prudent Man as his Shell is to the Snail and that being his true and faithful Servant he took the freedome to tell him It was much more honourable for such a Princes as he to be Cousin to the King of France than Servant to the King of Spain He added hereunto many efficatious reasons but all in vain because the hatred and disdain of the Cardinal were prevalent in the imagïnation of the Prince and the opinion he had firmly conceived that he should be the next Campagne too powerful for the King's Forces and be enabled thereby to return to Paris The Cardinal therefore not being able to prevail with the Prince thought of the means how to divide his Brother Conty from him He caused advantageous Conditions to be proposed unto him and thought that having once gained him he should thereby restore Bourdeaux and Guienne to their Pristine Obedience because the Factions of this Prince were very powerful in that City and Province and the effects thereof were likely to be very advantageous to the King's Service and the reduction of his Brother by reason of the Jealousies which peradventure the Spaniards might upon that occasion have of his Person and the ill usage which it was probable he should receive from them when he should be deprived of that support which rendred him so much the more considerable But although Conty were not a friend unto his Brother and that his mind was much more apt to receive satisfaction yet he was so fixed not to disoblige the Dutchess of Longueville his Sister that without her he would resolve of nothing and she remaining firm in the good Intelligence she held with Conde and the hopes which the generosity of her own mind suggested to her all those attempts proved useless and consequently all the other attempts and practises of those in Bourdeaux who were affectionate to the King's Party fell to the ground their indeavours tending onely to bring things unto that pass that the City should second such resolutions as should be taken by the Prince of Conty and the Dutchess The Cardinal therefore took in hand other expedients and since he could not gain the Princes indeavoured by new Orders to deprive by little and little both them and the Town of Bourdeaux from those Subjects and Places which fomented their pretensions and therefore the Duke of Vendosme was ordered to Sail with the Fleet into the Garonne unto the Duke of Candale who was already departed to Govern the Forces in Guienne were dispatched all the Troops which could be got together in the neighbouring Provinces and the Negotiations with the Count D' Ognon and others to divide them from the contrary Faction were
they besieged Chasteau Porcien in which Monsieur de Boisson commanding with a strong and numerous Garrison of old Souldiers rendred the place very considerable especially being in the heart of Winter a time very unfit for Armies to keep the field This difficulty was overcome by the Cardinal himself by whose presence the Souldiers having an extraordinary love for him all dangers seemed light and were endured with a patience equal to that affection wherewith he was served and followed The Regiment d' Espagny Commanded by its Colonel attacqued the said Town of Chasteau Porcien by Orders from the Duke d' Elbeuf and Mareschal d' Aumont and the second of Ianuary at night possessed themselves thereof without resistance the Enemy being retired into the Castle from whence they fired fast upon the King's Forces who had made there a Barricado and taken up their Quarters and some time after fell to mining but because the besieged defended themselves obstinately and threw great quantity of wild-fire into the Town wherewith many Houses were burned this work was hindred The Count de St. Aignan first Gentleman of the King's Chamber having Commanded in Chief the Body of an Army was come as a Voluntier there to wait upon the Cardinal as did also many other Lords and Great Persons this Count with the good liking of the Duke d' Elbeuf and Mareschal d' Aumont the Generals began a new Mine together with the Marquess d' Espagny and Monsieur de Layeux and St. Aignan being busied at the work where he wrought indefatigably with his wonted Courage one night about five a Clock as he returned he was shot with a Musket in his left arm and received a great Wound but this accident hindred him not from running presently with Sword in hand before he was dressed to make Head against a Sâ—lly where the Besieged were valiantly received and beaten back At the last the Mine being compleated and ready to be fired and another also of Monsieur de la Fronde being in a good forwardness the Enemies seeing the works very much advanced by the assistance of the Cardinal who neglecting all thoughts of dangers was never from the Work yielded upon Articles and marched out after six days respite which were willingly accorded to them to see if Conde would advance to relieve them which he gave out that he would do but he not appearing they then issued out and the Town was restored unto his Majestie 's obedience The Prince of Conde knowing that without stronger succours it was impossible to give a stop unto the Cardinal's proceedings and much troubled to see his Designes crossed which were as he told the Ministers of Spain to winter in France and maintain the War in that Kingdom without Charge to Flanders being much grieved and perhaps repenting that he had put himself into that Action began to cast away those hopes which till then had born him up and represented in time not only to the Ministers of Flanders but also to the Catholick King 's Court the necessity there was of a greater Force for the carrying on of that Affair Writing besides the Orders sent to Monsieur de St. Agolin his Agent in Madrid unto the Favourite Don Lewis d' Aro a Letter to the ensuing purpose MY LORD I Cannot possibly forbear longer to give your Excellency an account of the wretched condition wherein my Affairs stand for want of those things which have been promised me your Excellency knows with what patience I have seen for want of Money all my Concerns in Guienne to go to ruine Paris Montrond Dijon Bourges and many other considerable places to be lost and with what constancy I have refused all the advantages have been offered me by the Court of France for the observance of my promise but I must now declare unto your Excellency that I find my self reduced to the last point The Cardinal Mazarine is returned into the Kingdom hath got together all the Power of France and is now come to drive me from my Winter-Quarters the Army of Flanders and the moyety of that of Lorrain have abandoned me and the Duke Charles speaks of calling the remainder from me The Count Fuensaldagne who makes open shew of an aversion to assist me hath let me know there is no Money for me nor no hope of it in the mean time the Enemies establish themselves possess my Quarters and in case they establish their Design will settle an Authority which as yet France never knew and put themselves into such a condition as will be very troublesome not to me alone but to your Excellency also My Friends have lost all hope of being succoured and perceiving me to be thus abandoned do make their peace one after another and quit my Party I beseech you my Lord to take some good Order herein Commanding these Ministers expresly to assist me with all their Troops when all those of the Enemy shall come against me or with part of them when I shall be assaulted only with a Party and also to send me forthwith Money which hath been with so much asseveration promised me I shall then be bold to promise that we shall quickly force the Enemy to quit the Field or consent unto a just and honourable Peace This I expect from his Majesty's Iustice and your friendship and shall endeavour to let you see I am most Affectionate to serve you c. He added a Postscript to the Letter whereby he desired him to give credit unto what should be declared unto him touching this matter by St. Agolin by word of mouth or by Monsieur Lenet by Letter to whom he had recommended the care of his Affairs in Bourdeaux The Prince's design was by all means to keep up his party in Guienne and thereby to assure the City and Parliament of Bourdeaux and by that diversion employing a good part of the Catholick King 's Forces in that Province he thought with the Flanders Army to enter France and give new life unto the fickleness of the Parisians and the bitterness of male-contents and therefore all his desires were reduced unto two points One That the King of Spain with Men and Money speedily dispatch't into Guienne would add new fuel to the Warr which was there kindled And sending the Money promised into Flanders would permit him to encrease his Army and march upon those designs he had projected independent upon any other But forasmuch as the Spaniard by the exorbitant Expence he had been at in the Sieges and Enterprises of Barcellona Gravelin Dunkirk Trin and Casal was very bare of Men and Money and the Kingdom of Naples could not now furnish those great Recruits of Men and Treasure in which consisted the chief strength of the Spanish Forces but rather appeared likely to fall into despair by reason of the oppressions it had suffered under the King's Ministers the Provisions of Guienne were so slow and feeble and the Preparations in Flanders so short of the hopes and expectations
powerful and the rashness of the Common People incapable of reason was too prevalent so as they abandoned themselves to be wholly guided by presumption and especially those of the Olmiera giving a sinister interpretation unto the counsels of good Citizens terming those false who with the greatest candour and strongest reason laboured for the Publick Good and thereupon rejected all Advice and Counsel and moreover threatned those who concurred not with them and grew the prouder hereupon as being given to understand that the Propositions made unto them were not the effects of love and kindness but were produced by fear and weakness The surest Props they thought to be those Promises made them by the Spaniard who with Money and other Arts had gained the Principal Persons of the Councils and Factions they thought also that the English would not neglect an occasion so favourable to them to advance their own Interests during the Divisions in France by assisting that City which was establishing it self like another Rochel they hoped the Prince of Conde with the Arms of Flanders would make an impression as far as Paris and that he would make that way so powerful a diversion as the King's Forces should be no more able to advance towards Bourdeaux wherein the Princess the Prince of Conty and the Dutchess of Longueville by their presence gave some splendour of light unto the darkness wherewith they were overshadowed These considerations seemed likely and the colours wherewith they were set out were able to deceive a prudent eye so as their obstinacie grew so obdurate that 't was thought difficult if not impossible to re-establish the King's Authority over that furious people linked unto Spain which omitmitted no mean with the profuse expence of Gold to keep up that Party that gave life unto their greatness But for as much as particular Interests are generally preferred before the Publick and those hopes which seem to flourish most in shew fail oftnest in producing their effects The Burdelois were disappointed in their expectations and although they dispatcht Deputies to London to represent unto the Parliament and General Cromwel how important their subsistance was unto the Interests of England and that the English well knew how much it concerned them to keep up the Divisions in France and had also a will and desire to do it yet were these reflexions so counterpoized by other considerations that the regard to future things had greater force to move them than the present The English had upon their hands a Warr with Holland that tottering Government had not foundations strong enough to support a design of such importance and the consideration that by ruining France the Power of Spain most averse alwaies to their Religion would be increased made them know it suited not with the present state of things to break with France which would be able in that case concluding a Peace with Spain by the assistance of Holland and intelligence with the English who obey that New Government onely because they want Power to oppose it to bring their King Charles into the Kingdom and let in amongst them those Confusions and Disorders which they endeavoured to produce amongst their Neighbours in all probability unto their total ruine so as they esteemed it better for them that the Discord between the two Crowns should be continued that they might mutually weaken each other than to turn onely against one of them which could be no advantage to the English To these Reasons was added another Point of Policy then a great Secret and that was The particular Design of Cromwell to reform that Government which iâ— the form it stood he knew could not continue so as it was not fit to ingage in Forraign Quarrels having occasion to make use of the Forces for himself and to imploy his Thoughts in the first place about the stablishing of his own Dominion in those Kingdomes full of Malecontents of persons envious of his Fortune and of people greedy of Novelties so as he assured Monsieur Burdeâ—u who was then resident in London from the Christian King that he would preserve Peace and good intelligence with France The Burdelois notwithstanding did not totally despair of relief being hopes given them that the Warr with the Hollander being ended and a peace concluded with them which was now in Treaty there should be some care taken of their Interests As for Spain she did what possibly she could to keep up that advantage for her self but the Indian Fleets and other the Revenues of the Catholick King were not sufficient to satisfie so many Pretenders and maintain War in so many places neither could his Kingdomes and Dominions exhausted of Men furnish the Souldiers that were necessary and therefore he was forced to move in England for leave to raise some Irish which was forthwith granted thereby to purge the Countrey from Catholicks and persons ill-affected to the new Republick from Germany no Souldiers could be had because Money was wanting to supply the charge those Levies being more expensive notwithstanding the favourable conjuncture of circumstances to their advantage which was a great proof of the Spaniards weakness There were at several times above 2000 Irish sent to reinforce the Prince's Party in Guienne the Marquiss de Santa Cruz had order to make ready the Fleet in Biscay and the Baron of Batteville to draw together Men and Provisions fit to make a return into the Garonne and upon promises and other engagements of repayment considerable Sums of Money were remitted as well to Bourdeau's as Flanders for making of new Levies and fitting out the Army that it might march with the Prince of Conde into France on the one side whilest the Burdelois should make a strong diversion on the other But the Money which was remitted was so well liked of by the persons into whose hands it came that the part which they converted to their own particular uses was generally greater then what was laid out in the publick business whereby the designs of the Catholick Court were not onely retarded but sometimes also overthrown the said Court not being able by reason of its distance from the Provinces wherein the Warr was managed to give those Orders and Directions necessary to be taken according to accidents and the present conjuncture of Affairs whereby great inconveniencies do sometimes happen and the most prudent Orders and Designs are overthrown To this was also added That the Spanish Councel was very often deceived by the different relatives of the French that served them who magnifying the Forces and intelligence of their own party and vilifying and abasing that of their King filled with vain hopes even thâ— most Prudent persons who grounding their deliberations thereupon found themselves after to be involved in greater difficulties Whereas on the contrary France being an united Body was able readily to give directions unto all its Members and having for Steers-man to the Government Cardinal Mazarine who had a most clear and perfect knowledge
off Quarters should be given to those of the Princes 4. Leagues from Bourdeaux That during the Truce Privisions should go freely into the City That Pass-Ports should be given to some for Flanders to give notice hereof unto the Prince of Conde and for Spain unto the Catholick King That Balthasar with his Troops might retire to Tartas There was a dispute about the Article touching Pass-Ports for Spain and 't was changed by the Prince of Conty who agreed That notice should be given to the Spanish Admiral with a desire that he would not set sayl for Bourdeaux because he should be there neither assisted nor received All these things were wonderfully displeasing to Marsin and to all the other constant Servants of Conde and such as were averse unto the Peace they therefore caused new whispers and divisions to arise in the City setting afoot Cabals to overthrow all good concord and agreement these represented that there was sufficient store of Corn in the Town for three Moneths that the want of provisions and Diseases got into the King's Army daily increased so as they could not long subsist nor make head against the least attack of the Spanish Fleet which was hourly expected stored with all provisions of Victuals Money and Souldiers so as holding of but some few dayes they might obtain a much more advantageous Peace That in Flanders the Prince of Conde with a powerful Army was able to march up even to Paris without hinderance by reason of the weakness of the King's Army and disaffection of the people to Mazarine They went on detesting the Propositions of the Peace now in hand as unworthy the name of their Union contrary unto their promises so often reiterated unto the Prince of Conde not to abandon him That this was onely the effect of a Conspiracy by some few persons corrupted by the Court and disposed to better their own Fortunes by the publick ruine That they were to beware of their offers as of the Syrens Song and that when one hath highly displeased his Prince there was no better counsel then to endeavour never to see him but in Picture On the other side those who knew the artifices of the Seditious persons held forth other Reasons they alledged That things were now brought near to the extremity which was that they should through inadvertence either fall into the hands and under the insupportable Yoke of the Spaniard or become a miserable prey to the Arms and Indignation of their own King that the Town could not fall under a greater Tyranny then was exercised among them by the Prince's Troops who in fine sought nothing else then to satisfie the furious raging desire they had to deprive them of their Goods and Honour and leave them in a languishing and miserable condition That being 't was impossible the City should be reduced unto worse terms they ought to lay hold on the fair opportunity offered to redeem them from such evident danger whilest the Generals with unexpected kindness offered to all the favours of his Majestie 's Clemency and esteemed it a glory to themselves rather to have obtained their Pardon than to have been the instruments of his Majestie 's revenge upon them That the time was now come wherein they might cancell all the dishonourable blemishes of Rebellion by making it appear that 't was rather the violent effects of a few turbulent spirits than the inclination of the generality That Marsin as a stranger for his own interest whereof he plainly shewed himself much carefuller then of the Princes endeavoured to bring things unto the extremity by the false and counterfeit pretences of a relief which were rather to be abhorred then entertained since by giving a farther nourishment unto the War it would precipitate the people into an Eternal inextricable confusion wherein their own Revenues would be totally destroyed the same consisting in their Traffick with strangers and their Vintage whereof the one was now shut up and interrupted and the other would be totally destroyed if they were hindred from gathering of their Grapes They added That the Princes professing to have care of the peoples good would not desire that for the interest of a few Partisans of theirs so many Innocent Persons should be destroyed and they being of so high Birth and Quality might when they would submit be restored unto their former greatness and Authority in France wherein whoever was a French-man had an Antipathy against the Spaniard who rejoyced at these troubles and sought his own advantage by it alluring the unwary with the Lustre of his Gold and flattering hopes rather than by strong effective Succours and they concluded that having a Soveraign bestowed upon them by God Almighty they were not to doubt but he would perform those Great and Magnanimous Actions which consisted principally in forgetting injuries and pardoning offences These reasons which were avowed by almost all the Citizens in publick declarations added to the fear of being again outraged by those of the Olmiera if they should by the assistance of Forraign Forces rise again made them to issue out a Total prohibition of any Assembly of the Olmiera and with much diligence to renew all the Captaines of the Quarters and keep a strick Watch at the Gates to hinder the entry of all stranger Souldiers The Colonel Balthasar was also privately Treated withal in the Duke of Candal's name that they might gain him he being a frank and generous Person who in case he were re-united with Marsin could do more hurt then any other but by reason of several disgusts received was not then in good intelligence with him Virlada being in this mean while returned to Begle that he might accompany the Duke of Candale to Lormont and be present at the Treaty of the general Truce the Duke had notice sent him at Mid-night by an express Courrier from Vendosme that 35 Sail of Spaniards were in sight of Blaye whereupon the Truce of 3 days being now expired Candale thought fit to give them another without limitation of time which should continue till the conclusion of the Peace and publications of the Amnestie this he did to ingage the Citizens in a Treaty before they were advertised of the Arrival of the Spanish Fleet least otherwise they might change their opinion and concur with the heads of the contrary party He therefore concluded and carefully settled the same and dispatched Virlada into Bourdeaux to draw from the Prince of Conty a precise resolution and a publick declaration for the King's service Being come unto the City he found it in great Commotion by the Artifices of Marsin who having been at the Burse together with Lenet to excuse themselves from the practices imputed to them had in part satisfied them and removed the jealousies conceived of them and by distributing Money amongst the common people had gained a good part of them and particularly those of the Confraternity of St. Iames being there numerous enough above 1500 Persons in
the procession usually made on that Saint's day and had thereupon caused them to tye Red Ribons in their Hats and appointed them to cry through the streets and in the Procession it self Vive tes Princes Virlada being much troubled with this Novelty went to them with the Trumpet from Candale from some of them he took their Red strings giving them White in lieu thereof and by distributing Money amongst them made them cry Vive le Roy la paix from thence going to the Town-house where the Prince of Conty was he was earnest with him to declare himself either for Peace or War that he as his servant could not choose but let him know the danger wherein he stood was very great Marsin desiring to make himself Master of the Town though with the Ruine of his Highness and therefore he desired him to continue the suspension of Arms which being to last till the conclusion of the Peace rendred him secure and took from the King's Generals all occasions to attempt any Enterprize or Plot which in that troublesome time might with ease be put in execution to the endangering of himself aud his friends or at least with very little honour to him These occasions entred far into the Prince's mind replete with generosity and greatness and therefore much inclined to receive such Counsels as were fortified with reason and with justice which together with the perswasions of Gourville who had about the same time been very earnest with him to cast off all thoughts to the contrary made him at last resolve to underwrite the suspension of Arms which was published and the Prince went unto the Burse to make a publick declaration of the Treaties There was afterwards read the Articles of Peace which were to be proposed as also a Renuntiation from the Citizens of all Treaties with the English or Spaniards and this was done in publick with much frankness by the Prince and followed by great acclamations from the people The Arrival of the Spanish Fleet was not yet known in Bourdeaux and those who knew the inconstancy o' th' people used all possible means to hide it from them the Duke of Candale went to Lormont and together with the Duke of Vendosme signed the Articles of the Truce in the same Terms they were presented excepting onely the giving of quarters unto the Princes Troops the passport for Baltissar and Licence to bring Victuals and provisions into the City The time was afterwards agreed upon when they should meet with the Deputies to Treat upon the Articles of Peace and the designes of the Seditious persons and of the Spaniards being thus broken the French Generals were highly satisfied and the rather because 't was much to be suspected that if the Sprnish Fleet had appeared sooner they might have easily relieved Bourdeaux and ruined all the King's Affairs in Guienne whose interest would also have suffered very much in other parts of the Kingdom by so potent a diversion The Spanish Shipping cast Anchor at the mouth of the Garonne and the Generals thereof being advertised of the Bourdelois their resolutions as they were ready by the Tide of Flood to attempt relieving of them were confounded and astonished and that they might not with so much danger ingage themselves into the River not being certain to be received as friends but rather to be used as Enemies continued still at Anchor sending with all care unto the Court of Spain to give them notice of this alteration of Affairs and receive orders what was to be done in this Conjuncture they dispatched also news of it unto the Spanish Ministers in Flanders and to the Prince of Conde who then found all his hopes were blasted as being well assured the Spanish Shipping would never pass into Bourdeaux nor get any advantage in case they Fought Upon the 27th of Iuly the Deputies being in number 12 to whom was added the foresaid Viscount de Virlada to Negotiate with the Generals proposed the Articles of Peace the chief amongst them being the Cavalier Todias One of the Citizens called Baratau was by the Prince of Conty's permission sent to give notice unto the Spanish Fleet that the City had quitted all Leagues and Confederacies concluded with the King of Spain and renounced all succours promised by him The Articles of Peace being read by the Generals there were found amongst some demands so prejudicial to the King's Authority that they were upon the point of dismissing the Deputies without a word speaking but it being doubted that the Bourdelois would desperately throw themselves upon the Spaniards who were now so near at hand they took a middle course which was more proper that is to continue the Treaty and come unto a conference in which those things which could not be granted should be referred unto his Majesty rather then dismiss the Deputies which would have given great boldness to Marsin and disgust unto the people and when the well affected Citizens should find their hopes deluded 't was thought they would be easily induced to admit the Spanish succours They therefore recalled the Deputies and after they had offered them a general Oblivion for the inhabitants in the same form 't was granted to the Parisians and as 't was Registred in the Parliament transferred to Agen unto the Princes and Princesses and all others of their party such Passports as they could desire unto the Generals and French Officers Licence to retire themselves unto their Houses and to the foraign Forces leave to depart the Kingdom they promised the next day to examine in a Conference the Articles of the peace which being made known to the Prince of Conty and the inhabitants in an Assembly at the Burse all the Articles were in two Sessions agreed and set down in manner following Upon the first and second after reading of the King's Declaration in 1650 it was agreed that a General Pardon and Oblivion should be granted to all the Bourdelois together with a confirmation of their Priviledges Upon the third which concerned the person of the Prince of Conde and his indempnity 't was referred unto the King but to the end he might have notice of the present Treaty a Courrier was to go with a Pass-Port unto the Court and from thence with his Majestie 's Pass unto him in Flanders In ease the Prince of Conty and the Dutchess of Longueville would be comprehended in the Amnestie of Bourdeaux 't was allowed unto them or if they desired it apart it should be granted to them in the best form and verified for them and those who depended on them in the Parliament of Paris as also that for the Bourdelois in the Parliament of Guienne To the Duke of Angaren and the Princess his Mother Passports should be granted for their security or stay in case they would settle their abode in any part of the Kingdom Unto Marsin Licence to go unto the Country of Liege whereof he was a Native either by Sea or Land The like unto
place they should besiege presently with the best part of the Horse and a party of choice Foot Turenne at break of day put himself upon his march that way where the said Convoy was to pass to look for and Fight it which was the best thing he could have done and would have spoiled all the Enemies designes Conde perceiving the French march as he that had a perfect knowledg of the manner of proceeding of Turenne and the best part of the other Captains who had formerly served under his Command perceived that his design was discovered and suspecting what the Enemy might Enterprize made a sudden turn and with the lightest of the Horse marched presently towards the Somme sending notice by Polinet his Ajutant di Camera to the said Count de Maile to return unto Cambray without passing farther Polinet in his return the same day was taken Prisoner by a party of the King's Forces and it being known by him and after confirmed by the Scouts who had been to discover even to the Gates of Cambray that Maile was retired and that the Prince having cast two Bridges of Boats over the Somme had passed it and was Lodged upon the banks thereof between Corbie and Bre Turenne with all speed returned unto his Camp which was now advancing towards him and together with the Mareschal Ferte Senneterre secured their Baggage under the Walls of Peronne and encamped about a little Village not far distant thence and neer the Spanish Army from whence they took the advantage of a Scite proper for them to fight in if they should be enforced unto a Battel The Prince verily thought to have then taken Turenne unprovided and force him to fight and with that belief he marched hastily all Night so long a march that the next morning in sight of Peronne he found the Enemies altogether unadvertised of his coming as having thought it unpossible he should have come so soon but he forbore to attack the French Camp not so much because his men were extraordinarily tired and weary as because Fuensaldagne would not give way to it doubting the Lorainois would not Fight it having been insinuated to him by some Letters received from France that Cardinal Mazarine by great promises of Money and other means had under-hand gained the Duke of Lorrain so as from thence grew the beginning of the Disgusts between Conde and the Count Conde pretending that the opposition made unto those earnest desires of his to make use of the opportunity proceeded from fear not from a prudent foresight or just reason The Prince took up his Post at Mount St. Quintin an Abby upon a Hill but found it so well provided that he thought not fit to assault it with so much disadvantage Conde notwithstanding made shew of being come expressly to attack it to stop Turenne there untill he might receive the Convoy from Cambray without which there was no likelihood of being able to lay Siege to any place and in the mean time whilst with slight skirmishes he endeavoured to give credit to that report he caused his Van to march the straight way towards St. Quintin leaving the King's Army on the right hand and a great Wood between them Turenne being watchful to all occasions not willing that the Enemy should advance before him which was the design of Conde marched with so much hast as he got before unto that Post which he intended to have seized and by that means obliged him to make a stand and so the Armies were again brought to front each other separated by nothing but a little Valley easie of access upon which the French put a great guard over against a Wood which ended near to the Spanish Camp not above a Musket shot from it There the two Armies made a halt three or four days which they passed with great care and watchfulness Conde and the Spanish Generalls not being willing to make any attempt upon that place the Mareschals of France had chosen The 14th day of August there happened a great Skirmish wherein the two Counts de Russy ingaged themselves too far and Turenne's Lieutenant Colonel was killed the same day the Prince of Taranto the Marquess de Batteville and the Count Duraz were upon Conde's out Guard and being desirous to see and salute the Mareschal Turenne who was advanced to his main Guard they desired that favour by a Trumpet which was civilly granted to them receiving them with his wonted affability and they discoursed and complemented each other Reciprocally Some Gentlemen also of the King's Camp went to salute the Prince of Conde who came within 200 paces of Turenne with a desire of speaking to him but he making shew of business set spurs to his Horse and went thence without expecting the invitation which the Prince gave order should be sent unto him to that purpose by one of his Gentlemen The 25th day of August two hours before day the Prince raised his Camp and took his march towards St. Quintin of which Turenne having notice and suspecting the attack of some of those places he caused the Count Beaujeu presently to repass the Somme with 1200 Horse and 600 Foot with orders to keep near unto Ham and St. Quintin that he might relieve any Town should be invested and the French Generals repassed the River at Peronne marching all Night and the next day strait to Ham. Beaujeu coming to St. Quintin heard that the Count Duraz had drawn out 2000 of the Enemies Horse and was advanced with them to invest Guise whereupon with great diligence crossing the Fere he put into that Town a seasonable Recruit of a good number of men whereof Conde having notice suddenly recalled the Count after he had held that Town invested for 12 hours space The Prince finding that his designs were still defeated and much confounded to find in the King's Captains Wit and Valour equal to that wherein till then he had conceived hinself unmatched by any resolved to make another trial advancing the Army within a League of Ham and extending it in length along a little River which there falls into the Somme with a resolution to attack that place or in case the King's forces should come to relieve it to fall upon them and with Sword in hand to determine their emulation and differences upon that Campagne He was no sooner come to the designed Post but that he saw all the French Army in his flank and the Count Beaujeu on his Rear who having repassed the Oyse had taken up his Post at Fargny to be ready at hand upon all accidents The Armies rested there looking on each other three weeks without making any attempt because Conde and the Spanish Generals being now hopeless to break into France as they imagined to give Battle nor take any place upon the Somme by reason of the great vigilancy and wariness of the French Commanders their counsels were very confused and variable Conde had insinuated unto the Spanish Ministers and
mischief as to blind us thus But if our sins shall pull down such mischiefs upon us may the Heavens be propitious to me in shutting up mine eyes in an everlasting sleep that I may never see Garomne swoln with our blood or hear my Country as flourishing as any other in all France groan under unevitable slavery and ignominy to the eternal testimony of her contumacy when her King stood in most need of her The pathetick commiseration of this pious and prudent Citizen had well nigh prevailed to perswade the Assembly to humble themselves unto the King but for that Offices are vendible in France which makes them be usually confer'd upon those who are the most wealthy though perhaps upon those who are most ambitious and incapable it was strongly opposed particularly by those that were of riper years for the young men were more moderate Moreover the name of Conde was almost adored in that City nor was his Wives being present there of small moment in making the Citizens well minded towards him by reason of her rare indowments both of mind and body she incouraged those to stand upon defence who hating the present Government did unwillingly hear such discourses as tended to surrendring which as they presumed would make Espernoun's Government more cruel than before wherefore one of the Graver sort did with much vehemency exaggerate the grievances which he pretended to receive daily from the said Espernoun which were not to be remedied but by the change of Government for the Duke working as they thought according to the dictates of the Cardinal it might be conceived their sufferings would have no end save by obliging the Court by resistance to give the Province such satisfaction as was pretended unto Have we said he past the Rubicon and shall we not stand to our Arms what good have we received by our modest complaints made to the King that he would be pleased to moderate I will not say Espernoun's Government but his Reign who was born to be the ruine of this Country nothing but the more consolidating him in his Tyranny and the making him the bolder to destroy us nor can he do otherwise whose hopes being grounded upon alliance with Mazarine we can expect nothing but that growing daily more furious he shall prejudice us more by his indiscreet Government then whole Armies would do It is not we alone said he who are in these miseries nor are we only they who are compel'd to have recourse to Arms to keep back force the commotion is Universal throughout the Kingdom Paris the place wherein our Kings reside finding that it is not justice nor honesty which now prevails but the Favourites pleasure betakes her self to those means which are those alone that are left her to defend her self against the wrongs which she receives and shall we fear to be overcome All other Provinces incouraged by our example will betake themselves with us to seek out remedies for those evils which do now disquiet the Kingdom The Spaniards if we shall have need of them will not fail to assist us without hopes of getting footing in these parts where they know they can take no root they will be satisfied in diverting in some fort the King's Forces which may perhaps bring on the general peace which is as much desired by all the World as it is kept of by the King's Ministers of State and we being the promoters of this good shall purchase praise whereas by idely looking on to our shame we shall at last like Cowards bewail our misfortunes to the eternal Infamy of this warlike Province The Parliament had hardly well ended their discoursing hereupon when the Princess of Conde accompanied by other Princes and Gentlemen of that party appeared who renuing by new exaggerations the commotion before awakened in those Councellors and inciting the mutinous people to adhere to their fury obtained so much as they joyned yet more straitly in Union with the Princess and gave fitting orders for War declaring still that they would be good French-men and faithful Subjects to the King They did not notwithstanding send any Embassy to the King but sent Monsieur Voysin with Letters to the Parliament of Paris and to Monsieur Guionet their Deputy in Ordinary acquainting him with their Resolution whereunto they were compelled by insupportable grievances quite contrary to that famous Declaration of the Year 1648. whereof the Parliament of Paris having been the Authour they desired them to interpose in procuring ease to the threatning ruine of that Province They reduced their grievances to Three heads their being oppressed by their Governour whom they therefore desired might be removed the contriving of the King's Declarations and Will concerning the Imprisonment of the Princes and the extortions and violences used by the Financiers and that they might not be opposed by such as adhered to the King and who complained of these proceedings they drove them all out of the City calling them Mazzarinians and bad French-men they secured the Princess of Conde and the Duke of Anghienne and all their dependants that they might live securely under the protection of the King and Parliament They made hast to arm themselves that they might keep the River open they renued their decrees of Union between all the Corporations and Officers of the Chamber of Edict and charged Commissaries appointed to that purpose to proceed incessantly in execution of the decree against such as were suspected Not long after this decree Marack a servant of the Queens came to the Parliament with Letters from the King dated the 22. of Iuly and he was bidden not to stay at Poictiers but to go strait on to Burdeaux to cross the proceedings of the Dukes of Boullion and Rochefaucolt against the King's Service These Letters were accompanied by others from the Secretary of State Monsieur de Vrtiere directed to the Procurator General wherein he acquainted him with the King's Journey to Guien to the end that the Parliament might appoint Commissioners to meet his Majesty and render due and usual respects When these Letters were delivered to the Parliament they resolved to make an humble Remonstrance in writing to his Majesty that the Cardinals coming near Burdeaux who was an Enemy to that City and a favourer of Espernoun might cause diffidence and despair in the exasperated people But that his Majesty should not doubt of the Parliaments sincere fidelity and it was also resolved that the Procurator General should answer Vrtiere that the Cardinal was the occasion why they durst not send Deputies to their Majesties to assure them of the Cities intire Loyalty and unalterable obedience and all these were delivered to the same Marack The Cardinal finding that it would be a long and difficult business to make the Burdelois not adhere to the interest of the Princes and that if they should fight the Victory must be very bloody and being desirous that the Subjects might be reduced to obedience with as little shedding of
Count Briola and with some other Soldiers of the Prince of Conde's and of Rochefaucolt's guard commanded by Roche and Baron and another Barracado upon the way to the Carthusians was guarded by the Count de Meille with Counti's Regiment The assault being thus ordered by Marishal Millerey he ordered the Marquesses of Rochelaure and of St. Magrine to go with their men to a certain Cross above the said Church but they losing the sight of this Cross and falling upon an other nearer the Suburbs they were set upon by the Duke of Boullion and a skirmish immediately ensued The Marishal not having as yet given all requisite orders nor disposed of all the Soldiers as he intended sent to Rochelaure and St. Magrine willing them to retreat immediatly but the Soldiers being already ingaged fell confusedly upon Rochefaucolt's Barracado which was stoutly defended for a while till some more of the Kings men came in by another way assaulted them on the back and overcame them Monsieur Menville being slain and Boves Carboniers and Todias together with divers other Officers and Soldiers taken and Duke Rochefaucolt ran great hazard of being either slain or taken himself wherefore the Princes forsook the Suburbs and retreated to the City Count de Paluau not being yet come who was ordered to place himself with his men between the Suburbs and the City to keep the Enemy from retreating Thus was the Suburbs taken by the King's men and the action was remarkable for the forwardness and generosity of the Combatants on both sides But it was more bloody on the assailants side for a great many Soldiers and Officers were taken Choupes and Marin both of them Camp-masters Genlis and Riberpre Captains of the King's Guards were wounded The honour of this Day belonged to Marishal Millerey and to the Marquesses of Rochelaure and St. Magrine who commanded the Forces that day and ordered the assault and such was the Burdelois terrour and confusion as had the Kings men then advanced the Enemies affirm they had assuredly taken the half moon which was almost already abandoned The City was much troubled at this loss the rather for that the Soldiers who were within the walls did not satisfie the Inhabitants expectation The Dukes of Boullion and Rochefaucolt fired the Suburbs in several places and several Houses near the City before they retreated so as Millerey quartered some of his men the next morning in the Houses that were unburnt On the 7 th of September two Batteries were made against Port Dolphine but without effect for it was platform'd presently and another Battery was made to make a breach between the Gate de Diaux and the Tower Trombette But the Burdelois being very diligent to repair the ruines made by the Artillery fallied out the next day being the 9 th of September against the Barracadoes of Croix de Spine and at the same time another Troop assaulted the Trenches of Pallace Galliane in both which sallies the besieged received some prejudice The same day the Dukes of Boullion and of Rochefaucolt went out with a great many Soldiers and Gentlemen against the quarter du Croix de la Spine which they stormed though the Kings men resisted stoutly and firing it retreated being pursued by the besieged who were come thither and in that heat assaulted the half moon Porte Diaux which was valiantly defended by the Burdelois who beat back two fierce assaults slaying above 100. of the Kings Foot and divers Officers of the Guienne Regiment The Cardinal was much disquieted for the business required expedition and seeing how hard it was to get the half moon he confided more in Count Paluau than in any other who was to command the next day he ordered him to expugn it with all his might which he attempted on the 10 th of September orderly with extraordinary violence But Rochefaucolt came in with the Prince of Conde's Guard and made it good thrice forcing the Kings men to retreat with much loss to Navaile's Regiment whereof some Officers were taken The Cardinal finding now how hard it was to overcome the obstinate valour of the Defendants went to the King to Burg and Millerey despairing of success on that side went further off to batter the City Wall but still unsuccessfully But the Burdelois were much troubled to see no succour come from Spain as they were made daily to believe and the King had but six Vessels to oppose them if they had come wherefore the Cardinal moved a conference which was well accepted with intention notwithstanding on the besiegeds side to bear the business yet a little longer on if they could still expecting relief from the Spaniards which the Burdelois would have made use of though peace had been made so resolute they were that the Cardinal nor Duke of Espernoun should never boast of having brought them to their beck The Parliament and City sent their Commissioners to Burg without any in the name of the Princess or Generals and to keep the Citizens from making any final agreement the Princess made Messengers sometimes appear as if they had come from Spain with assured hopes of succour and though the Court indeavoured to raise jealousies between the Dukes of Boullion and Rochefaucolt yet could they never make any impression of distrust for each of them was sufficiently assured of one another for the common concernment that was between them nor was there ever a party more united than that of Burdeaux where every one strove to do his utmost nor was there during the whole Siege any falling out between any particulars save between Count Colligni and the Marquesses who was wounded and dyed two days after A new Battery was made in the base Court of Buriera to play upon that part of the Wall which joyns the Archbishops Garden to la Toure delle Strage against which Wall they plaid furiously for three days together and began to make a considerable breach therein though it were continually repair'd by the Defendants And doubtlesly if the City had been assaulted at first in that place so many men would not have been lost and the Court might have had its ends sooner wherefore the Cardinal considering that by the prolongation of this Siege no good might peradventure be done upon Burdeaux and much mischief might fall out in Paris where there were very great commotions And on the other side the Parliament of Burdeaux finding their Foot destroyed by continual action and the aid from Spain come but slowly on they resolved to imbrace peace to which they were invited The Princess of Conde and the Dukes of Boullion and of Rochefaucolt were therefore perswaded to send one for each of them along with the Parliament Commissioners but they declaring that their whole concernment lay in the Princes their liberties and knowing it unseasonable to Treat thereof now refer'd themselves to the Parliament whom they desired to have a care of their interests and of the rest that were ingaged in this business
daily greater answered that he would follow his Counsel but that he must first end two things which were to drive the Cardinal out of Administration of Government and to set the Princes at liberty and that then he would betake himself quietly to his book The Cardinal afterwards thinking himself obliged to put some esteem upon those who had signalized themselves in the late Battle made the King bestow the Marishal staff of France upon Villaquiere who was afterwards called Marishal d' Aumount upon la Ferte Imbault called the Marishal d' Estampes and upon the Marquesses of Oquincourt and of Ferte Senatre the one Governour of Peroun the other of Lorrain He gave the Government of La Fera intending him further honours and he consolated all the rest with hopes and promises he had also promised Count Grance to make him Marishal of France but the Duke of Orleans who growing jealous of the fame which the Cardinal had acquired by so many conquests and seeing that in the Election of the four Marishals there was none chosen that depended upon him but Estampes and that he could not get him to have the first place in precedency though he were the antientest servant opposed Grance his Election So as the Cardinal not thinking it fit to exasperate the Duke any longer hoping to bring him over afterward upon better reasons to his designs he forbore conferring that honour upon Grance who not well contented with the denial of what his so long service had deserved retreated to his Government of Graveling and by causing jealousies afterward in the Court he made Orleans suffer the intended honour to be confer'd upon him Thus every one rejoycing at the Cardinals prosperity either really or in appearance according as they shared therein others were so full of fears and emulation as not governing themselves by what was just or reasonable they fell upon all destructive Resolutions The imprisoned Princes Friends who labor'd their freedom when the Cardinal was absent finding how generally it was desired got the Princess of Conde and Madamoselle de Longueville to present each of them a Petition to the Parliament to move them to protect the Princes and to interest them in their dis-inprisonment The Petition being delivered in the Princess of Conde's name on the first of November by Monsieur Deslandes Payer a Councellor it was read the next day in the Parliament After a Narrative of what had been done touching the imprisonment of the Princes it contained that in conformity to the Laws of the Kingdom and answerable to the Declaration of the 24 th of October 1648. Process might be made and expedited against the Princes and that in the mean time they might be brought to Paris and placed in the Loâ—re with such guards upon them as should be thought fit The prime President said it was a business which would suffer much discussion and moved that it might be put off till the next week so it was put off till the next Wednesday on which day Monsieur Talon strove with a pithy Oration to inform the Assembly that the Declaration of the twenty eighth of October could not derogate from the Regal Authority the Kings Council being concerned in the Princes their affairs that therefore the said Petition should be transmitted to the Queen Regent desiring her to reflect upon it and use therein her accustomed goodness and clemency Monsieur Crespine Dean of the Parliament presented the other Petition of Madamoselle Longueville which concerned the same business desiring that they might be placed in L' Hostell de Soissouns in Paris where she might render the Duke her Father the service and assistance to which she was by birth and nature bound This Petition was not well read when Monsieur de la Roche Captain of the Prince of Conde's Guard came to the Parliament door demanding to be let in for he had a Letter to present from the three imprisoned Princes which he was commanded to deliver to the whole Assembly when he came in the Letter was read which contained the same things as did the Petitions presented by the two Ladies The Letter was written by the Prince of Conde's own hand and subscribed by the other two dated from Cudbouille the 19 th of November after that Teloune had replied that the Letter and the supplications ought to be sent to the Queen the Assembly rose adjourning their meeting till the next Friday Then the Princes their Friends represented to the Duke of Orleans how that it was a strange thing to keep the Princes of the blood in Haure de Grace an unwholesom place scituated in the Sea where they were continually in danger to die To which he answered that they were sent thither against his will and that they ought to be removed from thence The Parliament meeting on Friday to resolve upon these supplications Monsieur de Saintote came with a Letter from the King wherein he commanded the Parliament not to resolve upon any thing till they should know his will this was readily obeyed to which purpose the first President and one other President four Counsellors of Le grande Chambre and two of every Chamber of Inquests met the next morning These Commissioners being brought into the Queens Chamber who for some indisposition of health kept her bed her Majesty told them that by reason of her being ill she could not say much to them but made the Lord Keeper tell them that they should not meet any more upon any whatsoever occasion till she were better for she was resolved as soon as she should be well to take order for all things and to give them all satisfaction That as for the business of the Princes it was of high consequence and that before she could resolve any thing therein she must advise with her Council and with the Duke of Orleans which she could not now do by reason of her sickness when the Commissioners made this report to the Assembly they agreed all in putting off the business but they differed in the time some would have it for eight days some for four but four days was resolved upon Monsieur Crespine moved that publick prayers and procession might be made for the Queens health but was not seconded by above 10. or 12. voices all the rest being exasperated against her for upholding the Cardinal At the next meeting the King sent them another Letter charging them again not to meet as concerning the business of the Princes for that his Majesty would shortly take order therein But the Assembly continued and in contempt of the Kings Commands began to treat of the Princes concernments they read the Petitions of the two Princesses and the Princes Letter several motions being made it was resolved to send Douyat and Maynardau to desire the Duke of Orleans to come to the Parliament for Naiau said the business was such as he could not speak his opinion but in the Dukes presence Thus the Assembly was adjourned till the
not do some Coupe de Maistre That Cardinal Richelieu had begun it and Mazarine had continued it as was to be seen in divers Presidents and Counsellors in Messieurs de L' Hospital Vitry Barrillon Duke Beaufort Marishal Della Motta and lastly in Princes of the Royal Family He did inculcate that evils must be provided against by stout Resolutions of Parliament which had always upheld Regal Authority though the Cardinal imputed all the disorders thereunto And here he called to mind that Henry the 4 th said once to the Duke of Savoy that he acknowledged his Crown from the square Caps Lottin said hereupon that it was no new thing for Parliaments to meddle in such affairs for that it was to be found in publick Records even to the years 1415. and 1417. that the Parliament had nominated Commissioners to make Remonstrances to the King touching the ill Government of the State and that the Cardinal said false in saying that the Parliament was an Enemy to the King and Kingdom Vedaw condemning the Government of Forreigners alledged an example taken out of what History I know not of a Lake seated between certain Mountains whereinto if a stone were thrown it would become Tempestuous others spake in praise of the Princes and were all for the Remonstrances at last three or four days being spent in such like discourses in which time many Libels were posted up on several corners of the Streets tending to sedition the first President finding that the greatest part were for the Remonstrance and that it lay not in the wit of man to alter them that he might not appear contrary to the Princes to whom he was also a well wisher was contented that an humble supplication should be made to their Majesties for the Princes liberties to which function he himself with some others of the Assembly were deputed who not having audience before the 22 th of Ianuary spoke as followeth Sir It is to be believed that your Majesty is informed of the present condition of your Kingdom and of the late conquests which have been such as they may be said to be peculiar to your Crown we have with grief seen the loss of so many advantages of so many Towns in Italy and in Catalonia which have cost so much Blood and Treasure The Enemy hath been so bold as to set his Foot in France and to take Towns in sight of the French Army Your Majesty hath been forced to go into many Provinces of this your Majesties Kingdom to quench a fire which seemed to extend it self every where your Majesty hath been forced to march into several Provinces of your Kingdom to quench a fire which seemed to threaten a general Conslagration the pains and troubles of which voyages hath prejudiced your Majesties health and which is the greatest misfortune can belong to us hath put your life into much danger all men know that these disorders have happened since the 18 th of January 1650 that fatal day wherein two Princes of the blood were imprisoned together with the Governours of Normandy Some thought by this to break the thread of all our disasters and to quiet France but in lieu thereof it hath widened all wounds We very well know that there are some secrets of State which it is not lawful to pry into and that there are some mysteries which ought not to be soon made known It being sufficient that in time the truth shall be made known This perhaps hath made us believe there were many strong and valid reasons for this Imprisonment which in time might be discovered had not the Letter which was sent to the Parliament the next day decipherd the Aenigma making us know the innocency of the rather unfortunate than blamable Princes We placed the strength and welfare of this Kingdom in the Regency intrusted in our Vertuous Queen your Sacred Majesties Mother assisted by the Duke of Orleans and by the Prince of Conde but as soon as this knot was loosened all misfortunes besell us We had thought that the Authours of this Council might have altered their minds knowing that there is no way to keep off publick ruine but to think upon the liberty of these Princes and to restore unto France those Champions who have kept her so long Victorious and preserved her from all forreign injuries but though we have expected this with impatiency as necessary for the good and safety of this Dominion we will boldly say it hath been in vain the liberty of these Captives might make us know that our Enemies were no longer able to advantage themselves by our disorders and divisions But when we expected this good fortune we were struck with astonishment to see them removed to another Prison where their lives are in danger yes I say in danger and I add that they may well be kept from our eyes but never from the hearts of minds of true Frenchmen Madam this is the effect of our humble Remonstrance who ought to watch that the publick may receive no prejudice we have been long silent out of respect and had been so still had it not been that we might have been blamed for not giving notice of the threatning disorders But Sir as this Assembly if your Majesty had extended your Authority too far upon any particular Member of this Parliament had been obliged to have interceded for that Member so ought it much more do so for the Princes of the blood who are children of the Royal Family the firmest upholders of Monarchy and the most noble and honourable Members of this Kingdom So many Victories so many Conquests so many Services done to the State plead in their behalf as if any thing might be feared from their comportments the apprehensions which are conceived might suffice that unless their misfortune have a speedy end the stones which do inclose them will speak so loud as the passers by who shall hear them will carry their mournful complaints throughout all France wâ—ll awaken the hearts of all true Frenchmen which will make such a noise as it is to be feared that from this bold action some inconvenience may result unto your Majesties in this so great and pressing danger We humbly beseech your Majesty Madam to find out some convenient Remedies and that you will give us leave with all dutiful respect to say that unless you provide speedily for it the zeal care and fidelity which we owe to the preservation of the State and to the Kings service will force us to lay our hands to it and to imploy all our endeavours to keep this Crown from falling We have thought fit Madam to represent all these considerations to your Majesty and humbly to desire that you will set these imprisoned Princes at liberty to the end that they may be able to do that faithful service to the State as they have formerly done and Sacrifice the Remainder of their blood and lives to the glory of this Monarchy further beseeching your Majesty
Friends put forth a Declaration wherein the Prince promised to second the Duke of Orleans in making the Coadjutor Cardinal All these acts were by Croisy and Camertine intimate friends to the Coadjutor carried to the Duke of Orleans who underwrit two copies without reading them nor knew he what the contents were more than what the Coadjutor was pleased to acquaint him with Without whose suggestion doubtlesly Orleans intended no ill to the Cardinal nor would the Princes friends have demanded more than the Prince his liberty which when it should have been had the Parliament would not have prest for keeping the Cardinal from Court These writings being afterwards carried to the Princess Palatine and to the Duke of Nemeurs to be subscribed by them they agreed that they should remain with Croisy who was to deliver them to the Duke of Orleans or to Conde when he should be at liberty Incouraged by these Treaties the Frondeurs began to solicit the Princes liberties which made the Cardinal aware ere long of Orleans his alienation from him not so much out of any coolness that he found in him as for the bad speeches which many of his Court used concerning him but he was not yet fully inform'd of the secret plots that were a weaving against him and it was strange that so many days being spent in these Treaties he got no perfect notice of them they were too far advanc't before he perceived them so as after having imploi'd many persons in Messages and Proposals he at last offer'd in the presence of both King and Queen to be reconciled but this was rather in appearance than real but though Orleans forbore not the Cardinals Conversation and Dined sometimes with him yet after he had underwritten the aforesaid Treaties he could not so well dissemble as not to discover his inward mind The Cardinal who was not to be parallel'd for wariness finding this and knowing that there could be nothing but the ill impressions suggested by the Frondeurs and of his other Enemies speaking thereof with the Queen in her Chamber on the Twenty sixth of Ianuary at night told her that her Majesty must warily observe the proceedings of Parliament where it might be there were Fairfaxes and Cromwells The Duke who minded nothing but how to execute the Coadjutors suggestions thought the pretence fit to give fire to the Mine so as the Parliament being met on the first of February to think of the fittest means how to get the Princes out of Prison being perswaded that the Court did not desire it and that the Kings promise was only to gain time the Coadjutor being now sure to be assisted by Orleans unmasked himself and spoke more freely than before he shewed how necessary it was to get the Princes liberty as soon as might be and that he had order from the Duke to assure them that this was his opinion which he would imploy all his power to effect The Counsellors wonder'd much to hear this for believing hitherto that the Duke stood well with the Queen they could not discern whence this alteration should proceed Beaufort ratified what the Coadjutor had said and declared that he was of the same mind nothing was resolved upon that day for the Members being astonished at the novelty adjourn'd till the next day and the Coadjutor going to acquaint Orleans how well the Parliament was pleased with what he had told them in his name made him the more inamored with their applause and established him more firmly in the Resolution which he had taken Monsieur Tillier going at that instant to know from the Duke whether what the Coadjutor had said in Parliament was by his Highness permission or no or done barely by the Coadjutors self answered somewhat angrily that what the Coadjutor had said was done by his desire and that he should always approve of what he should say or do The whole Court was much surprised with this answer and made them resolve to send to Treat with the Princes touching their liberty The next day the Duke of Orleans moved thereunto by the Coadjutor sent for the Lord Keeper for Marishal Villeroy and for the Secretary of State Tillier and bad them tell the Queen in his name That he would never come to Court nor sit in Council as long as the Cardinal was there and said further to Villeroy That as Lieutenant General of the State he assigned over the keeping of the King's person unto him which his head should be answerable for On Friday the third of February having with yet greater energie by order from Orleans repeated his opinion touching the Princes liberty told the Assembly how the Cardinal had told the Queen in presence of the King that there were Fairfaxes and Cromwells in the Parliament that it was to be feared that their intentions were to suppress Regal Authority according to the example of England That the Duke not able to tolerate so great a Calumny had assured the King that it was altogether false and that there was none but faithful servants to his Majesty either in the Parliament or City whereof he would become surety both in general and in particular and that the Duke had told the Cardinals self that he was a wicked man and worthy to be reprehended for instilling such ill opinions into a young King against his affectionate Subjects by whom his Majesty was generally loved their hatred extending only to the Cardinal whom they knew to be the only cause of the Kingdoms ruine And that upon this the Duke had sent the day before for the aforesaid Lords and had wisht them to tell the Queen that he would come no more to Court whilst the Cardinal was there At the names of Cromwell and Fairfax they were all highly scandalized insomuch as three propositions were made against the Cardinal the first that he should be made Prisoner the second and this was made by President Viola who was more incens'd against him than all the rest that he should be sent for to the Parliament to give an account of his Administration and for the words which he had said to the dishonour of the French Nation Here the first President interrupted him saying he was too hasty and after some contest between him and Coulin who spoke impertinently against the Cardinal the third proposal was made which was humbly to desire the Queen that he might be sent from Court the meanwhile the Coadjutor's friends having divulged throughout the City the aforesaid words spoken by the Cardinal of Cromwell and Fairfax the male-contents resented it and said they were injured for the French do not only love but even idolatrize their King so as in a moment the whole City which was quiet before grew mutinous the people running up and down the Streets yea even in the Palace it self crying out Let the King live and let Mazarine dye The Queen sent the next day to the Duke of Orleans to know whether he would be content or no that
read she said That all the relations that had been made to the Parliament were mere Calumnies suggested by the Coadjutor who had told them falsehoods that he pretended to too much and that he was of an unquiet spirit that he infused pernicious Counsel into the Duke of Orleans because he was not chosen Cardinal which he had been so bold as to desire threatning if otherwise be would set fire on the four quarters of the Kingdom She afterwards recounted what had past in Council the Tuesday before between the Duke of Orleans and the Cardinal she complain'd of the Duke having refused to let her come unto him under pretence that the people might commit some outrage upon her person which consideration she said should not at all have altered her Resolution but on the contrary if she should have perceived the people begin to stir she would have come out into the Streets being sure that her presence would suddenly have quieted all disorders for she very well knew what Reverence the Parisians bore to Royal Personages she added further that such affairs as these should be carried on mildly That Marishal Grammont was already gone and that therefore they needed not have any more meetings about that and she moreover told them that the King was growing out of his minority and sufficiently inform'd to distinguish between those who were seditiously given and those who were well affection'd of which number she said they were and that the King would one day remember them for it so she dismist them The Commissioenrs being returned to Parliament the first President related what the King had said and made the writing which was given him be read and which contained almost the same thing whereupon they began to consult and there was difference of opinions But at last Orlean's Authority prevailing the Frondeurs and tumultuous people whereof the Hall was full joyn'd in a Resolution of beseeching the Queen to send a letter away speedily for the freedom of the Princes and to send the Cardinal from Court grounding their pretence upon what the Duke had said that he would not go to the Council so long as the Cardinal was there And they further said That since there was a necessity that one of the two should retire it was fair and honest that his Highness the Kings Uncle and Lieutenant General of the State should tarry and that the other who was a Forrainer should be sent away this being decreed in the Assembly the first President was sent to acquaint the Queen with it and humbly to desire the Princes liberty Thus the Assembly ended and Orleans returned to his own house attended on by many of the Gentry and by a great number of the Populacy The next morning he sent for the Duke of Espernoâ—n and for Marishal Schomberg and told them That he being Lieutenant General of the Crown they were hereafter to come to him for orders touching their imployments the one being Colonel of the French Infantry the other of the Switzers they both answered That they knew very well what became them to do and the respect which they were to bear him but that whilst the King was present they were only to depend upon his Majesty the same day the Queen sent for the Dutchess of Orleans and for Madamoselle and discoursed with them above two hours but no good came of this conference for there were few who through either envy or emulation did not declame against the Cardinals greatness neither had the Dutchess of Anguien's indeavours better success who labour'd to take off Orleans from the sinister impressions which the Coadjutor had made in him of the Cardinal But though there was so great concourse of people about the Duke yet the Palace Royal was frequented by much Nobility and those of the greatest esteem who kept their due obedience to their Majesties Amongst which all the Marishals of France except de Estempes Duke Mercure who still was of the Queens party never waver'd from the friendship which he protest to the Cardinal and sent a challenge that very day to his Brother Beaufort but Marishal de Estre hindred their meeting Whilst things were in this posture both sides studied how to win the peoples affection wherein the whole affair did consist but they being born away by the desire of Novelty inclined rather to favour the male-contents than the Court which made the Frondeurs joyn the more closely to the Princes and to the Duke of Orleans It will not be much from the purpose upon this occasion to say something upon the Court interests which consisted wholly in the Kings and Queens Authority and in the Forces of the Kingdom which were firm in the same Resolution with the Cardinal never to set the Princes at liberty till the King being come to years of Majority might be able to divert those Plots which they had framed in his minority to the prejudice of his power for now they were in a safe place The Duke of Orleans together with his Wife and Daughter being joyn'd to Beaufort and the Frondeurs solicited the Parliament and the Parisians to concur in freeing the Princes to the end that the Cardinal's credit being lost their Authority might be the more considerable in the King's minority The Dutchess of Chevereux and the Coadjutors aim was the same She by reason of the Marriage agreed upon between the Prince of County and her only Daughter and the Coadjutor promising himself by this Alliance that the Dutchess was to have with the Prince of Conde to arrive at the Cardinals Cap since he had no such hopes from the Court Thus Paris being wholly set by the concurrance of so many Princes and people of quality upon pulling down the Cardinal nothing was seen in the Parliaments Palace but the concourse of people and of Cavalliers who publickly cri'd out for the Princes liberty and against the Cardinal So as instead of seeing the Court quieted after the favourable successes in Champagnia and the peace of Guienne it was on the contrary become fuller of confusion But the Cardinal not being aware of the correspondency which the imprisoned Princes had with their adherents was not much troubled thereat by reason of the assurance he received from La Bar who thought not to be deceived by his own people for the Prince of Conde won one of Bar's Servants who was appointed to attend him by whose means he received Letters corrupted the Guards and had notice of all things by the means of Physicians Chirurgions which visited him so as he sent and received advertisements without the knowledg of Bar or of the Cardinal Thus the Dutchess of Chevereux having made the Marriage sure and the Coadjutor having won the Duke of Orlean's favour they kept him always firm to them the Dutchess of Chevereux and the Princess Palatine carried all things with great dexterity and secresie and amidst all the tumultuous meetings that were made in Ianuary the first President did great
service as well in the publick assembly as in private discourse with their Majesties as Commissioners from the Parliament using his best indeavours for the Princes liberty The Court and Cardinal being thus undermined saw they were obliged to give the Princes their liberty yet they failed not by means of many Princes and others on whom they relyed to handle the agreement so as that they were to acknowledg their Releasement merely from the Queen and should be only bound to her and joyn with her if they could but break the designs of the Coadjutor and of others The Marquess Chastoneus who for his venerable age was well thought of by both sides sent for the Prince his friends to him as Viola Vesnsond Croisy Arnault and others and in presence of Secretary Tillier proposed a particular Treaty for the Princes liberty Conde's friends listned willingly to this for they suspected that the Cardinal being gone and when Orleans should be Arbitrator at Court he might still detain the Princes in Prison by the Coadjutor's instigation which they said was the Coadjutor's hidden design whilst the Cardinal was upon his journey to Haure de Grace and whilst Grammont Lyon and Goulas negotiating with the Prince did agree together that Conde should renounce all Leagues as well within as without the Kingdom that he should not come into Claremont Bellegrade the Castle of Dijon nor the Tower of Burges till four years after his disimprisonment that the King should put a Garrison into Steney that the Duke of Longueville should quit the Government of Normandy as being too near Paris having another Government as good given him The Dukes of Nemeurs and of Rochfaucolt who were come to Paris subscribed the Treaty and hound themselves to observe it since Orleans had not given them the Kings Letter till after they had signed it The Queen did this to further Lyon's Negotiation in Haure de Grace who had order to handle the business so as that the King might receive no prejudice thereby and that it might appear to proceed merely from the Queens favour but whilst Monsieur Vrliere and others went to see this Treaty performed the Cardinal set them at liberty so as their was no more speech thereof and the Princes came out of Prison as you shall hear in the next Book THE HISTORY OF FRANCE The SIXTH BOOK The CONTENTS Cardinal Mazarine parts unexpectedly from Paris and goes to Haure de Grace The Parisians rise and under pretence that the King and Queen might also go out of Paris they set Guards round about the Palace-Royal The Princes are dis-imprisoned and return in glory to Paris The Cardinal goes to Sedam and retires from thence to Burles in Germany The Dutchess of Longueville and Marishal Turenne are restored to Court The Marriage between the Prince of County and Madamoselle Chevereux is broken off whereat the Dutchess of Chevereux is scandalized and become an Enemy to Conde who loseth many friends Assemblies of Ecclesiasticks and of the Nobility insue They pretend to call an Assembly of the States General and are dissolved with promise from the King that they shall be called another time Marishal Chasteauneus is in disgrace at Court and the Seals are delivered to the first President of Parliament The Duke of Orleans and the Frondeurs are troubled thereat they make the Queen re-assume them and deliver them to the Chancellor of the Kingdom The Prince takes new distasts at Court and begins new troubles at the Cardinals return divers proposals are made by both parties Conde at unawares retires from Paris goes to St. Maure pretends not to be safe at Court demands that some State Ministers be sent away which is done but is not content for all this he makes other pretentions the Queen seeks all means how to appease him but in vain He makes league with Spain and by his friends and kindred is forced to make War which he does unwillingly foretelling no good success The Spaniards begirt Barcellona and divers accidents happen in those parts THE Parliament being fomented by the Duke of Orleans by the Frondeurs and Male-contents and which was of more importance being frightned at the rage of the people who ran in great numbers storming to the publick Palace after they had made humble Remonstrances to the Queen for the liberty of the Princes and for the removal of the Cardinal it was questioned whom the Provost of Merchants ought to obey in case the people should take up Arms and the assembly seeming to give that Attribute to the Duke of Orleans and the commotions growing hotter and hotter in the City the Cardinal was in danger of his life Wherefore the Dutchess of Chevereux who did not build too much upon Orleans his stability and who desired that the Cardinal would yield used all possible means to make him be gone shewing the Queen sometimes how necessary it was to satisfie Orleans who being sweetned by this demonstration of esteem put upon him would be easily won over sometimes saying That if the Cardinal would yield but for some few days till such time as the Duke might be brought back to Council he would undoubtedly be appeased and being a Prince naturally well given would by strong reasons be made to see how falsely he had been informed from whence he might be brought to alter his mind wherein she would be ready to co-operate being as desirous of the Crowns good as any other whosoever but the Counsel were of several opinions and though there were but few that did not inwardly desire the Cardinals fall yet some were absolutely against his departure advising that 2000. Gentlemen of the Countrey who were well affected to the Court should enter Paris make head against Orleans and drive him and all the turbulent Spirits out of the City who wanting the presence of the imprisoned Princes could expect but little from any else who wanted credit and were not fit to govern War as was Conde and some that were more affectionate to the Crown said That upon this occasion they might follow Cromwell's example who had reduced London a great and powerful City for people and wealth to intire obedience by making the Army advance into the Suburbs and begirt the City again as they had done the preceeding year Plessis Pralin de Eure and the Father of Marishal Santerre appeared more concerned for the Cardinals tarrying than all the rest for they said plainly That they had rather see him in that condition whom they by experience had found to be cruelly demean'd than others who peradventure were more rigid had further pretences Count Servient Tillier and Lion were true to the Cardinal and contributed Counsels becoming the Kings service But those who naturally were given to love novelty desired he might absent himself and these were more in number Chasteneus the Guard de Seaux particularly strove to shew that there was no better expedient for the present than the Cardinals absence and that the effect must be
removed by the removing the cause some others of the Cardinals Domesticks taking offence at the strange proceeding of the Frondeurs and Male-contents said That he was to maintain himself by force and to asswage the tumor before it did more insistolize these said That the King was absolute Master and that the Subjects were to renounce not to censure the Kings actions that all the strong holds Soldiers Subjects and greatest part of the Nobles were for the King Wherefore they ought not to foregoe the Resolutions of suppressing of some ambitious Spirits who were incouraged only by the popular breath of Paris which being a populous City was subject to the fatality of wavering according to the fury of the rabble rout That the strength of the Duke of Orleans of the Frondeurs Parliament and people lay only in their opinion of the Courts weakness which the more reservedly it proceeded against them it made them the prouder and made one contumacious act a ladder whereby to climb up to greater so as to be feared they must appear not to fear that the people seeing a Masculine resolution put on would rather think of saving themselves than of precipitating themselves into a party which was not able to sustain them That the friends of the imprisoned Princes fearing that their lives might be indangered would forbear those attempts which might force the Court to use violence that friends would be incouraged and that it being in the Kings power to bestow all places and honours the desire of merit would prevail more with most men than the unquiet party That therefore they must be no longer in resolving for slow resolutions in such cases shewed weakness and fear which was the only reason of the rashness of the seditious nor did they forbear to say that absolute power might be used upon the Parliament Commissioners yea even to life if their associates should transgress the bounds of duty The Cardinal thought this advice was not to be contemned and had he accepted it it might peradventure have done the deed but the Cardinal though he wanted neither courage nor wit to have done it answered that since the business concerned only himself he would not ingage the Kings Authority in his defence against a Nation to which he intended glory and advantage not misery and troubles being confident that the Duke of Orleans the Parliament and people would at last clearly discern the cunning of those that were Enemies to quiet and that when this cloud should be once over the innocency of his actions would in time appear more clearly he therefore did only feel the pulse of the Provost de Merchants of the Sheriffs Field-Officers and Colonels and finding them readier to obey Orleans than the King he resolved to yield to the Popular violence believing that like an high going Sea it would grow calm when the winds should cease Nor would he indeavour to carry the King and Court out of Paris as well for that it would be very hard to do by reason of the strict guards that were kept in all the Streets as also that the Court being gone that powerful City would rest at the disposal of his Enemies which was the thing they would be at Being thus resolved to be gone he acquainted the Queen with it saying That if the Duke of Orleans and the Parliament would be satisfied with this things would go well the loss of his person not being to be considered if thereby the publick peace might be purchased But that if no good should accrue by his absence her Majesty might then believe there were some conceal'd plots against her service that she should therefore in such a case keep conceal'd and indeavour by all means to get the King out of Paris and that she should not by any means suffer her self to be perswaded to set the Princes at liberty for when he should be gone and that pretences should not thereby cease they were not to be set at liberty unless upon such conditions as that they should owe the Obligation only to the King's goodness and to no body besides He caused a Letter to be sent to La Bar subscribed by the Queens own hand with order to obey what she should command and to set the Princes at liberty if agreement were made with them or else to detain them till they might in time be set free with more safety things being thus setled he left the Abbate Vndedey with the Queen to have a care of what should occur and in the Evening upon the sixth of February he called for Count Brienne the first Secretary and acquainted him with his Resolution of being gone recommending the Kings interest unto him whose Authority he said was several ways plotted against and without more ado went down stairs got on Horse back and accompanied by only three went by the Rue St. Honore toward the gate de Conferance but hearing that many were run before to the Twilleries where Madamoselle d' Orleans then was for they had had some inckling of his departure he turned about and went by Porte Richelieu and got into the Fields where many of his friends waited for him he went towards St. Germans accompanied by the Counts of Harcourt and Palaw by the Marquesses of Ronserolles Brevall Plessis Belliere by Baron Camilliack and by many others of good condition who in all might make about four hundred Horse He staid at St. Germans and sent speedily to Monsieur Lyon who was gone before to Haure de Grace to negociate with the Princes to know what their intentions were touching agreements and to know of La Bar if coming thither with orders from the Regent he should be received and obey'd But Lyons negotiation proved imperfect by reason of the novelties which had hapned at Paris by which the Queen was compell'd to send orders for their Releasement without any manner of conditions She also sent Count Broglio to Tillier with a Letter acquainting him that the Council stood firm to their resolution of not setting the Princes at liberty till that acknowledging their obligation only from her they might have no occasion to reconcile themselves with the Frondeurs but neither did this hit for one of the Lords of the Privy Council acquainted Chasteauneuf that the Cardinal had conceal'd that the Princes should be set at liberty by none but him This man though he were then an open Enemy to Conde did notwithstanding consent to his liberty so to sweeten him and to let him see that he had forgot all former injuries wherefore it being given out that Mazarine was gone to free the Princes their Enemies fell to consider what prejudice might redound to them if Conde should come out meerly by means of the Cardinal wherefore that they might prevent him they began with great ardor to procure his liberty And Chasteauneuf caused President Perault a great friend of Conde's to be let loose out of the Bastile without order from the Queen but howsoever the Cardinal
condition with him went Monsieur de Comminges to complement the Princes on the Queens behalf the Duke of Rochfaucolt and Monsieur Arnault to do the like on the behalf of the Duke and Dutchess of Orleans President Viola in name of the Parliament and Monsieur Champlastrux as a servant and friend of Conde's to the people great satisfaction Orleans according to his word given to the Queen the day before went to visit the Queen with whom some usual complements being past he staid not long The Cardinal being come this mean while to Haure de Grace was met two leagues on the way by Monsieur Lyon by whom he was informed of what he had done before his entry he sent the Horse that did accompany him to Harfleur and he came in with only his Guard and family He was welcomed with the going off of all the Guns and by all the Inhabitants in their Arms from the gate to the Citadell at the entrance whereof he was met by Marishal Grammont and Monsieur Bar who knowing now that he could not detain the Princes any longer resolved to be himself the first that should acquaint the Princes with their liberty Then the Cardinal after some short consultation had with Grammont Lyon Goulas and Bar went into the Princes lodgings and addressing himself with a chearful countenance to the Prince said thus I bring your Highness orders from the Queen for your own liberty the liberty of your Brother and Brother in law freely without any condition yet her Majesty desires you to love the State the King her and also me which being said he bowed affectionately towards him not forgetting his degree The Prince with a gladsome but Majestical countenance answered I am obliged to her Majesty for Justice I will serve the King the Queen and imbracing the Cardinal and you also said he The Cardinal reply'd The Gates are open I beseech you go presently forth The Prince of County and Duke Longueville would have gone out immediately But Conde seeming to be in no hast call'd for Dinner and so without any manner of Ceremony the three Princes the Cardinal Grammont Paluau Lyon and Goulas set down at the Table and did eat with the same Domestickness â—s if they had always been good friends Dinner being ended whilst order was taking for their departure some discourse past apart between the Prince and Cardinal which what it was is not known from the Chamber they came into the Court-yard where they got into Grammont's Coach Lyon staying behind to receive orders from the Cardinal touching what the Queen was to do in his concernments Conde was the last that stept into the Coach whom when the Cardinal bad farewell he not answering any thing neither by action nor word bad the Coachman drive on The Cardinal wondred much not finding this answerable to the civilities he had received in the Chamber and found what he was to trust to from him who had shewed such inconstancy in so short a time he was notwithstanding comforted to think that if this mutability should continue they might also alter their minds who were his Enemies and might rely more upon him as indeed many did as shall in due time be said The Princes lay that night at Gromeny four leagues from Haure whither that very night came Rochfaucolt Vrliere Viola and Arnault who knew not as yet that they were delivered They sup'd altogether Coâ—de jested sometime with one sometimes with another of them very merrily according to his custom mingling mirth with seriousness in his discourse He writ from thence to Monsieur Croisy to assure the Duke of Orleans that he was not entred into any Treaty with the Court and that he ought all his obligation to him desiring to know how he was to behave himself when he should be at Paris touching his presenting himself first to the Queen or to the Duke from whom he did acknowledg all his obligation Croisy did as he was desired and talked of the rest with the Coadjutor who found as a medium that Orleans should meet the Prince and carry him to the Queen They went the next day from Gromeny to Roan where they prest the Parliament to make the same decree against the Cardinal as the Parliament of Paris had done saying That they were charged so to do by the Duke of Orleans From Roan they came to Magny and so to Pontoise where they found many of the Court Coaches ready to receive them and it being divulged amongst the people that Conde had bound himself to renew his friendship with the Cardinal the opinion vanish't in a moment when they heard from the Prince his own mouth how small account he had made of him and of the conditions which he had offered him As they came to St. Denis Monsieur de Guiraut complemented them from the Queen and from that Town to Paris the whole fields were covered with Coaches Horses and with a multitude of people with extraordinary applause and Jubilee Orleans Beaufort the Coadjutor and all the other great ones met them at the Croix Penchant where lighting out of their Coaches they complemented them The Prince at the entring of Fort St. Denis caused his Coach to stay and gave the Soldiers fifty Pistolets from thence they went to the Palace-Royal paid their respects to the King and Queen thanked them for their liberty and tarried with them about a quarter of an hour discoursing of things indifferent They then went to visit the Duke of Nemeurs who was sick and so went to L' Hostelle de Orleans where they were expected at Supper divers Princes and Cavaliers sat down with them where in their Cups they forbare not to speak dispitefully against the Cardinal the Prince drunk the Duke of Orlean's health and a fig for the Cardinal they all pledg'd it in the same terms except Grammont and Arville who drunk Orleans his health but would not say those other words touching the Cardinal After Supper Conde went to visit the Princess Palatine professing much obligation to her â—or what she had done for him the next day being the 17 th of February they went to Parliament to witness their acknowledgments where they were brought in by Orleans with great Retinue and applause professing their obligations to their Majesties to his Highness and to the Parliament professing also that they would always serve the King and would be governed by the Parliament The first President after having declared how well the Parliament was pleased with their liberty spoke much in praise of the Prince shewing what prejudice had been suffered by his detention and here some desired that a declaration might be made of his innocency and of all theirs that had adhered to him But to return to the affairs of Normandy those who were of the Prince his party were not a little troubled at the news that was given out that the Cardinal was gone to Haure to secure himself yet better and that the Queen sought all means to
concluded as they were then affraid it would be for I remember they began already to give out that too much was yielded unto and that the Queen who was Sister to the Catholick Catholick King and I a forreigner would content the Spaniards at the loss of France But whatsoever their intentions were therein they should not have consented to the laying down of Arms then when they were so successfully imploy'd against an Enemy who whatsoever agreement should have been made would never have been reconciled to this Kingdom for getting free from the bad condition he was in he would have so ordered his affairs as to re-commence War when he might do it upon best advantage Nor will it be doubted but that their malice extended further if reflection be had upon what they said against the peace of Germany though the Spaniards made it sufficiently appear by their being displeased therewith how much they were prejudiced thereby and left no stone unturn'd but used all their power and industry at Vienna and elsewhere to hinder the conclusion thereof They valued not the acquisition of so goodly large and opulent a Country as Alsatia and of two so important places upon the Rhine as Brisack and Philispburg nor the having re-united the three Bishopricks to the Crown with all that belonged thereunto which had been formerly the occasion of bloody Wars It may be seen by the instructions given to the Plenipotentiaries by Cardinal Richlieu in the late King's time whereof I have the original if there were any pretention of getting any footing in Germany Finally my Censurers and those that do their worst and make the greatest noise have by their contentions diverted the Spaniards from applying themselves to peace and they will notwithstanding have me to be the occasion thereof Let me tell you that to confirm this unto you and to let you know that these are the same tricks used to the same ends with the same pretence that they practised not long since against me and against the State as they did three years since Briefly I make it manifest unto you that they had prepared all things necessary to make me sure and to break my neck whatsoever had insued on my last voyage to Champagnia their design being to reduce me to nothing After the Prince of Conde ' s imprisonment it is evident what means they used to put that Prince into a place where they might dispose of him as they lifted Then descending to the particulars of the relief of Guise when besieged by the Spaniards to the recovery of Retell and to the winning of the Battle against Turenne he ended his Letter and dated it the 24 th of Februaoy 1651. When this Letter was read in the Privy Council there were few who were not sensible of so manifest an injury done unto him who had never offended any and who was naturally given to be civil and courteous but they durst not shew it outwardly it being too dangerous to appear a friend to him so as his Enemies might without any opposition reduce things to what pass they pleased And as the Parliament was forced to proceed reservedly and finally to moderate the addition of the decree made for excluding French Cardinals from the Privy Council by reason of the exceptions taken thereunto by the Coadjutor and the Clergy and backt by the Duke of Orleans so the Cardinal being destitute of all support or assistance and his friends turning with his fortune remained a Butt to be shot at by all his enviers and a new decree was made against him on the Eleventh of March containing that the other decrees made against him on the seventh ninth and twentieth of February last and of the second of this present March should be punctually put in execution that himself Allies and Domesticks should be immediately proceed against as well for not having obey'd the aforesaid decrees as for the reprisals which they said were made by his consent of Forreign Vessels the squandring away of the Finances the conveying of moneys out of the Kingdom the hindrance given to the conclusion of the general peace and for having given bad Council to the King That therefore all his goods as well moveable as immoveable should be confiscated that process should be made against all those who had followed assisted or received him or that had held correspondency with him by Letters or otherwise after the time prefixt by the aforesaid decrees and besides the two Deputies who were chosen to make inquiry into his ways who were the Counsellors Brussels and Munieres the Counsellors Birault and Pithou were also charged to proceed to the drawing up of the said Information and they were to go to Dorlans or whithersoever else it was requisite to make process it was also ordered that all the Commonalty and Officers of the Kingdom should bring him to justice either alive or dead and that whosoever should know where any part of his Estate should be concealed they should make it known upon pain of grievous punishment and this severe and unaccustomed decree was not only Printed and posted up upon all publick places but was not without much scandal approved of by all the Church-men of Paris who instead of opposing it in defence of Ecclesiastical indemnity against Decrees unjustly made by Lay-men against a Cardinal of the holy Church did not only suffer so important a prejudice to have its course but did lend their helping hand unto it permitting that the Official of the Archbishop of Paris should give out a writ of Excommunication against all such who knowing where any of the Cardinals Goods were should not bring them in to the Parliament Commissioners and because their conscience struck them for being Authors of so detestable an act they durst not name him in their Writ but past it in the name of quidem homo a thing which certainly deserved to be severely censured if somewhat were not to be permitted to the misfortune of those times which wrought such strange emergencies in all places and especially in France But nothing was effected either by this process or by any of these Decrees for whatsoever diligence was made nothing was found so as that Ship cannot be said to be a tall Ship which hath not indured some great storm so could not the Cardinal have purchased full glory but by the oppositions and persecutions of his Enemies nor could it be better evidenced how great a friend the Heavens are to Innocency and Piety than by the dangers which the Queen ran which according to humane capacity were unevitable whilst the Coadjutor laboring that the Regency might be taken away from her which peradventure might have been the best advice which could have been taken for the interest of that party the Duke of Orleans the Princes and the Parliament opposed it not thinking of what might happen but contenting themselves with the bare superficies of present affairs left if they should take the Government upon them which could
they obtained from him in these words We do consent and approve that the Nobility do Assemble to give in their grievances in writing so asthey put them into our hands and that they comprehend not any thing therein which is not conformable to the orders and decrees of the States General and that when they shall have received satisfaction in their grievances they dissolve when we shall bid them Vpon these conditions we promise them our protection This was written and subscribed on the second of February 1651. They then sent to the Prince of Conde and to the other Princes to congratulate their liberty and Marquess Lordis President of the Nobility made an Encomiastical Oration to the Prince the act of Union was subscribed on the 21 th of February as it had been drawn up seventeen days before by all the Nobility of the Assembly except the elder Marquess Vieville who was won over to the Court upon hope of being made superintendant of the Finances The Princes were well satisfied with the Assemblies complement they then dispatched away Letters through all the Provinces to exhort all other Gentlemen to enter into their Union and continued the Assembly that they might advance their designs Count Fiesco did very much labour the Convocation of the States General as the only means to come by the wisht for general peace strove to keep the Clergy firm to their first intentions and accordingly Archbishop Ambrune and Bishop Cominges spoke boldly for this Convocation using examples and places of Scripture to draw all men to the same opinion In this interim the Parliament which did not like the Convocation of the States General as well for fear left their Authority might thereby be moderated and that the Sale of places might peradventure be thereby suppressed and confer'd upon better deserving men as also out of the innate jealousie which is commonly found between Parliaments and States the latter pretending to be superior in Authority and the other did maintaining that States can resolve nothing unless it be by them verified notwithstanding met And here Monsieur de Coqueley brought a request presented by the Procurator General wherein he blamed the Assembly of the Nobility for being met without the King's Authority and insisted upon the inhibiting thereof but whilst they were deliberating hereupon and that the first President moved that the first Authors thereof should be punished reading the Letters sent by the Assembly to the several Provinces wherein the Duke of Orleans was concerned by whose permission the Assembly met that Duke and the Prince of Conde were intreated to come to the Parliament to deliberate upon this weighty affair for the Assembly began to be in great vogue in the Provinces and there was danger that by continuing the Assembly new disorders might arise This mean while the Queen by agreement with the Duke of Orleans and the Prince of Conde sent on the 16 th of March to the Marishal de L' Hospitalle to inform the aforesaid meeting that it should break up and that as for their desire of having the States General called they should have it granted to meet on the first of October next at Tours The same was confirmed by the Duke of Orleans and the Captain of his Guard past his word that what had been said by the Marishal de L' Hospitalle in the name of the King and Queen should be punctually perform'd The like did the Cavaliere de Vieville by order from the Princes of Conde and County none of which were pleased with the calling of the States General as things too prejudicial to Regal Authority and to themselves in particular and therefore they sought by such excuses and promises to carry things on to the end that all might afterwards dissolve into nothing The Duke of Orleans instigated by the Coadjutor who partook of all his secret Councils became Protector of the Assembly of the Nobility the major part whereof depended upon him as being his intimate friends And the Coadjutor being very much troubled that even French Cardinals were by Decree of Parliament debar'd being of the Privy Council whereby he was deprived of his hope of becoming the chief Minister of State and of being Cardinal made the Duke of Orleans incourage the Clergy to joyn with the Nobility and to complain onto the Queen of the unjust proceedings of Parliament whereat the Court was not at all displeased seeing her adversaries at variance within themselves This Assembly of the Nobility was introduced when the King's Authority began to totter by reason of the hatred conceived against the Cardinal and it was begun by certain Bishops who were discontented at the Court proceedings and by certain Nobles who were not therewith well pleased only to make a noise and to make themselves of some consideration at first these Assemblies were held but by a few and in private houses The chief Authors of those of the Clergy were the Archbishop of Sens Brother to Marquess Termer the Bishops of Orleans Haghen and the old Bishop of Albi who were all three of the house of Bene and come to France from Florence the Bishop of Cominges and others the Marquess of Lourdis and of Vieville the Counts of Betumirs Fiesco Montresore Vrse Fourilles Montignack and others who were all without any charge and but little considered at Court they took their pretence from some ill usage of the Nobility in the Country of Vexin by the King's Officers about a suit touching some counterbar'd Salt brought in by the Soldiers and hid amongst their baggage in the March which the Army made towards the Frontiers some of them came to Paris to complain thereof and finding men displeased at the imprisonment of the Princes and laying hold of that pretence that Mazarine had told the Queen in full Council that the Nobility of France hated the King and that the Parliament would do as that of England had done they bethought themselves of calling the Assemblies by the Assent and Authority of the Duke of Orleans who was not altogether content with the Court. So as nothing but novelty was sought after whereby to win credit and get some Office or place in the King's Council The same whereof being spread over the whole Kingdom so numerous was the concourse of Prelates and of Cavaliers as they became formidable not only to the Court and Parliament but even to the Princes who had first protected the Assembly for they thought that the States General would moderate their power by taking away their Governments and places and that peradventure they would take the boldness of England for when the third Estate should concur and the States General should be met the Arbitrement of affairs would almost depend upon these Afterwards private houses proving too little for these Assemblies they were adjourned to the Covent of St. Francis and St. Augustine where in the great Halls thereof affairs were disposed of in good order But this being done without the King's
permission and State-affairs being therein treated of the Queen forbad all that belonged to the King or Court to go thither as did also the Duke of Orleans and the Princes but finally all ended in the aforesaid eager desire that the States General might be called that by the Authority thereof the disorders of the Kingdom might be provided for and it was prai'd that they might be held in Paris But the Queen did withstand it as much as she could and was seconded therein by the said Princes After many contestations not without heart-burnings on both sides the said Convocation was by Letters from the King put off to be held on the first day of October at Tours and was afterwards adjourned to the eight of the said month on which day the King entring into his Majority the Court and Princes hoped to disanull it since it was introduced by the discontent and interest of particular men and not for the publick good as was pretended France never having been in a more flourishing condition then it was then had it not been for these intestine alterations The Assembly finding that the Queens design was to spin on time till the King was of years that he as his Mother hoped might make it vanish those Gentlemen were much confused and were in dispute whether they should obey the Kings orders or no but the Parliament being met in the interim to oppose these Assemblies the Duke of Orleans declared that he had assented thereunto First to obtain the Princes liberty Secondly to Counterpoise the Cardinal and to remove him from about the King and lastly to preserve every mans interest that notwithstanding that these three points were ended the publick quiet could not be secured whilst Count Servient Tillier Lyon and Madame Navailes were about the Queen all which being the Cardinals Creatures he although he were far off did by their means govern the Court disposing of all things as he had done formerly and having disposed of three Abbies of late of no small concernment that he would therefore desire the Queen to remove these four from her and would intreat the Execution of the Decrees That lie and the Prince of Conde had indeavoured to separate the Nobility upon good pretence and to that purpose the Queen had given way to the calling of the States General on the first of October next But that the Nobility having represented that this promise might prove null since her Regency would then be at an end the Queen had promis'd what she was not able to perform unless the King should consent thereunto that as the Queen had been desired to put off the meeting till the first of September next so he desired the Assembly to retard all resolutions till the next Monday in which time he hoped to end the business with satisfaction to all that he was sufficiently informed that the Cardinal's friends had used all their indeavours that the Parliament might make a Decree against the said Assemblies and that they had indeavoured to divide the Prince of Conde from him since the Mazarinians could not subsist but amidst divisions and disorders The Prince of Conde spoke to the same Tune and added that it was not long since they had gone about to pluck him from his Royal Highness but that they had gained nothing therein for that he was constant in the Union agreed upon for the King's service and preservation of Regal Dignity After this the first President spoke against this Assembly terming it unlawful contrary to Regal Authority that they ought to obey the orders brought them by the Marishal de L' Hospitalle not joyn with the Clergy was yet more to contemn the King's Dignity and therefore was not to be tolerated by Parliament that the end thereof was to confound Government and to introduce civil War so as to oppose it and destroy it was to serve the publick good That the Duke of Orleans had promised by the Marishal de L' Hospitalle to cause it to dissolve on last Wednesday and that notwithstanding it still continued that the Parliament was grieved to see the fractures of the Royal family which was fomented by some troublesome spirits who abusing his Royal Highness good nature fed him with false representations and adding one disorder to another did confound all in so much as after the Cardinals expulsion those who stood candidate for the same Dignity afforded matter of new Revolutions the remedy whereof was no longer to be retarded The Duke of Orleans answered That he had not appointed Wednesday with the Marishal de L' Hospitalle that he would resist and not maintain any thing that was prejudicial to the King's service and promised that on Monday next the Assembly should be quietly dissolved The first President replied that he heard another Assembly was held in the Covent of the Carmelites at the Palace Mobert which took upon it the quality of the third Estate and which tended to new sedition that therefore it was no longer time to neglect the King's service and the States interest the King's Authority being so far ingaged and that the business was to be taken into consideration according to yesterdays Decree The Duke answered he did not think the Company would deny him three days at the end whereof he promised to be present in Parliament and to give his consent to all Decrees if the Assembly were not first dissolved The President of Mesmes asked him whether or no he would disapprove the said Assembly if it did not dissolve before Monday And Marishal Grammont to ease the Duke of replying propounded that if the Assembly should not dissolve before Monday his Highness should promise to disapprove it and to oppose it with all his Power and Authority upon which promise the Resolution was put off till Monday President Cognieux Brussells Thou and Charton spoke in favour of the Assembly and Thou said there was of the best blood of France therein to which the first President answered that there were men in France who were twenty times better than they who had not subscribed it whereof those of the Assembly being advertised they presently publish'd a declaration of their pretentions shewing that they were met only for the publick good and this was accompanied by a Letter sent upon the occasion of the Assembling of the Nobility which did contain a declaration against those who said their Assembling without the King's Authority was Criminal they said that all that could be objected to it was that it was done without the King's permission for that the Laws forbid all publick meetings without his Majesties consent that for any thing else what the Nobility did complain of and whereof they could speak was correlative to the Law and what in justice could not be denied that during the King's minority his Authority was in the Regent and in the Lieutenant General of the Crown so as their Authority must be had to make a lawful Assembly that the point lay
with the King and her Majesties interest and if occasion should require declare her self against the Frondeurs The Princesses entred into the treaty the Queen seemed ready to give them all reasonable satisfaction the Prince inclined to agreement but some of his friends and particularly Chavignie whispering in his ear that he ought not to forego his old friends for new ones that the Court was full of subtilty whereby he might be sure at last to be deluded and he listning more to bad than to good Counsel he would not be fed with bare hope nor confide in the Court So as not being able by these means to reduce him they tackt about and resolved totally to ruine him for he being supprest little care was to be had of the rest and to effect their intent they resolved to secure themselves of all the Provinces of the Kingdom And the Duke of Longueville who was Governour of Normandy and Brother in Law to the Prince was sought to be won over by a secret treaty which was effected by friends on both sides and whereunto Longueville listned not for that he had any natural good inclinations but because he was not well pleased with Conde who dealt disdainfully with him and fomented his Wife in Domestick differences that were between them he ingaged his word that he never would recede from what was agreed on with the Court no not for any whatsoever offer might be made him of bettering his condition All the Officers of the Flanders Army were also treated with who took a new Oath to serve his Majesty against all his Enemies within or out of the Kingdom and declared that they did depend only upon the King They summon'd in all the Troops which served under the name of the Prince to appear at a general Muster and that they might be disposed of in several parts they thought either to detain their pay or to give them inconvenient quarters or if need were to disarm them but the Prince suspecting this wrought so as that they drew up towards Burgundy Champagnia and the Frontiers of Picardy and that they should never come within three days march of the King's Army They afterward indeavoured to draw over from the faction of the Frondeurs as many of the Parliament or of the chief Citizens as they could among which President Novion was one deceiv'd in his hopes of being the Director of the Duke of Orlean's Council Monsieur le Feure Provost of the Merchants and finally all means were used to draw over the Princess Palatine who afterwards grew a great confident of the Queen and Cardinal by reason of her being but badly requited by Conde's Family after her so much partiality and good service done to Conde and they also won over the Dutchess of Chevereux and the Coadjutor promising to call the Marquess of Chasteauneuf to the Privy Council again and to nominate the Coadjutor to be Cardinal when the King should be of age the joyning together of the two last was of great importance in this business out of their desire to revenge themselves of the Prince and as being partakers of the Duke of Orleans his most secret Council all this was managed by the Court with their accustomed cunning for the most wary were of opinion that the Queen could not confide neither in Chevereux nor in the Coadjutor in whom she was forc'd notwithstanding to seem to trust and to believe things which were unlikely and though it was thought that by Chasteauneuf's return to Council Chevereux might pretend to have a share in the Government of the Kingdom and that the Coadjutor by being Cardinal might one day prove Favourite even they allured by such hopes labour'd to keep in favour with their Majesties and to seem desirous of Mazarine's return wherein Chasteauneuf being of all others most vigilant fearing Conde's faction and considering that the Cardinal would at last overcome all difficulties since it was the King and Queens will having with great wonder hard the question asked by Priolo in Conde's name whether or no he would approve of the Cardinals return he was desirous to sound the bottom of the business wherefore he sent his confident Berret to Brules with a Letter of credence and with exhibition to imploy all his power in helping his return when the Cardinal saw the Letter he very warily made Berret write down the articles of instruction at the foot of the Letter and that he might the better discover truth treat the more securely and know the true meaning of the Queen he sent Abbot Vndedey to Paris incognito in whom he trusted much who coming thither with much danger of losing his life he behaved himself so well as he agreed with Chasteauneuf that he should be made chief Minister of State when the King should be of years he assured the first President that he should have the Seals restored to him and Marquess Vieville that he should be made superintendent of the Finances Vndedey not having a Pasport from the Spaniards was in his journy to Paris stopt by the Garrison of Charlemont but was released at thirteen days end for they considered that it made not for them to detain one who by his negotiation might renew jealousies and afford new pretences to the Male-contents he being imploy'd to revive the Cardinals Party whose subsistance was judged necessary by the Spaniards thereby to make Conde joyn more firmly with them and holding that this was the only means to widen the wounds of France The Princes were advertised of his detention and of his being set free and they laid snares for him by the way but he fearing it turned about by Mesieres and past in disguise through the Princes Troops and got safe to Paris whereat the Queen was very glad Vndedey staid Eleven days not being discovered by whatsoever the Princes could do he negotiated all the business that he was come about which was all put off till the King should be of years but fearing afterwards to be found he went to Peroun and staid there incognito till the King was of years and till the Prince retired from Court after which being recalled by the Queen he returned to Paris to finish what he had begun The Parliament knowing that it was an unjust and odious thing to make a man guilty without naming his fault that they might the better justifie their proceedings against the Cardinal sent two Counsellors of the Chamber into Normandy and Picardy and to all places through which he past to inform themselves diligently of all his comportments in order whereunto Cantarini an Italian Bancker was imprisoned and had all his Writings taken from him hoping to find notes of the sums of Money which he was said to have conveyed into Italy and Germany and Brousell was appointed to make this inquisition who was his chiefest Enemy but after having spent much time in making diligent search he returned without any thing worthy the Assemblies knowledg Nothing was found in Canterini's writings
who was much distrusted at Court should go into Normandy it would have been suspected that she had kept intelligence between those Princes and given the Court occasion to take the Government of that Province from her Husband so as to keep from doing so she was forced to keep far from him and that she would rather seem discontent than otherwise to the end that if the Prince should imbrace peace she might presently be gone to Normandy The second reason was that the Dutchess governing the Prince of County at her pleasure who was not upon over good terms with his Brother were it either for his being young which would not suffer him as yet to have full cognizance of weighty affairs or were it by reason of his easie nature ready to alter upon any occasion it was consequently requisite that the Dutchess should keep them joyned together wherefore she went to Montrond on the 28 th of Iuly When the Prince was come to St. Maure he sent Duke Rochefaucolt to desire the Duke of Orleans to assure the Queen from him that he was not withdrawn out of any ill intention but to free himself from danger which he apprehended the Duke wondered at this his so sudden departure and answered that he would indeavour to put all things in good order being sure that the Court had no ill opinion of him The Queen sent Monsieur de Cominges to the Duke to tell him that she put the King's concernments into his hands to the end that he might give sufficient caution to the Prince whom she accused of being too apt to believe false and imaginary suggestions When Orleans spoke with her Majesty they resolved to send Marishal Grammont to discover the Prince his pleasure and to offer him all security if he would return to Court The Marishal acquainted the Prince with what the Queen and Duke of Orleans had given him in charge the Prince grew to know his Error but doubted least he might grow less in Reputation if he should so easily acknowledg he had put on a resolution for which he had no ground wherefore to maintain what he had done and to make it appear that he had done it not out of any causeless fear he dryly answered there could be no safety for him whilst the Cardinals creatures kept about the Queen whereupon the Marishal desired to speak with him in private but he would not consent thereunto saying that he was not to treat with him of any thing which was not to be discovered to all his friends so dismissing him with very small satisfaction the Marishal returned to acquaint the Queen with what had past The Princess Palatine went also to acquaint the Prince into what a precipice he was about to throw himself upon vain suspicious suggested into him by such as desired Novelty and desire the ruine of the Royal Family She told him he needed not doubt the Queens word and that she having interposed her self in the first agreement and promised in his name what was agreed upon these retractations seemed strange to her which were grounded upon weak pretentions Marishal Villeroy and Count Chavigny went to him also to the same end but could do no good the Prince said he had been once deceived and durst confide no longer so long as Count Servient Tillier and Lyon the Cardinals creatures kept in the posture they were in with the Queen That the Cardinal would undoubtedly return with whom continual commerce was held notwithstanding the Parliaments prohibition that private negotiations had been had in Sedam and in Brisack to bring the Cardinal into one of those strong holds wherefore the Prince had thought fit to withdraw himself into a place of safety and he sent afterwards a Letter by a Gentleman to the Parliament unto the same purpose The first President answered that Conde had undertaken a dangerous Resolution whilst not many days before the Queen had assured him by the Duke of Orleans that there was no imaginable evil conceived against him that he might go to the Parliament and freely propound his sense that he should find there the same security that County had the Assembly was adjourned till the next day and County being this mean while returned from St. Maure he acquainted his Brother with what had past on Saturday he came to the Parliament where those of the King's party appeared with a writing from his Majesty containing That the Queen did not believe the Prince of Conde would have continued his Iealousies so as to withdraw from the Court after that she had sufficiently assured him that she had never any thought which might make him mistrustful that the Duke of Orleans knew the sincerity of her actions and that he had ascertained the Prince of the Truth of what her Majesty had said unto him that it was far from her to act any thing contrary to the liberty of his person that Marishal Grammont had assured as much to the Prince who might inform the Assembly of what had past That the King had impowered the Duke of Orleans to treat of an agreement and that he would be very glad the Parliament would intercede therein that if the Prince his Iealousies consisted only in his own safety and in the Cardinals return her Majesty declared from the very first her intentions of not recalling him That she had past her word thereupon unto the Parliament which she would religiously preserve and that for what concern'd the negotiations of Sedam and Brisack she might justly think her self injur'd that the Lieutenant of that Government had without his Majestie 's order thrust the King's Governour out that for as much as concern'd those who were of the Privy Council that they being the Queens Domestick servants which she might at her pleasure chuse it was answered that the first had served the late King with such fidelity as the Prince had no reason to distrust them that her Majesty could assure them that she had never had any occasion to suspect they had any intentions contrary to his Majesties service and that none of them was ingaged in the Cardinals return That if the Prince did not admit of what was offer'd him but should still keep far from the King it was to be suspected that there was somewhat else which kept him from waiting personally upon the King which the Queen was infinitely troubled at who desired nothing more than to see a perfect Vnion of the Royal Family which was so requisite for the good of the State This writing being read the first President began to discourse thereupon and turning to the Duke of Orleans said that it belonged unto him to undertake a business of such importance since the Queen putting most confidence in him and that the Prince was more joyn'd in interest with him than with any other he might easily do good He therefore desired him to use his wisdom to grub out those Roots which might bud forth into the unevitable ruine of France wherein
take good order speedily referring himself for what was more to Count Brienne the first Secretary of State who presently read a writing dated the 17 th of August containing That his Majesty with much sorrow found that after so many Declarations made formerly against the Cardinal the Enemies of the publick good did still make use of the same pretence to foment the dissentions which were already kindled in the State which had made his Majesty to send for them to him to declare again that he intended to exclude the Cardinal for ever not only out of his Council but out of his Kingdom inhibiting all his Subjects to hold any correspondency with him and declaring that whosoever should countervene this his Royal will should incur the penalties specified in the antient orders of his Predecessors and by the late decrees of his Sovereign Courts to which purpose he commanded that all necessary courses should be taken That after having given this assurance to all his Subjects his Majesty could no longer conceal without prejudice to his Authority what was done Here he mentioned all the favours and graces which the house of Conde and this Prince in particular had received from the late King and the now Regent that his Majesty after having consented at the intreaties of the Queen his Mother and of his Vnckle the Duke of Orleans and of the Parliament to grant him his liberty he had restored him to the same place as formerly in his Councils had returned unto him the Government of the so many Provinces and Towns which he and his adherents held in the Kingdom so as it was easie to be believed that he rather chose to be feared than loved That after having confirm'd the Forces raised by him which were sufficient to make an Army that after having given way to the change of his Government of Burgundy for that of Guienne he had moreover permitted him to keep the Towns which he held in Provence whereby he had granted him more than had ever been granted to any That he had caused the immense sums to be paid unto him which he said was due to him for arrears of Pensions for the pay of his Soldiers and Garrisons which were such as to content him he was forced to alter the monies which were design'd for the maintaining of his Majesties houshold and of his Fleets and that finally he had left nothing undone which might give him intire satisfaction and make him imploy those good qualities wherewith God had indued him as he had done formerly to his Majesties service that his Majesty having expected this found much to his dislike by the actions so contrary to the solemn protestations made unto him by the Parliament that he was much deceived for that as soon as he was free from imprisonment his solicitations had induced his Majesty to make the alteration which they all saw in his Council and that having thrived in this his first attempt he grew so bold as to complain of the conduct of the three Officers and of the Queen his Mother who commanded them to withdraw not only from the Court but from Paris so to take all pretence of complaint from the Prince and to appease the revolts which he was about to raise That when by all these graces it was hoped he would comply with his Majesty in some things or at least forbear his evil courses he then did the clean contrary to what his Majesties goodness towards him had strove to withdraw him That after the Duke of Orleans had past his word to him in his Majesties name and had offer'd unto him all he desired and pretended unto He kept many days from resolving to see his Majesty notwithstanding that he met him once in passing by that at last being desired by the said Duke and by the Parliament to pay his Majesty his due respects he saw his Majesty but once and was then received by both their Majesties with all demonstration of love sufficient to wean him from all sinister opinion that his Majesty was obliged to declare what was come to his knowledg as well within as out of the Kingdom And that to begin with publick affairs that after two months he had absented himself from the Council speaking ill of the Parliament and saying that he could not trust his Majesty nor those that were about him The Prince had written to the Parliament and to many chief Cities to imprint sinister opinions in them of his Majesty ingaging many in every Province to take up arms when they should be desired to do so by him and by the City of Paris which gives motion to all other places That he had given out an ill report of his Majesties good intentions that he had re-inforced the places intrusted to his Government that he had fortified them with all things necessary and done this then without any order from the King imploying his Majesties Subjects therein and making them forego gathering in their Harvest That he had taken his Wife and Sister into the strong hold of Montronde That he had got together a considerable sum of Mony that he had practised all things which might make it be believed that he held intelligence with the Enemies of the Crown particularly at Brussels with the Archduke and Count of Fuenseldaglia causing their Messengers to be guided to Cambrey by Horse drawn out of his Troops that the Prince had done these things without his Majesties knowledge or leave that therefore his correspondency was not to be doubted with those with whom the King had declared War That he would not make the Spaniards go out of Stenay as he was obliged to do which was the only condition that was required from him when he had his liberty given him That he had afforded means to Don Stephano di Gamara to come with his Army to the Mose that he had munition'd Moson and kept the passage of Dun whereby part of Champagnia was put to contribution thereby to make the Spaniards more able to undertake things against the Kingdom and to divert the proceedings of the King's Forces which being greater than theirs might be made greater in the low Countreys by an enterprise never known in France That notwithstanding all express orders given those that commanded his Forces would never obey the orders given them to joyn with the body of the King's Army which occasioned the confounding of all designs as well in respect of the differences which the King had had with the Prince as for having given time to the Enemy to know themselves and to put themselves in a condition to oppose his Majesties Forces moreover that he had made them more resolute by the hopes or rather assurance given them of some coâ—motion in the Kingdom That he must not forbear to mind them of the dissolutions committed by the Soldiers under Conde's command in Champagnia and Picardy which ended in the ruine of those Provinces instead of carrying the War into the Enemies Country
his Catalonian Regiment and some other Commanders to Skirmish a while till all his other men got to L' Hospedeletto one league distant from Barcellona where on the 4 th of August he retreated to the Covent of Valdonsella not far from the Walls and incamped his men about the Ditches of Barcellona making two quarters one in the same place the other in the Covent of the Angeli Veuki The Spaniards being this mean while faln down without any opposition from the hill into the plain of Lobegrate within sight of the City they incamped themselves along the River and having taken a Tower upon the head of the same River on the 8 th of August they landed their Artillery which came from Taragona and 2500 Germans and on the 12 th day accosted the City incamping from Sans to Saria and the next day they inlarged themselves towards St Martino a mile distant on the East from Barcellona with the aforesaid six Ships and with three others afterwards and six Gallies they came within sight of the City and here the French committed a second error in suffering the Spaniards to march from Maria to St. Martine without assaulting them as they might have done which infused such jealousies into the Catalonians as made them march out after three in the afternoon to fall upon them with all their Foot and part of their Horse but the Rear which was already come up to the body of the Battle finding the design staid so as Marsine finding his design discovered return'd to his quarters from whence he was not advanced as far as a Musquet might shoot On the 15 th day the Spaniards began to make their Trenches on St. Martine's quarters and advanced with them towards Masquinardo and at the same time made three little Forts upon the tops of those Mountains seated between the said Masguinardo and the Covent of Madonna delle Gratia where not long after they made another quarter in which things they spent many days without any considerable success for though the French sallied out with 300 Horse and fell upon some of the Spanish Forces who went for forage no great harm was done the Spaniards being succor'd by a great body of Horse which drove the French back into their quarters and thus went affairs without any great novelty till the 20 th of September Where after Marsine by the means of Marquess Monpullion who went as the Catalonians said to treat with the Spaniards where Letters past between him and Conde the business being agreed upon Marsine went presently away pretending to go upon some enterprise towards Taragona and then turning his march towards Ponts and Vrgil went into Guienne to the Prince of Conde he was accompanied by Marquess Monpullion by Monsieur Luzzan Marishal of the Battle by Espencee who commanded his Regiment and with about 400 Horse and some carriages of Baggage and Munition He would have carried more people away with him but was hindred by Don Giuseppe Marquerite and Marquess Marcelly who discoursed of the vvay of stopping him for they had apprehensions of him vvhereunto Barcellona vvould easily have agreed for that City mistrusted him all the Catalonians vvho sided vvith him vvere much suspected by those vvho vvere more faithful and began to observe either vvays vvhich vvas alvvays aftervvards prejudicial to France A great sense vvas had in Barcellona of this flight of a General vvho could not know well how to better his condition Don Giuseppe Margherite by consent of all the Citizens and Council of Barcellona took the Government of all things upon him and sent Monsieur de Roy who commanded the Queens Regiment to the Court to acquaint their Majesties with all that was past and to solicite them to send another Viceroy speedily Don Giuseppe de Ardena and Count de Alets who were at this time gone out with about 800 Horse were sent for back into Barcellona they being in the parts of Gravoile as also the Deputies of Catalonia who were at Mandrise ten Leagues from Barcellona making new leavies of men and providing things fitting to relieve the City fearing least after Marsine's flight the Spaniard would have stormed the City For defence of this Town there were before Marsine went away 3000 French foot 1200 Switzers 1700 French Horse besides these that received pay there were 3000 Armed Citizens and 85 pieces of Artillery For what concerns the Province of Catalonia the best and strongest Towns were in the Spaniard's hands as Taragona Lerida Flix Mirevet Tortoja Fragra Monson and others and none held for the Catalonians but Barcellona Bellaguer upon the River Segra Arbecca Cervera Camerassa Vrgell Trem the Castle of Valenza Sauroca Alose Roses and Palamose The Baron della Fera a French man commanded in Bellaguer with 400 foot in Arbecca Monsieur Marie with 40 or 50 men in Arger Cavaliere Austrea with 200 foot in Camer assa an Officer of the Garrison of Bellaguer with 30 Soldiers in Trem Don Giame Dearill a Catalonian with 200 foot in Sauroca Monsieur Durnareda with 40 Soldiers in Alose Sieur Rochfertier with 300 men in Roses the Marquess Della Fara elder Brother to the Baron with 300 Soldiers in Palamose Sieur de Chastenure with 50 men all which places were capable of greater Garrisons but were guarded by so few for want of men for most of the Governours were so avaricious caring little for any thing but how to fill their own purses made false musters that they might pocket up dead pays to the ruine of the publick and of their own private honours The affairs of Catalonia going thus and the Siege of Barcellona before which the Spaniards fortified themselves still more and ingrossed their Army with divers Troops which came from several places they hoped to put a good end to that War Marquess Mortara who apply'd himself wholly to this end failed not to provide what was necessary and knowing that it was fit to make a line of Circumvallation before the French could be able to bring succor after he had minded the perfecting of the head quarter at St. Martino from the 13 th of August to the 3 d. of October Marquess Palanesine who came that very day went to Sans with part of his men to make another quarter there forcing some Catalonians who were fortified in the Church-yard to yield and then they fell upon the Tower of Losiere guarded by Captain Brodas with 40 foot about which the Catalonians came where about 100 of them were slain and taken Prisoners which Mostares brought to relieve it and the same time they took the Monastery of St. Matrona by night seated in the midst of Mongenick which commanding the whole City they placed 7 pieces of Canon upon it and began to play upon the Houses but did not much harm During these prosperous successes Don Iohn of Austria appears the 19 th of October with Nine Gallies and one Ship on the Strand over against the said quarters of St. Martine where casting anchor he
discontentedly towards Burges a chief City in Berry which had declared for the Prince here Croisy met him and proposed unto him a meeting with Orleans which Conde refusing he offer'd that if he would keep quietly in his own Governments till the calling of the States General he should have good quarters assigned him for his Forces to the end that during the Assembly of the said States he might be in a condition of being considered and he further promised him in the name of the Duke and of Chasteauneuf that the States should be kept in an unsuspected place and that if they could get the Queens good will they should be kept in St. Denise where by the neighbourhood of Paris he might have intire liberty The Prince considered the advantage of these propositions whereby he might preserve his Troops and fortifie them during the winter an unfit reason for War foreseeing that he should hardly withstand the King's Forces with his new men and he knew that if the Cardinal should be re-called whilst he was in his Government that finding him Armed and stuck unto by so many friends all that he could desire either for himself or his friends must necessarily be granted him and that if the Cardinal should return without his consent all the Provinces and Parliaments that were the Cardinals Enemies would declare for him And that if the Cardinal should keep away which he could hardly believe all France would acknowledg this satisfaction from him and would be obliged to him for it When he had well weighed these proposals and was willing to accept them he called the Prince of County unto him and the Dukes of Nemeurs and Rochefaucolt and acquainted them therewith but these believing that when Arms should be taken up the Court would grant all that he could pretend unto told him that these were but tricks to weaken him and his faction They wish'd him to consider that Burdeaux was ready to declare and that Spain did with impatience expect this resolution that if he should lose this occasion he should lose all the succour and assistance that he could expect from thence and that he would lose all his chief friends in this diversity of opinion the Prince would put on no resolution till he went to Montronde to debate every particular with his Sister Longueville and willed Croisy to follow him He held divers consultations in Montronde and freely made it known that he was inclin'd to an agreement but being contradicted by all the rest it may be said he was forced to a resolution contrary to his will and as he was walking in his Park he said aloud that since they were absolutely for his taking up Arms not to oppose them he agreed thereunto but bad them remember that he was the last who as inforced thereunto took his Sword in hand but that he would be the last who should sheath it soon after he called for Croisy and charged him to present his respects to the Duke of Orleans and to desire him not to slacken his indeavours and authority in finding out some way of accommodation for he would be ready to accept of peace when he knew he might safely do it But his friends and kindred were so desirous of a breach as left he might agree whereunto they found him willing enough the Prince of County Dutchess of Longueville Dukes of Nemeurs and Rochefaucolt President Viola and divers others agreed privately amongst themselves promising never to separate but to joyn even against the Prince himself if he should agree with the Court without obtaining such-satisfaction for them as they pretended to and this they did to make themselves considerable and not totally dependant upon the Prince So as first Chavigny and then the rest were the impulsive reasons of the Prince his precipice and of all the troubles that befell France afterwards for all things would have been sweetned and the Prince re-assuming the Military imployments of the Crown would have triumphed over his Enemies he not being really corrupted in his will but by the inticement of others so as it may be said that from hence arose the civil dissentions The Prince leaving his Wife and Son in the Castle at Montronde together with the Duke of Nemeurs who followed him and Prince County and Dutchess Longueville staying in Burges went on the 16 th of September towards Vertuile where he found many of Rochefaucolt's friends whose house that was to whom he gave Monies and Commissions to raise men he from thence continued his journey without any interruption and arrived at Burdeaux where he was received with extraordinary applause and upon his coming thither made the first President be told that he should not come before him and that as being partial to the Queen he should go out of the City whereunto he was incited by the Frondeurs and by Blanck the second President but the Prince assured him of his friendship if during these commotions he would keep neuter in his Castle at Rilandraut When Conde came to Burdeaux he sent his trusty servant Lenet into Spain to treat with Spain which treaties were concluded as soon as begun for the Spaniards thought it was not now time to slight a Prince of France furnish'd with friends and one so famous in War the treaty was agreed upon between his Catholick Majesty and him and his adherents with these expressions First that the treaty of Stenay between the Archduke the Dutchess of Longueville and General Turenne should be confirm'd in all parts That the Prince should be bound never to treat of peace without the King of Spains consent who also promised never to make peace with France without comprehending the Prince upon such terms as should satisfie him His Catholick Majesty obliged himself to pay 500000 Crowns to raise men and to keep a fleet in the River of Burdeaux which might be able to secure that City and to keep commerce open with Biscay That he should absolutely command all the Armies of Spain and that all the Towns which should be taken in France should remain in his hands save one Haven which should be allowed the King of Spain for the security of his Fleets at Sea and of the Towns which had been taken from the Spaniards in the present War That the King of Spain should send about 8000 to the Prince his Soldiers who were in Campagnia which should be independantly under the sole command of the Prince or of him that he should send The King promised to pay yearly 600000 Crowns for maintenance of the Forces and the Prince having given hopes upon such ends as hath been formerly touched upon that the Duke of Longueville should enter into the same concernment the King promised that in such a case he would assist him with Arms Money Men and Shipping that he might wage War in Normandy In prosecution of which treaty Conde did what he could to make Marishal Turenne take upon him the command of his Army in Campagnia
many others On the contrary the first President Plessis Pralin and Vieville said that it was fear and not ambition which made the Prince do as he did that it was best to leave him quiet in his Governments and not put him into despair forcing him to take up Arms in his own defence That if Conde should begin the War that then the Court and King's Army might go thither whereby he might be overthrown but this opinion differing from their private intentions who could not advantage themselves but by War was laid aside and under pretence that no parties should be tollerated in the Kingdom save such as were obedient to the King Their Majesties and the Duke of Anjou went on the 24 th of Sebtember from Paris to Fontenbleau together with the rest of the Court which stands upon the way to Charite whither some of the Princes Forces were come to guard that important pass over the Loire which enters into Berry where was Prince County and the Dutchess of Longueville incouraging the Inhabitants of Burges by the great Towers which serve there for a Castle and which was garrison'd by their men to joyn with them whereby they intended to make head against the King in case he should assault them but Conde staid too long in Burdeaux whose own person was requisite for such a design This departure of the Kings from Paris caused much murmuring amongst the seditious people who said that the Queen and Council meant not to return to the City without the Cardinal who by his directions did in his absence govern all things and the hearts of most men were so poysoned by the pravity of some seditious people as all things seemed to tend to open War wherefore the Spaniards who wearily observed the conjunctures and indeavoured to counterprise the ballance justly to the end that the pretentions on both sides keeping upon a streight beam that discord might be kept alive in France which was most adequate for their affairs And least the too much fomenting the Princes faction might necessitate the King to give way to their pretentions and agree with them or that by the Spaniards great preparations they might make the French aware of the danger which over-hung them and to make them lay aside all spleen and joyn together in the common defence they fed the Princes more with hopes than effects and went so reservedly in their proceedings with them as that in due time they might reap the fruit of their collegation They therefore contented themselves with taking some of those places which might facilitate the recovery of Dunkirk when they might with safety turn upon that important place And therefore on the 10 th of August went to besiege Fournes which was assaulted by Marquess Sfomdrato with the Flanders Army and was taken within six days for wanting fit provision wherewith to hold out and having no hopes of relief Monsieur Bosquet the Governour thereof was forced to surrender it on the 16 th of the said month which did afterwards facilitate the enterprise of Burges St. Venoz which not long after was faln upon by the same Sfomdrato and Count Fuenseldagnia who went thither with new Forces but though it were better scituated and fortified then Fournes yet Marishal de Aumont who to that purpose was advanced with the French Army not being in a condition to force the line nor yet to come near the Enemy for want of men and other provisions after the Garrison had valiantly defended the Town for 24 days being incouraged by their Governour Belloy it was at last forc'd to yield upon honourable conditions on the 29 th of September So the Spaniards were also masters of this place seated within a league of Dunkirk upon the River Colme whereby it communicates with the Sea Thus they made way for falling upon Dunkirk Graveline and Mardike and freed many Towns in Flanders from contribution extorted by the Garrison of Dunkirk which was inclosed by these two Forts Signior de Estrades then Governour of Dunkirk a valiant and well experienced Gentleman had from the beginning of Iuly so eseen the Spaniards design upon Fournes and had desired 2000 Foot and 1000 Horse from the Court wherewith he promised not only to preserve those Towns but to fight the Enemy who could not hold communication between one quarter and another but the King having need of men against the Prince of Conde and not being able in this confusion to raise other Forces the Spaniards without any disturbance might obtain their intent Estrades forbare not notwithstanding to provide for Bergues Dunkirk and Mardike which were under his Government he sent divers Barques to be loaded with Corn Arms and Ammunition in some neighbouring Towns wherein he had so good luck as they were no sooner entred Dunkirk but the Spanish Fleet appeared and cast Anchor in the mouth thereof and block'd it up whilst the Spaniards had faln upon Fournes and placed a great quarter of Horse within a league of Dunkirk the Governour put 500 Foot into Burgues whereby it was defended longer than Fournes During these Sieges the Garrison of Dunkirk scowred the Countrey broke divers of the Enemies Convoys and took many Prisoners Linch Hanvin and Burbury were taken after Burgues and Fournes so as Dunkirk was soon besieged by Sea and Land being berest of receiving any commodities from those parts And that they might block it up the straiter they built three Forts at the entrance of three Rivers which come to the Town one at Hauscote the other two at Slen and Miltrech whereby Estrades not being able to send parties further into the Countrey he caused 12 flat bottom'd Boats to be built every one of which carried two small Guns in their prow and imbarquing 300 Foot in them he on the 10 th of December assaulted the Fort of Hanscote and took it as he did also the other two which were immediatly demolish'd and burnt wherefore he made several inrodes that winter took many Prisoners and a great many Cattle which being powdred were of good use to the Garrison of that Town Whilst the Court of France was at Fontianbleau well pleased with being out of Paris where the seditious Male-contents predominating the King's Authority was highly prejudiced the Prince of Conde's business was warily disputed but not without great jealousies and it was given out that County and the Dutchess of Longueville fortified themselves with friends in Berry a Province which at that time was of great importance defending the way to Guienne and keeping the neighbouring Towns favourable to the Princes whereat the Court was much troubled None durst propound going further then Fountainbleau for the King not having men enough for the enterprise of Burges it was not thought fit to fall upon it unless they might hope to take it least it might more lessen the King's parties Reputation and increase that of the contumacious as would have happened if they should have been unfortunate at the first Yet the French being
private ends of the King's Council he anticipated them by Letters from the King commanding the same things which he thought the Parliameâ—t would ordain and did studiously apply himself thereunto upon these emergencies with intention to save thereby the King's reputation seeming as if he were the Authour of those decrees changing the aspects of those decrees which tended much to the prejudice of his supream Authority but the Parliament finding out these artifices made no more account of the King's Letters thinking that the Court did not therein desire what it seemed to do and that all was but tricks to make vain their designs And the Queen suspecting not without reason before the Prince departed that Marsine General of the Catalonian Forces was turn'd to be of his party as being much affected to him and that by his concurring with Conde he might much prejudice the King's service she thought she might make him lay aside all sinister opinions by putting some esteem and honour upon him and to keep him loyal out of mere gratitude as he had been till then much to his glory and this was by sending him Letters Patents to be Viceroy of Catalonia but the Messenger who carried them came too late for he had already abandoned the King's service and betook himself to serve the Prince as hath been said and shall be said hereafter Count de Ales was at this time in Paris his Father the Duke of Angolesme being dead who was Governour of the Province where those that sided with him Maugre Vandosme kept the City of Tolon a famous haven in that Province where he was particular Governour and having out of a desire of returning thither consented that Conde's friends should attempt some novelty there The Baron of St. Marke a Gentleman of Aix and friend to the Prince was sent thither with others that related to him intending to raise a party for Angolesme and to interest the Prince therein but after some rather Chimera than undertakings it turn'd all to nothing by the vigilancy of the King's Commanders who diverted all their plots and the City remained as before in obedience to the King wherefore the divisions failing in that Province whereby the Prince had thought to bring Forces into several parts of the Kingdom and to divert the punishment wherewith Guienne was threatned the Male-contents were mightily affrighted and confused The Prince of County Dutchess of Longueville the Duke of Nemeurs and others who were in the Castle of Montrond fearing least they might be therein shut up went out by night with 200 Horse leaving Marquess Persan there with a good Garrison of Foot and Horse afterwards the Town was besieged by Count Paluau with about 3000 men at a distance commanded by Cavaliere Barada and others the besieged were constant in the defence thereof as well against Famine as against the assailants County with his Sister Longueville and Duke Nemeurs went to Burdeaux losing some of their baggage for the Marquess of Sauntbeuf with many Gentlemen of those Provinces was continually upon their backs The King came to Burges to the great content of those people whom he permitted to demolish the Tower which belonging to Conde's Government was interpreted the beginning of a breach and it was known that they were to think of War rather than of Peace which being resolved upon they were treated with to raise men the Towns of Dordognia were secured by Conde he put Garisons into Bergerack St. Foy Libourn and Perigreu good Towns which commanded a great tract of Country All the Towns upon the Garomne till you come to Agen were secured by Conde who treated with Count de Ognone Governour of Rochel Brouages and the Isles of Oleron and Ree and with much ado having drawn the Count over to his party he provided diligently for all emergencies Ognone joyn'd with the Prince hoping to be made Duke and Peer of France by the Prince his means which he had indeavoured to do by the Court but could not at this novelty not only the Kings party was much troubled but all others who wished well to the State It was therefore resolved that the King should go into Poictou to secure that important Province which is esteemed one of the best of all France and to provide against the eminent dangers of Rochel Count de Ognone was second Brother to Marquess St. Germain Beaupre and as one who had been Page to Cardinal Richelieu had contracted a particular friendship with Marishal de Bresse chief of the Navigation he was imploy'd in the Fleet and after made Lieutenant in the Government of Brouage which belonged to the said Bresse and in Rochel Oleron and the Isle of Ree which belonged to the Queen after the said Bresses death it was not hard for him to get to be wholly master thereof though he were not well beloved by the people He entred into Conde's party by the Princess her mediation who was Sister to the said Bresse The King wrote to the Duke of Orleans before he went from Burges that out of the great desire he had of his Subjects quiet he did again refer Conde's business totally to him and desired him to speak with him and to know the reason of his discontent wishing him to take along with him the Marishal de L' Hospitalle Messieurs de Alegre Marguiri Mesmes Menardeau Champre and Chaumont assuring him that he would do what he could to serve him In pursuit hereof the Duke sent Monsieur de Serre Son to Marishal de Aubettere to desire the Prince that he would give him a meeting in Richelieu Conde sent la Serre back with answer that he should hear from him in this particular within three days Soon after the Prince was come to Burdeaux Gurville went thither and told him from the Duke of Bullion that if he would listen to reason the Duke would mediate for him and indeavour his satisfaction and how the Cardinal did much fear that if civil Wars should arise in France they would not be well able to maintain War abroad wherefore he studied how to divert it and that he had declared that he would procure the Government of Blay for him and all fitting satisfaction for his Friends Gourville made this proposal to him but the Prince having then sent to treat with Bullion and Marquess Turenne would not listen to the proposition but said That if he would put the treaty in hand he must first declare in his behalf and that his Brother Turenne must go to head his Forces which were gone into Flanders and that when this should be done he would give ear to what had been proposed The Prince spoke high because he thought that Turenne would not refuse the command of his Army and that when he should have so famous a Commander on his side whom he only feared it would make much for him in treaties of peace or in making War And being that very day assured of Count de Ognons joyning with him as
this new Commonwealth as for Piracies committed by the French upon divers of their Merchants Ships in the Mediterranean Sea and out of the natural emulation between those two Nations for it was easie for them to get a great many Irish Foot from the English for their King's service in Spain which were willingly granted them as well to weaken that Island by taking away many of their Soldiers which were almost all Catholicks as also thereby to ballance the power of France whereof England was very jealous And to back the Prince of Conde in Guienne after they had confederated with him they sent Baron Batteville with 13 Frigats and 6 fire Ships from St. Sebastian to Burdeaux carrying with them 1500 Foot monies and other warlike provisions who coming upon the Coast of St. Onge was there complemented in the Prince his name by Marquess Lusignan and on the 25 th of October a Spanish Brigantine entred Burdeaux with some men and monies who in the name of the King of Spain negotiated a good intelligence with the Burdelois to make them keep firm to Conde The Spaniards were first received into Talmont a Town upon Garomne and then into Bury to the number of 1200 commanded by Iuseppe Oxorio who was made Governour and fortified the Towns this was given as a cautionary Town to the Spaniards The King of Spain did also command Archduke Leopald in Flanders to foment the Princes in France as much as he could and to give over all other proceedings rather than to let slip so fair an opportunity of nourishing civil War in these two chief parts of France to wit Guienne and Champagnia The Queen was much troubled at these preparations knowing how prejudicial it would be to the Crown if the Spaniards and Rebell French should make a nest there whereby revolts might daily be made in the Kingdom she therefore wisely applyed all means to destroy it and since all the rest of the Kingdom was quiet and that only Burdeaux and some other few Towns in that Province stood for Conde without Veteran Soldiers with but little monies and provisions she was resolved to vanquish him before he should have fortified himself better and before the Spaniards should give him any more assistance She brought the Council to resolve that the King should advance with his Army into Poictiers as was done but before they marched from Burges the King writ a Letter to Mazarine dated the 26 th of October the words whereof were these Cousin I have reason to believe that according to orders which were sent you you have raised the Troops which you were commanded to do and that they are already ready to march to my relief My desire is that it be suddenly done and that you come along with them to which purpose I have also written to Marishal de Oquincourt to advance with the Forces he hath raised in Picardy and Champagnia and by an order sent unto him have commanded all the Cities and Towns within my Kingdom to give them quarter and to all my Officers and Subjects to be assistant to them in their march I am confident out of the affection and loyalty which you have always born to my service that you will do this it being my will and so Cousin God have you in his protection He also writ to Marishal de Oquincourt to raise as many men as he could in Picardy and Champagnia to joyn with the Cardinal and that they should come joyntly in to his succor Things being thus ordered the King Queen Duke of Anjou and all the Court went with their Forces on the 25 th of October towards Poictiers the greatest Town in France next Paris but not much peopled it is the Metropolis of Poictou seated in the heart of France very strongly partly on a plain partly on a hill watered by the River Cleive and inclosed within Ponds and Marishes which render it almost inaccessible it is not far from Rochel and because Marishal de Estres had not the Command of this Army who being Lieutenant General of Vallois and Laonois was gone thither to keep them in obedience during the King's absence Count Paluau was last Commander in chief in St. Amand near Montrond to continue the Siege slowly the Court being unprovided of men and monies for so many enterprises at one and the same time Count Harcourt being design'd General of the Army and Governour of Guienne followed the Court to Poictiers from whence the King writ to the Duke of Orleans complaining grievously of the Prince his proceedings saying that by his procurement the Spanish Fleet was in the mouth of the Garomne and that many of his Subjects forewent their obedience that it being therefore necessary for his Majesty to go into those parts he gave him notice of it to the end that he might know he was resolved to keep his Subjects from being injured by the Prince who having forgotten his word solemnly given and confirm'd by oath that he would never have any dependance upon the Crowns Enemies nor receive any assistance from them could not but expect punishment from God for failing in his duty and alliegance to his King The Prince having this mean while secured Agen the second City of Gascony and Marquess St. Luke having fortified Montauban and Cohors with men and monies he left Marsine to command the Forces in those parts and he himself accompanied by Duke Rochefaucolt and Prince Taranto resolved to go to Xantes where staying upon Charente he pretended to keep the War from Burdeaux whose Inhabitants dreaded the King's neighborhood very much reflecting upon what had been done before but it being hard to maintain an Army without the conveniency of a City or some great Towns from whence Bread Munition and other provisions may be had before he went from Burdeaux he sent Prince Taranto Duke Richelieu and Count de Ognon with such as they had raised to take Xantes the Metropolis of St. Onge Monsieur Bassompeier Son to the Marishal of that name who was Bishop of that place strove to make the Inhabitants defend the Town but they considering the weakness of their old walls and the want of many other necessaries instead of taking up Arms accepted of an honourable composition offer'd by the Princes and received them into the Town where they made their head quarter and grounded their greatest security After the taking of Xantes the like of the Castle of Taleburg followed upon the same Charente wherefore the Prince bethought himself of taking Angalesme which hath a considerable Castle but not being sufficiently provided for such an enterprise he turn'd upon Cognack begirt with old weak walls but guarded with a great Garrison by Marquess Gionsack Governour thereof by which Conde would have secured that tract of Country which extends it self to the Rivers of Dordone and Garomne and would have kept the King's Forces from entring into Guienne and might have quartered in that rich and plentiful Country He left the taking
thereof which he thought would not prove difficult to the Duke of Rochefaucolt and Prince Taranto and went himself to Burdeaux to be assistant in the affairs which were in treaty there particularly with the Spanish Agents as also to consult with Count Ognone touching the managing of the begun War whom he perswaded it was necessary to put 4000 Soldiers into Rochel and to make use of that scituation which lay convenient to receive relief from Spain and England and to secure all the Islands and Towns taken by Ognone The Prince his intention herein was how to puzzle the Court most and how to lay a solid foundation for the subsistance of his party by making a firm place of retreat and easie to be preserved without being necessitated to rely upon the unstable people or confused Parliament of Burdeaux and might have kept on the Wars but particular interests having always been the ruine of better Resolutions Ognone would not agree thereunto least if the Prince should become master of that place he should not be so considerable to him as now he was wherefore his answer was that he promised and was confident to preserve it and that no fear was to be had thereof whereby the Prince found that the Count dreaded the Kings small Forces more than he did confide in his own When the King was got to Poictiers he haulted there not thinking it fit to advance further there being no other Cities capable of his Court in those parts save Xantes which was already in the Prince his possession and Angolesme and Rochel which were somewhat far off and having exactly ponderated in his Counsel what was best to be done it was found necessary to secure Rochel and to keep the Male-contents from making further acquirements or establishing themselves better in those Provinces Those of the Kings party who were in this City finding this design sent their Deputies to profess their obedience and loyalty to his Majesty and what aversion they had to Count Ognone wherefore the Court resolved to order Count Harcourt who was then at Niorte raising men and providing to oppose Conde his proceedings whereby to have an eye to Rochel and to what might be most for the service of the Court leaving the conduct thereof to his experienced guidance and the Marquess of Estisack Brother to the late Duke Rochefaucolt who as native of Poictou was well beloved by the people and the Duke of Roan of the house of Goufiere Governour of Poictou were declared his Lieutenant Generals Count Harcourt marched diligently with a Company of the French Guard and Switzers with the Gens de Armes and King and Queens Horse and with Iornack's Regiment of Horse together with Marquess Plessis Belliere Lieutenant General of the Army and being come to Surgeres a little walled Town four leagues from Rochel he heard there that Ognone had advanced a body of 600 Horse and 1200 Foot to Tonney Charente to bring them into the same Town whose Inhabitants he threatned with fire and plunder if they did not joyn with him against the King And here Harcourt heard also how Rochefaucolt and Prince Taranto had faln upon Cognack with 2000 Horse and 4000 Foot playing upon it with six piece of Canon so as weighing the importancy of both these places and knowing that the King's service required no delay in the securing of Rochel and that he ought not by any means to permit the Enemy to gain reputation by the loss of Cognack according to his wonted wisdom provided to supply both these at one and the same time wherefore causing four Companies of the Guard to advance with Monsieur de Berne Commanded by the aforesaid de Estisack who was well beloved in Rochel they were brought in by a great number of the Gentry of the Country into the City where Estisack was cry'd up Governour who fortified the heads of the Streets which lead towards the three Towers upon the Gate which were Garrison'd and fortified by Ognone till such time as they might assault them with Artillery and a greater number of Soldiers which were expected Thus the coming of the Kings men into the City made much for the Kings advantage and made good the prejudice presaged by Conde to Ognone Rochel being thus secured for the King Harcourt went immediatly from Surgeres with the rest of the Forces which he had and came the same day to St. Iohn de Angeli being resolved to relieve Cognack the good success whereof depending upon making hast he marched all night leading the Horse along with him and as many Foot as he could intending to assault the Suburbs by break of day which was intrench'd by the Prince his men and guarded by above 800 Commanded Foot with whom the Army incamped beyond the River did communicate by means of a Bridge upon Boats which was made to that end but the night being so dark and rainy as the Soldiers not being able to march apace the Sun was risen before they had gotten half way the Count was forced to return to St. Iohn de Angeli but this sinister incounter may be said to have the preludium of fortunate success for if they had faln upon it that day they would not peradventure have had that good success which they had afterwards For Harcourt thinking how to compass his intent was advertised by an express sent from Iohnsack and Bellafons that they were able to make good the Town for three or four days if they were provided with Warlike Ammunition This imployment was given to Pelseran wherein he succeeded conveying in some sacks of powder they being thus recruited Harcourt advanced with the rest of his men to Breissemburg Conde's generals proceded slowly in the seige the Town had assuredly faln into the Princes hands had he not staid so long in Burdeaux but he came not to his Camp till the night preceding the relief where finding the River infinitely swoln with water and the Bridge upon Boats ready to break by the rage of the water he knew that the Kings men would raise the siege wherefore that he might not lose the men who were quartered beyond Charente he made them pass over to the other side leaving only 18 Companies of the Guienne Brigade which might amount to about 800 Foot with Officers to guard the Town Harcourt being advertised of all this resolved not to lose the opportunity but immediately made Marquess Plessis Belliere advance that together with Folleville he might accost the besieged Town as he did with five Companies of the French guard commanded by Genlis two Companies of Switzers the King and Queens Gens de Armes and Horse Iernack's Regiment 300 Foot of the recruit and the Gentry of Poictou and St. Onge all which he drew forth in Battel array within sight of the Town and of the Enemies Camp Cognack upon the banks of the River Charente having a Bridge which passeth into the Suburbs beyond the water and an old Castle begirt with strong Walls and Towers
and with a large deep ditch but it being requisite that at the same time when the Suburbs should be assaulted on the other side the besieged should also make a Sally and assault the Suburbs Monsieur de Rochecheviera was sent into the Town to make agreements with those Commanders and ordering the assault in three parts that of the middle was given in charge to Plessis Belliere with the French guards and 150 forlorn Foot led on by Captain Chassonville that on the right hand was led on by Monsieur Folleville with the Switzers Guard back'd by the Queens Gens de Armes and Cavalry that on the left hand was given to Monsieur Haudecourt with Harcourts Recruit back'd by the King's Cavalliers and by the Duke of Rhohans Gens de Armes The rest of the Horse were placed in a convenient place to back those that were to give the assault affairs being thus ordered Harcourt summon'd the Suburbs who answered with the mouth of their Musquets and Monsieur de St. Aubine a Domestick of the Prince who commanded there said that was all the composition which they would give So as the French guards advancing under Monsieur Chassonville they made themselves masters of the first Barricado as did all the rest with miraculous courage on their parts Monsieur Heudicourt was wounded on the thigh by a Musquet Vmont Captain of the Switzers guard Cavalliere Bagnol Beauvoire Captain of Harcourt's Regiment and Monsieur Godiniere were also wounded At the same time Monsieur Bellafons came out with the Gentry which were in the Town and assaulted the same Suburbs on another part which opens upon the Bridge whereby he kept the Enemy from saving themselves by the River so as after a stout defence the Suburbs was storm'd and all that were in it either slain or taken Prisoners amongst which Monsieur de St. Aubine Noier and many other Commanders were taken and four Captains eight Lieutenants and about 300 Soldiers were slain and the Town was opportunely relieved to Harcourts great glory for it was done in sight of the Enemies Army and of Conde's self who was ready to go wild seeing his men routed and had he not been hindred by his men he would have put himself into a small Boat and have indangered himself to relieve his party The business of Cognack being thus vanished whereupon the Prince did build very much they who had conceived great hopes were much dejected and the Prince his business grew daily worse he retreated with his Forces in such confusion as they left behind them twelve Cart load of Ammunition as also Prince Taranto's baggage and in passing over a little River the Prince his Van taking their own Reer for Harcourts Forces was so terrified as seeking to save themselves many of them were drowned But because the getting of the three Towers upon the Gate which were fortified made much for the peaceful possession of Rochel Estisack having received Artillery and some recruit of Soldiers presented himself before that of la Catena and Lanthorn the Soldiers when they saw the Canon ready to thunder upon them surrendred upon conditions But the third which was greater and much stronger called St. Nicola gave more trouble to the Kings men there being above 130 Soldiers in it with several valiant Commanders so as Harcourt came before it himself in person with more strength and assaulted the said Tower the Governour resolved to parly but Harcourt answering that he could not treat with a Rebel and telling the Soldiers that they should have no quarter unless they would kill their Governour and throw him out of the Window into the Ditch they were so terrified as they slew their Commander and surrendered on the 27 th of November and Rochel together with the Country of Aunis remain'd well Garrison'd under the Government of Estisack The zeal which not only the Catholick Officers shewed upon this occasion to the Kings service is remarkable but even the Hugonots who shewed excessive hatred against Ognone The Island of Rhe submitted likewise to the King After these prosperous successes Count Harcourt went from Rochel to a Village three leagues off the weather being so bad as would not suffer his Foot to come further than Surgeres where hearing that Cavalliere Crequi was come to Parancy which was within two leagues with the Flanders Forces and that the Prince had caused his whole Army to come on this side the River over the Bridge of Tonney Charente he thought to make use of the occasion which was fortunately offerd him by this recruit He therefore sent away orders to the said Crequi to muster all his men in Parancy whither he himself went the last of that month intending to surprise the Prince by a secret and sudden march to which purpose causing all his Forces to pass over a certain Ford by which he was to go he put himself in Battle array before Tonney Buttonne a little walled Town where there is a great Tower wherein the Prince had placed some Musquetiers to make good that station where leaving some few Soldiers to take it he presently advanced his guards under Plessis Pralin and gave him order to charge some Squadrons of the Enemy which appeared on the top of the hills near Moragne behind the which he thought the Enemies whole Army had been and so to give them battle but they by the advantage of the night were not seen so they came not to blowes till the next morning when the Kings men being come within sight of the Enemy Crequi on the right hand Bellafons on the left and the Voluntiers in the midst inheartned by Harcourt who followed them with the body of the Army they charged the Enemies Squadrons so bravely as though they resisted stoutly yet they were pierced through and through and pursued to a breast-work where the Prince stood with other twelve Squadrons and could not keep his men from being slain and taken Plessis Belliere and the other Officers who were on the head of the Anjou's Regiment seeing there was no means to pass the breast-work which Conde defended with a considerable body of men and discovering that there was a quarter on the left hand from whence some Troops pretended to go and joyn with the grosse body they charged them so hotly as many were slain upon the place others saved themselves in the washes and the rest got to a strong house where they rendred upon discretion to the Anjou's Regiment Harcourt with some others advancing at the same time to cut off the way from the Princes men met with another breast-work which hindred him and the night coming on parted the two Armies The Kings men were incamped half a league from the Enemy who return'd to Tonney Charente and past by right over the River having lost 3 or 4 hundred Gentlemen together with divers Officers and their baggage Harcourt went afterwards to Tonney Charente having re-made the Bridge which the Prince had broken Thus the two Armies stood facing one another
had appointed the Rendevouz of the Forces which he had raised in Champagnia and Picardy to be about Laon to joyn with the Cardinal and those that he had raised to come with him into France so as the appointment being made to meet about Dormans and Esperney upon the Marne on the beginning of Ianuary the Marishal went from Peroune on the 18 th of December and accompanied by many other Nobles he past through Han and Fera and coming to Nisis he found there 2000 what Foot what Horse and divers other Regiments wherewith he marched the next day towards the River Aisue passing over the Bridge Arcy and la Merne and staid at Troisy expecting the Cardinal who having left his alliances at Sedam marched towards Esperney whither he came the second of Ianuary with about 5000 choice men and he was met there by several other Forces and three pieces of Canon Oquincourt met the Cardinal at Esperney where it was concluded that Oquincourt should advance with 1000 Horse and possess himself of the passes of the Rivers Aube and Senna which he did then passing over the Aube without any obstacle near Auglure and la Senna at Mery he met with the Foot and Horse Regiments of Monsieur St. Moore Where hearing that the Duke of Orleans had sent out four Companies of the Langnedock Brigade to Pont sur Iona Oquincourt advanced with 1000 Horse indeavouring to get to that Town before the Enemy should be aware of his march On the 9 th of Ianuary he was upon Albā where being informed that two of the Counsellors of the Parliament of Paris Bytant and Cowdrey Genies were come thither to break the Bridge and to raise the Country against the Cardinal he made a party of his men ford over the River to discry some Horse with whom they skirmished and slew some of them and took Bitant Prisoner but Coudrey escaped to Sens. The Marishal being come to the head of the Bridge which the Towns-men broke down he acquainted them with the Kings orders and speaking with Monsieur Morandiere who commanded Orleans his Forces and had orders to resist him he caused some of his Horse-men to light who fell so couragiously upon the Bridge as Morandiere articled to return to his Master leaving the pass free to the Cardinal it was thought that he had secret orders from the Princes not to hinder him though he could for finding their business grow desperate since the whole Kingdom inclined to the King they knew nothing could keep them from ruine but some new pretence whereby to justifie their cause and keep the Subjects from assisting their Sovereign and that therefore they did not all they were able to oppose their march But because Marishal Turenne having honourably disingaged himself of the Spaniards service and had refused all the offers made by Conde and was reconciled to the King Conde gave the command of his Forces in Flanders to the Duke of Nemeurs who in the beginning of the year 1652 went privately from Burdeaux giving it out that he went by Sea into Flanders but came first to Paris by bie-ways where the Duke of Orleans seemed to be very well pleased as having need of opportune succour and he was received with extraordinary applause by the Parisians and because the Coadjutor thought to make the Duke of Orleans foment a third party of French Male-contents and Enemies to the Cardinal he used all his industry to effect it to the end that making the Queen affraid that the Duke might adhere more narrowly to Conde he thought she might be necessitated to keep the Cardinal away for ever in which case the Duke by joyning with the Court interest and strengthning himself by the Lorrain Forces he should also undo Conde for ever But Count Chavigny with other of the Prince his friends held the Duke of Orleans stedfast they made him see that he could not subsist but by joyning with the Prince Nemeurs stipulated the agreement in the Prince his name with the Duke the contents whereof were the keeping the Cardinal away and a general peace The news being known in Paris and the orders given by the King contrary to his former Declarations it is not to be said how incensed those were who were of a contrary spirit but all they could do was to make a noise in Paris for the Kings power prevailed in the Kingdom And though the Cardinal was withstood in one place he was fomented in another The Parliament of Britanny being desired by that of Paris to make the like decree with them in favour of the Princes against the Cardinal did order on the contrary that proceedings against him should be suspended till the Prince should perform his duty and till the Spanish Forces should be gone out of the Kingdom but though the rancor of the Parliament of Paris and of the Frondeurs could not be greater than it was yet could not the Parisians be brought to disburss monies for the raising of men and to provide against the threatning occurrances but were always readier to lay on their mouths than to lay out their monies the noise continued still in the Palace The first week of Ianuary the Parliament ordered the Cardinals moveables to be sold and not to make good the Kings Declarations against the Prince till that against the Cardinal were effected Wherefore the Cardinal must be gone out of the Kingdom again ere the Parliament would pass the said verification to which purpose they made many resolves which were great in appearance but weak in substance and some Deputations were sent unto the King The Court spoke ambiguously and spun out business at length hoping the time would alay the bitterness of turbulent spirits The Queen sent Monsieur Rovigny to exhort the Duke of Orleans earnestly to remove from Paris so to take away the apprehensions which were had of him but it did no good The Parliament added to their instructions given to their Deputies which they sent unto the King that they should press Bitaut's Releasement and that Marishal Milleray should not be made a Duke till he had given satisfaction to the Parliament of Rheims in Britanny and moreover that no Duke Marishal of France or other Officer should execute their function afterwards till the Cardinal were withdrawn from the Kingdom which was thought was done to take away the great credit which he had in disposing of the Offices of the Crown and making those his friends whom he had preferred thereunto But the Nobility made small account of this the more incens'd the Parliament grew against the Court the less did they value any of its decrees since they might be anull'd by the King's Authority And therefore those who sounded affairs to the bottome found it was best to keep the paths of obedience and not walk in the crooked ways of precipice therefore the Princess Palatine who at first was Conde's friend grew a great confident to the Queen and Cardinal The Queen sent for her to
Marquess Oquincourt to advance with his Forces and to indeavor by the assistance of the loyal Subjects to get into the Town Oquincourt went from Saumeurs on the Tenth of February with the Horse Regiments of Espance Roquespina with Fertes Gens de Armes and with Mazarins and Barbarino's light Horse and came the same day to Beaufort where being advertised from the King that the Inhabitants had promised to keep a gate open for him he marched thitherward two hours before day with his Cavalry only re-inforced by 100 Norman Gentlemen which young Count Grance brought and the next day he appeared before the City charged the Enemies that fallied out set upon the Barricado but to little purpose for it was impossible to storm it without Foot he lost some Horse and had some Gentlemen hurt The besieged fallied out at the same time against the Guard by the Mills but were repuls'd by Voluntiers who came speedily thither Five Companies of the Guards coming in afterwards he the next morning fell upon the Suburbs of Bersigny guarded by Barra's Regiment and by the Inhabitants called Loricersi more seditious than the rest who basely did abandon it and the Kings men entring fell suddenly to make a Barricado against the City whereby to fence themselves against a Raveline and a Tower upon the Gate from whence Monsieur de Iuxsen a Son of Oquincourt was slain by the shot of a Faulconet And another Gentleman was slain near All-Saints Gate But the Marishal wanted Forces to take the City wherefore Count Broglio was ordered to advance with his Troops and Marishal Millerey was ordered to furnish him with four pieces of Battery and with necessary Ammunition which was readily done but it was very hard to bring them by reason of the extraordinary waters and high wind their being neither Bridges nor Barks to pass the Horse over and for that the Duke of Rohan had fortified a Village called Pointa upon the mouth of the River and furnished it with a great Garrison and with armed Boats yet Broglia made a shift to get over in certain small Boats and came without delay before the said Pointa where he charged the Enemy in their Trenches overcame them and got into the Village just when those of the armed Boats were come on land and were going to Dine He took Cavalliere Ierse and divers other Officers Prisoners and made himself master of the place and Pass so as great Artillery and Ammunition might be brought to the Camp before Angiers wherewith the Batteries were perfected They then opened the Trenches and the Kings men approached the Wall from whence the besieged shooting off small pieces and Musquets the only Son of Marquess Florenville was slain The Duke of Rohan being straitned and wanting succor beat a parly desired a suspension of Arms and leave for his Wife to come forth and treat of composition which was granted and it was agreed that he for a while should be deprived of the Government of that Province that he should put the Castle into the King's hands and that without undertaking any thing contrary to the Kings service he might retreat quietly with his Family to Paris The Garrison of Ponte de Ce was not comprehended in this Capitulation which holding for the Princes Forces were sent against it under the same Count Broglia and Count Naivailes to each of which Marishal de Oquincourt assigned 400 commanded men this place lies in an Island in the midst of the Loire begirt with with several modern fortifications and famous for Wars in former ages so as it could not be assaulted but by Boats and afterwards by an Isthmus of land which thrusts out into the River towards Nantes The foresaid named Counts imbarqued with their Forces and being backed by some Gallisoists landed upon the point of the Island Broglia assaulted the Tenaglia on the right side and Naivales on the left so couragiously as they soon took it putting most of the Defendants to the Sword Monsieur de Beauvean Governor of the place got into the Castle caused the draw Bridge to be raised and made signs with his hat that he would capitulate the Marishals self treated with him and granted him his life upon surrender this enterprise ended thus whereby the whole Province remain'd in obedience to the King with the loss of but a few remarkable people for besides those that dyed before Angiers none dyed in this Action of Ponte de Ce but the Marquess of Signeres and two or three were wounded Oquincourt left a Garrison there commanded by Monsieur Fontenelle Captain of the Piemont Regiment he return'd from thence to Angiers and then to the King at Saumeurs whose Council thinking that he had done much published that he had been greatly profitable We must not here omit to tell how Marishal Turenne being restored to the King's favour by the Cardinals means presented himself before their Majesties ere they parted from Poictiers by whom he was civilly received and without re-capitulation of any thing that was past was taken into the esteem which he was formerly in On the contrary Chasteauneuf being troubled that the resolution of going to Guienne was put off without his knowledge were it either that he had ingaged himself to his friends never to serve with the Cardinal or that he thought he should never be able to indure him and therefore feared himself might be removed did of himself take his leave of the King the very morning that he went from Poictiers and with his Majesties consent retired to live privately at Tours so as the Cardinal remain'd sole Arbitrator of all affairs as formerly but not without the Envy and Emulation of those who could not indure that the superintendency should be committed to a Forreigner Conde having staid two or three days at Dromet went to St. Savinian a place belonging to the Prince Taranto where he staid a week and return'd from thence to Braissemburg and from thence to Xaintes where he past over the River and came to Pons Monsieur Baugy Camp Marishal advanced with 500 Horse by bie-ways and was advertised that the Enenemies Forces were quartered in several places wherefore about Sun-set he on the tenth of Ianuary forded over the River Ne at Merpin and two hours before day came before Brive intending to surprise some of their quarters in which Village was Duras his Regiment quartered where Monsieur Fouvilles advancing with 40 Horse pretending to be of the same party charged some Horse who were come out to make discovery so furiously as they were forced to retreat with some confusion and Bougi fell so furiously upon them as the greatest part of the Enemy were either slain or taken The Prince his quarters were divided far one from another so as though the Trumpets sounded to Horse they could not meet together time enough to escape Anguier's Regiment but being charged by Monsieur Vivias with Crequi's Regiment most of them were either kill'd or taken Prisoners Wherefore the Prince
to the Gate upon the Bridg and getting jocundly upon the Tower she saw none appear in that Suburbs but Monsieur Champletreaux whom she defied whereupon the Guard de Seaux return'd to Court without attempting any thing much confused at what he had seen and heard The King therefore not being able to go by Orleans nor by Chartres whither the Duke of Orleans had sent Marquess de la Fretta Governor of Chartres to make the people take up arms on his behalf they resolved to go by Gergeau where finding the Bridg broken by the violent current of the water the Court went to Sully and the Army to Saudilon which was not far off but as these marched towards Guienne the Princes Army went coasting along the other side of the River to hinder his designs the Princes had in their Camp about 10000 men 4000 old Soldiers of the Duke of Orleans commanded by Duke Beaufort the rest were commanded by Nemeurs The next day after Madamoiselle was entred Orleans Nemeurs sent to her to complain for that she had not followed the resolution which was taken at Turny Nemeurs knew that Conde's Enemies had infused jealousie into the Duke of Orleans as concerning his march making him believe that the Prince meant to make use of his men only to secure the pass over the Loire To which the passion he had to serve Conde being added and to win honour for himself in the War he was impatient that Madamoiselle had not followed his advice Madamoiselle on her side being displeased that the agreements put on in her presence were not more punctually observed sent to Nemeurs Beaufort and the other chief Commanders to meet the next morning in one of the Suburbs of Orleans to resolve of what was best to be done she was the first that came thither and then came the Generals and chief Officers and the Duke of Rohan who could not be admitted into the City the people being jealous of him and refusing to receive him The Council being met two opinions were proposed one was to go and take Montargis a great Town Walled after the antient manner but for scituation of great importance being 25 little leagues from Paris upon the way to Charite with a Royal Palace in form of a Castle washed by the River Oing they had let slip the opportunity of taking Gergeau and Guien which were possessed by the Kings men The chief motives were that by securing Montargis Paris was likewise secured the Princes Army lying between it and the Kings quarters The second opinion was to take Blois which was abandoned by the King and so without all difficulty they might have a passage over the Loire Beaufort and generally all the Duke of Orlean's Officers were for the first and many of Conde's Captains particularly Cleynchamp and Tavanes for they knew not Nemeurs his secret design which though he concealed it was to go first to Montrond and raise the siege but he not declaring himself it was resolved to go to Montargis wherefore were it either that Nemeurs was sorry that Beaufort had won the opinion or that he did really think his opinion made more for the Prince his interest he said it was strange that those who had promised to serve the Prince should fail him Beaufort thought he mean him and said he was a man of his word and that it was false that he had failed the Prince Nemeurs was offended with this answer and said he lyed Beaufort getting to him before they could be parted struck him on the face with his hand and Nemeurs gave him many ill words but they were parted and were indeavoured to be made friends Beaufort was told that all that Nemeurs had said was not sufficient to satisfie him for the blow he had received so as at last he was perswaded to ask him pardon the which he did with very much affection with tears in his eyes and saying that he had rather have been Bastanaded with that Cane which he had in his hand than that any difference should have past between them The Prince his affairs suffered much by these differences and affairs in Guienne went no better by his continual losses wherefore when he had quartered his men about Agen he knew he could not tarry long in that Province he therefore thought to go to Nemeurs his Army but first to put a Garrison into that City to withstand Harcourt's attempts and against the intelligence held therein by the King's party He therefore sent Countie's Brigade thither perswading the Consuls to receive a strong Guard the desire was so ill interpreted as it was given out that he meant to sack the City which made the people begin to murmur to make Conventicles and at last to take up Arms. The Prince got presently on Horseback rid through all the Streets and made those that had made the works throw them down but not being able to be in all places at once he was no sooner gone from one place but disorders grew there again wherefore finding that without speedy remedy the tumult would grow past all help he thought good to bring in Counties said Brigade on the Rivers side by the Gate Grace making it hault in the first Street which leads to the Gate But this instead of terrifying the people did so augment the sedition as in a few hours above 100 Baracadoes were made The Prince notwithstanding with his wonted undauntedness kept on Horse-back in the Streets together with his Brother the Prince of County Duke Rochefaucolt Prince Marsilliack Count Marsino Marquess Montespan and Marquess de Force and with divers Officers and well born Gentlemen and notwithstanding the horrid confusion he went with his accustomed gravity and fierceness sometimes to one sometimes to another Barracado to make them be thrown down but if the people did for the present yield respect to his person as soon as his back was turn'd they would make another within ten paces of him and so great grew the insolence as one presented a Pistol to his breast threatning to give fire But he without changing countenance staid above three hours amidst those Barracadoes and rash Plebeians meaning still to make the Troops enter but could not get the people to consent thereunto amidst this hurly burly an accident had like to have happened which would have put the Prince and all that were with him in danger of their lives for Monsieur de la Magdalena being on the head of Countie's Brigade one of the people discharged an Harquebuss at him which by good fortune mist him narrowly shooting only some of the hair of his head off This Gentleman discreetly made as if this accident had happened by chance which if he had gon about to revenge things might have grown desperate The whole day being thus spent and the Citizens being resolved not to admit of any Forces the Prince approved of the advice of some of his friends to seem satisfied with appearances he therefore willed the Duke of
By these pretences Conde was detained in Paris and went not to his Camp whereby great prejudice insued to his party and greater to his Forces which in a short time were almost all dispersed It was already agreed by the chief Citizens of Orleans That the Prince coming to visit Madamoiselle should be admitted into the City which might be a colour for them to declare fully afterwards but his abode in Paris ruined this design also Nesmonds relation of what he had done at Court was afterwards read and the Kings Letters of the first and second of March which were written to the Parliament wherein he commanded That all Decrees whatsoever or Declarations were made against the Cardinal should be delivered to the Guard de Seaux whereat the Counsellors were much troubled and would not permit that the said Declarations and Letters should be assigned over Whereupon the Parliament when it met did ordain That the same Commissioners should return again unto the King to desire him that the Remonstrances of the Parliament might be read in his Royal presence and that he should be earnestly desired to give an answer Wherefore the Declarations of the Duke of Orleans and of the Prince were sent him mentioning the Reasons why the Parliament had forborn to Register them It was afterward ordered that the General Assembly should meet in the Pallazzo de la Communita where the same Declarations might be made and that there the sending the Cardinal away and the General Peace as well within as without France might be resolved upon by the whole Body of the Citizens and that in the interim all Decrees made against the Cardinal should be fully executed But before we go further we must not omit that the Pope when he made Cardinals in March made the Coadjutor Gondi a Cardinal who would afterwards be called the Cardinal of Rets Increasing his pretensions by this new Dignity he kept his wonted customs as well to abase Mazarine as to ruine the Prince he was very careful that discord between Conde and Orleans might not prejudice his particular designs for he knew that when by their means he had supprest Mazarine he might more easily quell the Prince of Conde whose Sword he feared not so much as Mazarines Head-peace These Differences and particular Interests the more prejudice they brought to France the more did they redound to the advantage of Spain For the Archduke incouraged by the present conjuncture resolved upon the enterprise of Graveling which wanted Men and Necessaries and where the Governor Marishal Grance was also wanting who was then at his House in Normandy Wherefore sending an Army of Seven or eight thousand Foot and of Three thousand Horse into the Field conducted by the Count Fuenseldaglia Prince Ligny and the Marquess Sfondrato Count Basigny Governor of S. Omers was sent with a good Body of Men to possess himself of the Avenues till the gross Body might come to besiege it before Grance should get in as he intended to which purpose he was raising Forces in Normandy But these levies went slowly on as well for want of Moneys as also not to cause jealousie by raising Men in that Countrey Duke Longueville who was afraid to be held contumacious by the Court by reason of his alliance with Conde and of the new Negotiations introduced by the Duke of Orleans who sought by all means to make Longueville declare for him Which though it did not work upon that solid and peaceful Prince yet was the Court jealous of some collusion between them And because it behoved the Spaniards if they would besiege Graveling they must keep it from being relieved by Sea from Calice where Count Charrot was Governor or from Dunkirk where Count d'Estrades commanded Don Iohn d' Almara Governor of Ostend came there with some armed Vessels to keep them from going out who might be sent to the place besieged another Squadron of Ships lying still in the Mouth of the Haven of Dunkirk On the seventh of September Fuenseldaglia sat down before it as did also the Archduke within eight days after making the Trenches of Approach and Line of Circumvallation be made and lodged his Army in four Quarters abounding with all things necessary by the conveniency of bringing them from Newport and from S. Omers Graveling is so well fortified as it is almost impregnable wanting nothing that is requesit to an exact Fort. It stands in the Mouth of the River Aa begirt with five strong Bulwarks and with a Cittadel fortified by Charles the Fifth to serve as a Rampire to Flanders and as a Bar of Defence to France All necessary provisions being notwithstanding presupposed of Soldiers Victuals and Warlike Ammunition Which Monsieur Valibert the Kings Lieutenant in that place wanting he knew he should be shreudly put too it without speedy and convenient recruits wherewith he speedily advertised the Court and also acquainted d'Estrades with his wants who calling a Council of War resolved to abandon Mardike and demolish it But not being able to bring the Garison by Sea all the Marriners being run away at the news of the siege nor being able to carry them by Land for want of a Horse Convoy he was to use his wits and to seek how to do it some other way The Spaniards had a guard of Three hundred Horse upon the way between Mardike and Dunkirk and One thousand Horse in Villages thereabouts which it was probable would go thither when Mardike should be abandoned Wherefore the places where they formerly were being free Three hundred Men might be easily conveyed into Graveling Upon these hopes d'Estrades went with One thousand Foot and four small piece of Cannon and at unawares fell upon the Spanish Horse beyond Mardike he blew up the Bulwarks of Mardike rased their Counterscarps took all their Cannon and Ammunition fired their Houses and retreated into Dunkirk with Three hundred Men that were there in Garison who had meat but for two days This design being happily effected the Spaniards removed presently from their Quarters and came to dismantled Mardike with three Brigades of Foot and One thousand Horse Wherefore those other places being free Monsieur Villers who was Captain of the Guards went with four other Captains many Officers and Three hundred commanded Foot towards Graveling That he might enter there at the same time when Estrade coming from Dunkirk with Five hundred other Foot might divert the Enemies elswhere and draw them as near him as he could In performance of which Agreement Villers by night on the Seventeenth of April by the help of guides past over three Rivers and one Fen the water coming up to mens middles and speedily marched six leagues Being come to a little Bridge at the entrance into the Enemies Line he charged a Troop of Horse and One hundred Foot who were there upon the Guard and having treated them not over well he got into the Town with Two hundred and thirty men having lost the rest in those
Parliament wherefore they indeavoured to gain time and to keep the Parisians Neutrals that they might not assist the contrary party with men and monies which they wanted much The Princes and Parliament on the other side studying to preserve their credit with the people by the specious pretence of easing their grievances forbare not any thing that might incite the fury of the Inhabitants against the King's Agents and because it was necessary for the Commerce of Paris to keep the King's Army from passing over the Seene and to exhaust St. Germans of all things by keeping it from the daily helps which it received from Paris they raised some Troops which being joyn'd to other Forces overran the neighbouring Country by night doing more harm to the neighbouring Town and Villages than did the Kings men who came even to the Gates of Paris The Prince of Conde caused two Arches of the Bridg of St. Clow to be broken and all the rest that were upon the Seen from Paris to St. Germans and placed good Garrisons in St. Clow and Neully with Ammunition furnished from Paris but at the cost of the Princes for the Parisians could never be brought to disburse any monies for them in this War whose Troops having taken Estampes they pretended to fortifie themselves there hoping thereby to keep Paris and Orleans true to them which was their main business Whilst the Kings Army was quartered in Chartres and thereabouts the aforesaid Troops threw themselves into Estampes with their Lieutenant General for the Prince and Dukes of Nemeurs and Beaufort were gon to Paris to keep the Frondeurs and their friends true to them many whereof wished for the Kings return and willingly listned to treaties which were then in hand touching the receiving of their Majesties who if they had then freely appeared they would have been welcomed with all joy and applause and the Princes and their party had been driven out for the common people were easily wound about and the Citizens were mightily affraid they should make tryal of War and the miserable effects thereof the Princes men had abundance of Victuals in Estampes which the Kings Forces wanted mightily wherefore Marishal Turenne who managed the War with much precaution when the Court was come to St. Germans and that the treaty of publick peace was begun upon the Princess of Orange her passing through Estampes and before the jealousie of the Duke of Lorrains marching towards Paris grew greater bethought himself of a gallant design After he had received a pass from the Court and sent it to Madamoselle to carry her to Paris he propounded to the Marishal de Oquincourt and to the other head-Officers that the said Princess being gon to Estampes and the Army of the Princes which were drawn out in Battalia when they should be retreated to their quarters and the better half of them according to custom gone for forrage they might easily get some good advantage by falling upon them at unawares Upon this with general consent they got on Horse-back and marched quietly with all their Troops and Artillery on the third of May which was the next day after Madamoselle was gone from Estampes thitherwards leaving the Horse Regiments of Marcuse and Lamet and Rales Burlemonts and the Crowns Foot to guard the Bagage at Chartres which was five leagues from Estampes the design was to surprise the Suburbs St. Martine wherein part of the Princes Troops were and having past the River Fuleville they marched quietly and in good order till an hour before day within sight of Estampes the Enemies Army kept in Battalia and when Madamoselle was gone Conde's Regiment and that of Burgundy together with seven other Dutch Regiments of Foot and Virtembergs and Bruchs Horse Regiments quartered in the aforesaid Suburbs which was to be assaulted The Kings Generals finding the adversary thus quartered they drew out a body of commanded men from out the body of Foot to place them in the intervals of the Squadrons of Horse together with all the Pol-axes the Army was drawn out into Battalia the Canon was placed within Musquet shot of the Town Turenne took upon him the most dangerous charge with 300 Soldiers whilst Oquincourt was to assault the other end of the Suburbs with 500 commanded men Virtemberg and Bruchs Dutch Regiments who were placed without were forced by some shot of Artillery to alter their station the forlorn hope fell on upon the Suburbs but finding stout resistance for the Princes men were many and well fortified Turenne came in with his own Brigage and those of Vxelles and Picardy and after a hot skirmish made himself master of some of the houses and of some of the Garden Walls which were defended by the Enemy even to throwing of stones the mean while Oquincourt making forwards in the head of his men with his Sword in hand was the first himself that got over the Wall and driving the defendants into some houses that were near the Church yea even into the Church and Church-yard where they Barracadoed themselves But because the Kings men at their entrance into the Suburbs fell to plunder so as the Enemy might have come out upon their backs and get some great advantage in that confusion Monsieur Varennes a Voluntier who was near Turenne rid with loose reins into the Suburbs and making the Soldiers come quickly out of the houses put them into Squadrons in the Street before the Church-yard and seeing some of Count Broglio's Soldiers lead Count Brioll Prisoner â—e desired him to let those Soldiers know that there being no hope of safety their best course was to yield which he refusing to do Turenne sent him away Prisoner and caused a call to be beaten to Pieur's Regiment who were fighting desperately there whose Officers knowing Varennes capitulated and became Prisoners of War upon his word at which time Oquincourt coming in on the other side all the rest were also made Prisoners Count Tavanes who was in the Town with the other Commanders thought to go out and succor his side but being beaten back all that were in the Suburbs were left to the discretion of the assailants and all the Soldiers and Officers were generally slain or taken not being able to get into the Town nor to ford over the River The Burgundy Brigade abandon'd its station and retreated intire Conde's Regiment did make stout resistance and recovered a place where the Kings Commander yielded upon discretion Thus there being no more Enemies to make opposition the Suburbs was totally plunder'd and little less than burnt to ashes and the Generals much to their glory return'd to their quarters at Chartres and two days after to Palaisau Many of the Kings Officers and Soldiers dyed in this action and the young Count de Quinchy and Carlo Broglio were sorely wounded whilst they fought valiantly amidst the Enemy this action was generous and noble for which the Generals were much commended and the credit of the Princes was very much
Duke Rochefaucolt to see no abuse done to the Citizens Houses nor to the Monasteries The Switzers retreated into the Abbey and after having defended themselves half an hour they rendered themselves prisoners of War and were led in triumph into Paris with their colours displayed The Prince left Three hundred Foot in Guard there and entered gloriously into Paris but Marishal Turenne sent some of his Forces the next day from the Camp which was at Palaisseau commanded by Monsieur Renville a Colonel of Horse who recovered the Town and the Garison retreated to the same Abbey and yielded upon composition At this news the Parisians went out with Beaufort to relieve the Town But all mens skill in Arms not being alike the few Forces of the King chased them to the Suburbs of Paris and put them to some loss but the King being likewise unable to maintain that Town without more men it was agreed that it should be left Neutral and the Princes were to quit S. Clow Neully Charenton and S. Maure which they did After the recovery of S. Dennis Illeadam seated upon the River Oyse near Pontois and which was Garisoned by the Princes men was retaken by the same Renville After this the Parliament having heard the report made by President Nesmond resolved to send him again to S. Germans to receive the answer promised by the King But since it made for the Court that all things should be proceeded in maturely and with deliberation the Duke of Anville one whom the King esteemed well and who was generally well beloved went several times from the Court to Paris treating of agreement between the King and Princes Conde who was naturally warily wise as well as valiant finding the sickleness of his party was inclined to make his peace yea without the removal of the Cardinal thinking it better to treat with him who did at least give all men good words then with others who were naturally violent as was the Cardinal of Rets But the Duke of Orleans being solicited by Rets who wished Condes ruine as well as that of Mazarine was by ingenious ways still disswaded So as Rets his presuming to get the supream Administration by the Prince his banishment and by the remove of Mazarine was that which did chiefly divert the agreement For Orleans being in a manner bewitched by Rets did always oppose it Whilest things went thus in these parts Count Harcourt was not idle in Guienne but finding that his men needed some rest took up his Quarters beyond the Garomne in the Condomise and lay himself at Gondrine intending to bring the Neighboring parts to give contribution as he did He tarried here not doing any thing of much weight save that he reduced the City of Condonne and Port S. Mary to the Kings obedience driving the Prince his Men out of their Quarters and pursuing them to beyond the Garomne But the Inhabitants of Agen being exasperated to find that Conde would put a Garison there thought it better to have recourse to the Kings clemency then to throw themselves blindly into a party that could not subsist They therefore treated with Harcourt and in three days came to an agreement The Count was honorably received into the City This example drew after it the like of Marmanda Clairack and of Aiguilon which all sent Commissioners to him with Protestation of their Loyalty and Obedience Harcourt sent his Nephew Bougy afterwards with commanded Men to take Mas d' Agenois a place advantagiously seated upon the Garomne wherein was a Garison of above Five hundred Soldiers towards which the Kings men approaching quietly and holding intelligence with the Prior of Pihon and with a Consul of the Town took it by Scalado killing about One hundred of the Enemy and taking Four hundred amongst which were Lieutenant Colonel Lusignan Marsigniack Dilebert and divers other Officers After the Success of Agen Harcourt went thither himself and took an Oath of Loyalty from the Inhabitants of Montsegeure and S. Basil who willingly submitted By these happy Successes he thought to advance with all his Horse to try whether the Burdelois might not peradventure have changed their resolution of Disobedience to which end going from Mas d' Agenois to Brede he sent a Trumpet with a Letter to the Giurati and several other Inhabitants of the City full of gracious Expressions if they would return to their Obedience But the Prince of County being there with all the chiefest of his faction the Trumpet was not let in nor was the Letter received The Royalists approached the Walls and those within coming out a great skirmish was had But Harcourt not intending to tarry there began to return which the Burdelois believing to be done out of necessity and not of choice they Sallied out with more Forces and chased Savebeauss and Coudry Monpeisiers Squadrons But being repulsed with some loss they returned to Burdeaux and Harcourt continuing his march and having also reduced Rious he went to Marmanda and there by means of a Bridge which he caused S. Colombe to cast over he past over his Horse into the Countrey between the Seas to refresh them and to continue Contribution in that Countrey Where Castilialouse was besieged and taken by the Royalists under the command of Count Marin More Corn being found to be in Estampes then vvas believed and the Court not vvillingly induring the length of such a business by vvhich the Spaniards made so great advantage they resolved to fall upon the Army of the Princes who being berest of this leaning stock their whole designs were likewise to be ruined They therefore bent all their thoughts upon the taking of Estampes The King to this purpose went from S. Germans to Melune which being upon the Seene and nearer Estampes the Kings Camp might more easily receive aid and be recruited from thence and might at the same time obstruct the carriage of Victuals which were conveyed from those fruitful parts to Paris General Turenne who after the aforesaid action commanded solely the Kings Army for Oquincourt was gone as you have heard into Picardy went before Estampes the Army appeared partly on the right hand over against the Suburbs of S. Martin and part on the left hand upon the Hills on this side the River where he drew a Line and placed his Batteries to hinder their Sallying out and to beat down a great Town Which finding to be too strong he threw over a Bridge to the Capuchins Church passing Captain Segaime with divers Muskettiers into the Church whereby the Enemies Foragers were hindred and continual skirmishes hapned with reciprocal Fortune For the Defendants were little less then equal both for number and valor to the Assailants The Kings men being afterward by means of a Wall that was thrown down gotten to an Earth-work which was raised in midst of a Courtein they assaulted the Half-Moon of S. Martins Suburbs which was taken and retaken thrice with loss of much blood And here was Monsieur Shombert wounded
by two Musket shot near to the Duke of York Brother to the King of England who served as a Voluntier as also Monsieur de Niaville Son to the superintendant of the Financiers who died Marquess Vardis and Mancini Mazarines Nephew had their Horses shot under them Monsieur Sorvia being shot in the Foot had his Leg afterwards cut off General Turenne hearing the noise came in with his own Regiment and those of Naivales and Picardy commanded by Monsieur Berbese But the store of fire which the besieged gave made them retreat with some loss whereupon Berbese advancing drove the Enemy at last away took the work and planted his Banner upon the Parapet The besieged indeavoured again to beat them out but in vain The next morning they sallied out upon the Pioniers who were working in the Trenches slew many of them and beat the Troops which backed them and kill'd a Lieutenant of the Gens de Armes Turenne coming in seasonably with some Voluntiers withstood the Enemy who would have past the line beat them back and made the station good So as the Kings men having gotten the said work they got into the ditch and fell to undermine the Walls of the Town which they would certainly have won had their mines plaid well and what shall be related had not hapned for the Princes finding that their Army could not subsist long in Estampes by reason of their continual loss of Soldiers prevailed with the Spaniards that the Army of Duke Charles of Lorrain should come to succor them This Duke had wont every year Di far un tratto di Campagnia to draw out into the field for the which he received some monies and was bound to serve them they had ingaged him this year to go into France to relieve the Princes in order whereunto he marched with 4000 Foot 500 Horse and some pieces of Artillery through Champagnia towards the Seene to raise the siege of Estampes and leaving his Forces at Lagni he came to Paris and was met without the Town by Orleans Conde and all those of that party whereupon the Court fearing Corveile which was then an important place sent Monsieur Almerat presently away with 500 Foot 200 Horse and six pieces of Canon to guard that Town and provided for all other Towns which were worth preserving Here the Duke of Lorrain visited divers great ones and amongst the rest the Dutchess of Chevereux who was allied to his Family who being a wise Woman and of a great reach making use of the jealousie which is always between the Princes of the blood and the Dukes of Lorrain and particularly against Conde who was more considerable to the Spaniards than all the rest told him it would be ill for him to assist them The Duke embraced the Counsel willingly that he might find a pretence to perform his undertakings to the Spaniards whom he had promised to relieve Estampes thereupon Chasteauneuf writ to the Court and received Authority to negotiate with the Duke wherefore they secretly agreed that to disingage himself of his promise and keep unblamed by the Spaniards the siege of Estampes should be raised making it appear that the condition of the Kings Army required it and that the next day after Turenne should be retreated from Estampes Lorrain should promise to withdraw from the Frontiers of the Kingdom to which purpose he should be furnished with Victuals and pay The Princes knew by his guidance of affairs that he held intelligence with the Court and it may be they were advertised thereof by some private friend They therefore went to his Camp to perswade him to pass over the Seene but he told them they were to rest satisfied if the siege of Estampes were raised and that there being hopes that the Court would be perswaded thereunto it was needless for him to ingage himself any further Conde told him the siege of Estampes would easily be raised if he would afford them means of putting their men that were there in safety for they could no longer subsist in a ruined place so as after much discourse Lorrain was insensibly perswaded to make a Declaration in writing to Orleans and Conde wherein he ingaged himself to tarry a while in his quarters upon the Seene in which time the Princes might withdraw their Forces from Estampes and bring them nearer Paris The Kings Army being disingaged from the siege before Estampes and the Court finding that Lorrain failed in performing his secret treaty with Chasteauneuf Turenne marched speedily with his Army towards Corbeille intending to fight the Lorrainers before they should pass the River and joyn with the Princes Forces and when he came to face them they being astonished and affraid to be ingaged in a battle retreated presently and sheltred themselves by a little River which falls there into the Seene As the Kings Cavalry came towards Corbeille they took divers Prisoners which made Duke Charle's desire Beauâ—eiu who negotiated the agreement with him to tell him why the Army marched against him whilst he was in treaty with the Court. Turenne made him be answered that he thought there was no more treaty with him since he had failed in effecting his promise which if he would yet faithfully perform he would advance no further allowing him four hours space for answer which being past he waited an answer no longer but marched presently without baggage against a Castle which the Duke held upon the River within half a league of his quarters which he took and throwing a Bridg over the River he past most of his Foot and his Canon over making the rest of his Army ford over a little higher and came within shot of the Lorrainers which Lorrain perceiving he sent my Lord German a near servant to the King of England and who had interessed himself in the agreement to Turenne to let him know he was ready to make his word good Turenne answered that this had been good the day before but that now being ready to fight and he not having kept his word there were no more words to be made of any preceeding treaty for the face of affairs was changed But he sent Monsieur Varennes back with my Lord Germain to find the Duke out and to tell him he would not forbear falling on unless the Duke would give him the Bridg of Boats which he had upon the Seene unless he would also forbear to fortifie and return presently by the way that he would appoint him and get out of France within fifteen days and give him Hostages hereupon The Duke after having made some difficulty was again threatned by Turenne whereupon he consented to all that was desired upon condition that Turenne should not make use of the Boats which he gave him to go against the Princes Army and that the Princes Forces that were with him might have a pass to return to Paris that conduct money might be given him for his march and fifteen days allowed him to get out of the
Kingdom That Marcouse and Vaubecourt should be given for Hostages on the Kings behalf and Count Linville and the General of the Artillery on the Dukes with promise that no Hostility should be committed in his march the treaty was thus stipulated by Turenne much to his glory which being concluded in the face of both Armies the Lorrainers began presently to march towards Bria Whilst things went thus in these parts the Parliament who now that Lorrain was come thought they had hit the nail on the head raising their pretensions still higher sent President Nesmond again to the Court to insist upon sending the Cardinal away the Commissioners being come to Melune made the Parliaments desire known adding that it was a small business for a King to deprive himself of a Servant whereby he was to regain the obedience of so many who had withdrawn themselves from it only out of that respect The King returned his answer in writing That having often heard the Remonstrances made by his Parliament wherein they still asserted their intentions to maintain regal Authority and that they would always contribute their chiefest power to the advantage of his service and that finding the wound did now begin to Gangrene without speedy remedy he desired that their Commissioners might meet with his Privy Council to the end that they might joyntly find some remedy for the threatning mischief and to keep his people from the apparent ruine whereinto they were ready to fall through the capricious unquietness and ambition of some sew and that his Majesty indeavoured nothing more than how to restore his Kingdom to its former splendor When Nesmond had read this answer he reply'd That the only way to satisfie all was to send away the Cardinal The King thus interrupted him and with a serious aspect said You have heard my pleasure no more words The Commissioners returned to Paris where they gave an exact account to their Companions of what had past Many were for accepting the propounded Conferences but Brussels with an appearing zeal to the common welfare was firm that there needed no other Conference or negotiation since all was reduced to one sole head which was the sending away the Cardinal who being the sole occasion of all resentments they must stand upon it for this being had all controversies would be ended And the more averse he found the King to part with him the more he prest it not for that he cared much for it but that knowing how difficult a business it would be he might nourish the diffidences and maintain discord For it was apparent that if the Parliament had believed that the King would have parted with the Cardinal and with that re-unite the Princes to his service he would never have pretended thereunto but would have underhand indeavoured his tarrying for it did not make for him that the Kings Authority should be the more fortified by the joyning of the Princes with his Majesty and that consequently the pretences of the Parliament should languish Brussels opinion being adhered unto it was decreed that the Commissioners without any delay should return again to the King and tell his Majesty that they had nothing to add nor to propose but the effectual dismissing of the Cardinal in conformity to the decrees and Declarations made by his Majesty and to the protestation made by the Princes who were ready to lay down Arms as soon as the Cardinal should be gon out of the Kingdom Letters written from the Queen of Sweeden to the Parliament were given to the Commissioners to be delivered to the King the content whereof was her offering her self to interpose as a friend and confederate to the Crown of France in agreeing all parties The Commissioners came to Melune the 12 th of Iune and had Audience two days after they represented the desolation of the State by the Cardinals return which they said was the only cause of all the disturbances of the Kingdom The business was referred to the Council of State and the answers examined the Cardinal renued his many former desires that he might be dismist saying it was not fit that the peace of the Kingdom should be confounded merely for him This the King denyed saying that he was master and was to be served by whom he pleased and that none but God could prescribe laws to him The next Sunday the Commissioners had Audience again wherein the King gave them a writing saying that thereby they should know his pleasure Monsieur Vrilliere read it and gave it to President Nesmond wherewith he went to Paris the contents of the Letter were these That the King did very much wonder seeing there were so many wise and well advised Subjects in the Parliament that they should not know the desire of dismissing the Cardinal was but a specious and nice pretence since the true cause of all the troubles appeared to be the interest and ambition of those who had took up Arms and waged War when the Cardinal was in Germany dismist from the Court and Government which made it clearly appear that the maladies of a State are not cured whilst pretences are stood upon the roots whereof produce as many mischiefs as by those pretences are desired to be cut off so there was no remedy that would do good but to pluck up the chiefest and deepest evil by the Root That if his Majesty should permit the Cardinal to withdraw himself into some forreign imployment with due respect to his honour how should he be secured that the Male-contents would be quieted since his departure in the beginning of the last year had rather augmented than moderated the troubles so as it was not to be hoped it should fall out otherwise when he should be gone again unless the cause which produced the effect were presently taken away That his Majesty did desire speedy and permanent quiet to his Subjects that they might not fall into the former inconveniences the rather for that he knew well that at the same time when the Princes declared they were ready to lay down Arms if the Cardinal were sent away they provided for the contrary by strengthning their party with Forreigners and by seducing other of his Majesties Subjects from their obedience that what the Duke of Orleans had said some days before to the Commonalty of Paris touching his having no power over the Duke of Lorrains men which he had boasted to have brought was not like to that which he had affirmed in Parliament that the treaty made with the Spaniards by the Prince of Conde mentioned not laying down of Arms if the Cardinal were sent away nor indeed could it be spoken of since he was in Germany when it was made That therefore the Princes were to give real and positive security for performing what they promised wherefore he desired to know whether they renounced all leagues and associations made with Forreigners and all particular treaties had and made with his Majesties Subjects against his Royal service
whether they would not pretend to somewhat else when the Cardinal should be gone and whether they would come to his Majesty and serve him as they ought if the Cardinal should be gone whether or no they would send the Forreigners out of the Kingdom which they had called in and would promise that the Spanish and Lorrain Forces should retire without giving them that which they might pretend to to the prejudice of the State Whether those who in their names made War with his Majesty in divers parts of his Kingdom should be dismist Whether the Spaniards who were in Stenay Bourg Guienne and in other parts would retire or no and in case they would not how Conde could force them to go Whether the Prince of County and the Dutchess of Longueville would do their Devoirs and whether Conde had power or no to promise for them Whether County would forego all pretentions Whether they had all of them joyntly Authority from those of condition who had followed them to answer for their obedience and that they should renounce all the leagues and confederacies which they had made against him Whether the Cities and places fortified and guarded in the name of the Prince of Conde would put themselves into the same condition they were before Whether Burdeaux would submit to do its duty and whether the decrees made against his Majesties service since these present Commotions should be revoked and all things put into the same posture they ought to be according to the Articles of his Majesties Declaration in December 1649. which things when he should be assured they should be done without any Cavils or new pretences it might easily be believed that the remedy should be found out to cure the malady under which the Kingdom laboured When this Letter was read in Parliament the Duke of Orleans said it was wholly dictated by the Cardinal and that not being well informed of the Customs of France he questioned the Princes of the Blood by way of Interrogatories which was not a thing usually practised And that since they had often declared as they did now at this present That they would lay down Arms as soon as the Cardinal should be gone out of France there was no need of further security All things being done in sincerity and without equivocation Yet this was long argued in the Assembly wherein it was proposed by those of the Kings party that Commissioners should be sent again to his Majesty with authority to treat of Peace which was so necessary to the State Counsellor Brussels was still fixt to his resolution of refusing all Conferences and that they were only to execute their Declaration Other Counsellors not speaking of such affairs said That it was necessary to think upon some means how to maintain so many poor people The Provost added Who will give me Bread Counsellor Betault answered That one who had Three thousand five hundred pounds sterling a year ought not fear to die of Famine Thus some sharp words past between them The One and twentieth of Iune the Chambers met again where two Propositions were made the one How to maintain the poor the other To raise Fifty thousand Crowns as a reward for the Cardinals Head if any would undertake the business But this was for that time laid aside and it was only resolved to raise One hundred thousand Crowns for relief of the poor every Counsellor being to pay Ten pound sterling thereunto there being many of them paid purposely that they might come and exclaim at the Parliament door and make a tumult which might oblige the Assembly to joyn with the Princes which was apparently their design to the end that they might necessitate Paris to raise moneys and other things for the maintenance of the War by crying when the Counsellors went out of the Palace Bread Peace and a fig for Mazarine They shut the doors upon some of the Parliament insulted over President Bailleule and evilly treated many others amongst which Monsieur Vassan and the Sons of Monsieur Emery were kept four hours in a private shop but were afterward set free by Beaufort who went thither himself in person and as he returned to the Palace said aloud That this was not the right way but that they were to meet in some place and think how they might demand right from the Mazarinians He therefore wished them to come to the Palace Royal that night where he vvould be where every one might propound their opinions Thither came four or five thousand of them vvhere Beaufort told them They did not vvell to go bavvling before the Palace and pretend to force Justice oppressing as vvell the good as the bad But that they vvere to distinguish and that Tvventy four of them ought to desire the Counsellors to declare vvho vvere Mazarinians and vvho not vvhereby they might knovv the Mazarinians and fall upon them in all places He found the common people ready to follovv his advice and disposed them all easily to fury and sedition so ending his discourse He said he vvould expect them the next morning at the Palace The Provost des Merchants hearing this acquainted all the Quarters and Colonels vvith it ordering them to have their Chains ready and that the Inhabitants should be prepared to come forth Armed upon the first Summons Nothing vvas spoken of the Streets but of assaulting the Parliament vvherein they said there vvere many Mazarinians vvho vvould declare themselves The people cried aloud to Conde as he entred the Palace That they would have Peace to whom he said He desired the same and that he indeavored it but without Mazarine The Parliament fearing sedition met not on the Twenty second of Iuly as they ought to have done but the Frondeurs appeared there the Presidents met in Ballieules house to resolve what to do which the Prince hearing he went to intreat them in his own name and in the name of Orleans to come to the Palace after dinner Which they refused to do saying That there was a conspiracy against them and that they could not be their safe Conde treated Ballieule spightfully at first threatning That if he came not to the Palace Orleans and he would deal with him little to his liking But when he saw the other Presidents were of the same opinion and that they valued not his threats he fell to intreaties He desired the President to speak with Orleans which he refused to do saying That all was but Beauforts cheats whose designs he well knew He again desired him and assured him he should receive no wrong so as at last he prevailed with him Orleans prest him very much that the Parliament might meet that day Ballieule answered That the Assembly was resolved not to meet unless their safety might be provided for that the Duke of Beaufort had discovered his bad opinion And that though the Presidents and Counsellors should be assured not to meet with any offence they could not come together before the Twenty
fifth of that Moneth Whilest they were upon this discourse Beaufort came in who appeared much astonished that he should be blamed for the last days sedition and that a Soldier should be imprisoned that swore against him But the Duke of Orleans was not well satisfied with Ballieule that the meeting of the Parliament should be denied The same night whilest President Maison was going to L'Hostelle d'Orleans as he came out he was followed by many Plebeians who cried A Mazarinian and kill him He got into the next House the door whereof was assaulted that they might have him out but Beaufort and Conde coming in kept him from danger and brought him to L'Hostelle d'Orleans assuring the people That he was no Mazarinian At last on the Twenty fifth of Iune the Assemblies met being assured by the Princes that they should not be injured by the people And here Orleans and Conde declared That if the King would send the Cardinal away according to his Declaration of the Sixth of September last they would readily do what was desired inthe Kings Letter which was brought by their Commissioners After this there was no more rubs in the business only whether this Declaration should be sent by the Kings men or by the Commissioners of Parliament who had been imployed formerly or by others that should be chosen out of each Chamber whereunto all the Princes consented excepting Nesmond whom they suspected to have brought Moneys in his late imployments from the Court and that he held secret Conference with Mazarines friends This clause caused no little confusion in the Assembly all the Counsellors holding it very strange that they should be guided by the will of the Princes where their Votes ought to be free and independent This business was argued three hours and the wiser sort thinking the Princes pretentions to be unsupportable bewailed the misfortune of the times And finding palpably that to shun obedience to the King they fell into the subjection of the Princes they found that they must use the Princes as the Court had done the Parliament refusing all things that might proceed from another authority For in such cases by degrees desires turn to commands and he who would not be forced to obey ought not suffer commands They therefore resolved to send back the same Nesmond and the other Commissioners to tell the King That if the Cardinal were sent away according to the Declaration of the Sixth of September the Princes would lay down Arms and do all that his Majesty demanded of the Parliament Thus the Assembly ended and at the coming forth the Counsellors were kept back by a croud of people crying out Peace and union with the Princes whereby it appeared that their design was to make the Parliament and the City declare for many of the Soldiers of the Army were got among the Plebeians which caused a dangerous commotion against the whole Parliament many of the Counsellors whereof were pursued into the Neighboring Houses not without danger of life for many shot were made at them Many men were slain and many wounded President Noion had great fortune to escape for he was pursued by the people thorough two or three Streets The Lieutenant of Civil Causes got into the Castle with some Counsellors where he was beset by the rout who thought to fire it not being able to get in by reason of the number of Guard that defended it and they had fired it had it not been for Monsieur Mitton Colonel of that Quarter who with his Company made them retreat Other Counsellors and Presidents shifted for themselves the best they could the sedition lasted till night drew on with much horror and confusion It was mightily declaimed against not only in Parliament but in the Town-house and it was resolved to provide for the common safety When the Parliament met Monsieur Champrond was ordered to make process against the chief Authors of the Sedition as also against those that had printed and published infamous Libels against the Court and Parliament moreover a Monatorio Ecclesiastico a Declaration of the Clergy was given out against the Complices of the aforesaid things and the Provost des Merchants Consuls and Sheriffs and other chief Citizens resolved That the Captains and Colonels of each quarter should have their Guards in readiness and should place a Corps de Guard about the publick Palace to keep off further insolences and preserve the freedom of Parliament But sufficient provision not being had for the desired quiet there being more that followed the party of the Princes then of the Parliament and Council of the City it was concluded That the most expedient means for the indempnity of Paris and the Parliament should be taken in a General Assembly of all the Inhabitants on the Fourth of Iuly The Duke of Lorrain being this mean while dis-incamped from Villa Nova he went on the Seventeenth of Iune to Briacomte Rubert from thence by Columniere to Secana and so by degrees till he got out of the Kingdom which caused apprehensions that he had betrayed the Princes and which caused great trepidations in those that were of the contrary faction to the Court It being thought that the Kings Army being free from the Lorrainers should incamp before Paris and that the Princes should be forced to comply but when the truth was known the Duke was justified and it was known that all was caused by the Spaniards who were afraid That if the Duke of Lorrain should stay in France and joyn with the Princes the King would be forced to make peace and the Cardinal would be dismissed Wherefore they sent for him back to the end That the Court being strengthned by his retreat might not moderate her pretentions but maintain those divisions which it made for them to soment The Kings Army being gone from Estampes where there was no more Corn and the place much infected by the dead bodies of Men and Horses which lay unburied the rest of the Forces were made to remove and abandon that Town which was more then half distroyed when through the news that was given out that Lorrain had betrayed the Princes whose Army was thereby exposed to the iujuries of the Kings Forces who might pass over the Seene upon the Bridge of Boats which was surrendred by the Lorrainers The Prince went out with only twenty Horse amongst which were the Dukes of Rochefaucolt and Nemeurs and Prince Marilliack and went not without danger of being taken to joyn with his men who were marching towards Paris and came with them to the Seene over against Villanova S. George where the Kings Army lay And the next day hearing what had past in treaty with Duke Charles he came to between S. Clow and Surenne within two leagues of Paris on the River side and upon the way to S. Germans whither those few Forces that they had in Paris were also sent wherewith they made a Camp of about Five thousand men Which Army was provided of
all things necessary from Paris All which was done at the expence of the Princes for they could never get money nor any thing else from the Parisians But only free commerce popular affection and a receptacle upon need Wherefore the Prince knowing he could not long subsist unless that the City and Parliament would publickly declare for him he used all means to make them both second his designs and at last used violence by which he became odious and overthrew all his concernments The Castle of S. Vincent being in these emergencies a place of no small consideration it was recruited with One hundred Soldiers by Count Chavigny Captain thereof who was then in Paris a great Confident of Condes and a prime Adviser of the Anti-Cardinalists Many other provisions were likewise had for the common concernment and the Spaniards were solicited by many Messengers for assistance and to enter France from Flanders with a powerful Army to drive the Kings Forces from about Paris But the Catholick Agents not intending to assist the Princes more then to maintain their pretences that by the troubles in France they might work their advantage in Flanders Italy and Catalonia they fed their hopes now and then with moneys not thinking that affairs were yet brought to such straits as that they were to neglect their own occasions to suppress strangers nor did the Princes and Frondeurs omit to foment such Burdelois as were desirous of novelties And here it must needs be pleasant to hear how divisions arose amongst those of the same party It is a known truth that one fault committed draws on another and that he who cannot indure lawful Dominion will not tolerate unjust usurpation The Frondeurs of Burdeaux divided themselves into two factions one whereof was called the Little Fronda whose Chief was Monsieur Mirate with whom the President Dasis and Pichon Todiasport and Fonteneâ—le all of them friends to Conde and who called him into Burdeaux These divided the Province amongst them that they might get the Kings Taxes Monsieur Guionet went towards Tolouse to Count Marsin whereat the Parliament of Languedock took such offence as those who were the Kings friends took occasion thereby to keep the people in obedience to his Majesty Monsieur Mousuiere went to the Haganoise and La Roche to S. Onge as superintendent of Condes Army Fryard and Halen were made superintendents of the Sea Coast. So as this Little Fronda took upon themselves the managing of all the moneys for War which they themselves had for that end raised moreover in the Princes their Council were the Presidents Dasis and Pichon and Messieurs Tarang Mirat and Grimart these were of the great Fronda In the same Council President Gourges Blanck Movesine and Espenet The great Fronda were very jealous of the confidence which those of the lesser had in the Princes Divers Parliamentarians were of the grand Fronda who met in the same Gourges his house where making use of the peoples murmuring against the arrogancy and greediness of the petite Frondeurs who made merry with the present miseries to that excess that Guionet having invited his friends one day to Dinner bid them eat chearfully for all that was before them was the blood of the people so as by this and such extravagant proceedings they soon turn'd patience into fury so as the grand Frondeurs had a plausible pretence to accuse those of the lesser Fronda as Authors of all the disorders which did afterwards ruine the Princes affairs wherefore to satisfie them it was agreed that Remont one of the grand Fronda and de Due and Espenet should be imploy'd also in gathering the aforesaid Taxes It was also ordered that the Council of the Olmiera should be govern'd by the lesser Fronda who to please the fury of the Olmiera did Sacrifice as Victims divers of the Kings faithful Subjects and in an extraordinary assembly did declare Salamon the Father and Son Bernet Montisquiou and de Aribe to be suspected persons The Advocate brought in a bill containing their names and the names of the Atturny General Pontack Masquedet and Doctor Roche who though they were adjudged by the Parliament to be suspected persons and therefore to be sent out of the City they were notwithstanding exempted for having been zealous for the publick in the former War and only the first three were banished They also prohibited the meeting of the Olmiera but it was continued under the protection of the Prince of County and Dutchess of Longueville who were desirous to lessen the Parliaments power for that it would predominate over all things especially since the Prince of Conde was parted from Paris Wherefore it was resolved on the 14 th of May that a decree should be made against the Olmiera and that it should be proclaimed by the Hussieri Ushers but those who undertook it were beaten by the Olmiristi then being invited by Monsieur Tarang who threatned to hang them they went in great numbers to the Parliament in a tumultuous manner desiring that the decree might be repeal'd and in a threatning manner forbidding them to proceed any further and their rage increasing they took up Arms and drove out fourteen of the Parliament whereof President Pion was one though he was a Pensioner of Spain and more a friend to Conde than the rest Count Marsin and Leuet advertised Conde of this blaming the Prince of County and Dutchess Longueville as those who were the Authors of all novelties for their peculiar interests to ballance which Marsin and Lenet were to weaken the faction of the Olmiera by means of the Parliament The Prince answered these Letters that he intended the Olmiera should be put down which being ill taken by the Olmerists they went that very night to Cornet Mercatante's House with whom Monsieur Giurato Fontinelle supped who being surprised at the Audaciousness of these seditious men suddenly assembled the quarter of le Chappreaux who falling upon them and shooting at them from the Windowes slew Monsieur Lort who was their chief and wounded four more mortally the Parliament being highly incensed at this popular insolence met the next day where the Giurati declared what mischief had happened and Conde's Letters were read upon which a general Amnesty was resolved upon for all the seditions but they were prohibited meeting together The fourteen that were lately banished were re called but not those that were first expell'd as being thought too partial to the Court The Olmerists were hereat mightily scandalized they met again at the Abby of St. Croix pretending to provide for the defence of certain Towns upon the Garomne which if they should fall into the Kings hands would block up the way for coming to buy Victuals Monsieur Guiraute one of the Giurati having notice of their meeting indeavoured to separate them which not being able to do neither by fair words nor foul he went to the quarter of the Chappeaux Rouge where were the exil'd Officers and the rest of the lesser
Barracado with such boldness not to call it rashness as the Kings men being astonished were it either fatality or that the presence of great Personages have out of some hidden cause great prerogative in difficult undertakings did abandon it and the Princes who did so gallantly take it would have kept it had not the Enemy continually fired upon them from both sides the Street that it was impossible for them to tarry there The Duke of Nemeurs received Thirteen Musquet shot on his Armor and two on his right hand Rochefaucolt was wounded between the eyes and Beaufort and Marsilliack being bound to help the wounded were forced to quit the place which when the Kings men saw they made hast to take those that were wounded Prisoners which they would suddenly and safely have done had not Conde with his wonted undauntedness come in on the head of some Gentlemen that followed him whereby he afforded them time and opportunity to retreat as they did with much wonder and applause Guitaut Bercenet Lullery and Martiniere were wounded all the rest witnessed what danger they had run by the shot which they received in their Armor and by having their Horses slain under them At the same time that they were fighting without the Parisians were at as much strife in words within the Walls some were for the going out of such Citizens as had Arms to help the assaulted and for opening the Gates that they might retreat others said that by suffering Conde to be lost who was the occasion of all their misfortune there would be an end of their misery and the City would be put into her former quiet condition but at last amongst all these differences wherein nothing was concluded in favour of the Princes Madamoselle came forth into the Streets accompanied by the Dutchesses of Rohan Monbason and Chastilion and by the young Countess of Fiesco and went to the Town-house where she told the Citizens that without any more dispute or loss of time the people were to take up Arms and to assist the Princes suffering the Baggage and Forces of their friends to come into the Town The pressures of this couragious and generous Princess were so perswasive as the sad and horrid spectacle of so many Lords of high condition who ever and anon came into the Town half dead wounded and besmeared with blood amongst which that of Rochefaucolt was most compassionate whose eyes were well nigh shot out as it was resolved the Gates should be opened and they should be received into the Town and every one with tears cryed out that the Prince must be relieved who put his life and the lives of many good French men into apparent and almost inevitable danger for the publick cause whereupon about 300 Inhabitants went out who by the Prince were put to Guard some stations and then Rohan causing some of the baggage to march by the Temple Gate and Beaufort bringing in the rest by that of St. Antoine the Prince was told that the Kings Army being divided into two parts went by the way of Soronne and Neully wherefore thinking that this might be with design to keep his men out between the Suburbs and the Gate he placed Count Hollack with his German Regiment at the entrance of the Street of Saronne to assist the retreat which was begun and sent word to Monsieur Lovieres who then commanded the Bastile instead of his Father Brussels to let the Canon play upon the Kings men which being forborn as a thing unbecoming a Subject Madamoselle came instantly thither and getting upon the Walls with more than a man-like spirit and as if she her self would share in the glory and danger commanding that in her presence the Guns might be fired against the Kings Forces it was done Then orders being given for the retreat the Horse and Foot marched speedily with the Canon the Burgundian Brigade keeping in the Reer commanded by Marquess Sasse whose Horse Regiment was then govern'd by Monsieur St. Mars When the Canon plaid first from the Battile it was thought they plaid upon the Princes Forces for the Kings friends in Paris had promised as much but being found to play upon the Kings men and that the Inhabitants falling of their promise the baggage was already got in and the Troops began to enter Paris those of the Kings party were astonished as were also the Kings General being somewhat blamed for their slovvness and negligence and for being defrauded of their hopes in the very nick of Victory so as they returned tovvards St. Denis not less sad for the loss of so many gallant Subjects vvhereof besides St. Magrine Marquess Nantalliet vvas one and Count Maipos and Mancini the Cardinals Nephevv vvere so mortally wounded as they soon after died and Count di Tre with divers others of quality was taken prisoners The King did very graciously visit Mancini often as he did also S. Magrins afflicted Widow The Princes Army not without wonder past through Paris it being unusual to see an Army with Baggage pass through those Streets These lodged in the Countrey about Tury without the Suburbs of S. Marseilles and in two days plundered all the Villages and Houses that were within three leagues and brought what they had so gotten to the Camp where the Soldiers sold all things as if it had been in a Fair. Madamoiselle would see them pass and caused moneys be given to the wounded Count Chavigny gave them store of Victuals not so much out of charity as policy And because it hath always been a custom in Military Actions to have some sign whereby to discern Friends from Enemies Madamoiselle put a straw upon her head wherein being followed by all that would not be accountred Mazarinians you might in a moment see not only all the Inhabitants but Foreigners of every Nation yea even the Fryers and Agents of stranger Princes do the same to shun the insolencies which were done by the common people to those that bore not this Badge Thus ended the memorable Action of S. Antoines Suburbs on the Second of Iuly wherein the quality was more considerable then the number of those that were slain The Prince of Conde not valuing his own life but running like Lightning sometimes to one place sometimes to another where the business was most bloody and his men in most danger performed the office of a private Soldier as well as of a Captain was oft-times upon the very edge of the Grave being miraculously perserved by Fortune his Horse vvas killed under him his Cloaths shot thorow in divers places his Feathers and his Hair burnt and yet was he miraculously kept unhurt Marquess Turenne behaved himself no less valiantly who by his presence gave great proof of his valor and experience every where And he was heard to say That he had met with above six Princes of Conde for wheresoever he turned himself he found the Prince in the Head of the Enemy with his Sword in hand All other
Generals and Captains behaved themselves undauntedly and with extraordinary courage This was numbred as one of the noblest and most worthy Actions that ever hapned in any whatsoever age Conde having won more reputation in Arms betook himself to think how he might make Paris declare openly against the King without which he found he should be too weak for he wanted moneys and other necessaries to maintain War But finding how little good he had hitherto got therein by fair means he resolved to use force having failed of making the Parliament be assaulted in their own House as you have heard he bethought himself how to force the Citizens to second his intents The Members of Parliament by reason of what was done on the Twenty sixth of Iune last had desired Le Marishal de l'Hospitalle with the Common Council of the City to provide so for them as they might sit with safety and follow their business A General Assembly met to this purpose in the publick Palace on the Twelfth of Iuly to consider how they might put the City in safety as was desired The Princes and their party resolved to Assault the Assembly and to force them to comply with them When they were met in the Town-house by all the Officers of the Commons which make up a Body of about Four hundred of the best Men in the City The Duke of Orleans sent Marishal d'Estampes to the Marishal de l'Hospitalle who sat there as Governor of Paris to assure him That no disorder should be committed that morning the Marishal answered his Highness should be satisfied So the Assembly began where the Duke came about half an hour after four in the afternoon where the Piazza of the Greve where the Assembly sat was full of seditious Armed Men with straws in their Hats an evident sign of some extraordinary disorder and of a preludium to the fatal Tragedy which followed When Orleans was come into the Assembly the Marishal de l'Hospitalle gave him his place and sat himself on the Bench of the Provost des Merchants and Sheriffs But it is to be observed that the said Marishal who went to receive the Duke at the Stair-foot when he saw the Duke with a wreath of straw about his Hat said boldly What means this Sir does your Highness come with a Badge of Seditiou into the Kings House The Duke answered That he had received that wreath but that he did not approve thereof They went up Stairs and when Orleans had taken his place he thanked the City for having suffered his Forces to pass asking if upon the like occasion they would do so again The Prince was there likewise and spoke to the same purpose the Marishal answered That they would always be ready to serve them and that when they should be gone out the business should be taken into consideration This mean while a Letter came from the King wherein he willed them to adjourn the Assembly till the Eight of that Moneth The Marishal caused the Letter to be read and then asked the Princes and the rest if they would obey it the Princes said nothing but went out not thinking their faction strong enough to effect their desires And as they went out to wait upon the Princes an impertinent fellow presented the Marishal de l'Hospitalle with a wisp of straw who being touched to the quick with that affront told him That were it not for the respect he bore to his Highness he should presently be thrown out of the Window and hanged The Princes as they went out said that the Palace was full of Mazarinians who sought to spin out time which caused so great a commotion as divers Soldiers and seditious people began instantly to shoot in at the Windows The Princes to incourage this business had set on divers Soldiers but in vain to raise a tumult in some other part of the City At this time one of the Populacy hapned to be with a Musket slain which did more incite their fury for they all cried out it was done by some Mazarinian and that therefore they must all be slain pointing that they were in that Palace and some were hard to say Union union and down with the Mazarinians So all of them running with straws in their Hats like so many Bacchanalians they fell to such insolencies as are usually committed by the rabble rout Those who guarded the Palace ran all away whereat the factious people growing more incensed got wood and set the great Gate on fire striving to get in Admist this danger the Marishal who was Governor President Charton Colonel Miron Vedo and Barantine with divers others resolved rather to die gloriously then weakly to yield They therefore prepared to defend themselves the Marishal ordered Marquess Franes to make a Baracado of great Rafters on high at the entry into the great Hall which opens upon the Yard which was speedily done and was so well defended by the Marishals Guards particularly by Monsieur Berry as the Assailants surprised with the opposition ceased their fury The Marishal commanded to spare Powder till night that the means while they should defend themselves with great stones but the great Gate being at this instant burnt down they got upon the Baracado where Blanchart Commissary General of Condes Army was slain and some other of the Prince his Soldiers The people applied fire also to burn down the back Gate The Marishal knowing that the same fire would keep the seditious people from coming in made more Wood be applied thereunto so to hinder the ingress of the furious people Whilst these things were doing the Prince was in L'Hostelle de Orleans where hearing that affairs went otherwise than he intended which was to infuse fear but not to bring things to extremity he would have gone to the place and by appeasing the business by his own presence would have obliged the assaulted to have acknowledged their lives and safety from him But Orleans who thought it not convenient that the Prince should hazard his person amongst that inraged rable were it either that he would not have the Prince to gain the peoples love and that he alone should be hated by force with-held him and would not suffer him to go out of his house where much against his will he was compell'd to suit himself to the Dukes will Many the mean while seeing the danger and excited by fear would have saved themselves by making way through the rabble but many of them were slain amongst which Monsieur Miron though well esteemed by the people as being a Frondeur Monsieur Gras Master of the requests Monsieur Ferrand Counsellor of Parliament six or seven noble Citizens besides many that were wounded yet some escaped as President Charton the Curate of St. Iohns whom the Priests of his Church met with the Hostia to make way for him Monsieur de Ponset Master of the requests Monsieur Barantine Beaufort and Marquess Bella who were in a neighbouring house came forth and
who being brought to have audience before the King spoke as followeth Sir Your Majesties assurance given us that you will send Cardinal Mazarine away hath rejoyced the hearts of all your Majesties vassals Your Parliament hath charged us to thank your Majesty for it and to desire the performance beseeching you to consider That the evils of France increasing daily so as they can admit of no delay Your Majesty will be very gracious in not deferring to make us injoy a good so much desired The Duke of Orleans and the Prince have commanded us to confirm their former Declarations to you and to tell you That they cannot satisfie you otherwise by Commissioners of their own but will obey your Commands as soon as the Cardinal shall have obeyed your Majesties Declarations It now lies in your Majesty Sir to abbreviate all these evils by dismissing the Cardinal We can say no more to express the grief which doth even suffocate our words The King answered That he would advise with his Council and would give them his Answer as he did the next day in writing as was read unto them by Count Brien to this effect That the King had granted their desire of sending away the Cardinal though he clearly foresaw it was nothing but a pretence to trouble the State But if his Majesty did believe that this answer would occasion another Decree in Parliament he would not have given it knowing that in the condition the Parliament now was by the absence of so many of their leading Members and by the violent Authority usurped by the prime Rebels they could do nothing but execute their wills since by their own Decree of the first of this present July they had resolved not to treat or resolve of any thing touching publick affairs till Iustice and the City might be secured But that instead of providing for such security when the Assembly were met for that purpose Iustice and the City were opprest with fire violence and slaughter So as his Majesty could not build upon the resolutions of those whose Votes were not in their own free power The Kings intention in this Answer was to afford means to the Princes to send some with Authority to receive orders concerning the Articles which they had accepted of and to agree upon the time manner and security of their being performed The King for several Reasons resolved to go from S. Dennis to Pontois on the Sixteenth of Iuly the Cardinal remaining still in his Administration by the Kings express command though he still desired to be gone but affairs were so well governed by his Council as the good effects which you shall hear hereafter insued thereupon But the Princes and their party complaining still upon the Actions of the Court saying That it sought only to delude the people and that it had no mind to have Peace which depended solely upon dismissing the Cardinal they redoubled their detractions both in private and in publick against the Cardinal and other Court Officers When the Court went from S. Dennis the Parliament Commissioners were ordered by the King to tarry there to expect what word his Majesty would send unto them for they refused to follow his Majesty pretending That they were not in equipage and that they must needs return to Paris to discharge their duties The King lay in Pontois and his Army was quartered about the River to watch over the proceedings of the Spaniards who overrun those parts to the great prejudice of those who had any goods there The news of the King and Armies being gone from S. Dennis coming to Paris it was whispered that the Commissioners were detained Prisoners which made Conde get on Horsback with Four hundred Cavaliers and go speedily thitherward to inform himself of the truth He found the Commissioners free and offered to carry them back to Paris but they excused themselves saying They had given their word to Monsieur S. Tor to stay at S. Dennis till they should receive further orders from the King But when the Parliament met which was the next day they resolved to send for them back Wherefore Orleans Conde and Beaufort with above Two hundred thousand common people went thither and brought them back to the Parliament with as much applause as if it had been a glorious triumph notwithstanding that the King sent express order for them to come to Pontois for affairs of great consequence which had hapned since his going from S. Dennis Yet they gave out that this was but a Court trick which useth to weary with delay when it means not to comfort with effects and to spin out time wherein they thought they might reap advantage by the sufferings of the Parisians who are accustomed peacefully to injoy their rich Traffick To provide against all which the King and his Council of State did Decree on the Eighteenth of Iuly after a long debate of all that had been done that Information should be taken of the horrible and scandalous attempt that was made upon the publick Palace upon the Fourth of the present Moneth and that the circumstances should be sought into and the Authors and abettors of the massacres and violences committed should be proceeded against according to the rigor of Law and in the mean while revoked and nullified the pretended Election of Brussels to be Provost de Merchants And the King forbad him upon pain of life to act any thing therein saying That he and his posterity should give an account of the disorders which had hapned and which should happen after his pretended administration He declared also all the resolutions void and null which were made in Parliament on the first of Iuly as also in the Common Hall concerning publick Affairs till such time as the Governor of the City and the lawful Provost de Merchants and the other Magistrates which were forced to absent themselves were taken in again and that sufficient provision might be given for the security of Justice and of the City And the King did further expresly inhibite all the other Cities of his Kingdom and all his Subjects and servants to take notice of any thing that should be written to them or ordered from Paris since it was tyrannically possess'd by Rebels and to the end that the Moneys which were intended to pay the Rent of the Communalty might not be disposed of by the Enemy to make War and pay the Spaniards whom they had called in he ordered that they should be brought to the place of his abode to be put into the hands of those that were to pay the Rents whom he commanded to come to Court with all other Consuls and Sheriffs of the City within three days after this Decree should be published The Princes Parliament and Frondeurs were mightily troubled at this departure believing that the Court laughed at their pretentions Count Servient had told the former Commissioners in his Majesties name That if Orleans and Conde would not name new Commissioners but
be done without a King whilst there was a King This was the best thing the Cardinal could do for this Maxime well observed fomented the Prince his ruine since not being able to free the Parisians from the ruine wherewith they were threatned without his withdrawing he would be undoubtedly undone for by staying there he would increase their miseries whereby he would draw on the peoples hatred and if he should go away he would loose the assistance of so rich and powerfull a City and would be forced to retire to his Towns upon the Maax forsake the Kingdom and cast himself into the Spaniards hands The Spaniards were much confused when they heard the Cardinal was gone from France for they foresaw that by his removal all pretences which did any ways cloak the Male-contents reasons ceased and wisely weighing how they might maintain but not advance the Princes party two ways were thought upon the one to advance with their whole Army and drive the King from about Paris and so keep the Citizens true to the Princes the other to feed the Princes and Parisians with hopes but without effects to the end that by appearance of their aid they might keep fast to their pretentions and redoubling their disobedience might at last be necessitated to declare against the King and becoming unworthy of pardon and afraid to be punished they might strive to continue their usurped Authority The first was gain-said by suspicion that the Court being reduced to straits should grant the pretentions of the Princes which were still hotly pursued by their well-wishers The other seemed not fit for the present conjunctures for when the Princes and Parliament should be void of all hope and promise made by the Spaniard they must be ruled by necessity and be contented with such terms as they could get They therefore chose a third way which was to cause their Troops to advance that they might thereby soment Conde's unquiet thoughts who making War in France as first Prince of the blood and one of the valiantest and best esteemed Commanders of the age was likely to disturb the whole Kingdom long Wherefore after having staid a while at Fimes and thereabouts and having changed Fuenseldaglia's Forces for those of the Duke of Lorrain who had again taken pay for his Army for two months from the Spaniard they marched towards the Seene it was thought better-to send the Lorrainer then Fuenseldaglia for that they had rather put Forreigners to hazard and sufferings than their own Soldiers as also because if Spaniards and Italians who differ so much both in habit and face from the French should come into France they would rather provoke the hatred and aversion than civilities of the French towards them who do naturally abhor Nations of another Climate This Army consisted of 3000 Horse the most part Germans under the Duke of Witemberg of Six Regiments of Horse paid by the Country of Leige and the parts adjacent in the name of the Princes commanded by the Chevalliere de Guise and Count Pas and of 6000 Lorrainers which in all made between Ten and Eleven thousand good fighting men and well in order This Army being come on the first of September almost without any obstacle to Sessene a little Town in Brie Fourteen leagues from Paris thought to approach the Seene and to come to Villeneuf St. George in the same place where some months before the Duke of Lorrain lay when he came to relieve Estampes but he was prevented by Turenne whose Army being much lessened by their continual labour intrenched his Army there and threw two Bridges upon Boats over the River to succor the other side and to provide forrage for the Horse Lorrain kept therefore higher up and falling down afterwards into the Plane incamped on the East side of the River the Army of the Princes going the next day from St. Victoire past over the Seene at the Pontneuf of Paris and over the Marne at Charinton and joyned with Lorrain the Princes Forces consisted of about 3500 what Horse what Foot the one commanded by Baron Cleinchamp which were the remainders which came from Flanders with Nemeurs the second was Orlean's own Forces Commanded by General Beaufort the third were Conde's men under Prince Taranto the General and the Lieutenant General Tavanes For Rochefaucolt was not yet cured of his wounds These three bodies of Armies and the other two of Lorrain Wirtemberg and Duke Charles having assigned over their Spanish Forces to Conde Lorrain declared he was no Enemy to France nor to the King thereof but that he was only obliged by the Spaniards to bring those men to Conde which being done he was free He went the same day being the Sixth of September to Paris where consulting with Orleans in Orleans his own Palace wherein he was lodged with Conde and the rest of the party they resolved to draw near the Kings Camp with all their Forces and either to fight them as occasion should serve or to incommodate them chiefly in their forrage in performance whereof they made divers quarters about Villeneuf St. George in safe places and well fortified from whence sending out great parties of Horse to plunder and get Victuals their past several skirmishes between them and Turens men with Reciprocal success but of little moment the Soldiers being thus incamped all about Paris was besieged by its own Friends the King was desired daily to come to Paris who answered he vvas vvilling to do so but that the Parisians must first get Orleans to cause Conde to return to his Government of Guienne and Beaufort to Annet a Castle of his Fathers and all Forreigners out of France The Cardinal of Rets Dutchess of Chevereux and Chasteauneuf who were all three Condes Enemies made use of these favourable conjunctures and were not wanting to stave Orleans off from joyning with Conde and to re-unite him to the Court for the reasons already alledged Notwithstanding all these troubles of the Court the siege of Montrond continued and Count Palau who commanded there in chief knowing how few the besieged were and what scarcity they had of Victuals resolved to open his Trenches and hasten the taking thereof but meeting with more opposition than he expected he fell to finish his line the circumvallation whereof being but small it might the more easily be kept Marquess Persau who commanded therein for the Prince to keep from being reduced to such necessity as he must surrender upon discretion articled on the 22 th of August that if he were not relieved by the 30 th of that moneth he would deliver up the Castle to the King and would match out on the first of September with Arms and Baggage That Hostility should cease on both sides and that daily Victuals should be given by the King's men to the Soldiers and Inhabitants they being paid for it that no Fortifications should be made on neither side and that if relief should come Persau and his men should be Newters
and do nothing whilst the Line was fought for that all lives should be saved that Tallon la Coste Ballet and Marselly who were come thither from Dunkirk to serve the Prince should injoy the same articles but as for the Officers and their places they should be at the King's disposal to whom Count Paluau would write in their behalf that those that came out should be convoy'd to the Princes Camp near Paris and that Pasports should be given to those that would return to their own homes That an Inventory should be made of all the Prince his goods part whereof should be safely convey'd to Chasteaureux and delivered to the Governour thereof and that the rest which could not be convey'd should remain in the hands of the Prince his Agent who was to have leave to tarry there and have a care of them that Monsieur Hautaeville should keep in his place of Farmer as all the rest of Conde's Farmers in Berry The Prince hearing in what danger this important place was sent Count Briole from his Camp on the 19 th of August with 500 choice Horse ordering him to pass over the Loire suddenly in Boats over against Sully and to joyn with the Marquess Levy and Count Colligny in Berry with 300 Horse Briole past over the Loire but not finding his friends so provided as he was made to be believe and the line not to be mastered he retreated speedily to Paris for Count Maipas marching towards him with 800 of Turenne's Horse traced him but Briole got safe to the Prince his Camp and Montrond according to articles remain'd in the King's hands The Kings affairs beginning to better and all wise men knowing that affairs would at last prove favourable to the King the Lord Chancellor being sent for by his Majesty went to Court who by leave from the King had staid in Paris as a private Gentleman but the Princes desiring to Authorise and give Reputation to the new Council Orleans sent to him to come and assist therein as had been intimated to him by Parliament threatning that in case of refusal he should be forced to come upon worser terms the Chancellor being thus necessitated to come to that Council did undauntedly and with such wariness behave himself as not at all wavering from the King's service but moderating those who were swai'd by passion and interest did by his wisdom much advantage the Court-affairs but though it was known he did the King good service there yet it was not thought fit that the unlawful Authority usurped by Male-contents should be authenticated by one that was honoured with so conspicuous a charge he was therefore sent for back by a Capuchine Fryar whom he presently obeyed going out of Paris in a Priests habit and came to their Majesties the Third of September at Campaign where he was very much welcomed but the seals remained with the first President A novelty worth the relating happened in Brisack for the better knowledg whereof we must take the business a little higher and search the beginning In the beginning of the year 1650 did Monsieur Eclack Governour of Brisack dye a man of great fidelity and honour Monsieur Charlevois who commanded a Regiment of Ten Companies there and was the Kings Lieutenant sent the Major of his Regiment to acquaint the Court with it and assured their Majesties that no novelty should succede in the Fort till they should send another Governour which he did believing that the Court would send none But about the end of next February the King chose Monsieur Tiliadet Camp-master and Governour of Beaupames to be Governour of Brisack which when Charlevois heard who hoped to have been chief Commander there himself he treated with Colonel Eclack Nephew to the dead Governour who Commanded a Brigade of Germans in that Town by which treaty they bound themselves to joyn together and not to admit of any Governour They forthwith sent Monsieur de Blois le Shelle one of Charlevois Captains and Cousins to tell Tillier the Secretary of State and Tilliadet that he should not be received into that Government the Cardinal who about the same time was with the Court in Burgundy hearing this sent Messieurs Bausant Fruart and Millet to Brisack to wish Charlevois to obey the King and to receive Tilliadet and writ to the Marishalless Guebrian who had great power with Charlevois to will him to obey Charlevois listned to these Gentlemen and to the Marishals Wife and resolved to receive the said Governour upon promise that he would not innovate any thing in the Garrison and that he would keep his Brigade in the same condition it was in which was granted him by Letter from the King Colonel Eclack finding that Charlevois had confer'd with the said Gentlemen contrary to agreement was displeased Charlevois that he might be of greater power in that Fort perswaded Eclack to go to the Switzers for which he had a Thousand pound sterling paid him Soon after Tilliadet went from Paris and came to Brisack in May Charlevois received him with all the Regalities due to a Governour they lived Four or Five Moneths very well together At last Tiliadet proposing to reduce Charlevoi's Brigade from Ten to Five Companies intending to put the other Five into his own Brigade and so to be stronger than he Charlevois laughed at the proposal and shewed the King's promise that no innovation should be made but Tilliadet persisting in his design Charlevois acquainted his friends at Court wishing them to acquaint the Cardinal therewith Charlevois who thought the Cardinals pleasure had been not to innovate any thing though the truth is he intended to reduce them from a Thousand to 750 Foot and to add the overplus to Tilliadet's Brigade so to keep them equal took courage and declared he would not yield to the Governours desire whilst things went thus the Cardinal withdrew from Court wherefore Charlevois suspecting that Tilliadet might conspire his ruine by making him be detain'd by the first Troops that should come into Alsatia resolved to secure himself from surprize and acquainted his friends with it who were at Court desiring them to preserve his concernments with the Queen assuring her of his fidelity and desiring her to withdraw Tilliadet Her Majesty finding that Charlevois his Authority in Brisack was greater than Tiliadets resolved to remove the Governour as she did to Besanzon in Burgundy but Charlevois knowing that some Officers of his Brigade adhered to Tilliadets interest put them out of the Fort together with some of Tilliadets particular friends and kindred amongst which his Nephew the Baron of Serigliack Wherefore the Queen knowing that Charlevois was a Creature of Marishal Guebrians Wife wished her to admonish him of the respect and loyalty Loyalty he ought unto the King which she did sending Monsieur Rotra to him to acquaint him with their Majesties minds Charlevois seeming to correspond to the good opinion which was had of him writ to the Queen that he would
at liberty Guise acquainted the Christian Queen herewith humbly desiring this favour from her Majesty who though the number of the other Prisoners were above 4000 whereof were some of Quality willinglingly exchanged them all for the Duke and would have exchanged as many more had she had them to ransome a Prince who had with such hazard of life and at so vast expence done so great Service to the Crown Reciprocal promises passing by Order from the Queen the Duke of Orleans sent the Baron Verdirone Gentleman of his Bed-chamber with power to make the Exchange or else to offer the 500000 Crowns which the Spaniards owed France for other Treaties concerning Prisoners but the Business being delay'd some months by reason of the long way and the abovesaid Novelties hapning the mean while as also the freedom of Conde Conti and Longueville the Spaniards went from their words thinking it not fit to send back the Chief of the House of Guise who was so obliged to the Queen Wherefore they declared that Conde being at liberty they would proceed no further therein unless he were first acquainted with it and should like it This was cunningly done to free the Duke from Obligation to the Queen and to make him side with Conde who began then to Treat privately with Spain and the Spaniards thought it better for them that the Duke should have his freedome without any Obligation to the Court and should turn to Conde's party then the exchange of so many Prisoners Conde who at that time had got the exchange of the Government of Guienne for that of Burgundy indeavoured also to get the Government of Champagnia held by Conti for the Government of Provenze found that no man could be well established there without winning the good will of the friends of the house of Guise who having formerly had that Government had won so much upon those Inhabitants as no other Governour could ever please them Conde making use of this occasion sought to make the Duke favour him in working this his desire by making him hope for liberty if he would be a means that his friends in Provenze should declare for him The Duke soon found the trick which was That Conde might make use of this present conjuncture to work his own ends which when he should have obtained he would mind his liberty no longer wherefore he dexterously made his friends and servants be desired not to declare for the Prince till he were at liberty To which purpose all the Dukes friends desired Conde to beseech his Catholick Majesty to declare that he would free Guise if Conde should desire it In this interim the aforesaid accidents happened and the Prince going to Bourdeaux sent Monsieur Lenet into Spain to Treat of joyning his Interests with those of the Catholick King which Conde did much desire and upon this occasion Lenet had leave to go Segovia and to see and speak with the Duke Many Proposals were made between them at last Conde was perswaded out of meer honour wherein he thought he should suffer much if he should refuse a favour to a Prince who was his friend which would cost him but a word The Prince being thus resolved beg'd the Dukes liberty of the Catholick King and yet he retarded it for some Months to see if when it should be known Guise his friends in Provenze would do his brothers business but failing therein for they all resolved they would first see the Duke at liberty he indevor'd it in earnest The Spaniards being allured by the same hopes easily granted it and resolved to deliver up the Duke into Conde's hands and sent him with usual Guards to St. Sebastian in Biscay where he stay'd a while according to the Spaniards Custom who alwayes spin out time when they think they may get any good by delay The Duke though a Prisoner and not likely to acknowledge his Liberty from any but Conde forgot not his gratitude to the Queens good Intentions towards him and therefore told Mareschal Grammont freely who was Governour of Bearne and Bayonne That he might assure their Majesties of his Fidelity and that he would never upon any whatsoever consideration undertake any Service which should linke him to the Spaniard with whom he was ill satisfied as having broken their word and that they would free him only for their own Interest He was afterwards brought from St. Sebastian to Bourg where he was deliver'd over to the Prince he resolved to go streight for Paris intending to recompence the Prince by interposing with their Majesties in making his Peace at Court but to the misfortune of all men he found the Court so far advanc't in Treaties with the Parisians and Conde so ingaged with the Spaniards as he soon failed in his hopes He declared himself eternally bound to the Prince and that he would serve him in any thing if he would forego the Interests of Spain refusing much to his praise whatsoever was offer'd him by the Spaniards or by the Prince who affectionately imbraced him The Court seeing him in Paris and that he convers'd much with the Prince feared least he might ingage on the Prince's side as the Chevalliere his brother had done Abbate Oudedei indeavor'd to keep the Duke from doing so which was needless for he found him wholly devoted to the Kings Service He went afterwards to St. Germains where he was gratiously received by their Majesties and made one of his Majesties Privy-Councel But to return to Mazarine and to the Court When Mazarine was come to Sedan and gone from thence to Bovillion three Leagues out of France there were those who indeavor'd Orleans his reconcilement to the Court. Cardinal Retz and Chasteuneufe were perswaded that if his Highness were once with the King he might by degrees get into his favour and reassuming his place in Councel they should not be left out wherefore by the consent also of the Duke of Lorrain Marquess Lambert of the House of Ioyeuse was sent to Court to introduce the Treaty The Queen and Court who apply'd themselves not only to Mazarine's return but also to provide for their own safety could not consent that Orleans who was altogether a friend to Conde now joyn'd with the Spaniards should have any thing to do in the Government Conde who was ingaged with Orleans by promise of Marriage between his Highness Daughter and Duke Anguiene thought that although he were left out of the Treaty he might yet in time by Orleans his means make his Peace so as these being nice respects and reflecting much upon the wisdome of the Agents that was found to be bad counsel which exposed the Goverment to the arbitriment of others which in an absolute Monarchy will admit of no Companion It was conceived that the Prince had no minde to make his Peace then for his great Soul being in love with glory which was not to be sever'd from his Valour and from other hopes given him by the Spaniards designed at the
Parliament That Beaufort should be desired to renounce that Place willingly and so not obviate that Peace which was so generally desired The Duke who was absolutely absolved by Parliament for having slain Nemeurs was willing to do it and gave it back to Orleans from whom he had received it The Militia of Paris also was resolved to have Peace to which the presence of the King being requisite they chose 250 persons to present their Duties to his Majesty and to desire that he would honour his good Town of Paris with his Return The Colonels acquainted the Court herewith and desired wonted Pasports which were soon granted and the King writ unto them to come to St. Germains on the 14th of October where he intended to be that night Besides this Letter written to all in general he writ to every particular Colonel wherein he thanked them for the good will they shewed to his Service he also writ to the Commonalty willing them to call a general Assembly in the Town-house and to put the Provost de Merchants Monsieur le Fevre and the Sheriffs Guilois and Philip again in their places Conde finding by these novelties that his abode in Paris would be to no purpose and that all were resolved to receive the King and peradventure to affront him resolved to haste his departure in pursuance whereof the Duke of Lorrain took his leave of the Duke of Orleans on the 11 th of October and went towards his Army which was not far off But as he went out of St. Martin's-gate the Guards stopt him as not having a Pass from the Commonalty and some of them imputing all the Miseries of France to his fault would have imprisoned him till such time as his Forces should be out of the Kingdome and till he should have given satisfaction to the parts adjacent for the wrongs which they had received by his men but this was not done in respect of the Duke of Orleans but he had a thousand injurious Words given him The next day he went out by his Highness Authority two dayes after parted Conde Wirtenberg Rochfaucaute Taranto with many Gentlemen who would follow the Prince his Fortune and as he went through the Streets he was heard to say That the Parisians hoped the King would return but that should not end the War He marched with his Army towards Reims the chief Town of Champagnia thinking to winter there At his departure he left a Manifesto in Print at Paris wherein he avowed all that he had done was for the Publick Good and particularly for the Parisians exhorting them not to trust the Court and to believe that he by force of Arms would constrain them to Peace and to make all due satisfaction Paris being thus abandon'd by Conde and by all the chief Officers of his Army the aforesaid Colonels and Officers went to St. Germains accompanied by above 200. Citizens they haulted at Ruell being the half way where the first Colonel Monsieur Sene Chastenoville received Letters from Secretary Guenegaude saying That the King would be at St. Germains on Thursday night and that they might come thither on Friday morning as they did They were met at the Park-Gate by Monsieur St. Tote Master of the Ceremonies with four of the King's Trumpeters who brought them between the two Castles where they lighted and went to the Lodgings that were provided for them They then had Audience of their Majesties where the aforesaid Sene kneeling down with all the other Commissioners having in a handsome Oration represented the general desire of his Majesties Presence assured his Majesty in the Names of them all of sincere Loyalty and of intire Obedience with their plighted Faiths that they would be all ready upon all Occurrences to spend their Lives and Livelyhoods in his Majesties Service That they desired him not to refuse this favour but to suffer himself to be perswaded by the Tears and Sighs which proceeded from their cordial Desires protesting That he should find nothing but due obsequiousness and perfect propension to perform the parts of humble and faithful Subjects The King himself answered them That during Life he would remember the Service they did him upon this occasion that he desired them to be alwayes assured of his good Affection that though what those had done who had revolted against him might have made him go some whither else yet since they were so desirous he would go speedily to Paris and that he would let the Provost des Merchants and the Sheriffs know what he thought fit to that purpose The Queen added That she had alwayes loved Paris and to live there that she never doubted the Citizens Loyalty that she would alwayes seek to keep the King in the good Opinion which he had of Paris and in his resolution of coming thither speedily After this the Commissioners were carried to a Sumptuous Dinner provided for them by the King Dinner being done they took their leaves of their Majesties and returned to Paris where the people hearing what had been said unto them flockt about in the Streets and welcom'd them with great Jubile Before his Majesty went from Mantes he answered the Duke of Orleans his Letter which Duke Anuille delivered him touching the amendment of the Amnesty which was to this purpose That his Majesty desired not a new Declaration from him but would be satisfied if he would make good his word which he had so often given of laying down Arms and sendding Forreigners to the Frontiers so to free Paris that his Majesty had no more to do having published a general Amnesty and such a one as the most Seditious could not add any thing unto it for their safety nor yet pretend that it might be registred in Paris since it had been already done in the Parliament at Pontois so as his Majesty having anticipated his desire there remain'd nothing but that the Duke should perform his promise that his desire of having Pasports sent him was superfluous since it tended only to gain time till the Spanish Forces commanded by the Duke of Wirtenberg were come to Paris to joyn with Conde's men and to hold the people in hand till an other Army of Spaniards commanded by Prince Ligny might come into the Kingdom whereby they designed to keep Paris in slavery still and keep his Majesty from thence He concluded That he hoped by God's assistance to preserve his Subjects from all mischief and exhorted him to return to his Obedience When the said Colonels were gone the resolution of the Courts returning to Paris was variously disputed in the Privy Councel those who feared that some scandalous novelty might fall out yet there being many Malecontents still there said The people were not to be trusted who forgot what they had promised upon any novelty that therefore they should consider well lest they might fall upon new Rocks The Chancellour Guarde de Seaux Tilly and almost all the rest were of this Opinion saying That they
himself returned towards the Garonne unto another Body of his men commanded by the Marquess de Camilla Lieutenant-General of the Army Some few days after being advertised that Monsieur de San Mico marched towards Roquefort a place in the Countrey d' Albret beyond Mont de Marsan and Prazas with the Regiment of Conti consisting of 400 Foot and with 100 Horse to possess that place by means of the Intellgence he had with some of the Inhabitants corrupted by Monsieur de Pruque Captain of the Regiment of Guitaur he marched to encounter him with the greatest force he could draw out of his Garrisons and overtaking them as they were taking up their Quarters in the very Suburbs of Roquefort he commanded the Cavalier Birague to make an attempt upon them with the Forlorn-hope assuring him that he should be relieved and seconded which being punctually executed more than forty Souldiers of the Enemy were slain and the rest enforced to shut themselves up in another Suburb which was entrenched at the same time there appeared beyond the River a Squadron of Horse which was violently pursued even to the Town-gates into which Aubeterre sent a Trumpet unto the Baron de Marsan who was Governour of the Town to offer him relief which he refused assuring him He was in a condition to defend himself with the strength he had and that he need not doubt his fidelity to the King's Service This good Answer made Aubeterre get to Horse that he might find and fight the Enemy but having notice by the way that they came with de Mico from facing San Iustin a place within the County d' Albret scituated between the Rivers Gelixe and Douse pursued by the Cavalier de Paris and Monsieur de Serigeux with so good fortune that the Commander of them had hardly saved himself with only five Horse of threescore that he had with him he resolved to pursue the Run-aways and clear that Country from the Prince's Forces But being at the same time advertised that the Town of Roquefort and the Baron of Marsan against his Parole given instead of defending the Town for the King had received Colonel Baltassar with the Princes Forces he marched forthwith thitherward with those few Horse he had then with him that he might be revenged upon them but hearing upon the way that Baltassar had taken San Iustin and la Bastida shamefully rendred to him where he was fortifying to make himself a Winter-quarter he forthwith changed his Design and thought it better to march against Bastida within which were the Regiments of Leran and di Guitauld with 200 Foot and 100 Horse of Conti's under the Command of the said Leran who was a Mareschal de Campo He joyned himself for this Design with the Monsieurs Dalidor and â—eilch who had with them a good Body of Horse and upon the 26th of Ianuary they drew near unto the place Dâ—â—idor with some Horse that dismounted attacqued the Gate and forced iâ— giving entrance to Aubeterre and his Companions but finding a strong Bâ—â—ricado notably defended by de Leran and his Souldiers the King's Forces were with some loss repulsed and forced to seek â— better way to gain their purpose They caused therefore the Barricado to be attacqued on three sides by a false Alâ—arm and in the mean time the Souldiers entred into some Houses upon another side from whence firing upon the backs of those who defended the Barricado they forced them to quit it and retire into the great Church which standing in the middle of a large Piazza they fortified themselves within iâ— Dalidor forthwith without loss of time advancing under the Wall gained with great Valour the Breast-work drawn by the Enemy before the Doors and then the Cavalier d' Aubeterre gave sudden notice to Leran that he should lay down Arms and yield or otherwise he should have no Quarter Leran made Articles That liberty being given to himself and the Staff-Officers to retire themselves where they thought good the Souldiers and the other Officers should remain Prisoners of War Which being executed there remained Prisoners with the Kings Forces more than 200 Foot and about 300 Horse with all their Baggage The Enterprise was Noble and very Honourable to the King's Commanders although they lost therein about forty of their own men together with Monsieur della Chappelle and this fortunate encounter facilitated also the gaining of Mas d' Aginois which presently rendred it self without much resistance after this Action the King and Princes Forces scouring every where over that fertile and late peaceable Campagne rendred the Inhabitants thereof as unhappy as the Bourdelois had shewed themselves imprudent in drawing on their own shoulders a War only to please others whereby they could reap nothing but an irrevocable ruine an eternal infamy and in case the Arms of the Male-contents should have prevailed a slavery to themselves instead of the mild Government of their lawful and most gracious Soveraign These Maximes were notwithstanding understood by some and had possibly been followed with effect in case the wavering multitude without cause oâ— reason had not suffered themselves to be governed by a blind fury and inconsiderate ambition In this mean the Scâ—nes for the Ballet were preparing in Paris and the Prince of Conti in Bourdeaux together with the Princesses his Cousin and Sister being invited by the Carneval-Season that they might win upon the minds and please the simple People and especially the rude multitude greedy of Novelties and delighted with pompous Shews celebrated the Solemnity of the Christening of the Prince of Conde his Second Son born the Sept. before wherein according to the Prince of Conde's Orders were God-fathers the Jurates of the City and the Dutchess of Longueville his Sister who adorned pompously with all her Jewels went to the Cathedral of the City attended by the Cavalier Todias first Jurate and the Count Marsin who held the Infant the Prince of Conti the Duke of Anguien and all the Principal Cavaliers and Officers of the Party being also present The City after made a magnificent Feast and Banquet which was scrambled at by those of the Olmiera and there were also made for some days following other Balls and Bonfires with Justs Tiltings Comedies and Masques as if that Countrey had felt nothing of War or Misery In the mean time divers secret Plots were driven on for the reducing of Bourdeaux to his Majesties Obedience and it was a matter of difficulty to reduce that powerful and warlike City so they made use of Industry and Art for the effecting of it The Father Faur a Franciscan who was after made Bishop of Glandeues a man subtle and zealous in his Majesties Service who had much contributed to the reduction of Paris proposed also the forming of some Intelligence in the City of Bourdeaux it self by means of the Fathers of his Order To this effect there was sent thither Father Bertaut Guardian of Breda to settle an Intelligence with the Father
of the Prince of Conde that it was evident the Victories obtained in the Year 1652 were rather a weakening than a strength unto that Monarchy The Prince therefore being disabled to perform things whereof he had given hopes unto the French that followed him was forced to dismiss the best part of them and to permit them with his good leave to return to the obedience of his Majesty which was done by many of them for that onely reason And the Duke of Rochefaucaut being disabled by the Wounds he received in the last Fight at the Fauxbough of St. Anthonie in Paris to serve farther in the War accepted by his consent of a Pardon and quitted the Prince's Party with his intire good liking and consent The King's Council in Spain did notwithstanding what it was able in those straits for Provisions both for Guienne and Flanders and was not wanting by means of their Ambassadour at London to try all means of engaging the English against the French but 't was observed that in the Propositions for their sending of Men into Guienne the Catholick Ambassadour moved very warily he was willing Spain should have a footing in that Province but 't was against his Maximes That the English should nestle there whose power ought to be suspected unto the Spaniard their Dominions not onely in Europe but also in America being exposed to the Invasion of their formidable Fleets mann'd by a Nation ill affected to the Professors of the Roman Catholick Religion And because the Neapolitans and particularly the Nobles complained and every one cryed out against the rigours of the Count d' Ognate Vice-Roy there murmuring that Pardons were not sincerely kept so as there was no end of punishment the Catholick King resolved his three years being long since past to recall him into Spain The King's Council considered that 't was hard not to say impossible that Minister should be perswaded to act with more sweetness because it appeared manifestly that the Maximes of his Government tending onely to depress the Baronage and secure the People to him by good turns and a rigid Justice he would make use of his Majestie 's Authority upon all occasions to put the same in execution principally against those who were suspected or accused to have had hand in the late Revolutions Those who were his Enemies at Court had also the better means to do ill offices not only by reason of the small correspondence he held with Don Iohn of Austria and his part taking with the Brothers of Cardinal Barberin but most especially by reason of his Wealth and the absolute Authority he exercised in his Government which encreased the Envy and Emulation against him To all this was added the ill satisfaction of his Holiness who protested That he was cause of the small correspondence between him and the King of Spain by reason of those continual prejudices the matters of the Church received by the Discords he entertained with the Archbishop Cardinal Philomarini the nature of which though they were such as of themselves might be some Motives of distrust against him yet they were reported to have had another cause the said Archbishop being charged not to have dealt sincrrely in the beginning of the Tumults and in the progress of the Treaty so as if he had encouraged the People covering his partiality under the pretence of maintaining that confidence with them which might render his interposition the more useful That he had done many Actions esteemed prejudicial and such as shewed no good intention particularly in receiving the Duke of Guise in a manner refused unto Don John of Austria with the Ceremonies onely due to lawful Princes That he had discovered many Councels and Designs to the Enemy and in particular although too late the last Plot whereby the City was recovered by the Vice-Roy That nourishing Factions without regard unto the danger of the Times he had bred Troubles and prosecuted all his Actions and Designs with violence To the Count dâ— Ognate was appointed Successour the Count of Castriglio either to remove him from Court or to sweeten the Rigours of Ognate he being a Cavalier very dextrous affable and full of courtesie In the mean time Cardinal Mazarine being encouraged by the good Success of his Enterprises undertook also the Investing of Rhetel and St. Menhou and rallying together all the Troops of Mareschal Turenne and de la Ferte Seneterre marched that way hoping to perform this before the Souldiers went into Quarters but by reason of the strong Garrisons wherewith the Prince of Conde had reinforced these places and the sharpness of the Season he gave over the attempt and in lieu thereof sent the Marquess Castelnau and the Count Broglia to attack Vervins which they did the 27th of Ianuary forcing the Garrison which was 300 Foot and 200 Horse to quit the place next day towards Night And the Cardinal leaving there for Governour Monsieur de Rinville with a strong Guard dismissed the Troops into their Quarters and so ended the Campagne of 1652 In Chasteau Porcien was left for Commander the Count de Grand Pre and the Frontiers of Champagne being provided with sufficient strength against the attempts might be made by the Garrisons of Mouson St. Menhou Clermont and Stenay the Cardinal accompanied with a great number of Noble Persons and Officers of the Army went to Paris whither he had been invited by frequent Courriers from their Majesties The Marquess Pallavicin Treated at the same time the Affair touching the Restitution of the Galley taken by the Count d' Harcourt from the Genoueses and the Justice of that Common-wealths Demand appearing to the Court of France his Majesty whose intentions were to preserve Friendship and good correspondence with them overcame all difficulties and with great Equity and Justice gave order for the restitution commanding that the Galley fitted up and fully armed should by a Gentleman sent expressly for that purpose be brought unto the Town of Genoua and there restored as it was the August following where the Senate in acknowledgment of his Majestie 's generous goodness caused the Gentleman to be Treated at the publick charge in the said Marquess Pollavicin his House and dismissed him with a Present of 1000 Duckets in Plate This Galley had been thus taken in the Encounter which past in the Year 1638. between 15 Gallies of France and as many of Spain as hath been elsewhere said There were 5. taken by the French from the Spaniard one of which in that long Fight having lost all her Men and Tackle it was impossible for the French General to bring her into Provence and therefore putting some few Marriners and Souldiers into her he left her in the Fosse D' Arrassi himself following on his way towards the Islands of St. Margaret and St. Honorato Notice hereof being given unto the Spanish Garrison in Finall and to the People of Loano Subjects to the Prince Doria the same Night with certain Barks and
with Spain that he held private Intelligence with the Court of France retarded with the difficulties he cast the execution of those Enterprises which had been well designed That being altogether intent upon his own particular advantage he had ill treated the Subjects ruined the Countrey exasperated the Neighbours and caused every where a huge aversion and hatred not onely against his own Forces but also against those of his Catholick Majesty who being united with the Lorrainers had their share also in the Countries Curses so as they were in a continual apprehension that he joyning with the French would bring an inevitable prejudice upon his Majestie 's Affairs in Flanders or if he were still let alone would put the People in desperation The Emperour at last perswaded by these Reasons and assured that this aversion was not unto the House of Lorrain but onely to the person of the Duke by reason of his deportments gave his consent that he should be Arrested and writ about it into Spain where a while after the resolution was taken to secure themselves of his person but in such manner as that the same might be dextrously put in execution for avoiding of those Inconveniencies might happen by so scandalous and unexpected an Accident whereof we shall hereafter Treat more at large and give relation of the most Remarkable Passages in that Action The End of the Ninth Book THE HISTORY OF FRANCE The TENTH BOOK The CONTENTS The Cardinal Mazarine returns to Paris Is Received with great Applause There followes a distribution of several Imployments and particularly that of the Great Almoner of France unto Cardinal Antonio Barberini Great Preparations are made for Warr. The Cardinal Francis Barberini declares himself no Friend to Mazarine Gives order to his Nephews to leave France and Marries Don Maffeo to a little Neece of Pope Innocent the 10th Several Encounters passe in Flanders wherein the Prince of Conde's Forces are worsted Monsieur Croissy Fouquet is taken Prisoner The Count Quincè goes to Command the French Forces in Piedmont The Savoy Ambassadour is received in France with the Ceremony due to Soveraign Princes Monsieur de Plessis BesancÌ„on is sent by the King of France into Italy And his Negotiations with the Duke of Mantua and other Italian Princes The Count d'Ognon agrees with the Court And the Count d'Harcourt submits unto his Majestie 's Obedience after several Treaties The French Army under the Command of the Marquiss Plessis Balliere marches into Catalonia succours Roses and makes divers Progresses Gironne besieged by the French is relieved by the Spaniard The Mareschal d'Oquincourt is sent to Command the Forces in Catalonia And his Marches The Warre in Guienne continues The Burdelois have recourse to England for Relief but without effect The King's Forces make a progress in that Province Preparations are made in Spain to Relieve it New Divisions and Factions spring up in Bourdeaux upon several Designs and Interests Many of the French do quit the Prince of Conde 's Party The City of Paris Entertains the Cardinal Mazarine with demonstrations of Affection and Treats him splendidly in the Town-House Bellagarda besieged and taken by the Duke of Espernon The French Army marches into the Field and takes Rhetel That of Spain also marches out with Powerful Forces Enters France Is waited on by the French They Encamp for some time with various Success Some Conspiracies in Bourdeaux are discovered New Recruits are sent from Court into Guienne and the King's Forces take Bourg Libourn and other places and straighten Burdeaux the Citizens whereof make meetings amongst themselves and desire Peace There grow some Tumults which are quieted by the Prince of Conty The Treaties are revived Difficulties are cast in The Propositions of both Parties are debated severally and at last the Peace ensues The Spanish Fleet comes into the mouth of the Garonne and hearing of the Peace concluded cast Anchor and proceed no farther The Princess of Conde and the Duke of Anguien with their Domestiâ—â— take Shipâ—iâ—g and â—o for Flanders The Dukes of Vendosme and Candaâ— enter into â—ourdeaux Several Places in Guienne return to his Majestie 's Obedience The Marches and Encampings of both Armies upon the Frontiers of France and Occurrences happening between the Parties The Spaniards besiege Rocroy and the French Monson and both the one and the other Town are taken The Treaty between the Court and Cardinal de Retz is revived but he refuses all terms of Agreement A Plot against Cardinal Mazarine is discovered and the persons guilty are taken and condemned to death The Mareschal Grancè goes to Command the French Army in Piedmont there is a great Fight between the Armies at Rochetta del Tanaro The Spanish Fleet leaves the Seas of Guienne and returns into Biscay without effecting of their purpose The Siege and taking of Saint Menhaud The Motions of Cardinal Mazarine The Prince Marries the Countess Martinozzi Niece to the Cardinal The Imprisonment of the Duke of Lorrain The Treaties of the French with the Protector Cromwell the Duke of Mantua and the Duke of Modena The secret Negotiations about the Duke of Guise his going into the Kingdome of Naples THE Cardinal Mazarine came into Paris upon the Third of February about Two â— clock in the Afternoon Honoured by the King himself the Duke of Anjoâ— and all the Court who went to meet him two Leagues out of the City His Majesty received him with extraordinary tenderness of Affection took him into his own Coach and entred by the Port of San Deny through a great throng of People and brought him along with himself into the Louvre where his Lodgings were provided as being first Minister of State near to his Majesty where he was forthwith Visited by the Body of the City and by all the other Orders and Magistrates who acknowledging to have received by his means singular Benefits and that all France was highly obliged unto him for his Conduct testified the Content they took at his Fortunate Return It was notwithstanding thought by many That by how much the greater shews of Love were made outwardly so much the less was the Affection which was really born unto him there being no hatred so intense and dangerous as that which shrouds it self under the mask of simulation But I who have with an exact diligence and long experience endeavoured to instruct my self in the Nature of those Persons of whom I write may to the glory of France say I have not met with any People less given to dissembling than they are who being open and free of speech as they think little of what is past so they consider nothing of what 's to come all their Faculties being wholly taken up with intending onely the instant of the present time Whosoever therefore shall consider the Injuries and Scorns which were in September before done to the Cardinal's Name and Memory in Paris and what were now the Honours and Welcome which he received there in February
the Queen-Mother of the late King and intended to seize upon that great City as is written in the History of those times and now at last shewed a great Loyalty in preserving it by his generous Actions for his Majesty as also did the Marquiss his Nephew who was Lieutenant General of Poictou who without any regard of the Expence went to meet and serve the King when he came into that Province with a good number of Gentlemen and kept open house for the Court two moneths together The Bishop had another Nephew an Abbot Brother to the Marquiss a person replete with virtuous qualities it was great reason that for the merits of the Brother of the whole Family and for those also of the Abbot himself that Dignity should have been conferred upon him and the Court esteeming likewise that 't was just intended to gratifie him with it But in Governments it happens often that Princes and their Ministers are by emergent occasions enforced to prefer Publick Interest before the satisfaction of private persons and the Abbot after the hopes given him thereof for a year and a half was at last excluded without the least cause on his part given for his being deprived of it The Abbot notwithstanding acquiesced without resentment unto the King and Cardinal's pleasure preferring his Majestie 's Satisfaction before any particular concernments of his own and that no suspicion might be had that he intended to engage himself amongst the Malecontents retired himself and went to make his residence in Rome comforted in this That both his merit and the wrong done to him were publickly notorious The Cardinal Anthonio being informed of the great Worth of the Abbot condoled with him and by an Act suitable unto the generosity of his nature declared a readiness to make a resignation thereof to him but he with a greatness of mind equal to such an offer returned him thanks and refused to accept of it And with Patience which is the Scene of all the Virtues considered that the Favours of Princes though slow are like the soft and gentle motion of benign Planets which fail not in due season to communicate their influences unto the bodies which they govern The Archbishoprick of Lions was given to Monsieur Villeroy Brother to the Mareschal of France a Person of Eminent and singular Parts Of many other Ecclesiastical Benefices and Abbeys which were void Mazarine though he gave promises to several yet refused to dispose any that he might keep all in hopes and consequently make them more obsequious and that he might be alwaies master of something whereby to reward and gratifie those who should best serve him to his satisfaction which was a thing very ill taken by divers who thinking they had sufficiently merited by their long patience could not without much trouble suffer this delay and exclaiming against this Maxime said The Cardinal was like him who gâ—ve not the Medicine till the Patient was dead The Duke of Guise and the Mareschals de Turenne and Grammont were about the same time made Ministers of State as well in reward of their Services as for their great Capacities and Wisedome And now the King leaving the Reins of the Government wholly unto the Cardinal's management to avoid Idleness gave himself unto those sprightly Exercises which are commonly most suitable unto the Lively Chearfulness of Generous Youth that was unto a wondrous Ball danced often by his Majesty and several other great Cavaliers with general Applause and Commendation in the great Hall of the Petit Bourbon excellently set out and adorned by Scenes and Machines invented by Giacomo Torrelli an Italian his Majestie 's Engineer to which being very much assisted therein by Signior Ascunio Amaltei a famous Priest it was danced the first time upon the 23. of February at Night in presence of the Queen of all the Princes Princesses Grandees of the Court and Ministers of Forâ—ain Princes It was divided into four parts or nights wherein there were Forty three Acts or changes all of them so extreamly splendid both for the novelty of what was represented the goodness of the matter therein recited the Sumptuous Magnificence of the Cloaths and Gracefulness of all the persons who acted in it that the Spectators had been at a stand unto which they should have attributed most of Gallantry had not the King like to a Radiant Sun behind a Cloud from the disguise of those Habits shot forth such Rayes of his Majestick Looks and graceful Action as dazeling the Eyes of all enforced them with just reason to acknowledge that there was none could equal the Grace or Majesty of his deportment In the beginning of the Action fire catched accidentally upon the Hangings which were before the entrance on the Stage and was like to have disturbed and confounded the whole order of it but the fearless Courage of his Majestie and care of those who had charge of ordering things restored all forthwith to its pristine quiet And this was taken for a Presage of what should follow like to the Auguries of the Assyrians and Persians who regulated all their Enterprises by the Omens gathered from that Element Truly those who made this Observation were not deceived because the day before that very night the Count Beauvais Lieutenant General of his Majestie 's Forces in Champaigne having notice that the Prince of Conde being come to Stenay had lodged about 1400 Horse and Foot in the Village of Therme marched thither privately and about an hour after midnight fell upon them with so much fury that more than 300 Foot and 200 Horse were taken prisoners and the rest with the Count de Briol Commander by the darkness of the night made shift to disperse and get away This good Military Rencounter was attended by another Fortunate Success in Civil Matters of no slight consequence which was the Commitment of Monsieur Croissy Fouquet a Counsellour of Parliament one of the Prince of Conde's part and who had been a great Stickler amongst the Faction des Frondeurs which was raised against the Cardinal He was taken in Paris not so much because he was a banished person as for holding private intelligence with the Prince of Conde and because he had made use of a pretended Pass from Court to Treat and Advertise him what passed and manage a new Cabal with those of the Prince's party He had alwaies shewed himself a bitter Enemy of the Cardinal 's and it being thought a matter of importance unto the settlement of his Majestie 's Authority that some example should be made and especially of some Member of Parliament there was a resolution taken to make his Process Upon which he desired to be brought from the Bois de Vincennes unto the Bastile where he thought the Parliament amongst whom he had much credit and many Friends would favour him there were assigned Commissaries for judging of him and the Monsieurs de Lâ—sco and Bison were appointed to draw his Process but he continuing firm
not to answer elsewhere but in Parliament necessitated the Court to condemn him as a Mute which being a thing extraordinary in France and that which was against him being onely grounded upon conjecture against which he made good defence made them resolve to remand his Process to the Parliament either because he might answer before his natural Judges or because the Cardinal being of a sweet Nature was loth to put things to extremity in vertue whereof the Chancellor and first President having sent for and examined him and finding that there was more of suspition than proof against him upon the Report they made thereof unto the Cardinal and by reason of the continual instances made by Croissy That he might be judged by the Parliament it was resolved to free him upon condition he should remain in Italy until the Prince had made his Peace or that the King should recal him This Example above all shewed the Cardinal's moderation there having been no person of the whole Party who had more violently acted against him Monsieur Courtin a Maistre de Requeste was also at the same time imprisoned as a Complice and Friend unto Croissy but defending himself with Wit and Spirit was released There were also taken prisoners in Champaigne upon the Road to Paris the Monsieurs de Vineuil and Ioly with forged Passes accused for going to Paris with Letters of Credence and Instrctions to form some new Party against his Majestie 's Service to scatter Libels defamatory against the Court and his Government to raise Sedition amongst the People and to engage the Friends and Kindred of the Cardinal de Retz into the Prince of Conde's Faction and also with other Dispatches containing the wayes they were to use for Treating to this purpose as well within as without the Kingdome They were strictly kept and their Release absolutely denyed unto the Prince of Conde and the Commanders of the Spanish Army who pretended they were Prisoners of Warr and as such required them from Count Vaubecour Governour of Chalons threatning to use the same Treatment to others as was shewed to them The King denied absolutely to give allowance to those Protests declared their Crimes and shewed That Rebels could never be comprehended amongst the number of prisoners of Warr that therefore if any breach of Quarter should be offered unto those Prisoners which the Spaniards had in their hands it should be corresponded unto in the same terms against those of their Party who were Prisoners with his Majestie There were also several other persons of inferiour Rank seised who against the King's Edicts took the boldness of coming into Paris being of the Prince's Party The Preparations for the next Campagne were after made and divers Sums of Money were delivered by the Cardinal to Colonels and Captains of the old Troops for Recruits and to others for new Levies he thought fit also to have a Strength of German Horse and gave the Care thereof unto the Count Neunteil Monsieur de Milet Contery and others who went for that purpose into Germany as was also done in the Country of Liâ—ge by thâ— Counts of Grand Pre and Beauvais And forasmuch as Piedmont seemed to be much threatned by the loss of Casal and the Preparations for Warr made by the Spaniard in the State of Milan where they expected several Recruits of Souldiers both from Naples and Germany the Duke of Savoy therefore reiterated his Dâ—siâ—es That he might either be assisted by a considerable strength of Souldiers or permitted to agree upon a Neutrality with Spain There were therefore sent from the Court of France into Piedmont 4500 Foot 1500 Horse who passed happily in May unto Annore for the recruit of the Count de Quincâ— Commander General of the French Forces in those Parts there being no Mareschal of France sent to Command them And in regard the Spaniards continued still their Negotiations begun long before in the Court of Savoy either to gain them to their party or at least to perswade them unto a Neutrality upon Terms very advantageous which they proposed some Minister of Piedmont seeming to be well inclined thereto his Majesty therefore dispatched Monsieur au Plessis Besanzon Lieutenant General of his Army a Person of great Understanding and profound Judgment unto the Princes of Italy with the Title of his Envoy to Treat upon all Affairs and Concernments in those Countries Besanzon taking leave of their Majesties and the Cardinal who were then at Fountain Bleau in the beginning of May went forthwith unto Turin where having first assured the Duke of his Majesty's intentions to maintain the Treaty at Chierasco and to protect alwayes that State with the speedy supply of a strength of Souldiers and Considerable Officers He went after unto Casal where the Duke of Mantua then was where being received with such Honours as are due to such as are Ambassadours he reduced his Negotiation unto two Heads The One That his Majesty should be satisfied touching the Interest of Casal so as that Town might not either by surprise exchange or otherwise howsoever come into the Spaniards hands And the other Touching the Interests which the Ministers of Spain under the Duke of Mantua's Name might have against Monferrat held by Savoy the King being ready to pay effectively the Sum contained in the Treaty of Chierasco on behalf of the House of Savoy The Duke answered unto these Propositions That he acknowledged this comeing of Monsieur Du Plessis as a particular Favour to him being a Person in whom he should confide who as a Prudent Man being informed of the necessity which had obliged him to get into the possession of his Towns and being satisfied that no Accident whatsoever should alter him from that Devotion which by reason of infinite tyes and obligations he professed towards his Christian Majesty would also as he hoped be so kind to him as to perswade his Majesty That with the hazard of his Life and Fortunes and that also of all his Subjects he would maintain the possession of those his Towns against the Spaniards and all other persons whatsoever That although perhaps the Money for maintenance of the Garrison might come out of the King of Spain's Purse that yet he neither could nor did acknowledge it from any other hands than those of the Empresses his Aunt and Sister under whose authority the Treaty was concluded That as soon as ever he should be again possessor of that part of the Countrey which with too â—pparant an Injustice was kept from him by the Savoyard and that he could freely make use of those Rents as formerly he had done without being prejudiced by that Treaty against which he had so often protested as a thing never approved of by the House of Mantua he would then maintain the Garrison without assistance from any other and therefore he conceived that for the accomplishment thereof it were more proper to send unto the Court of Savoy and imploy his Majestie 's
of the nature and interests of all Nations we must not wonder that he was able to take all advantages and to give a suddain cure to that disease which but for his care and fore-sight had gangrened and grown to an incurable disease But whilest the Court of Spain was thinking of Expedients whereby to nourish the French Troubles and the Cardinal in France was casting in his mind how to restore the declined greatness of that Potent Kingdome the Generals of the Forces were vigilant to make such progresses as they esteemed to be for the advantage of their Princes The Count Marsin General of the Prince of Conde's Forces in Guienne desirous to enlarge his Souldiers Quarters by taking of some Neighbouring places easie to be gotten sent Colonel Baltasar with a Recruit of 〈◊〉 Irish to take Grenade upon the Garonne in the County of Gaure thereby to facilitate his Entry into the Countries of Armagnac and Aâ—ches Monsieur de Baz Mareschal de Camp endeavoured to possess a Pass upon the River of Lâ—don whereby he hoped to oblige Monsieur d' Aâ—â—eterrâ— to abandon that Countrey and to gain a notable advantage unto himself and his Souldiers by getting thither but Aâ—beterre being advertised of it with 300 Horse and 50 Musquetiers marching speedily unto the place chaâ—ged â—uriously â—00 Horse and so many Foot who were already passed that puâ—ting 〈◊〉 to flight part were drowned in the River and others killed and taken prisoners the Horse saved themselves in great disorders at Tartas one of the best places which the Princes had thereabouts being followed by the King's men to the Town Gates where they took prisoner Monsieur de Fagâ—â— first Captain of Baltasar's Regiment and Monsieur Doroâ—â—in was mortally wounded This happy Encounter made the Inhabitants of Sarlat taâ—e heart who being greatly discontented at the injuries they suffered from the Souldiers of the Regiment of Anguien commanded by Monsieur Saâ—â—gnac Governour of the Place sent to the Marquiss de Sambeuf That iâ—â—afe he would 〈◊〉 thither with his Troops they would give him Entrance at a Channel which râ—â—s under the Wall But that design not taking the same Toâ—nâ—â—men Treated with certain Officers of the Garrison who were discontented with Marsin and having concluded with them they gave notice thereof unto the Duke of Candale who immediately sent Count Marin thither with 400 men The Inhabitants took Arms and by the Assistance of the said Officers happily brought in the King's Souldiers the 23. of March an hour before day where being met by Monsieur Boriel an Advocate and Consul of the City they went joyntly to assault the Bishop's Palace where Sâ—vagnac was quartered who hearing the noise leaping out of bed endeavoured to save himself in his shirt by flight but pursued by the Citizens was taken prisoner the Guard at the place of Arms made some small resistance but Monsieur de Boisâ—â—le Lieutenant of Aâ—gâ—ien and three Captains wiâ—h other Officers being killed Monsieur de Chaâ—â—elloy Maistre de Câ—â—â— and Monsieur de â—a Roche Major General and all the other Officers who had barâ—â—cadoed themselves up in the house yielded freely and took Imployment under the King This good fortune was followed by the taking of several other Towns and walled places where the Prince's men were quartered so as the King's Forces always advancing towards Bourdeaux and the City being thereby straitned the samâ— was no small cause of fear and apprehension unto judicious persons who considered of it They thought what end this thing would have and saw a speedy and seanoble succour was necessary or otherwise the King's Party growing daily stronger in that Province would be afterwards much more difficult to hinder him from making farther progress there The Bourdelois could not then receive aid but from Spain or England Monsieur de Choppes and the Count Marsin's Secretary were therefore sent away to Saint Sebastians and from thence to the Court of Spain to solicite the effect of the promises had been made unto them for keeping up that Party which being now forsaken by the other Cities and Provinces of France there remained only Bourdeaux ready to become a Prey either of those who defended it or of those who fought against it Monsieur d' Agolin had not been wanting to sollicite continually in Spain the sending of more Money and of the Fleet and at last protested in the Prince of Conde his Patrons Name that in case no Money were advanced before the end of February he would be gone there had been already sent to Bourdeaux 10000 Crowns but the Catholick Court being informed by the coming of Choppes who was also followed by a Deputy of the Council d'Olmiere of the danger Guienne ran by the endeavours used by Mazarine for the reduction of it there were 30000 Doubloons forthwith dispatcht unto the Port of Passage in Biscay with order that they should forthwith put to Sea six great Vessels and four Fire-ships to enter into the Garonne and make opposition to the French The said Envoye's had also farther satisfaction by 15000 Crowns for the Prince of Conde and because there was an opinion that Monsieur Lenet did not observe the respect due to the Prince of Conty by reason of the great dearness between him and Marsin who did also fail in his duty towards the said Prince there were therefore some Instructions given by the Spaniards touching the manner of their Conduct that the Prince of Conde's Party might be kept up But the Count d'Ognon's agreement with the King of France gave a great trouble unto Don Lewis d' Aro and the other Grandees of the Council wanting thereby that foundation which they had built on the adherence of that Cavalier for supporting of the Troubles in Guienne where the King's Forces daily increased and those of the Prince's hourly lessened and this being one of the greatest inconveniences apprehended by the Court of Spain they failed not upon this occasion to send Orders and Instructions and to contribute supplies of Men and Money according to the extent of their abilities There was afterwards represented unto the Court by the Baron de Batteville the difficulty of bringing Ships into the Garonne unless they were reinforced by a more considerable strength Whereupon there were forthwith sent unto him 20000 Crowns with Orders to take Sea immediately with those six Vessels and to carry 500 Irish unto Bourdeaux but as things daily change face so was it necessary to vary also in their Counsels and Batteville could not effect the Spanish Orders without being provided of a greater Force which being wanting it followed consequently that the things resolved upon were spoken of but could not be put in execution The Marquiss of Lusignan was a while after sent from Bourdeaux to Madrid in shew to congratulate with their Majesties for the recovery of the Queen who had been sick of the small Pox and in great danger and of his Majesty who had been for some days sick of a Feaver
and from thence drew great hopes of being able to maintain the Divorce they had made from the King's Obedience they sollicited upon that score General Cromwel at London that he would undertake the protection of them and in case that succeeded according to their hopes they thought they should be able to make good their own contumacy and by the assistance of England make themselves free and independant of their own Sovereign This Discourse was dictated rather by Fury and Passion then Solid Reason and accordingly they found themselves in a short time deluded by those vain imaginations All wayes of sweetness therefore used by the Court of France to mollifie the obdurate obstinacy of that fierce untamed people proving fruitless they are resolved to use rigour to prosecute the Warr vigorously against them There were therefore express Orders sent that they should endeavour by all means to streighten the City on every side thereby to enforce them by necessity to comply with their duty since other means would not incline their wills and above all that the Maistry of the River should be made good against all attempts the Spaniard should make which would reduce the City to despair and specially if they could keep things in that posture till the Vintage and if the King's Forces could disturb them therein it would be one of the great damages and punishments could be inflicted on them the Revenues of that City consisting principally in the great plenty of Wines there made by sale of which unto the English Hollanders and others they raise a very considerable profit But in respect 't was also necessary to provide for the Frontiers towards Flanders where the Prince of Conde united with the Spaniards made extraordinary preparations and boasted that they would make a very advantageous Campagne by reason of the Towns he held in Champagne and the intelligence he had in Paris towards which it was the publick talk he meant to march The Cardinal therefore with no less diligence sought to prevent the blow by making all provisions â—itting for it He considered that all consisted in the uniting the Forces of the Kingdome it being very hard to beware of a domestick Enemy and that therefore if he could not reduce Conde whose Mind was carried away with high pretences and the advantages and hopes he drew from Spain unto his duty 't was fit to deprive him of the Credit and Party he had in France which being done he would be then reduced to the condition of being a private Captain onely to the Spaniard The Cardinal therefore bent his thoughts in order thereunto upon two things the one to take from him those Places he held in France and the other to deprive him of those Friends which followed him Upon this design there was a General Amnestie granted unto all persons who repenting their Errour would return unto the King's Obedience Whereupon the Count of Tavannes who had alwaies declared high for the Prince and had worthily performed all parts of a Valiant and undaunted Cavalier being unsatisfied with him left his Party and retired to his own House The same did also several other of his adherents perceiving well that nothing can be an act of greater rashness than to oppose the Soveraign Authority of ones own Prince to submit unto the obedience of a stranger The Prince made shew not to be troubled at it because he had not Forces sufficient to maintain his Friends and repair the loss they suffered for him in their own Countrey and that 't was necessary for him to keep unto himself that little pittance he had from the Spaniard which being far short of the vast promises were made though hardly sufficed to maintain himself in a condition inferiour to his Birth and Quality He would also himself have made his Peace â—if the King's Council would have condescended to his Pretensions which in such case he would have moderated But as it was a thing very desireable to gain him when he had a great Train of discontented French that followed him so now when he was abandoned by all and as it were a private Captain to the King of Spain his Propositions were no more to be admitted he being at that time rather a trouble than advantage to the Spaniard so as he would be able to do less harm abroad than by returning into France As to the first 't was thought that being covetous of Glory and Reputation he would ill suit with the Spaniards who are full of Ambition and Pretensions that the free and open carriage of a French-man would never be well matcht with the reserved and close deportments of a Spaniard that the imperious absolute demeanour of Conde could not but make him odious unto the Spanish Commanders who are all upon punctilio's that the Antipathy between the Nations and difference in Language would presently put him into disorder who knew not how to command and be punctually obeyed but by French-men If his Actions should meet with good Success the Glory of them would make him envied and suspected as a Forraigner in the same manner as Mazarine's had caused him to be in France And if 't were otherwise the damage would be accompanied with scorn there having been as much spent upon his single person as would have served to keep an Army The Jealousie which the Spaniards would alwayes have That he who was not satisfied with being the first Prince of France could not content himself with being a Servant to the King of Spain would keep them in a continual distrust of him which in a short time would destroy the grounds of Friendship And this could not happen but with notable advantage unto France because it would at last be brought to this that either the Spaniards must destroy Conde or he to revenge himself must destroy them so as to leave the Prince in their hands was a great charge unto them which instead of being an advantage to them would puzzle all their Counsels and deliberations As to the second if the Prince should be agreed with and restored to Court and that the Affairs should prosperously succeed all the applause would be attributed only to his Direction so as he would eclipse the Lustre of all others with the splendour of his Glory and re-assuming his first thoughts of giving Law to all without receiving it himself from any would consequently destroy the order of Government which in a Monarchy must depend onely upon one single Person Besides that there would then be no occasion to shew the World that France had other Captains no less Valiant and Ministers of State as Prudent as those the King of Spain could boast of The King would out of his own Clemency have condescended to restore him unto his former degree of Place and Favour if Conde without farther medling with the Affairs of the Kingdome would have resolved quietly to retire himself and enjoy the benefit of his Estate and Revenues in any Country out of France which
an open Country and full of Corn as without doubt they would otherwise have done to their very great advantage Turenne advanced to Chauteau Porcien and placed himself beyond Rhetel and Chaumont that is a Castle where the Spaniards had a Regiment of Foot that were recruiting and 60 Horse in Quarters who at first sight yielded themselves prisoners of Warr without Colours or Baggage The Mareschal de la Ferte came by the Valley of Bourg on t'other side of the River Aisne and there in the Campagne of Chaumont having drawn up all their Troops they made their approaches to Rhetel on both sides where the same Night the Regiments of Picardy of Turenne and Palnau possessed themselves of all the Out-Works raising two Batteries one near the Port of Rocroy and the other at the River Gate where La Ferte was quartered There were in the Town 5 or 600 men under the Command of the Marquiss de Persan who in the Night was in great danger of being made a prisoner at the taking of the Out-works they opened in two dayes two breaches and whilest the French prepared to assault them the besieged Capitulated and agreed to march out with Arms Baggage and two Pieces of Artillery and to be convoy'd unto Stenay The Mareschals left there for Governour Monsieur de Boda with his Regiment of French Foot and themselves went to observe the motions of Conde and the Spaniards who during the time of that Siege marched together towards Hayes d' Avennes their taking the Field having been delayed as well for the said want of Horse as for a Treaty they had with a certain Citizen of Arras about surprizing of that City he had intelligence with Cardinal Mazarine and played the double spy to deceive the Spaniard and get money from them The intelligence was begun the Year before and continued untill Conde found himself abused having parted with above 2000 Doubloons at several times upon that score The French having notice that the Spaniards were not strong enough to fight their flourishing and numerous Army marched up towards the Prince being resolved to assault him before he was reinforced with more men which he carefully laboured to be but he drew up his men in Battalia between two Woods behind a straight Pass which prevented them from taking him in that place of advantage where he first was and had been found if he had been but one half hour later advertised of the French Armies motion Whereupon the Mareschals returned unto their Quarters and from thence marched towards Vervins into certain Villages near the Abbey of Fougny from whence drawing to Vervins they lodged near Poussy and from thence Coasting by Guise they encamped at Riplemont to observe the Enemy who were reinforced by the Army of Lorrain and some Troops from Flanders with which their design was to enter France upon hope that when they should appear there would many declare for them The French Generals therefore being much inferiour in number were to carry themselves very circumspectly and not to hazard a Battel which was much the more dangerous by reason of the consequences would depend upon it then for the present loss they could receive The French Courts aim was to gain time to resettle the Affairs of the Kingdome by gaining Bourdeaux to hinder Conde from raising new Stirres and Garboiles by means of his party and dependance and to frustrate the Spaniards expectations of ruining France grounded upon the Credit and Reputation of Conde which was the onely Butt unto which the Consultations of Spain tended as believing that Crown with their Dominions and Countreys so divided and void of Inhabitants could not in any other manner get an advantage over France an entire united Countrey and therefore without sparing of Money nay even with the prodigal lavishing away thereof unto the Malecontents of France they endeavoured to draw others and by such arts obtain that which by their own Forces they could not gain The Effects notwithstanding corresponded ill with the appearance because the hopes being reduced unto a few particular persons who were more greedy of their own profit than that of others they sought onely the means how to render themselves necessary unto the King of Spain's Service and to draw thence advantages grounded upon this Maxime That to draw Rewards from Princes they ought to make them rather hope for than obtain the fruit of their Endeavours Things being therefore thus managed and the Spaniards having made their Provisions for that Years Campagne there were divers Consultations held between the Princes and Generals of the Armies touching the several courses they ought to steer The Generals of Spain proposed to undertake some notable Design and by taking some Town of Importance by means thereof to make afterwards a farther progress and upon that foundation to maintain a Warr in the Enemies Countrey it was proposed That Five or Six thousand of the best Souldiers with Expert Captains should be imbarked and sent forthwith for Guienne to re-inforce the Prince's Forces in that Province give Courage unto those of Bourdeaux and nourish that Warr which was the powerfullest Diversion could be given to the Christian King's Forces But the fears that the Succours of Spain would not be sufficient for that purpose and the disorder would arise by dismembring the Forces of Flanders made that Proposition to be laid aside The Prince of Conde magnifying the Correspondence he had in Paris declared and was very pressing with pregnant Reasons That they should forthwith draw the Army together pass the Somme and marching as near as they could to Paris invite their Partisans to raise some new Sedition in the City wherewith the Court being startled would easily quit it and in that confusion marching to Mantes they might seize upon Pontoise Senlis and some Neighbouring places where their Party being strengthened by those Malecontents would fall in with them they might reap singular advantages and keep the Warr alive in France This Proposition was specious in appearance and so well represented thâ—t the Councel approved of it thinking that Conde would be seconded by the effects as he seemed to be by the desires of many who applauded his Actions and could not stop the turbulency of his spirit Two notable Difficulties occurred in the execution the one that the hearts of many were very much cast down by the Successes of Bellegard and Rhetel who could never have imagined that the King in that Campagne could have Forces and Conde want them to suffer two Towns to be miserably lost under his nose whereby the confidence they had in him was much diminished The other That the French Army being drawn out into Campagne much stronger then was expected 't was very dangerous to pass Rivers and engage ones self in an Enemie's Countrey without a place of Retreat upon occasion being Coasted by an Army though inferiour in number yet equal at least to them in valour of Souldiers being all French Bold and Expert and a Body
to the report of Fiesco transported with the Passion he had for upholding of the disobedience against his natural Soveraign After which all the Religious went to perform the same Office for the Publick safety and repose The Chapter of the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew made the same Request but their Deputies were threatned by Granant the Goldsmith a principal person amongst the Seditious there came also Ministers from the Hugonots who in all these occasions shewed themselves very zealous and affectionate to the King's Service The Prince of Conty answered to all That himself also desired Peace but such as should be lasting and secure that when the same could be obtained with fit security he would be more ready than any other to imbrace it At which time he also sent unto the Marquess de Santa Cruz General of the Spanish Army several Expresses to represent unto him the Necessity of a speedy Succour any small delay whereof would bring all things unto the utmost extremity and therefore the resolution was to be forthwith taken that himself was ready and resolved if any new Stirrs happened in case Baltissar would march out with some Troops of Horse to go with the Duke of Anguien his Nephew unto Tartas and so by Land unto the Frontiers of Spain This was a bold and hazardous Attempt and as such was opposed not onely by the Princesses but by Lenet and Marsin himself Mean while the Citizens being weary of the Indiscretions and Tyranny of the Rabble of the Olmiera by the advice of the Vilconte de Virlade a Councellor of State and of Monsieur de Bacalan Advocate General du Chambre des Edicts and several other persons devoted to the King's Service took a resolution to make themselves Masters of the City Gates by being present at the changing of the Guards with their Servants armed that so they might be stronger in number as they were superiours in valour to the Captains of the Guards who were all of them of the Olmeira who were lifted by the Prince of Conde and paid by him that he might have them true and faithful to him these were extraordinarily astonished and amazed seeing a number of Persons of Quality with Halberts on their shoulders Pistols and other Arms about them to lift themselves and serve in the same manner as the meanest of the common people whereupon some of the Captains of the Olmeira offered to go along with them and demand Peace There were some of the Citizens who seeing themselves Masters of the Ports desired to bring in the King's Forces that they might with more ease shake off the Yoke but the rest who were as willing to preserve the Prince of Conty and his Family as to free their Countrey opposed such violent courses and endeavoured to have the Peace concluded upon Honourable Terms and not by falshood and conspiracies whereby the City might be exposed unto the fury of the Souldiers with danger to the Prince's life who being of a bold undaunted spirit would according to his wonted custome run upon the least noise and expose himself unto the greatest danger And therefore these moderate Persons insisted That the things resolved upon were to be executed vigorously but with good order rendring to the Prince and his Family the Respects due to their Royal Birth and endeavouring to gain all persons by sweet means such as might procure most advantage to their Countrey and gain most Glory to their Actions In the mean time Marsin and Fiesco had resolved to bring Souldiers into the City that might reduce the Inhabitants by force unto their wills and to the end they might more freely vent their fury had a design upon the Prince of Conty his liberty and the lives of Monsieur de Saracin and the Abbot of Colnac his Confidents The Prince was advertised thereof by the Fathers of the Society and desired That for his safety he would please to lye either in the Town-Honse or retire himself into their Colledge which was near unto it But the Visconte de Virlade being advertised of all this was the first who took Arms and with his Friends seised upon the Port de Chapelle Rouge through which they were to have let in the said Forces He Treated also with the Irish who were the persons that should have struck the stroke and by perswading them that Marsin intended to put them into the hands of the English their Enemies and Persecutors with whom he Treated by means of Francars and Blaru Deputies of the Olmiera who were in England brought them to take imployment under his Majestie The Disgusts between the Prince of Conty and Marsin sprang from Marsin's ever growing in his Pretensions whereby Lenet and he arrogating to themselves all the Authority treated the Prince as he had been a liveless Statue so as Conty and the Dutchess of Longueville his Sister not being able longer to support the insolence of these two persons wrote Letters testifying their resentments to the Prince of Conde That he might take some order for their satisfaction which could not be otherwise but by removal of those two persons or by permitting them to retire themselves The Prince was two moneths ere he returned an answer and then did it contrary to what they expected writing onely in general terms desiring them to lay aside all animosities and study Peace and declaring That he intended Marsin should Command all things relating to the Warr and Lenet those touching the Finances and Monsieur de Chouppes having also written to him touching the abuses of Marsin and Lenet he sent unto them the Original Letters This was sufficient to have given occasion unto the Prince and Dutchess to leave their Brother's Party who besides seemed not to confide in them but these Princes used more prudence and moderation than they were bound unto and quite contrary to what Conde had done would never Treat about any Union with the Court for themselves separately as the Prince their Brother had done who without acquainting them therewith by means of the Dutchess of Chastillon the Duke of Rochefaucaut and Monsieur de Gaucourt had the Year before held a secret Treaty for making his own peace But they remained constant even to the last extremity having besides Monsieur de Chouppes and the Marquiss de Lusignan dispatched Monsieur de Brequigny unto the Catholick Court and Monsieur de Fay unto the Marquiss de Santa Cruz then at St. Sebastians where the Baron de Batteville unsatisfied that any other should enjoy the fruit and honour of his Labours cast in new difficulties to the Resolutions of the Spanish Court who according to their usual delayes entertained the Princes and their Party onely with hopes These differences continuing between the Princes and the Ministers of Conde were in part the means that gave more life and boldness to the Merchants Meetings in the Common Burse that being thought the most convenient place because the Town House was taken up by the Counsel of
the Olmiera and the Palace of Justice by the Frondeurs Monsieur Lenet went twice to speak with them to sowe divisions amongst them by insinuating to the Merchants that he approved what they went about so it were done without ingaging therein the Advocates and others of the Long-Robe who as Interested Persons would draw all the glory of the Action to themselves and leave the trouble of it unto them he represented to others their own interests the power of Conde and his good affections towards the City endeavouring to gain all Parties partly by Terrour and partly by jealousies and hopes but all these endeavours and Negotiations hindred not the concourse and meeting of the well affected Party in this Assembly Wherefore finding that all things went cross to his intentions and that the Citizens were altogether bent to Peace instead of confiding in the Prince of Conty who stood firm unto the Interests of his Brother and Family notwithstanding his ill usage by him he raised several suspitions of him with the Princesses and which was the worst Counsel could be taken as things then stood being himself Universally hated cast forth many slanders against the said Prince to discredit the onley stay that could support them sowing discords in his House and amongst the People well affected to him and endeavouring and by paltry means to Circumvent them Fiesco took a Lodging in the New street amongst the Merchants that he might be nearer at hand to perswade them that to make a secure Peace 't was necessary to follow the Counsels of Marsin a Person of tried experience and not those of Conty a raw young man They caused also some of the Frondeurs in whom they most confided to be present at those Assemblies in the Burse amongst whom were also some of the Counsellors of the Parliament that staid at Bourdeaux to occasion some differences and trouble amongst them thereby to gain time wherein they had placed all their hopes and they wrought also with one Ramont who stood Sentinel in the Town-House to stop one Doriol from entring there though he was one of the Olmiera because he did not second their opinions which was so ill taken by his his Companions and all the Olmiera that they commanded him out of the City and having discovered that Marsin had tampered with many of the People they made by common consent a general meeting in the Burse upon the 19th day of Iuly of all the Companies of the City Being met there was present among them the Cavalier Todias a Jurate and occasion being thereupon taken that a City Magistrate rendred the meeting Legal they enjoyned him to accept a deputation from them to the Prince of Conty to signifie unto him the good Citizens resolution to Treat a Peace to desire he would approve the design and consent that the Obstacle which both within and without the City was a hindrance to it which was the Olmiera might be removed and abolished That the Captains and Officers might be changed it being a thing very unseemly and unreasonable that so many Persons of Birth and Quality who went Personally to the Guard for the publick security should be commanded by those Mean Seditious Plebâ—ians and that Persons of worth and merit might supply their places It was afterwards concluded that all those who were there present should be esteemed as Deputies from all the Companies of the City and should from day to day assemble together as principal Counsellors of the same These to the number of 30 together with several of the principal Artificers went together towards the Dutchess of Longuevilles House where the Prince of Conty then was a small number of them staying behind in the Burse Where Monsieur de Virlada Monsieur de Bacalan together with the Baron de la Mogarolla and young â—erang Son to the Hugonot Minister concluded that 't was necessary to do some bold thing and thereupon whilest the Deputies were going thither they cryed out to as many as they saw in the Court and street before the Palace of Justice and in the Market-place Vive la Roy a la paix distributing to all they met pieces of White Ribon for a Sign The Deputies were encouraged by this noise and the Cavalier Todias with much freedome represented unto the Prince of Conty the miseries which were occasioned as well by the King's forces as by those of the Princes who were lodged under the Walls and principally by the tumultuous Oâ—â—â—sts who in one year had committed so many Scandalous Actions as would remain a stain upon them for many Ages That the good and peaceable Citizens could no longer suffer the Licentious carriage of the Souldiery and therefore besought him in the name of all to take some fit expedient for the general comfort and relief assuring him of the affection and constancy of all the Citizens towards his Highness and the interests of the Prince his Brother the Duke of Anguien his Nephew the Princess of Conde and the Dutchess of Longueville his Sister The Princes Answer was That he desired them next day to meet at the Arch-Bishops Palace to agree upon the means how a durable Peace might be concluded As the Deputies went out of Longueville House they met with those who cryed out Peace with whom they joyned every one taking some white Sign and in a moment there was nothing heard throughout the City but Vive le Roy la paix meure L'Olmiere the Women Children and all others took some white mark and who had nothing else got a piece of Rag or white Paper and on the contrary the Olmeists and those of the Princes party got a piece of Sky Colour or Isabella for a distinction The Sandry following by the Princes order there met in Counsel the Counts 〈◊〉 de More Fiesco Mata d' Aubell the Marquiss of Lusiguan the Colonel Bâ—â—â—hasar the Counsellors Ramont du Duc and Espagnet who had met at the Burse There was also called unto this Counsel the President de Tresne who upon pretence either of a True or Feigned disease had kept himself for two years concealed at home the affairs was there discoursed upon and debated with variety of opinions Some of the Frondeurs to keep the Matter from comming to a resolution either through ignorance or malice desired to delay the time that the matter might not come unto a Vote which being suspected by Virlade who was sufficiently informed of Marsin's Arts and knew of what importance the time was which was unprofitably wasted he staid with some of his friends in the Burse and besides those who were with him the day before got together the Monsieurs Lacrup Father and Son the Brothers of the Lestriges Cosages and several Persons fit for Action with whom that he might encourage the Deputies then in the Arch-Bishops Palace and give some fright unto Marsin and his party together with about 2000 Persons gottogether by their perswasions he caused the House of Blaru who was
Citizens might receive Effects rather of the Clemency than of the Iustice of his Majestie The Duke received these Expressions with much Courtesie and professing himself to be a Friend and Servant of the Prince of Conty made unto him all demonstrations of Esteem which were requisite to a good correspondence But there being a necessity that in order to Treating of a Peace a Truce should first precede Virlada being earnest with him to grant it the Duke answered That he would resolve nothing therein without the Duke of Vendosme with whom he had a perfect good intelligence But whilest these things were acting the Souldiers were strictly charged not to stirre out of their Quarters nor commit any act of Hostility against the Lives or Goods of the Burdelois He sent also the Cavalier de Muns Captain of his Guard to complement the Prince and assure the Citizens of his good Inclinations towards them and of a sincere interposition with his Majestie in their favour from thence the said Captain passed to the Duke of Vendosme to give him an account of what was doing Monsieur de Bacalan made the same submissions and protests unto the Duke of Vendosme in the name of the Citizens which were received by him with all expressions of Kindness and Favour which were natural unto him The same day Monsieur de Gourville came from Court into the Duke of Vendosme's Quarters and desiring to pass over unto the Duke of Candale sent into Bourdeaux to demand a Pass that being much the shorter way the curiosity of the Commanders was the cause they sent him a Passport to come through the City every one being desirous to hear some News of what had happened since their separation from the Prince of Conde and because the house where Monsieur Lenet lay was next unto the place where he alighted he visited him first and staid all Night with him which gave some suspition unto the Prince of Conty and the Dutchess of Longueville they thought that coming from Court he might bring some Orders to Treat with Marsin and Lenet who stood then upon very bad terms with Conty and Longueville who being visited by him the next morning were very earnest to know what Orders he brought but Gourville professing that he would not have medled in any thing of that kind without acquainting them and that they ought to consider him as a person depending solely upon his Majesty's Service the same did very much increase their jealousie and apprehension The curiosity of these Princes kept him in a long discourse of several things which wrought the same effect in the minds of Marsin and Lenet as his conversation before with Lenet had done in theirs and the rather because having treated of nothing at all with them they fancied the Orders were to treat onely with the Prince so as both the one and the other remained equally suspitious of each other Gourville went on in his Journey and together with Monsieur de Bas the Colonel who was by Marsin sent to take notice of Virlada's actings came to the Duke of Candale by whom he was most civilly received and communicating with him touching those things were to be done for the King's Service in Bourdeaux and by agreement with Virlada got a suspension of Arms for three dayes in which time the Duke pretended that he would confer personally with Vendosme to adjust the Articles for a Truce not onely for the City but also for the whole Province of Guienne Mean while the Prince of Conty went to the Burse and there took a white Riband with the general satisfaction but being informed of the great inconveniences occasioned by the frequent commerce of the King's Officers and Souldiers in the City he prohibited by advice of the Citizens that any should be admitted without Passports Virlada being returned to Bourdeaux informed the Prince of his Negotiations with Candale and communicated the same also unto the Citizens Marsin being troubled to see that Treaty near a conclusion which by so many artifices he had endeavoured to protract or quite break off would not consent that any answer should be made out of the Archbishop's Palace whereupon Virlada to animate the people and make them fond of Peace published another Writing from the Duke of Candale whereby he gave permission unto the Citizens to go securely unto their Country houses about their Vintage and distributed Passes to as many as required them The Duke of Vendosme sent also Monsieur de Butin his Secretary into Burdeaux to acquaint the Citizens with the good inclinations he had to favour them but that he would not Treat without the Duke of Candale his consent and to the end the Propositions might be with the more ease examined and agreed That the Duke of Candale and he would meet together and not part till the Treaty were concluded or broken off Butin was received with great applause but Cavalier Todias principal Jurate declared It was against the Rules of Warr and their own interest to make a shew of so much fondness after Peace The Secretary was also sent again and Vendosme's Letter was directed to the Prince of Conty Marsin appearing at the Councel called in the Archbishop's Palace reproved Virlada That he had suffered in his presence Feran the Hugonot Minister to speak unto the Duke of Candale against the Princes Party and added That 't was a demonstration made it evident that the Hugonots hated the Spaniard which was against the Common interest considering there was no Succour to be expected from any other place then Spain but that both be and Feran would be therein disowned by the other Townesmen Virlada answered That he was Servant to the King and a good French-man and therefore he assured himself that honest men would never blame him and what the bad said be little cared The relations which Virlada and Bacalan made of their Negotiations were a great trouble to Marsin who foresaw therein the loss of his cause and that the major part of the Inhabitants were disposed to return unto his Majestie 's obedience There was a Passport then demanded for Vendosme's Galleysto go and bring the Duke of Candale unto Begle Marsin opposed it saying there might be some Treason therein and offered that he should be carried in the Town-Shipping Virlada and Bacalan disliked that Proposition and said That 't was not reasonable the King's General should be carried by any other Shipping than his Majesties Wherewith Marsin being more incensed there passed a Contest and high words between the parties and he made instance that the said Deputies might be changed but they being well liked of by the Loyal Party were not removed but confirmed in their Imployment and the Articles of the Truce were set down the substance whereof was That all Hostility should cease till the conclusion or breach of the Treaty That the Souldiers should not have Commerce with the Inhabitants unless they Pass-Ports from the Generals That after the King's Forces were drawn
cheerful splendour There each of the Dukes received severally the complements of all the Companies of the City and were Treated with a huge Supper with so great abundance of all delicacies as made it evident that not want but abundance of Affection and Loyalty had occasioned the opening of the Gates unto them On the other side the Dukes to shew a grateful correspondence presently discharged their own Guards and gave order that the Citizens should mount the Guards at their Lodgings and did what they could to make it appear that they confided in them that being the principal thing which nourishes good will in subjects and with letting them see the Force of their affection obliges them to a return of love for those who are desirous of their safety The next day in presence of the Bishop of Tule six new Jurates were chosen all persons of worth who during the late Revolutions had rendred themselves very remarkable for their Loyalty afterwards the Assemblies in the Burse being now ended they returned again unto the usual place in the Town-house new purged of all that Infamy and the Plangues which had been practised there during the meetings of the Olmiera The Princess of Conde having in this interim left Bourdeaux imbarked in the Ship called Saint Sauveur to go unto Castillon upon Medoc with the Duke of Anguien her Son accompanied by Monsieur Lenet and convoyed till she took Ship by Monsieur de Bousquet Savagnac with 200 Horse Marsin went into Spain by Sea and the Count Fiesco took Post thither The Prince of Conty who would not conclude any Treaty apart from his Family without comprehending therein the Prince his Brother so as a time might be allowed unto him to accept the Amnestie seeing that the Dutchess of Longueville Marsin and Lenet himself were ready to conclude one for themselves without including him therein He therefore proposed to conclude with Monsieur Gourville that the Princess of Conde and Duke d' Anguien should with security Retire to Stenay or any other place depending upon the Prince her Husband that Lenet should have the same Liberty to go away either by Sea or Land and also that Marsin might likewise go into Holland or the Country of Leige leaving his Wife in Normandy That it should be Lawful for the Prince of Conty himself to Retire unto any of his Houses so he accepted of the Amnestie which was also to be accepted by the Dutchess of Longueville who was to have Licence to go unto Newcastle in Switzerland or any other place where she should be directed by the Duke her Husband He on his part promised that he and the Princesses would by themselves their friends and dependents co-operate to the submission of Bourdeaux and give the Citizens free Liberty to make their agreements but that in case the Peace were not concluded upon by the Town before the 17th day of August that yet the Prince and those of his party should Bona fide execute their parts which agreement was subscribed by them and by the Duke of Candale upon the 25th of Iuly The Prince of Conty coming to Cadillac found there Monsieur de Langlade Secretary to Cardinal Mazarine sent about the Treaties at Bourdeaux but falling sick he could not be present at the conclusion in the City Mean while Colonel Baltasser finding that things went very ill with the Princes and his disgusts with Marsin still encreasing entred into a Treaty after the Citizens by permission from the Princes had begun theirs and came over to the King's Service together with 600 Foot and 400 Horse This was concluded at the same time with that of Bourdeaux and the Irish also at the same time entred themselves into his Majestie 's pay Baltasser had received great disgusts from the Prince of Conde all things being communicated onely with Marsin himself being in the mean time ill paid and less regarded by the Prince's Ministers Baltasser did also another service of importance to the King's interests by causing Monsieur de la Roche who was in the City of Perigueux with 100 Foot and 60 Dragoons to return under his Majestie 's Command He by reason of a suspition entred into his mind that the Marquess of Chanlo Governour of the place intended to clap him up came out with several of his friends and joyned with the King's Forces and was in a great measure the cause of a Treaty which began with the inhabitants of the said City to reduce it under his Majestie 's Obedience The Brother of Father Ythier the Jesuite guided the Hall who went about not only disposing the minds of the Citizens but watching narrowly for all occasions Father Bertaut was his partner in this imployment who Officiated for the said Father Ythier being then sick There was also a secret Treaty begun with the Irish of the Garrison but the Goverour who suspected and therefore kept a watchful Eye over them upon some jealousie conceived caused the Captains to be arrested and divided the Common Souldiers amongst his Confidents The Duke of Candale who being of a generous Soul hated to overcome even Enemies by Deceit and Treachery liked not these ways but resolved to besiege the City and have the Glory to have won it by the Sword in a fair War He had already caused Cannon to be Shipped and sent away the Marquess de Saufbeuf to invest it with part of the Forces Commanded by the Marquess of Cavillac and Count of St. Germans But the Citizens knowing how great a prejudice the City would suffer by expecting a Siege resolved according to the example of the Bourdelois to put themselves in Arms and take the Guard of the Ports from the Souldiers of the Garrison The Governour having notice of this Novelty who was upon a Treaty about quitting that Country and getting leave to march his men unto the Prince of Conde his Patrone presently drew all his men into a Body put them in Battalia in the great Piazza and being something heated with Wine as coming from a Wedding Feast went hastily accompanied only with his Page and one of the Consuls of the Town unto the House of Monsieur de Budon procureur General to know what Assembly was made upon such occasions without his privity He was kept out of Budon's house and told there was no meeting there but endeavouring to come in by Force some Pistols were discharged upon him by friends of the Procureur General who were then with him and he fell dead Whereupon the inhabitants taking heart began to run about the streets and cry Vive le Roy la paix and committed Barbarous outrages upon the Body The Souldiers by this sad dismal change were so confounded and disheartened that although Monsieur de la Baune Lieutenant Colonel of the Regiment of Conde endeavoured with much Gallantry to keep in a Body and oppose the peoples fury yet in a short time they threw down their Arms and disbanded some here some there the Town remaining
without opposition in the hands of the Citizens who forthwith writ unto the Marquess de la Douze one of the prime Lords of that Country desiring him that he would procure their Deputies access unto the Duke of Candale from whose hands they would receive the Amnestie and put themselves under his Majesties obedience which was done one called Magot being Broken upon the Wheel 16 of the most Seditious persons banished and a new Election being made of Officers and Captains of the Quarters Perigeaux lyes upon the River Isle which divides the City into two parts the Situation of it is something raised upon a rising ground in a Champane Country compassed with good fortifications made by the Prince of Conde's care who repaired it with the addition of new works the people Fierce and War-like as are all the Gascons who become good and stout Souldiers this City is numbred amongst the most Antient and Noble Towns of Guienne The Villeneuf d' Agenois which was grown Proud with having resisted and broken the designs of Count d'Harcourt against it after it had been quitted by the Marquess de Theubon emulating the fury of the Olmiera in imitation of those inhabitants had taken some Companies into their pay made their brags that they would by that means keep themselves free was also in great likelihood of being surprised by the Count de Valliac who had made an agreement with some Citizens that having seised upon a Tower thought to have brought him in but the design being discovered took no effect The Troops conducted by the Marquess d' Aubeterre chanced to draw neer unto it at the time when their Corn being Ripe wherein the Town is very rich the people were just going out to Harvest whereupon they fearing to be deprived of their Rents without which they could not live at ease preferred the fear of Misery before the Ambition of being free and sent Deputies unto the Prince of Conty desiring him either to send them relief or make their Peace but Bourdeaux being now reduced and the Prince having retired to Cavillac and laid down Arms the persons employed were brought to the said Count Valliac and from thence unto the Duke of Candale who sent thither Monsieur de Ribere a Councellor of State and Officer of the Army with whom the Amnestie was concluded but upon condition that the Walls should be thrown down the fortifications dismantled and the Citizens who had offended because they were Purse-proud should pay 4000 Doubloons reserving also a Liberty to dispose of 20 persons Prisoners two of which were hanged up by the Neck upon the publick Gallows Villeneuf d' Agenois stands in a spatious Plain compassed with Antient but strong Walls bathed by the Loth a River which rising in the Mountain of Geâ—odan after it hath with a Rapid course passed through the Provinces of Rovergne and Quercy comes to run calmely in Agenois and loose its Name in the Garronne not being Navigable before it comes to the Villeneuf It was heretofore very plentiful of excellent Fish and particularly of Pikes but after the Fishing of them was forbidden by St. Ambrose Bishop of Cahors and that the people refused to obey him it hath been constantly observed and found true that there hath never more been any there The people is there very numerous because the Commerce for Corn and fruits is more abundant there than in any other part and the Citizens being thereby wonderfully enriched were swelled to a great heighth of Pride and Insolence Whilest the Dukes of Vendosme and Candale were ordering the Affairs of Bourdeaux with all mildness and sweetness possible being notwithstanding watchful over the Actions of some who full of perfidiousness were by the sweet harmony of their Virtues rendred more Barbarous and Savage the Chevalier Carteret an English-man had notice that one Edward sent from the Parliament of England was hid somewhere about the Countrey privately blowing the coals of that Rebellion which was not yet totally extinguished in the minds of some Seditious persons whereupon a little Felouke being by chance taken with Letters from Lenet to this same Edward which invited him unto a Councel was to held aboard the Admiral of Spain There were also taken two Citizens of Bourdeaux with Billets from Lenet to several persons in that City and particularly unto some Women in which their intentions of re-uniting themselves with the Spaniard and fomenting the hopes of the Frondeurs being sufficiently manifested the same gave occasion to the said Dukes to open their Eyes and apply themselves with all diligence to minister fitting Remedies for making up those Wounds which were not as yet sufficiently healed Espagnet after the Procession of the 15th of August was imprisoned and with a good Guard sent unto the Castle of Angoulesme There were Passports given unto divers persons suspected of plotting some new Conspiracy and amongst these were the Counsellors de Duc Morpin and La Chese Some Troops were ordered to march into the Meiau that they might go aboard the King 's Shipping and fight the Spanish Fleet which rid at Anchor in sight of Royan a little place but wonderfully strong with a Castle seated upon a rising ground which makes it more defensible being a place of great Importance having on the right hand Xaintonge and on the left the Country of Medoc Other Souldiers were put into Xaintonge it self where all the Countrey was in Arms for fear the Spaniards should land and all other the inconveniences which might happen were so well provided against that Rebellion could take no footing nor disturb the publick quiet and contentment which was generally in Bourdeaux where they were grown wise at their own costs the conveniences of good order being no where so well known as where disorders have been experienced Whilest the Affairs in Guienne passed in the manner above rehearsed the two Armies encamped upon the Frontiers of Flanders with different designs The Spaniards and the Prince of Conde having a great confidence in their Forces which consisted in an Army of above 30000 Combatants took up large Quarters and endeavoured to draw the French Army unto a Battel because in case they got the Victory they thought they might march unto the Gates of Paris to give countenance unto those whose minds were yet set upon Troubles and fill all the Countrey with terrour and confusion by breaking into the heart of France before any thing could be done in Guienne to the advantage of the King But the number of Counsellors differed in their Opinions touching the way they were to take for the effecting of it because although the Prince of Conde was firm in his Opinion That they ought to advance without ingaging themselves in the attacking of any Place before they came unto the Seine the Spaniards notwithstanding were very wary in concurring with the bold ventrous thoughts of this Warlike Prince being loth either to engage their Army into some dangerous Pass or to elevate Conde himself with
Captains that when they entred into France he should meet with the applause and assistance of the people so as their way should be made rather by their voluntary yielding than the Sword but they not only failed therein but exasperating the Countrey by the rapine and violence used by the Armies had caused an Universal hatred of the people against him which being discovered by the Spaniard they abandoned the thoughts of advancing and the rather because distrusts or emulation falling between the Prince and the Count Fuensaldagne they seemed not to proceed with the usual agreement their bloods being stirred and jealousies between them being rekindled by some brisk words and threatning gesture used by the Prince unto the Count. 'T was a great corrosive unto the Princes generous mind when he considered that his former credit which was much lessened by the said unfortunate rencounters would be totally lost if with so great Forces and such preparation a Campagne should be unprofitably spent which in its first beginning seemed to promise so great advantages and glory unto Spain and so much ruine and destruction to France and thereupon in a full Councel of Warr he proposed the Enterprise of Rocroy and brought Warlick and Politick Reasons for the maintenance of his Opinion He said He had been informed the Garrison was very weak because the Chevalier Montaign Governour of the place upon the confidence he should not be attacked had sent out the King's Regiment unto Rhetel that in 12 dayes at farthest they might win it that 't was not hard to invest it there being no River to pass and the Siege would be very easie the place standing between great Woods so as whoever could first gain the entrance of them would defend them with much ease and make good the Field Line and that Rocroy was a place of great Importance being a Key unto the Frontier of Picardy by which although France could receive small damage yet the Interests of Spain would be much advantaged because the French by means of that Town brought all the Neighbouring Countrey and the moyety of Luxembourg Province under Contribution The Considerations of the Prince were very good and his words by reason of the great Esteem had of his Valour were received by all the Captains as an Oracle but the Spaniards who use not to put their feet into the water till they have sounded the bottom and who have prudence for the unseparable companion of all their Actions though they inclined unto the Proposition yet seemed not totally to approve it considering that a Siege consuming Men Money and the patience of their Souldiers if it should last longer than was expected would so lessen their Army as they should be no longer Masters of the Field wherein was placed the sole hopes of those who upon that ground were endeavouring new Cabals in France Some were of the opinion that the Army living upon the Enemies cost in his Countrey they should endeavour by money and promises to make use of the intelligence they had and gain thereby a profitable Conquest which could not be entire without penetrating into the Bowels of France and dividing the great and opulent City of Paris from a Union with the King But this design having been at first attempted took no effect and now there was no ground to hope it the rather because by the Pacification of Guienne the Prince's party was much declined and the Cardinal's credit highly encreased Wherefore the Enterprise of Rocroy was resolved and to that purpose the Count of Ligneville went with 3000 Horse upon the 5th of September by break of day to invest it at unawares being followed by the gross of the Army which was a thing so unexpected and little foreseen by the Governour that 100 of the best Souldiers of the Garrison who were gone out to scour the Countrey according to their usual custome were excluded The French Generals used their utmost diligence to put in some supply of Men but wayes being narrow and hard to pass they could not do it All Passes being taken by the Spaniard the Prince of Conde lodged himself in a place called L'Unâ—hue the Count Fuensaldagne sate down in the Field where heretofore had been fought that Famous Battel got by the French extending his Quarters from the place of Battail to Getdessu The Lorenois shut up all the space from thence unto the Prince of Conde's Post The Quarters of the Army being thus disposed the Circumvallation was presently begun which in four dayes was entirely finished and the 11th of September they began to open the Trenches and at the same time attacked the Bulwarks du Chene del Perdu and the Half-Moon or Ravelin between them In the Besâ—egers Camp there commanded over the Spaniards the Count Fuensaldagne General Count Garcies Liutenant General the Prince of Ligny in the third place and the Prince Ulric of Wittemburgh Captain General of the German Horse Over the Lorain Troops the Count of Ligneville And over those of the Prince of Conde the Marquiss of Batteville the Counts of Briole and Duraz together with the Prince of Taranto who after left the Camp being disgusted with the Spaniard because they would not admit him into a Command which had been conferr'd upon him by the Prince Rocroy was very well provided with Victuals Munition Artillery and good thick Walls but thin of defendants the Garrison consisting onely of 450 Foot 50 Horse and 30 Townesmen armed to which were added 90 Peasants that were run in thither for relief the Ditch full of Water the Earth without being all spungy and as it were moorish but 4 or 5 foot deep all a chalk clay The French Generals upon the first motion of the Enemies Army saw presently they could have no design but upon Rocroy and therefore it being impossible to hinder the Siege and much more to relieve it they marched presently unto the Fera crossed the River and by the way of Heppe d' Auchenne and Polineux came to Armely from whence they sent away a Body of Men to joyn with the Count de Grand Pre who was already from the Fera advanced to invest Mouson The Prince of Conde foresaw that Turenne to recompence the loss of Rocroy would endeavour to take Mouson and therefore gave order unto the Count de Briole to go before-hand with 400 Horse and 1200 Foot unto Stenay and joyn with the Forces of the Marquiss of Persan who were gone thither after the rendring of Rhetel and together with them to be watchful unto the preservation of all the Neighbouring places which were held by his Forces and thereupon as soon as they had notice of the King's Armies march Briole went to Beamont a Town distant from Mouson about a league and from thence put with care some Companies of Foot into the Town returning with the remainder into Stenay that he might be ready upon occasion to re-inforce the Garrisons of Clermont and St. Menaud if the French finding the
Garrison of Mouson to be well mann'd should turn their Forces upon either of these Towns But notwithstanding this all the French Army went before it dividing themselves into four Quarters one in Amblemont where Turenne lodged the second at Vaux where Ferte Senneterre placed himself the third by the River commanded by the Marquiss d'Uxelles Lieutenant-General and the fourth in the Fauxbourg beyond the Mose into which the Count de Plessis Son to the Mareschal of that name entred with his Regiment of Foot and some Dragoons And in regard 't was necessary for keeping of that Fauxbourg to secure themselves from the damage they might receive from the besieged by means of a great Redoubt which they kept at the end of the Bridge Turenne passed the Mose and caused it to be assaulted with so much courage and good order that they carried it the defendants retiring themselves into the Town by taking of which Redoubt the Bridge being rendred altogether useless to the Enemy and the Quarters in the said Fauxbourg being secured the Count Beaujeu who with a Body of Horse was lodged at Lobbe four leagues from Rocroy to observe the motion of the Spaniard came also to Mouson and with his Horse took up his Quarters in the said Fauxbourg Mouson lyes upon the River Mose a branch of which runs through the Town and the other runs on the right side of it There is a fair Bridge at the head of which was the said Redoubt that commanded the Fauxbourg which was a little divided from it It is encompassed with strong Walls and Towers built after the ancient manner lined with Earth in several places and flancked with several Bulwarks and Ravelins after the ancient manner the Ditches are on the one side watered by the River it self which runs into them with a gentle current it is besides encompassed with out-works which reach from one side to the other of the River with Bulwarks and Half-Moons There was within it 1500 Foot good men and 200 Horse under the command of Colonel Volse a German with sufficient provision of all things and 18 Pieces of Artillery The French having taken the Redoubt and secured the Fauxbourg opened their Trenches and in four or five dayes made themselves Masters of the out-works and lodged upon the Bank of the Ditch on two sides whereof they planted three Batteries The Marquess of Castlenan Lieutenant General lodged at the side of the Ditch towards the River possessing a Half-Moon which was abandoned by those that had the keeping of it and endeavoured to get unto the foot of the Wall to undermine it but he was then hindred by the Valiant defence which those within made with Fire-works and Granado's which forced the Assailants to break the Counterscarf made up of Stone and to pass the Ditch covered by Galleries unto the Pallisado in which Action the Vidame de Laon Son of the Count Boussy Nephew to the Mareschal Turenne a bold couragious young man of about 17 or 18 years of Age was killed with a Musket shot The French also made another attempt against a great Tower and passing the Ditch without a Gallery undermined a Corner of it and giving Fire thereto by means thereof lodged in a part of the said Tower continuing their Mine to blow it absolutely up as they did also on the other side with an extraordinary diligence that they might carry this place before Rocroy were lost And the Mines being now brought unto a good pass and ready to have Fire given to them the besieged fearing they should not be able to resist an assault resolved to make Terms and render the Town which was done the 26th day of September 18 days after the Siege the Governour marching out with about 1400 Souldiers all well appointed Whilst the French were intent upon the taking of this Town the Spaniards were not wanting in their careabout the business of Rocroy hoping to compel the besieged to yield it before the taking of Mouson which had it happened they would then with ease have compassed their desires having therefore finished their trenches their approaches and raised their Batteries on which were placed 23 pieces of Cannon two planted upon the brink of the Ditch and three in the Campagne the 16th of September the Prince of Conde caused the hollow way to be attacked by 4000 Souldiers and a post to be taken up upon the Counterscarf assaulting the half Moon between the said two Bulworks which was worthily defended by the besieged the Governour wanting neither Experience nor Valour by frequent Sallies rendred the access more difficult than was imagined by the Spanish Captains between whom and Conde some difference arising by reason of the misunderstandings between him and Fuensaldagne The Arch-Duke himself came to the Camp to remove by his presence and dexterity all bitterness out of the Prince's mind but if on the one side this coming quieted the trouble of Conde's mind it raised notwithstanding on the other side a greater discontentment in his Breast as thinking that his presence diminished that Glory which he thought in taking of that place was due onely unto himself whereof he gave apparent sign refusing to take the word from the Arch-Duke at which he being not a little troubled gave order to the Prince of Wirtenburg who was lodged in Conde's Quarters not to obey his orders But this business was adjusted by the Duke of Lorrain who was at that time in the Spanish Camp by this expedient That the word should be given neither by the Arch-Duke nor Prince but by a Person appointed for that purpose by them both The first sally which the besieged made was upon the said lodging taken up upon the Counterscarf towards the point of the Half-Moon being of 60 able men all Armed with Sythes put upon strong Poles with which Entring into that work they cut in pieces all those who were the foremost in it These men were led by the Chevalier de Cuma seconded by Monsieur de Champigne and Monsieur de Bournonville Major of the Town whom the Governour himself countenanced and assisted by the Artillery of the Neighbouring ramparts there sallied out also after this Captain Delvincourt with 45 Souldiers and two that threw Granado's and entring into another Post advanced by the besieged against the Bulwark de Chene under the Pallisado at the entrance into the Ditch put to Sword all he found in it But notwithstanding these good Encounters the besiegers ceased not to redouble their Forces and to advance against the Walls of the Bulwark's to make breaches by Mining and so to give an assault The besieged also made another Sally upon the Spaniards quarters where they did great damage and took a Lieutenant Colonel and a Spanish Captain Prisoners all which notwithstanding the besiegers next day made two Bridges of Faggots over the Ditch got over it and Mined the Walls on the face of the said Bulwarks one of which was countermined by those within the other in the
with the Court and the business was upon the point agreed but the Town being blocked up just as he expected the Prince of Conde's consent unto the agreement he thought he could not with his honour quit it but as a generous Cavalier stand in defence thereof he returned therefore that answer and that Montal might have no occasion to suspect his Faith he declared that he would in that Siege serve as a private Souldier leaving the care and Government of all to him which he did exposing himself always to the greatest dangers The King returning upon the 28th of October to Chalons upon the first of November the French began to break ground and make their aproaches on two sides and planted their Batteries against the City but with little profit by reason of the brisk defence the besieged made by sallyes and other oppositions which made the Enterprize seem difficult Upon news brought that the French besieged this Town the Prince of Conde who as hath been said was troubled with a Quartane Ague gave order unto the Counts Briole and Duraz that drawing together what strength could be gotten out of the neighbouring quarters they should endeavour to put some relief into the Town and the whilst he with the Spanish Generals would gather together all their Forces not so much to defend that place as to be able to take up Quarters within France The said Counts by assistance of the Lorenois got together 3000 Foot and 2000 Horse and advanced to accomplish their design which without doubt had taken if the Cardinals diligence had not prevented them who having notice thereof upon the 4th of November at Night from the Count Grand Pre Governour of Mouson presently leapt out of Bed and gave orders about it he dispatch'd presently Monsieur d'Onè Lieutenant of his Guard to Vitry to make the Count Brugy with the Forces of Guienne come in all hast unto the King's Camp he commanded the Gens d' Armes and Horse of his Majesties Guards and his own and all the Gentlemen of his House to march immediately He forthwith sent Courriers all about that from all places Souldiers should come and re-inforce the King's Army to the command of which he appointed the Mareschal du Plessis Pralin in whose fidelity and experienced Valour he had great confidence so as by break of day all the Souldiery and as many Gentlemen as were about the Court were Horsed and Armed with a readiness equal unto the quickness of their Life and Spirit The Mareschal went from Chalons after Dinner the same day and being accompanied by a good number of Volunteers and the said Guards marched towards the Camp to be there at Night the most privately he could and that he might be ready to fight them the next morning at which time they were expected but the Commanders of Conde's Troops moved not at all being perhaps in fear of being encountred and inclosed by Mareschal Ferte Sâ—nnâ—terre who by the Cardinal's Order was drawn off from the Army with 3000 Horse and 500 choice Dragoons and marched to get between Clermont and St. Menhaud being a fit place to charge upon the Enemies Rear in case they had engaged themselves in any design against the Army that besieged the Town The next day all the Troops of Guienne came up being in number Eleven Regiments of Horse and Ten of Foot all Old tried Souldiers so as the Army being now re-inforced by these and other Recruits which came from Germany Conde could not undertake to relieve it without a full Army and that with evident danger of being drawn to a pitch't Battel then much desired by the French but abhorred by the Spaniard who should then have run too great a hazard and therefore were very wary in seconding the daring Councels of the Prince of Conde about fighting a Battail or the undertaking of any hazardous design and especially it being about a Town belonging to the Prince himself they were not willing to venture their Souldiers for anothers benefit To which was added That the Lorenois pretending to have done sufficient for that Campagne were resolved not to draw again out of their Quarters Upon the arrival of the Mareschal du Plessis the Siege was taken up with greater vigour being notably defended by Montal with frequent Sallies and losses on both sides and better he would have done had not a Magazine of Ammunition been blowed up the Night before the 6th of November by means of a Cannon Bullet shot into it or some other accident the same being variously reported The French assaulted vigorously the Half-Moon before the Port du Bois and at the same time got into the Ditch on the other side but the Besieged fallying out upon their backs hindered their work and took prisoner Monsieur d'Ortis a Lieutenant of the Guards and hurt several other Souldiers and Officers amongst whom was Monsieur de Pontet a Captain of the said Guards Upon the 16th day they made a Sally upon the Guard of Monsieur de Nancre who commanded then in the approach but were with some loss beaten back which happened also in another Salley made upon the Trench kept by the Regiments de Guard two days after where they were repulsed by Monsieur de Charmon a Captain of that Regiment with the loss of some Souldiers and of Monsieur de la Garde Lieutenant Colonel of the Regiment de Burgoigne Which was also seconded by the death of Monsieur Demon Sergeant Major of the Town who was next day killed in the Ditch as he went to discover which way they might go with most security to interrupt the Works of the Besiegers The Marquiss Castelnau in the mean time attacked a Work called Ferra Cavalli and having carried it got into the Ditch and made a Gallery to defend the Miners which succeeded well after they had beaten back two Sallies of the Besieged who were many of them killed upon the place The Regiments d'Uxelles and Dampierre on the other side took the Half-Moon on the right side of the breach called La Exvelape whereupon the French being on the one side ready to give the Assault and a Mine ready to blow up the Bastion on the other the Besieged wanting Powder demanded a Parley and offered to give up the Town if in Eight dayes they were not relieved which being refused by the Mareschal who gave order for prosecution of his Works Upon the 25th day Montal without any reserve agreed to march out of the Town with Arms and Baggage which he did upon the 27th of November towards Rocroy being followed but by few French because the greatest part of those who served him accepted the Amnestie and either went into the King's Service or their own houses as did also the Marquiss de Forz Monsieur de Taissy Geneste and others who being invited by the King's Clemency câ—st from their minds all kind of bitterness and found that the true happiness of Subjects consists in their entire obedience to their Soveraign
went to Haure de Grace with firm intention either to agree all things with the Princes or else to keep them still in Prison and here he was aware of the falsehood of many who appeared to be his friends and how he had done ill in not making their Majesties go from Paris before he went away When it was known for certain that he was gone many friends of his went after him causing a noise in the Streets which began in Madamoselles House whose Servants going out armed into the Streets stopt all passengers as well Gentlemen as others whom the common people carried before her and she making them be detained Prisoners gave order with a man-like readiness that all passages should be blockt up suspecting that the King and Queen would also be gone One of those that were stopt was Monsieur d' Estardes the Governour of Dunkirk a man of great loyalty towards the King who was soon released by the Duke of Orleans the noise of their Majesties departure still continuing they suddenly took up arms Beaufort Count Tavannes Monsieur di Chambois and a great many other Gentlemen got on Horse back and ran in hast about the Palace-Royal and the aim of some of the most seditious being to take the King from the Queen and carry him to Pallazzo della litta the City Town house They made it be given out that the Queen was about to go out of Paris and to carry the King along with her which made the people so jealous as being stark mad they armed all the ends of the Streets which led to the Palace-Royal making also some Baracadoes and this rumour being in a moment spred throughout all Paris the commotion was great and the Frondeurs manifested their hatred against the Cardinal with unheard of noise more than before The next morning every one being surprised with this the Cardinals so unexpected departure the Parliament met and ordered that humble thanks should be returned to the Queen and that she should be again desired to give order for the Princes liberty and hereunto they added a desire that she would make a Declaration whereby all Forrainers should for the future be excluded from the Kings Counsel and all those of the Nation who had taken any Oath to any other Prince than the King After Dinner the Queen sent the Guard de Seaux Marishal Villeroy and Secretary Tillier to intreat the Duke of Orleans to come to Council but he by the Coadjutor's Council refused to come saying he could not do it with safety till the Princes were at liberty the Queen did again under her own hand-writing desire him to come but he stood firm upon the negative replying that he would not come till according to his word the Princes were set at liberty and that there was no safety for him there till the Cardinal were gone further off nor could he be induced to please the Queen though those Lords offer'd themselves to remain Hostages if he doubted the safety of his person The Parliament Commissioners came to her Majesty to thank her for the Cardinals departure and to desire her that she would send away her Letters to Haure de Grace to which she answered that she was fully resolved to take all necessary order for the Princes freedom but that shemust first speak with the Duke of Orleans for there were some particulars concerning their imprisonment which were not to be communicated to all That she had offer'd to go to L' Hostelle d' Orleans or to any neutral place as to the Queen of England's Court if the Duke would speak with her touching this affair not thinking that he would refuse to come and take his place in Council after she had satisfied him in the Cardinals departure that if Orleans refused to communicate his opinion to her she should be obliged to call the great ones of the Kingdom together to advise with them of what was to be done and that she could say no more till she had assembled her Council The next day the Parliament met where the first President reported what the Queen had said whereupon Orleans said It was not at all necessary that he should go to the Court to speak his opinion for he would never say but what he had already often said and which he did now again affirm that he was ready to set his hand to the releasing of the Princes and to the sending of the Cardinal out of the Kingdom That the Queen jested when she said that she had sent him away for she had only made him change his habitation going from her Palace at Paris to that of St. Germans where he still plaid the part of chief Minister of State writ Letters gave Council and had ordered imployment as well since he was gone as he did before that when the Princes were imprisoned their Mothers Children Kindred Friends and all that depended on them were sent out of Paris But when the Cardinal was sent away with a report that he was not to return yet his Nephew Mancini and his Nieces staid still at Court and complained to the King of their Uncles departure whence it was easily to be perceived that the Queen had not suffered him to depart but that she intended he should return and that she dream't of nothing less than of the Princes liberty This being said the decree was almost resolved upon which was made the next day Several opinions being given many were for the issuing out of a Decree against the Cardinal his Fautorers and Adherents and against all those that were gone out with him But Orleans said there was no reason to punish his friends for accompanying him since they had therein behaved themselves honourably others moved to set a brand upon his house by declaring him a Perturber of the publick peace Monsieur Landes Payen said a man could not serve two Masters reflecting upon some of the Members who seemed to be for the Parliament and yet served the Court he added that all Cardinals should be forbidden all imployments in State-affairs as those who by their Dignities are sworn to serve the Pope and by being State-Ministers are sworn to serve the King that they could not serve the one without being false unto the other there were some who spoke against having any more Favorites in France to which the Duke of Orleans reply'd we are all of us the Kings Subjects and though I be in a very eminent degree yet I am one as all you are we must not give Laws to our Soveraigns nor force their inclinations by inhibiting them to love one Subject more than another it were I must confess said he to be desired that Kings would never have any Favorite but they are not to forbid it At last the Duke not thinking it sit to make such hast his opinion prevailed and it was decreed that their Majesties should be desired to give order for the disimprisonment of the Princes and that they should declare their intentions
declared his distaste by saying he would return no more thither But keeping his negotiations on foot as well in Flanders as in France to the end that he might effect his designs abroad if he should not effect them at home he with large offers and fair allegations invited the Duke of Longueville to enter into his party But Longueville who was wise and loved his quiet though he seemed to joyn in his interest yet keeping his agreement made with the Queen did not accept the invitation saying that though the beginnings of all civil Wars seem specious yet their middle and their end prove fatal to those who undertook them and that therefore as a true friend and allye he exhorted him to agree and peacefully to injoy his Governments well foreseeing what the contrary might produce as being fomented by ambitious people and who for their particular concernment desire to put the Kingdom into troubles Yet these the Princes ways tended not to the precipice of War though they seemed to do so for by what happened afterwards it was known he pretended rather to make an advantagious agreement than to enter into an uncertain and dangerous War At this time the Prince received a Letter from Marquess Bouteville Governour of Belgarde wherein he advertised him that Monsieur de Isole was come thither sent by the Emperour who desired to speak with him and to let him know that if he would declare himself he would invest him in Brisack and would cause all the rights of the house of Austria therein to be given unto him That moreover he would give him 4000 Soldiers which he would add to the Garrison of Franchendelle which the Spaniards should abandon so as together with his own Soldiers which at that time were 5000 he might make an Army of Ten or Twelve thousand men The French Army lay this mean while about the River Liss but was not able to make any considerable assault upon that Frontier for want of Corn and Artillery and much more for want of Money the rather for that the Enemies Towns were all well fortified whereat the Queen was not displeased in these present disorders that so she might have her Forces disingaged and free to send against the Prince upon any emergency Notwithstanding Marishall de Aumont incampt at Arleaux not far from Doway with 10000 foot and 6000 horse and sent Duke Chaunes to fall upon two redoubts which were sheltered by the River Scarpe making 600 Musquetiers ford over the River at the same time conducted by the Count de Espagne and Chevalliere Chaunes so as the Spaniards having had two Squadrons of Croats routed forsook the redoubts by the taking whereof whilst it was thought the French would approach Doway they went away without doing any thing else and went to Inchy a Town three leagues off and quarter'd in the Abbey of Vauxelles On the other side Marishall Fertesenetre Governour of Lorain went with some Troops gathered up in the Neighbouring Provinces to take Charte upon the Mosell the Castle whereof though it were but small was well fortified and of no little consideration in respect of the Neighborhood of Lorrain and he took it though it were by the Garrison stoutly defended to the great advantage of the King's Forces who were thereby likewise unincumberd on that side Whilst things were in this condition Duke Mercure who staid in Paris after the Cardinal was gone met every night with the Queen when all others were withdrawn maturing such expedients as stuck most with them and seeing himself much prest in his own particular affairs for the ill satisfaction which was conceived against his Family by reason of his interest with the Cardinal he beg'd the Government of Auvergne Her Majesty before she would gratifie him therein ask'd the opinion of one of her confidents who told her that if the Duke should get what he desired he might find some means to avoid marrying Madamoselle Mancini and that therefore he thought fit to defer it and make advantage of time which advice being approved of by the Queen made Mercure who was aware of the cunning delay to protest seriously that he intended the marriage and that there was not the least reason to doubt his word shewing all possible readiness to accomplish what was agreed upon notice was given of this to the Cardinal who though he went not from what was agreed yet knowing that this alliance would afford matter to his Enemies to make the troubles greater would howsoever prefer the King's service before his own concernments He therefore answered Advocate Bluet that he did not approve the Duke should go from Paris as well for his shunning the bad accidents which might befall him by such a voyage through the alterations which upon this pretence might arise in Paris as for that there was none with the Queen but himself and Marishall Plessis Praliâ— with whom her Majesty might freely discourse and trust without suspition But the Duke not admitting of this denyal held himself bound in honour and thought that the exposing of himself in so turbulent times and in the greatest heat of persecution to a dangerous voyage would give the clearer testimony of his faith and the more oblige the Cardinal to assist him in his marriage So as having often acquainted her Majesty with his firm resolution he brought her at last to give way thereunto and she gave him moreover 1000 pounds for his journey this being therefore resolved with all secrecy to shun the treachery which might be laid for him in his journey he sent his Gentlemen into the Vandomase seeming as if he would take that journey and he feigning himself to be servant to Monsieur de Siron one of the Cardinals Domesticks went from the Queens Cabinet on the beginning of Iuly and went post with the same Siron to Peronne and from thence to Brules where on the twelfth of the same month the marriage was solemnized by the Archbishop of Colen which being done he returned with like speed to Paris At this news great rumors were had in Paris arguing thereby that assuredly the Cardinals return was indeavoured but because by their Majesties Declaration and by the Decrees of Parliament not only the Cardinal but all his kindred were sentenced they were of opinion that the marriage must prove null since as they said a Prince of France was not to marry without the King's leave and much less with one that was banish'd and an enemy to the State Being come in great pomp to the Parliament at Paris sent for as Duke and Peer he was much prest to declare the truth of the business He answered that he was not bound to say any thing save only that he had done nothing contrary to their Decrees and did publickly affirm that the Duke of Orleans and Conde had ingaged him in the said marriage that if afterwards they had for their own concernments alter'd their opinion he knew what belonged to a Gentleman that was born a