Haven at Genoa for any sudden or urgent occasion that may arise which makes very much for the good of the affairs of that Crown by reason of the opportune situation of Genoa which being seated between the Kingdoms of Spain and of those oâ—… Naples and Sicily and being also the Staple to the State of Millain is very convenient for the uniting and preservation of States and Provinces divided so far one from another On the other side the same friendship and good correspondency is a great security and help for the Staâ—…e of Genoa for the singular care which those Kings are forced to have of her preservation not only by the tye of extraordinary Friendship but out of private Interest so as the Commonwealth may with good reason suppose all the Forces and Fleets of that Crown to be always ready to defend her against whosoever shall plot any thing to the prejudice of her or her Liberty he gave the beginning to this so neer conjunction who being the first author of the Commonwealths Liberty deserves to be by her stiled the Father and Free of his Country and fellow Citizens Prince Andrea Doria the best Captain in Sea affair of any in his time and reputed the best for Maritime Forces and experience for Military Valour and happy success wherein the compassion of his afflicted Countries misery prevailing more with him then the great offers and afterwards the anger of the King of France forsaking not without great danger to his own Fortune the French offers and stipends he went over to serve the Emperour Charles the Fifth King of Spain and hoping much in this new conjunction he betook himself with incredible courage and generosity to so glorious an action wherein being very fortunate he proved not only an unexpected safety to his Country which driving out the French he restored to happy and miraculous liberty but gave a great turn to all the affairs of Italy for the fortune of the French which had then the upper hand and was almost victorious began then to decline and that of the Emperour which was then at an ebb began to be raised up for the French mens losing the State of Genoa was immediately followed by their loss of the Kingdom of Naples whereof they were almost fully possessed and being by Dorias resolution robbed of all their best and greatest Maritime Forces and by the revolution of the affairs of Genoa deprived of the opportunity of being succoured by Sea they fell upon sad incounters and not being able to hold out longer were at last forced to abandon the enterprise to the Imperialists who getting to within the walls of Naples the French did not only badly defend the free possession of that Kingdom but lost all hopes of ever regaining it The King of France his enterpriprises in Lombardy and in Piedmont had no better success both then and afterwards Where the conveniency of the State of Genoa being afforded to the Emperour and deny'd to the French was of great moment for the Emperours victory and for the ruine of the French forces insomuch as the French being utterly ruined and the Emperour superiour to all and able to give the Law he built up that grandezza of Fortune to himself and posterity which he injoyed whilst he liveâ—… and which his descendents the Kings of Spain do at the present injoy Doria's name grew very glorious every where for such egregious actions and his Authority was very great in the Commonwealth of Genoa for her re-gained Liberty and his Power was no less great with the Emperour who esteeming it not only a great happiness to have so famous a Commander under his pay and of such valour and experience in Naval Affairs but thinking him also a fit Instrument to make the City and State of Genoa side with him a thing of great imporâ—…ance to his affairs he studied still to keep him his Friend by conferring great Rewards upon him and unusual Honours He therefore made him Lord High Admiral at Sea and seldom dissented from his advice which he valued very much in Land Enterprises And as Doria's power with the Emperour rendred the liberty of the Genoeâ—…es free from being disturbed by so great an Authority as some of the free Cities of Italy were so his authority with his Fellow-Citizens was sufficient to keep the Genoeses constant in their devotion to the Emperour which was the more easily effected for that the affairs of Italy being divided into two Factions the one adhering to the French the other to the Emperour the prevalency of the latter was very opportune and necessary to the Commonwealth to preserve her from the evident danger of being the more opprest by the former the French being the more incens'd against the Genoeses for the great prejudice they had received by their revolution Doria out-lived the Emperour some few years and continuing in the same Employments and Honours under Philip the Second King of Spain and Son to the Emperour he was succeeded by Iohn Andrea Doria Heir not only to his Principality States and Maritime Fortune but also to his Heroick Virtue and singular Piety towards his Countrey who after having served the Crown of Spain in places of great Employment and given good proof of his Valour and Counsel upon all occasions and having kept great sway with his Fellow-Citizens was of no less authority in the Court of Spain in so much as he was preferr'd by Philip the Second in command at Sea before many Competitors and famous Captains of Illustrious Families and discharged the Office of Lord High-Admiral with splendour and magnificence answerable to the authority And as he was a great help and very serviceable to the keeping of the same correspondency between the Crown of Spain and the Commonwealth so was he a no little supporter of his Countreys Liberty in the jealous and troublesome times which did sometimes happen and as the former was honoured by the publick Decree of the Commonwealth with the title of Father and Freer of his Countrey so was he by the like Decree honoured with the title of Conservator of the Liberty thereof After his death for the chief Command at Sea was reserved for the Princes of the Blood Royal his third Son Don Carlo Doria succeeded in the Government of those Gallies which the King of Spain keeps in Genoa for his eldest son being by reason of his private indispositions unfit for Navigation as also his second son Giannettino by reason of his Priesthood he being at the present a Cardinal Archbishop of Palermo and Viceroy of Sicily Which Don Carlo as also Cardinal Giannettino treading in their Forefathers steps proved very advantagious in the service of that Crown to their Countrey and to themselves At the same time almost that the supreme Command at Sea ceased in the Dorian Family new and extraordinary worth arose in the Family of the Spinolas a House of great Alliance and Wealth in the Commonwealth whose worths fomented the same
administration of the King of Spains Treasure they receive Pensions Titles and Dignities from his Crown they receive the chief Government of his Kingdoms and States the prime jurisdiction over his Fleets at Sea the absolute command over his Land Armies they are admitted into and chosen to be Counsellors of his Privy Council and yet so many and so great Dignities Titles Imployments Offices and Preeminences do not at all prejudicate or weaken the Principality of their common Country but do rather strengthen it The occasion of so many miraculous effects may be attributed to the union and good Government of the Commonwealth which keeping her Forts Garrisons and the whole ground-works of the State in her own hands by the favour of her people who are more inclined to live free then any others and by the leaning-stock or support of her Nobility which being bound up and united in one body doth much exceed the grandezza of any one private Citizen and is sufficient to suppress any whatsoever force and to curb any intention which shall be contrary to the present Government it may be attributed to the good opinion of the Kings of Spain who being on the one side certain that they may have any thing of the Commonwealth in the condition she now is in which they can desire at her hands always provided her liberty be preserved and on the other side apprehensive of the strange consequences which might result from the turn of Affairs they have reason to abhor all novelty or alteration of Government But it may chiefly be attributed to the private Citizens ardent desire of liberty who being taught by the calamities of former times that the Principality of one alone is unsupportable to a people that are born free and how dangerous it is for him who shall arrive thereat and being made to know by their present happiness how pleasant useful and glorious a thing lâ—…berty injoyed in common is to all men and how much it makes them be esteemed in the Courts of Forreign Princes they love better to increaâ—…e and better themselves by the preservation then by the ruine of the common liberty and growing greater by their private fortunes to restore that splendor multiplied to their Countrey which at first they receâ—…ved from her They are therefore able to make it known in Princes Courts where they live how advantagious it is for their affairs 〈◊〉 Genoa should live in liberty and if at any time by any strange accidenâ—… they be put to struggle for the maintenance thereof they by their greatness of spirit can shew themselves so zeâ—…lous in that behalf as by a generous refusal of the greatest Dignities Preferments and Fortunes which they hold from the King they are able to divert ill advised designs and to free their Country from the sinister influences which the bad counsels of any Officer can threaten it withall The interests then of the Crowne of Spaine and of the Commonwealth being thus fast link'd together those who envâ—…ed the Spanish greatness could not bear with such a parity of fortune and endeavoured by all means possible to break it sometimes openly endeavouring the common liberty of Italy 〈◊〉 they strove to 〈◊〉 themselves as a Prince of Italy sometimes whispering jealousies and suspicions secretly between both parties sometimes upbraiding the Genoeses with their having received dignities and riches from that Crown as gilded â—…etters of their liberty which under the shadow of friendship and equal confederacy was the base and servile slavery of the Spanish Empire King Henry the Fourth of France whom the French after his death honour'd with the Cognomen of Great having bent his thoughts in his latter years upon quelling the Grandezza of the house of Austria and of the Crown of Spain fix'd his eyes first upon the Commonwealth of Genoa intending to make his first blow at her as at one of the corner-stones of so great a Monarchy with firm resolution to cut that knot in pieces with the sword since he saw it impossible to be loosened otherwise but this design falling by the sudden fatal death of the said King the image thereof remain'd imprinted in his successors who thinking that the State of Genoa was become more then Spanish by this undissolvable knot and that it made too much against the common ends and designs did not only abhor the name of a Genoese but began to betake themselves against the Commonwealth thinking that when she should be abased the Spanish Empire should receive a shrew'd blow and that taking their rise so high the success must needs be good for they made their account that when they should have possess'd themselves of the State of Genoa the State of Millain being shut up on that side and being debarred from succour by Sea would be the sooner taken by Land Armies and that the Kingdoms of Naples and Sicily being so far distant from Spain would hardly be kept the breaking of the Contract which would certainly be effected by the loss of the Staâ—…e of Genoa incited them as much as any ohter respect and the Crown of Spain remaâ—…ing unable to make provisions for Armies they held for certain that the chief sinews of the Spanish Empire being thus cut in pieces the affairs of that Crown would give against such encounters as would make way for much further proceedings they therefore resolved to bend all their endeavours to plot any thing and to use all force against the State of Genoa as against that which did chiefly withstand the ends and interests of the common cause no provision was had for this by the last League of Avignon but the enmity which not long after arose between the Commonwealth and the Duke of Savoy touching the Marquisate Zuccharello much fomented these their machinations which enmity daily increasing a great combustion brake forth â—…rom a little sparke The Duke was not inclin'd at first to make war with the Genoeses upon this account for though he was senfible enough of their resistance and appeared to be already much in that resentment yet the â—…reaty of Marriage between Prince Philiberto and the Princess of Mantua detained him and forced him to swallow down any thing out of a desire of getting more pretences to Montferrat by this Match and to reunite himself to the Crown of Spain for to break with the Genoeses did diametrically oppugne both these ends whâ—…ch his mind was then chiefly set upon for there was no doubt but the King of Spain would interest himself with the Genoeses wherefore forbearing rigorous proceedings and falling upon a more moderate way he tried to get out of this trouble by some fair means he endeavour'd to get the Spanish Agents to delay the assigning over of Zuccharello for a while upon agreement that he would plead the utmost of his pretences within a few days in the Cesarian Court and that if he did not then obtain his intent it should be lawful for the Commonwealth to injoy this their new
who drawing neer him by a certain cover'd way gave furiously on upon the Foot and made great slaughter insomuch as Colonel Muler together with five other of the best Captains being slain and their ranks broken after a furious fight which lasted for some hours they were routed those few that fled were part of them killed by the Country people part throwing themselves into the Adda were drowned as for the other two Squadrons the Reer escaped safe away the other which went to recover Tyrano after having made some resistance fled with the loss of their Baggage which remained in the Enemies hands the Kings men returned victorious into Tyrano and the vanquished finding they were not pursued rallied together and went being in number about 4000 to assault the Town but Pimâ—…ntello having assembled the Foot together and put them in order made such resistance as the Enemy being plaid upon by the Artillery and indamaged by smaller shot could do nothing of moment nor â—…urst come to an assault though the Walls were in some places weak and ruinous but retreated towards the Mountains which confine upon the State of Venice from whence going to Bormio they returned home The conflict indured five hours with great courage on both sides above 2000 of the Grisons were slain those being comprehended who were drowned in the Adda and of the Spaniards not above 50 amongst which Ottaviano the Governour who was one of the first thaâ—… assaulted the first Squadron and a Nephew of Iovan Bravo the spoil was great amongst which they found much of what was taken from Bormio and 32000 Ducates destined for the Souldiers pay after the Victory they went to Bormio which being abandoned by the Garrison made no resistance where they built a gallant Fort royal and munited the Town with a great Trench by which and by three little Forts erected along the Valley the one at Tyrano another at Morbegno and the third at Sondrio the Kings men were masters of the Valtoline and the new built Forts being kept by the peoples consent for Guard of the Country and the liberty thereof they began to settle a form of Religion and Politick Liberty to the end that those of the Valtoline being govern'd by themselves might under the protection of Spain whereinto they were by a particular Decree received injoy their Religion and be secured in their liberty which they had happily recovered The Archduke Leopold who keeping correspondency with the Duke of Feria aimed at the recovery of the Towns of the third League which were aâ—…iently rebelled from the house of Austria did at the same time build a Fort which he called San Maria in the Valley of Mosero in the Grisons jurisdiction to the end that remaining just where the Valtoline joyns to Tirvâ—…lo the union on both sides might be the betâ—…er secured To these happy successes more happy Negotiations were added for not long after the Grisons being dejected purâ—…ly by the great blow which they received in the Valtoline and partly confused for the repugnancy of opinions which was risen up amongst them la Griggia which is the chiefest of the three Leagues sent Embassâ—…dours to Millain and capiâ—…ulated with Feria touching the restitution of the Valtoline to its former condition upon very favourable terms for the inhabitants Religion and Liberty and obliged it self in name of the other two Leagues in a perpetual League with the State of Millain and what was much desired by the Spanish Agents to graâ—…t freâ—… passage for the Kings men thorow their Towns but this Capitulation took no effect though many of the Commonalty of the second League concurred therein for the third League contradiâ—…ting it and particularly those of low Engeâ—…ina the number of those who were against the Capitulation of Millain began to increase and their faction grew stronger the rather because they were much fomented by the Venetians and French Embassadour who adhered unto them The Embassadour was the same 〈◊〉 who having held intelligence with Feria but a little before had procured and had had a hand in the insurrection of the Valtoline but not being able to see it now â—…ain under the authority and almost under the command of the Spaniard and that â—…e himself had been the means and worker thereof he was pieced again with the Grisons and with contrary indeavours favoured the oppression of the Valtolinians to drive the Spaniards from amongst the Grisons to the recovery of the Valley which they had lost they were thereunto also incited by their Preachers who detesting the Capitulation of Millain called in their publick preachings and in their private meeting the Favourers thereof Authors of scanâ—…al Enemieâ—… to the publick liberty and Traytors to their Country so as there proceeded great altercations between those who were against it and the Duke of Feria having taken five Companies of Swissers into pay in favour of those that sided with the Capitulation he sent them into Rhâ—…tia whereat the Country rise up in Arms and the very 〈◊〉 of the Capitulation not adhering much to their former opinion the Swissers were forc'd to retreat so as this party having gotten the upperhand they began to implead the chief Authors of the Millain Capitulation as having betrayed the publick liberty by agreeing thereunto without the publick consent of all But new Orders being sent at this time from the Court of Spain reduces the trouble to a more quiet Negotiation The Princes of Italy were much moved at these proceedings of Feria and resented them and the Venetians who as hath been said covered both their own and the common liberty and by disbursing out moneys largely unto the Grisons had indeavoured that he might not compasâ—… his ends had also by their Embassadour made great complaint thereof to the Court of Spain accusing the Governour as a perturber of the publick pâ—…ace and as an insnarer of the liberty of Italy as did also the new Pope Gregory the 15th who succeeded Paul the 5th who died in the beginning of the year 1621 this was Cardinal Lodovisio Archbishop of Bullognia he was commonly held to be not well affected to the Spaniard by reason of the distastes between him and Don Piedro di Tolledo when being the Apostolick Nuntio in Lombardy and Piedmont he negotiated the composition of those wars and therefore as one that detested the Spaniards and loved not to see them increase in greatness and authority it was thought he would not omit suppressing those ends upon this occasion which did so much vex him so to make himself famous by restoring Italy to her former security and thereby make the beginning of his Popedom more acceptable He wrot a Letter with his own hand to the King of Spain complaining of and much resenting the Governours actions as prejudicial to the common quiet and satisfaction and desiring him that he would not deny him this favour which he very earnestly desired of him in this the beginning of his Popedom he did also seriously admonish
Millain refused to go into the Field till they had received their Pay Croce's diversion whereupon they did chiefly relie proved also vain he was to have entred Piedmont with those Forces which were in Savona and with Manfrino his five Horse by the way of Savona such an expedition at that time and by that way would have produced three very good effects First entring the enemies Country which did abound in Victuals wanting Forts and Ammuniiion and which was bereâ—…t of all defence he might have easily possess'd himself of it without any gainsaying by this diversion if made in a seasonable time have very much helped the business of Verrua and lastly the River of Genoa being by the interposition of this Army cut off from Piedmont and consequently deprived of all hopes of succour it would at the very appearance of the Gallies have been abandoned by the Garrisons of Piedmont so as of it self it would have faln to the Commonwealth Croce's genius who was better vers'd in maritine affairs then in band service and loved not to go far from the shore opposed this resolution which certainly would have been the most commodious and best for the common cause it was opposed also by that which serves always for an excuse to any Commander for either not beginning or not prosecuting an enterprise the scarcity of provisions wherefore being resolved that the recovery of Riviera should precede his entrance into Piedmont it was conceived that private emulation between him and the Duke of Feria bore greater sway with him then any respect of the common Cause wherefore not caring for the good success of the enterprise of Verrua he was not displeased that his rival might reap but little honour thereby parting therefore about the midst of Iuly from Savona accompanied by two Senators Iovan Battista Saluzzo and Agostine Centurione who were chosen Commissaries by the Commonwealth at whose expence and in whose name the whole business was carried on and carrying with him 8000 Foot and two Troops of Horse they betook themselves to the recovery of la Riviera the first in order was the City of Albenga which being first assaulted came first into the power of the Common-wealth though it were recruited but some days before both with Men and Victuals by the Gallies of Marcelles the battery began from the Gallies which by their Cannon beat down the Houses for the City stood within Musket-shot of the Sea-shore but that battery doing but little harm the people were that mean while landed and two great Cannons which being level'd against the Gate and Wall which weâ—…e towards the Sea after having plai'd upon them a while the defendants began to apprehend the assault which they saw was preparing to be given so as beginning to parley they yielded within a few hours upon Articles that the Captains should march out with Arms and Baggage and the Souldiers with their Swords as also they were not to serve for that Summer against the King of Spain nor the Commonwealth Albenga being taken all the Towns till you come to Porto Mauritio Oneglia being therein comprehended most of them being without Walls and abandoned by the Dukes men return'd under the obedience of the Commonwealth from hence they went to Porto Mauritio a place strongly situated munited with Artillery having a good Garrison in it and abundantly provided of Ammunition it stands upon a great Rock which being for the greatest part invironed by the Sea is as it were a Peninsula their Men and Artillery being landed they had no little labour to draw them up those craggy cliffs for many necessary things were wanting for the train of Artillery and the weather was then very hot Thomaso Raggio Iovan Battista Adorno and Iacomo Moniglia three of those Gentlemen who had raised and maintained seven Companies at their own expence and had continually served the Commonwealth with them very affectionately had the care thereof given them who not only by their Authority but by their example brought them in a short time to fitting places they raised three Batteries two on the Flank and one behind and the Defendants ordered their defences very fittingly against these Batteries by two days continual battery a breach was made fitting for an assault and the three forenamed Gentlemen were ready with their Companies to give an assault when the Defendants who had inriched themselves by booty taken at Ottaggio and Pieve being loth to adventure what they had gotten parlied and on the third day surrendred the place upon the same terms that Albenga had done but the Kings Souldiers missing the prey which they thought they should have had if they had taken the Town by assault turn'd upon many of the neighbouring Towns plundering and sacking them to the great grief of the Commissaries who could not bear with so great mischief done to the Subjects of the Commonwealth or with such an affront to themselves and finding that the Kings Captains took no care to prevent such an inconvenience Thomaso Raggio a man of a great spirit who upon all occasions had shew'd much zeal towards the affairs of the Commonwealth offer'd to remedy this inconvenience by force of Arms which offer being accepted of he was sent with many Companies of Souldiers to suppress this prejudice done unto the Country by the Kings Souldiers who hearing of his coming joyn'd together in a body and yet he had the good luck to make them soon retreat and imbarquing themselves in the Gallies with San Croce they went some of them to Savona some to Genoa for San Croce by reason of the excessive â—…eat and of the sickness amongst the Souldiers would not continue the enterprise which he might easily have prosper'd in for after the surrender of Porto Mauritio all the Towns as far as Ventimiglia being abandoned by the Dukes Garrisons return'd to the antiâ—…nt command of the Genoeses so as when he should quickly and happily have dispatched this business he might have facilitated the taking of Verrua by diversion but that so much time might not be sâ—…ent in vain the Commonwealth gave order that Pigna a great Town belonging to the Duke lying above Ventimiglia should be gone against where they understood that many of those who were gone out of Albenga and the rest of the Towns which were recovered were got together and it was feared that contrary to the Articles of surrender they might be a great disturbance to the Enterprise of Ventimiglia which upon the ceasing of the excessive heats and the amendment of the Souldiers was preparing for This business was committed to the Baron Batteville who coming thither with about 3000 Foot and having long batter'd the Trenches which joined to the houses and served for a wall or Rampier at last the defendants fearing an assault yielded upon Articles which being agreed upon and perform'd they delivered up the Town to Batteville in the delivery whereof the Ammunition fell on fire which occasioned much mischief to many amongst the rest to Iovan
the succession of Savoy fell the occasion of the Cardinals going thither was given out to be for his own respect that he might go from thence to Flanders to visite his Aunt the Archdutchess and for others to be present at some solemn Festivals which were to be had in that Court When the Cardinal was come to Paris he did not pursue his journey but tarried there with his Brother till such time as Pinarollo was assigned over into the Kings Officers hands which being done they all returned to Piedmont the going of these Princes to that Court and their tarrying there till the assigning over of Pinarollo made all men think that they were sent thither and kept as Hostages of the secret Agreement between the King and Duke contrary to the Articles of Ratisbone the secrâ—…t Capitulation of the first Agreement of Cherasco against which the Duke of Feria did so much exclaim seemed to say as much Servien's long delay in coming into Italy touching a business of so great importance and wherein haste was required by all partâ—…es though it was then attributed to some other cause was afterwards â—…eld for cerâ—…ain that it was done to give time for this resolution which was not as then ripe nor digested the notable prejudice suffer'd by the Duke of Mantua so openly taken into protection by the King of France and consented unto by the same Kings Agents in favour to the Duke of Savoy who had been a profess'd enemy to the Kings interest and who besides hâ—…ving cost that Crown so great an expence of men and moneys had also made him lose whole Armâ—…es and his reputation in the enterprise of Casalle was commonly judged to be the price and the reward of this secret Treaty between the Duke and the King of France touching the concession of Pinarollo which may appear to be clearly comprehended by the very writing delivered to the Duke by the Embassadour Servien wherein after the â—…acite threats in case of denial he endeavoured to perswade the Duke to give way unto the demands by way of gratitude for the great obligation which he had to the King by whose favour â—…e had gotten so great a part of Montferrat The Kings suffering himself for so frivolous and sleight occasions which by treaty might easily be compounded to be brought to resolve upon a thing of so great moment when France which required peace and restauration broke forth into combustion of Civil War by the flight of his Mother and Brother made all men believe that without assurance of having it readily granted he would not have adventured to make such a demand which if it had been denied obliged him to undertake greater wars then those which after so much expence of moneys and blood he was to thank fortune for his coming off with honour with Forces already wearied and little better then beaten and upon a less just title then the former On the other side the great respect not to say fear which the Duke when he was already restored to all his Dominions shew'd to have of those Forces which when he was in a worse condition he had so boldly resisted his so much distrust of aid from Spain by which being assisted he nor his Father feâ—…red not to provoke the French Forces his having by his so high and almost impossible demands rather rejected then desired those succours from the Duke of Feria which he might have received and was bound to accept of rather then to quit so many places of importance The Duke not being moved at so unjust demands which rather then to have granted he was upon all accounts to have run any whatsoever Fortune his having yielded to the worst demand and more prâ—…judicial to himself of the four his no shew of resentment after such an assignation but his pretending a reward for it from the Crown of Spain as if he had once more thereby secured the State of Millain confirmed the general prejudiciate opinion that this demand was no news unto him but a thing long before agreed upon this general opinion was afâ—…erwards better confirmed by the sale made by the Duke the next year of the same Towns to the King and of their Territorie wherein many other Towns were conâ—…ained and by this sale it was comprehended that it was not his alledged zeal to the publick peace nor the security of his Client and Friends but his desire to have a gate alwayes open into Italy which caused the King to make such high and strange demands and so contrary to the Covenants of Ratisbone and Chirasco agreed unto by his Agents in his name and ratified by the King himself in the effectual restitution of the Town of Piedmont the 500000 Ducates which the Duke of Savoy was to restore to the Duke of Mantua for the overplus of the Towns in Montferrat assigned to him by the Arbitrement of Chirasco the which the King being obliged to make good to that Duke he afterwards profes'd that he kept them against the same Duke of Mantua for the charges he had been at in making war for the defence and maintaining of his dominions was considered in the price of so many important Towns The Duke granted and afterwards sold unto the King those Towns upon which the liberty and subjection of Piedmont did depend and wherein his sovereignty did consist and his not being onely a great and free Prince and master of himself but an Arbitrator of great affairs between two mighty Kings and their worth being inestimable the Towns of Montferrat which were assigned were sold at a very under rate For if Duke Charles Emanuel did grant all the Country of Bresse to the King of France a large Country and of great revenue onely that he might keep Saluzzo and thereby remain â—…ree and absolute master of Piedmont the French being excepted what comparison is to be made between Pinarollo and all the valley of Perosa in consideration of the Marquesate of Saluzzo especially the great opportunity and consequence of Pinarollo's scituation being considered and what proportion can the Towns assigned in Montferrat beat with Bressa which was granted so great a Country and so full of numerous Towns Yet the now Dukes action was excused by the necessity he was in to comply with the Kings pleasure who being posses'd not only of the Towns lately granted in Piedmont but of all Savoy and so many other Towns of Piedmont and having no hopes ever to regain them by force it behoved him to do as the times required and of two evils to chuse the least since affairs were brought to such a condition as he was rather to thank the King for what was in the Kings power to deny him then to forego what not being able to regain was really rather to be esteemed the Kings then his and which being denyed gave occasion not onely to retain that but all the other Towns that the King was posses'd of Cardinal Richelieu being proud of so advantagious an
was in it a Garrison of 3000 Foot and Weymer who was formerly made General of the Confederates Forces desired by the perservation of that place not only to preserve the glory of having taken it but therein also the honour of his commencing General and being gotten thereinto before the King came before it he lefâ—… a recruit of 1000 Foot together with some Ammuniton there and then leaving it he used all diligence in raising as many men as possibly he could to relieve it but it was too strongly opposed for at the very name of the Kings going to the Field all the Nobility and Princes of Germany strove who should first joyn with him he had with him his own Army and those of Bavaria and the Catholick League he still abounded in men and had brought along with him a hundred pieces of battery yet the Defendants were not at all dismay'd but continued their defence undauntedly for many days but their Ammunition falling short they were at last forced to yield upon honourable Conditions being still playd upon by 100 Cannon and seeing no succour come for Weymer could not assemble Forces sufficient to relieve it he could not get Marshal Horne nor the Lanâ—…grave to come to that enterprise though he had sent for them they being both of them much displeased with his being chosen General and were not willing to be under his command only Horne coming in at last brought so few men with him as being joyned to Weymer's they amounted not to 16000 fighting men too small a number and much inferiour to the Opposers This Victory gotten so succesfully under the first Auspice of a young Prince of great Birth it is impossible to express how much spirit it restored to the Cesarean Forces and how much it revived their valour which Wallestine being dead seemed almost quite extinct conceiving that he being gone who was thought to be the only support of Germany no action of moment could be expected from Cesar's Forces On the other side that Victory did sufficiently abate the pride and haughtiness of the Enemy who puff'd up with success were victorious every where and Fritland being dead they thought they could meet with no opposition the Name of this young Prince was therefore not only exalted to the skies but he was received and cry'd up as a new deliverer of afflicted Germany On the contrary the Confederates Forces having lost much reputation by this action forsook Bavaria and retreated towards Ausâ—…erg and Swevia thinking that the Infanta would come by that way and joyn his Forces with those of the victorious Kings they therefore betook themselves to hinder their joyning from whence they foresaw great ruine and prejudice would ensue to their Affairs The King on the contrary hearing that 〈◊〉 was assaulted by the Saâ—…on Forces was already marching to relieve that Kingdom but understanding by the way that it was sufficiently defended and that the Assailants had been repuls'd with great loss from before the Walls of Prague he sent some Regiments thither to strengthen it and returned back and joyning with Bavaria went to before Donavert a strong in Bavaria upon the banks of the Danow which was yet held by the Confederates and which confining upon Franconia and the Country of Wittenberg was the key of Bavaria on that side a place of great importance and having recovered it also happily by assault he also forced some other Towns to surrender Wherefore having recovered almost all Bavaria and left the Duke to recover the rest the King went with his Army and with that of the League against the Country of Wittenberg a fruitful Country and which being till now untouch'd by the present Wars of Germany was thought to be the Magazine of the Confederates Army for the Duke of that Country being a Protestant and having always appeared to be a capital Enemy to the Catholick Religion and to the Austrian Naâ—…e furnish'd the Armies of the League with all things necessary Wherefore the King having refresh'd his men a little went against Nordling the chief City of that Dukedom which joyning with Ulmes not far off was of great concernment for the Affairs of Germany This the Kings resolution made the Chieftains of the contrary party very sollicitous to relieve it lest it might be lost as well as Ratisbone and Donavert so as they thought them bound to do their utmost to defend it Express Orders being therefore sent to all the Forces even those of Garrisons which were in several parts of Germany they commanded them expresly to quit the places and Towns wherein they were and to joyn with them immediately in so necessary and important a succour The King on the other side hearing of so great an union dispatch'd away a Messenger immediately to the Infanta who was then come with his Forces to the Confines of Bavaria desiring him that for the present he would give over prosecuting his journey which he intended for Alsatia and joyn with him in the common enterprize against the common Enemy Alsatia was then abandoned for almost all the Garrisons of the Towns thereof upon General Weymers command were marched towards Nordlingen so as the Infanta might more easily and more securely march thorough Alsatia His chief intent was to get as soon as he could into Flanders where he was much desired by those Provinces which wanted a Governour but â—…hearing no better harmony then what concerned the defence of the Catholick Religion the well-fare of the Empire and the Grandezza of his own house which depended all upon his joyning with the King setting all things else aside and not caring for what was said to the contrary he fix'd his thoughts and pitch'd his resolution onely on this union Taking therefore all necessary orders for it he went with his Army towards Monaco where Serbellone and Gambacorta together with the remainders of Feria's Army joyning with him he drew towards the Danube and passing over it about Donevert he came to the Cesarian Camp before Nordlingen whither Weymer was come a little before with his Army and expecting other recruits was firmly set upon the relief thereof He was quartered upon a Hill called Arespurg just over against that part where the Cesarean Camp was pitch'd so as the City was seated just between as in a Diametre between the two Armies and the Hill was within four hours march of the City Weymer out of a desire to end the business endeavoured to draw the King out to battle but the King expecting the Infanta kept within his quarters and endeavouring to keep on the siege would not hazard the publick and his private fortune upon the uncertainty of battle Being afterwards much reinforced by the Infanta's Arrival he neither quitted the siege nor refused battle if it should be presented by the enemy but was prepared for both his Forces consisted of three Armies his own of the Empire that of the Catholick League and that of the Infanta's They in all made up the full
the Dowager who was not now so well beloved by the people as she was before this innovation by reason of her so great dependency upon the King of France by her renewing the League and by her removing of the Garrison and Governour of the Citadel On the contrary the people did much compassionate the Princes by reason of the hard condition wherein they were being banish'd their Country deprived of their Revenues and kept as if they were publick enemies from the administration of those State Affairs wherein they were so much concern'd The Dukes unhealthfulness as it was given out and the small hopes of his life did much work upon the peoples affection on their behalfs as on those whom they expected should quickly succeed in the Principality and the rising Sun having already found many worshippers the generality of the people thought they had but small reason to place any hopes in the Dowager and were more inclined to the Government of the rising Princes then to that of hers which for the aforesaid reasons they thought would be quickly at an end they also doubted that very much which the Princes themselves gave out that in case the young Duke should sail the Dowager had resolved to make her Daughter Queen of France giving her the States of Piedmont and Savoy for her Dowry to the irreparable prejudice not only of the succession of the Princes but also to the peoples liberty wherein when the Ducal-house should be debar'd succession they ran manifest danger to be subjected to the French yoke and be made slaves thereunto wherefore thinking themselves more concern'd to adhere unto the Princes then to the Dowager they forsook her intrest and past violently over to the Princes party and yet many others confiding in the Dukes health and in the Dowagers authority adhered constantly to her the people of Piedmont were therefore no less confused and differ'd no less in opinion then were the Dowager and the Princes between whom no composition being to be made War must necessarily ensue The Governour of Millain did of all other things chiefly design to end a petty business which though it was but a small one was of no small consequence which was to take Cengio a little Castle in the Langhe seated on the back of Savona but strong fitly situated not only for the predomination of the Langhe but for the passage of Souldiers who landing at Finale go into the State of Millain and of those who upon occasion were to be sent from the State of Millain to Finale in relief of that Marquisate if it should be assaulted by the French Fleet as it was then doubted it would be the Governour thought also that the Princes would be much helped by this to enter Piedmont assisted by the King of Spains Forces for this Castle was very necessary to Piedmont for the keeping of the Langhe which the Duke of Savoy did formerly affect wherefore both the Governour and the Princes thought assuredly that the Dowager who would be forced to succour this place with all her forces would be necessitated to draw out the Garrisons from out the more inward parts of the State and would leave them undefended and open to be assaulted by the Princes Don Antonio Sotelo was therefore sent with some Brigades to clear the ways which led to that Castle and to keep it from having new Garrisons put into it and after him went Don Martind ' Aragona who was intended to be the chief Governour of this enterprise with a good body of men who at his first coming there as he was spying out the fittest places to plant his Artillery was shot in the head by a Musket whereof he immediately died in whose place Sotelo was chosen by the rest of the Captains who fell all of them very busily to effect this business but the Dowager and Cardinal Valletta hearing thereof were not slow in providing to prevent it The Cardinal marched with his French from Cassalle and Marquess Villa from Turin with almost all the Dowagers Forces and joyning together they came within sight of the Trenches which the Enemy had made who kept themselves patiently therein suffering the Bravadoes which were often made by the others but when the Enemy seemed to be weary and tyred they came unexpectedly with much fury out of their Trenches and after a long Fight routed the assaulters killing about 300 of them and having pursued them a while they retreated and those of the Castle seeing no more succour appear and finding the batteries already all in order and that the Enemy were prepared to give an assault they surrendred the Castle at the same time that the Governor sent to take Cengio Prince Thomaso went from Vercelli with 2000 Dragoons about Sun-set and having marched all night appeared about break of day before Chivazzo a great Town upon the left side of the Poe twelve miles from Turin he sent Count Serravalle before with eight Horse under pretence of carrying Letters to the Governour of that place kept there till the Prince who came after him with the Dragoons became easily Master thereof there was then no Garrison in this Town the gates were guarded onely by some few Towns men for though it was a place of great consequence yet being far from the confines of the State and almost within the bosom of Piedmont it was not judged to need a Garrison the rather for that some squadrons of Horse were placed to guard the banks of the Dora Baltea which were thought sufficient to guard all the places seated within that river but the Prince past a little below them so they were no hindrance to him but passing succesfully on he made himself Master of the Town at which unexpected accident the Inhabitants were much troubled but when they heard live Prince Thomaso cried they past from a great fear wherewith they were posses'd to great joy and gladness and flock'd unto him with much applause and were the first of the Piedmontese who rendred him ready obedience as Guardian of the young Duke the Inhabitants of Chivazzo were not they alone who seemed to rejoyce at this happy success but even those of Turin did the like wherefore it was the common opinion that if the Prince had presently marched thither he might likely enough have been received there with the same acclamation and applause and acknowledged for Gardian of the Duke and Governour of the State the rather for that that City was wholly unprovided of Souldiers they being all gone to succour Cengio the Dowager therefore apprehending danger sent in great haste for the Cardinal and Count Villa from the Langhe to provide for the hazardous condition of Turin which was much the occasion of the loss of Cengio for the relievers hearing of the Dowagers from Turin went with all speed thither and quitted the relieving of that Castle the Dowager when she heard of what had hapned at Chivazzo sent the young Duke and his sisters from Piedmont into
Prince encourageing him to persevere in defending the Town and promising him that to boot with these succors he would come thither himself shortly with a powerful Army to relieve him and set him at liberty and telling him that what had hapned at Cassalle was but a trick of Fortune and had rather dispers'd then discomfited his men that he stay'd now to rally them under his Colours to the end that with them and with others which he expected very shortly from other parts he might come and relieve him and the City All those that were sent by the Governour got luckily into Turin and Don Mauritio got thither also who was returned with the Prince his Horse from Cassalle though somewhat lessened by Harcourts Cannon which thundered from the hills but little powder could be brought in for want of Waggon horses and the ways being afterwards block'd up and possessed by the En my the rest could not enter without much prejudice to the Enterprise especially for that Prince Thomaso had sent 400 Horse before the ways were block'd up to be a conduct to that Munition which Horse was not suffered to return for the aforesaid blocking up of the ways so the Prince was not only deprived of that provision but also of those Horse which had he had them he would doubtlesly have made greater impressions upon the Enemy by sallies then he did but now he was forced to be more circumspect in his night Assaults 3000 Citizens able to bear Arms were added to the Kings men who were employed in desending the City and also many Country people who were come thither for refuge who were a great help in their handy-works so as the Prince though he wanted fighting men and war-like amunition yet finding that the Governour was mindful of him and of preserving the City and taking that assistance which he had already sent as a Token of what he would do in the future he was not wanting to himself in doing what he could in so short a time to defend the City Turin stands in a large and pleasant Plain twelve miles Eastwards from the Alpes the Poe runs almost within a Bow-shot of it on the East side and on the North the Dora comes almost to one Angle of the City and a little beyond la Dora runs la Stura both which Rivers fall into the neighbouring Poe on the South side runs the Sagone rather a Torrent then a River which falls also into the Poe over against Cavâ—…reto The City thus scituated is divided into three parts the new City the old City and the Citadel The new City joyns to the old on the South they are only divided by a Wall but are both enclosed within a Wall and as the new Town advanced a little further then the old towards the Poe so not thrusting out so far towards the Alps it leaves a spacious Plain whereon the Citadel stands which being further from the Poe then the City wants not only the convenâ—…nces which she might receive by the neighbourhood thereof but not being able to command the River cannot debar it from Navigation The Citadel is a Pentagon The circuit of both the old and new City is flank'd round about with Bulwarks and with Ditches The Prince when he was master of it did not believe he should be forc'd to defend it from without but imploy'd himseâ—…f totally against the Citadel and neglected securing the City on the out side but learning by what had hapned at Cassalle that instead of minding the taking of the Citadel it behoved him to take care of descending the City he fell with all speed and diligence to fortifie it from any assault that might be made from without and leaving smaller matters his chiefest care was to defend the Bridge over the Poe which as whilst it was in his hands it kept the way open for the bringing of succour which he expected would be brought from the Governour so when it should be taken by the enemy it kept out any succour that might be brought by that way for then the reliever must find some other way to pass his Army over the River which was almost impossible to do in the face of a powerful enemy This Bridge is made of Stone and is the best that crosses the Poe at the left side of the foot thereof towards Turin stands a little Burrough the other which stands on the right side lies under a little hill upon which there is a Church and a Covent of Capuchins and this side being all hilly other higher hills stand above that of the Capuchins one above another The Prince munited this Bridge at both ends with Trenches nor herewithall contented he munited very well the aforesaid Church and Covent and Moreover built a little Fort upon another higher hill which overlooked the Monastery he put 300 Foot into these Fortifications and Victuals and Ammunition sufficient for fifteen days within which time he hoped the Governour would appear with his Army These Works were not fully finished when the French Army appeared on three sides the first that appeared having block'd up the Passes of Susa Lanza and the Canevese advanced to the City towards the Dora and the new Park which answers upon that Angle of the City which is called the green Bulwark and which includes the Dukes Palace and Gardens in defence whereof the Prince had made a sudden Trench formed like a pair of Shears the other quartered on the upper hill above the Church and Covent of the Capuchins and the third passing the Poe at Montcalleri by a wooden Bridge that is there advanced to the Palace Valentino whereof after a small Skirmish making themselves masters they the next night took the Burrough which as we said stands between the City and the Bridge and not meeting with any resistance there they assaulted the Bridge where they found some resistance but having mortally wounded the Captain who did defend it they made themselves also masters thereof the Garrison retiring towards the Monastery as to an advantagious place which was not able neither to keep there long for the little Fort which as hath been said was built and fortified by the Prince above the Monastery was at the same time assaulted and taken by those who had taken up their quarters upon the hill which was above that Fort whence playing upon the Covent which was beneath they easily took it though they were manfully fought with for at a third assault the assailants entred the place and from thence went to the Church whither the defendants had retreated where without any respect to the holiness of the place they put all to the sword that were there except the Officers and sacking moreover not only such secular things as were brought thither as into a place of safety but without any distinction laid hands upon such as were sacred and dedicated to divine worship by which good success waxing more bold and meeting with no opposition for the Prince being desirous
over nay to seem no less desirous of relieving the Prince then the Prince was of being relieved he would sometimes propound other courses which might appear better and more convenient then those proposed by the Prince which afforded matter of dispute between them which of their opinions were the best so as whilst the business was arguing the opportunity of putting either of their opinions in execution was let slip by which it might be conjectured that the Governour being unwilling to adventure more then he had done on the eleventh of Iuly enterâ—…ain'd the Princes proposals more in words and appearance then in reality not so much doubting the weakness of his own Forces as distrusting the Prince his corresponding with him in the executing what should be attempted as he had experienced in his assaulting Vallentino Amidst these diffidences which past between the Prince and the Governour a sad accident hapned in the City which might easily have ruin'd the whole business had not a sudden remedy been found The Souldiers began to fail of their pay and it was impossible for the Governour to pay them so as the want of pay being added to their necessitous living many began to speak big the Grisons being more seditious then the rest gave apparent signs of Mutiny and the other Nations were likely to have followed their example had not the prime Authour and Head of this sedition been imprisoned by his Colonel condemn'd to die and presently made to pass the pikes in the presence of them all The terrour of which example though it did for the present quiet them all yet the same necessity remaining more univerversal sedition was likely to have arose But the meer fame of Marquess Serra's wealth which won him credit thorough all the Towns of Europe did the like in Turin so as the meer news that he desired to take up mony upon interest brought him in all the ready mony that those of Turin had who thinking it more secure in his hands then in their own houses lent it him to secure them from the Souldiers sedition and from firing the City He having by this means borrowed about 150000 Ducates did by making ready payment pacifie the Souldiers not onely for that time but during the whole siege but the jealousies did still encrease between the Prince the Governour who finding himself daily press'd by the Prince to new undertakings and being threatened by him that he would close with the French unless the Governour would do as he would have him he bethought himself also of treating with the French so to make the Prince jealous He held the imprisonment of President Argenson to be a good expedient herein in whose writings which he had with him when he was taken prisoner an instruction was found from the King of France sufficiently contrary to both the Princes interests and in particular to Thomaso's person And this President being one who knew most of the secret practices belonging to Italy and Piedmont the Governour sent Abbot Vasques to treat with him in the Castle of Millain where he was prisoner The Abbot was wary and quick-witted and very fit to carry on such a business and a great Confident of the Governours and which was most requirable in this present occurrence very ill inclined to the Princes and to the House of Savoy and it was known that Argenson being in Vallentino the year before when the last Truce was there treated on and concluded and wherein Argenson was imploy'd on the behalf of France and the Abbot on that of Spain the Abbot in some familiar discourse which past between him and Argenson said were it in jest or in earnest that it would do well for the two Kings and for the preservation of peace and common union if they would destroy the House of Savoy and divide the Territory thereunto belonging between them since it was found by experience that the Princes of that Family were the fomenters of the continual Warr and Dissentions between the two Crowns To which speeches though the President answered somewhat roundly that his Kings intention was not onely to maintain but to support and further aggrandize that House yet it was thought that the Governour being encouraged by these instructions which were found with the President failed not to sound the business and to introduce some Treaty which might not be very good for the Prince if for nothing else yet that he might at least deal with the Prince as the Prince dealt with him What the result thereof was is not known the business being wholly conjectural and which had no foundation but onely the Abbots going to the President But it may well be affirmed that the Prince did contract no small jealousies by this expedition which he thought tended much to the prejudice of his interests which he did manifest by taking away the mannaging of the common concernments from the Nuntio who was a great Confident of the Governours which he put into the hands of those that adhered unto the French all things necessary for bodily sustenance growing this mean while daily more and more scarce in the City and the Forces in the Spanish Camp decreasing affairs were brought to great extremity to both of them And though about 2500 Foot were come to the Spanish Camp from the Maritime parts yet did this recruit last but a while more falling sick then were well and the number of those that ran away being added to those that were sick the Camp was in a short time much lessened On the contrary the French Camp did daily increase in numbers and Forces and though there was much mortality amongst them also yet was the arrival of new recruits greater then the mortality The news of Harcourt's good and generous actions being divulg'd in France drew many noble men and Gentlemen from that Court to Piedmont many Lords came nobly attended thither at their own expence and many greater recruits came thither Marquess Villeroy with 1500 Burgondian Foot and 400 Horse Count Tonniere from Dolpheny with 400 Horse all of them of the noblest of that Country which he commanded under the title of Constable and Monsieur di Castellano from Provence with four Foot Regiments and 400 Horse So as in so great a dis-equality of Forces it was thought impossible to relieve the City And yet the Prince who was indefatigable both of body and mind and very vigilant upon all occasions having by severall night sallies found the Enemy to be dowfie and negligent in their guards did likewise observe a woodden bridge which was newly thrown over the Poe by the French between Vallentino and the Capuchins bridge And judging it very convenient for his ends he designed to bring in succour by it this bridge was guarded by onely two small Forts neer the foot of the bridge which was on the left side of the River towards Vallentine the other end being totally unguarded They therefore that would come thither from the City must make way
be compar'd with by Count Guido against their Prince They likewise distrusted the Governour of Millain by reason of his dearness with the Duke of Savoy out of the ordinary ambition of Agents to aâ—…vantage their Masters condition by any whatsoever way and much more finding how little his actions did answer to his preceding promises when either to appease them or to bereave them of necessary provision upon such like occasions he assured them that the Duke of Savoy would not move or if he did that he would oppose him in defence of Montferrat Being uncertain therefore what to do all things were full of terrour tumult and confusion which was made the greater by the miserable Country people and by the inhabitants of weaker Towns either assaulted or exposed to be assaulted by the Enemy who therefore to shun the calamities of War and the excessive cruelty of the Dukes Souldiers ran half naked with their Wives and Children into Casalle and the neighbouring parts of Millain filling some with compassion and some with greaâ—…â—…errour Carlo de Rossi one of Parma did then govern Montferrat who had immediately dispatcht away Manfrinâ—… 〈◊〉 a Gentleman of Millain an experienced Commander in the Wars of Hungary and Lieutenant-General of that part of Montferrat to beyond Tanaro and sent divers other Captains to other places providing where he thought it most necessary to do so And yet seeing the Enemy strong in the State and therefore considering the present mischief before the future evil he resolved though in vain to have recourse for help to the Governour of Millain and being resolved to relieve Trino he indeavour'd to send in 2000 foot thither who might enter in privately by night before it should be surrendered But as they were passing over certain waters being people taken up here and there and unexperienced they were so astonished at the heaâ—…ing of Gun-shot as they shamefully turned back and left the Powder and Ammunition which they brought to relieve the place in the Enemies hands In this so great and sudden perturbation the unexpected coming of Charles Gonsaga Duke of Nevers from France was of no small moment who going at that time upon other occasions to Rome came with two Galleys to Savona where hearing of the Duke of Savoy's March of the taking of Alba and that divers other places were besieged left his journey and went immediately to Casalle It is not to be exprest with what joy and consolation he was there received by people of all ages and conditions His Father Lodowick was son to Frederick Gonsaga by Margaret Paleologa but his elder â—…rother George succeeding by birth-right in the State he went to France where he served that Crown long and married the daughter of the Duke of Nevers one of the Peers of France Who inheriting that State together with other Territories and the honour of Peer of France conveyed them all over to this Charles Who being inâ—…icht with so many Possessions so great Allies and Titles of Honour he is numbred amongst the chiefest Lords of that Kingdom The people did the eâ—…ore rejoyce infinitely seeing a Prince come into their relief who was considerable for his quality for his known valour and for the confidence they had in him by reason of his relation to that State and to the Lord thereof but chiefly for the extraordinary affection he shewed to imploy his life in their service and comforted them with unquestion'd succour which he assured them they should soon receive from France Duke Ferdinando hearing the unexpected news of the taking of his Towns and not being able in so short a time to do much he betook himself for help to his Friends and to the Authority and favour of the chiefest Christian Princes particularly to France from whence both in respect of the Queen and of that Nation to which he had been so kind he had as much reason to expect succour as he thought he might distrust assistance from Spain But having received Letters in the very instant of these ruptures from Spain of the so long desired protection of that Crown though the Duke of Savoys unexpected onset and the Spanish Agents proceedings made him somewhat jealous thereof yet considering how far distant assistance from France was how haâ—…d to get and in several respects how uncertain he indeâ—…vour'd by Letters and by express Messengers sent to Millain to make the Governour thereof secure the eminent danger of that State according as he had promised to do And to the end he might prepare for his defence no less by Reason then by Arms and the favour of his Friends he also published a Manifesto in answer to that made by the Duke of Savoy wherein amongst other things he complained that when he had an Embassadour in that Dukes Court to treat of new alliances with him he had assaulted his State unexpectedly by night contrary to the Laws of God and Nations and that having surprized his principal Towns he had committed Rapine Plunder and all kinds of cruelty against all sorts of people noâ—… pardoning the chastity of Virgins nor sacred ornaments dedicated to the Worship of God and that he had also exercised his savageness upon the lives of poor Priests Then re-assuming the treaties held with Prince Victorio at his parting from Mantua he shewed that he was absolved from his word gainsaying the reasons alledged by the Duke of Savoy touching his pretences to Montferrat by the Authority of the Emperour Charles the fifth's Decree he added he had notwithstanding been ready to do that by the way of friendship which had been awarded him by competent Judges But that the Duke of Savoy contrary to all reason and contrary to the Institutions of his Ancestours who had treated of these differences in a civil manner with the Emperours had by â—…orce of Arms been his own 〈◊〉 That therefore he was not against the Popes the Emperours and all Christian Princes being against him if they should approve of his adversaries actions as just but that on the contrary he did earnestly pray and supplicaâ—…e the said Princes that seeing him so unjustly assaulted in his own Dominions they would appear in his favour against those Arms which had been taken up so scandalously and to the disturbance of the Common peace and quiet to deprive him of that State which had been so lawâ—…ully possâ—…st by him and his predecessors And not seeing the Governour oâ—… â—…illain any ways concerned in so great a novelty nor â—…ving been able to work upon him by Letters or Embassies he resolved to go himself in person to Millain But this as all his other indeavours proved vain for the Governour though he had been injoyn'd the protection of Montferrat in his general Instructions yet he â—…xcused the slowness of his proceedings pretending that he would not give an ocâ—…sion oâ—… War between the King and Duke by taking up Arms without particular order from the Court. And yet that the Duke of Mantua might not depart without
in Moncalleri The Prince had order from Cesar to threaten him with an Imperial Bando or an Edict of the Emperour against him unless he should instantly restore the places he had taken and forbear further offending Montferrat with Arms which was a State held in fee-Farm from the Empire but the Prince not thinking it a seasonable time to exasperate the Duke mitigating his Embassie and turning the Threat into Exhortations perswaded him to pursue his pretentions by Law and not by Arms. It was sore for the Duke to interrupt this so fortunate way which he was in and to withdraw when he was almost possess'd of Victory He therefore bethought himself to take occasion by this present stop of justifying his Cause and not refraining his proceedings to propose such Articles as not being likely to be accepted by his Adversary might necessiâ—…ate him to declare a difference in the King of Spain and might consequently win himself more favour from that Crown His Answer was That he was ready to desist from the Enterprise and referring the whole difference to Cesar and the King that he would deposite the Towns of Montferrat into their hands which was no more then to put them absolutely into the hands of the King and of his State-Ministers of whom Ferdinando was jealous for the aforesaid Reasons which jealousie was increased in him by this his Adversaries so great confidence For Cesar having no Forces in Italy would not in likelihood make any use of the trust imposed in him but by way of colour And yet the Prince of Castiglione who was not diffident of the Court of Spain as the Duke was was not displeased with the proposal especially as the present condition of affairs stood He therefore went for Mantua believing certainly to perswade the Duke thereunto but he found himself absolutely averse were it either out of the aforesaid Reasons or for that Cesar had by Letters exhorted him not to admit of any middle way without being first fully possessed of all things or that he began to be of better hopes finding that he was favoured by the Venetians and great Duke and that he began to find the King of France well inclined towards him In this Interim Montcalvo was surrendered to Count Guido who had plaâ—…d upon it with Artillery and made many assaults upon it in so much as those within finding themselves void of all defence did at the first Article to surrender if they were not relieved within three days And the Governour of Cassalle having in vain desired but only one thousand Foot from the Governour of Millain to put thereinto it would without all doubt have fallen into the Dukes hands within the time prefix'd had not the Cavalier Ottavio Valperga d'Conti di Rivara who came out of Pontestura with 500 of his men got safe into the Castle where leaving men and Ammunition he went out again the next night and passing through the Enemy with more prejudice to them then to his own men he returned to fâ—…om whence he went the day before This Relief did for a while delay but did not totally hinder the Surrender for Count Guido shut up all the avenues to the Castle by a continued Trench and making some Mines underneath the Bulwarks and beating down the Parapets he brought the Enemy to utmost despair who not being able to keep any longer upon the Walls and seeing no hopes of succour surrendeâ—…ed fifteen days after the beginning of the Siege Montcalvo being taken there did not any thing remain in the Duke of Mantua's obedâ—…ence in the upper Montferrat but Cassalle and Pontestura and what the Garisons of those places could defend Pontestura was not strong of it self but standing upon the Poe and very fit for the Enterprise of Cassalle it had been somewhat fortified at the begining of these Commotions and furnished with a reasonable Garison which Garison the Duke of Savoy intending peradventure to advance Cassalle summoned upon pain of life to surrender within a short time Prince Vicenzo was at this time in Cassalle with his Mantuans and the Duke of Nevers was there also but fearing lest they should leave the City unprovided or distrusting the valour of their men if in their going to succour Pontestura they should light upon the Dukes men who were incouraged by such success they would not send to assist it as was necessary they should have done but thought it better to secure Cassalle which was the chief place of the whole State and not to hazzard those men which were the prime forces that the Duke of Mantua could assemble at that time But on the other side the loss being too great which would be had if Pontestura should not be succoured they got leave of the Governour of Millain that some Companies of Spanish Foot should enâ—…er thereinto with the Kings Colours in reverence whereunto the Duke â—…orbore the Siege And thinking that to attempt Cassalle would be a weighty business and too great for his Forces especially since he had disposed of the most of his men in the Garisons of the Towns which he had already taken Therefore altering his resolution he turned to the lower Montferrat where the Country about Acqui had not as yet been touched by his Forces There was but two Towns therein which could dispute the whole Dominion thereof with him Nice and San Damiano for the City of Acqui was not able to make any long resistance and the other Castle of Ponzone which lay towards the Sea served rather to guard the Pasâ—… then to defend the Country And as for San Damiano though it was strongly situated and munited with Artillery and an extraordinary Garison yet being divided from Montferrat and invironed by the Territories of Montferrat it was not sufficient of its self to hinder his advancing The Duke was therefore content to annoy it with only a few Souldiers and some Pieces of Artillery not doubting but that when he should have possess'd himself of the other parts thereabouts it would fall into his hands He therefore went with all his Forces to the expugning of Nice as that which being placed upon the Frontiers of his Dominions hindered him from making himself Master of the parts about Acqui and of all the neighbouring Country This is a Town great enough situated in a Plain abounding in Victuals and capable of a great Garison The figure thereof is like a broken Pyramide by the side whereof a small River called Nizza runs on one side and on the other side the River Belbo somewhat greater which serve her for a great Ditch and these waters mingling together a little forwarder they finish the imperfect Pyramid of the said Town The Walls are very old and weak and as those of the antient form for the most part without Flanks or Bulwarks only on the point which looks towards Alessandria there is a Castle with some Towers but much ruinated by time The Basis which looks towards Piedmont is of a large extent
every one that he had shewed himself in this action rather to win the good will of those who are possest of States then injuriously to become master of the States which they possess it was evidently seen and witnessed that his intention was not to thirst after other mens possessions as the more powerful Princes often doe but rather that he did abhorre the unjustly possessing himself thereof and the Tyrannous oppression of petty Princes Jealousies being therefore turn'd into much confidence all men rejoyced to see examples of moderation in so great a King which are so rare and singular in these times These unexpected successes made it be generally believed that the Duke of Savoy being abandoned by all would have totally given over the begun enterprize But affections deeply rooted in mens minds are hardly pluckt out He thought that his so much readiness and reverence his so great and rare example of observancy and devotion to the King whereby he had much confirmed the Authority and reputation of that Crown both in Italy and elsewhere might make him deserve to be protected by his Majesty at least for the advantage of his pretentions which as he said he was promised by the Governour should soon be composed in a friendly manner Nor did he confide a little in his Sons intercession a Prince of much expectation well beloved by the King and by that Nation which as much as the Disputes between his Father and his Uncle would permit him he seemed to be very ambitious of and to whom to boot with his neer relation in blood to the King the expectation of his paternal inheritance might purchase much favour which being by succession to fall upon him he could not believe that that Court would let slip so opportune an occasion of making the young Prince always well-affected to that Crown Moreover having been in outward appearance very severely dealt with he thought that the King tempering his past rigour would favour him the more in future essentialities Wherefore the Duke in hope of some good success by his Sons Negotiation withdrew his Forces to within his own Confines and was quiet and peaceful and seeming to confide much in the King profest to depend totally upon his Majesty as the sole protectour of this business In this interim the war in Lombardy which seemed either to be wholly at an end or suspended by a tacit Truce broke on t in great fervency between the Duke of Modena and Common-wealth of Lucca in Garfagnana which War the less considerable the smalness of the affair was which was but about a few handful of Confines of more moment did the fervor and great preparations wherewith it appeared to be made make men think it to be of some moment as also the many Nobles which flock'd thither from both sides for the Princes Alphonso and Luigi the Dukes first and second Sons had militated therein It was occasioned at first by some Reprisals of Oxen and flocks of Sheep from whence they came to Confiscations and Banishment and at last to Arms For the Lucchesi out of apprehension of the great assistance which was sent from Tuscany to Mantua having assembled together almost the whole Militia of their State which amounted to 16000 fighting men for the desence of their Country the danger and fear of their affairs ceasing bethought themselves to make use of them by insesting other mens Territories they sent the Mass of their men to prejudice the Duke of Modenas Country which they burnt and rigorously destroyed at unawares meeting with no resistance for the Inhabitants being busie in husbanding their Farms as in secure peace were dispers'd abroad in the Country And not herewithal contented they took some small open Towns belonging to the jurisdiction of the said Duke Then making Mount Perpoli the Seat of War they fortified it in all convenient places and quartered above 10000 fighting men there The Duke of Modena being no less scandalized that his Country should be burnt and destroy'd by the Lucchesi sent as many men as he could raise in his own Country which â—…amounted to as many as the enemy were under the Command of Count Hipolito Bentivoglio at the sight whereof the Lucchesi who before ran over the Country and laid it waste betook themselves to the fortified places Wherefore the Modenesi having erected other Bulwarks and munited other Passes they also fortified their Towns of most importance particularly Castelnuovo the Metropolis and residence of the Governour of Grafagnana under the Duke and Mulessana a place not far from Castelnuovo in which places lying near Mount Perpoli Prince Alphonso kept with 100 Horse and 1000 Foot to face and suppress the Lucchesi that were fortified in the Mountains Divers skirmishes past this mean while both here and in other parts thereabouts with various fortune wherein there happened nothing remarkable save the great obstinacy and fervency where with they fought on both sides For the Lucchesi pretending to be several ways injured by the frequent molestations which they received from the Modenesi upon their Confines thought to provide so by war as that the Dukes men should for the future keep themselves within their own Precincts And the Dukes men holding themselves to be no less injured then did the Lucchesi who had entered their Dukes Confines in hostile manner for sleight occasions which as they said might have been decided by the Civil Law were mightily incensed and desired by all means to shew how much they resented the injuries done them but the Mountainous Country which would not suffer them to draw out their men and make trial of their Forces hindred their desire of revenge And the Lucchesi contented with the resentment they had made kept for the most part in their strong holds and fortified Towns not coming out but upon advantagious terms nor affording the enemy much occasion to prejudice them True it is that 400 Lucchesi having at the sight of Prince Luigi abandoned a certain Station whereby the Modenesi might freely march to before Gallicano they were so bold as to make that attempt especially since that Enterprise made much for the final end of the War For Gallicano is a large Town and of great importance not only as being the Magazine of Victuals and Ammunition for the war but for that if it should be gotten the Lucchesi would be as it were besieged in Monte Perpoli and almost in the power of the Enemy as not being to be succour'd There was a strong Garison in Gallicano which by reason of the loss of the abandoned Station was forthwith reinforced so as coming forth against the Prince who drew near it they fought a while without any advantage on either side but 400 Foot coming in to assist the Lucchesi the Modenesi were forced to give way till such time as being succoured by more men they forc'd the Lucchesi back into Gallicano and making themselves masters that very night of a Fort called il Pian de Termini which
served as a Cavaliere to the place they did not only keep the Defendants from coming upon the walls and going through the Streets but hindered also the carrying of Victuals from thence to Monte Perpoli wherefore to free themselves from this inconvenience the Lucchesi built another Fort in a higher place then that which was taken by the Prince from whence the Modenesi being infested the Prince resolved to beat them from it He went thither early in the morning with good store of men amongst which were many of the Nobility and began to give a hot assault which being sustained with no less servor the fight continued four hours the eminency of the situation which was secured by Trenches and Rampiers making for the advantage of the Lucchesi from whence they much indamaged the Assailants by Musquet shoâ—… who not being able to resist any longer they began to run not were their Commanders and many Gentlemen who with their Swords in hand would have staid them nor the danger nor example of their Prince who fighting valiantly amongst theâ—… foremost incouraged them to persevere in the Enterprise able to stop them Many of the Modenesi fell in this assault amongst which some Personages of esteem by what was argued by the spoils which were taken from their dead bodies by the Lucchesi but this ostentation lasted but a while for this loss was soon recompensed by the taking of Monte Fegatese a great Town of the Lucchesi's which was burn'd and put to fire and Sword by the Dukes men who the Garison runing away entered the Town and there got good store of booty especially of Cattel which were brought thither by their owners for greater safety Then the Modenesi seeing how little amends they had made for the loss which they received at the beginning of the war and how hâ—…rd it was to wage war with men who were fortified in high places they fell upon the Country which they laid waste barking the Trees and cutting down the Vineyards in imitation whereof the Lucchesi wâ—…o after the first commotion had foreborn ransacking did yet worse leaving nothing unruined which had escaped their first fury The Prince leaving men enough in Pian de Termini from the Enterprise of Gallicano which appeared every day to grow more difficult went with the rest of his men to take in Castiglione a great Town and the chief in those parts whither it was hard to bring relief because it was invironed by the Dukes Forces This place was from the beginning furnish'd with a great Garison and hearing that the Modenesi came afterwards down from the Alpes Cavalier Casare Boconvisi was sent from Lucca with 200 select Foot beside many Citizens who of their own accord went along with them so as these being joined to the test made up the number of 1200 Souldiers besides the Townsmen who were of able bodies and ready to defend themselves wherefore the Modenesi carried the greatest force of war against this place and began to play upon the Castle gate with thirteen pieces of Cannon which within a few days they threw down together with a Tower and a great part of the wall and had made the way ready for an assault But having behind them some of the Lucchesi's Sconces fortified they 〈◊〉 going on for fear of being annoy'd from thence they therefore continued to batter the Houses from the nearest and most convenient places not without much danger and prejudice to the Defendants who though they were not safe neither in their houses nor in the streets yet were they not wanting to shelter themselves the best they could with Trenches and Plat-forms raised in fitting places and with deep Ditches dug behind the Rampiers This mean time Treaties of Agreement were not omitted which were from the beginning of the war mediated by the Governour of Millain at the request of the Lucchesi who having to this purpose sent Count Baldassar Biglia to Modena and Scaramucchia Visconte to Lucca could not as yet effect it But considering afterwards how much the loss of Castiglione would redound to the dishonour of his King who had taken upon him the protection of that Commonwealth he ordered Count Biglia to go into the Town to set up the Kings Standard and to say that he kept the Town in the Kings name which being suddenly done the Battery ceased and afterwards all other offences by the intercession of the Governour so as the treaty of agreement being re-assumed it was at last concluded upon these conditions That the Confines should remain bounded as they had formerly been upon the same occasion by Count Fuentes and that the place of this new difference not being comprehended it should be left to be agreed upon by some deputed to the same purpose That the Lucchesi should quit all the Towns and places which they had taken in Modena and should demolish whatsoever they had erected upon their own grounds that the Duke of Modena should do the like who giving his word that he would not molest the Lucchesi who were the first that should disarm he should likewise disarm afterwards and dismiss all his men That the Commonwealth of Lucca should keep no more then their usual Garrisons within their walled Towns and a Gentleman which the Governour would send thither to keep them in the Kings name who was to restore them to the Signiorie when all had laid down Arms. The affairs of Garafagnana wherein the whole summer had been spent being thus composed those of Montferrat grew to be troubled again and to decline from the good way they were in The Duke of Savoy kept still in Arms and as it were ready to fall upon Montferrat again hoping by his Forces to make his adversary more plyable to his pretensions The Duke of Mantua was therefore forced to keep many strong Garrisons in Casalle and in other places of most concernment Commerce was not only wholly interdicted between those of Montferrat and Piedmont but private men proceeded to continual reprisals and the Magistrates to the confiscation of such goods as those of the contrary party possest in their Territories The Governour was not permitted to disarm whilest the occasions lasted which forced him to take up Arms Montferrat was therefore in continual motion and suspension being neither in perfect peace nor open war and because this redounded to the great trouble and charge of the Millaneses and to the prejudice of the Kings honour who had openly profest to protect Montferrat many counsell'd the Governour to send the Army into Piedmont and to keep it there till such time as the Duke to free himself from the trouble of quartering should resolve to dismiss his Forreign Forces The Governour seemed at first willing to follow this advice and to this purpose sent first Don Sanchio di Luna Keeper of the Cittadel of Millain and then Don Franceso Padiglia General of the Artillery into Piedmont to demand Quarter of the Duke for the Kings Army who bringing back
nor the Emperour and that in case of denial he should protest as he in the sight of God and man did protest that all the wrongs that should be done by War and the effusion of Christian bloud should be caused for his not having accepted that which had been with so much reason demanded of him and that then taking his leave and according to the Law of Nations demanding a safe conduct he should come to within the State of Millain For the better justification of the War the Prince of Castiglione went to Turin to do the like in the Emperours name the Dukes Soveraign Lord. But all this did no good for the Duke professing that he was much afraid he should be assaulted in his own Dominions by the Governours neighbouring Army as soon as he should have laid down Arms and that therefore thinking or seeming to think that all caution came short of the danger and that his utmost safety was therein concern'd he could not admit of any offer which was not consonant to his safety and dignity and therefore alledging that the Pope would not accept of his word with an obligation to make it be kept and the Emperour had not Forces in Italy sufficient to over see the observing of it tacitely reproaching the Governour for being faulty in his first word and that therefore he had no reason to confide the ein He therefore concluded that they should joyntly disarm offering to be himself the first who should dismiss some of his men and protesting that he would not have taken up Arms had it not been for the Governours threats accompanied with so great a strength to suppress him and that therefore he was now ready to defend himself to the last In sign whereof drawing off his Collar of the Golden Fleece he gave it to the Embassadour Gaetano who refusing to accept it he sent it after him to his house that he might send it to the King and though these and many other actions were clear evidences that the Dukes will was totally alienated from the King and that he would stand upon resistance yet could they not dis-deceive many Italians nor the Governour and Spanish Ministers in general nor mâ—…ke them alter their opinion for thinking that being so inferiour a Prince and so unable to resist the Forces of the Grown he would not dare to stand the tryal of the threatened War they were of opinion that having shew'd all the demonstrations of courage even to the veâ—…y last he would at the appearance of the Spanish Arms and Standards yield just as he had done the year beâ—…ore before Nice and therefore raâ—…her out of certainty then confidence and thinking that it would much detract from the Majesty and reputation of the Kings Affairs if they should by fortifying themselves seem to doubt that the Duke would assault any of the Towns in the State of Millain they did not care to furnish even the Frontiers towards Piedmont though they abounded in Swissers nor did they fear to be assaulted on any other side Wherefore the Venetians approving as then of the Kings resolutions did nor at all seem to favour the Duke but rather persevering in their former distastes they appeared wholly averse to his ends and interests The Governour resolving to go with his Army to before Vercelles past his men over into Montferrat by a bridge built upon the River Sesia near to Villata and being come to Villa nova he went on the 7th of September with his Troops in good order towards Vercelles nine miles distant from Villa nova La Motta the first Town in Piedmont yielded forthwith unto him and afterwards Carenzana where distributing his Souldiers in those places he quartered that night But the Duke thinking diversion to be a better way of defence then opposition and having what Horse what Foot little less then 10000 in Vercelles of which 5000 French he resolved to march into the State of Millain Having therefore made a bridge of boats over the same Sesia which divides his Dominion from the State of Millain and chusing out 6000 foot and 1000 horse he went with them and with two field-pieces into the Territory of Novara From hence he sent 1500 foot and 3â—…0 horse Commanded by Calusio son to the Count of Verrua along the River towards the Bridge della Villata with order to burn it thereby to bereave the enemies Army of the Victuals and Ammunition which thereby were brought to them from the State of Millain He went with the rest streight towards Novara whither being come about Sun-rising he advanced with Count Guido and some horse and appeared upon an eminent Hill near the City There were not above 500 men in the Garrison yet the Novaresi betaking themselves presently to Arms fired a piece of Cannon upon them But the Duke though he saw the Novaresi astonisht at his coming and the City wholly unprovided of defence so as probably he might have hoped to take the Town he notwithstanding retreated and advanced no further were it either out of the respect which he still bore unto the King as he afterwards freely declared or as others would have it out of fear of being probably assaulted by the Spanish Army which coming upon him nighâ—… at â—…nd and finding him engaged in that enterprize with but a few Forces might easily have supprest him The Kings Commanders nay the whole Camp when they heard that the Duke was gone to Novara knew how rare an occasion this would bee Don Alfonso Pimentello General of the Cavalry and Don Iohn Vives the Kings Embassadour to the State of Genoa who was then in the Camp and Cavaliere Melzi an ancient Captain and very good at Counsel propounded That foording immediately over the Sesia by the advantage of their Cavalry or by their Waggons accommodated like to a Bridge and leaving a reasonable baggage with the Garrison in Carenzana or sending it into Montferrat they should go and cut off the Dukes way in his return for said they one of two things must needs happen that either the Duke being beleaguered in an Enemies Countrey and having no victuals must yield within twenty four hours or that fighting upon great disadvantage he must needs be a loser not without manifest danger to his own person for he would certainly be taken Prisoner by the Horse which were dispersed every where about the Country This Proposition being approved of by the whole Council would assuredly have been followed had not it been opposed by Prince Ascoli who alledging the depth of the water the danger of foording over the Rivers and the doubt lest the Duke falling upon them in their passage might much prejudice them turned the Governour from this resolution He added moreover That it was neither the Kings mind nor the intention of the war that the Duke should be suppress'd but only that he should be infested till such time as he should lay down Arms and prepare to obey the Kings other directions He therefore
their own Interests to assist him so to secure themselves from the Spanish Forces whilst they were entertain'd by him the Duke and diverted from their Dominions confining upon the State of Millain And since this War began just at that time and had much connexion with that of Piedmont and because it hapned in Italy it is proper to our present History and it will be necessary that taking it from its original it be described by us equally with that of Piedmont and distinctly related The Venetian for some hundreds of years since pretend to the Sovereignty of the Adriatick Sea now called the Gulf of Venice and have long maintain'd it more by the authority of a powerful Fleet then by any ground of ancient concession or just title by virtue whereof inhibiting many neighbouring people the freedom of Navigation they do not suffer them to transport their Merchandize freely through that Sea into forreign parts nor that any such be brought from forreign parts to their Havens and Shore And as it makes much for the advantage and grandezza of that Commonwealth that the Inhabitants of the Gulf and Forreigners who sail through it do not only put in at Venice and pay a great tribute to the Commonwealth and that the said Inhabitants provide themselves with things necessary from that City so on the contrary it redounds to the prejudice of the same people not to be able to make use of their own Sea without paying Taxes nor carry that wherein their Country abounds through it to other parts nor furnish themselves with necessaries from elsewhere for the Venetians are wont to send forth some Gallies to guard that Gulf and do not only seize on such Vessels as sail for other parts contrary to their Inhibition but confiscate the Merchandize and strangely molest the Masters and Passengers The neighbouring people and Princes did always gainsay these pretensions complaining that the use of the Sea which by the Law of Nations was free to all men was interdicted them by this Commonwealth and how that she used more respect to those that were more powerful But those of Trieste did always repugne and those of ancient Liburnia were more contumacious then they who are now called Sclavonians who as being members of the Kingdom of Hungary are under the Archduke of Austria and they have always questioned it and debated it with the Venetians not without the tacite knowledge of their Princes who being busied in more weighty Wars with the Turks and not-being able either by forces or by endeavours to alter the Commonwealth thought it at last to be their only remedy for that sore to bring into those parts some of the people of Croatia who were commonly called afterwards Uscocchi Croates or Cravates a fierce and couragious people and who valued not life who being there as a thorn in the eyes of the Commonwealth might to the best of their power make good the liberty of Navigation upon those Seas to tâ—…e Archdukes Subjects To these instead of stipend Pyracy was at first permitted but only against the Turks as common Enemies and Fâ—…es to their Prince abusing which permission against the Venetians Vessels or being willing to treat them alike for the Venetians persecuted them they afforded the Commonwealth reason of complaint which not prevailing they resented the injury so far as they resolved to extermine that whole Nation professing that so to do was not only necessary for freeing the Gulf from Pyrates but also as they alledged to provide that the Turk being irritated by the Uscocchi's or Croaâ—…es's injuries might not send powerful Fleets into the Gulf not only to the danger of their Dominions but to those of other Princes which they possess upon those Seas Thus making their own cause common to all the Commonwealth began of her self alone to provide against it and endeavouring more to remove the effect then the cause of the malady they went against them and began to prosecute them as Pyrates and publick Robbers who being already much increased in number for many driven thither by the barrenness of their Countrey and allured by the profit of pillage and many banish'd vagabond Italians and particularly such as were Subjects to the Venetians flock thither as to lawful prey of great gain and growing much more powerful by their numbers and more cruel by reason of the losses they had suffer'd by being persecuted by the Commonwealth they were very cruel in their Piracy throughout that whole Sea and in all the neighbouring Havens and Islands and coming sometimes even to within a few miles of Venice her self they took Vessels even almost in her sight insomuch as they grew so terrible to Navigators and so dreadful through their cruelty as the Commonwealth without the Archdukes trouble or expence began to make trial of those sufferings which she had formerly indeavoured to make the neighbouring people undergo and as they could hardly suppress their insultings with the Venetian greater Vessels the yareness and multitude of Boats wherewith they scoured up and down in several parts being considered as also the vicinity of their friends Country whither they fled when chas'd by the Venetian Vessels and the condition of the Sclavonian seas and shores which being full of Rocks and narrow Channels made by the many little Islands and Flats are scarcely navigable for greater Vessels so did the agreements and stipulations often made between the Common-wealth and the Archduke stand them but in little stead for though the one promis'd to keep in the Cravates and the other to leave the sea open and free neither party being willing to prejudice the main of their pretentions they inserted some clause or other in the close of each convention whereby leaving the controverted point touching the liberty of the Gulf undecided neâ—…ther the difference between those Princes was composed nor yet were the promises made and agreed upon between them kept the point of freedom of Navigation put off to another time and the permission of free Commerce at sea as it had been formerly had being incompatible which incompatibility occasioned the one the mean while to pretend unto and the other to prohibit the freebooting of the Uscocchi or Cravates they being long accustomed to pillage and urged by poverty and necessity to live from hand to mouth which they were not able to do but by rapine the Covenants agreed upon must needs be broken and the Gulf must necessarily remain subject to the former molestations The Common-wealth finding no more ready nor opportune remedy began to pretend that to extirpate the evil as they said by the roots that whole Nation should be removed from the Maritime parts But this meeting with many difficulties at last in the year 1612. an agreement was come unto almost of the same contents and with the same clause of reservation as before between the Emperour Mathias to whom the places inhabited by the Croats belonged and the Archduke Ferdinando to whom the Emperour his
not inhibit them nor punish them for it and would not only assault and make war upon that Country from whence their prejudice came but also upon that part of Friuli which belonged unto the Archduke thinking that the only way to provide a salve for this sore was to molest the patrimonial Territories of that Prince They therefore ordered Pompeo Giustiniano to goe into Friull with six companies of paid Foot which were destined for Candia and he carried thither also many other Souldiers most of them of the meaner sort of those parts and making the rendezvouz at Palma and Udine he commanded them to go against the Archdukes Country Francisco Erizzo govern'd Palma and the Militia of that Province but Giustiniano was to govern the war Having assembled together about 1200 Horse and some seven or eight thousand Foot he at unawares entred Friuli and possessing himself at the very first of many of the open Towns he also took and fortified Medea Meriano Chiopris Romanso Cormonso and Vilesso the chiefest Towns belonging to the Archduke and distributed his men therein At the same time the Territory of Monfalcone took up Arms and the Common-wealths Souldiers took Sagra one of the Archdukes Castles on the other side of the River over against Gradisca and munited it to defend the Country from the troubles it might receive from Gradisca The War being thus begun against the Archduke and footing being got in the Archdukes Country the Captains in the Camp and the Senators in Venice began to aspire unto greater things The two chief Towns and of most consideration were Goritia and Gradisea the former which is as it were the Metropolis of the Archdukes Country on this side of the Mountains is situated beyond LIsonzo at the foot of the Alpes which was by the Antients called Giulie very strongly situated and defended by a Castle hard to become at The other lies lower towards Palma and Udine upon the right hand of the Lisonzo which washing the walls thereof on the East side serves it for a Rampier and it is secured on the other three sides by large and deep ditches The passage over the River made against the expugning of the former as also the danger that the Souldiery being too far entred into the enemies Country they might be molested and peradventure much prejudiced if Gradisca should remain behind them on their backs in the enemies hands and the expugning of the other was withstood by her Fort and by her being easily relieved by the succour which might easily be convâ—…yed to her every day by the neighbouring River from Goritia especâ—…ally the Archdukes men being incamped as they were on the left shore Between these two lay the third less difficult enâ—…erprise of Lucino a great Town on this side of Lisonzo in the mid'st between Goritia and Gradisca near the stone-Bridge which leads to Goritia neither so strong nor so easily to be succour'd as Gradisca as lying somewhat farther from the River and not so far within the Archdukes Country as Goritia Commissary Erizzo resolved therefore to attempt it and sent Giustiniano thither with some men who took it and sack'd it meeting with no resistance and quit it the same day as not thinking it a safe place to â—…arry in but nothing was so great a hinderance to the Venetians nor did so much detain their resolutions as the want of experience discipline and valour in their men the greater part whereof being unorderly who being by force taken by the Magistrates from their houses and imployments kept the Campagnia unwillingly and did unwillingly serve in those exercises whereunto they were not bred up nor accustomed nor led unto by their genius So as their Captains not being able to rely upon them they were not only kept from attempting new enterprises but from bringing them into the field or imploying them in any Action The whole Arch-Dukes Country being therefore by reason of these Commotions up in arms and Adamo Baron of Trautmistorfe being sent from Germany into Friuly who was General of Croatia and Captain of the Emperours Guard and who though but young yet of try'd valour was made the chief in this war by the Arch-Duke with Title of Captain-General He had also brought along with him between two and three thousand Veteran Souldiers long trained up in the wars in Hungary and Garisonizing such places as were fittest to hinder the enemies progress he often-times scoured the Campagnia assaulting to some purpose the Venetians Stations and men who not being able to stand before the Dutch were sometimes shrewdly beaten Therefore the Common-wealths Commanders were forc'd to keep themselves within their Works till they were furnished with better Souldiers True it is that Daniel Francol coming out of Gradisca with some few Horse was taken in an Ambush that was laid for him and with some 30 of his men was slain by some Troops of the Albanesses and Ferdinando Scotto who had the custody of the County of Monfalcone routed some of the Archdukes forces who were come to plunder and infest that Country and made them retreat into Goritia But the Common-wealth which entered into this war with more servour then preparation began to meet with many great difficulties for having in all former times made use of paid-men in their Militia as being more useful and less suspitious to that Government they had made less esteem of their natural subjects and according to the condition of those ages when the Militia of Italy served any Prince under famous Commanders she as being richer and abounding more in monies then any other Prince had better conveniency of furnishing her self with the valiantest Souldâ—…ers and most experienced Commanders by whose means and valour she made notable atchievements and signal progress on Terra ferma augmenting her State and bringing it to that Grandezza which now she injoys But now the condition of times being changed the Italian Militia being reduced under the command of their natural Princes and Forreigners depending in a great part upon the King of Spain and House of Austria the Common-wealth found her self to be at the same time deprived of her natural forces and totally unfurnished of Forreigners Wherefore indeavouring to get Souldiers and Commanders she found not so much difficulty in getting them from amongst Italian Princes from the Switzers and Grisons as to get passage for those that came to serve her out of France and the Low-Countries the former not being willing to disfurnish themselves of their best Souldiers in so turbulent times and the others being loth to deprive themselves of the Commerce of the State of Millain so necessary for theiâ—… maintenance and none of them being greatly desirous to offend the House of Austria upon which they in divers respects have antienâ—… dependence and noâ—… to incense the King of Spain who they knew would favour the House of Austria Nor could she hope for any assistance from â—…omama or 〈◊〉 Ancona from whence the Venetians had wont to be
furnish'd with so many Foot and Commanderâ—… as did supply their ordinary Garrisons as well in their Forts in the Levant and in Dalmatia aâ—… on Tâ—…ra forma for the Pope professing to be outwardly a Neuâ—…er in all these Occurrences but being in effect very much unsatisfied with the Venetianâ—… by reason of the great disgusts between him and them in the beginning of his Popedom he was more fevere then any other Prince in prohibiting his subjects to assist them Wherefore the Duke of â—…arma were it either in respect of the Popes Orders of whom he held in â—…ee or out of the near interests and intelligence which he held with the Crown of Spain being offendâ—…d with his Son Don Ottaviâ—… whom he loved dearly though he was illegitimate condemned him to perpetual imprisonment for his forwardness to serve the Venetians The Duke of Modena shewed little less anger against his second Son Luigi whom he banish'd for going to serve the Venetians against the Dominions which were under the 〈◊〉 Empire whereof he was a Feudatory And the Duke of Urbiâ—… who had formerly received great pay from the Common-wealth for being their Captain General upon occasion of war as his Ancestors had been having of late years found some difference in geting his stipend the Common-wealth growing weaty of that continual charge now that they believed well in the peace of Italy had some years beâ—…ore sided with the Crown of Spain from whence he received better and readier day so as they could not build upon him in their present â—…ed In this great difficulty and streights of men and mony the Common-wealth was forced to call in her Feudatoris and all other her subjects who were in service under any other Princes and to pardon all their Banditti though for whatsoever heâ—…nous offence but that which seemed more uneasie and of greater importance these Provisions being very scarce and far short of the present occasions they placed the Traâ—…ed-Bands of their Country in their Garrisons in Terra forma towards the Sâ—…ate of Millain and drew out the best Souldiers fâ—…om thence to make use of them in the Camp to the no little wonder of all that knew that that Commonwealth which was formerly wont to be careful in Arming their Confine upon the State of Millain whensoever they â—…ard the least news of Arms in that State and to recruit those very Garrisons with Forreigners and to provide so well for tâ—…at part of their 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 it had been undoubtedly to be assaulted should now 〈◊〉 â—…ey knew there was an Army on foot in the State of Millain and tâ—…at 〈◊〉 Spaâ—…ards threatned â—…o interest themselves in that war on the Arcâ—…dukes behalf unfurnish that Frontier of their best Souldiers and should trust tâ—…e defence of those places of such importance in the hands of their Country Milâ—…a or Trained-Bands which were unexperienced in war Next all this not being sufficient to serve their needs they betook themselves to Albania Morea and to Braccio di Maino seeking to get from thence at great rates as many men as possibly they could And for their last refuge these not sufficing they were at a very great charge in taking a Regiment of 4000 Hollanders into pay who were to be brought by shipping to Venice which provisions being couragiously ordered and executed with no less expence and even to the end of that war constantly and by general consent increased though they witnessed the unanimity of their minds and the readiness of that Government to uphold the publick dignity and enterprises resolved upon by publick Authority yet so great a scarcity of Souldiers did not only prejudice the conceived reputation of the Venetian power being so necessitated at the beginning of the war to borrow mony of Forreigners and not finding much that way to ingage her self to her own Citizens in little more then one year for above a Million of monies did not a little lessen the opinion which was commonly held of their publick Treasure which was held to be the richest of all Italian Princes though to preserve their credit they gave out that they would rather spare the publick monies even at the greatest need and at the present take up at interest from private men then by wasting it when they might make use of other mens monies be forced afterwards to depend upon the will of others which though it was not then believed was afterwards proved to be true by the event For the Common-wealth having had many occasions of vast expences in this war yet she contrary to the opinion of all men found means to supply all the necessities which came upon her with the publick monies wherein she was never found to withdraw from not only what was necessary but from what was useful or fitting for any whatsoever difficulties or want of ready monies and it was affirmed by those who were well experienced in their affairs that the Common-wealth upon this occasion spent above 14 Millions of Duckets True it is that their Taxes and Impositions were very great throughout the whole State which grew thereby much indebted and that all that not sufficing the whirepool of war they ran her in debt afterwards for more then eight Millions These were the preparations for the war of Friuli but not being able otherwise to provide against the danger of the Spanish forces upon the confines of Millain they did it by making a 〈◊〉 League with the Duke of Savoy who standing more in need of mony then of men to boot with many provisions which they furnished them withal they lent him great sums of mony to the end that persisting still in his pretention of not laying down Arms he might inforce the Governour to disarm or that if he would not disarm they might keep him so imploy'd as he should not be well able to assault theâ—…r Confines They also caused monies to be paid to the Marquess of Castiglione in France to bring him in to assist the Duke in Piedmont with 4000 Foot and 4â—…0 Horse though because the execution of the Treaty at Asti was not totally off the hooks it was noised abroad that Castiglions French men were raised to assist the Venetians not the Duke of Savoy And though these provisions by reason of delay could not ease the present need of the Camp for it was said that powerful aids were preparing in Germany by the Germane Princes to assist the Archduke yet the Common-wealths Army being somewhat increased the Senate that it might not lye idle but that it might attempt somewhat worthy of the Forces and honour of Venice ordered it to go and expugne Gradisca This place was governed by Count Richard Strasoldo and by him fortified and though Captain Iohn Peirino a Walloon was entered thereinto with 300 Curassiers and Dragoons as soon as the enemy drew near it General Trautmistorft entered by the River with about 1200 Musqueteers and having incouraged the Souldiers and Citizens with promises of daily succour he
formerly kept secret grew now to be manifest The King of England and many other Protestant Princes of Cermany who seemed to â—…avour him confirm'd him in his belief that being upheld by so many and so potent Princes he might withstand the violence which was thrâ—…atned him and this opinion was increased in many men by the coming of Embassadours at this time to Turin from the King of England and from some German Princes but that which did out do all other appearings and seemings Marshal Deguieres's coming into Piedmont made all men wonder he having been long held to be one of the best Commanders in France and one who took the Dukes affairs very much to heart and more an enemy to Spain then any other French-man this man though he came in a peaceful posture and unarmed as it were to be a superintendent over the French Embassadour's Negotiations and privately to inform himself whether things were in that dangerous condition as the Duke related them to be yet the good correspondency which was held between him and the Duke and his continual assisting him his being nominated in the Capitulations of Asti to see all things perform'd and much more the great desire which he and the other French-men seemed to have of maintaining and backing the Duke upon this occasion so to lessen the Authority of the Spaniard in Italy made it appear manifestly that if the Governour should persist resolute in not disarming he would call the French Souldiery into Piedmont who were said to be ready at his beck upon the Confines of Italy and prepared for Piedmont His coming therefore did not only much countenance the Duke but all the Embassadours future Negotiation and the Duke being very vigilant and ready witted and accustomed to consort the disposition of his genius with outward demonstrations made much use of this present occasion in bâ—…asting of his own Forces and of the assistance which was promised him and which he hoped for wherefore receiving the Marshal with excessive and unusual honour and with singular magnificence and keeping close at very private Counsel with him â—…e seemed to repose much confidence in him not pretermitting any term of honour and liberality to make to himself propitious particularly such who being intimate with the Marshal might further most his ends and his desires but these so many demonstrations did more prejudice then further the conclusion of the agreement for the Spanish Ministers of State being very much troubled at the King of France and King of England's interposing themselves in the affairs of Italy did very much dislike nor could they tollerate the Capitulation agreed upon in France wherein the King swore unto the Prince of Conde and the other confederates that he would cause the Articles of Asti to be performed and the Embassadours and Marshals coming to see them executed and the new preparations which were said to be made in France for Italy being hereunto added they thought that the French did arrogate that authority to them in Italy by rigour and threats which the occasion and conjuncture of times and much easiness of the preceding Governour of Millain had procured unto their King and that the Venetians and other Princes did by declaring themselves to adhere unto the Duke pretend to have an eye unto their Crowns authority so as if the power and dignity thereof were therein too much concerned they thought themselves the more bound to resist what so great a union of wills did threaten for that the danger was greater that if they should give way it might be esteemed they did it out of fear of the French Forces A respect which if it penetrated deep into any one it must needs make a deeper impression in the Governour as in him who being come into Italy wholly inflamed with exalted thoughts who had put himself in a posture of restoring his Kings authority to its former condition would have been too much failing to himself and to the opinion which he had generally won if he had gone less in any thing then what he had at first so openly profest and it would have been basely done by him it seeing his affairs grow worse and worse he had not indeavoured by all possible means to sustain them and if he had not been the more sollicitous in providing for war by how much his enemies bravadoes were the greater Therefore to boot with the moneys which he had already disburst for raising of men that it might be seen he durst sheâ—… his face and to make them jealous who did almost already openly threaâ—…en him he sent some Forces to the Venetians Confines and to the Confines of Piedmont and as if he would assault the Staâ—…e of Venice for the effects of their League with the Duke appeaâ—…ed daily more and more he gave order for a Bridge to be made over the Adda Whereat though the Commonwealth were much troubled yet having a great scarcity of men at that time the Senators not being able to do more were forc'd to commit the defence of that part of the State to the people of the Country Whilst the Governour was thus busied in making preparations every where the Embassadour after having staid some days at Turin came to Millain the substance of whose Embassie was That the King had by reason of the accidents which hindred the laying down of Arms used many indeavours to the Duke and given him his word to secure him from the extraordinary Militia of the State of Millain but that the Duke not being therewithal satisfied the King out of his great desire to publick peace and by the obligation which was upon him by the Articles of Astiâ—… did desire him that he would prosecute the disarming which was begun by his Predecessors to the end that the restitutions of the Towns might be come to and the execution of other things appointed by the peace To this proposal which was given in in writing the Governour replied in a long discourse given also in in writing wherein by a methodical Narration of all things that had occur'd from the beginning of the war of Montferrat to the peace made at Asti he inferr'd That the King had done all things for the protection and security of that State to which he was much sollicited by the Queen of France That the King was not bound by the Treaty of peace to dismiss no not so much as one man and that the Duke had only at the beginning given satisfaction in this point but that he had afterwards openly countervened it by the many novelties attempted against Montferrat by his new Levies of men and by his League lately concluded with the Venetians against the House of Austria So as the King was in all acceptations free from the Articles of peace That the Duke refused the security offered him by the words of two so great Kings not out of any doubt or distrust but in favour to the Venetians and that therefore the King of France was no
places which lying upon the Frontier of Savoy towards Burgony served as a gate to let in or to keep out the Governours men who were to enter by those parts under Diffe This Order being readily executed by Lanz rendered Nemours his business vain for he seeming as if he were coming with his men into Piedmont but indeed turning upon those Towns was repulss'd by the Dukes men wherefore forced to retire more inward towards Chiaromonte and Cleramonte his men out of meer necessity of livelihood and maintenance fell to sack the neighbouring Villages whilst Nemours kept idle in those parts expecting that the forces of Burgony should have come and have joined with him but it was in vain to expect that for Nissi and Remigli holding for the Duke and the Governours of Lyons Dolpheny and the Dutchy of Burgony discovering themselves forthwith to be for the Duke and soon after all the Princes of France moved thereunto out of consideration of the great prejudice which might thereby insue unto the Kingdom if the Spanish Forces entering into Savoy should more inviron the Confines of France Disse could not get to joyn with Nemours And Albertus Arch-Duke of Austria who as Lord of Flaunders and of the Low Countries governed the County of Burgony though he made use for the most part of the King of Spains Armies and Militia and of the Spanish Officers in the Government of those Provinces yet would he not by any means be brought to assist or consent unto that Enterprize were it either that he was unwilling to disturb the Peace between his men and the States of France or for that that enterpâ—…e not being either commanded or approved of by the King but only framed by the State Officers in Italy he did more value the neer interest of blood which he and the Infanta Arch-dutchess his wife and Daughter to the King whose Dowry those States were â—…ad with the Duke of Savoy and with his children born of a Sister of his Wives than he did the Governour of Millain's designs nay giving severe Orders to his Officers in Burgony that they should not countenance Nemours in any sort nor receive his men he was abandoned by all at the fairest of his play So the violence of that storm began suddenly to pass over which whilest it hover'd in the Air did much alter the Dukes Affairs which continued troubled for many moneths but for all this he did not give over the defence of Piedmont where having Garrisonned the Towns of Asti and Vercelles and made Count Guido Governour of the formeâ—… and the Marquess of Clausio who had escaped some few moneths before from the Castle of Millain where he was kept close prisoner Governour of the other he caused a Bridge to be made over the Poe between Verrâ—…a and Crescentino to the end that the Counties of Asti and Vercelles being thereby joyned they might more easily relieve one another in case they should be assaulted and having sent the remainder of the pay to Castiglione and the other Commanders who raised men for him he staid expecting him The Governour did the like in Pavia but with more fervency where breathing forth nothing but fire and sword and being impatient of any the least delay he hasted provisions that he might go into the field and giving out that he would be all August with his Army upon the Confines of Piedmont â—…he made his Artillery be Imbarqued upon the Poe took Order for many Pioneers and Bridges and disburst moneys in Montferrat and Millain for the raising of new Regiments and laying all the Civil Government of the State upon Don Sanchio di Luâ—…a Keeper of the Ciâ—…adel of Millain he was wholly intent in providing for War promising marvellous things unto himself from so great prepâ—…rations and the Nuntio being come to Pavia about the midst of August he gave him Audience boâ—…ted and spurr'd in which posture he used then to go thorow the City that it might be seen he was in a readiness to march and the Nuntio desiring a short suspension of Arms he would not grant it saying That he was come too late But all things were not so ready for going to the field as the Governour could have desired for neither were the Swissers come from their own homes nor were the Dutch come into the State of Millain and many draught-horses for the Artillery and many Arms which were expected from Germany for the use of the Army were not yet come Execution therefore not answering resolution and businesses not proceeding on so fast as was expected nay new difficulties arising every day the Governour began to slacken that vigour of mind wherewith till now he had with some violence been transported and beginning to know the difference between saying and doing he found also that the bad success of the last War was not wholly through his Predecessors fault His courage was also cooled by the bad success of the business of Savoy which was the chief ground-work of his designs wherein to boot with having spent above 300000 Ducats he had also consumed the Marquess of Disse his whole Regiment of Burgonians which had caused no less diversion to him than to the Duke He was not a little scandalized neither that the enterprize should be thought to have miscarried through the wickedness of his men corrupted by the Dukes moneys for his chief Secretary was imprisoned as guilty of having made the Letter written unto the King come unto the Duke of Savoy's hands and though nothing could be proved against him he was rigidly tormented He was likewise detained by continual remembrances from the Court that he should rather break off than imbrace any new occasions of new ruptures finding those Ministers of State more inclined to preserve that Authority and Greatness which they received privately and the Crown publickly from the tranquillity of peace then to advance it by perturbation of affairs chiefly when he called to mind that the Duke being desperate and extraordinarily exasperated not caring into whaâ—… danger he ran seemed to desire nothing but tumults and alteration of affairs which was contrary to the Crowns interest in Italy Of which opinion some of the State-ministers of the State of Millain seemed also to be those chiefly who out of a particular friendship to the Marquess Inoiosa and for good turns received from him thought it suited more with his reputation that either the peace made by him should be perfected or else the new war prove unfortunate And as for the aforesaid respect moneys were not provided in Spain so some State-ministers of the State of Millain not going along with the Governour in his opinions and ends but opposing as much as they might such provisions and resolutions as were to be made caused diffidence in him in his Counsels and impediments in the execution of what was resolved upon wherefore he who was almost surrounded with Competitors consulting in things of weightiest importance only with Vives who was then his Confident
to that City were not the Navigation hindred by its being inclosed between Verrua and Crescentino as between two hedges so as Victual nor Ammunition could not be brought to the Spanish Army if it were to enter into Piedmont by Montferrat unless they should be first masters of one of these two places They making much for the conveniency and inconveniency of the Armies advancing the Governour resolved to make himself master of them he therefore marched from Stroppiana going a little above Costanza but in so little good order as certainly if the Duke had known it and would have hazzarded he might undoubtedly have cut the Reer in pieces which march'd at a good distance from the Body of the Army but the great advantage in Forces which makes Commanders sometimes careless suffers their errours sometimes also to go unpunished they might easily have gone in one days march from Costanza to Crescentino and the Governour might doubtlesly have gotten into it and made himself master thereof it being but weakly garrison'd if he had march'd directly on The Duke knew the danger and apprehending it thought it necessary to be prevented but the resolution was far more easily taken then executed for he who will go from Assigliano and Ruisecco whither the Duke coasting along the Spanish Army was come will get into Crescentino must either pass by the Enemies Army or else must go far about and as it were by a bow on the upper side The Governour then who march'd in a direct line must either come before Crescentino before the Duke or incountering him in his march must fight him upon great advantage the rains moreover were at this time very great and many gullets of water which cross'd the way by which the Duke was necessarily to march being swollen by the rain were almost not to be past over especially by the Foot but necessity made that possible which seemed impossible and Fortune which is often a friend to couragious resolutions did miraculously favour the Dukes affâ—…irs in this so difficult a case for having sent his Baggage and other incumbrances to Vercelli whither he feigned to retreat he suddenly went at the first watch of the night from Ruisecco and being cover'd by the darkness and by the rain which poured down he march'd till day with incredible speed and having past over all the gullets of water being therein assisted by his Horse he got at last a little after day break to Crescentino weary â—…nd ill accommodated and much lessen'd in his numbers by the tediousness of the march but not being at all hindred by the Governour who instead of going straight on by the way of Desana went being advised so to do by the Prince oâ—… Ascoli by Trinâ—… much the longer way only that he might have better quarters for his Army that night So as not going by a line as he ought to have done but marching in a semi-circle contrary to where the Duke went he lost not only the opportunity of getting into Crescentino but of a signal Victory when the Van went early the next morning from Trino it might see the Dukes Reer two miles before entring into Crescentino and having no order to fight did not assâ—…ult it This action of the Dukes was really very gallant and singular whether you consider the boldness of the resolution or the diligence of the execution or the happy success thereof but chiâ—…fly if you consider the importancy of the enterprise or the great alteration of affâ—…irs which would have hapned if Crescentino had been lost The Governour having lost this design went towards Livorno and Bianza two Towns of the Canavese not above two miles distant one from another in which march some of the Cavalier Manta's Horse meâ—…ting with some of the Governours men they took Don Francisco son to the Embassadour Vives prisoner whose Horse as he advanced somewhat before the rest fell and he himself was sorely wounded in the neck and some carriage of the chief Commanders fell also into the Dukes hands The Duke suspected that the Governour would go from Bianza Livorno to Chivasso a great Town in Piedmont upon the back of Crescentino wherefore he caused a great Trench to be mâ—…de upon the outermost bank of Dora neer to Saluggio and placed 1000 of the Country Musketeers to defend it and fearing also lest the Towns of Montferrat might prejudice his affairs by giving receptacle to the Enemies Aâ—…my he took Râ—…dazzano and Verolengo before their eyes Towns of Montferrat neer the Poe together with almost all the Canavese and gave order to the Cardinal his son to go from Turin and take Vulpiano a place not far from that City and those of Lauriano and of St Sebastian killing his Keeper of the Castle he put them both to fire and sword thinking that if those people were not made an example the others would not forbear to do the like upon any sleight occasion Thus miserable Montferrat being exposed to the Dukes injuries was in the midst of the Enemies and of the Protectors Forces afforâ—…ing quarter to the latter out of good will and to the former out of fear nor durst the people thereof for fear of severe punishment which was duly executed upon them move or anger the Duke who by rigour had made the way as open to him there as through his own Sâ—…ate the rains continued still and the season was very bad for the Fâ—…eld so as the Governour could not only not attempt any of the enterprises suspected by the Duke but being by the rigidness of the weather to lie idle some days in Livorno and Bianza began to want Victuals He resolved therefore to go to St. Germano and from thence to Inurea weak Towns but capacious and of fruitful Territories conceiving that the Duke would either go or not go from Crescentino if he should go he would be in manifest danger of being routed his men being much lessened and so the Governour proving victorious might have free way to advance without any opposition and attempt whatsoever enterprise if he should not go out he might easily take those two Towns which when he should have done the whole Country on this side the Dora even to Vercelli would be at his disposal where he might not only quarter his Army commodiously all the succeeding Winter but the City of Vercelli as being cut off from Piedmont and excluded from any succour would without any danger or effusion of blood fall that Winter into his hands The design would have been more easily effected then discoursed if continuing the same begun execution he he had persevered in the same mind or if the Governour making use of the occasion and of the good success of Victory which he got afterwards had prosecuted it with the like vigour for the Army being gone from Livorno and Bianzo and in his passage taken Santia a Town that is now open and of no moment but formerly famous for having resisted the Spanish Army when it was
sickness and Medici's absence foorded over the River 〈◊〉 then before and came even to underneath Mariano prejudicing the Venetians very much Count d' Ampier went out of Gradisca with two Troops of Horse and fell by night upon Garuggio a Town within two miles of Palma where he utterly routed a company of Curassiers who were quartered there And Don Baldassar Marradas in emulation of him went out also by night out of the same Town and assaulted the quarters of Chiopris and did much prejudice them and not many days after the Garrison of Gradisca led on by Strasoldo Governour of the Town came by night to Ceruiggiano a River not far from Palma took and fired some neighbouring Towns and especially the chiefest which takes its name from the River and is called Ceruiggiano which if it had been fortified by the Austrians as it was by them abandoned Palma would have been excluded from maritime commerce with Vâ—…nice Wherefore the Venetians finding the danger fell immediately to fortifie it and put therein a gallant Garrison At last General Medici came to the Camp who presently fell to order such things as he found out of order And afterwards being very desirous to do some thing which might be worthy of his name and of the expectation which was had of him was much vex'd to find that things were not prepared for his designs He found out daily more and more the corruption of Military discipline which was fomented by the avarice of some of the Venet an Captains and Gentlemen Officers of the Common-wealth who being more intent to inrich themselves then to fight gave too much license to the Souldiers contrary to military rules He was yet more distasted for that being by the Common-wealths Letters Patents to be superiour over all except the Commissary General he found at first the execution thereof in the Camp difficult Amidst which difficulties the enemy sent Monsieur de la Foglia a French Captain with a Troop of Horse beyond the River against some light-Horse which guarded a ceâ—…tain Trench upon the Bank of Lisonzo and both sides being succour'd the Skirmish grew almost to be a Battel wherein Trautmistorft passing over the River and Trivigiano coming with many men from Luciniso the business was manfully disputed but the Venet ans light-Horse not being able to resist the solid order of the Dutch Horse whilst they would have retreated did so confound themselves with their Curassiers which were on their backs the one and the other of them were charged and chased quite thorow their own Foot which were come in to their succour who were therefore wholly disordered by their own Horse and slain by those of the enemy In this scuffle many Corsicks were slain and Seâ—…geant Major Raffaâ—…le Son to the dead Iustiniano was taken prisoner and Giovan Dominico da Ornano a very valiant Corsick Commander Nor was this the worst for the Venetians who retreated not thinking themselves safe in the Trenches of Luciniso were minded to get into the Castle which was above had not some Commanders stoutly withstood them who keeping their own men several ways from running and particularly by shutting the Gates upon them hindered their flight incouraged them and making them stand preserved those Quarters and Luciniso which otherwise had been abandoned and left in the power of the enemy who fearing the Artillery of Luciniso repast back over the River and went to their wonted quarters having lost but few of their men though their General and Matradas were sleightly wounded and Foglia who advanced too â—…ar slain Though Trivigiano shew'd great courage upon this occasion yet did he deserve to be reprehended by the Commissary and by Medici for having ingaged himself and so many others in that action of his own will and without their knowledge The sickness still increased in the Camp which made the Souldiers still run faster away and especially those of the Country and the best Souldiery were yet more consumed by Skirmishes Wherefore the scarcity of men 〈◊〉 the Commissary and Medici indeavoured by all the means they could to perswade the Switzers and Grisons that were in the Camp to fight against the Archduke which they being prohibited to do by the League which they have with the House of Austria had not as yet done having only served as Garrisons to defend such Towns as were possess'd by the Common-wealth which having at last obtained it increased their numbers for a while they being 1500 in number but it made their scarcity of men greater soon after for the Grisons Country being for this respect prohibited more strictly from having any commerce with the State of Millain the chief Rulers amongst the Grisons that they might have that Decree revoked recalled all those of their Nation home who were in service for the Common-wealth and forbad passage through their State to all Forreigners who went to serve the Venetians By this increase Medici hoped to surprise St. Martino in Crusca especially knowing how few there were there in Garrison He therefore departed about midnight in very good order from Vipulciano where he had mustered those who he intended for that enterprise and got before day near the Castle but a certain whisper arising amongst his men and a small light being discovered in the Castle the Souldiers fell into so horrible dread and confusion as they immediately ran away shamefully without being pursued which Medici lighting off horseback seeking to obvâ—…ate even by exposal of his own person he was thrice thrown down and almost trod under fooâ—… At this time Antonio Lando came to the Camp who succeeded Priuli in the place of Commissary-general who seeing that the whole success of the war consisted in taking Goritia and that this was not to be done without passing over Lizonso he first built some Forts and made some Trenches about Gradisca to hinder excursions and then bethought himself how he might pass over the River And both he and Medici holding it impossible to pass over between Goritia and Gradisca by reason of the enemies opposition they learned that there was a certain Bridge over the Channel of Ronzina which was but weakly guarded and though it were very hard to get thither they being to pass through the enemies Country and yet harder to fall down by the Ronzina into Goritia yet thinking they should have done much if they should pass the River they would put it to a trial Which that they might the better effect they resolved to assault the enemy in six other places to the end that being assaulted in so many other places at once they might not be able to keep them from passing over the Bridge at Ronzina which designe though it were very well laid and for the most part well executed yet had they not good success therein except at St Floriano which was taken by Count Nicholo Gualdo by a Petard and which being upon their backs and not far from the Fort of the wood whereat the Common-wealths Commanders aimed
difficulties in bringing them to perfection so as peradventure it might have been a more opportune advice for the affairs of his King and for the condition of the present times not to have provoked the Italians with such and so great a novelty who were already very much incens'd with the Spanish command who being become more jolly by reason of the successes in the late wars were ready to hold up their heads and to hazard the wholly laying aside all respect to the King of Spains authority and forgoing all fear of his Arms to turn the world upside down for the preservation of themselves and liberties rather then to suffer themselves to be inslaved as they were likely to be by the novelties attempted and so strongly indeavoured by Feria Neither was it likely that the French who did now incourage Feria to this enterprise would ever be content that he should reap full satisfaction therein for they having no other end then by vexing the Grisons to force them to have recourse unto their King for help it was more certain that they would indeavour by all means that that Valley might not remain possess'd by the Spaniards lest the Spanish Grandezza might be the more increased and the liberty of the Italian Princes might be by them oppress'd and lest that passage might be block'd up from those of their Nation by the Spaniards and besides that the precise Orders and Instructions of the Court of Spain did repugne such novelties the example of the Emperour Charles the Fifth and of Philip the Second might keep the Duke of Feria from such attempts which Princes though they knew how fitting a thing it would be to be masters of the Valtoline and would galdly have been so yet thinking it to be a business which would be hard to compass they were far from thinking of it and the example of the commotions which hapned in Count Fâ—…entes time was more fresh and of greater force when by building only that Fort within the Confines of the State of Millain he was likely to have caused such wars in Italy the French and Venetians having ingaged themselves meerly for the preservation of the Valtoline when the Spanish Forces were at the height of their reputation what could he then pretend or hope for upon this present occasion when the intire usurping of the Valtoline was in question by the preservation whereof the liberty of Italy and by the loss whereof her slavery did evidently result and yet Feria preferring the great good which would be gotten by joyning Italy to Germany before so many other respects entred couragiously upon the enterprise and plunged himself daily more thereinto thinking that the glory of this acquisition would be greater by how much the respects were the greater which had kept the Emperour and Philip the Second from endeavouring it he did not apprehend that any one could disturb him or bereave him of what he should have gotten when he should have joyned Germany to Italy by the Valtoline for having once secured the passage of the Dutch neither could the Italians have known how to resent it being bereft of forreign aid nor could forreigners have easily assaulted the State of Millain when it should be back'd by the neighbouring German Forces he was also the more incouraged and his hopes were the more heightned by the troubles in France the King being busied in besieging Montalban and Rochel which were thought would prove a tedious business and not to be effected so as holding it for undoubted that neither the French nor without them the Venetians nor other Italian Princes would stir he thought they would be content with it as they had been with the building of Fort Fuentes and that therefore he was not to abandon an occasion whereby he might signalize his Government beyond that of any of his Predecessours who though they had always had their eye upon it yet they never knew how to effect it But the Grisons who were not this mean while idle having by the Venetians moneys assembled about 6000 Foot tried once more to enter into the Valtoline by the way of Chiavenna and finding la Riva well fortified they took a great compass along the Mountains and fell down into the Country of Bormio which lies in the utmost part of the Valtoline where it joyns to Tirvolo Iovan di Medici Marquess of St. Angelo was entred into this Town with 600 of those Italian Foot who came in Threves from the State of Millain and had already begun a great Trench by which he thought to have shut up the mouth of a Valley whereby they come from the uppermost part of the Grisons but the Work not being yet finished and consequently remaining subject to be offended by the Enemy when coming upon their backs they should assault the defendants being therefore set upon on that side which lay yet open he forsook the Tâ—…ench and Bormio and withdrew with his men into Tirano a Town which lies more inward and almost in the midst of the Valley and the Grisons entring Bormio without any resistance sack'd it unworthily profaning the Churches and converting sacred things and what was consecrated to divine worship not only to prophane but to sacrilegious and scandalous uses being incouraged by this good success they fell down upon Tyrano assuredly hoping to take it with as much ease but they fared here otherwise for the Duke of Feria hearing what had hapned at Bormio gave order to Iovan Ieronymo Pimontello that leaving a sufficient Garrison in nella Riva he should go with all the men he could gather up in those parts into the Valtoline who taking as he marched some piecâ—…s of Artillery from Fort Fuentes and having gotten 14 foot Compâ—…nies in those parts came in four days march into Tyrano where there were already 2000 Foot and 500 Horse commanded by Iovan Bravo The Grisons were not above four miles from Tyrano when Pimontello came thither with his men and being discovered and with stood by some Troops of Horse they fought them and repuls'd them who being pursued by greater numbers retired into Tyrano but the Grisons keeping behind them with the whole body of their men Pimentello and Bravo resolved to go forth agaâ—…n into the Field with 1000 Foot part Spaniards part Italians and with 400 Horse and sencing themselves with some woful Wals but breast high which inviron the Gardens by which that whole Country is distinguished they staid waiting the coming of the Enemy who appeared upon the descent of a Hill divided into three Squadrons the first which consisted of 2000 Bernese and were led on by Colonel Nicolâ—… Muler a valiant and well experienced Commander advancing more furiously then the rest was so sorely plaid upon by Musket-shot when he drew neer the plain as being openly exposed to the vollies of shot he was but ill dealt with being afterward come upon the plain he received more prejudice by the Horse which was commanded by Ottaviano Governour of Gullara
in the Valtoline guarded at the present by Spanish Garrisons and to be repossest of that Valley according to the agreement made at Madrid offering themselves ready to observe whatsoever they were obliged unto by the said Capitulation The President of Burgony perused and attentively considered the Decree and finding it to be too full of cavils and snares for those of the Valtoline exclaimed much against it first in words and then in writing and as if a large Gate were thereby left open for revenge he began to accuse it of fraud the words and actions of the Grisons gave more credit to the Presidents Reasons and Exclamations who seemed so incens'd against those of the Valtoline as not being able to contain themselves they stuck not to say they hoped one day to wash their hands in their blood the President was followed by all the Catholick Cantons which were Confederate with the Crown of Spain and by him of Appenzel which stands in the midst between the Catholick and Heretick Cantons and therefore expresly refusing to stand bound for the Grisons as they were required to do by the Capitulation of Madrid they made a Decree thereupon which they called irrevocable the other Cantons either not being willing to appear of another opinion or seeing that their obligation would not be satisfactory without the like of their companions thought it not fit to be bound Thus was the Convention of Madrid excluded or as the Frâ—…nch and Venetians complain'd deluded by the cunning and secret carriage of the Duke of Feria who as they said had wrought upon the Swissers by moneys neither did the heat of opposition made by the President of Burgony pass without suspect of some secret Commission from the Court of Spain which might have altered her opinion touching the affairs of the Valtoline and this suspition increased the more for that the Spanish Agents after the Swissers refusal began to pretend that the Convention of Madrid was no longer valid but was to bâ—… understood as Null as made upon condition that the Swissers and Vallesaâ—…i would be thereunto obliged which condition being void the Convention was void also the business of Composition being therefore desperate the Grisons being assisted by the French and Venetians resolved to go once more armed to the Valtoline and to indeavour the recovery thereof with greater Forces which being presently done they fared not better then they had done before though many men were ready to assist them in the parts about Bressia and Bergamo they fell down with 13000 Foot into the Country of Bormio with intention to assault the new Fort wherein were 600 Foot under Ottavio Sforza who being very well prepared for defence the Grisons thought not good to assault them but sent some Squadrons to the taking in of a little Fort not far off wherein were about forty foot who defended themselves egregiously and slew and repuls'd many of the assailants hearing afterwards thaâ—… Iovanni Bravo who was sent with fresh men from Feria approached they went to meet him and drawing out their Forces between Bormio and the little Fort they staid a while expecting him intending to fight him yet when they heard the Drums which were nigh at hand they retreated into Bormio and setting it on fiâ—…e went towards the Mountains top and from thence retired homewards but being overtaken in their retreat by some Horse which were sent by Bravo to fall upon their Reer where they received some prejudice and theâ—…r Commander Herman Pianta being amongst many others slain all the rest were so terrified and confused they began to seek their safety by a disorderly flight through the craggy Mountaâ—…ns which though they were rugged and almost unaccessable yet by the long practice and experience which they had therein they overcame them and being scattered they past back over the Mountains leaving in Bormio cruel signs of their rage against those of the Valtoline wherefore by reason of this action so contrâ—…ry to the Articles of Millain the Duke of Feria waged open war against them and agreeing with Archduke Leopold whom Tirvolo and Alsatia did obey that he should assault the Grisons on his side the Mountains he entred himself in person into the Valtoline with 6000 Foot and 500 Horse thinking to oppose the Grisons new Forces but when he was not well got to Morbegno a Town which stands in the mouth of the Valtoline and hearing there what had befallen Bormio he turn'd upon Chiavenna a Town of the Grisons which is the head of another Valley which runs along la Mera a River which falling from the Alps runs into the Lake there was therein a Garrison of about 500 Grisons who trusting more to the open Fields then to their Walls drew a long Trench on the outside of Chiavenna from the foot of the Mountain to Mera wheâ—…ewith crossing the whole Plain above which lies on the left side of the River they minded not much the lower side it being narrow and moorish thinking to make head there they put themselves almost all in Garrison and sent for a good strength of men to defend a certain place beyond the Trench which being seated upon the skirts of the Mountain Pitz commanded the way and the Plain The Governour sent a good Band of Carabines against those that defended this station who forcing the defendants to abandon it the defendants retreated to the Trench where they shewed neither courage nor valour for finding that the Enemies Horse had foorded over la Mera and was coming about upon their backs fearing to be taken in the midst between tâ—…e Horse and the Foot which drew neer they fled into Chiavenna which finding they were not able to defend it not being fortified they abandoned it and fled all towards the Mountains The Goveâ—…nour having first possess'd himself of the Trench and then entering Chiavenna without any resistance he sent a party of Horse after them who entering the Valley where il Reno begins and by Bregiglia they burnt and destroy'd all about them entring on the one side as far as Campolzino and on the other to Castagnena and Soio and having recovered three pieces of Artillery which with two others which they found in Chiavenna and which were kept there in memory of their ancient Victory won by their ancestors above a hundred years before in the State of Millain the Governour sent part of the Foot to assist the Archduke who was entred at the same time with 10000 Foot commanded by Colonel Balâ—…irone into the Diretture the third League and had taken the Vallâ—…ys of Engeâ—…na and Paroviz which as hath been said belonging anciently to the house of Austria had rebelled and joyned to the other two Leagues they afterwards by the assistance sent from the Governour took Maiafeld a great Town and of importance from whence going to Câ—…ira the Metropolitan City of that Nation they presently took it where placing the Bishop in his ancient seaâ—… who as hath been said was a
good correspondency Marquess Ambrosio Spinola and his Brother Frederick both of them being young men and very rich emulating as well the glory and splendour as the virtue and worth of the Dorii and not knowing any more Illustrious Theatre then the Wars made by the Kings of Spain in the Low-Countries against the Hollanders and the United Provinces for the maintaining of Religion and Regal Authority they both of them offer'd to enter upon that warfare upon their own expence the youngest to serve with a certain number of Gallies in the Flemish Ocean and the eldest in Land-service with a great number of men But Frederick being slain in a Naval Battle almost in the beginning of the War could not arrive at that height of Glory which the Marquess his Brother did in a few years who being a great Commander of Armies almost before he was a Souldier and far out-doing the expectation of men most exercised in Military Affairs became in a short time the best Commander of this present age and having the superintendency and absolute management of those Wars given him by the King of Spain he did not only stop but suppress the Fortune of the Enemy which like an impetuous Torrent was like to drown the Kings Authority and the Catholick Religion in those parts Moreover he carried the Spanish Forces into Germany where he did singular good service took many entire Provinces and was as hath been elsewhere saâ—…d a great help to the affairs of Religion and of the then tottering Empire His counsel in civil matters was answerable to his Military Valour for which being admired and reverenced by all Europe he bare also a great sway in the important resolutions of the Court of Spain Thus the Fleets at Sea Armies at Land the most considerable Employments of that Crown having for the most part past through the hands of the Genoeses for almost a whole Age and these drawing over other of their Fellow-Subjects to the Kings service and using them in many useful and honourable Employments appertaining to their Governments it necessarily followed that so much confidence being put by the King in the chiefest Subjects of the Commonwealth and such Honours and Employments conferr'd upon others united the whole Commonwealth of Genoa for ever firm to that Crown Moreover the Squadron of the Kings Gallies which was kept in Genoa were generally commanded by Genoese Captains and served with Officers and Mariners of the same Nation who did not only maintain their houses and families by the Kings pay and by the great emoluments which they got by navigation but did augment their own fortunes This Squadron of Galleys were therefore a great good to the King and to the Commonwealth to the King for that to boot with the conveniency of that Haven which was so fitting for the King of Spain and for his Dominions in Italy it encreased the number of his adherents in Genoa for the Common-wealth for besides the entertaining and employment of so many of her Captains and Citizens and to boot with the advantage of Traffique and Treasure it was of great use to train up her people in maritime skill which Art could not well have been preserved amongst them but upon this occasion and those Galleys being commanded and managed by the Genoeses the Common-wealth had conveniency to make use of them as if they had been her own upon any occasion of her own safety and defence without any the least jealousie for these being added to her own made up almost a compleat Fleet able to oppose the assaults of any enemy but chiefly for that this being one of the best Squadrons of Gallies the Crown of Spain had and being in the power of the Genoeses it must needs be a good pledg of the Kings good will to the Common-wealth The Commeâ—…ce also which the Genoese Mariners have usually in the Kingdoms of Spain Naples Sicily and Sardinia and the Traffique which is very great in the State of Millian and in Flanders doth imploy great part of the meaner sort of the City and State of Genoa who by natural inclination and by reason of the barrenness of their Country are given to Negotiation both by Land and Sea so as there are but very few who for their own peculiar concernments are not very desirous of the prosperity of that Crown But the Contracts or Covenants of the richest and ablest Gentlemen of the Commonwealth doth interest the Genoese Nation with the Crown of Spain the most famous and important contract and of greater concernment for the affairs of Crown then any other which we reade of or have heard The King to keep and maintain his Armies in Flanders Germany and Italy and for maintenance of his Fleet in the Ocean and in the Mediterranean is forced to make many expeditions and send provisions sometimes to one part sometimes to another the Kings Exchequer had not alwaies ready money or in case it had moneys could not with safety and speed be conveyed into those parts where they were to be serviceable but they must either be intercepted by the Enemy or sunk at Sea or come too late to where they were destined which would cause the ruine of the Kings Enterprises and Armies The Genoese Merchants by the great affluence of their riches credit and corespondency which they held in all parts of Europe did abundantly and beforehand supply what was necessary so as in humane bodies the soul and natural heat send forth and supply all the members with necessary nourishment just so in the immense body of so great a Monarchy the Pen of the Genoese as the soul and vital spirit of the King of Spain's Treasure serves the King to convey ready moneys happily safely and speedily whithersoever it is needfull with reciprocal profit and conveniency for the King by making his provisions in good time and speedily secures his Enterprizes wins honour to his Arms by victory and defends his Dominions and the Genoeses get vast gain by the employment of their moneys whereby their private fortunes do exceed that of all other Nations for which advance of moneys they are paid by the King in annual Revenues out of the States and Kingdoms belonging to the Crown as well in Spain as in Italy therefore as this contract is necessary for the main affairs of that King it obligeâ—… him to have a care of the Commonwealth for without the preservation thereof the contract is impossible to be made good and so great a stock of moneys of the Genoeses being imploied in the Kingdoms belonging to that Crown serves the King as a pledge of their good will These are the Ties these are the Bonds of Friendship and conjunction between the Crown of Spain and Commonwealth of Genoa which being confirm'd by process of time and by so many trials grow daily stronger not only for the interests which multiply continually but for the trust and confidence which doth also multiply by the course of years the Kings of
Spain for the space of almost one whole Age have had trial of the good and sincere publick correspondency and of the acceptable and faithful service of the privaâ—…e Genoeâ—…es great were the conveniences and advantages which they thereby got both in publick and private On the other side those Kings having always born much respect towards the Commonwealth and having eveâ—… endeavoured the preservation of her Liberty the Genoeses did so confide in their affection and good will towards them as the neighbourhood and greatness of the Kings Dominions wherewith their are invironed and the powerful Forces of that Crown both by Land and Sea sufficient to begeâ—… diffidence in greater Potentates then the Commonwealth were not only no cause of fear nor terrour to her but they by long experience began to confide in them and they served as a Bulwark and defence to the Commonwealth against all hostile violence No foot of the State of Genoa was ever seised on no point of her jurisdiction injured nor the least part of her liberty and whereas the Commonwealth when she began to adhere to this Crown being then newly got out of Forreign subjection was faint hearted weak in Forces rent with intestine discords and both publick and private fortunes were exhausted by her regained liberty and by this new contracted friendship she did not only recover her former spirit and health but reassuming her native colour and being restored to her ancient splendour appeared in publick and in private as formerly and whereas having been formerly molested sometimes by one some times by another Potentate and troubled by intestine discord she had much ado to preserve her self but undergoing great storms was subject to many dangers after the union and good correspondency with the Crown of Spain she was brought into a safe Haven secure from Domestick and Forreign tempests she was respected by her neighbouring Princes honour'd by those that were further off not molested by her rivals nor offended by any and if at any time she hapned to be molested by any she was protected and defended by all the Forces of the said Crown as if she had been one of its Patrimonial Dominions The Nobility of Genoa prosper'd no less in their private affairs then in the publick some of them were honoured by that Crown with great Honours and Imployments others were favoured with Offices Dignities and great Rewards the City her self was embellished with stately Edifices which were not inferiour for Ornament or Magnificence to those of â—…ny other private personages private houses were strangely beautified none were like to them for Plate Jewels nor Moveables neither in quality nor quantity for the fortunes of private men some amounted to the yearly rent of a hundred thousand Ducates many to half as much and very many to less but still very considerable sums by which riches and splendor the Commonwealth being become very powerful she might justly be adjudged to be brought to a better condition in all respects then ever she had formerly been for though in paâ—… Ages when she was wholly intent upon Maritime Affairs she was become very glorious for famous Victories made by her numerous powerful Fleets yet the vivacity and refinedness of the Genoese spirits being become fierce by continual use of Arms wanting Forreign Enemies she could hardly keep from civil dissentions the result whereof was the ruine of Military knowledge and the common Countries destruction the same vivacity and acuteness growing wanton by the continual peace of latter times and being refined in civil Arts hath made them study publick Government the more and more desirous to preserve their Country and Liberty as the Spring-head of all their good and as the only stay and foundation of their private fortunes and being hereby become so happy both in publick and in private she had no reason at the present to envy the condition of former times her Subjects were no less glorious then those of former times in Military Affairs and for what concerns the Gown and Civil Affairs undoubtedly far beyond them she had plenty of men excellent for learning and for all kind of Erudition very wise for State-Government and which is seldom seen in so great affluence of private Riches and Authority singular for Religion Piety and Charity towards their Country so as though in point of greatness of State she may yield the upper hand to some of the modern Commonwealths yet can she not be thought inferiour for unanimity of mind for a solid and well regulated Government nor for the love of Liberty The Legislators of antient times and those who in their Rules of Philosophy have left excellent Precepts of Policy always thought private riches and excessive power in private Citizens to be the corrupters of mens minds wherefore as if it were a Plague or pestiferous Venome in a well regulated Commonwealth they did so abhor it as Licurgus the wise composer of the Spartan Commonwealth not being content with an equality of Land amongst the Citizens of his Commonwealth he would not permit them the use of Silver or Gold In process of time the same Spartans did of their own free will yield up the command of Maritime Fleets which the Confederate Cities of Greece did maintain in common to the Athenians for fear lest their Citizens being accustomed to so great a command might become contumacious to the Orders of the County and might some time or other have some Plots upon the publick Liberty therefore they provided against too great power and authority in their Citizens by the Law of Ostracism and how much did the Agrarian Law trouble the Commonwealth of Rome It is too clear and manifest how the Roman Liberty was at lâ—…st overthrown first by the too extraordinary power of Marius and Sylla and afterwards by the like of Caesar and Pompey some of the modern Commonwealths out of the same respects give the command in chief of their Land Armies only to Forreigners and the Supream Government at Sea which they cannot take from their Citizens they confide it in them so allaied as they cannot exercise it within a hundred miles of the City nor is it permitted to their Citizens to receive Pensions or take imployments or dignities from other Princes nor yet to purchase estaâ—…es or fortunes in other Princes Dominions lest their dependency upon that Prince may prove prejudicial to the Commonwealth The Commonwealth of Genoa by a singular and happy example which doth confound both the precepts of the ancient and the institutions of modern Commonwealths doth not only sustain her 〈◊〉 by the greaâ—…ness of the private fortunes of her Citizens but doth from thence take â—…orce spirit and splendor and by means of her Citizens great power recovers sometimes her lost liberty sometimes preserves it and becomes considerable to Forreign Nations and to neighbouring Potentates The Citizens of this Commonwealth treat with the greatest Monarchs of Christendom they get Revenues in Forreign Countries they are admitted into
need thereof he granted them to the great Duke and denied them to the Commonwealth then whom none could have greater need thereof and he denied them also those Corsicks which were granted to the Pope for the service of the Apostolick See in the time of peace But for all this the Genoeses wanted not Forces to sustain and defend themselves for having always doubted that the clouds of Susa would discharge themselves in a great tempest upon them they had not been sparing nor negligent in making provisions against it they sent into Germany for two levies of Dutch the one of 2000 the other of 3000 Foot they took order for 30 Companies to consist of 200 Foot apiece to be raised by the richest and chiefest Gentlemen they sent for 600 Foot from Corsica they brought in the Prince of Bozolo with 800 Foot and 200 Horse Prince Doria raised 400 more at his own particular charge and finally they had many Commanders and other Citizens who assisted the Commonwealth with men paid by themselves and with ready moneys these Forces being put together and added to those of the preceding year and being secured by the choice Militia of the State they thought they needed not fear the Enemies assaults for though all the aforesaid preparations could not be in a readiness at the appearing of the Enemy yet they would have a strength of between eight and ten thousand Foot and 200 Horse in the State all of them being paid besides as many more of the ordinary Militia and the State of Genoa being begirt by the Apenine toward Piedmont and Lombardy the Enemy must either enter in a gross body or by small numbers if in a gross body the strength of situation the sterility of the Country the difficulty in bringing Victuals and other impediments did secure them from the progress of the Enemy it being impossible for great Armies to continue long in that enterprise without much Victuals if in small numbers the Army of the Commonwealth being assisted by the same difficulties and being accommodated by the Country would be sufficient for defence to this was added that howsoever the Enemies Army entred the Mountains they must needs leave the State of Millain on their backs wherein though there was not very great Force at the present yet the few that were there and the ordinary Militia of so great a State was doubtlesly sufficient to shut up the passes so as neither Victuals nor provisions could be brought them and having them behind they might be inclosed between them and the Forces of Genoa on their Front which might occasion them many troubles and dangers and be such a hinderance to them as they could not long continue in oppugning the City but when the Forces should be augmented in that State according to the orders that were given and provisions that were ordered the ruine of the Confederates Army did plainly appear since it would be shut up between barren Mountains and the Sea without Victuals Provisions or hope of succour they must therefore of necessity be very circumspect in their proceedings in engaging themselves far within the Liguâ—…ian Mountains having considerable Forces on their Front being not safe behind and exposed to the assaults of a powerful Enemy especially since the Commonwealth besides ten Gallies of her own which she had then at Sea being to receive all the King of Spains Gallies for her defence together with the succour of men which were already preparing in Naples and in Sicily the Enemy could hardly be relieved by Sea and yet the Duke of Savoy and the Constable preferring vain and uncertain supposals before so solid and undeniable ground-works doubted not to enter couragiously upon the business for making account that the English Fleet and that of Marcelles should appear strong and powerful in the Ligustick Sea at the same time that their Land Army should draw neer the Sea and that being to be much more in number and Forces then the Gallies of Spain and Genoa they thought they would not only be able to keep those Gallies from them but supply their Army with abundance of Victuals and Ammunition which they should bring along with them so as not only the danger of Famine and the difficulty of bringing Victuals to the Land Army ceased but the expence thereof they thought themselves sufficiently safe from being disturbed by the Millain Forces by the union and good correspondency which continued still between the two Crowns the which they firmly believed their proceeding against Genoa would no way oppugne since that State was not directly comprehended under the Territories of the Crown of Spain nor could they perswade themselves that the Governour of Millain should move for fear of being the author of the breach or that he would commit any hostile act against that Army in which together with the Ensigns Royal of France which he saw therein displaied the Lord high Constable of that Kingdom did wage war in person and the State of Millain being then almost unarmed and unprovided of any manner of warlike provision having the French in the Valtoline and upon the Confines of Como and the Venetians armed upon the Cremonesian Confines they thought their moving would be rather desired then dreaded on that part since their Army in all warlike reason was to be superiour as they were much superiour in numbers of fighting men and in valiant and experienced Commanders for which cause it was likewise probable that the Governour finding himself in such a multitude of business with but a few men and those ill ordered he would not dare to meddle with a fresh gallant and impetuous Army led on by two of the most famous Commanders of the present Age. And to the end that new levies of Dutch might not pass into the State of Millain the King of France held Treaties with the Swissers that they should keep their Passes shut till such time as the enterprise of Genoa should either be perfected or brought neer perfection and of so great authority were the Confederates especially the French at that time with that Nation as all the Cantons the Catholick Cantons being comprehended which are united to the Crown of Spain and confederate with the State of Millain suffer'd the French to pass armed thorow their Country and in order contrary to their ancient customs and institutions and which had never upon any occasion been violated of not allowing passage to Forreigners unless either unarmed or few at once and this for nothing else but out of their great desire of preserving their liberty nor did it seem that so unaccustomed a thing did proceed from ought else but from their firm opinion that the Confederates preparations would devour the State of Millain which they saw was wholly unprovided of defence so as if they adored the French as Victors they durst not anger them Thus the Duke and the Constable taking it for granted that they were sure of the State of Millain by going to Genoa and
grew afterwards somewhat stronger and got a little more field-room in the troubles and dangers which not long after befel the Genoeses at the which being but very little moved it was conceived that being herein also of intelligence with the other Confederates he was not less displeased to see business proceed successfully against Genoa then with those that had proceeded in the Valtoline The Valtoline being taken the Pope hearing the rumours which were spread abroad through Italy and in the Court of his intentions and seeing that all mens eyes were bent upon him he sent Bernardine Nari to Paris who was his Chamberlain and one that he loved very well and who was acceptable to that King as having been formerly a Page in that Court to complain of Coure's actions and shewing himself to be thereat offended he gave order for levying of men and made some other preparations for war which being unseasonable for what was past proved also unuseful for what was to insue for what remained he held very secret Consultations with the Cardinals and Embassadours of Savoy and Venice so as he seemed to continue his former Friendship and good Intelligence with them and that those his preparations were in order to somewhat else then for the recovery of the Valtoline or for the defence of the present state of Italy against the perturbers of her peace A little after the French entred and took the Valtoline under the Marquess Coure the Constable of France falling into Piedmont with about 14000 Foot amongst which were some Veterane Regiments and with 1500 Horse and joyning with the Duke of Savoy who had 14000 Foot and 2500 Horse together with much Artillery and Cannon for Battery they marched towards the State of Genoa the Constable being accompanied by his Son in Law Marquess Crickey and the Duke by his Son the Prince and were not only favoured by the Duke of Mantua who gave them free passage thorow the lower Montferrat but also by the season of the year which though it were in February 1625. yet contrary to the custom of that Country and to the season it self they were not hindred either by by ice or snow there was no title nor reason on the behalf of France for the war against Genoa nor were there any Heralds sent from that Court to demand or pretend unto any satisfaction for any offence done to that Crown by the Commonwealth nor was there any to be alledged nor did any of the French mention any end their King had in that enterprise save only some that vaunted that they went to free Genoa from being oppress'd as they said by the Spanish Tyranny others who were not so close let it sometimes slip out of their mouths that the King assisted the Duke of Savoy in resenting the injuries he received from the Genoeses by reason of the interest of alliance which he had with his family but when they were entred the State of Genoa they minded the making themselves masters of the Towns which they took and put Garrisons into them in the Kings name as belonging as they affirmed to the ancient Patrimony of France The Duke and Constable intended at very first to besiege the City of Genoa the Metropolitan of the whole State which not doubting but that they should easily take they thought they should find little difficulty in the rest of the enterprise news came at the same time that the Duke of Guise prepared a Fleet in Marcelles who having declared himself an enemy before any of the others had taken 150000 Ducates which being sent in small Vessels from Spain to Genoa came into the Ports of Province as into Friends Havens and it was given out that both that and the English Fleet would quickly appear in the Seas of Genoa The Commonwealth did not believe that the enemy would aim so high at the very first but that bending their first violence against the Western Seas and taking some important place they would fix their footing there and making it a Rendezvouz for Arms they would wait upon such occasions as time and condition of war would produce and proceed further afterwards and advance against the City wherefore they had distributed the greatest part of their best and most experienced men into the Towns of Savona Albenga 〈◊〉 Mauritio and Ventimiglia but receiving assured advertisement that the enemy was resolved the first thing they did to fall upon the City of Genoa they vaâ—…ed their form of defence and leaving Savona well Garrisoned which is a chief place of the State neerest the City and neerest the enemies Army they recalled all the rest of their people which were distributed along the River the greatest part whereof were presently sent to defend the Passes there are two ways which lead to Genoa from the lower Montferrat through which the Confederates Army past The one by Rossiglione which passing over the Apenine goes to Voltri a great Town upon the Sea ten miles Westward from the City the other by Gavio which passing also over the fame Apenine falls by the Valley of Poz Zevera to St. Pier d' arena two miles distant from the City towards the same side the latter being the more ordinary way for Carriages is more large and open and made more commodious and plain by Art as far as the situation will permit at the entrance into this way is Gavio a Town indifferently great but weak unless it be for a Castle seated on high and though little of no little consideration it is hard to bring Cannon by either of these ways and almost impossible by that of Rossiglione The Commonwealth therefore resolving to quit the defence of Novia and of Occada two great Towns the first beyond Gavio and the other beyond Rossiglione fell to fortifie Gavio and put 2000 Foot therein to defend it she also caused some Trenches and some Redoubts to be made beyond the straits of Rossiglione for the better security of that Pass for Garrison whereof were sent 2500 Foot by which and by the strength of the situation it appeared by the relation of experienced Commanders who were sent thither so secured as the Pass was thought almost invincible looking therefore 〈◊〉 the enemy would be longer detain'd they gave themselves with much study and industry to Munite the City which though it be walled about with great Walls and flank'd with good Bulwaâ—…ks yet being over-looked by Mountains which incompass it they chose to fortifie the top of those Mountains by a long continued Trench which beginning from the head of the Lanthorn which shuts up the Haven Westward should run upon the back of the Mountains and bending towards the East should descend into the Valley of Bisagno and should terminate there almost upon the point of Carignano which is the furthermost part of the City towards the East and because the Commonwealth knew she wanted a Commander in Chief who might be well experienced in war to whom they might commit the weight thereof
Constable not to the oppugning but to the expugning of this City not to the Assault but to the Conquest thereof not to the Combate but to the assured Victory which is promised and prepared for us by so many Circumstances and Arguments whereby the name of France and the Empire of that Crown which is already in the wane in Italy shall be by us raised up again and to our perpetual glory be restored to her former splendour and dignity and your Excellency by so signal an action shall crown your so many former praises and gloriously concluding your Heroick Deeds shall render your name more famous amongst the French and other Nations then that of any of those ancient Commanders which we remember or read of The Dukes Authority was not so powerful with the Constable as it had been and as fellowship in command is always full of emulation and jealousie the ends of Commanders not being always the same it appeared by several signs that neither were their wills the same he therefore answered If your Highness His Majesties Agents and the other Confederates had in some sort at least corresponded to the Obligations of the League and to the great offers made to me at Susa surely such exhortations as these would be superfluous to me nor should I who have always incited others to glorious and gallant actions need now such an Inciter for the very Reasons and the same Courage which in obedience to his Majesty and to serve so many Confederate Princes moved me in my old Age and in the midst of Winter to pass over the Alpes would of themselves be sufficient to bring the Enterprize to an honourable end which was resolved upon so good grounds and begun with so great preparations and greater cheerfulness but in a business of such weight we must go to work with understanding and casting up our accounts well we must not golgroping in the dark amidst so many dangers best we repent our rashness too late and lest instead of advantage which we pretend unto and the glory which we hope for we reap ruine loss and dishonour we go against a great City well peopled munited with strong Walls and invironed with many Fortifications as we are informed we go by uneasie ways by a barren Country by strong situations by craggy Mountains by Countries which have nothing left in them for the maintaining of an Army where are our Victuals for nourishment where Cattel for Carriage where Carriages for other Implements does your Highness know how far the Provisions which you ought to make prove short how far inferiour to your obligation and to what you did assure me they should be first in Susa and afterwards in Turin I do not here Dispute whether it be out of will out of negligence or impossibility that they have not yet appeared whatsoever the reason be it cannot be denied but that there is great want of them and that the consequence thereof is great for what we have to do the English Fleet and that of Marcelles which were the chief ground-works of our enterprise have not only not yet appeared in the Seas of Genoa but are not for ought we can learn come yet out of their Havens the supply of men which should be prepared in France for the necessary recruit of our Army which is weakned very much already and very much lessened we do not hear that they are yet sent no not so much as in a readiness nor is there any care had of us in that Court more then if we had never come out of that Kingdom and who can think but that a resolution wisely put on upon these ground-workes must needs run to ruine when these foundations fail and yet your Highness persisting in the same fervour thinks it great shame not to pursue that which it would have been great weakness to have begun without these foundations or to have resolved upon and which it would be great rashness to pursue whether of our two advices be the better if it were not convinced by common sense and reason would be better comprehended if we would but duly consider what our condition was when we had past the Apenine it being impossible if we should have met with any indifferent resistance to keep there idle destitute of Victuals and of all humane provision and who can doubt but that any the least stop any the sleightest hinderance to this your Highness his pretended Victory will redound to our own total ruine and destruction but why talk I of stops or hinderances our only tarrying for the bringing on of our Artillery and other Provisions which cannot March as fast as our Army the time onely to distribute out Quarters to make our selves masters of their Sentinels or Sconces to the disposing of our Artillery if we should meet with no other lets will be undoubtedly sufficient to ruine us and to destroy our men if we carry not Victuals along with us sufficient for our maintenance the mean while so as we shall have come thither for nothing else but to make our selves a ridiculous spectacle to the world through our rashness and indiscretion whereof our very enemies whilst sitting within their Walls will be the first and neerest spectators what will become of us then think you if the State of Millain which we shall leave behind us as a sure enemy shall move who can assure us that they will continue their hitherto feigned friendship with us when we shall have passed the Mountains what will the event be if the great succours and aids which are preparing in Naples and Sicily shall come from thence this mean while with what courage with what Forces can we at the same time mind the expugning of a City well walled well provided and succoured and resist the Forces of the State of Millain which shall come upon us whilst we are oppress'd by so many troubles straitned by so great necessities shut up between the Mountains and the Sea and deprived of any mortal succour will your Highness confide in the weaknesse of Enemy in the Peoples astonishment in the disorders of the City in the great intelligence which you confess you have there let us suppose that this being our condition the City Gates should be thrown open to us and that that should be the only way remaining for us in this extremity to get the Victory or rather to save our selves will your Highness persisting constantly in your opinion place I will not say the happy event of the Enterprize but the safety of our selves and of our reputations upon so acrial and so uncertain points the battel at Ottaggio may make your Highness know that the enemies are not so full of baseness and cowardize as your Highness believed them to be but a little before the taking of that little Burrough which made nothing at all for our main affair which wanted Artillery and whose Walls were for the most part down cost us the blood of our best men as your
Arsenal of Venice built certain Boats and Brigantines and putting them armed into the water he made himself master of the little Lake and of the Channel by which Boats came with Victuals and Ammunition to those of Riva remedies were found for both these inconveniences for Count Iovanni sent men to Riva who taking from the French the Fortifications which they had possess'd themselves off made the way open and rendred that pass free for Provisions and Succour and the Duke of Feria having also sent for experienced Ship-wrights and Mariners from Genoa he also put other Barques and Brigantines into the River which beâ—…ng well armed and man'd and some pieces of Artillery being placed in fitting palces upon the side of the Lake kept the way open as well by Water as by Land for Victuals and other Provisions and forthwith freed la Riva from being besieged but Coure's men being this mean while much recruited by more men and moneys sent by the Venetians who desired to see that Enterprise ended to the end that when the French should fall upon the State of Millain they might also assault it on their side and new Regiments of Souldiers being come unto him from the Swissers and Grisons Feria being very careful to defend that pass sent 2000 of those Dutch thither who came fiâ—…st to the State of Millain which hapned very opportunely for Coure being thus recruited would needs go to assault la Riva and do his utmost to take it and he found the Defendants also recruited who marching into the Field encountered the Enemy in a little Plain beyond Nova and fought them the Combate was very fierce and stoutly fought on all sides and the French being often times recruited the Fight continued till night upon the coming on whereof the French were forced to retreat with the loss of many of their men and could not only not come neer Riva but forsaking Campo withdrew into their Quarters about Vico and Vercei which were lower and farther distant from Riva These happy successes afforded the Duke of Feria breath he thought himself so safe from assaults on that side as he might have more leasure to think upon the affairs of Genoa in the freeing whereof the Victory in all parts did depend but the delay of the Dutch was a great hinderance to it which did proceed not only from the endeavours to the contrary of the Confederates and of the French but also from the avarice of the Cantons who were to permit them to pass who being Creditors to the Crown of Spain for pay denied them passage till they were paid their Arraers and the Governour being in great want of money much time was required to get the moneys wherewith to satisfie them before the coming of the Gallies from Spain to Genoa nor would they grant them free passage when they were satisfied as they had granted to the French but with many limitations which caused much delay and the Governour being much sollicited by the Genoeses whom he could not please before the arrival of the Dutch he made use of appearance instead of effects for making all things ready for marching he went from Millain to Pavia giving out that he would go to relieve Genoa and here according to what was published he was very diligent in making all requisite provisions for that succour and for the people who came daily from Genoa a shew which was very seasonable and which was thought did much detain the Enemies proceeding who seeing him ready to march could not without apparent danger to themselves keep their Quarters much less could they advance to their Enterprise to the home and neighbouring provisions which secured the Genoeses forreign and further distant accidents were added which though far enough off yet made much for their main business Don Frederico di Tolledo who was gone with a powerful Fleet to recover Brafile return'd at this time victorious into Spain and Marquess Spinola after nine moneths Siege took Breda in the defence and preservation whereof not only the Hollanders did labour with all their Forces but the Kings of France England Swethland and Denmark so as the Fleet which was return'd from Brasile was a strong defence to the Mediterranean against the English and the Flemish Fleets if entring the Mediterranean they should make for Genoa so also the Flanders Army being freed from besieging Breda might commodiously and without any impediment go whither it listed and keep France in j alousie which was then rent and disturbed with home discords and when the affairs of Genoa wherein that Crown was so concern'd should require it it was sufficient by molesting that Kingdom on that side to divert France from offending the Genoeses and the King of Spain being quite of these two impediments might imploy greaâ—…er Forces in defence of the State of Genoa to boot with these two Forreign accidents whereby the conditions of the affairs of Genoa were bettered three others which hapned neerer hand did much impair the affairs of the Confederates Army the one was that the Victuals and Provisions in the English Fleet were corrupted then when it was ready to put to Sea for Italy so as it was foced to tarry some moneths to take in new Provisions another that the Hereticks in France began again to tumultuate and the King being necessitated to quench the fire which was kindled in his own house could not furnish fuel to mantain combustion abroad the third that the Duke of Guise who was to put with his Fleet from Marcelles notwithstanding the 150000 Ducates taken from the Genoeses and other moneys which the Duke of Savoy furnished him with upon this account proceeded slowly in his preparations and could not put to Sea according to appointment therefore the Duke of Savoy and the Constable failing in the chief ground-works of their Enterprise and seeing the Enemies preparations to increase both in Genoa and in the State of Millain they were forced to think more upon their own safeties then upon the ruine of others The inward discords of their own Army was also a great break-neck to their affairs which keeping about Gavio Ottaggio and the neighbouring parts uncertain and not resolved what to do began to want Victuals the Country being barren and those spent which were in the Army at its first appearing and at the taking of Ottaggio for they could not hope for any from the State of Millain now that it was provided of Souldiers and very little came from Piedmont by reason of the length of the Journey the difficulty of the Guides and Conducts and by the hindrances they met with by the Montserrians who being irritated and angred at the ill usage they received from the Army as it passed through their Country declared themselves fierce Enemies hindring their Conducts killing the Conductors and all such Souldiers who to get rid of the sufferings of the Camp retired either into France or Piedmont The trocb'es were no less which they received from the Pozzeveraschy
time that the Galleoons and other Ships use to come thither which is just about the beginning of September to the end that guarded by those Galleoons and other Ships they may pursue their Voyage with more safety and less danger of Pyrates to boot with these other Ships of the neighbouring Kingdoms use to come thither at the same time so as the whole Flotta as they call it amounts to between 60 and 70 Vessels when they part from Havanna they must by the Streight of Beama a very dangerous Streight between the Island Beama and Florida fall into the open and immense Ocean whither when they are come they give fire to all their Artillery in sign of joy for that they have escaped so dangerous a passage and calling a Councel they open a Packet which is brought from Spain wherein there are Orders and Instructions from the King how they are to steer their Course in their return and in what height they are to keep from Climate to Climate to the end that their Enemies may not know what Course they steer who oft times lie in wait to surprize them these Ships which are called la Flotta d' America come usually into Spain in November and entring the Gulf of Cales goe to Sivil by the great River of Guadalquivir where the Merchandize and Treasure are brought to the Kings Officers and are by them delivered out according to their several proportions They bring with them commonly to the value of eleven Millions of Gold whereof two Millions consist in Merchandize the rest in Gold and Silver the fourth part whereof is calculated to belong unto the King the rest to particular Merchants the Merchandizes are Cuchunel Indico Campeggio or Campeche a medecinable wood Tebacco and beasts hides tan'd to make shooe-soles withall which they call Covie of the Ships when they go from Spain those which go first away with the Galleoons carry Silks and Woollen-cloath Cloath of Gold and other things of value the rest which are intended for Terra Firma carry great quantities of Linnen Wine Oyl and Olives in which things those Countries which stand in need thereof do abound for the King to keep those Provinces united and dependant upon his Kingdoms of Spain requires upon rigorous and severe penalties that two things be by them observed the one that neither Vines nor Olives be planted in America though that soil be very capable thereof the other that the Exchequer-rents and Kings Revenues of those Previnces may not upon any terms be sold to private men and hence it is that those Inhabitants being in a possibility of being besieged by Spain forasmuch as belongs to Wine and Oyle they are necessitated to keep Commerce with Europe and to tolerate the Sovereignty of a far distant King to the end that they may be provided thereof and not having elsewhere where to imploy their Riches they must send them into Spain to purchase annual revenues out of the forfeitures of those Kingdoms which by a Spanish word drawn from the Latine they call juri whence it is that almost all the ready moneys of America being transported into Spain raises the rates of the juri and occasions plenty of ready money and which is of greater importance the same juri serves the King as a pledge and surety of their fidelity and vassallage so as they can the lesse easily Rebell Nor were the Portuguese less fortunate in their Maritime Enterprises who some years before Colomba's Navigation undertook by Maritime Art and Study Navigations no less uncertain dangerous unusual and in mans opinion not to be achieved for the ancient Mathematicians and Cosmographers holding that the torried Zone was uninhabitable thought that that part of Africa which being wash'd by the Western Sea extends it self from the Streights of Gibraltar towards the South did enter into that Zone and that therefore it was in vain to sail any further that way or to coast along there without evident danger of their healths who should come to the Precincts of the Zone so as it was impossible to penetrate by Navigation from the Occidental African Ocean into the Oriental which washeth Asia and India but the Portugueses endeavouring to advance further did first discover the great Promontory of Capo Verde and the adjoyning Islands which the ancients called Hesperides and then advancing much further when they had past the Equinoctial line they arrived at the Kingdoms of Congo and Angola then passing the Tropick of Capricorn they at last compassed the enterprise which was before held so desperate and discovered the furthermost Promontory of Africa which they called Capo di buona Speranza or the Cape of good Hope and sailing from thence through the open Ocean towards the East they coasted so far along Africa which turned about thitherwards as discovering the mouths of the Arabian and Peâ—…sian Gulfs they came at last to that of the great Indo where laying the foundations of so great an Empire upon friendship made with some of those Barbarian Kings by the sole Trafick of Spices and other Levant Merchandiz they began to interpose themselves in the Wars which they made one against another adhering to some with their Arms suppressing some others insomuch as having gotten some Towns partly by agreement partly by force and fortifying themselves very well therein they laid some better ground-works of Empire in the midst of that Nation which from nothing or from very little increased so fast as exceeds all their Neighbours if not in greatness and union of State at least in Worth Maritime Forces and Civil Policy which by peradventure an unheard of example proceeding from so far distant parts curbs almost all the Kings and Potentates of those Regions for being either Tributaries adherents or Vassals of the Portuguese Empire they either by force or by private interest are become dependants upon the King of Portugal nor have they kept their Navigations and Acquisitions only within the Confines of India but as if one afforded materials for an other they still advanced till having gotten to the head of India which they call Comorino and hath on its Front the ancient Taprobana they entred into the Gulf of Bengala and from thence into the Molucca Islands the fertile Mother of Spices and to the great Kingdoms of China and Iapan and so bold and fortunate have they been as overcoming the Seas and finding them navigable they have gone about the whole World and joyning the East unto the West they have rendred the opinions of the Ancients fabulous and foolish who denied that the World was round the possibility of the Antipodes the peopling of the Zone and the conjunction of the Seas The Kings of Portugal govern'd this Empire and now the Kings of Castile in succession to those of Portugal by a Viceroy to whom retaining unto themselves all that is on this side of Capo dibuona Sper anza they give all Supream Arbitrement and disposal of all that belongs to them from the said Cape
the most famous Captains of the Swedish Army and Suevia and Alsatia fell to their share These going into their several divisions kindled a fire like so many Infernal Furies in four parts of Germany which bursting forth into a greater flame afterwards did lay it so waste and desolate as the desolations made during the Kings life were far inferiour to them For overrunning several Provinces which were sometimes taken by the Swedes sometimes retaken by the Imperalists these Provinces served onely for a Theatre or Scene whereon horrible spectacles of sad events were represented it would be tedious and not suiting to our purpose to relate distinctly the encounters losses and victories or the ruine of the poor people the surrendrings sacking and the firing of Cities which were taken and of making Provinces Widernesses for the several actions of every several Army would administer subject enough for a particular Story We will therefore limit our selves to those which were most famous and which belong chiefly to the main of the Empire and particularly to such as may by connexion participate with the adventures of Italy or which may have some influence upon them And so keeping to this as to the main body of the Tree since we cannot imbrace the rest we will leave out the Boughes and Branches which will contribute but a little to the structure of this Digression the intention whereof is onely as hath been said to make the way plain for the narration of what hapned afterward in â—…ly by a succinct Narrative of what hapned out oâ—… her Horne and Banniere having done many things with good success in Alsatia and Suevia sate down before Brisack a very strong Town upon the left side of the Rheine between Basil and Sâ—…asburg a place of great consequence not only by reason of the neighbouring Bridge but for the situation thereof which lay very convenient for Italy Burgondy Alsatia and Lorrain and having made good progress before it they had brought it unto great streights it therefore behoved the Emperour and the King of Spain for their joynt interest to have an eye to it and to endeavour that the loss thereof might not redound to the too great prejudice of the confining Provinces and to both their affairs and particularly that the loss thereof might not be too great an obstacle to the Infanta's journey who thinking to enter into Lorrain by Alsatia and from thence into Flanders by the Dukedom of Luxemberg which was his shortest and safest way could hardly prosecute this his intent if that Town should be taken by the enemy The Emperour had no Forces in those parts save what were under Aldringer in Bavaria the gross of his Army waÌ„s towards Bohemia under Wallestein and Aldringers Forces not being sufficient of themselves to relieve Brisack it was resolved that the Duke of Feria should in all haste joyn with Aldringer and go together with him to the relief of so important a place and thus as a forerunner make way for the Infanta's passage the Swedish Commanders had intelligence of this and of what Forces were to come and finding themselves too weak for them they thought they might easily hinder them by making themselves masters of Constance an Imperial City seated upon that Lake which the neighbouring Rheine makes and which taking its name from that City is called the Lake of Constance wherefore Horne leaving Banniere before Brisack with as many forces as were sufficient to maintain the Siege went with the rest to the taking of Constance which if he should do he might keep the two Armies from meeting and hearing that Feria advanced apace with a powerful Army he would not betake himself to the tediousness and uncertainty of a Siege but fell to take it by assault before that by Feria's coming the two Armies should joyn but his design proved vain as did also his fierce assaults wherewith he thought to effect his intent for the defence being stronger then the assaults by reason of the continual re-inforcement of munition that entred the City daily the business drew on in length till such time as Feria's Army appeared Feria came from the State of Millain about the end of August and passing through the Valtoline was come to the Confines of Germany he brought with him 10000 Foot and 1500 Horse all choice and veterane Souldiers very well in order and led on by valiant and experienced Captains Giarardo Gambacorti commanded the Horse Count Iohn Serbellone the Artillery Iovan Diâ—…z Samâ—… commanded the Spanish Foot Count Salmâ—… and Scombâ—… the Dutch Foot which were divided into two Regiments the Marquess Tarracusa the Neapolitans and Count Panigarola the Lombards when these came to the Confines of Burgondy 4000 Foot and 500 Burgondian Horse were added and when they were pass'd Tirvolo Aldringâ—…r joyâ—…d also with them with the Cesarean Army which was come from Bavaria and they went joyntly together toward Constance The City was freed at the very news of the approach of so great Forces Horne so famous and so valiant a Commander would not tarry to see them come but leaving many Arms and some Artillery in the Trenches retreated more inward into Germany and joyning with Weymer they received many Recruits which came from the more inward Countries under the young Duke of Wittenberg the Palatine and the 〈◊〉 Oâ—…o and being thus reinforced they resolved to encounter the Enemy who pursued them they therefore incamp'd and fortified themselves in some Woods and Hills not far from Dutling where they waited the enemies coming but when they came neeâ—… they durst not come forth into the open Campagâ—… nor accept of Battle which was offer'd them but suffer'd themselves to be insulted over within their Trenches by some Troops of Dragoons and Files of Musketeers which advanced from the enemies Camp after which they retreated to beyond the Danow burning the Bridge which they pass'd over to keep themselves from being overtaken by the enemy so they retreated into the Country of Wittenberg thinking that the enemy being to take Rinfeld and three other lesser Cities before they could come to Brisack Brisack would be forced to surrender for Famine before the succour could come but Rinfeld and all the other Cities yielded at the first appearance of the enemy within 24 hours and Feria and Aldringer made such haste as coming to Brisack they found the enemy retreated from thence having brought in the succour they made not any abode there but hardly affording their men leave to breathe they went towards Alsatia and regained many Towns which had been taken by the enemy and made good progress in those parts and had made greater and peradventure had wholly defeated the enemy if Aldringer had co-operated sincerely in the begun enterprise and in their ruine or had not the Dutch genius naturally averse to that of the Spaniards gain-said so gallant proceedings Feria was entred Germany with Title of the Emperours Commander from whom he had received ample Letters Patents whereby he
were therein comprehended they resolved to return to the Camp and have it cleared by the General who being interrogated thereupon it is not known whether as being terrified thereat and repenting what he had done he imbraced the occasion which might make for his justification or whether continuing in his first design of bringing the business to that good end for which he profess'd he had moved it he freely answered that the Swedes were to be prosecuted with the common forces and exâ—…irpated as disturbers of the publick peace of Germany and he was so resolute in this point as no reason which could be alledged to the contrary being able to alter his determination and Arnheim and his companions consenting by no means that the Swedes should be driven out the Capitulations were cancel'd and the Treaty of Agreement was at the same time almost concluded and broken yet the Capitulation was so detestable as all men were generally much scandalized with it the rather for that Wallestein strove not to regain his credit afterwards by contrary actions nor to cancel the sinister opinions which he had thereby purchased but as if he scorned the vulgar opinion giving them new colours he did consolidate them more and more till in time they proved pernicious to him The Capitulations being broken Wallestein sent part of his Forces to assault Saxony which made the Duke thereof recall his men from Slesia to defend himself Arnheim immediately after he had received his Princes Orders marched with his Army towards Saxony leaving a Garrison in Slesia under the old Count de Toure a chief Lord of Bohemia whose authority was so great in the Diets of that Kingdom as the Palatine acknowledged his promotion to that Crown from thence which made the Count be declared a Rebell by the Emperour Arnheim also left Colonel Tubal one of the chieâ—…est of the Swedish Commanders to accompany the Count. Wallestein kept behind Arnheim having also left as many men in Slesia as Arnheim had done but when he saw Arnheim so far advanced as he could not return to succour the Count in Slesia he faced about and returning speedily to Slesia he came thither just then when his men were ready to fight the enemy and he did so surround the enemy as he took the Count and Colonel Prisoners and gave life and liberty to all the other Souldiers and Officers upon condition that they would march into the Emperours quarters and joyn themselves to the Cesarean Army but the Colonel finding a means quickly how to escape made men suspect that Wallestein had underhand given him his liberty as he had openly given him his life The Count having bargained for his own liberty delivered up the Towns in Slesia which were yet in his power and those of least consequence being delivered up the Duâ—…mo di 〈◊〉 which was the chiefest and which commanded all the Province and which by agreement was to be delivered up held out so as the Counts presence being requisite for the surrender thereof he was set at liberty upon condition that he should return prisoner if the Duâ—…mo were not effectually delivered up which not being done and the Count not returning Fritland was still more blamed of collusion with both the prisoners and much more for that having sent so many of the enemies to the Emperours Army he was thought to have done it for that owing their lives to him they should upon all occasions depend upon him yet professing himself abused by the Count and breathing out nothing but revenge he went with his Army to Turingia and Lusatâ—… Provinces which belonged to the Emperour but were in the Duke of Saxony his possession and prosecuting his former designs he seemed resolved to make that Duke and the Marquess of Brandenberg make peace with the Emperour he therefore made much progress there took many Towns amongst others Franckfort upon the Odâ—…r and Lansperg in Marca di Brandenberg both of them great Cities and of much consequence whereby he made way for passing further into the march in the Country of Brandenberg and in Pomerania in which case if he should come to the Coasts of the Baltick Sea he would keep as he threatned to do the Swedes from being relieved from that Kingdom and from returning thereinto these threats accompanied by the multitude of his Forces and by his happy success did so terrifie those Electors as finding themselves unable to make resistance they press'd very eagerly for relief from the Confederates protesting that that if they were abandoned they must be forc'd to abandon the Common Cause and joyn with the Emperour Oxenstern and the other Heads of the League were divided in their judgements not knowing whether they were to abandon or to relieve those Princes for by abandoning them to boot with the great errour they should commit therein and to boot with the loss of reputation they foresaw the manifest ruine of their party and union On the contrary if they should relieve them they must quit all upper Germany to the Emperour so full of Cities and Towns upon the Rheine and the Danow which so much to their praise and encrease of Dominion they had won and from whence they got infinite contributions of Moneys Men Victuals and Munition which Towns and Territories being abandoned were necessarily to fall into the Emperours power if they should go to relieve Saxony and they should thereby infinitely weaken themselves and strengthen the Emperour so amidst these streights they pitch'd their thoughts upon Bavaria which A'dringer being gone into Alsatia was bereft of all defence and they held it their absolute best course to fall upon it with all the Forces they could assemble taking it for granted that when they should have won that Dukedom the way would be open for them to enter Austria and to come even to Vienna they were confident that by this noble and generous diversion without loss of honour or of any thing they had gotten nay by making yet much greater acquisitions they might bring that relief to the Electors which they could not do if they should go directly to their relief with all their Forces without manifest loss of honour and what they had gotten for the Emperour being assaulted in the midst of his Empire would be forced to recall his Army from offending the Electors to defend himself so as Fritlands cunning would be deluded and his counsels countermined wherewith he had fancied unto himself to destroy their League The success out-did the expectation of so noble and generous a resolution for Duke Weymer being deputed to execute it he with 50 Cornets of Horse and 15000 Foot took both sides of the Danow and coasting along came to Ratisbone where sitting down at unawares he after several batteries forc'd it to surrender within 12 days having gotten it he advanced and took Straubingen and dechendorfe great Towns upon the Rheine and with such gallant acquisitions advanc'd towards Austria so as the Court of Vienna was in
on before he could come to where the battle was fought By this victory the Swedish party which was before so formidable remained little less then quite overthrown Oxenstern who was their chief directer one who had been always undaunted when he heard the news was so astonished as that he knew not whither to turn or what to do to repair so great a blow He was at Francfort whither Weymer was retreated after the battle and having quickly gotten 3000 Foot which came from the Rhingrave of Hessen and from the Duke of Luneberg he with those and with some others partly fugitives partly those that he had sent for from other Garrisons went together with Weymer towards Mentz hoping to find some refuge there whereby to stop the precipice of so great a ruine But those of the Town affrighted at such a turn of Affairs were more desirous to obtain pardon for the faults they had already committed then to incense the Emperour by committing yet more so as they would not receive them They therefore retired towards the neighbouring Mountains of Rheine and threw a bridge over the River that they might receive great succours which they expected from France On the other side the victorious Army to which those of Norlingen did immediately surrender passing into the Countries of Wittenberg Franconia Suevia thinking that they would all come in and submit themselves and that they might get great compositions from thence which all the people and parts thereabouts did readily offer to shun the sacking and desolation of their Country The like did all the Cities upon the Rheine and Danube and those also upon the Iser Occino and Neccar Rivers of that part of Germany which had sided with the Swedes Thus the Conquerours minding more the reaping of advantage by their victory then to subdue the remainders of the conquer'd party afforded them conveniency of recruiting and of recovering their former condition and honour which though it was attributed to weakness in the Imperialists Counsels yet other more important reasons kept them from doing it lest they might put those remainders into utter despair They were yet posses'd of many principal Towns near the Rheine And the King of France being very much prest by them for succour made use of that present necessity which he saw they were in desiring that if they would have the demanded succour they would deliver up into his hands the important Town of Filisburg upon the Rheine so as the Cesareans thinking they might more easily recover those Towns from them then from the French were reserved in totally extirpating them to keep them from despair Thus in their low ebb of the reliques of the victories which they had formerly gotten made them secure and considerable even to their victorious Enemies as they had formerly when they got them made them formidable to Germany Not long after the battle it was consulted in the Camp whether the Infanta returning backwards should go for Flanders thorough Alsatia as he had formerly intended to do or whether being already so far advanced in Germany he should pursue his journey through the Palatinate For his going thorough Alsatia the conveniency which he might have to relieve Brisack which was again besieged by the Enemy was pleaded and the easiness and safety of his marching thorough that Country which was now free from Garrisons of the Enemy they being gon after the battle of Norlingen to joyn with their General The shortness of the march pleaded for the other way and the safety thereof it being void of the conquer'd Enemy as well as Alsatia as also the much pressing of the Flemmings that he would hasten his journey as much as he possibly could Moreover the Winter-season which upon any the least delay before Brisack would come on and would not only have block'd up that way but all other ways made more against his turning back and for his continuing the way he was in After several debates it was carried that he should go through the Palatinate wherefore the Infanta in company with the King of Hungary entring the Dukedom of Wittenberg and having reduced it to obedience for the Duke thereof was fled with some few into the Country of Saltsburg came into the lower Palatinate where the Infanta taking leave of the King and having obtain'd 2000 Horse from him for a conduct pass'd victoriously every where and as triumphing over the Enemies of the Catholick Faith and of the Empire not meeting with any opposition nay all places through which he pass'd yielded to him and he was furnish'd every where abundantly with victuals and all sorts of refreshments From the Palatinate he entred into the County of Nansaw and being come from thence to Cullen where he was honourably received by that Elector he pass'd into Flanders with as much quiet and safety as he passed through Castile and Arragon when he parted from Madrid He came into Brussels about the beginning of November in the year 1634. where he was received not only with great pomp but with incredible applause his coming was very seasonable for the ground-work was already laid for a strong League in those parts against the Spaniards between the King of France and the United Provinces which was concluded on the beginning of March following and thereupon powerful Armies were prepared by them both to assault joyntly the Provinces which were obedient to the Crown of Spain The King of France wanted only a pretence whereby to honest the breach But this new and great rupture not being to be cloaked the mask which had formerly been made use of between the two Crowns must be taken off and open War must be made which did necessarily require some pretence for its justification therefore the King of France made use of an occasion which hapned at this time The Archbishop of Triers one of the Electors held as hath been formerly said much closer Intelligence with the King of France then with the Emperour and Austrians with whom for many occasions he had been several times distasted and to boot that this City was a member of the German Empire it had been anciently under the protection of the Dukes of Luxemburg and by succession under the protection of the King of Spain who succeeded the ancient Dukes in that Dukedom and the King of Spain under colour of that pretension was wont to keep some Souldiers in Garrison there and to use some actions of Jurisdiction The Elector seeming to apprehend the Swedish Forces had as hath been formerly said put himself under the King of France his protection and received a French Garrison into the City expelling the Spanish Nor herewithal content he to the great prejudice of the German Affairs delivered up to the same King of France the Town of Hermensteyne it was also said that he was to accept of the Cardinal Richelieu as Co adjutor in the Archbishoprick to which the Electorship is annex'd with intention of leaving that Dignity to him afterwards and so
be a fit person to be imploy'd in the intended enterprise of the Valtoline as one who had been much acquainted with the humours of that people and of those parts wherein he had lived made him his General in that enterprise nor did he erre in his judgement or choice for he did many singular acts whereby he won much honour in the Valtoline and obtained many famous Victories there which had they been done in a larger and more noble field they might have made him vie for honour with the most eminent Commanders of this age When this business was first begun war was not as yet intimated to the King of Spain nor was the peace broken between the two Crowns the business of Triers from whence the breach of peace proceeded hapned at this time Rohan having received his Commission from the King went from Alsatia with but a few men to the Grisons whom he told that the time which they had so long desired and which the King had promised of recovering the Valtoline was at last come and acquainting them with the Kings Commission he exhorted them to concur with him in this business which was undertaken only for their good and would redound so much to their advantage The Grisons believing him took up Arms immediately and refused not to promote the cause with all their Forces Rohan had not many French with him so as he began the war of the Valtoline with almost none but the Grisons Forces it is true that the Venetians being very desirous that the Valtoline should return to its former condition dismiss'd 2000 French which were under their pay and who past easily into the Valtoline and joyn'd with Rohan who about the end of March in the year 35 sent first to take the Counties of Chiavenna and Bormio to the end that the way being block'd up to the Dutch Forces by the latter and to the State of Millain by the former the Valtoline might the sooner be recovered which was seated between those two Counties not being to be relieved on any side Nor was his counsel here in vain for about 1500 Foot the most whereof were Grisons and four Troops of French Horse falling down into Chiavenna under the Embassadour Dulande they took it together with the black-house of La Riva and presently began to munite and fortifie it There also was a Fort erected in the plain of Chiavenna beyond La Mera upon the way which leads from Millain called La Strada Francesca to keep any oppositions from coming that way And taking also some Barques for Merchandize which they found at La Riva they furnish'd them with Souldiers and kept them to defend the upper Lake With the like spâ—…ed he sent about 600 Foot to Bormio by the Mountains which were yet covered with snow who taking the unguarded Serra de Bagni which stands upon the Mountain which overlookes Bormio and confines upon Tyrvolo they fell down and took the Town of Bormio without any resistance together with the whole Country till you come to La Serra Della Valtolina so as that Country fell into their possession the Serra are nothing but certain great Gates or Portals of stone made in form of an Arch which are munited on the sides by ancient Towers with strong Gates of Wood scituated upon the passes whereby men enter and go out of that Country Who soever will come into these parts must pass through these Gates the passage in this Country being so streight as the entrance thereinto is let in or shut out just as in Cities or private Houses by the first Serra de Bagni the Dutch are kept out by the other towards the Valtoline the Spaniards These two Counties being taken and fortified Rohan went from Rhetia and entred the Valtoline about the beginning of May by the way of Poschiavo which lieth between these two precincts having with him 4000 Foot and 500 Horse and reduc'd it into his power without unsheathing a Sword or discharging a Gun and with much severity and inhumanity forced the Inhabitants to abandon the Spanish protection and to adhere unto the French Then building a Fort at Font Martello he fell down with his men towards Morbegno and quartering them in the Towns near the State of Millain he began to unarm the people and to put several Taxes upon them Nor herewithall content he forced them to swear Loyalty to the King of France and doing other things in the Kings Name he profess'd nothing less then the maintaining of the Valtolinians Liberty as by his Letters Patents he was bound to do and as he had promised the Valtolinians both by word and writing wherein he did not so much offend the Valtolinians as the Grisons to whom the King and Rohan himself that he might get them to joyn in this enterprise had promised that according to his directions from the King he would reunited them to their State and reduce them to their ancient subjection By which actions the Grisons were heinously scandalized and made their complaints to Rohan himself and required the observance of his plighted faith and the restitution of what had been taken who answered that when the War should be ended the King would restore all unto them provided that that they would reimburse him the monies which he had laid out At which answer being more angry and incensed then before they almost all of them left him and repassing over the Mountaines went back again displeased to their own homes By these so great and so many alterations and novelties the Austrians in Germany and Spaniards in the State of Millain were much moved and all of them endeavoured to bring what speedy and necessary help they could thereunto as to a blow which by the consequence thereof wounded the total of the common Affairs But the more the State of Millain was necessitated so to do the more was it retarded by weakness that State being then no less exhausted of military men then the Kingdom of Naples the flower of them both being gon into the low Countries So as they wanted Souldiers for their necessary Garrisons much more to send into the field weak was the preparation or provision therefore which from thence could be applied against this commencing mischief the Cardinal Albernozzi was now Governour of Millain a Church-man by profession and not at all experienced in the management of War he immediately deputed Count Iohn Serbellone with some few Foot Companies for the defence of those parts Who thinking that the first thing that was to be done was the recovery of Riva gave orde that a Gally should be drawn out of the Arsenal of Como which was built before these present Commotions and not thinking this sufficient for the businesse an other Gally was built by the monies of the Genoese great Masters at this mystery which was greater And seeing that the French were busie in fortifying places to block up the entrance into the Valtoline he betook himself also to fortifie other places
to oppose their proceedings but not succeeding herein the French failed not to continue the works which they had begun and brought them on to Morbengo and Trano the best Towns of the Valtoline the latter being seated on the right hand the other on the left of Adda And joyning with the Duke of Rohan who was already gotten to those Towns on the upper side they sent 400 Horse and 27 French Foot Colours into the Towns which lay lower towards the Lake striving to block up the Avenues to the Valtoline on that side and to keep out the Spaniards from whom they being then quartered in the Towns about Fort Fuentes they in vain endeavoured to secure themselves The French proceeded the better in their works for that Serbellone being then sick could not for many dayes oppose them so as necessarily Affairs proceeded but slowly on this side But greater and more speedy oppositions came from Germany which had they been so fortunate as they were valiantly brought on or had they not been defeated by Rohans better fortune they would assuredly have put an end to the woes that that Country suffered long under Seven thousand Foot sent by the Emperour under the Baron Fernamont who had woon much honour in the recovery of the great Fort Filsburg upon the Rheine met at Tyrvolo near the Confines of the Valtoline who falling down with them into the Vally of Munister he to succour himself on his back built a Fort above the Town Sancta Maria Then marching towards the Mountain Ombraglio that he might enter the Country of Bormio he was kept out by Rohan who had diligently prepossess'd the passes or Rohan hearing of great moving on that side and foreseeing the danger which might thence arise he feared and not withouâ—… reason that all his precedent actions would prove to no purpose unless he should secure himself well on this side Parting then from Morbegno he marched speedily to Bormio carrying many of his men with him and finding la Serra de Bagni which is the usual way to pass from Germany to the Valtoline sufficiently fortified and garrisoned he feared lest the Dutch not being able to enter by that way would come in by the lower way of Agnedina leaving therefore his men in Bormio he went with some few to Agnedina which is a part of Rhetia and by the assistance of those Inhabitants who are bitter Enemies to the Dutch he soon block'd up and munited those Passes and put the Agnedini in a defensive posture assuring them that he would still defend them with his Forces which lay not â—…ar off in Bormio in case they should be assaulted on that side This being done he returned to Bormio where taking fit order for all things he returned to Morbegno fearing that the Fortifications were not there well finished and that they might be assaulted by Serbellone but he cast his accounts amiss for Fernamont who having well munited the new Fort of S. Maria was passed over the Mountain Ombraglâ—…o seeming as if he would send men to assault the Bagni went to assault the Sconce Fraelle and having taken it he went from thence by unaccustomed ways and having the good luck to meet with excellent guides he came to a certain place where playing upon those that defended la Serra de Bagni on the Flank the defendants were forced to quit the Serra to the Dutch who much beyond either their own or their adversaries expectation became immediately masters thereof by which loss the French did not only abandon the Bagni but the Serra and the Town of Bormio and left the whole County at the disposal of the Dutch who in a short space march'd on victoriously even to Tirano in the midst of the Valtoline and Rohan judging it impossible to resist so great a fury abandon'd the Valtoline and fled with all his men from Morbegno to Chiavenna burning the Bridges of Adda to keep from being pursued by the Enemy But this his diligence was more then needed for Fernamont being come without any opposition to Tirano and understanding that Count Montosi was with a thousand Foot in the Valley of Lovigno which was on his left hand he feared that he might pass from thence to Bormio and block up the Gate of Germany which he had opened wherefore he forbore pursuing Rohan and turning upon Montosi came to Lovigno where he found all that Valley also abandoned for all the French which were with Montosi were retreated to the Mount in tops and passing from thence to Agnedina were come to joyn with Rohan who was come to the same Agnedina by the County of Chiavenna Thus far the affairs of the Valtoline went as well for the Austrians and as ill for the French as was possible and if Fernamont leaving Montosi had pursued his victory through the Valtoline or had gone to Riva 〈◊〉 Chiavenna or if Serbellone had advanced with his men to Tirano when the Dutch fell down to Bormio or had he advanced to Riva when the French began to flye doubtlesly they might have carried the whole business But though the necessity of securing the Pass of Bormio may excuse Serbellone's slow proceeding admits of no excuse Fernamont's second errour was greater he might have returned to the Valtoline when he found himself safe behind by Montosi's flight and joyning with Serbellone might have gone to Riva or Chiavenna which being almost abandoned he might easily have made himself Master of them entring into the Countrey of the Grisons by the Valley of Lovigno he might have encounter'd Rohan who in his flight past that way he might have fallen down upon Chiavenna by the Grisons Countrey and might have made himself Master thereof it being inclosed between his and Serbellone's Forces But not doing any of these things any of which if he had done he might have been sure of Victory he left his men in Lovigno and went privately to Tirvolo only to provide victuals for his Army that he might maintain them without incommodating the Countrey a resolution which though it was commendable for the piety thereof was to be blamed by reason of War for Rohan going to Coira and assembling the Inhabitants together he encouraged them the best he could to re-assume the business of the Valtoline which if it should fall into the hands of the Dutch they might despair of ever regaining it whereas he faithfully promised to restore it to them as soon as it should be recovered and said that he had Orders from the King so to do The Grisons abhorr'd that the Valtoline should fall into the hands of the Dutch wherefore they chose as the lesser evil to go immediately to the recovery thereof with those very French who but a little before had appeared so desirous to retain it for themselves they therefore joyned all their Forces with those of Rohan and fell down into the Valley of Lovigno and coming at unawares upon the Dutch before Sun-rising who looked for nothing less but were
that the Marshal was gone with his Army out of Vespolno and that he was ready to give him Battle if he should advance and that to that purpose he had sent some Forces that morning to Sastrego a Town neer Strano where the Governour was to quarter that night the truth is that the Marshal was advanced with 1500 Dragoons and 1000 Foot to Serano and leaving them all in a certain Wood he himself advanced to discover Serano where he intended to lie that night and so to advance towards the Tessino The Governour hearing this which was also confirm'd unto him by Gambacorta who was so far advanc'd and got so neer the Enemy as he could not retreat he sent him forthwith order to fall upon him assuring him that he would come in unto his succour with the rest of the Forces Gambacorta was not slow in executing his orders nor the Marshal less slow then he in receiving the onset thinking that the whole body of the Enemies Army was not there but onely some Troops of Horse which went for forrage or to quarter in the neighbouring Towns So as falling together by the ears they fought a while with equal Valour and Fortune till two Troops of Dragoons of the Spanish party advanced who gave fire so fast as beginning to disorder the first ranks which were already well advanced all the rest were routed by the Commissary General of the Cavalry Don Ferdinandod ' Heredia and turning their Horses heads began to run and were pursued for a mile and a half by Gambacorta till being come to the wood where the ambush lay they staid Gambacorta doubting the coming of the Governour whom he saw not yet appear and seeing that the Enemies faced about and prepared to resist feared an ambush and forbore pursuit nor durst he with unequal Forces run the hazard which he apprehended as if the Governour had come he would have done and so have gotten a fuller victory for which he deserved to be accounted not onely a valiant but a cautious and prudent Commander For being content with the slaughter and imprisonment of many he very seasonably with-drew himself and his men from the imminent danger There were slain in this conflict about 150 of the Marshals men and some 60 taken prisoners and all the mischief befell the Duke of Savoy's Horse which fought more stoutly then the rest and hereupon some dispute arose between the Duke and the Marshal The Duke complaining that the Marshal upon the first declension of the fight got upon a fleete Horse and to save his life abandoned the Dukes Horse Those that were worsted retreated from Vespolano to Palestre and the Governour going to Novara pursued the Enemy who though they made some shew of facing him yet when they heard he was come neer them they past back over the Sesia and retreated into Piedmont Hastily freeing that State which but a little before they had so resolutely assaulted And as this assault proved unfortunate for the assailants so neither had the diversion intended that effect which was hoped for For the States of Parma and Piacenza were molested in the interim the Duke of Modena was assisted in the State of Parma and the Kings men notwithstanding this unexpected assault were not sent for back from the parts about Piacenza But both the Dukedoms of Parma and Piacenza were sack'd fired and laid desolate and yet was the Duke of Modena sent to by the Pope to forbear all Hostillity against the Territories belonging to the Church and was desiâ—…ed by his Wife who was Sister to the Duke of Parma to come to composition and the great Duke of Tuscany Brother in law to the Duke of Parma interposed himself also in the business of compounding wherefore the Duke with-drew his Souldiers to within his own State But notwithstanding the Spaniards who were come to succour Modena forbore not to ransack the Country and to commit other hostile acts Carlo della Gatta having taken Castell St. Iovanni went to Rottofreno a Town 7 miles from Piacenza and not far from the Poe took it fortified it and put a Garrison of 600 Foot and 200 Horse into it which curb'd and troubled the whole Country It was likewise thought fit to molest the States in those parts which lay nearest Genoa 400 Foot were sent to Frederico Imperiale under Sergeant Major Francesco Tuttavilla and two Troops of Horse the one Curassiers the other Dragoons who together with some of Prince Doria his Militia being raised in Bobbio went against Valdetara a large Town belonging to the Duke of Parma where the Horse not being yet come 70 of the Trained Bands of the Country were entred but L'Imperiale making himself master of the parts thereabouts and causing two peice of Cannon to advance it yeilded That Town being taken and well garrison'd he went to destroy Le Ferriere a very advantagious place belonging to the Duke of Parma to which the way lies by a very narrow passage at the foot of a high Mountain called Della Penna wherein was a Garrison of the Duke of Parma's subjects L'Imperiale came against it with 500 Foot and the Troops of Dragoons the Pass after the first volley was abandoned all men running shamefully away passing on he came to Le Ferriere wherein there being a Garrison of the Country-men with some peices of Artillery and Morter-peices he met with some resistance but it lasted but a while for it yielded the same night that Imperiale came before it and all the Forges and instruments thereunto belonging were forthwith destroyed which was done by order from the Governour Moreover the Souldiers were permitted to plunder the whole Country who got thereby great booty in cattle and victuals Some few dayes after he past to the plain of Piacenza where he found the whole Country forsaken by the Inhabitants who fled and Imperiale advanced no further for hearing that greater number of the Dukes Forces both Horse and Foot drew nigh he kept his men on the side of the Mountain expecting greater recruits from Millain which did not onely not come for at Millain they endeavoured to send greater Forces on that side against the Dukes dominions but these very men were sent for back to be used in more necessary imployments The State of Millain was molested by the French at the same time that the Duke of Parma's Country was annoy'd by the Spaniards For the Garrison of Bremi over-running the adjacent parts of the State of Millain made themselves be soundly felt and on the other side the French were much afflicted with sickness occasioned by the ill ayr and marshes thereabout whereof 40 and 50 dying on a day they within a few moneths lost above 4000 of their men and it was thought what between the building and maintaining of that Garrison that Fort cost the French more men then the taking of such another would have done and diminishing not onely by the death of so many but also by the running away of multitudes
the Governour of Millain they are forc'd through Famine to quit it and retreat in face of the enemy to Carnignoula BUt for all this though the State of Millian was free from Wars at home yet could it not long continue the quiet which it enjoyed by the recovery of Bremi and as if it had been by fatal misfortune subject to a Series of troubles being freed from defensive Wars must be ingaged in Wars offensive not long after for the Interest of others The Duke of Savoys death the minority of his Children their Guardianship together with the Regency of the State which was disputed between the Mother and the Uncles of the Infants caused Civiâ—… Wars in Piedmont wherein France being zealously interressed for the Mother and Spain for the Uncles civil War was mixt with Forreign War which being not long after the Dukes death brought by Spanish Forces into Piedmont was there exercised with much fervour between the two Crowns the which Piedmont being to afford field room and the State of Millain Arms and fomentation the Millinaeses suffered no small prejudice upon the same account wherein the Piedmonteses suffered much more for the better knowledge whereof it will be necessary to take our rise a little higher There hath always been a competition for the guardianship of the Pupil Princes who are to succeed in the States between the Mother and the neerest kindred of the Fathers-side which competition though by the Roman Laws it be generally decided on the Mothers behalf yet being in substance variously practised by the Princes of the blood is not as yet decided but depending for it hath sometime been given absolutely to the Mother sometime to the kindred on the Fathers-side and sometimes joyntly to both nor hath Piedmont been exempt from the like Competition where though sometimes the kindred on the Fathers-side have been allowed the Guardianship of the Pupil Princes yet this hath hapned either by force of Arms or by the Mothers death or because the Fathers kindred have been chosen to be Guardians but this case not having hapned in this our age it was not evident in what condition the kindred was under the Supream Regency of the Mother and every one interpreted this obscurity to the Mothers advantage yet the condition of times and accidental Circumstance have always had a great stroke herein in these present ruptures the Princes could not be more crossed not onely in their pretending to Guardianship and administration of State but even in their returning to their own Country from whence they were excluded for to boot that they were far off when the Duke their brother died whereby the Duchess met not with those oppositions which she might have had had they been present their being in much disgrace with the King of France made much against their pretentions at the present for whereas they had formerly profest to adhere constantly to the King of France and his party they had with little respect quitted him a little before their brothers death and with much scandal to his Majesty were gone over to the King of Spains side Prince Thomaso was the first who being distasted by the Duke hâ—…s brother was gone from Savoy where he was Governour and past privately with his wife and Children into Flanders to the Infanta his Cousin-german where taking up Arms he stuck not to come into the open field as Captain and Conductor of the Spanish Forces and to march with open Colours as hath been elsewhere said against the Ensigns of France and the Prince Cardinal going not long after his brothers departure upon the same occasion from the Court at Turin went to Rome where he openly disclaimed the protection of France and turned over to the Emperour and to the House of Austria For which actions the first being hostile and the other so high an affront to the King of France his Majesty was much offended holding the one for an open enemy and the other as totally alienated from him and therefore desiring that the affairs of Piedmont might totally depend upon him he would not suffer that either of those Princes who were become followers of the Austrian and Spanish party should have any thing to do in the Guardianship of their Nephew or in the Government of the State which he would as in justice it did belong should totally and integrally depend upon his Sister He therefore informed her and his Agents did publickly protest that if she should receive the Princes into Piedmont much less admit them to share in the Regency or administration of State she would countervene the league which was made between him and the late Duke and which was yet in force and he desired that the Chief Towns should be assigned over to him for the safety of the young Duke lest the Uncles assisted by the Spanish forces might make themselves masters of the State to the perpetual exclusion of their Nephew Thus by reason of the Princes being absent from Court and through the King of France his anger conceived against them it was easier for the Lady Christiana sister to the King of France and Dutchess of Savoy to take absolute possession of the guardianship of her Children and of the Regency of the State to the which she was called by the Laws and by the ancient customs of the House of Savoy and not without some testimony of her Husbands Will. She therefore obtained that title by succession and reduced the Forts Arms Revenues and treasure of the State into her power which she did the more easily for that to boot with her right to the regency she was then fortified with both domestick and Forreign Forces which were then great and powerful in Piedmont for the Duke a little before his death and also the Marshal knowing how great an advantage the Fort of Bremi was to them had an intention to take Vigevano a City in the County of Pavia and to fortifie it and aspired to greater things There were therefore about 18000 fighting men in Piedmont part French and part Piedmontese who were in a readiness for such an Enterprize The supream command of the French did by the death of their General the Duke undoubtedly fall upon his Lieutenant-General the Marshal and none would think but that he would adhere unto his Kings Sister The Piedmontese were commanded by Marquess Villa General of the Dukes Horse one in whom the Dutchess might safely confide he being a well experienced Commander and of approved valour and one whom she upon all occasions had favoured very much The place of General of the Foot being vacant by Count Verrua's death was soon conferred by the Dutchess upon Iohn Iacinto di Simiana Marquess of Pianezza who was then Lieutenant-General of the Horse a man both very wise and valiant Her brothers favour being added to all this she was immediately after her Husbands death sworn Guardianess of her Children and Sovereign Regent in Vercelli by all the Gentlemen and Officers of the Court
Savoy as into a place of safety whereat the Piedmonteses were much distasted Marquess Villa's wife who had formerly been the Dukes Governess went along with his person and her children went along with her as play fellows to the young Duke and his sisters or as others would have it as hostages for their fathers Loyalty Chivazzo being taken the Prince no occasion being known why went not to Turin but towards the City of Inurea which presently yielded and the Prince Cardinal joyning with him they went together to Biela where they were likewise very readily received then turning towards the Valley of Austa they found the people there also very ready to render them obedience wherein the Baron of Castiglione had a great hand though the Marquess di Broz who was Governour of that Valley and very faithful to the Dowager endeavoured the Contrary for which he was imprisoned by the Princes thus were they possest of that Valley and in a very short time reduced likewise the whole Countrey of Biela and of Canevese to their devotion the Prince Cardinal tarried to carry on the acquisition of Piedmont whilest Prince Thomaso went to joyn with the Governour of Millain who marching with his Army out of Vercelli was also entred Piedmont and leaving S. â—…a and Pontestura behind him he marched tovvards Crescentino and by the way met the Prince who was come from Chavezzo to meet him they agreed joyntly to fall at one the same time upon Crescentine Verrua wherefore Don Iohn di Garrai being returned victorious from Cengio was ordered by the Governour not to pass the Poe but to affault Verrua at the same time that they should sit down before Crescentino Verrua was affaulted by Garrai and taken and soon after the Castle was surrendred by the Governour thereof who presently past over from the Dovvagers party and sided with the Princes and the business of Crescentino succeeded as happily on the other side of Poe where there was not above 800 Foot in Garrison some assaults were given the best resistance was made that could be but when they saw the Artillery ready to play upon the Walls they surrendred the Walls were immediately throvvn dovvn by order from the Governour to avoid the lessening of their forces which must needs have been occasioned by frequent Garrisons they resolved afterwards to go to before Turin and therefore the Governour being past the Poe and joyned with the body of the Army they marched towards it verily believing that the Dowager would not stay to be shut up in the City and that they should be the more easily received by the Citizens she being gone and that the Cardinal of Vallette and the Dowagers Generalls Villa and Pianezza would not continue to defend the City which was ready to mutiny against so gallant an Army but they found the contrary for the Dowager not at all dismaid at what had hapned and knowing how necessary her presence would be to the preservation of that City which was the Metropolis of the State and that it was onely her presence that kept the City from revolting resolved to tarry there the Cardinal of Vallette and Marquess Villa were already come thither with their Forces from Cengio and though they heard that Verrua and Crescentino were besieged yet they went not to relieve them thinking it necessary for them to preserve their men to desend the Capital City which they thought would ere long be assaulted by the Enemy but hearing that the Princes advanced with the Spanish Army towards the City they sent some French companies out against them between whom and the Spanish Army there passed some sleight Skirmissies the Army marched towards Rivoli Colegno Grasasco Bienasco and other neighbouring Towns partly to know the scituation of the City partly to give time for the ripening of some intelligence which the Princes held in the City as also to observe whether the Citizens were better inclined to the Princes or the Dowager perswading themselves that the abode of the Army wherein the Princes were thereabouts would move the people to insurrection to move them whereunto the Princes Writ to the Chief Gentlemen Ministers and Magistrates of the City declaring that they would receive the Gaurdianship of the Duke and Regency of the State from their hands acquainting them with their pretentions and objecting many things whereby to make the Dowagers power and authority invalid But nothing could perswade the City to favour them for the Dowager had made extraordinary provision to curb such Citizens as were likeliest to mutiny she placed Corps de Guard in many parts set forth severe Proclamations against any one who should but offer to stir she sent many of those who were most suspected out of the Town and imprisoned some The Artillery of the Citadel was also turn'd upon the City and she her self coming out amongst the people with an undaunted and manlike Courage did in her own person animate some with the suavity of her speeches and terrifie others with her bitter threats So as the Prince contrary to his expctation finding such quiet in the City resolved to draw the walls and to streighten the Town hoping that want of things necessary would sooner make it yield then force He did draw neer the City though he was shot at from the walls and though many Companies both of Horse and Foot sallyed out of the City which he easily drove back and made himself masâ—… of the Bridge and Covent of the Capuchins So as the Horse passing over the â—…oe by means of the bridge came to the new Gaâ—…e from whence some Troops of French Horse came out against them who were also forced to retreat into the City where the Citizens seeming very unwilling to take up Arms against the Princes there was no confusion wanting And the Dowager being to provide against inconveniences both within and without would not have been void of thoughts if Affairs had continued long in that condition especially since Prince Thomaso was already drawn neer the walls and was master of the field and endeavour'd to succour himself by Trenches and by his approaches to come to grapling having environed the Suburbs with Trenches he sent a Troop of Horse toward ill Ponte della Dora to drive away some squadrons of French Horse which were there to guard it but they could not do it for they were kept back and forc'd to retreat by the Artillery of the Porta Palazzo The Prince Cardinall came at this time to the Camp who went to quarter with his Brother and the Governour in the Vallentino a Palace of pleasure within 400 paces of the City upon the left side of the Poe a little above the Capuchins bridge part of the Army quarter'd about this Palace and part quarter'd in the Suburbs between the Poe and the City They then planted two batteries one at the Casetta Verde against the Porta Nova and the other at Albergo from whence they they began to play upon the City
Ceva alleadging that it would require but a few days and small Forces and was notwithstanding of great consequences to pursue the rest of the Campagnia with more considerable progress and that notwithstanding Harcourts self might be free with the whole body of his Army fit to oppose any attempt of the Enemy and to secure the Country the mean while till supplies might come from Frances whereby when he should be recruited he might beâ—…ake himself to more important enterprizes he said moreover that Marquess Villa would approve of it by reason of the great advantage that would thereby redound to the Dowagers affairs and for that being already upon the way to Ceva he would advance thither the more easily with his Horse and with the French Foot which were with him and lastly he pâ—…ofer'd to go thither himself in person with 1500 of the Dowagers Foot ' desiring only one Regiment of French and three small pieces of Artillery assuring him that without further incommodating his Army he and Villa would speedily dispatch the business Harcourt was pleased with the proposal and gave way unto it so Pianezza went towards Alba to joyn and settle the business with Villa who approving of the design took upon him to go with 800 of the choicest Musketiers and with the greatest part of the Horse but without baggage to prepossess himself of the Town and of the victuals that were there and to block up all Avenues from the bringing of any succour to the Fort whilest Pianezza should advance with the Foot Artillery and Munition Villa at his first arrival made himself master of the Town and of some neighboring places which might have been a hindrance to him in taking the Fort and Pianezza having overcome the difficulties of the ways which were bad enough for the bringing of Artillery came within three days to the Town of Ceva and joyning with Villa the next day which was the fourth of Iuly began to attach the Fort their men were divided into two parts Villa placed himself with one part under a certain Tenaglia which had been abandoned by the Enemy and Pianezza with the other part on the right side of the said Tenaglia against a bulwark which was neer the gate and ordering their Cannon they betook themselves to take away their defences and then to fall upon the wall and to make mines whilest these things were doing Harcourt kept about Alba to oppose any succour which should be brought to the Fort or to prevent any design that the Spaniards might have of falling upon any other place but it was more then needed for 〈◊〉 Governour keeping still in Millain and the Prince in Inurea thougâ—… Cardinal Trivultio was gone to Allessandria where the chief Heads of the Army were met and where the people of those parts being mâ—…t were ready at any beck of the Commanders yet the many provisions which were there taken proved to no purpose they being to expect resolution from Millain which not being according to the Prince his Genius the time for action was spent in sending re-sending the consultations answers and replyes between Millain Alessandria and Inurea Wherefore the siege continuing without disturbance Marquess Pianezza had been very diligent in working the Mines on his side and though he had met with some obstacles yet he overcame them and went on So as his Mine being perâ—…ected before that of the other side he feared lest the Enemy might blow it up be summoned them to surrender threatning that otherwise he would give fire to his Mine which when it should be once done there would be no more place for parley And answer being made that they desired first to see some effects Pianezza drew up his men immediately that they might fall on as soon as the Mine should have play'd which having made a breach of 25 paces brâ—…ad the besiegers made a furious assault which being manfully with-stood by the Defendants order was given for redoubling it with greater vigour But the Defendants having done their best at the first they feared what might ensued if they should be re-assaulted Whereâ—…ore seeing all things ready for giving a new assault they did beat a parley and articled to surrender whereupon about 200 Spaniards and Piedmontese march'd out and were according to Articles convoy'd to Bagnasco This business was of great consequence to the Dowagers affairs for to boot with the great advantage she got from that whole County the taking of this place drew after it the like of the City Citadel and County of Mondovi For the Fort of Ceva being taken and afterwards the Town of Mulasana the Marquesses resolved to go to the taking in of Carru a strong Castle in those parts which held still for the Princes and Pianezza marching thitherward with some squadrons advanced towaâ—…ds the City of Mondovi inâ—…ending rather to frighten it then out of hope to take it nor did this prove amiss for those Citizens being terrified when they saw the victorious Forces advance towards the City they fâ—…ared they were come to take it they therefore threw open the Gates and willingly surrendred it He pursued his march afterwards towards Carru which despairing of reâ—… surrendred within twenty fours Ceva and the City and County of Mondovi being taken all the neighbouring Country return'd to the Dowagers obedience together with the Fort Carru Whereby the City of Conio being almost quite separated from all the other Towns of Piedmont which were â—…eld either by the Princes or Spaniards it was thought it would not be hard to take iâ—… especially since it could not be succor'd by the County of Nizza on which it confined not so much for that the Prince Cardinal had no Forces to draw into the field as though he had had any or that he should be furnish'd with any from Spain by sea yet the ways were so bad which led from the seâ—… side to Pieâ—…mont and the passages so difficult as it was impossible to convey men thither So as no Forces were to be feared from that side and Harcourt being willing to make use of the occasion threw himself immediately before it with his own and with the Dowagers men The enterprize was very hopefull nor of less advantage and consquence by reason of the scituation which being placed at the foot of the Apenine where being cut off from the Alps it divides the County of Nizza from Piedmont Conio is seated in an eminent place enclosed between two Rivers which falling down by two Valleys formed by the Apennine and running some few miles by the plain which lies beneath enclose that Town between Of these two Rivers the one which is called Ghez runs so close by one side of the Town as it serves it for a safe and deep ditch and by the height of the steep banks makes it unaccessible the other which is called Stura being about a bow shot from the Town is not of so much safety to it wherefore the Fortifications are the
stronger on that side These Fortifications according to the ancient custom were very great and good but being much ruin'd by time they were well secured by many Rampiers with some half moons and out-works after that the Duke of Longueville as hath been said had been before it So as at the present it was sufficiently well fortified In the uppermost part of Conio there stands a Citadel which is well munited by the nearness of the two Rivers which joyn together a little beyond it and by Fortifications the Garrison consisted of 1400 part whereof were paid by the Prince Cardinal part by the Spaniards The first were commanded by Count Broglio the others by Leiutenant Colonel Catteneo to these were added all the Citizens and many of the Country people who were fit to bear Arms. Count Iovan Baptista Vivaldo was Governour of the place which was sufficiently provided of Ammunition and Victuals it was much esteemed for the opinion which was held of it that it was not to be taken this Fame it had gotten not onely by the scituation thereof but for its having withstood four Royal Armies led on by excellent Champions Wherefore Harcourt who thought the glory he had won in his former action somewhat eclips'd by his unfortunate success in the siege of Inurea aspired not onely to regain his former reputation by this action but to purchase much greater if he should effect that which many famous Commanders had failed in He ordered Marquess Villa to prepossess himself of the avenues taking with him 1500 of the Dowagers Horse and 1500 of the Kings Horse who at the very first rouâ—…ed a Corps de guard of Carbines commanded by the Commendadore Pagliero then going to St. Dalmatio to block up the wayes which leâ—…d from Nizza and passing within Cannon-shot of Conio 300 Horse from the City fell upon his Rere which facing about and being led on by Count Camerano Son to General Villa a young man but of great expectation beat them back to beyond the River Ghez The like befell 400 Country people who as they arrived at the Town fell upon them behind but being pursued by the same Camerano they were routed so as Villa quarter'd safely in Borgo St. Dalmatio the next day as he would have passed over the Stura so to go to Nostra Lignora del l'Olmo he found the Bridge prepossess'd by about 400 of the Country neighbours who broke the bridge and defended the passage but Villa causing the bridge to be re-made before their eyes made his Horse pass over thorough a foord not far off and his Foot over the bridge and fell upon the Country people slew many of them and went to quarter at Nostra Lignora d' Olmo and at the old Town The mean while General Harcourt advanced with the whole Army and within sight of the City where he taking up his quarters before he began his siege he heard that the Prince had muster'd all his men together in the Canavese and the Governour his in Alessandria whereby they caused apprehension in Chiavasso Turin Carmagnuola and in the neighbouring Towns wherefore he ordered Marquess Villa to go to the parts about Turin with the Dowagers Horse and some French Foot Regiments not so much to oppose the Enemies attempts as for the safer and easier conduct of the Artillery which were to be brought from thence to Conio which when they came to the Camp they began to make Trench es The first was drawn on against the Bastion di Nostraâ—… Signora d' Olmo where Castellano Camp-Marshal was to fall on the second against the Bastion del Caraglio under Count Plessis Pralin against whom those within the Town made a fierce sally which proved very bloody and prejudicial to the besiegers and wherein they lost many men amongst which two prime Gentlemen Leva and Fausone Hâ—…rcourt caused a third Trench to be afterwards opened against the Bastion St. Anna whilst Pralin's men were already got to the Counterscarf of the Ditch to lodge there but he was valiantly repulss'd by the Desendants Wherefore Motta's men joyning with Pralin after a long and bloody fight they took the place where Seignior della Moretta was slain yet the Defendants lost no Courage nor the oppugners They sprung several Mines in several places and many sallies were made by both parties to hinder each others works wherein the Defendants shew'd much valour particularly Count Broglio the business was very doubtful on both sides and dangerous which was increased on the besiegers side by news of Prince Thomaso who press'd the Governour of Millain extraordinarily for speedy succour and who it was said would speedily appear with powerfull Forces Treaties of Agreement were therefore willingly listned unto which were introduced by Ripa Bishop of Mondovi with the Prince Cardinal whom by Letters and by the means of Abbot Soldato he advertised what danger Piedmont was likely to run if the French should become masters of that place He therefore moved that the Town might be surrendred upon fair condition to the Duke under the Dowagers Regency which would be much better for the Family of Savoy then to suffer it to fall into the French hands The Cardinal was not averse to the Proposal he therefore sent Abbot Boschetti immediately away from Nizza to Limone the furthermost Confines of the County to hold on and to conclude this Treaty which could not but be very acceptable also to the Dowager since thereby the Princes and the French should be excluded from possessing the place which without any hazard should fall to her and to her Son Wherefore she sent Instructions to her Referendario Philippo who was in the Camp to hasten the conclusion thereof and not onely the Dowager and Prince Cardinall but Harcourt without whose consent the Dowager would do nothing gave way willingly thereunto thinking that the case being so doubtful much glory would redound to him by the surrender of the Town though it should not fall into the Kings hands since by his means it should be taken from the Prince Cardinal and be put into the Dukes hands Many were the debates and many the Proposals which were made to the Prince Cardinal to make him condescend to the surrender but he would accept of none being assured by the besieged and by many of his Court that the siege would finally prove vain Harcourt therefore wished it might speedily be concluded for when the Town should be ready to surrender he would hear of no Treaty but his threats were in vain for the Prince Cardinal was resolved not to admit of any treaty not so much out of the strength and impregnability of the place as out of the great hopes he had of powerful succour Prince Thomaso who was as desirous to preserve the Town press'd the Governour of Millain exceedingly for forces to relieve it but could never get him to come directly to the relief of Conio for the Spanish cautiousness would not permit him to hazard so great a strength of
the Enemy was pleased to impose upon them which were that the Garrison should be sent thorough France to the County of Burgondy which was under the King of Spain â—…he Governour had intended to relieve this place another time by sending 100 Horse and as many Dragoons thither before the surrender but the resolution being divulged and the Conductor who was no friend to Batteville carrying the business but ill-favour'dly it succeeded not for the relievers being come neer the Enemies Camp they found the Enemy ready to repulse them so they returned to Alessandria from whence they were come not having done any thing a greater disaster befel a Regiment of Horse which were sent to Montaldo a Town within six miles of Nizza to incommodâ—…ate the Enemy in their Forrage for being fallen upon by a greater number of Horse it was routed with loss of seventy Horse and the Captain had much ado to save himself Not long after Nizza was taken Don Mauritio of Savoy went with a good Body of Horse and some Foot Companies by night from Inurea to Arbo a Town in the Territories of Biela neer the Sesia whither 500 Horse were sent to be quartered under the Lieutenant General of the Millain Horse whom he assaulted three hours before day on two sides the quarter was put into great confusion and though the Lieutenant-General with some of his best men made head against them yet the rest fled awaâ—… and saved themselves by foording over the Sesia The Lieutenant having but few with him and being abandoned by the rest got over also by the same foord into the State of Millain leaving all his baggage and many of his Horse behind him to the Enemy there were not many slain for the foord being neer the quarter saved many of them Don Ieronymo Salvaterra was taken prisoner and Don Luigi Benavida both of them being wounded and if Don Mauritio had been aware to have placed some to have guarded the foord the victory would have been much greater The Marquess Caracena who was then in Vercelli thought to have served the Enemy with the like sauce for hearing that the Princes Horse were quartered in five places above Biela he rallied the Horse that were run from their quarters and joyning them to those that were in Garrison in Vercelli and St. Ia he marched with them and with 400 Foot about Sun-set thinking to fall upon the Prince his Horse which lay about Biela But he fared not as did Don Mauritio by reason of the disparity of the Countries through which they marched for Caracena marched through an Enemies Country and Mauritio thorow his friends quarters Wherefore the latter past with great silence and secrecie whereas Caracena found the Country up in Arms and the bells of the Towns by which he marched ringing aloud so as not being able to get to the place he intended before noon day his resentment proved vain save onely that he light upon 60 Horse which were given to Biela which he routed and took some of them prisoners Nizza being taken Longueville sat down before Acqui which he within a few days took and went to quarter at Gui intending as was imagined to go to the taking in of Tortona but he was disswaded by Prince Thomaso who thinking to succeed in the surprisal of Novara as he had plotted it inviâ—…ed the Duke to joyn with him in that enterprise Wherefore the Duke returning to Cassalle joyn'd with the Prince who staid for him at Balzola and Morano and passing together over the Sesia they marched towards Novara But whether it were that he could nor come at his appointed time to the Gates of Novara by reason of the excessive rain which had fallen for two days or that they had heard that the Marquess of Caracena fearing what the issue of this march would be was entred Novara with above 500 Horse and a great many Foot And that the Governour of Millain who was then in Alessandria had sent some foot from Garrison to Garrison by Valenza and Mortara so speedily as that these recruits coming before the Enemy arrived the Prince began to doubt his design he and the Duke retreated to Confienza and passing over the Sesia distributed their men in Constanza Dezava Carenzana and in other Towns thereabouts Where having tarryed a few days and moneys being sent from France they went to the former designed enterprise of Tortona The French Forces and those of the Dowagers in this Camp rose to the number of 5000 Horse and 10000 Foot Marquess Villa led on the Van Longueville followed with the Body of the Battle and Prince Thomaso brought up the Rere and passing over the Poe to Cassalle and over the Tanaro to Filizzano Villa advanc'd presently to possess himself of all the places neer the City to keep out Men and Munition which when it should be done this so important City would undoubtedly have been reduced within four dayes For Tortona being far from Piedmont none could imagine that the Enemy should leave the Towns unrecovered which were held by the Spaniards in the heart of the State and advance to this especially since the winter drew on and by the difficulty of bringing relief which was to be brought so far through an Enemies Country wherefore as if it had been out of all danger it had in it a Garrison of only 100 Souldiers and no Commander of note But the enemies diligence was prevented by the Governor Siruela who not knowing what to think of the haste which the Enemy made and not being able to comprehend where they intended to go though he wanted Foot to secure so many places subject to be assaulted by so great Forces yet after having sent succour to Allessandria from Valenza he sent 800 Foot to pass over the Poe at Bassignana and to keep in Piovera and ordered Don Iohn Vasques Coronado who was in Allessandria that if the Enemy should tarry in those parts he should send for those 800 Foot and with them succour Annone Rocaurano and Aste but if he should see them make towards Tortona he should forth-with send them to assist that City which was wisely foreseen by the Governour and being punctually observed by Vasques excellent effects did theâ—…eby redound to the Kings Affairs For these 800 Foot being luckily got into the City before Villa's arrivall some few of them onely who were neer in the Rere not being able to escape Villa's diligence who took them the Town was inabled to hold out the siege long which consumed more then the moiety of that flourishing Army which if they had quickly taken they might easily have made themselves Masters of all on this side the Poe towards the Apennine and would their Forces being entire have had opportunity to have effected the Prince his vast designes Not long after Bernardine Galeotti a Neapolitan and Prestino who was an excellent Enginier being sent by the Governour stole into the City passing over the Mountain which was not as yet guarded nor
keep the victuals and munition from coming to the enemies Camp which were sent from Piedmont by Montferrate believing that the Enemy not being able to maintain that siege long for scarcity of victuals and munition must of necessity give over the enterprize and to this purpose he acquainted the Commonwealth of Genoa how unjustly they intended to invade the State of Millain and how prejudicial that would be to the Genoeses wherefore he exhorted that State not to afford any conveniencies to their enemies the Commonwealth hereupon took into consideration how that all the Castles which she held beyond tâ—…e Apenine were open except it were Novi which was onely inviron'd with old weâ—…k walls and that sharing more of the sterility of the neâ—…ghbouring mountains then of the fruitfulness of the valleys of Lombardy they are of themselves not onely unable to feed Forreign Armies but even not onely to provide for themselves and that they â—…eeded to be provided with victuals from their neighbouring Towns Wherefore since they were more furnish'd with victuals from Novi then from home the inhibition desired by the Governour would be superflâ—…ous and no ways helpful to his pretended end but would be veâ—…y prejudâ—…cial to those people who would be thereby provoked to Military Licentiousness by the pillaging and plundering the whole Countrey in resentment of the affront nor would the mischief cease here for the King of France would be offended with the Common-wealth for this action which peradventure he would esteem little less then Hostile wherefore the Commonwealth having acquainted the Governour with these reasons sent a competent number of Souldiers to Novi under Philip Palavicino one well vers'd both in Civil and in Military affairs and enjoyned him that he should endeavour the quiet of those confines and to keep them from the inrode of disbanded Souldiers and not to suffer any innovation whereby the liberty of that market might be prejudiced so the French whose quarters lay neer that Market coming thither to buy victuals at any rates the prises rise to such a heighth as it drew great store of Victuals from the 〈◊〉 of Millian which was no little ease to the French Army which the Spaniards not being able to suffer who were for the most part quartered beyond Tortona towards the Poe could not make use of that market as the French did they complained of the Commonwealth as if she had favour'd the French more then them not seeing nor being willing to see that almost all the victuals which were brought to Novi came from the State of Millain and that they not being able by any means their own scourers of the Country could use to keep their own subjects from bringing victuals to Novi they were cause of that mischiefâ—… to themselves which they preâ—…ended to receive from the Commonwealth thus the French Army without loss of any time continued to besiege that Castle about which having taken up their quarters and drawn a line about it they made four approaches toward it two towards the City and two towards the Mountain and Turenna's Regiment being quartered over against a certain half moon he vvas forced by a gallant sally which was made to quit it the like to which befel another Regiment which was quartered upon the edge of the Ditch it being beaâ—…en back by another fierce sally several other sallies were likewise made with various Fortune but for the most part with advantage to the opposers And Bosco being inconvenient to the Governour Siruele by reason of its â—…ar distance for he could not from thence hinder a convoy of powder which was sent from Cassalle though he had sent the Marquess of Caracena to intercept it he thought he might keep out relief better by removing to Pozzola which lay upon the rode way to Tortona from Novi and Monferrate not above six miles from Tortona which was divided from thence by the Scrivia he therefore went thither with all his men but not being able to tarry there long by reason of the scarcity of water and forrage and because he thought the Castle could not hold out long he thought it necessary to give over the thought of belâ—…guering the Enemies Camp and to relieve it by open force he therefore resolved to go from Pozzuolo and to march towards Sale vvhich lies a little lovver tovvards the Poe on the leâ—…hand of Scrivia he marched in battle array in case he should be assaulted by the Camp from before Tortona as he vvas threatned to be he vvas also moved to remove his quarters hearing that Marquess Villa was gone from the Camp and having past over the Scrivia was marched towards the Tanaro to receive there a good quantity of powder which he knew was to be brought from Cassalle which the Governour 〈◊〉 of he had before sent order to Valenza that they might be careful to intercept it and those of Valenza were not negligent in observing his Orders for having assembled both Horse and Foot from the neighbouring parts they went in pursuit thereof and lighting upon the Convoy they fell so furiously upon the Convoyers as to save theâ—…r lives and not being able to save the Powder they threw a great part of it into the Poe and being come neer Bassignana they left the rest upon the banks of the Tanaro and Marquess Villa being come to that River and seeing the Country people busie in sharing the rest he set Musketiers along the shore for fear of whom the Country people fled and left the Ammunition and Villa spying a Barque which lay hulling in the River without any Boat-men he made some of his men swim towards it who took it and brought over the Ammunition in it and laying it upon carriage-horses which they had brought to that end they brought it safe to the Camp before Tortona whither Villa came safe also before the Governour of Millain got from Pozzuolo to Sale who since he had mist of meeting with Villa in his return as he intended to have done he sent some of his men to recover Casâ—…el nuovo di Scrivia from whence a Troop of Horse that lay there in Garrison going out to discover the Enemy they skirmished with them and were repuls'd by them and the keeper of the Castle at his return found the gates shut upon him by the Towns-men so as failing of that refuge he went to Pontecurone to joyn with the Horse which were quartered there and the Governour passing over the Scrivia with the rest of his men went to Castel nuovo which made all the Country towards Tortona on this side the River be abandoned by the Enemies Horse and Foot which were quartered in those parts who came all to the line of circumvolution about the Castle whereupon the Governour went to Pontecurone and finding it empty he made there a Rendezvous of Arms and placed some Troops of Horse there which were newly come from the State of Millain and hearing that there were only 100 French in Garrison
also there were but 1000 Foot and 200 Horse in Asti under the command of Captain Pietro Gonzales a valiant Commander the Governour fearing the loss of that City left a competent number of Souldiers before the Castle of Tortona and recommending the care of that Siege to Don Iovan Vasques Coronado went with the greatest part of his Forces into Alessandria that he might offer at relieving Asti at a neerer distance the Prince at his drawing neer that City endeavoured to steal over the Tanaro and to this purpose having got a barque which served to pass travellers over the river and a Mill which was fitted to the Haven he by means of these past some Souldiers over to the Abbey of S. Bartholomew that they might raise a little Fort to guard that shore where he left four Companies in Garrison the Governour having notice thereof sent Don Vincenzo Gonzaga that way with 3000 Foot and 200 Horse who when he came to the Abbey slew some of the Defendants and drove other some away took and destroy'd the Fort and made himself master of the Baâ—…que and of the Mill and the next day the Governour came to the same Abbey and clim'd up a hill together with the same Gonzaga and the Marquess of Caracena and Serra from whence he discovered the City and the Prince incamp'd before it and having by the consent of his companions sent 400 Horse over the Foord of Tanaro to relieve Asti giving the Captain express order that as he went towards the Foord he should observe what signs should be given him from the hill and perceiving that the Prince marched with all his horse to withstand their passage over the Foord the Governour made signs immediately to the Captain of the Horse that he should retreat who obeyed him the Governour by this unfortunate attempt lost all hopes of relieving the Town and not daring to forgo Tortona wherein he was so much concern'd for the preservation of Asti which he could not possibly effect without coming to a battle which Gonzales foreseeing or as some others say being advised by the Governour so to do and finding it impossible for him to defend so great a circuit of Wall with so few men after some shot was made he agreed with the Prince to abandon the City retaining the Cattle and the Citadel so as 200 Horse which he had with him might be suffer'd to pass safely into Alessandria which being agreed upon and performed the City came into the Prince his power who presently fell to make Mines under the Castle and Citadel so as the Castle being play'd upon by the Artillery and molested by Mines and some assaults which were valiantly withstood surrendred after three days space upon condition that Gonzales might go with 200 men which he had with him into the Citadel whereupon the Prince got the Castle and fell to besiege the Citadel which not being able to hold out for want of Victuals did ere long surâ—…ender upon honourable conditions by which Geonalea with the Garrison went safe into the City of Alessandria and the Prince by the full victory of that City became also master of the Tanaro the Governour foreseeing that Asti being taken the Prince would presently fall to relieve Tortona and to that purpose that he began to send quantity of provision into Nizza and Asti ordered Marquess Caracena to go with Horse and Foot to the taking in of Acqui whereunto Caracena thinking that it was needless to use Cannon by reason of a breach that was in the wall which though it were fil'd up with earth and bavins he went to give an assault on that part but not being able to force it he tarried there till Cannon were brought from the City of Alessandria which as soon as the Citizens saw they surrendered Acqui their lives being saved the womens honours preserved and respect being born to Churches that the Citizens might suffer less prejudice onely the Spaniards were suffer'd to enter who sent much of the meal that they found there into Annone and much whereof during the Siege was carried into the Castle about which Caracena not willing to busie himself especially since he had sent back the Cannon into Alessandria he sent Colonel Stoz with great part of his men to oppose a body of Horse which was sent by Plessis and Villa to relieve the besieged place which relief being repulss'd by Stoz Caracena past on to Rivalta in Montferrate where he fell to lay the country waste as well to feed his Horse with the unripe corn as to incommodiate the succorers in their march as much as he could 800 Neapolitan Horse were at this time come unto the camp which the Governour sent to Pozzvolo and the parts adjacent that they might keep off whosoever should come to relieve the place besieged he moreover caused deep ditches to be digg'd about the line of circomvolution and finally ommitted not any thing that was necessary for the obtaining of the victory which he so much desired Souldiers came also daily to within the line from the States Militia and many Millainese Lords amongst which Prince Trivultio who in the siege the year before came to the camp with 1500 Foot and 200 Horse all of them being his own Vassals and at his own charge conducted and not at all wearied with so great an expence he was one of the first that came now to the recovery of the lost City Prince Thomaso came also with so numerous a succour as was thought could not be withstood and foording over the Scrivia four Miles beneath Tortona he came to within four Miles of the City and kept his men in the Towns of Alvernca and Castellari which are at the Foot of the hill the next day being accompanied by Marquess Villa he went up the hill with four hundred Horse to discover the most convenient stations which when he had done he caused his men to come up the hill with the Artillery and placed them in Ranks together with the Artillery against the Line and made as if he would presently fall to an assault but did not the Spanish Army was ran ked on the other side with in the Line with their Artillery ready to receive and repulse the threatened assault but resolved not to stir out nor to forgo their advantage nor to hazard that victory which they thought they were sure of as long as they kept within the â—…renches at last after four days the Prince drew off and foregoing the thought of relieving the City and consequently the victory which he had so much striven for he came down the hill on the same side that he had come up making his Rere his Van his van his rere being come upon the plain he made some shot towards the Castle which served for a sign to the Desendants to wish them to surrender which they did the same day upon Honourable conditions of carrying with them four pieces of Cannon they marched out to the number of
some of the French the rest whereof retired into the Castle and made themselves Masters of the Town and the next day of the Castle which could not he relieved the Passes and Avenues thereunto being anticipately possessed The Duke being awakened as one out of a deep sleep by the loss of Roccavrano who had been quiet enough in Turin began to doubt Cortemiglia whither he presently sent some Regiments of Piedmontesans and 800 Switzers and coming from thence to Cherasco he furnished all his men in those parts with Ammunition and Artillery But the Spaniards perceiving by Letters which were intercepted that Count Guido went to the recovery of Roccavrano and that to that end the Count was come with some men to Castine Mortara Governour of Alessandria being sent to for succour by Cordova who was anxious of the mustering of men made by the Duke not far from his own and his companions quarters sent him 1000 Foot advising him to assemble together all the Souldiers which were quartered in those parts lest being assunder they might be the more easily oppress'd by the Duke And giving notice of every the least particular to the Governour and having after much pressing obtain'd means money and munition from him whereby to come into the field he went from Alessandria with 600 Souldiers five Troops of Horse and two field-pieces and having given order to Ieronymo Pimontello and to Ieronymo Gamboloita to go with a thousand Souldiers which yet remained with them from Tortona to Castine he himself directed his course also thitherward Here he thought to muster a body of 5000 Foot and 600 Horse all commanded men and most of them Spaniards and confided so much in their valour as perswading that the Dukes men would not be able to make head against him he promised himself secure victory at the first incounter Bistagno a Town of above a hundred and more Families belonging to Montferrat lies between Cassine and Cortemiglia and being upon the rode-way which comes from the Sea it is of no small moment for the safety of the usual passage of people who coming from the Ligustick Sea pass into the State of Millain Hither came Mortara lest the place might be prepossessed by the Duke and with him came Pimontello and Gamboloita with the men of Tortora and not long after Cordova who had left his Brigade in Spain and by order from the Governour Don Sanchio Salina likewise and Caracciolo to assist and advise Mortara whose too great fervour made the Governour apprehend some inconvenience Gamboloita was sent with his men and some few Horse to defend Monastero a place two miles beyond Bistagno for the safeguard of Cordova's men who were to come from Spigno to Bistagno but the Duke thought he had assuredly caught Mortara and the other Captains in a noose when he saw them come thither with so few men Wherefore placing the hope of so happy success in speed he came out of Cherasco and throwing a Bridge suddenly over the Tenaro he past over to Neviglie and came that way to Castino and so to Cortemiglia where leaving the Switzers and a great Garrison under the Commendatore della Motta he parted on the 16th of April being holy Thursday towards Bistagno with 1200 Horse and about 7000 Foot and thinking to get thither early in the morning and to have taken the enemy at unawares he marched apace all that night but being held play by the Garison of Vezema as he past over the Bridge at Bormia which is neer the Castle and having lost some time the nâ—…xt morning in sacking and burning Cassinasco a little Village which hâ—…d the boldness to resist him he mar'd his designe for Mortara having notice of the Kings coming whilst he was at Dinner sent Cordova presently away towards his Brigade he sent to his men who were quartered in the neighbouring parts to come to Bistagno and getting immediately on horse-back with Salina and Caracciolo and followed with a Troop of Horse with Musqueteers en Crupe he went towards the Hill which leads to Cassinisco to incounter the enemy but having advanced couragiously and placed some of his Musqueteers to defend the Passes he returned back immediately to take order for the defence of Bistagno where his men stood in battel array ready to receive the enemy but being astonished at the great number of men which they saw come down the Hill with the Duke they suddenly retired to within the walls of the Town and having flanked the Gate with earth they put themselves orderly in a defensive posture and Skirmished all that day and the next night seeking to keep the enemy aloof off lest coming near they might throw down the wall with Spades and Pick axes The mean time Salino Pimontello Caracciolo and chiefly Mortara's self though he was then troubled with the Gout sometimes on horse-back sometimes carried in a Chair went comforting providing for what was needful and incouraging the Souldiers in whose assistance the Towns-folk yea even the women labored with much affection and zeal though the Duke had sent Letters before his arrival to the Consuls and Officers of that Communalty wherein he professed his only aim was to secure his own State and to drive the Spaniards from thence promising safety both of life and lively-hoods but failing in his hopes of taking Bistagno by surprisal he be took himself to force and because he wanted great Guns which were left behind by reason of the speed of their march he began to block up the Avenues so to hinder relief He first repuls'd Gamboloita who marching with his men from Monastero would have gotten into Bistagno and not long after the same Gamboloita joining with those who came with Cordua from Spigno to relieve Mortara they were both of them set upon by the Dukes men led on by Cavalier Boglia and Monsieur di Polimia as they descended the Mountain beyond Bormia and after a Skirmish of three hours they were forced to retreat towards the top of the Mountain and to desist from the enterprise having won more praise for their daring then for Military discipline and left about 200 fighting men behind them The news of the danger Bistagno was in being divulged round about and afterwards throughout all Italy turn'd the eyes and minds of all men upon the Duke not only for the danger those Commanders who were the chiefest of all the Spanish Army were in of being made prisoners and the destruction of the men that were there but because upon the taking of that little Town the scattering of all those other men who were quartered in the Langhe did depend who being Veâ—…eran Souldiers and most of them Spaniards were thought to be the sinews of that Militia and the foundation of the Empire of thâ—…t Nation in Italy Moreover the Duke by his taking of Bistagne would have been master of all the Langhe and would not only have been a great hinderance to the succours which were expected from beyond Sea
but by assaulting Finale or the River of Genoa he would have freed his own State for that year from the war wherewith it was threatned and would have forced the Governour to have made either his own Country or that of the friends and Confederates of the Crown the Seat of war He was therefore admired and exalted even to the Stars for his Courage Counsel and Conduct for that when he seemed to be placed in an abyss of ruine having such great forces ordained against him and being so sorely threatened he rose up more couragiously and with greater vigour and had reduced the affairs of so potent an enemy into so difficult and dangerous a condition and particularly those of Mortara who presuming more then any other Spanish Commander whatsoever hath several times vaunted and particularly in a Letter which he writ at his parting from Alessandria to Don Carlo Doria at Genoa that he was gone to take the Duke Prisoner But fortune which doth usually disturb well-weighed designs looked not with a favourable aspect upon this the Dukes enterprise for the greater Guns tarrying behind by reason of the Dukes speedy march towards Bistagno and his being hindered by the cragginess of the ways and the deepness thereof he lost his design so as not being able to do any thing of moment with only two small pieces especially by reason of the sacks full of earth and straw which the Defendants hung out upon ropes Mortara had leasure to hold him play till succour came which the Duke fearing and yet being resolved to do his utmost he came to the wall with Spade and Pick-Ax to throw it down and attempted in the dark of night to make a furious assault he at the same time made the Pyoneers approach and put for the ultimate tryal of his and the enemies fortune but the Defendants being incouraged by seeing how little effect the Dukes Artillery did resisted stoutly here also For having notice of the Dukes intention they were very vigilant in making defence and did so clear the darkness with Faggots and Granadoes which they threw into the Ditch as they might see to hit those that approach'd the walls and so rendered this the Dukes indeavour vain as they had done the rest This mean while the Governour of Millain hearing at Pavia what danger Mortara was in though there was no good intelligence held between them because Mortara was wont to detract from his actions and as if he understood the mystery of the Militia better then the Governour pretended to teach him how to fight and because his much importunity had made the Governour give way to this his going out yet howsoever preferring the publick good and the Kings Service before any private enmity he resolved speedily to relieve him and the other Commanders who were in the like danger He therefore marched with between four and five thousand Foot and some Troops of Horse which he had near at hand and having sent strict Orders to all Capâ—…ains and Camp-masters to follow him with their men he marched with incredible speed towards Bistagno and being come within three miles of it on the second day in Easter-week he lay all that night in Terzo The Duke the next morning after which was the fourth day after his arrival hearing of the coming of so strong a succour began to dis-lodge and leaving 2500 Foot and the Horse on the Plain he sent the rest of his men with the Artillery towards the Hill The Horse and Foot which were left on the plain followed afterwards by the same way leaving much Ammunition in their Quarters Arms and many sick Souldiers who were unfit to march besides 1000 which were slain in the assaults and actions He departed unmolested for Mortara being more afraid then was needful would not suffer his men to go out and the Governour did not follow him but coming into Bistagno almost at the same instant that the Duke removed away and having heard Mass advised with his Counsel what was to be done upon the present occasion some of the Captains alledged the disturbance by rain the narrowness of the ways and the difficult passes which were fit for Ambuscadoes and wherein they not being able to make use of all their men the enemy might with a few men resist a much greater number others alledged the weariness of their own Souldiers and some hours being past before the Consultation wherefore they thought the Enemy was so far advanced as it was impossible to overtake them it was resolved the Governour himself being of the same opinion that they should not follow the flying Enemy a resolution whereby the glory due unto him for so speedy and seasonable a succour whereupon the welfare of so many well deserving Commanders did depend was turned to as much shame and dishonour for he was not only much blamed for letting slip so rare an occasion of victory but was worse spoke of the manner and circumstances of the present action being considered some spoke against the way he took by Acqui being the further about and worse then that of Nice which was both the nâ—…erer and would also have been a hindrance to the Duke in his retreat others added that to make the Dukes retreat the more easie he had forbidden Don Alphonso d' Avalos to advance who was Governour of Montferrat and who marching from Cassalle with 3000 Montferrian Foot and 300 Horse had sent some of his men to the Castle Palafea which being a place upon the way was very opportune to have detained the Duke and hindred his retreat so as when the Spaniards should have been come upon him and he consequently taken in the midst he must of necessity have been defeated Others argued some secret Intelligence held between them by the Governours lying all night in Terzo so neer the Enemy when the besieged were in so great danger Nor were there those wanting who said they had seen Messengers pass and repass between the two Camps and thereby as also by other counter-signs argued that the Dukes retreat was secured to him Howsoever it is most certain the Duke must have received a great blow had he been quickly pursued without so much counsel and such affected delays for his men were in very bad condition by reason of their sufferings and the hunger they had undergone before Bistagno and fearing to be assaulted threw away their Arms and fled in disorder and on the contrary the Duke had that very morning within three miles space 14000 Foot and 1500 Horse those of the Langhe being comprehended men who in respect of the Enemy were fresh and who had rested most part of that night For Cordova Gamboloita and other Commanders appeared immediately from the Langhe with all the people of those parts as also Iovan Bravo Carlo Spinelli and Iovan Pietro Serbelloni appeared that very morning from the State of Millain with their Brigades to boot with those of the Country Bistagno being freed the Governour without looking
so neer he therefore exhorted the Senate to make head against them in Gavio which whilst it was maintained did obstruct and being abandonded did make way for free passage to the City The Senate approved Doria's advice true it is that the Commonwealth building much in this so great terror upon his Counsel and Valour and upon the like of Benedetto Spinola who kept to defend Gavio sent for them both to Genoa that they might assist to defend the City and Spinâ—…la who upon this occasion was made Camp-master-general was by Doria's direction succeeded in the defence of Gavio by Iovan Baitista Meazza of Pavia Captain of the Millain Horse who were there in Garrison it was therefore ordered contrary to the former resolution that the Gallies should return the next morning with the people who were not yet landed to defend Guasco's coming to Genoa did also much incourage the Inhabitants and appease the confusion they were in who was sent by Feria with 2000 Foot and 200 Horse to the relief of the City and coming on the Easter Eve when the confusion was so great was received with great joy not only for the Forces which he brought with him but also for that thereby the jealousies which were had of Feria ceased and they hoped for greater succour so as now some hopes of preservation appeared especially since they heard that the Enemy came on no further by the way of Rossiglione they therefore knew that the City had conceived too excessive fear by the disaster of Rossiglione and Proclamation was made that upon pain of Death none should depart the City or send away any Goods or Moveables and they began very diligently to make Trenches to mount their Cannon to dig Ditches and to make other Fences for the City all both men and women being very intent upon the preservation of the publick safety and liberty but on the other side the Senate fearing that some new invasion might be made in the Western River especially since they heard that at this very time the Pimonteses were gone to Sassello a Town belonging to the Common-wealth lying a little above Savona and that they had taken it and fearing that General Doria by reason of his great years would not be able to provide at the same time for the defence of the River when it should be assaulted and of the parts beyond the Apenine whereby the the Army marched they chose Tomaso Caracolla who was then in Millain for their Camp-master-general and deputing him for defence of the State beyond the Apenine they sent Doria to recover Sassello and to defend the Western River On Holy-Thursday the Popes Gallies and those of the great Duke appeared in the Haven at Genoa which wafâ—…ed Cardinal Francisco Barbarini the Popes Nephew to Marcelles who was sent Legate à Latere to the King of France upon the occasion of the Valtoline and of these present occurrences a provision which was thought by many to be very weak and unseasonable to keep off this imminent storm and therefore as it proved useless afterwards so was it of very little hope now the Legate being arrived would not come on shore nor accept of any publick or private invitations many whereof were offer'd him excusing himself upon his precise Commissions and Orders limited by the Pope insomuch as there were some who interpreted this Embassie to be for some other more secret ends being staid there some time by contrary Winds he departed on Easter-day early in the morning towards Savona where he tarried some days expecting Monsieur Pamphillio Auditor di Ruota who going along with the Legate was to remain Nâ—…tio in ordinary in Spain and was sent from Savona to the Duke to get from him some cessation of Arms. The Duke seeming somewhat scandalized that the Legate came not himself in person gave Pamphillio but a cool welcome and by reason of the Victory at Rossiglione thinking that he had the City as good as in possession he did not grant the demand alledging for his refusal that being but a Souldier of the King of France in that war it was more then lay in his power not long after what had hapned at Rossiglione the Duke and Constable turn'd their Forces by the other way of Gavio and Ottaggio distrusting as I conceive to be able to advance by the way of Rossiglione The Genoeses penetrating into the design by what Doria had said and being somewhat freed from their first astonishment thought it necessary to turn their defence that way not only to oppose and weary the Enemies Forces but to get more time by delay for the coming of succour from the State of Millain from the Kingdoms of Naples and Sicily where they were raising and though all agreed in this yet they differ'd in their opinions touching the way of putting it in execution some were for re-inforcing the Garrison of Gavio whither Doria before he went from Ottaggio had sent 1500 who if Gavio should be lost might entertain the Enemy till more succour should come others were of opinion that all the Kings and Commonwealths Forces should march towards Ottaggio or the neighbouring parts and make use of the Mountains situationous and that giving more incouragement to the defence of Gavio they might force the Enemy to live more close and with more trouble and unquietness During these discourses Thomaso Caracciolo and the Baron Batteville came from Millain who unwilling either to approve or disapprove any of the aforesaid opinions before they had gone in person to know the situation of the Country and condition of the places that so they might give their opinion the better upon what was propounded it was forthwith resolved they should go into those parts and take with them 1000 of Guasco's Souldiers and that Guasco himself should go with them and be assistant to them in Counsel and that Doria should go to Savona and from thence to the recovery of Sassello which was soon recovered Camillo Cattaneo Knight of Malta came also to the City from Sicily one that had been long vers'd in the wars of Flanders who was presently sent with 2000 Foot to Masone and finding it not capable of so great a Garison he was ordered to go to Ottaggio so as between those who were there already and those that were to come thither within a few hours Caracciola had with him in Ottaggio about 5000 Foot and 80 Horse Caracciola leaving Guasco behind him to follow with the Foot came to Ottaggio about the going to of night and understanding immediately that the Duke being then very strong both in Horse and Foot was come to Caroxo a little Village in the mid way but neerer Ottaggio then Gavio and not thinking that he would come to an assault so soon he was not so diligent as was necessary the enemy being so neer with so great Forces and himself so couragious and the night being dark and rainy would not permit him to discover the condition of the situation and
circumstances of the Country some few men were only sent to guard the Passes and to re-inforce some of the neighbouring Hills and news coming to Genoa that for certain the Duke would make himself master of Ottaggio before he would attempt Gavio as well for the Victuals which he was confident he should find there as that the enemies being driven out of those quarters might be no hindrance to the taking of Gavio they only staid expecting the next days light to give necessary orders and make requisite provisions only they argued that night whether if the Duke should advance they should do better to wait for him within the Town or meet him in the Field Camillo Cattaneo was for keeping within to defend the Town and Caracciola that they should go out but supposing that the Duke could neither have Cannon nor be prepared for an assault they thought they should have time enough to do what should be best so as it would be superfluous to talk thereof now hoping that time the proceeding of the Enemy and the next days light would counsel them what they had best do Ottaggio is great and populous situated at the foot of the Apenine towards Lombardy upon the left hand of a rivulet which falls from the Mountain and runs along the Plain on which the Town stands which is weak and almost open for the ancient walls are ruinated in many places on the top of it there stands a little Castle much decay'd by time and standing upon the high-wâ—…y which leads to Genoa it was rich and populous through the Merchandize and passage which went and came continually from Lombardy and the Genoâ—…ses thinking that it might be made very tenable by reason of the situation if it should be fortified they made many Trenches in several parts as well to defend the way as the neighbouring Mountain the chiefest were one made to defend a little Bridge called Frasso half a mile beyond the Town the other a long Trench which extending from the foot of the Mountain to the rivulet sheltred the Town and the whole Campagnia on the front by these Works they thought they might be able long to withstand the oppugning of Ottaggio and keep the Enemy from entring by that way not considering on how many sides an Army may make its way The Duke who expected the speedy arrival of his Artillery resolved not to march that day so as the Commonwealths Captains might have had better conveniency to provide for defence but Monsieur Di San Anna being sent by the Duke with some Forces about break of day to discover the way and the first Fortications took the Fortifications of Frasso almost before he had discover'd them which were the first and were basely abandoned at the first appearance of the Enemy he sent forth with to acquaint the Duke with this his happy beginning the Duke was in doubt whether he should keep behind with all or with part of his men or make them retire from the place he had taken and whilst he knew not what to resolve upon he might hear a Skirmish which had hapned between his men and 400 Foot which were sent from Ottaggio to recover the abandoned place he was advertised of what was done and was sent to for succour for that his men were in great danger so seeing himself ingaged contrary to the orders he had given he commanded his men to advance crying out aloud and with much confidence this is a day of Victory going forth with all his men into the Field and sending part of his people by the Hills beyond the water who should seem as if they went to assault that Town on the back he disposed his Cavalry a long the River and kept the rest on this side and went with a large Front to assault the Plain and the Hills which stood over them The Genoese Commanders betook themselves to defence with no less courage though with worse order and fortune for Caracciola's power prevailing they march'd into the Field and whilst the 400 Foot which went to recover Frasso entertain the Duke they ordered their men thus The Plain which lies between Ottaggio and Frasso is divided on the left side whereof which is under the Hills they disposed of the Foot wherein were comprehended Guasco's men who were come but very then weary and wet in the way that lies neerest the River they placed 80 Horse divided into four small Squadrons they sent some to re-inforce those that were to defend the Hills by which the Enemy might advance the mean while the Duke having not only defended and kept Frasso which St. Anna had taken but repuls'd the 400 Foot that went to recover it he pursued them though not without trouble and difficulty for they retreated slowly still resisting and fighting and continuing thus for some hours the Duke came at last within sight of the Plain of Ottaggio where he might see the Commonwealths Forces in order and prepared for defence and staying his march a while that he might form his Squadrons and give fitting orders he sent to assault them on all sides those who defended the Hills were the first that gave back who being pursued by much a greater number retreated towards the Plain whither being come they disordered their friends Files who being justled by their friends and assaulted by the Enemy which pursued their friends they could not resist and the 80 Horse which they had placed in another part wheeling about at the first appearance of the Enemies Horse without striking one stroke the flight and confusion grew greater every where then the fighting so every one endeavouring their safety by retiring towards the Town the Field was forsaken and Caracciola who fought there manfully with a Pike in his hand and Agostino Spinola were taken Prisoners great was the slaughter of the Genoeses especially at a Portcullies which they found shut for there being here a great press of those that pursued and those that were pursued and little or no resistance made the Dukes men had opportunity to kill many yet this slaughter was not without revenge for the Portcullies being beaten down and the Dukes men entring the Town were very hardly dealt withall not only by Musket-shot from the windows but by two Barrels of powder to which fire being seasonably set many of the Dukes Souldiers perish'd amongst which many of the chiefest both for Birth and Valour yet that first part of the Town was taken by the Duke who without giving any time of respite fell upon the main Town which was divided by a little rivulet from the Suburbs which were taken where also the falling on was not only great but also the resistance and the oppugners received most prejudice who remaining an open mark to the shot of the defendants for there were neither Trenches nor cover'd approaches they fought for the space of three hours the defendants playing upon them from the Windows and tops of Houses yet the oppugners increasing every moment