they prepared either to revenge received wrongs or to keep off those which were threatned But the King of Spain was at the present troubled most to see that the King of France joyning with the Hollanders and Protestant Princes of Germany prepared to oppose his Brother the Infanta Cardinal Ferdinando his journey into Flanders wherein the Cardinall was first to advise and then to succeed his Aunt Clara Eugenia who was now grown very old in the government of those Provinces And the King thinking that by reason of so many oppositions it would be safer for him to go by Italy and Germany then by Sea he knew that it was necessary to make way for him by powerfull Armies wherefore to boot with the great preparation of Arms and Men made to this purpose by the Duke of Feria in the State of Millain it was also thought necessary to molest France on the parts towards Spain as well in regard of this expedition as for relieving Germany and Flanders opposed by the French that thereby the King of France being strongly assaulted on that side might not onely be diverted from opposing the Cardinals journey but also from fomenting the Wars of Germany and Flanders the Duke of Orleans Brother to the King of France who was already gon together with the Queen-Mother from the Court into Flanders was thought to be a proportionate means answerable to the assistance given by the King of France to the Rebel Hollanders Who by making head and holding intelligence with many French Lords that were displeased at Cardinal Richelieu his too great authority and at the Government of those times plotted new broyles in France he holding intelligence with the Duke of Momorancy Governour of Languedock and peradventure with the Duke of Guise Governour of Provence obtained 2000 excellent Horse from the King of Spain with which passing at unawares thorough France without any opposition for none durst take up Arms against the Kings Brother without express command from the King he came to Languedoâ—…k and by the assistance of the King of Spain's Army in Catalognia he thought to raise commotions in the Kingdom and to make a strong faction whereby he thought to allay the Cardinals authority and to alter the Government quite But being at the very first overcome by the Kings Forces and taken Prisoner together with Momorancy that fire was quench'd almost before it was kindled which would otherwise have held France long in combustion and consequently have kept the King and Richelieu from plotting mischieâ—… against the House of Austria Yet this did not retard the Infanta's journey who mounting into the Gallyes at Barcellona some moneths after Orleans his imprisonment came from thence to Genoa the year 1633. where being received with great pomp he saw and admired the great Fabrick of the new Walls passing from thence to Millain he found the Duke of Feria busie in raising an Army for his conduct and so intended to go speedily for Flanders War grew hotter in Germany after the battle of Lutzen and after the King of Sweden's death for neither the Swedish Commanders nor the German Princes who were alienated from the Emperour were any whit dismaid after the Kings death for the Swedes as if their dead Kings Spirit were revived in them continued the War with the like Courage and Fortune and the Princes and people of Germany being desirous of their pretended Liberty to the recovery whereof they were with much satisfaction led on by the King and almost put into possession being resolved not to fall from so exalted a beginning by the death of their Leader were wholly intent upon this and joyn'd in heart and in intelligence and avoiding all Strife and Emulation they formed a Faction which maintaining the dead Kings Quarrel might quell the Austrian Authority and might bring them to their desired Liberty Duke Bernard Waimer descended from the ancient Dukes of Saxony was chosen somewhat tumultuously by the Swedish Army to be their Captain General the next day after the battle of Lutzen he was a Captain of Courage and Authority and very highly esteem'd in the Army for his experience and Valour and moreover a great Enemy to the Austrian Name for that his great Grand-Father had been bereft by Charles the Fifth of the Electorall dignity and of the Dukedom of Saxony and he himself as descending from him was kept from it by the subsequent Austrian Emperours He muster'd the Souldiers that remained after the battle and finding them to amount to the number of 16000 he went with them to joyn with that part of the Duke of Saxony's Forces which not being present at the Batâ—…le was yet fresh and intire and entring therewithall into Saxony he drove out the Cesarean Garrisons who were possess'd thereof before and did not onely recover the City of Lipswick but all the rest of the Dukedom not meeting with any opposition for Wallestein the Emperours General being rather conquered then Conquerour had quitted the Field and his Cannon to the Enemy after the battle and was retreated with the remainder of his Army into Bohemia where partly minding the recruiting of his Army partly detain'd by the rigor of the Winter he suffered the Enemies Army to go whither it listed But the German Princes having obtained the same assistance from the Deputies of the Crown of Swethland which was given them during the Kings life and seeing the League confirm'd between the King of France and Crown of Swethland for the affairs of Germany they met in a Dyet about the beginning of the year 33 with the chief Officers and Captains of the Swedish Army wherein they agreed upon Nine Articles for the maintaining of the common cause and for the maintenance of the War which they resolved to continue in Germany with like fervour They made Oxenstern supream Governour of the common affairs who was Chancellor of Swethland and who coming into Germany with the King never parted from him a man of excellent Wisedom and profound Counsell very valiant and long experienced in Civil and Military Government to whom they gave a certain number of Deputies chosen out of divers Provinces of Germany which the Dutch call Circles who were as so many Senators to assist in Counsell with him They then divided all the Forces of their joynt union into four parts and made four Armies of them which were to carry on the War in four parts of Germany under four Commanders Arnheim the Duke of Saxony's General a stern Captain and little short of Wallestein in Military Affairs was to enter Slesia with the first Army of which Province the Duke of Saxony meant to make himself Master The second was given to the Duke of Lunenburg who was therewith to fall upon Westphalia The third was assigned to Duke Weymer who falling from the General-ship to which he was chosen by the Army by this reformation was to enter therewith into Franconia Marshal Horne and Col. Bannier were appointed to command the fourth two of
number of 13000 Horse and 20000 Foot in that of the Emperour which was governed by Gallasso under the title of the Kings Lieutenant Geneâ—…al were 7000 Horse commanded by Picolomini and 5000 Foot besides 2000 Hungarians and Croats which served more to trouble the Enemies quarters with inrodes then to fight in open fields In that of the League wherein Iohn de Vert the Duke of Lorreynes Lieutenant commanded at first and afterward the Duke himself when he was come unto the Camp were 3000 Horse and as many Foot in that of the Infanta's whereof the Marquess Leganes was Camp-master General were 3000 Horse under the Maâ—…quess Spinola and 12000 Foot under several Commanders all choice and veterane Souldiers composed of severall Nations besides many Gentlemen and Captains of quality who served as Voluntiers In this alâ—…eration of affairs the more that battle was desired by the Imperialists the more did the others coole in their desire thereof yet Weymeâ—… continued the same fervency rather to fight then to suffer such a City to be lost whilst he looked on and had past his word to those of Nordlingen to relieve them and free them from siege within six dayes His loss of Reputation egg'd him much on thereunto which â—…e foresaw he must undergo if the loss of this Town should be added to those of Ratisbone and Donevert whereby all the Hans Towns of Germany from whence he had so great supplies of Monies Men Munition and of Victuals for maintainance of the Army would certainly quite forego the Leagues party and turn over to the Emperour So as those supplies failing the General conâ—…ederacy would soon dissolve he was also encouraged to try his fortune by his having been so often victorious over the Imperiall Forces and by his being certainly advertised that the Infanta's men exceeded not 2000 Horse and 5000 Foot Wherefore despising the numbers of the one and the courage of the others he perswaded himself of assured victory On the contrary Horn the head of the Swâ—…dish Militia measuring things more warily was against hazarding the Forces of the League upon the event of battle and almost all the subordinate Captains were of his opinion They considered the uncertainty of battle that their numbers were fewer then those of the enemy that those whereof the Imperial Army was then full were valiant men that there were three Armies in one conducted by three great Princes that the King of Hungary had won much reputation by the Victories of Donevert and Ratisbone that the Infanta and Duke of Lorrain especially the Infanta had store of valiant and experienced men that the presence of these Princes was much to be considered by reason of the courage that upon such occasions it infuses into the Souldiery that therefore the hazarding of a Battle might prove dangerous that the Victory would be more certain by delay then by fighting for that the Cesarean Army was streightned in Victuals Straw and Foâ—…rage and could not consequently keep in those quarters long on the contrary that he was abundantly provided of all these things from the Country of Wittenberg which lay on his back so as since they might overcome and provide for the freeing of the Nordlingers by cunâ—…tation wherefore should they expose the main affair to the cast of a Dice to this was added the difficulty of the way by which they were to march it being an uneasie Country for the carrying of their Cannon and being possess'd and fortified by the enemy that to boot with all this they expected Count Otto of the Rhein with 2000 Horse and 5000 Foot and Count Cratz with 800 Horse and 3000 Foot which were very considerable Forces upon this occasion which were neer â—…and and therefore necessary to be tarried for but Crats appeâ—…ring during this ambiguity of opinion and the six days prefix'd for relieving the Nordlingeâ—…s being expired Weymer who as General of the Conâ—…ederates Forces was to govern being impatient of the least delay or doubting perhaps that the Rhingrave would not out of emulation for superiority joyn with him as he would not do in the relief of Ratisbone not suffering any further dispute commanded to proceed to the relief he had with him somewhat more then 9000 Horse and 16000 Foot whereof 4000 Horse and 5000 Foot were Germans 4000 Horse and 2500 Foot Swedes commanded by Marshal Horne 6000 Foot were brought into the Field by the Duke of Wittenberg and the 800 Horse and 3000 Foot brought by Count Crats which in all made up the number of 9000 Horse and 16000 Foot This resolution being put on they marched from their quarters intending to attempt a certain Wood by which they were to pass before they could come to the Field where they were to fight and because it was thought it would be hard to get into the Wood by reason that the way was so narrow it was resolved that when they should have gotten it they should proceed to assault the Camp which lay beyond the Wood and if they could not gain the Wood that then they should forbear and take up their Quarter in a convenient place neer a little River where they would wait for the coming of Count del Reno who was thought to be within a days march This Army appeared with this resolution before the Wood three hours before Sun-set against which 3000 Horse were immediately sent under Octavio Picolominy to discover it and to entertain the enemy by skirmish 〈◊〉 whose appearing as many of the contrary Camp advanced and fought till night drew on the Imperialists were wholly unprovided of Muskets and Field Artillery whereof the enemy was well provided the Imperialists therefore were worsted in this encounter and forced to retreat with the loss of many valiant Souldiers and of some Captains amongst which the Prior Aldobrandino Nephew to Pope Clement the 8th was one who having served with a Regiment many years in those wars had given good trial of his Military valour The Imperialists loss in this first encounter was notwithstanding fortunate for them for it was the rise of a signal Victory gotten by them the next day for the Victors having after this made themselves masteâ—…s of the Wood did not take up their quarters where they had designed nor waited not the coming of the Count del Reno but having won the Wood doubted not to pursue their Victory the next morning on the left side of the Wood there stood a little Hill which commanded the Imperial quarters and all the Plain wherein the Catholick Army were to receive the encounter and wherein the main Battle was to be fought The first of either of the Armies which should possess themselves of this Hill commanded absolutely the enemies quarters and the place which was destined for the future Battle Weymer had no sooner cast his eye upon it but considering the advantagiousness of the situation he designed to be master of it and there being another little Wood at the Foot of that Hill he thought
all his men The Duke was not hereat displeased but foregoing his former obdurancy out of hopes of soon obtaining part of Montferrat he did not insist so much as he had done upon the form of disarming and was perswaded to accept of the proposal Yet were it either that the Articles were cunningly contrived that the Duke giving free consent to the Article of disarming wherein the difficulty lay his fair pretence of providing for his own safety might be taken way or that the Governour thought the Articles repugnant to three points of the Kings Decree the Governour refused to accept of them so as the business was not perfected the rather for that the Governour boasting that he would chastise the Duke for his having entred the Kings Dominions in a hostile manner said he could not consent to any agreement unless the Duke should humble himself to the King and ask his pardon for having offended him by entring his Territories in hostile manner and therefore although the midst of November was over before the Fort was finished and the weather consequently grown very sharp and though the Army which was much lessened by mortality and by the running away of many ought to have been brought into winter Quarters yet the Governour being thereunto sollicited by many of his Captains and much press'd by many of the Officers of the Court who by their Letters desired very much to see the Dukes contumacy severely punish'd by some signal action resolved to go to before Asti for he despaired of getting Vercelles the Duke being there in person with the greatest part of his men This proposal had been several times press'd even from the very first beginning of the war by Rodorigo Oroseo Marquess of Mortara and Governour of Allessandria who being a Souldier and desirous to signalize himself promised the Governour that he would easily take it if he would give him 4000 Foot and 500 Horse but the Governour not giving way thereunto he grew more fervent therein when he saw the Duke busied in building the Fort hoping that he might get it the more easily for that the Duke keeping at Vercelles by reason of the neighbourhood of his Enemies could not divert him nor send any considerable Forces to relieve it Now the times being altered and what was more to be considered the form and design of the enterprise being varied the Governour would of himself attempt it with all his Forces and therefore leaving a sufficient Garrison in Sandoval and having sent away the Artillery before by the Tannaro he attempted to come before it with 1200 Horse 3000 Dutch Foot and 4000 Foot more of several Nations But the Duke as soon as he saw Vercelles free from the Enemies neighbourhood leaving his youngest Son Prince Thomaso there with a reasonable Garrison went with the rest of his men to the defence of Asti passing over the Poe by a Bridge which he quickly threw over between Crescentino and Verrua and whilst the Nuntio and the Embassadour entertained the Governour with divers promises that they would bring the Duke to disarm thereby making him lose much time the Duke minded the more the fortifying of the walls and of other fitting places for the defence of that City The Governours heat was somewhet cooled by the Dukes coming to Asti and much more by the French which he knew fell down into Piedmont wherefore he ordered Iovan Bravo who had already taken up his Quarters at Quarto a Village nere the City to retreat back into Annone and the season growing then to be very sharp and cold he was much confused and found no less difficulty in this Enterprise than in that of Vercelles He saw himself so far advanced as he could not with honour retreat to winter his Army about the City was very incommodious and dangerous to return once more bâ—…ck to the State of Millain did too much repugne the protestations and threats which he had given out he could not therefore do it without much blame and loss of Honour and without being subject to many severe reprehensions from the Court therefore calling a Counsel of War he asked his Field-Officers advice concerning the manner and possibility of quartering that Winter in the Dukes Country Several were the opinions many were against many for quartering there the former alledged the bitterness of the season the weakness and far distance between the places wherein they were to distribute their Army the Dukes being present there who being in a great City and capable of receiving all his men might sally out and suppress one by one all the places wherein their men should be quartered before being so far from one another they could joyn time enough in the common defence They therefore concluded it was better to amend the first resolution of coming before Asti then by persevering in the error be subject to the danger and mischief which might result thereupon The others pleaded and chiefly Morara the chief promoter of the enterprise the conveniences of the Quarters by reason of the vicinity of the State of Millain and of Montferrat from whence provisions might be conveniently brought and also the safety thereof in the Towns of that Country capable to quarter the whole Army which being fortifi'd by Trenches would be able to withstand sudden assaults till such time as succour might be brought from the neighbouring places They mentioned many good effects which might result therefrom first the preservation of the honour of the Kings Forces which otherwise would be totally lost that the State of Millain would be that Winter eased from the charge of quartering and on the contrary the enemies Country troubled therewith which would be thereby kept from assaulting the Kings Towns as they formerly had done and publickly threatned to do again that it was probably to be hoped that time might afford occasions of making themselves masters of the City that very Winter if the Duke not being able as he was not likely to be to keep his men long together without moneys they should chance to mutiny or any other unthought of accident should fall out And as for the bitterness of the season they said it was not now to be taken into consideration the Army being already in the enemies Country and since it differed not much from that when they went from the Novarese In this ambiguity of opinions the Governour sent some Commanders to discover the Country beyong the Tanaro and then going with part of his men by a Bridge which he threw over at Roccad ' Arazzo he ordered Mortara to possess himself with Bravo's Brigado of a Town called Zam up the River overagainst the City which being easily taken he went against 1000 men which he saw passing in boates over the Tanaro But they being quickly repassed and joyn'd with the rest of the Dukes men they began to skirmish with Muskets on both side the banks not without the prejudice and death of some of both the parties amongst which two Spanish
further after the Duke who was gotten but ill-favour'dly with his men into Canelli tarried divers days in Allessandria waiting for Men Ammunition and Artillery which he had sent for from several parts of the State of Millain for the enterprize of Asti which he gave out he would take in hand The Duke when he had brought his men into Canelli sent them by degrees into Asti whether he also sent victuals and Ammunition for the defence of that City against which he saw the Governour bent all his Forces who parting from Allessandria about the fifth of May tarried six days in Felizzano and going from thence to Annone the last Town upon the Confines of Millain he went with his Army towards Asti He had with him between 16 and 18000 Italian Foot 4000 Spaniards about 2000 Horse the Gens d' Armes being therein comprehended to boot with 6000 other Foot and 500 Horse which he had left under Cavagliero Melzi in Sandoval not so much to guard that Fort as to keep Vercelles in jealousie so as the Duke being forced to keep it well Garrison'd was the less able to defend Asti He had also 7000 other Foot which he shortly expected from Tuscanye Urbine and Lucca by Sea and those of Parma were already come unto the Camp At his going from Annone towards Asti he divided his Foot into four equal Squadrons which being led on by four Troops of Dragoons the Cavalry divided into two Squadrons winged the left side towards the Tannaro the more inward whereof was led on by Don Alfonso Pimontello General thereof and the outward by his Lieutenant Don Sanchio Salina after these came the Gens d' Arms conducted by their General the Marquess of Este the Baggage came after the Squadrons and the Artillery part whereof was also plac'd on the left hand of the Squadrons The City of Asti stands in a plain at the foot of some hills upon the top whereof stands the Castle joyn'd to the City of an ancient shape as are also the rest of the Walls of the City which therefore have not those Flanks nor Rampiers which are used in modern Fortifications On the South side the Tannaro runs two Musket shot distant from the walls the little hills which run in a large compass towards the North bending from thence towards the East terminate in Annone from whence like a half Amphitheaer they encompass all that plain between the Rivolea Versa and the hills of Tannato for some four miles space and somewhat further between Annone and Asti. But the Duke not at all affrighted at the approach of so great an Army would though weaker in Forces face them and hating to keep inclosed within walls would march into the field against them He had with him about some 15000 Foot and 1500 Horse most of them Forreigners and chiefly French who were come thither notwithstanding their Kings severe Edicts to the contrary for the Princes of that Kingdom being desirous of new perturbations and ruptures between the two Kings and it may be that their King might be the Arbitrator of Peace and War in Italy sent many men thither thinking that look how many more of their Nation should be in the Dukes service both Peace and War should the more depend upon their Kings Being come neer Versa and having taken up his Quarters upon the inward bank of the River where was no commodious foording save in two places he sent Monsieur de Roason with 200 Lorrain Horse beyond the River that he might get into some houses belonging to an Inn called Corce Bianca the first bickering fell out here between these men and Alphonso Balesteros Comissary General of the Kings Horse who was sent before with 400 Dragoons to discover the enemy This Skirmish by the concourse of people on both sides grew almost to a Battel the Duke having sent his Van to relieve his men and the Governour some Troops of Curassiers with the Burgonian Forces led on by the Baton Batteville who was also followed by Alfonso Pimontello with his Horse Troop so as the fray increasing both sides fought valiantly in which fight it hapned that the Lorrainers who were on the Dukes side being cloathed and weaponed like to the Kings Burgonians did so mingle with the Burgonians as passing unknown thorow the midst of them they advanc'd even to within sight of the Spanish Camp The Governour advancing towards them bare headed thinking they were his men who fled began much to his danger to reprehend them and to bid them return and fight valiantly but they for fear of death in case they should be known seeming as if they would return to the Skirmish retreated dexterously to their own men leaving their Captain Prisoner together with Cavalier San Rainero and some others There died in this Skirmish an Ensign-Bearer of the Dukes with some others of both sides Balesteros was sorely wounded and Baron Batteville sleightly who together with his Burgonians behaved themselves gallantly both here and during this whole Campagnia and were of great aid to the Enterprise Don Pimentello's Horse fell over and over with him not without great danger of death The Skirmish being over for the Dukes men retreated to beyond the River the Governour advanced even to Versa and took up his Quarters there in the face of the Dukes Army but he sent Iovan Bravo with his Brigade and some pieces of Artillery to Quarter upon the little Hills for his own more safety and for the prejudice of the Enemy But the Duke having munited all the bank of Versa on his side with a long Trench which reached from the little Hills to the Tannaro sent also 2000 Foot to possess themselves of the Hill which was opposite to that where Bravo was Quartered and being mightily well sheltered on all sides and fortified nor being to be assaulted there without apparent danger to the Assailants they began to skirmish from the Hills and from the opposite Trenches with Muskets and Bumbards but more out of force and fury than out of any well taken advice or any great effect This Skirmish continued two or three days without any advantage on either side so as the Spaniards thinking it a shame that the Duke with so unequal Forces durst confront them and keep himself equal to their Army so long they resolved to advance by the Hillocks intending to fight him both on the back and flanks in his own Quarters and to beat up his Quarters The Enterprise was committed to the Prince of Ascoli who whilst he foreslowed the execution thereof meeting with some impediments he afforded the Duke who had notice of all proceedings leasure to possess himself of other stations fitter to hinder or at least to make the Enemies progress more difficult in that part And because it was necessary for the Prince to go by way of anticipation to the oppugning of Castiglione a little Castle scituated upon a little Hill which being of some consequence was furnished with a reasonable
Captains and Counsellors about him rather Rivals then Confidents had need of a Counsellor and Moderator who might not only be experienced but faithful And Don Gonzallo was allied unto the Governour wherefore he had reason to confide in him They consulted of all things in Occimiano wherein the Consultors differed in their opinions to attempt Asti or Vercelles so to open their way into Piedmont would be long and laboursome Enterprises and the event uncertain wherein together with the ruine of their whole Army their Honour was much hazarded without any apparent signe of profit for if peace should be made they must be necessitated to restore them And it was already supposed for certain that the King was not inclined to possess himself of any thing belonging to the Duke with an intention to detain it To what purpose would it be then to take so much pains to shed so much blood and spend so much money in taking a place which was afterwards to be restored It was therefore agreed that it would be better and â—…arer by making In rodes into the open Towns of Piedmont and by destroying and burning them and so to afflict the Duke by those means as that he might be quiet for the future and that he might not afterwards think it lawful to disturb the peace of Italy upon any sleight occasion Thus they thought that without danger of wasting their men or hazarding their reputation upon the uncertain taking of a Town they might safely enter Piedmont and overcome it with a fresh and numerous Army and with the Polack and Croat Cavalry which were naturally good at In rodes and the laying of Countries waste For that the Confederates Army being weakned and almost annihilated would not dare to fight nor appear against them in open field which resolution being divulged infused such terror into Piedmont as not only the Inhabitants of the weaker Towns but even the very Citizens of Turin not thinking themselves safe within those walls nor under the shelter of that Citadel they fled towards the Alpes with all the best things they had in so much as the Duke began to taste of that fright and fear in his own Territories which he had a little before occasioned in Genoa But this resolution which undoubtedly was the safest was out-voted by another which was to attempt the taking of some Towns in Piedmont first and this not so much out of good reason of war and for securing their entry which they resolved to do howsoever as out of Ambition thinking it not becoming the Grandezza and Reputation of so numerous an Army to do nothing but make In-rodâ—…s and lay the Country waste They were the more easily induced to give way to this for that they thought they might secretly and without much difficulty effect their desires Fixing their eyes therefore according to wont upon the Cities of Asti or Vercelles or upon the Towns of Verrua or Crescentino they kept still in Occimiano a place almost equally distant from those four Towns providing Bottoms to throw a Bridge over the Poe at Pontestura giving out that they would pass thereby over either to Vercelles or Crescentino to the end that the Duke not being able for want of men to furnish all those Towns at one and the same time might by betaking himself to defend some one of them afford them opportunity of turning upon that which should be worst provided which thinking they might easily take it might open the way for them to prosecute their resolution of prejudicing Piedmont But this design which by speedy execution might easily be effected was hindred by the accustomed and almost natural slow proceeding of the Spaniards for though the throwing the Bridge over at Pontestuna made the Duke bethink himself of Crescentino and that therefore he came with the rest of his men to the Banks of Poe leaving Prince Thomaso with only 2000 men in Asti. Feria went immediately towards Asti with his Army out of a double intent either to draw the Duke thither with all his men and so leaving the rest of his Towns unprovided and as it were abandoned Feria might make use of the occasion and turn upon some other of them and take it easily or else if the Duke not to leave his other Towns abandoned should not come to defend Asti he might possess himself of the ways about Asti and keeping it from being relieved by the Duke might easily make himself master of it but being come to the Osteria della San Croce where he kept idle for some days and suffering his Horse to scoure the Field only without passing over la Versa he afforded the Duke opportunity to send the Marshal first thither with 3000 Foot and to go afterwards thither himself with the rest failing therefore in his design of taking this City unprovided he fell to his other design to go to some one of the other three Towns which by reason of the necessity of defending Asti were abandoned Verrua was that which was pitch'd upon as being neerest more commodious of more profit and consequence for by taking it he should so divide Crescentino and all the County of Vercelli from the County of Asti as the one should not be able to assist the other nor did he fear the taking of it as well by reason of the littleness thereof as also for that it was only guarded by 300 Country people but the same slownesse and irresolution of the Spanish genius ruin'd this designe also which required haste â—…n execution for if the chief of the Army without stirring from the quarters where they were had entertained the Duke in the defence of Asti and had at the same time sent a flying Squadron of Horse with Musketeers en croupe they might easily have taken it at the very first or at least have possess'd themselves of the Passes thereabouts and have block'd up all succour so as it must soon fall into the possession of the Army which was to come soon after but either not loving to divide their Forces as being too contrary to that security which they so much studied so thinking that whatsoever diligence the Enemy could make they could not keep that little Castle from them they will go thither with their united Army Thus parting from the Banks of Versa without having attempted any thing against the City of Asti they went with all their Forces to Verrua Prince Thomaso and the Marshal march'd out with 800 Horse part French part Piedmontese to fall upon the Reer and seeing some Troops of the Dutch Cavalry which march'd under Colonel Lillo far from the body of Horse they assaulted them and having the better of the business they dispers'd them and wounded Lillo very sorely and had utterly routed them had not some other of their friends Horse come in to succour them who charging the French and Piedmontese Horse slew many of them and amongst the rest two Captains the Baron d' Hermanza the Dukes Commissary-General of
Horse so as being repuls'd the Spanish Army might quietly pursue their March and yet neither this nor any other impediment which they met with which retarded the proceeding of the Army nor yet the Castle of Rubella which being in the mid-way would not yield till it was batter'd would have hindred the taking of Verrua much the Army not finding it any way better provided with Garrison or better fortified then it was when they went from their first quarters to take it so as they might have done the same thing which they might have done before Asti with their flying Squadron for though the Duke when he was free of the danger of Asti went with such of his men as were readiest into the Field and coasting along by the Enemy intended him no good yet because the way by which he saw them march led both to Cheri and to Verrua and that he knew not whither of the two they meant to go to he was forced to suspend his resolution and be ready to go whithersoever he should see them bend moreover when he saw them incline towards Verrua he must if he would succour it go to Crescentino which was on the other side of the Poe and not being able to pass to the other side but by the stone Bridge which was neer Tarino he was fain to take a large compass to pass his men over it to Crescentino so as the Governour had conveniency enough to have found that Town unprovided and to have done what he pleased with it but neither he nor Don Gonsallo who then order'd and provided all things under the Governour being able to make use of so happy an occasion lost it by these and other negligences and by the destruction of that flourishing Army made that little Burrough which was not otherwise considerable famous to posterity and with no little loss of honour raised up the Dukes almost quite lost reputation Verrua is a little Town upon the right side of the Poe not of any consideration but for the seat thereof it stands upon the top of a little Hill stony and broken on all sides except on the South wherein somewhat a gentler descent it sustains a little Suburbs which cover almost all the descent of that Hill on the North side the Poe enlargeth it self leaving â—…a little plain in the midst full of Trees it hath not any Fortification except a little Castle upon the top of the Hill from which if you take away an ancient Tower it is more like an old ruine then a Fortification the Suburbs which lies upon the descent of the Hill is begirt with an old weak Wall the Country about is full of Hills which inviron the Hill whereon Verrua stands The Governour incamp'd himself upon these little Hills on the East side to the end that Montferrat being on his back and the Poe on his right hand he might receive Provisions both by Land and Water afterwards extending his quarters towards the West instead of falling to assault the Town at his first arrival and of presently possessing himself of so weak and ill guarded a Town he as if he were to besiege a great Town in the face of a powerful enemy-Enemy-Army began to fortifie his Quarters with Trenches and other Works and waiting for provisions which were but slowly brought he took no care to block up the Avenues insomuch as soon as he saw the Enemies Army bend towards Verrua having sent the Marquess di San Rerano thither with his Regiment of a thousand Foot there was not any one that moved either to stop him by the way or to hinder his coming into the Town which he did at full noon and in sight of the Enemy by the Gate of the neighbouring Suburbs neer the Enemies Quarters with no little note of infamy to those that suffer'd it The Duke whilst the Governour minded nothing but making of Baracadoes and Rampiers sent to the Marshal who was left with Prince Thomaso to defend Asti to come after him and joyn with him in Crescentino whither he speedily marched and coming with his men first thither whither the Marshal came also within some days after with 5000 French he betook himself wholly to defence being past by the Poe from Crescentino to Verrua he found that the Enemy having quitted the Banks of the River and the Plain minded nothing but fortifying himself upon the little Hill and thinking that it made much for the defence of Verrua to make himself master of the Plain before it he presently past over some of his men in boats and quarter'd himself there without any gainsaying being then advised by some of his Officers to defend Verrua on the upper side and to abandon the Suburbs which was upon the hanging of the Hill as that which being weakly walled was not tenable nor was the main business much concern'd therein he contrary to their opinion undertook the defence thereof thinking that any whatsoever opposition would either abate the edge of the Enemies Forces or else weary them and occasion delay which afterwards proved much for the defence of the Town he therefore began to perfect a Raveline before the Suburbs which was formerly begun by the Towns folk which did partly cover partly flank the Wall on the Front and placing a sufficient Garrison he Plat-form'd the Wall it self and afterwards cut thorow the very Suburbs with a threefold Trench at equal distances to the end that those who should assault the Raveline and the front of the Suburbs should not only be annoyed by those Trenches which arose as did the Suburbs but that if the defendants should be repuls'd at the first onset they might have more advantagious places to retreat unto behind them from whence reassuming the defence they might make head again and driving the assailants from what they had first taken might recover it with more ease he likewise placed some Artillery in fit places of the highest Hills which served not only to defend the Raveline and the Suburb but to offend the Enemy who were incamped on the opposite Hills and which made the defence more safe he threw a Bridge of boats over the Poe between the Banks of Crescentino and the Plain before Verrua by meanes whereof those who were quarter'd in Crescentino might communicate with those of the Plain and those who were in Verrua and the latter might be relieved and refreshed by the former whereby the defence might be made more easie and consequently might last the longer nor herewithall content for the greater security of the Bridge and of the Garrison which lay in the Plaâ—…n he erected a great Trench between the point of the Hill towards the East and the Banks of Poe which did shelter almost all the Plain and the Bridge Things being thus ordered the Governour who not making any opposition was this mean while preparing how to offend the Town found the business harder then he at first imagined it to be for to fall absolutely to assault the Town
Quarter some Contribution in what quality or quantity Collalto pleased to take it The Army being in their Quarters the besieged sallied out in great numbers and molested the stations held by the Enemy not without some advantage to themselves and prejudice to the Enemy Nevers going out himself in person with the Prince his Son and a good Band of men fell upon Mormitolo a place some five miles off where about one hundred Dutch were quartered who yielded unto him upon discretion He afterward went to Castiglione which he likewise took whereby making way for relief from Verona the Venetians had conveniency to convey victuals into the City they met with contrary fortune at Rivolta on the left bank of Mincio where it falls into the Lake which Town rising in Insurrections by the fomentation of the Venetians was recovered by the Dutch who went thither with the death of all the Towns-men who refusing to surrender the Town were even to the very Infants put to the Sword and though the Dutch Horse foraged the Countrey yet some succours were brought in from the State of Venice which being done by stealth were not sufficient by much for the need the City was in which being begirt by the Enemy wanted food and was also hardly handled by the Plague which was very great here as also in all the neighbouring Towns and Cities insomuch as getting into the City of Venice people died so fast as the care thereof was almost quite given over by those that had the looking to it the like hapned in Millain Bullognia and in all the Cities of Lombardy Romagnia and Tuscany but whilst the Cesarian Army winter'd in the State of Mantua and Spinola's Forces in Montferrat provisions for war as also Negotiations for peace ceased not in both which not only the Commanders in the Armies but the Princes of Italy laboured The Pope seeing the Dutch forces so neer the Church-Dominions sent about 18000 Foot into the parts about Bullognia under his Brother Don Carlo and 2000 horse and sollicited the building of Fort Urbano which he had resolved upon two years before and was begun at Castel Franco upon the way that leads from Modena to Bullognia and was a good and fitting Bulwark to Romagnia and the Church-Territories on that side but that he might likewise by his authority and endeavours stop the evils which threatned Italy he made Cardinal Antonio his Brothers second Son Legate who being also come into Bullognia where his Father govern'd the Ecclesiastick Forces he sent Monsieur Iovan Iacomo Panciruolo to Mantua to treat of some suspension of Arms between the Duke of Nevers and Collalto to the end that in the interim they might the more commodiously and with the better hopes treat of peace But this was but in vain for Collalto growing proud with successe made still higher demands and the Duke who had nothing more to grant but Mantua and Casalle had not wherewithall to satisfie his demands and pretensions so as there was no middle way left for them to meet in and the lesse for that the siege of Mantua being given over with so little honour to the Cesarean Forces and Casalle not as yet attempted by Spinola the new Dukes hopes were not a little comforted nor his confidence a little increased of being sustained by them who fomented him and were his well-wishers For whilst these two places held good all the other Town taken by the enemy either in the state of Mantua or Montferrat made but little for the main concernment of the Warr and it being very probable that the Armies being afflicted by the Pestilence by the Winter inconveniences and by those of the Campagina they would in time lessen and it was to be hoped that being much diminished of themselves they would be reduced to such a condition as not being able to withstand the French Forces which were to passe over the Alps very strong the next Spring they would be easily driven from their quarters a consideration which did must afflict Spinola For having two Armies on his back which he was to furnish with expences and provisions he feared he must be forc'd to squander out monies to no purpose this Winter and have need of it himself afterwards when there should be occasion to lay it out with profit Wherefore growing very sparing thereof he was lesse carefull in satisfying the Duke of Savoy's demands and necessities though he had other greater respects to keep him from furnishing him with monies which he proceeding from distrust did daily increase by reason of his continual treating with the French Sometimes by means of the victuals which â—…as bound to furnish the Army with which was to passe over the Mountains Sometimes by doing the like to those of Casalle Sometimes by the conduct-monies which were agreed to be given them when they should be come into Piedmont Sometimes by the negotiations which daily past touching the Dukes joyning his Forces with the French whereof there were pregnant suspicions by many demonstrations made by the Duke on purpose to make Spinola jealous Wherefore these actions being really repugnant to that good correspondency and inclination which the Duke profestto the Kings affairs when he demanded monies of Spinola and it seeming somewhat hard to Spinola that he should feed one with monies who continually fomented the enemy and who held continually so close intelligence with them he demanded from the Duke some cautionary Townes in Piedmont if he would be furnished with monies for security of his profest good will and inclination to the King of Spaine's affaires The demand did very much trouble not onely the Duke but all the Princes of Italy for it increased the jealousies of the Italian Princes if Spinola should get yet further footing in Piedmont to boot with what the Spaniards pretended to in Montferrat and the Duke in whom the Italian Princes did confide that he would not forgo the common cause as well in respect of his own as of the common interest Having complained to the King of Spain of the demands made by Spinola he obtained Orders from the Court to Spinola that he should desist from such demands and Spinola that the Duke might not be too much exasperated received some check for his too much severity Great Preparations for Warr were not only made in Italy but also elsewhere The King of France raised a mighty Army to come stronger then formerly into Piedmont and the Emperour and the King of Spain to keep the French from opposing the Duke and from forcing him to joyn with theâ—… prepared to assault France the one on the side of Spain the other on the side of Germany But both these proved rather Rumours then Reallities the want of money was the cause why on the King of Spain's side he having hardly sufficient to supply the Warrs within Italy Flanders and Germany so as he had not where withall to begin and maintain a new Warr with France And also the scarcity of
care upon him and who discharged it like a Souldier The French seeing that contrary to their opinion the Dutch were come unto the Camp found the disadvantage of their own Forces they were not only much inferiour to the Enemy in number 20000 Foot and 5000 Horse being computed to be in the Spanish Camp and for that the Spaniards Horse were better then theirs and in better order but for that though their Trenches were imperfect towards the Plain yet were they so high as they were able to withstand the first on set wherein the French are usually the best But the good order wherein the Spanish Army stood did chiefly amaze them which was thus A great number of Pikemen and Musketeers stood on the front of the Trenches behind which were two ranks of Battaglions in order but at such a distance from the Trench as the Horse which were on the Wings of the Squadrons and had their out-lets might manage themselves in the space which was between the Trench and the Squadrons and might commodiously go out and annoy the Enemies on the Flank who should assault the Trenches or over-run the Country as occasion should require It was notwithstanding impossible to Spuntare a Francesi who advanced in a double Front divided into three Bodies each one led on by a Marshal with the Horse on their sides and preceded by some forlorn hopes and yet the diffidence irresolution and the fear of what might happen in San Croce kept things equally ballanced these desired Agreement rather then Battle and the others though they more needed Agreement yet seemed they less desirous of it and the seeing the Enemy so forward to accord made them the more backward and God knows wheâ—…her the Mediators dealt sincerely in the business or no Mazarine went several times between the one Camp and the other but in vain the French being still resolute to relieve the City and to fight at last being got neer the Trenches their Horse on the left Wing were set upon by some few Horse led on by Octavio Picolomini who was advanced with them rather to discover then to fight so as all men thought they would have joyn'd Battle for some of the French Horse went to encounter them and they came to the giving of fire but Mazarine coming at the same time from the French Camp cried aloud Halt Halt whereupon all hostile Acts ceasing they came to this Agreement That Toras should come out of the Citadel with all the French where the Duke du Mayne should tarry with 1000 Montferrians and That they should swear to keep the Town in the Emperours Name That the Spaniards should do the like for what concern'd the Castle and the City and the Towns which they were possess'd of in Montferrat That the French Army should retreat into France and the Spanish into the State of Millain That for all things else the Peace of Ratisbone should be observed This being thus setled San Croce together with the Duke of Lerma and Don Philip son to the late Marquess Spinola came out of the Trench and the Duke of Nocera and Count Iohn Serbellone and about 30 other Lords the three Marshals came out of the French Army with the like number of Lords and Commanders and here in the same place which was intended for Battle they mutually embraced each other and Peace was established on the 26 of October the year 1629. which was readily put in execution for what was then to be done A raâ—…e and perhaps unheaâ—…d of exâ—…mple That two Armies of two such enemy Nations being so neeâ—… nay after the Skirmish was begun should not only abstain from fighting but should lovingly embrace one another with those hands which were ready to be imbrued in one anothers blood All men praised the courage and counsel of the French and their happy success who though far inferiour in Forces could notwithstanding make such excellent use of the Enemies fear as to make them agree and condescend unto what was contrary to all reason And all men on the contrary wondred that the Spanish Army should be so void both of couâ—…age and counsel as not knowing how to make use of so many advanâ—…ages but totally yieldâ—…ng to the Enemies preâ—…ensions they should so easily grant unto them that main point whereupon the whole success of the present War did consist and which being still maintained would have established the foundation of the grandezza of all the Kings Affairs and would have kept his Dominions in perpetual security and which being quitted occasioned the loss of regal authority and of that preeminency and safety of the Kings States for the maintenance whereof Arms had with so much scandal been taken up and which was the greater wonder that they should abandon their own and their Kings pretensions then when they were upon the point of obtaining them for it was most certain that the French Army was weary with so long a march was less in number then what it appeared to be worse in order for Arms Horse and all things appertaining to war then upon the present occasion was requisite so as if the Spaniards had been more resolute and bold in their proceedings the French would either not have dared to have hazarded a Battle wherein they were to fight against well-armed Trenches or if they should have fought they must necessarily have been defeated but San ' Croce who was not any ways experienced in matter of war apprehended and was afraid of all things The two Armies being retired from Casalle the Duke de Mayne remained with the Montferrians master of the City Citadel and Castle of Casalle under the Cesarean Commissary who though he was above all others and had the chief command in outward appearance yet being only to command such things as du Mayne would obey he was superiour rather in shadow and ceremony then in substance so little good was got by what was agreed upon San ' Croce went to Sartiranna and brought his men back into the State of Millain the French divided their men into two parts the one part whereof marched under Monsieur d' Arpasone through the Territories of Asti the other wherein were the three Marishals through the Canevese the restitution of the Towns in Montferrat remained for the full and perfect execution of the Agreement but Letters being come this mean while to San ' Croce from Spain with particular Orders what he was to do with the Citadel which was undoubtedly held in that Court that it would be lost as not being to be succoured San ' Croce doubted that the new agreement would not be well resented there and as in great resolutions the thing chosen is almost always repented the difficulties of what was found fault with being always imagined to be past and the consideration of what convenience might have resulted from the thing rejected entring in the place thereof so San ' Croce having forgotten the dangers and difficulties of war and being fuller fraught
altogether unsufferable and unpracticable and the granting thereof being nothing else but the bereaving a Prince of the essentiality and the leaving him scarcely the bare name and meer semblance of Sovereignty it could not only be practised without manifest injury to Sovereign Power but not so much as fall within the thought of a good Subject so great a concession forced by himself was therefore unworthy dangerous to the whole Empire and the more formidable in one so highly offended so revengeful and so tenaciously mindful of injuries received so inexoâ—…able inhumane and so disordinate in his affections and on the other side capable of any howsoever weighty underâ—…aking greedy of power and of winding all things about according to his pleasure wherein he had no moderation of counsel nor curb to his ambition to this was added for the greater prejudice of the present condition of Affairs the great sway which he had purchased with all the Military men of Germany who appeared ready to obey his beck every one therefore foresaw that the excessive authority which of meer necessity was granted him would rather make him aspire to greater things and putting himself in a posture of giving Laws to Germany rather then to free her from the calamities which she lay under He was not wanting in co-operating to these Prognostications for his having abandoned the Field in the Battle of Lutzen and his Artillery to the enemy who might easily have been then vanquished if instead of retreating he had sent for Gallasso's intire and fresh Forces and those of other Commanders who were not present at the Battle and recruited his Army therewith and assaulted the enemies Camp without giving them leave to breathe whilst it was astonished by the Kings death and by the loss of so many men who were slain in that conflict was an action badly resented and which argued much errour his having after this cantonized himself in Bohemia and suffer'd the enemy which was confused and half routed to ralley and to recover Lypfick and almost all Saxony so easily which were before possess'd by the Cesarean Forces and on the contrary his having recalled Aldringer from Bavaria and his hindring Banâ—…ere at the same time from recovering his own State were circumstances which added to the former appeared very strange and did more aggravate his conduct of Forces which were so freely and absolutely refer'd to him but what hapned afterwards before Suainitz and those infamous Capitulations stipulated therewith the Emperours enemies did more undeniably convince his loyalty who had first let slip so 〈◊〉 an occasion of quelling the Emperours Enemies and Rebels his not having afterward suppress'd Count Torres and Colonel Tubal as he easily might have done and his having let them both escape when they were his prisoners and his having listed the enemies Souldiers in the Cesarean Militia were great inforcements for the staining the candor of his fidelity his appearing afterwards so repugnant to Cesars Commands when seeing Ratisbone assaulted by the enemy and Bavaria cry for succour when in such danger not caring for the preservation of that so noble Province and important City and after the loss of Ratisbone his so little care to recover it whilst the enemies were not yet fortified there and his not betaking himself to defend Bavaria which after the loss of Ratisbone was subject to the enemies inroads but having in lieu thereof cantonized himself again in Bohemia without acquainting the Emperour therewith did yet more aggravate the suspitions not to say the faults of his preceding actions being come into Bohemia with all the blame which was laid upon him he took no care to acquir himself thereof but as if all things had been lawful for him he fell into greater and more important errours he had as hath been said drawn the hatred and anger of the Electors upon him for having contrary to custom quartered his Army in their Dominions he now began to take the same license in the Emperours Hereditary Territorie an action which as it redounded much to the prejudice of his Imperial Majesty so was it diversly construed some attributed it to pride and neglect of the Emperour as if by reason of the supream power which he had obtained from the Emperour he cared not to use that power against the Donor some to his resentment for having been drawn contrary to his genius from the war against lower Germany to defend Bavaria the greatest part suspected that under presence of quartering his Souldiers in the Cesarean Territories he intended to begirt the City and Court of Vienna and to imprison the Emperour within his Forces moreover the jealousie which he had conceived a little before at the entring of the Duke of Feria's Army into Germany in relief of the Empire and of Constance and Brifack and his yet greater apprehension and incensement which he shew'd afterwards against the Army led by the Infanta having so perfidiously endeavoured the raine of the former and the exclusion of the other out of Germany were evident signs of his being highly displeased with those Forces thinking that they were brought into Germany only to curb and counterpoise his Army and to secure the Empire against the novelties and revolutions which all the world apprehended from his scandalous and abusive Authority and though these and the like actions of this great Commander being weighed in a more curious balance might seem to have their defences as all humane but especially Military actions never want yet did they not at all lessen the finister impressions radicated and accumulated by his so many misdemeanors in mens minds wherewith they were generally so scandalized as not admitting any defence they all stood expecting some monstrous and formidable products of so immense authority in a man so fierce so irritated and so apparently ill inclined and the total of Religion and of the Empire being treated of they thought their suspicions certain every one therefore had a lash at him all men exclaimed against him and with open months desired that provision might be made against the so neer and so certain danger only the Emperour who still confided in his loyalty whom he had ever found faithful to him was of a contrary opinion and would not without manifest proofs condemn his Officers and some of the chief men who assisted the Emperour prevailed upon either by great rewards or promises approved of the Emperours disposition and excusing the faults which were imputed to him endeavoured by many arguments to assert his innocence there were two sorts of persons that this mighty man had made his enemies the Spanish Agents and the Jesuites he was not mealy-mouthed towards either of these of the former he was wont to say That it was better being succoured by them with moneys then with men and that both of them were to be absolutely banish'd out of Germany and it was said that the banishment of the Jesuites was expresly articled in the Capitulations of Suainitz so as the
Spanish Agents thinking that he sowed discord between the Empire and Crown of Spain to the end that he might weaken them both and so destroy them and the Jesuites thinking that he was resolved to subvert the Catholick Religion which though in appearance he professed to worship yet many of his actions having another aspect he was no less suspected to be an enemy to Religion then to the Empire and it was thought that he profess'd the Catholick Religion only outwardly and to keep in credit with the Emperour who was a pious Prince but that for the rest that he intended to take away all the supports from the Catholick Religion and from the Spanish Authority that he might the more easily effect his designs against them All of them therefore used their power with the Emperour to contaminate these his endeavours amongst the Spaniards there was the Count d'Ognate Embassadour in ordinary with the Emperour and the Marquess of Castegnada also Embassadour in extraordinary with the King of Hungary both of them indued with excellent Counsel and Judgement who were very careful of the main Affairs Fritland had made both these his enemies no less then he had done the Duke of Bavaria but he had incens'd him now more then ever for that after the loss of Ratisbone he would not give the least assistance to his State which was then more in danger then ever wherefore the Duke exclaimed against him in Cesars Court his keeping still in Bohemia added to his being hated and suspected as also the probable doubt that he had still some design to make himself King thereof and that he tarried therefore there in these perturbations of Affairs to execute this his design now when in likelihood he might easily effect it not so much in respect of the Authority he had over the Souldiers who called him their Father and were ready at his least beck as that all the Princes and Hans Towns of Germany being much inclined to abate the Austrian name and authority would not only be well pleased therewith but would favour it and assist him therein but the more necessary provision appeared to be had against the accumulation of so many mischiefs the harder was it to finde them out Cesars Decrees were of small validity against him who had the supream and absolute arbitrement over all Cesars Forces so as the remedy appeared more dangerous then the disease and the Emperour still persevering in his resolution of not condemning one of disloyalty of whose fidelity he was so well satisfied he seemed not capable of putting on so stout a resolution but being at last overcome by so many exclamations and reiterated protestations or were it that the prejudice he received by the quartering of his men upon his Territories grieved him when he saw the very City of Vienna environed with his quarters and himself and his Court in a manner besieged before he would come to more sharp and severe courses he made his desires known to him by Father Chiroga a Spaniard a religious Capuchin and Confessor to the Queen of Hungary that in consideration of his being so grievously troubled with the Gout which was a hindrance to him in his Military actions he would be content to give over his Command of being General and retire himself as he had done formerly to a private life but were it either that he thought this desire was made at the instant pressures of his enemies or that he still persevered in his machinations he would not be perswaded thereunto but answered that he had no desire to serve the Emperour against the Emperours will that he was therefore ready to obey his commands but that it was also true that as well he himself as his Commanders under him had upon his Paroll been at great expence in raising men for the recruiting of the Army and that he was to see them paid for the expences they had been at as the Emperour was to see him satisfied that therefore he thought it reasonable that in the first place his Majesty should finde means to pay what he ought him and to his Captains and that convenient satisfaction being given in this point he would give over his charge and withdraw himself to a private life but the Emperour not being in a condition of disbursing so great a sum of money and the jealousies and frequent protestations multiplying he betook himself to somewhat a more severe way he sent the Baron of Questemberg who was his chiefest Officer to him and his chiefest Court-confident and through whose hands the Affairs of greatest consequence passed willing him to complain in his name against his pass'd actions and particularly for his quartering his Army in his the Emperours Patrimonial Dominions and chiefly in the parts about Vienna and he gave him also a very resentive instruction whereby the Emperour complaining very much of the loss of Ratisbone and of Wallesteins not recovering it he added that those quarters did so much trouble his Imperial Majesty as he would rather lose a Field Battle then indure them any longer when Questemberg came before Fritland were it either that he had always shew'd himself much devoted to his greatness or were it that he feared to exasperate him too much if he should deliver him his message by word of mouth judged it better to give him his instructions to read at the reading whereof Fritland being mightily incensed said that he would renounce his charge of being General for he clearly saw all his enemies used their uttermost power to make him do so whereupon he published this his resolution in writing and which made much for irritating the Souldiery he caused several Copies of this instruction to be dispers'd amongst them he also gave Order to his Cousen the Count of Tersica and General of the Horse and to Count Chiuschy his great Favorite both of them Bohemians who possess'd great Lordships in that Kingdom and to the Marquess Illo a Burgondian and one who was also much his favorite to negotiate with the Captains and Souldiers of his Army and make them not consent to his laying down his charge these obey'd the Generals commands and began seditiously to publish throughout the Quarters and Precincts of the Army the wrongs and injuries which were done to their General by his enemies the which not being any longer able to resist he was forced to renounce his charge and once more to give way to the apparent hatred of the Court Saying that he who was a Captain loaded with Victories and Triumph and who now was arrived at that height of greatness whereunto any humane thought could aspire was not troubled to return to a private life that once more after having undergone so many labours he might injoy the quiet due thereunto wherefore he was not troubled to disrobe himself once more of that command which against his will and inforc'd he had revested himself with that he was only troubled even to the soul to think that he must
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
Turin whither they got safe and unpursued The French being come to Cheri were notlong in planting their Cannon against the walls but it was more then needed for those of Cheri seeing none appear to assist them and wanting men enough to defend the Town they feared to be plundred So as the same night without the consent of the Dutch Captain they by Marquess Villa's means articled to surrender the Town the next day Prince Thomaso who marched with his men towards Cheri might see the Dutch that were come out of Cheri come towards him and the Governour who had past over his in another part heard of the surrender They both were astonished at the news of so sudden a surrender and having lost the hopes of their expected victory they halted upon the Hills expecting to hear from one another what they were to do next But Harcourt hearing that the Governour advanced left his baggage artillery and all incumbrances behind in Cheri and march'd with his men into the field and advanc'd to fight him which when the Governour heard he made two squadrons of Horse and some Musketiers advance that they might fall upon the enemies Van and immediately ordered Don Iohn di Garrai to draw out the Souldiers in order and whilst the Horse which were sent before by the Governour skirmish'd with the enemies Van Carpano Captain of the Spanish Horse and Tavanes Serjeant Major of the French Army were hurt but Harcout hearing that Prince Thomaso was faln down from the hills and was come to assault him on the back lest he might be taken between them made his Reer his Van and with speed retreated to Cheri whose Inhabitants were doubly blamed upon this account First for having been too hasty in surrendring when two reliefs were so neer Secondly for not having advertised the Prince of the enemies going out of the Town when they went to encounter the Governour for then he might have advanced and might have recovered the Town might have taken the baggage and artillery which were left therein by the French and might have falne upon the enemy joyntly with the Governour The Governour when he saw the occasion was over went to Santena a Town within three miles of Cheri upon the way by which you go from Cheri to Carmagnuola and mustering all his men together he resolved to besiege the enemy from thence who were in Cheri And knowing by those that he had taken that they wanted victuals very much he made account that since they could receive none but either from Carmagnuola or Montcalleri he might hinder any from coming from Carmagnuola by his keeping at Santena and might also keep any from coming from Montcalleri by sending a Garrison of a thousand Foot thither and some Horse and that consequently the Town would quickly be relinquish'd for want of food which Harcourt foreseeing he thought by one and the same means to free his men from Famine and which was his main end to send relief to the Citadel of Cassalle which stood in great need thereof He therefore sent 400 Horse out of the Town with men en croup who passing by the hills of Montferrat which lead to Cassalle met with no opposition except at the village Gazzino where some Troops of Prince Thomaso's Horse were commanded by his General Don Mauritio who though they made some resistance yet the French made their way valiantly thorow them and got with little loss into Cassalle and Marquess Villa came forth also with almost all the Dowagers Horse and thereby not onely freed the Town from Famine which began to be very great but thought also to get food for the Town but he intended first to fall upon the Prince who over-ran the parts about Montcalleri and raised contribution And to the end that he might not be hindred by the Enemies Army the rest of the Horse march'd out at the same time and faced the Enemy thinking by this means to keep them within their quarters But being met by the Enemies Horse he was forced to retreat once more into Cheri nor did the same Horse fare more fortunately in the sally which they made out by night not long after with intention to fall at unawares upon the Horse quarter which being commanded by Gonzaga lay in Poirino a Town not far from Santena for the first Charge being stoutly withstood by Aisaldo who was Captain of the Horse guard the rest of the Horse had time to put themselves in order who charging the Assailants after a long dispute and much resistance put them to flight and took Aisaldo from them who being wounded in the head was carried away Prisoner by them And for all this those that remained in Cheri wanted bread so as the French were forced to go elsewhere to get victuals if they would keep there They therefore endeavoured to get some from Chiavezzo which though it was somewhat far off and divided from Cheri by the Poe yet the water being then so low as that it was foordable they thought that by great conducts they might secure the passage and because Cheri suffer'd more in want of Grist then Grain and Chiavezzo wanting Grain they sent Loads of Grain thither and brought as many Loads of Grist from thence whereby they thought they might sustain themselves and prolong the Siege which they might have done if a provision had not been found against it for the Governour had sent before to break down all the Mills of the parts thereabouts and placed Garrisons in the Towns neer the high-ways by which the Convoys pass'd and made the Countrey people be ready with their Arms in hand to oppose any of the Enemy that should passe that way so as the Convoys being often routed provision of bread grew very scarce in that Town yet Marquess Villa according to his promise brought some relief from Carmagnuola to the great Famine that was in Cheri which he did luckily and without oppotion for the Governour having removed his Quarters from Santena to Poirino the way which leads from Carmagnuola to Cheri was left almost open which whilest the Governour tarried at Santena was quite block'd up But this relief being but very slender it being no more then what was brought en croupe behind 600 Horse and the French having no hopes of any more from elsewhere it was impossible for them to tarâ—…y longer there especially in respect of straw which the horses wanted extreamly Almost all the French Horse which were in Piedmont were in Cheri which if they should be lost neither the Citadel of Turin nor Chiavezzo nor any Towns of Piedmont could be longer kept and the very Citadel of Cassalle was held as good as lost if these horses which were the sinews of the French Forces should be lost And many things made against the coming of new recruits from France for the King besides provisions made for the Wars of Flanders and Germany was wholly bent upon the Enterprize of Catalognia which was at that time in insurrection
against the King of Spain and had sent all the Forces that he could raise in his Kingdom thither so as no wise man could dream of any supplies To demand conditions of the Enemy was the toâ—…al ruine of the King of France his Forces and of both his and the Dowagers honour for the Prince and the Governour knowing very well what advantage they had would not have been satisfied with mean conditions and if they should have yielded to any conditions they would have demanded the Citadels of Turin and Cassalle Chiavazzo and whatsoever was then upon the point to be lost nay they would hardly have pardoned the Souldiers lives so as they would have pretended to as plenary a victory by way of agreement as if they had won it by force of Arms. It therefore was more honourable to venture life in maintaining the Towns they yet had then ignominiously to abandon them to the Enemy Harcourt was thus generously minded who being in these streights would rather run the hazzard of his life and fortune then be forc'd to yield to ruinous conditions nor did this his Generosity prove vain for Fortune which always favours the couragious seemed to be desirous to preserve this gallant Commander for more glorious Victories He was to do one of three things to get from thence and to escape an ignominious and ruinous surrender he must either get into Chiavazzo by the same way by which he had caused victuals to be brought and from thence to the Citadel of Turin or else go towards Batâ—…igliera a Town which stands upon the skirt of the hill and from thence go through the Langhe to Alba or else which was the most dangerous undertaking get into Carmagnuolâ—… by the way of Santena which the Governour of Millain had lately abandoned The greatest danger of the last lay that whereas if he should betake himself to either of the other two he went still further from the Enemy by the third he should fall into his very jaws yet Harcourt liked the last best for if he had endeavoured to get into Chiavazzo by the first way he must pass through the narrow ways of the hill and in case he should be pursued by the Enemy he must be forc'd to abandon his Cannon and his Baggage if he should go the second way which was exceeding troublesome he could carry neither victuals nor ammunition with him and being to march still through an Enemies Countrey he exposed himself to apparent danger of being routed if the Governour of Millain should follow and overtake him He therefore chose the third way as the securest though fullest of danger And because he had made a false March to be beaten when he stirr'd not several nights before his coming it hapned that when he caused it to be beaten the night that he went away the Enemy either did not hear it or believed it to be feigned as were the former so as he had time and conveniency to be well advanced with his men before the Enemy knew he was gone but though he should have pursued him he could not have speedily overtaken him for several reasons But howsoever â—…e sent his Horse after him to gall him on the Rere but it was late ere these got to him and when they came they found the Enemy engaged with the Prince who coming from Montcalleri fell upon them believing that the Governour would do the like at the same time on his side The Prince gave a furious and gallant assault with various fortune for a while but the French finding that the Spanish Aâ—…my was got up unto them they placed their Attillery loaded with Musket-bullets in the Rere and turning them upon the enemies horse they hurt them not a little and therefore being forced to forbear partly in expectation of the rest of the Army partly to keep from being further prejudiced they advanced no further the Prince his own person was much endangered by the valiant resistance made by the French but at last he made himself master of a Bridge which they had abandoned the coming on of night which was very dark and the Countrey being full of underwoods and Rivulets kept the Governour from falling upon the French whilest they were in Fight with the Prince for he thought it better to make the Victory sure by deferring the Combat till the next day then to undergo those dangers and disasters which battels by night are subject unto but Harcourt reflecting upon the danger he should be in if carrying till broad day he should be assaulted on both sides he fell upon the Prince at midnight so furiously as though he was stoutly resisted he got the better of the business he regained the Bridge over the which he past his men before the dawning of the day and secured both them and himself when day was up the Governour found that the assured victory which he had promised himself over night had escaped his hands which if it had fallen out otherwise it had undoubtedly put an end to the War as this success redounded much to Harcourts Glory so did it occasion much murmuring against the Governour in general and in particular by your Prince who complained as if the Governour out of private rancour and indignation had by affected delay and slow marching shun'd falling upon the Enemy who if he had been taken in the midst between them he must of necessity have been overthrown as if he had not onely not cared to put an end to the War so to keep the Princes from obtaining their pretences which he seemed not to wish well unto but as if he had exposed the Prince his person to the Forces of a more powerful Enemy to the end that he might be defeated and have his own person endangered the Piedmontese joyned all generally with the Prince in his Complaints and not a few of the Captains of the Spanish Army who could not know why when the Governour might have followed the Enemy in a straight line he had pursued him in an oblique one and yet there wanted not some who defended this action alleadging in excuse of what had hapned that the Governours slowness was not to be ascribed to affectation or to any sinister intention to the Prince but to a good rule in War which says it is better to make a bridge of gold for an enemy to march away over then by incensing him to make him desperate and put the whole affair in hazard they praised him for that he had been contented to free Cheri from the Enemy without unshe thing a sword or endangering his men applauding the genius of the Spaniards who are known by so many experiences to shun pitch'd battels as much as they can and never to come unto any but when forced by necessity after this the Governour sent towards Alba and Nizza to drive all the French out of the lower Moniferrat and to this purpose he sent the Camp Master Emilio Ghilino to drive them from Vezzeme and Bubbio
be great ones a third yet greater was added at the same time The relieving Army appear'd at the last upon the highest of the Capuchins hills on the twentieth day after the Enemy appeared and the one and thirtieth after the business of Cassalle In this Army were 4000 Horse 700 Dragoons and 12000 Foot to whom were added no small recruits both of Foot and Horse sent by the Prince Cardinal and 600 Mountainers who being by the War driven out of their houses had desperately taken up Arms. This so goodly Army was not onely a terror but a wonder to the French who thinking that the whole Spanish Forces had been defaced by the Victory gotten at Cassalle could not believe that they could be so soon got together and brought to dispute the business with them and being but few in number themselves and not sufficient to munite so great a Oircumvolution they much doubted what the success would be the Governour was fully resolved to do nothing herein but was furthest out of the reach of fortune and what might be gotten with least danger and effusion of blood Wherefore be resolved to bring the relief by that part of the hills which was scituated a long the River of Poe and particularly there where the Enemy had fortified above the Covent of the Capuchins and the bridge and where when they should have taken the Fort which was built by the French and which was above them all they might command all the lower fortifications and the bridge in which case he might have an open way to come with his men to the City and not onely bring what relief was requisite to the besieged but by discomfiting the Enemy would have raised the siege and would have largely revenged himself for the blow he received before Cassalle This design would have succeeded happily if the Governour had been so diligent in executing it as the Prince was in assisting him For guessing by the appearing of the relieving Army from those hills and the rather by some lights that the Governour would assault the upper Fort that very night he went out when it grew duskish with all his men out of the Town and drew neer the bridge intending to assault it when he should hear the assault given from above by which being likely to make a great diversion he might have much assisted the Governour in his assault But the Governour who would consult with his Commanders what was to be done concerning the main affair before he would do any thing put off the execution till the next day by which delay the Prince being frustrated in his expectation retired to the City and the French were very careful to lay bare the Fort that very night taking the earth from it towards the Enemies Camp and so made it unacceffible and impregnable And because they saw all the Enemies force drawn up thither they called all the best Souldiers and Commanders of the Camp as if Harcourt foresaw how much the getting or losing of Turin lay in the keeping or loss thereof The Governour seeing the next day how hard the taking of that place was made by that nights work he forbore assaulting it and kept four days upon those Hills upon which having raised some batteries he played upon the lower fortifications and the French that they might free themselves of that molestation sallied out one night very strong upon the Enemies Works to the end that if they got no other good else thereby they might at least cloy the Ordnance and free themselves of the mischief they received thereby but meeting with stout resistance they were repuls'd with loss and forc'd to retreat to their own fortifications And yet the Governour knowing that the laying of them level with the ground made but little for the main business and that to beat down Forts which would be continually repaired by the neighbouring Army was to no purpose and that the City being streightned on many sides he resolved to change his quarters and to go to Montcalleri which is a great Town upon the right hand of the Poe a little above Valentino where there is a wooden bridge over the River which is strong and safe enough which the Governour thinking to make himself master of that he might pass thereby over the River when he could not do so by that of the Capuchins he when he came first upon the hills sent a Regiment of Dragoons to take the Town and Bridge The Town was abandoned at the first appearance of the Dragoons and the Bridge was at the same time burnt so as the taking of the Town made nothing at all for the Governours purpose for he must find means to make another good and solid Bridge whereby to pass over his Army if he would effect the intended succour he therefore ordered Carlo della Gatta to go with a good strength of men to Montcalleri and to throw over another Bridge a little above that which the French had burnt where two Islands were made by the Poe which were very commodious for the passage La Gatta went thither and past over 500 Souldiers in boats to the other shore under Serjeant Major Lomelino by which those who defended the further shore being beaten back he began a Fortification upon the bank which he had won that it might serve to keep back the enemy if they should oppose the throwing over of the Bridge but as soon as Harcourt heard of the enemies being past over and of the Fortifications which they made there considering of what importance it might be if the enemy should enter on that side and accost their Trenches he forthwith sent the Viscount di Turenna to disturb the Work who went with a great body of Musketiers and was followed by Harcourt's self with a great strength of men to back him if there should be occasion The place where Lomelino fortified himself was environed for the most part with a great ditch full of the water of the Poe the Souldiers being afraid and not daring to pass over it Turenna to upbraid their cowardliness threw himself with some of the chiefest that were about him into the ditch and undauntedly past over it though the water came up to his breast the Souldiers being thereby encouraged did all follow him and surrounding the enemy who were busie in fortifying themselves and others coming in by where the ditch came short a fierce Skirmish began wherein the assaulted not able to save themselves by retreating fought stoutly but Turenna who fought amongst the foremost receiving a sleight hurt in the heat of the conflict was reported to be dead at which the assailants grew so enraged as being recruited by new men which continually came in they began to fight desperately killing not only those who fought but those who yielded and being superiour both in number and in force they slew them all part whereof perish'd by the sword and part were drowned in the water Lomelino's self who was taken prisoner could find
where having the Poe upon his back he had no where whereby to retreat in case of of ill fortune but by that narrow Bridge which he had caused to be thrown over but when he had fortified he was not over diligent in assaulting the enemies Trenches as if he intended not to hazard his Army under the enemies Fortifications preferring therefore cautious before couragious counsels and the preserving of the Kings Territories before theâ—…e reâ—…et of Turin he aimed at keeping the French Army from Victuals and at forcing it to quit the siege rather by Famine then by the Sword and thus without adventuring or hazarding the Kings Forces to free the City and the Prince and yet to preserve his Army against any unthought of accident which might happen the French Forces being in Piedmont The Princes intentions were diametrically contrary to these who thinking it reasonable that for the preservation of himself his Sisters and the City all the Kings Forces and Interests were to be hazarded held it also necessary to be done so for the safety of the State of Millain for all Piedmont being to be lost by the loss of Turin he held that that State would be but badly preserved after such a loss and he the Prince not being a bare Captain or Governour of a Town he thought he ought not to suffer himself to be reduced to such extreams as that he might afterwards be necessitated to beg his life or at least his liberty of the Conqueror that therefore it became him when he might see from a far off that it was impossible for him to hold out and that he could not be relieved to prevent surrendring by Articles suiting with his condition These complaints went accompanied with tacite protestations that he would accept of the large promises made him by the King of France if he would yield to the treaties of agreement which were yet on foot alledging and giving out that if the Governohr would carry on affairs aiming only at the Kings private interests he ought not to wonder if he the Prince passing by the common concerns should advise and govern himself according to his private ends and those of his house These were the debates and altercations which past between the Prince and Governour during the whole Siege whilst the Prince complain'd that he was abused in his expectation not seeing any effect of so many promises nor of his hoped for succour and the Governour that he was drawn into precipices as concerning the common cause by the Prince and by the too couragious attempt propounded by him which tended not to the good leading on of the succour but to the apparent ruine of the Army and of the whole enterprise which would certainly be brought to a good and honourable issue by safer and more cautious Counsels Thus the Prince who was naturally stout and couragious detested the Governours comportments and accused him of timerousness and sometimes of double dealing and the Governour the more he saw the Prince desirous to hazard all upon the fortune of a general assault the more he thought his Counsels and Proposals to be destructive he therefore would not be drawn from his resolution of delivering the almost famished City by famishing the French Army he therefore sent his Cavalry to over-run the Country and forrage the highways by which Victuals might be brought to the enemies Camp and he found his counsel to be good for he daily heard news of the intercepting of Victuals This his design was also more authenticated by Letters written from the Dowagers Agents to the General which were intercepted wherein he was told that he was not to build much upon any help from Savoy unless he would keep the ways open for succours from else where and the sequel did approve of the Governours counsel for Victuals growing very scant in the French Camp their Souldiers would come to the Walls of the City and beg a piece of bread which sometimes was given them even by the Prince his permission and for that the City wanted Grass and Forrage for Horses more then bread a bartering was agreed upon between the besiegers and besieged for Grass and Straw for bread a great sign of the extream want the besiegers were reduced to The Prince complained grievously of the Governour and propounded sometimes one thing sometimes another that he might be once free of the misery he was in but he was not at all moved therewith he was more moved by the treaties of agreement which were still kept on foot between the Prince and the French Agents and with the great offers that were made the Prince if he would adhere to France and forego Spain and if he and his Brother would quit all claim of Regency to the Dowager wherefore it became the Governour to be very careful of distasting the Prince lest being allured by the French offers and scandalized at his proceedings he might embrace the former wherefore the Prince proposing finally that since he continued constant in overcoming the French by famine it would be better for him to leave a competent Garrison in Montcalleri which might secure that Bridge which kept the way open between his Camp and the parts beyond the Poe and to go with the rest of the Army to Giuliascho and Collegno Towns three miles on the back of Turin upon the way which leads to Pinarollo and Susa for that by residing in Collegno which is situated upon the Dora he would not only block up the aforesaid ways of Susa and Pinarvole but those of the Canavese and of Piedmont by which the enemies Camp would be formally besieged and would be forc'd for fear of famine to rise in a short time The Governour were it either that he approved of this advice or that he desired to like whatsoever the Prince proposed provided that he were not thereby to hazard his men resolved to follow it the rather for that he was counsell'd so to do by the Count Sirvela who was Embassadour in extraordinary from the King of Spain to the Common-wealth of Genoa a Gentleman of excellent parts and who was then in the Camp and by whom the Governour was much ruled and who having by the Kings appointment been ayding to the carrying on of the main affair in all this Campagnia had had his share therein The Governour therefore had already constituted Don Luigi Ponze Di Lion Commander of 2000 Foot and 800 Horse who were to be left for the safety of that quarter when he should go with the rest of his men to those Towns This advice was also furthered by news from France that the King being at last moved by the imminent danger of this enterprise if speedy succour should not be sent had taken order to send good recruits both of men and victuals to the Camp in Piedmont But on a sudden nor was it known upon what occasion the Governour cut his resolution in two which certainly would have been better for the full
the Town by these successes affairs proceeded well for the relief of the City and but ill-favor'dly for the besieging Army which was yet much more streightned by famine and which was very grievous within the time of Circumvolution no victuals being possible to be brought thither so closely were all the Avenues block'd up insomuch as they were forced to make use of that small remainder of Victuals which was in the Citadel whereat the Governour thereof complained much who being forced to obey the Generalls command protested that he would give over his charge meerly for want of victuals and that he must be forced to surrender the Citadel when the Army through famine should be necessitated to raise the siege but Harcourt cared but little for all those words and protestations as knowing that if the siege should be raised the Citadel must inevitably be lost â—…nor herewithal content he laid hand upon the victuals which were leâ—…t for the sustenance of the Garrison in Chiavazzo which did but ill supply the want of the famish'd army so as Harcourt who thought to have furnish'd Turin by siege did famish his own camp the the Citadel and Chiavazzo and had he continued long in this condition the City had not onely been freed by famine but the Citadel and Chiavazzo would have been taken by the relieving Army and the Camp was already brought to that low condition as the daily allowance of bread ceasing some few ounces of Rice taken from the Citadel were in lieu thereof distributed amongst the Common Souldiers nor fared the Captains any better and yet Harcourt persevered constant in his resolution of taking the City nay being offer'd composition by the Nuntio he would not listen to it but as if he had been Conquerour demanded that the City might be absolutely delivered to him which he would keep in the Dukes name during the Dowagers Regency and as if he had been certain of what was to ensue he protested he would continue the siege till such time as the Horses that were in Turin should have eaten all the Hay and Forrage that was in the City and the men all the Horses he moreover continued making great offers to the Prince in so much as such constancy being altogether contrary to the Genius of the French who are impatient of suffering it caused much wonder in all men who confest that the French did therein not only out-do themselves but did even out-do the Spaniards who are excellent good at suffering but it was now almost impossible that the business could hold out any longer for the Souldiers having undergone all the extreams which it was possible for humane nature to tolerate many of them fell sick many died and many ran away some into the City some into the Spanish Camp and every one of them relating their share of the great extremities that the besiegers were in they occasioned which was miraculous so various differing and contrary opinions between the Prince and the Governour as the result thereof proved almost the utter ruine of the common affairs and the safety of the French the Prince who grew daily more and more impatient of delay and infinitly desirous to see himself freed from siege by a general assault thought it was now high time to assault a body of an Army which was languishing afflicted and macerated by famine sufferings and assiduous labour and which seemed not fit to manage Arms and could but ill bear with the Governours phlegmatick patience who ruling rather like a Cunctator then Dictator persisted the more in his resolution of overcoming by sitting still for that he saw the Enemy reduced to the utmost brink of necessity and that the main affâ—…ir consisted in having patience for a few days But the news which was divulged of the great succour both of men and meat which was sent from France and was already arrived in Piedmont troubled the Prince above all things else fearing that if it should come before the Siege was raised all the Governours calculations would be subverted and the siege would be reduced to its former condition with little hopes that the Governour who would not move when he had so fair an occasion of overcoming should hazzard his men in keeping off the succour or in relieving the City when he should see the Enemies Camp recruited with men strengthned and invigoured by the great supply of victuals The scarcity that was in the City of gun-powder did make the Prince more desirous to see an end of so great anxiety before so necessary a sustenance of defence should fail And amongst all these agitations of mind great jealousies and suspitions were not wanting making him believe or lest doubt that the Governour by whom he thought he was abandon'd at the Ponte della Rotta should be as careless of relieving him at the present not out of any wariness or any mystery of War but rather for that hatching his accustomed tancour in his breast he looked with an ill eye upon his weighty interests not caring to assist him in his so great streights These considerations made the Prince impatient in expecting what the issue of the Governours designes would be But it was thought he was most grieved to see how happily the Governours designes proceeded which was no less hateful to him then to the Enemy and was more mad thereat then Harcourt foreseeing by the manner of his proceeding his own utter undoing the ruine of his family and the loss of his peoples liberty for which he fought The Prince knew as well as Harcourt that if he the siege should in any way raised that if the siege should in any way be raised the Citadel would undoubtedly be thereupon surrendred He also knew that if the siege should be raised by famine and not by the sword the Governour would enter into the City victorious with his forces entire and would doubtlesly use such supercheries as Victors usually do and would set forward his pretentions to the Citadel which he the Prince being so short of him in forces could not obviate Therefore not onely he but all the Piedmontese was so fill'd with horrour as they were in doubt whether that it would be better for them that the City should be relieved by that way or not at all relieved And not knowing what to do in so great extremity they could think of no better way to evade it then by using their utmost means that the Spaniards and the French might be brought to fight together hoping that if the French should be beaten they might be masters of the City and that if the Spaniards should be worsted they might be masters of the Citadel and that the Piedmontese who were in the midst between them might be able to oppose the Victors and to preserve their Ducall Family and their own liberties in which bustling the Prince might probably promise himself that the remainders of the French Army as also those of the Citadel being of Enemies become his Friends might
a day of Battel neer the City Wherein the Spanish Army being Victors it goes before that City whither the Duke was withdrawn with his men about which the Governour having imployed much time to little purpose At last peace is concluded by the means of Princes Ministers 59 BOOK IV. The King being but badly satisfied with the peace of Asti makes Don Pietro di Toledo Governour of Millain Between whom and the Duke new differences arise â—…ouching the execution of the Articles of peace The Venetians by reason of the Slavonians who molest their Navigation in the Gulf make war in Friuli against the Arch-Duke and in Istria against the Emperour and possessing themselves of many Towns in Friuli come before Gradisca from whence they depart not many days after by reason of Treaties of Agreement which were introduced The Duke of Savoy complaining still of the not observance of peace fears to be again assaulted by the Governour and therefore prepares for war again He joins under-hand with the Venetians and calls Diguieres Marshal of France into Piedmont but is quickly and unexpectedly assaulted in Savoy by the Duke de Nemours who is somented with monies and promises from the Governour of Millain The King of France to provide against the commencing uproars in Lombardy sends Monsieur di Bettuve thither and the Pope Monsignore Lodovisio Arch-Bishop of Bologna Preparations for a new war are renewed in the State of Millain and in Piedmont which is again begun betwixt the Duke and the Governour who draws neer the Confines of Piedmont with an Army 113 BOOK V. The Duke unexpectedly assaults the Spanish Army which was entred his State and being beaten retreats to Assigliano From whence finding that the enemy went to possess themselves of Crescentino he departs and speedily preventing them defends it The Spanish Army take Santya and San Germano The Duke endeavouring to keep back their Victuals was forc'd to come to a Battel where he was again worsted The Popes Nuntio and the French Embassadour hold the Governours Forces in hand by introducing new Treaties of Peace In the interim the Marquess of Mortara entering le Langhe takes many of the Dukes Castles and Don Sanchio di Luna takes Gattinara Winter coming on the Governour fired Santya and leaving a Garrison in St. Germano sends the resi of his Army into their Quarters and retires into the State of Millain The Duke the Prince his Son being come to him from Savoy and the Marshâ—… Diguieres from France with new men takes the Principality of Messerano and makes himself master of San Damiano Alba and Monteggio Towâ—… in Montferrat Wherefore Mortara firing Canelli abandons the Langhe The Marshal being sent for back by the King returns with his men to France The Venetians whilest they are busying themselves to little purpose in Friuli are molested at Sea by the Spanish Fleet sent by the Viceroy of Naples into the Gulf which not being able to draw the Venetian Fleet to fight take three Gallies richly fraught 149 BOOK VI. The Governour of Millain goes with his Army to before Vercelles and besieging it on all sides and the Town not being able to be relieved after a long Siege he takes it upon Articles The Capitulations of Peace as well for what concern'd Piedmont as Friuli are Treated of in the Court of Spain and are concluded in the Court of France as also at Madrid The Duke of Savoy being assisted by the French who came into Piedmont after the Surrender of Vercelles takes some Towns in Montferrat and in Allessandria And at last in pursuance of the Capitulations stipulated in the Courts of France and Spain the Peace is concluded in Pavia between the Governor of Millain and the French Embessador The Viceroy of Naples sends some â—…lieoons into the Gulf in defence of the Ragâ—…siens who were vex'd by the Venetian â—…t which Galleoons get the better in fight of the Venetians A Conspiracy is discovered in Venice and some rumours are spread abroad upon the Confines of Venice toward Millain between the Spanish Souldiers and those of the Commonwealth which being appeased a period is put to the war and Italy is restored to her former peace 186 BOOK VII In this seventh Book you have the condition of the affairs of Italy after the appeasement of the War of Piedmont The death of two Popes as also the death of the King of Spain and of the Emperour The Insurrections in the Valtoline the occasion of new rumours which arose from hence in Italy of new jealousies and of new Leagues made by many Princes against the Crown of Spain The Forts of the Valtoline deposited into the Popes hands The Prince of Wales his Iourney into Spain The Prince of Urbin's death and the approaching Escheat of that State And lastly the seeds of new troubles rising between the Genoese and the Duke of Savoy by reason of their having purchased the Fee-farm of Zuccarello whereat the Duke was displeased Here are also touched by way of passage some accidents of Warr which hapned in Germany Flanders and in the East and West-Indies 212 BOOK VIII In this Eighth Book you have the Description of the Commonwealth of Genoa her Interest and good Correspondency with the Crown of Spain The Diet held at Susa wherein two attempts are resolved upon the one against the Valtoline the other against Genoa for the execution whereof many preparations are made both in France and in Italy The French fall down into the Valtoline under the conduct of the Marquess of Coure and driving the Churches Forces from the Forts which were deposited in the Popes hands they make themselves masters thereof they likewise fall down into Piedmont under de Diguieres Grand Constable and joyning with the Duke of Savoy and with his Forces go to the Enterprise of Genoa and proceed far in that State the Pope sends his Nephew Legate into France The Genoeses are reduced into a very dangerous condition by hostile Arms. 257 BOOK IX By relief of Monyes and Victuals sent from Spain and Men from Naples Genoa is comforted in the midst of her troubles she is encouraged by the wants of the Enemies Army and through the disagreeing of their Commanders and is at last wholly freed by Friends coming into the Fiâ—…ld with a powerful Army The Enemies Army retreats from the Enterprise of Genoa anâ—… attempts Savona but being overtaken by Feria retires to Piedmont Feria takes the City of Acqui he goes afterwards to Asti and from thence to Verrua where he stays long to little purpose lâ—…aving many of his men and being forc'd to give over the Enterprise returns with his Army much lessened into the State of Millain many actions happen at the same time in the besieging and defending of Riva di Chiavenna wherein the Spaniards have still the better of the French they drive the French at last out of the Valtoline and raise the Siege of Riva The English Fleet falling upon Spain there is repuls'd and
by the Kings Forces he was taken Prisoner The Infanta Cardinal Brother to the King of Spain his Voyage from Barcellona into Italy The Duke of Feria his marching from the State of Millain with a great Army going for Germany to make way for the Cardinal Infanta who prepared to go for Flanders What the said Feria did in Flanders From hence we pass to the Narration of the Warrs in Germany to the King of Swethland's death and the like of Wallestine with a brief Examination of his actions intentions and of his end The Emperours Army takes the Field led on after Wallestine's death by the King of Hungary Son and Generall to the Emperour with what he did till the Cardinal Infanta entred Germany who parting with a great Army from Millain towards Flanders joyns with the Emperours Army and fights the Army of the League of Germans and Swedes before Nordling wherein the Austrians have the better The Infanta passes with his men into Flanders where when he came he found a League made between the King of France and the united Provinces against the Spanish Empire in those parts which occasions an open breach between the two Crowns the occasion of which breach with the reciprocal complaints faults and excuses made by both Parties are diffusedly related and how after the Battle which hapned upon the Confines of France and Flanders between the Armies of the two Crowns the Warrs pass'd into Italy 483 BOOK XIV This Book tells you the redoubled going out of the Fleet from Naples against Provence and the accidental disaster of the latter The occasion rise encounters and progress of the French Forces led by the Duke of Rhoan into the Valtoline The endeavours of the French to alienate the Princes of Italy from the Spanish party and to draw them over to their King The Pope and Venetians move not The Duke of Savoy goes over to the French mâ—…re out of necessity then of good will The great Duke of Tuscany is constant to the Austrians The Dukes of Modena and Parma and the Lord of Mirandola negotiate with the French the Duke of Parma closes with the French the others adhere to the Spaniards The Common-wealth of Genoa notwithstanding the great damages suffer'd by her Citizens from the Spaniards and notwithstanding the distastes she had received in her reputation refuseth to declare manifest neutrality or partiality yet in fact keeps confident to both parties The State of Millain is assaulted by the French and by the Dukes of Savoy and Parma who going against Valenza del Poe befiege it but it is relieved and quite freed by the Spaniards The Duke of Rhoan having routed the Dutch and Millain Forces remain absolute lord and master of the Valtoline 528 BOOK XV. The King of Spain for the preservation of the State of Millain sends a new Governour new men and good store of money thither The Duke of Savoy returning thither with his men and with those of France takes Bremi and reduceth it to a Fort Royall and by frequent inroads troubles that side of the Country The Duke of Parma's Dominions are assaulted by the Spanish Forces after his going for France and are defended by Marquess Villa who is sent thither by the Duke of Savoy with a good strength of Horse and Foot and are defended by strong diversions till the Spring in the beginning whereof the Duke of Parma returns from France endeavours by meanes of the Colleagues Forces to get into his Country goes to Nizza Della Paglia being to throw down a great Trench which was made upon the bank of Scrivia he turns back and repassing the Poe endeavours to effect his design on that side but meeting with strong opposition there also he is forced to return and passing again with some men over the Poe he tarries with them in Nizza till such time as the Duke of Savoy going with the body of the Army into the Confines of Novara to annoy that part of the State may divert the Governour from guarding the grand Trench and leave free passage by that way for the Duke of Parma Who by severall accidents abandoning the design marched with a few men towards the Sea where getting into a little Vessel he passeth Incognito into Lavigiana and gets into his own Territories The Duke of Savoy passeth succesfully the Tesino and causeth such terrour and confusion in Millain as the Governour is forc'd to abandon the Trench and defend Millain And going with all his men towards the Enemies Camp he assaults it in Tornavento but the Duke freeing himself from the assault returns to the greater Lâ—…ke where being come and fearing the Governour who was gone to Romagnano would assault him on that side resolves to return towards Piedmont The Governour seeing the State freed of the Enemies Army betakes himself partly to recover the Towns taken by the Enemy partly to resent himself on Piedmont and the Duke of Parma's State and having sent what Forces he could thither he proceeds so far as the Duke who was retired to Piacenza maintains a siege till such time as seeing no succour he is forc'd to compound with the Governour The Warr of Parma being appeased the Governour turns upon the Towns in the Langhe which were yet held by the Enemy and having taken some of them he hears that the Duke raiseth Forces in the Canavese he marcheth towards him and having in vain provoked him to battle he sends Don Martino of Aragon with a strong body of men to discover Vercelli against whom Marquess Villa who was returned from the State of Parma coming forth with a no less number of men a great skirmish is had wherein the Marquess hath the better The Governour understanding afterwards that Count Verrua was gone to besiege the Roccad ' Arazzo he prepares to defend it And succeeding fortunately therein his happiness was embittered by a great defeat which the Duke gave to Don Martino of Aragon before Monbaldone After which the Duke returning victorious to Vercelli within a moneth after dyed Some Islands in Provence are taken by the Fleet which came from Naples A French Fleet comes from Britany enters the Mediterranean with which another joyns which was provided in Provence both which keep in the Ligustick Sea doing but little good and less in Sardignia and Winter in Tolone but putting to Sea in the Spring they recover the Islands which were taken the year before by the Spanish Fleet. The Pope labours to compose the Wars between Christian Princes but in vain A League is concluded between the Crown of Spain and the Grisons by which the Valtoline returns upon some conditions under the ancient Dominion of the Grisons The State of Millain is at last freed from the French Forces by the recovery of Bremi 572 BOOK XVI The Duke of Savoy being dead differences arise between the Dutchess Dowager and the Princes her Husbands Brothers touching the Guardianship of the young Children and the Regency of the State The Dutchess in the
Princes absence is sworn Governess and Regent being compel'd by the King of France she renews League with him The Governour of Millain goes to before Vercelli and after a long Siege takes it upon Articles The Princes of Savoy assisted by the Spaniards and Piedmontese take many Towns and make much progress they go to before Turin and having tarried before it some days retire without doing any thing falling as before to over-run Piedmont they are received every where till Forces being sent to the Dutchess from France under the Duke of Longueville she recovers Chiavasco and other Towns which the Princes had taken The Prince Cardinal fearing Corneo goes to defend it and Prince Thomaso going once more with the Spanish Forces to before Turin surpriseth the Town and the Governour of Millain coming in unto him with all their Forces attempt the taking of the Citadel whither the Dutchess was retired The Siege is suspended by a Truce which being ended the French under the new General Count Hartcourt take Cheri but being presently besieged by the Governour of Millain they are forced through Famine to quit it and retreat in the face of the enemy to Carmagnuola 628 BOOK XVII You shall read in this Book the Treaties of Agreement between the Dowager and the Princes and the interests between the Princes and the Governour of Millain how the Governour goes with a powerful Army to Cassalle how it is relieved by Harcourt how he fought the Governour before he could bring in the succour and had the better of the Fight and did not only relieve but perfectly free the place Harcourt being victorious goes presently to Turin he takes the Capuchins Bridge over the Poe fortifies himself there and afterwards begirts the City with a vast Line and endeavours to get it by Famine Prince Thomaso being in it but ere long he seeth the Governour upon the Hills with a powerful Army coming to relieve the besieged Prince the Governour finding it impossible to bring the succour by that way strives to get a pass over the River towards Montcalleri and having gotten it he passeth over the Poe where quitting the Hills he takes up new quarters and thinking to make the French abandon the enterprize by Famine he possesseth himself of the Avenues by which Victuals were brought to the Camp so as they would have been quickly made to remove had not the Prince Thomaso who was impatient of delay made the Governour to fall upon the Enemies Trenches and to relieve him so which falling out unfortunately and the Governour not thinking himself any longer safe in his quarters beyond the Poe returns to his quarters upon the Hills where he tarried assisting the besieged in what he was able till the City was surrendred which hapned two moneths and eleven dayes after the unfortunate assault given to the French Trenches that the besieged City might be relieved Prince Thomaso comes out of Turin and retreats to Inurea where he is desired by Monsigniore Mazzarini who was come Embassadour from the King of France into Piedmont a little before Turin was surrendred to joyn with the French but Count Siruela coming to him from the Governour of Millain he makes new capitulations with him to joyn with the Crown of Spain and the Count Della Rivera being sent by the same Governour to the same purpose to the Prince Cardinal the Embassadour Mazzarini having notice thereof forceth Prince Thomaso to joyn with the French upon conditions one of which was that the Prince should go to Paris within one moneths space which condition was not observed for the Prince instead of going to France passeth secretly to Nice where he and his brother re-conform their union to the Crown of Spain to Rivera the Embassadour Mazzarini who went to Nice to confirm the one Prince and to draw the other over to the French party laboured the contrary very much at the same time the Governour of Millain is sent for into Spain and is succeeded in that Government by Count Siruela the French go to Montcalvo take the Town at their first arrival and afterwards the Castle which yields without expecting succour 686. BOOK XVIII The Crown of France and French Commanders being but badly satisfied with Prince Thomaso for his non-observance of the Capitulation made by him go to drive him out of Inurea which being better defended then assaulted holds out till the Governour sends succour who going afterwards to before Chiavasso Forces the French almost to quit the Enterprise that they may relieve Chiavasso and Don Vincenzo Gonzaga coming to the French quarters before Inurea forceth them to their much prejudice to give over the Enterprise wholly and the Prince enters joyfully into the City The Dowagers Generals recover Ceva Mondovi and the Castle of Carru and then joyning with the French go to before Cuneo and take it The Spaniards take Montcalvo The Prince of Monaco drives out the Spanish Garrison and introduceth the French to the great prejudice of the Spanish Affairs the misfortunes whereof are by a short digression related Cardinal Richlieu dies The Conde Duca falls from all Authority and Greatness in the Court of Spain The differences between the Dowager and the Princes are at last composed The Princes forsake the Spanish party and adhere unto the French Prince Thomaso joyning with the French after some small actions done to the prejudice of Spain goes with the Duke of Longueville with a strong Army to before Tortona which after a long time is taken but some months after is re-taken with much ado by the Spaniards in which interim Prince Thomaso recovers Asti and all the Towns that were held by the Spaniards in Piedmont except Vercelli 744 THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY BOOK I. The Contents FRancis Duke of Mantua and Montferrate being dead Charles Emanuel Duke of Savoy pretends the return of his Daughter Margaret Wife to the late Francis into Piedmont together with Mary her only Daughter Cardinal Ferdinando Brother and Successor to Francis retards his Sister in Law 's return and keeps his Niece in Mantua Hereupon differences arise between the two Dukes wherefore the Duke of Savoy renewing his ancient claim to Montferrat which was pretended to by his Predecessors assaults that State at unawares possesseth himself of the Cities of Alba and Trino indeavours the like of Moncalvo but not being able to get the Fort levies people to take it The Condition of Italy is also given in the Prooemium then by way of digression the Duke of Savoys pretences to Montferrate is discoursed upon and many other Interests and Accidents which occurred between the said Duke and the Court of Spain at several Times and upon divers Occasions ITALY hoped long to continue that Peace which She had already injoyed for so many years when by the unexpected death of Henry the Fourth King of France she was freed of the great suspition of War which she had cause to apprehend by reason of the great preparations of that Kingdom
having obtained any thing of him he gave way that Don Herâ—…le Gonza and the Count Di san Secondâ—… should go with theâ—… 〈◊〉 ' Arms from Millain to the defence of Montferrat and that all the Souldiers which should be sent thither from Mantua might pass through the State of Millain Moreover to raise jealousie in the Duke of Savoys Dominions he sent some Companieâ—… of Spanish Foot to the Confines of Vercelles but with express command not to go further And having given order for the raising of 4000 Swâ—…ffers he deputed Lodovico Gambaloita and Ieronimo Rho Camp-masters to raise two Regiments of 3000 Foot apâ—…ece in Lombardy which being done but slowly for want of money they were no proportionate â—…emedy for the present evil for Montferrat was likely to be left in prey to the Enemy unless it were speedily and powerfully succour'd Duke Ferdinando return'd therefore from Millain ill satisfied and by thiâ—… rigidness arguing but little of good that was intended him from Spain and therefore despairing of help from thence he forbore not to express it The mean while he sent his brother Vincenzo into Montferrat with 500 Horse and 1000 Foot and having sent notice to France of his condition he expected succour from thence but for all this his cause was stuck unto by the Italian Princes for the Venetians and the great Duke of Toscany weighing the importance of this business and the consequences which might succeed thereupon declared themselves on the behalf of the Duke of Mantua the State of Venice resolved to pay a certain sum of money for the maintaining of the Cittadel of Cassalle and both they and the great Duke gave themselves diligently to raise Souldiers for the reliefe of Montferrat lest the Duke of Savoy holding intelligence with the King of Spain might share therein with him or if there were no intelligence between them that by molesting Duke Ferdinando the King might necessitaâ—…e him when he should be abandoned by his friends to throw himself into the arms of-the said King and by exchange for somewhat of less value surrender Montferrat unto him which he could not by any other means keep from his adversary and so the condition of Italy might be impaired by such a change A consideration which many thought might as well have kept the Duke of Savoy from such novelty because it would be more inconvenient for him then for any other that Montferrat which was as it were in the bowels of Piedmont and so very near Turin should be possest by the Spaniards who by building Forts in fitting places might keep him in perpetual subjection This Counsel was not therefore generally approved of whose wisdom every one desired might at this time have been greater and that it might have prevailed over his desire of possessing himself of Montferrat or over his resentment of the injury he conceived he had received and that temporizing according to the example of his Predecessours he might have waiâ—…ed for other opportunities and occasions whereby he might have experimented his Title or his Fortune without indangering the quiet of Italy more to his own conveniency and with less danger to others But the news of these commotions being heard in France though they caused much trouble there yet the Queen being resolute not to occasion any alteration in her Kingdom by taking up Arms after many consultations held it best to betake her self to those means by which not many years before she had composed the Duke of Savoys affairs She therefore resolved to assist her Nephew in a civil way especially since in regard of the double alliance between her children and those of the King of Spain from the conclusion whereof a strict union was expected and a firmer friendship then had been formerly hoped for between those two Crowns she had just reason to be confident her mediation and indeavours would not prove vain in that Court But on the other side for the Kingdoms greater honour and the more safety of her Nephews affairs she gave out that she would assist him by Arms and made some preparations more in shew then reality which being afterwards heard upon the Confines of Savoy caused some jealousie in the Duke and it may be the news of their coming was not without some good to Italy This mean while the Duke of Savoy seeing his Counsels favour'd by success much more then he had reason to hope for little apprehending the far-off Forces of France and being confident that the Spaniard would not trouble him nearer hand especially since Prince Victorio was return'd to Piedmont not without satisfaction from Millain whence he had sent thither to let the Governour know how well it became the King in point of honour to resent the injury that was done him in the persons of his children Therefore growing daily bolder and spreading his sailes broader to the prosperous winds of Fortune he advanced farther in the conquest of Montferrat not punishing those who withstood him more with Fiâ—…e and Sword then those with extraordinaâ—…y Contributions who had willingly submitted insomuch as in a short time he made himself master of almost all the upper Montferrat Where the Souldiers trampling upon all things both sacred and profane made the Inhabitants without any distinction of age or sex undergo all the evils and adversities which the licentiousness avâ—…rice and libidinousness of War could occasion So as the Dukes name became shortly no less odious then formidable though to prevent scandal and inconvenience and to acquit himself of so gâ—…eat excesses he had caused some of his most insolent Souldiers to be severely punished And being incouraged and grown proud by success and not thinking that any of the Italian Princes could oppose him in this enterprise though they did not approve thereof he recalled his Embassadour from Venice and dismist the Venetian Embassadour that was resident with him as the Embassadour of a Prince that was his Enemy Not complaining so much that the Common-wealth had declared it self to adhere to his adversary as of the manner how because no indeavours had preceded the Senates Declaration as seemed fitting to have been done to a Prince that was a friend And understanding at the same time that Innocenzo de Massimi Bishop of Bertinoro and Vice-Legat of Ferrara who was sent unto him upon the present Occurrences with the Title of Extraordinary Nuntio had indeavoured somewhat with the Governour of Millain tending to the favour of Duke Ferdinando he forboâ—…e giving him Audience for some days making use of his conceived anger as of a pretence wherefore not to listen to his proposals and consequently not to slacken the War by any Treaty of Peace But not knowing how civilly to avoid the coming of Francisco Gonzaga Prince of Castiglione who was come to Piedmont from the Emperour though he was unwillingly come to Treat with him as equally suspecting the person sent and the sender and detesting the occasion of his coming yet he resolved to give him Audience
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
concluded that it was by no means fitting to adventure the reputation of the Kings Forces which would sufficiently decline upon any the sleightest encounter and that since the safety of Novara might be cautiously provided for safe and secure resolutions ought to be preferred before such as were dangerous and uncertain The difficulty of foording over so small a River nor the danger of the Dukes coming upon them could not alter the Governour from his first opinion for the waters were not then very deep and the Duke being gone that very night for Novara he could not no not though he had flown have hindred their passage Yet one mans Authority prevailing over the universal opinion of the Council an opportunity was lost of overcoming and of putting an end to the war the very day that it was begun It was notwithstanding ordered according to the opinion of the Prince himself that the Army should returne the same way it had come that it should go to the Bridge of Villata and that repassing over the Sesia there it should go to relieve Novara but with express command to Don Alfonso Pimentello who led the Van not to fight upon any whatsoever occasion The Van had not well pass'd over the Bridge when the burning of certain little Cottages was seen from afar off and the noise of fighting heard wherefore 200 Horse were sent towards that part to discover what the matter was who light upon the Marquess Calusio who was sent as hath been said by the Duke to burn the Bridge and lay the Country waste and in a skirmish with 200 Horse which were sent by Pimentello he was forsaken by his Cavalry which at the first charge were routed and fled many of them together with Calusio himself being taken Prisoners and many slain some of the Foot when they saw the Horse run threw away their Arms ran away and were cut in pieces the greater part of them keeping close together and retreating in good order made use of the moorish scituation and of the banks through which the Enemies not being able to follow them they had opportunity to make head in fitting and advantagious places and to face Lodovico Guasco one of the Captains of the 200 Horse who with his Company of Curassiers followed them by oblique ways and was still upon their flanks and after having assaulted them more than once many of his men being slain and having his own horse slain under him he suffered them at last to get safe into Vercelles and though their number was lessened yet they wan more preys then their horse which fled at the very first onset without making any resistance This was the first incounter of the War of Piedmont and the first action that hapned therein The Spanish Army went to quarter at Candia a mile beyond Villata instead of going to Palestra a little higher upon the river whither they might better have gone for being neer the way which leads from Novara to Vercelles it had been a more convenient place to have hindred the Dukes return And this would have proved the better for that the Duke parted that very night from Novara and returned to the Confines of Piedmont and quartered there that night with his men very weary and tired with their march the preceding day and night Here the Governour had notwithstanding another occasion of worsting him had he been as mindful to imbrace it as fortune was favorable in presenting it For there was neither river nor other obstacle between him and the Duke so as he might commodiously and upon advantage have assaulted him there not being above a mile between the places where they were quartered The next day the Duke fired Palestra early in the morning to revenge the burning of Caranzana the night before by the Dutch and went for Vercelles without being molested nothing being done to impede him in his return Thus having freed his own State from the Enemies Army the very day that it entred thereinto and revenged the injury he had received in the same manner as was done to him he returned to Vercelles where he staid observing the Enemies proceedings The Governour being returned to the State of Millain began presently to build a Fort which he raised from the very foundation in the Territories of Novara a little distant from the Sesia and not much more then a mile from Vercelles which in honour of the Duke of Lerma he called the Fort of Sandoval He gave out that he built it to no other end but to secure Novara in case that when the Governour should enter again into Piedmont it should be re-assaulted by the Duke as in such case he threatned he would do But the Fabrick being great and capable of many men flanckt by five Bulwarks and neer upon a mile in compass it was not without good ground judged to be a building not begun for the occurrences of the present War but of long continuance and to fortifie the State of Millain on that side at all times from forreign Armies For this same thing was almost resolved upon many years before in Spain though it was not proceeded in to shun giving of jealousies to the Italian Princes and to the Duke who was then a friend to the Crown But now there being a manifest breach it was thought as indeed it was true that the Kings Officers made use of this occasion to put their former resolution in practise In this interim Prince Philiberto return'd from Naples with the Gallies wherein were between five and six thousand foot part Spaniards and part Neapolitans who being unbarked in the waters of Genua where he left also most of the Gallies he went with some few into Spain being honour'd and attended not only as Admiral but as the Kings Nephew but in reality being environed by Spanish Officers who were appointed to wait upon him by the Duke of Lerma he appeared rather to be kept as an Hostage his Navigation was to no great purpose for the Turkish Fleet which was much less then it was said to be after having appeared within sight of Sicely before the Prince his coming retreated to Navarino a Haven in Morea True it is that Don Diego Pimentello who was sent with two good Gallies very well appointed to discover them had the luck to take two of the enemies Gallies which being well man'd came also to discover the Christian Fleet and lighting upon them about Navarino he stoutly assaulted them and in a short space made himself master of them a Victory which was the more remarkable for that it hapned almost in view of the enemies Fleet which was not above 20 miles distant from where the fight was made But it is not to be exprest how all men were amazed and confounded with wonder in Lombardy and generally throughout Italy who expected mighty things from the Governours going into Piedmont when they saw him return so soon without doing any thing and as the resolution of returning would have made
Garrison the Duke for the better security thereof chose out about a thousand of his best Musketiers and sent them under the command of Captain Odone Rovero of Asti and Monsieur d' Arlo a French man men of great courage and experience to possess themselves of and to fortifie a certain Hill which stood between the Castle and Bravo's Quarters but the Prince going with 4000 Foot two Troops of Light Horse and some Artillery to take in the Hill after a long dispute wherein Arlo Rovero and many of the Dukes chiefest Souldiers were slain got it at last by stout fighting for all that the Duke sent a great relief unto them by Count Guido from whence turning immediately to the expugning of Castiglione whether the Souldiers who escaped from the defence of the Hill fled he likewise easily took it for the Governour to the end that he by division might the more easily obtain the Hill having at the same time sent Don Alonso Pimontello to fall upon the Trenches towards the Tannaro which were defended by Prince Thomaso the Duke thinking that he had sufficiently provided for the defence of the Hillocks by those that he had sent thither under Rovero and Arlo went with the body of his Army to assist his Son so as not being able time enough to relieve Castiglione the Garrison of that Castle astonished at Prince Ascoli's great valour and through the fearful relations ' which were made by the Souldiers who were fled thither basely surrendred it when the battery was scarcely begun 500 Souldiers march'd out who were graciously sent by the Prince to the Duke not without the murmurs of the Spanish Army who by this acquisition remained absolute Masters of the Colline The Duke not being able to keep any longer upon the banks of the River those stations being lost quitted his Quarters and retired quietly unmolested to the City for the Governour keeping the Army back contrary to the opinion of many of the Captains expresly forbad Pimentello to advance who already moved with the Cavalry to fall upon his Rere being satisfied with taking the Hills and with having made the Duke forsake his Trenches he past with his Army beyond Versa where he tarryed three days to fortifie la Croce Bianca and some other places thereabouts This mean while those of Tuscany Urbane and Lucca came to the Camp and the Tuscans were sent to Sandoval that according to agreement with the great Duke they might be imployed only in defence of the State of Millain and the rest tarryed in the Camp With the addition of these and of other Souldiers who came to the Camp the Army was increased to the number of 30000 Foot and 3200 Horse 400 whereof were sent to St. Damiano a Town in Montferrat which stands on the back of Asti to keep back the victuals and munition which came from Piedmont The Captains of the Army consulted how they should assault the Duke and expugne the City and it was resolved to attempt it by the Hills near unto it as from a higher and more convenient place whereby they promised themselves the shorter and more easie success for that contrary to the opinion of all men they were neither garrisoned by the Duke nor fortified by Trenches though the slow Proceedings of the Enemies Army had afforded him sufficient conveniency to do it and the present occasion did necessarily require it Therefore the Governour leaving Zerbellone with his Brigade to guard the Fortifications made about Versa march'd with his Army in three distinct battaglions towards the Hills Don Piedro Sarmiento led on the first which was the Van composed of four brigades of Foot two Spanish two Neapolitans whereof the one was that commanded by Sarmiento the other by Don Ieronimo Pimontello the one under Thomaso Carecciolo and the other under Carlo Spinelli After this went the second battaglion led on by Giovan Bravo wherein was his own Brigade and the other two of Cordova and Gambaloita with some Troops of Horse according as the scituation would permit Between the one and the other of these were some Artillery brought and some carriages of Ammunition in the reere the two Brigades of Ieronimo Rho and of Cavalier Peccio followed with those of Urbane Parma and Lucca the first commanded by Count Horatio Carpegna the second by Don Francesco Farnese and the last by Francisco Cenami The Horse shelter'd as formerly the left wing of the Foot the baggage came last and a numerous Train of Artillery with the wonted Guard In this order did the Army march early in the morning in a thick mist which would neither suffer them to discern the Hills nor the Sentinels which were placed there to discover them The Duke having notice at last by his Scouts of the Enemies March and finding that they went towards the Hills he though too late was aware of the importancy of that station wherefore issuing immediately with all his men out of the City he went to pre-possess himself thereof which by reason of their nearness having easily done since he had not more sâ—…asonably fortified them he endeavour'd at least to arm them and furnish them so with Souldiers as the Enemy should not be Masters of them without much prejudice and effusion of blood He therefore having a mind to give battle placed six or seven thousand French on the least Hill and on that which was farthest off and talking to them on foot he encouraged them to fight proposing unto them the advantage of the scituation the valour of their Nation their hatred to the Spaniards the glory and great rewards of Victory and they being come for the most part rather to pillage then to fight it is said that pointing with his hand unto the Enemies Troops he should say to them give you me those Ranks disordered and I will give you the State of Millain and all Italy in prey to your valour and worth For all the Arms all the Forces that the Spaniards can put together being assembled in this Camp with what other people with what other Armies can they oppose you with what Arms with what Commanders can they bereave you of the reward and fruit of Victory Then seeming as if he were called away elsewhere he excused himself for not tarrying longer with them But seeming as if he did totally confide in their worth he told them that his presence was more requisite elsewhere then going from them he disposed 5000 Swissers on the Hill called Certosa where he also placed five pieces of Artillery with which scouring the Plain he also light upon the Enemies Squadrons and made way for the Horse partly on the side of the Foot partly in the Valley between the two Hills The Governour was advanced verily believing that the Duke would not stir out of the City and seeing him beyond all expectation encamp'd upon the Hills and prepared for fight he gave order for giving battle being thereunto much egg'd on by the entreaties of his men and by
glorious for the conquering Army which ought to have run with fervour to the ruine of the City which was full of men affrighted and confused through excessive fear and which was not likely to have held out long before so victorious an Army as was generally confess'd by all men did not only forbeâ—…r doing so but kept idle upon the Hills that they had won and as if they had been infatuated with stupidity busying themselves only in making Trenches and in fortifying their Quarters to defend themselves from the Enemy which they had beaten who after some days were passed began the Battery but so cold so leasurely so uncertain a one that the Bullets of the Artillery either did not hit at all or with very little damage though the Walls which they plaid upon were exceeding weak with age Wherefore the Duke who was also entred the Town in fear and astonishment and saw things in so desperate a condition by reason of his own Souldiers confusion prepared rather to abandon then to defend it taking courage at the so slow proceeding of the Enemy began to hope he might be able to defend it the which that he might do with the more honour and shew of valour he lodged his men between the Walls and the Trenches over against those of the Enemy and he did not only play upon the Enemies Camp from the Castle and from the Bulwarks and Platforms built without in convenient places but sallying often out of the Trenches with store of Musketeers even to the Enemies Banks and Works he molested them continually both by day and night and particularly on that part where as being most exposed to assaults Giovan Bravo and Lodovico Gamboloita stood to make defence who consequently underwent the burthen of all that enterprize The City was plentiful in Victuals and Ammunition which were daily brought to the Duke notwithstanding the 400 Horse which were sent to St. Damiano and the neerness of the same City afforded him convenience not only to quarter his men commodiously and under covert but also to refresh them for dividing his Souldiers between the Guards of the Walls and the Trenches and some succeeding other some in labour and in rest they recreated themselves and getting more strength by their rest and recreation they fell with more vigour to their labour again and made the longer resistance and though they were not over-well paid yet did they serve in that War with much affection and industry and were incouraged not so much by the Dukes presence and authority as by his civil comportment which won upâ—…n the Souldiers whom he accompanied in all their labours and dangers To this was added that he being naturally liberal to the Souldiers they knew he failed them not in their pay through avarice but impossibility so as every one esteeming the cause his own they laboured in the enterprize as for their own honour incited by their hatred to the Spaniards and by their desire of cancelling the fault which they had committed in the Battel and they fought the more fervently for that they saw the Enemies Army grow the less couragious Which not being only molested by continual labour as hath been said but afflicted with infinite wants and inconveniences and exposed to a thousand hardships in the Campagnia wasted and consumed miserably away as ice beaten on by the Sun for abounding in Victuals and in all other refreshments which was brought them from the States of Millain and Montferrat they grew unruly and ill-governed from whence infinite disorders did result they were quarter'd upon those barren Hills and without water the scarcity whereof was very great which they wanted not only for their refreshment and to keep them clean but even to drink for having none but what was brought on the backs of beasts from the Tanaro and Versa there was not sufficient for the Men and Horses to drink especially the neighbouring Cisterns of Certosa being immediately dried up by reason of the great concourse of people and a little rivulet which ran neer their Quarters through the small care they had of keeping cleansed from the immundities of the Army became so foul and loathsome as it was of no service So as the Souldiers were not only scorch'd up through heat but fell sick through sluttishness Moreover there being no habitations there 〈◊〉 save in the Covent of the Certosa the Souldiers for the most part lay without Tents or Shrouds naked upon the earth so as they were burnt by day by the Sun-beams which were at that time very hot and by night distempred by the blasting Evening-dew and cold Air. In many places you might have seen the Souldiers sitting on the ground under the shadow of a bough fixed in the earth thinking it a great refreshment to shelter their heads a little from the scorching heat of the Sun they took little care in burying the dead so as the air grew noisome through the stink of dead bodies sickness and other pollutions The Souldiers not being able therefore to bear with so much labour in War and inconveniences of body fell many of them daily sick who not being fitted with opportune remedy and the contagion still increasing the Camp within a few days became rather like an Hospital of sickmen then Military Quarters It behoved therefore to send for the Germans who were in the Garrison at Sandoval to supply the scarcity of people in the Camp wherein there were not enough able to supply the Guards and other usual Military Duties the rather for that the Governour having made a Trench to be digg'd towards the west by which way Victuals and Ammunion were brought into the City from Piedmont the Duke being aware of it caused another Trench to be made over against it wherewith he sheltered the way and on the head thereof made a Fort be built from whence the opposite Trench being furiously plaied upon by the Artillery the quarters about la Certosa were exposed to assaults it being therefore necessary for remedy to build another Fort opposite to it Thomaso Caracciola was deputed to have the custody theâ—…eof with his Brigade of Neapolitans and these not being sufficient for many of them diminished the Dutch who were come but a little before from Sandoval were sent thither The Governour continuing thus many days to oppose the Enemies Army which lay before the City and seeming neither willing nor resolute to assault it the Souldiers being oppress'd with so much labour and inconvenience could not be kept from murmuring not complaining so much of the effect as of the manner of the Governours suffering them who were willing to fight the Enemy to be so basely consumed by sufferings and that undergoing a thousand deaths hourly and running manifest ruine and destruction he would not suffer them to dye honourably by assaulting the City and the Dukes Quarters nor so much as send the Horse which lay there idle to divert the enemy from making defence or to pillage and over-run Piedmont
the Kingdom but in effect by his own command sent him some Ships as it was said fraughted with Foot Count Iohn of Nassau was also daily expected to come with men by land from Holland and it was heard that succours came from Germany to assist the said Duke which were sent him from the Protestant Princes of that Nation who did not a little foment the Wars of Piedmont Nor did the Venetians foment them less then they though secretly who from the beginning being anxious at the proceedings of the Spanish Army and fearing that the Duke might be oppress'd began to assist him underhand with moneys and advice and afterwards seeâ—…g his affairs proceed prosperously they being desirous to abate the Spanish grandezza were not wanting in sustaining him and shoaring him up to the end that he might resist him who thought to suppress him So all these Princes being thought privately to blow this fire it was imagined that their Embassadours who Negotiated the business did not proceed therein with sincerity unless it were the Popes Nuntio for both their manner of treating and form of conclusion was sufficiently different from that reallity which in appearance they did profess and contrary to the great confidence and good correspondency between the Kings of Spain and France the French Embassadour having the â—…ppointment made at Madrid in one hand and in the otheâ—… the intimation of War being consequently able to compel the Duke by the latter and to force the Governour by the other so as he was the chief Arbitrator of all that Negotiation the rather for that the French Souldiers and Captains who fought on the Dukes behalf depending upon his command he might at his pleasure make them forego their Arms and bereave the Duke of the greatest part of his Forces and though by orders from his King he was to be careful of the reputation of the Spanish Crown and to give satisfaction thereunto and as a good servant to so great a King ought not to suffer the peace to be concluded otherwise for the example which it would be to all greater Kings and being trusted by the Barons of France was chosen by the Queen to be imploy'd for this end at the Court of Spain yet the Authority and common desire of the Princes of that Kingdom wherein they differ'd from the King in point of keeping friendship with the Crown of Spain prevailing more with him as also peradventure the French humour naturally averse to the name of Spaniard he made less account of the Kings command which was the chief cause of all the inconveniences which befell the Spanish Army For doubtlesly things would have gone otherwise if he had punctually observed his Kings directions immediately after the Victory upon the Hills but whilst under pretence of not exasperating the Duke he proceeded sometimes too favourably with him and sometimes approving of his jealousies he feared that by intimating War unto him Piedmont might be made a prey to the Victorious Army much to the Kings prejudice and that therefore he temporiseth with the Duke wherein he is fautor'd by the English and Venetian Embassadours the Duke knowing what was done fenc'd himself on one side with subterfugeâ—… and delays and on the other side assaulted the Enemies Trenches and faced him and on the contrary the Spanish Army as hath been said mouldred away and the weaker they grew in Forces and Men the Duke had the less mind to come to an agreement and consequently standing harder upon the advantage of Articles propounded delays and greater difficulties and hoping to get the better at the last had a greater desire to fight and venting his conceived hatred against the Spaniards aspired at glory by the total Victory of so invincible an Army and the Embassadours who would spin the thread of the Negotiation aâ—… they were resolved to do held the Governours in hand with efficacious promises of peace the conclusion whereof being from day to day defer'd and they the mean while delighting to see the miseries of the Spanish Army they delaied so long as finding it at last reduced to so great weakness as that it was not able to fall upon any enterprise they began to treat of new conditions which together with the three particulars of Madrid contained many other things of satisfaction to the Duke Thus was the Capitulations of peace made upon the beneath written terms and agreement That the Duke should disarm effectually within one moneth and retaining only four Companies of Swissers for the safety of his States together with as many of his Subjects as he would should casheâ—…r all the rest of his men that he should not offend the Duke of Mantua's Dominions and that his pretentions should be discus'd in the Emperours Courts of Justice On the contrary the French Embassadour promised that the Rebels of Montferrat should be pardoned and be fully restored to their Goods Honours and Offices that he should be protected by France in case he should be molested by the Spaniard contrary to what was agreed upon to which purpose express command was given in the Kings name to Marshall Diguere Governour of Dolpheny and to the other Governours of Provinces confining upon the Dukes Territories that immediately without expecting any orders from the King they should succour the Duke in case the Conventions should not be agreed upon that the Swissers and Walloons should be restored to free Commerce in the State of Millain that the places taken by either side should be restored that all the French should be generally pardoned who had served in the present War contrary to the Kings command that the King of Spain should not demand passâ—…ge for six moneths space of the Duke for any men That the Duke should have three moneths allowed him to give notice to his friends that they were to abstain from any hostility against the King during which time the Duke repairing any damage which should be done nothing of Hostility which should happen should prejudice tâ—…e peace and herewith the removal of the Spanish Army was agreed upon in form following That the French Embassadour should desire the Duke to draw a thousand Foot out of Asti at whose marching out he would write to the Governour and cause him to quit his quarters and to retreat to Croce Bianca and to Quarto Which being done tâ—…e same Embassadour was to intreat the Duke to remove the rest of the Souldiers out of the City and the French Embassadour promised that on the same day that that should be done the Spanish Army should march out of Piedmont and that then the Duke should immediately disâ—…rm but with this promise from the Embassadour that after such effectual laying down of Arms the Governour should so dispose of the Kings Army as neither the Duke nor any other Prince of Italy should thereby have any cause of jealousie and that the King of France should ratifie the agreement within twenty days All these Articles and Conventions were reciprocal
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
who argued by this their so great tenacity that they aimed more at being masters of what belonged to others then at the purging their Gulf of Pirates The war continued therefore in Friuli with greater forces and preparations but with but small progress made by the Venetians much succour came to the Archduke from Germany part at his own charges part at the Emperours and several valiant and well experienced Commanders were sent him from other Princes as Count d' Ampierre the Commandatore Coloredo the Baron of Lelile and Colonel Standardi amongst others there came 4000 Foot and 500 Horse all select men raised at the King of Spains cost and sent into Friuli under the command of Don Baldasser Marradas Don Inigo di Gâ—…evara Count d' Egnate and Embassadour for that King in the Emperours Court a very accuraâ—…e Lord and vigilant in publick affairs and to whom the King committed all the charge and provision of succour which he contributed to the Archdukes service General Trautmistorft not thinking it now any longer time only to make excursions but to keep the Field and face the Enemy past over Lisonso with his Army took up his quarters under Luciniso intending to fall upon the Venetians quarters whose valour he so little valued as he cared not to fortifie himself The Venetian Commanders had notice of the weakness of his Works and of the Enemies negligence in fortifying themselves and thinking it a fit occasion to prevent being offended they resolved to assault them unexpectedly by night The Venetians Camp was no less re-inforced then the Archdukes with Souldiers raised in Terra ferma Sclavonia Albania and Greece and having alter'd their Officers they had made a new form of Government in stead of Barbarico three Commissaries were sent to the Camp from Venice Antonio Priâ—…i Procurator of St Mark Iâ—…van Battista Foscarini and Francisco Erizzo the first had the title of Commissary-general the other of plain Commissariâ—…s These were the only three that voted and all things were resolved upon by the Votes of two the Council of War being therefore first called and consulted with wherein was Don Lâ—…igi dâ—… Esta General of the great Cavalry Francisco Martinâ—…go de Conti di Malpaga General of the Light-horse Ferrante de Rossi General of the Artiâ—…ery Pompeo Iustiniano Camp maste and Camillo Trivisano Commissary of the Albanesse Horse called Stradiâ—…tta these assisted the three Commissaries with their advice and gave their opinions but had no Votes the execution of what was resolved upon belong'd to Iustiniano as Camp-master which he ordered under the Commissary-General guided the Directions and directed the intended Enterprises The enemy being then to be assaulted within his Quarters according to the resolution already taken Iustiniano disposed of the Army into several Squadrons the first assault fell to Trivigiano's share with his Albanesse and to Horatio Baglioni with his Brigade and some Corsicans the former on the west-side where the Hills ended and the others on the south-side towards the Campagnia Trivigiano took some works far from the enemies Quarters kill'd the defendants and past no further but Baglione at the same time which was day-break forcing the first Port of the Rampiers and having seiz'd on the Court found a stiff dispute at the second for the Austrians awakened at the noise ran in to the defence and had not some Corsicks come to relieve him he had undoubtedly been slain as many of his men were A greâ—…t on-set was also made on the other side which though it appeared to be prosperous at first yet the assailants were forced to give back the same befalling them as did those that made the assault at the Raveline before Gradisca who fought more valiantly and received more harm from their friends who were upon their backs then from theâ—…r enemies who were before them for the former being timerous and fearful stood crouching and many of them lay grovelling on the ground who firing their Musquets low slew the best of their own men The Venetian being returned without having done any good effect to Mariano had no beâ—…ter success in the assault which they resolved afterwards to give to the Fort Stella built by the Austrians on the other side the River in form of a Cavalier against those of Sagra and Fogliano held by the Venetians for Pietro di Vasques a Spaniard who was Captain there fore-knowing the enemies resolution put his men quietly in a defensive posture and repulss'd them with the death of above a hundred of the assailants The loss which the enemy received was increased by a great mortality in the Venetian Camp which beginning with their horses came afterwards to their men for the stench of the dead horses being intollerable the air grew so infected as it begot dangerous diseases whereby the Camp was reduced to so small a number aâ—… if they had been then assaulted by the enemy it would assuredly have been totally defeated A danger whereat the Common wealths Commanders were much troubled the courage and gallantry of the enemy especially being considered and the little esteem which the Austrians made of their men But they were afterward somewhat inheaâ—…ed by the taking of two places situated on two several ways which lead from Germany and therefore of great consequence Ponteba and Chiavaretto Ponteba is cut through in the midst by the River Fella which falls into the Tagliamento the neâ—…her part theâ—…eof belongs to the Venetians and is called Ponteba Venetiana the other part to the Dutch and is called Austriaca The Souldiers which guard Austriaca passing over the River had taken Ponteba Venetiana which when the Camp heard 2000 Fooâ—… of the Country were preâ—…ently dipatch'd away thither under Commissary Fosclarini Francisco Martinengo led on by Count Nicolo Gualdo of Vicenza Governour of Udine by Captain Antonio Manzano and by Captain Daniele Antonini of the same City who when they had past the River drove the Dutch out of Austriaca and did not only recover the booty which they had taken but moreover took much Merchandize which they found in Austriaca and entring further in burnt Malborgeto and Trivese two neighbouring Towns nor had the other Commissary Erizzo less fortunate success who advancing towards Chiavaretto together with Trivigiano and his Stradiotti and a good strength of Foot led on by Iovanni Mâ—…rtinengo took it to the no little praise of Trivigiano to whom almost the whole honour thereof is due he being the first that came thither and the first that did manfully assault it The taking of Chiavaretto was succeeded by the like of Luciniso the Austrians having abandoned it who going to recover Chiavaretto repast over the Lisonzo which when the Venetians knew they marched immediately thither and possessing themselves easily of the Town which was but weakly guarded they in a short time made themselves masters of the Castle situated upon the top of a Hill where after three days stout resistance the defendants were forc'd to yield for want
But whilst he laboured both in body and mind about making these preparations he fell into an Ague whereof before he was wholly free he made himself be carryed upon a Bed on the third of September to Candia where he told the Nuntio and the Embassadour both which he had dismist he would wait the Dukes final resolution he staid some days there paying out moneys to the Souldiery which came unto him from several parts and making a Bridge over at la Villata he intended to pass over there with his Army into Montferrat and from thence to where the Duke should be or whither he should like best He had here in a short time a flourishing Army not only in respect of the number and valour of the Souldiers and Commanders but for Artillery Ammuâ—…tion and all things else necessary there were therein 20000 Foot made up of several Nations to wit 4000 Spaniards divided into five Regiments and led on by the Camp-masters Don Iovanni Don Lewis and Don â—…onsallo di Cordua Don Ioronymo Pimontello and Don Iohn Bravâ—… 9000 Lombards in five Regiments the one consisting wholly of Muskeâ—…eers led on by Prior Sforza the others by Lodovico Gambaloita Ieronymo Rho Giovanni Pietro Serbollone and Giovan Battista Pecchio all of them likewise Camp-masters 3000 Neapolitans led on by the Camp-masters Carlo-Spinelli Carlo di Sanguine and Thomaso Carracciola 13000 Dutch in two Regiments the one Trentinians led on by Count Guadentio Madruzzi the other Hollanders under Luigi Solz to boot with 6000 Swissers who as being Confederates with the Duke were to tarâ—…y in the State of Millain the Horse wherein the Gens Armes were comprehended came to 3000 under their General Don Alphonso Pimontello they were for the most part new men and untrain'd and therefore though superiour in number yet much inferiour in worth to those of the Duke who keeping still at la Motta with no contemptible forces had with him as fame gave out wherewith he used to keep up the reputation of his own forces 25000 Foot and 2500 châ—…ice Horse but in effect between 1500 and 2000 Horse which were held to be the flower and sinews of his Army between 8 and 9 thousand French as many Savoiards Swissers Walloons Piedmonteses and Provencials And though the differences of Savoy were not yet composed and that he knew he was to be faced with a more implacable Enemy yet egg'd on by the fiercenss of his spirit and fed with hopes that neither the French nor Venetians would suffer him to perish and perhaps arguing the Governours future actions from his former did not wholly distrust but that after the first onset the war would not continue in the same fervour as it seemed to begin he seemed little to fear the Enemies threats so as instead of sending back the Embassadour with the acceptation of the conditions of peace he made his Horse go to Langosco a Town within the State of Millain and sent Souldiers to take Villa Franca and to burn Murano and other places in Montferrat upon pretence that provision passage and quarter was there given to the Enemy and sending some Shallops down the Sesia loaded with Powder and artificial fire so ordered as that it should play when it came to the Bridge made by the Governour and break it whilst he being not far off intended when the Bridge should be broken to fall with his Horse upon the Garrison which were upon the head of that Bridge towards Montferrat and cut them in pieces but the Shallops being kept back the design failed so as the Dukes Horse appearing on the River bank there hapned a small skirmish betweâ—…n them and the Kings men wherein but little harm was done Thus the second War of Piedmont began from the drawing neer of two Armies which was not occasioned through any differences or Statepretentions not for any fresh injuries done or received nor by any new commands to the Duke that he should lay down Arms but if the truth were known it proceeded on the Dukes side from his ancient rancour and from his desire thereby contracted of venting himself in any whatsoever manner in abating the Spanish Grandezza and on the Governours behalf from the bad success of the late War from the Capitulations concluded with small satisfaction before Asti and from a desire to abolish them and therewithall the prejudice of the laâ—…e actions and to establish the Kings affairs in Italy in their former condition and honour But if we shall mark the outside of things this war had no other title unless it were that the Duke pretending the Governour should dismiss his Army he not doing it did contrary to the same Capitulation reassume Arms and joyning in League with the Venetians would not abandon his Confederates by whom he was so little assisted in the former war of Piedmont and by whom he was so apparently wrong'd in that of Montferrat nor disarm upon the security of both the Kings words nor yet promise not to molest the Kings Dominions These wars and the ends and motives of these Princes was variously discoursed of some praised the Duke for his faith valour and free spirit and cried him up even to the Stars as if he had been a new Marcellus who had taught that the Spaniards power which was held unconquerable might be resisted he was therefore esteemed a seasonable defender of the Venetian Commonwealth and the generous Protector of the Liberty of Italy and the Governour of Millain was detested as one that studied novelties and was no way zealous of the publick peace others who attributed the Dukes resolution to an over contentious mind to an immoderate hatred conceived against the Spaniards and to a too excessive desire of suppressing the authority of that Crown imputed unto him an unquiet spirit and that he was a greater friend to turmoils then to quiet because to the prejudice of peace and of the security of Italy he had let in forreigners into the bowels thereof to the peoples so great loss to the so great effusion of blood and to the so apparent danger not only of himself but to the contaminating of that little of sound or wholsome which was yet left in Italy But they wonder'd not at the Duke by reason of his warlike humour the wisdom of the Venetian Senate was the more common subject of mens discourse why they who were so profest friends to peace a thing so good for their Commonwealth by means whereof they had so long continued to be thought rich and powerful and for which the safety and grandezza of Italy seemed to be upheld by them why they I say should suffer themselves to be ingaged in war with the Archduke for unnecessary and trivial things in which war to boot that they might be sure the German Princes and King of Spain would interest themselves they should to the prejudice of their reputation make known the utmost bounds of their Forces which proving short of what they were generally thought to be
and not being such as that they were able at one and the same time to contest against the Archdukes and King of Spains Forces they should be inforced to run the same fortune with the Duke of Savoy and in a business of such weight and concernment depend upon his award and inclination who if he should continue to disagree with the King might secure their affairs and by agreeing might make them run great danger many could therefore have desired that they had either been more circumspect in their resentment or that after their first resentment they had used their wonted moderation in their Counsels whereby their ends hatreds and desires being tempered they might have given way to the fair conditions which were presently offer'd them if for no other end at least not to justifie the complaints which were made against the Commonwealth as if she had moved in this not to free the Gulf of Free-booters but out of a desire of possessing her self of the Archdukes Dominions and much more to obviate the trouble and dangers which might result to her to the Duke and to all Italy by such commotions and troubles The end of the fourth Book THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY BOOK V. The Contents THe Duke unexpectedly assaults the Spanish Army which was entered his State and being beaten retreats to Assigliano From whence finding that the enemy went to possess themselves of Creseentino he departs and speedily preventing them defends it The Spanish Army take Santya and San Germano The Duke indeavouring to keep back their Victuals was forc'd to come to a Battel where he was again worsted The Popes Nuntio and the French Embassadour hold the Governours forces in hand by introducing new Treaties of Peace In the interim the Marquess of Mortara entering le Langhe takes many of the Dukes Castles and Don Sanchio di Luna takes Gattinara Winter coming on the Governour fired Santya and leaving a Garrison in St. Germano sends the rest of his Army into their Quarters and retires into the State of Millain The Duke the Prince his Son being come to him from Savoy and the Marshal Diguieres from France with new men takes the Principality of Messerano and makes himself master of San Damiano Alba and Monreggio Towns in Montferrat Wherefore Mortara firing Canelli abandons the Langhe The Marshal being sent for back by the King returns with his men to France The Venetians whilst they are busying themselves to little purpose in Friuli are molested at Sea by the Spanish Fleet sent by the Viceroy of Naples into the Gulf which not being able to draw the Venetian Fleet to fight take three Gallies richly fraught THe Governour being come to the Confines of Piedmont rather out of a grounded opinion of compounding affairs then with any resolution to fight And seeing that the French Embassadour did not return back to him and signes in the Duke absolute contrary to his expectation began to fail in the chief foundation of his designs and consequently to apprehend the difficulties to be greater and of more importance now 〈◊〉 â—…e was neâ—…r at hand then they could appear to be whâ—…n he was 〈◊〉 off He â—…aw that enemy appear against him whom he thought would assuredly have been quell'd at the first brandishing of his Sword and that not being at all astonished at Nemours his wheeling about nor at the approach of such an Army he appeared with well adjusted forces and that raâ—…her like aâ—… Assailant then onâ—… assaulted he would run any fortune rather then to abandon his Confederates or part the least from his first resolutions he was troubled to see so many French appeaâ—… already on his behalf those who were wrought upon by the Venetian gold by the desire of prey and of novelties and those also who were driven on by Conde's authority almost the sole Arbitrator of France were likely to come thither So as being troubled that the present war should be the beginning oâ—… another with that Nation which was naturally a Rival to the â—…ame of Spain he feared he might hazzard not only the safety of the States but even the honour of that Crown for which he had been so hot in taking up Arms He was confounded at the disagreement in opinion of his men he suspected those who desiring him to be more cautious and circumspect proposed dangers and difficulties He thought those rash who incouraging him unto the war promised him assured victory and having neither art nor experience in the administration of war join'd to his natural judgment he was altogether perplex'd and irresolute in betaking himself to what was best for him to do and in chusing the best of many proposals made by his Commanders The so great number of those of various Nations who fought under his Banners added to his anxiety especially the Dutch more numerous and fierce then the rest and consequently the harder to be govern'd according to the military Government That in proportion the number of the Spaniards being but few upon whom the safety of the Empire leaning it totter'd the dissatisfaction of those of Millain who to boot with their former grievances were already weary of the present war and attenuated by the former And being invironed on all sides by Forreigners his thoughts were perplex'd not only with the uncertainty of Battel with the dissolving of his Army and with the casualties of war but with the uncertain Loyalty of his Officers the mutinying of Souldiers the rebellion of subjects the peoples inclinations the favour of the Princes of Italy depending upon the success of things the hatred of those of the Nation to the dominion of Forreigners and finally whatsoever may happen to the prejudice of security in great commotions by the variety of fortune Diving deep into such considerations and considering truly how much the placing the quiet and safety of affairs upon the uncertainty of a Die was a business which fell very short of all that greatness which the Duke preâ—…ended unto he began by practice to know how wise and salutiferous their counsels had always been who had thought the peace of Italy to be the surest foundation of the Spanish Empire He therefore began to call to mind the Instructions and Orders which he had continually had from the Court which as being contrary to his then fervour he valued but a little and as if it had been in his power yet to put on new resolves he weighed the condition of affairs now when it was time to fight as he had formerly examined them when it was time to make peace with fiery thoughts bent upon war So as having paid the Souldiers and made up his Musters wavering and not knowing what to do to the great admiration of all men and to the great dislike of the field-Officers and Army he was like Cesar upon the Banks of Rubicon not being able to resolve of removing from his Quarters for fear of worser commotions yet at last his Souldiers perswasions prevailed
and particularly Vives his Reasons upon whose Authority he much relied so as he resolved to pass over the Sesia and to go against the Duke And Ferdinando Mesia Gomes Sergeant-Major of the Army was a great occasion thereof who seeing the Governour so perplex'd and unresolved said roundly unto him I will uphold it though I were as sure to dye for it as those who go to Preach the Catholick faith in England if this Army do not this day pass the River the honour of the Spanish Nation will be here lost with perpetual infamy They therefore past over into Montferrat by the Bridge at la Villata on the 14th of September 1616. that they might from thence enter Piedmont the more commodiously but otherwise resolved then before for whereas before La Mortara was to have entered by the way of Asti with 6000 Foot and 500 Horse and with the Foot Militia and Alessandrian and Tortonesse Horse and Don Alphonso d' Avolos Governour of Montferrat with 3000 Foot and 300 Montferrat Horse jointly with him and Don Pedro with the rest of the Army by the way of Vercelli presuming that the Duke constrained to divide his Forces would be the weaker and unable to stand against him in the field now his mind beâ—…ng altered he went with all his joint forces against the enemy And therefore being past over the Bridge he intended to quarter his Army between la Motta and Villa Nova to the end that at the same time when the Van whereâ—…n were the best Souldiers and most experienced Commanders in the Army should assault the Duke who was intrench'd at la Motta the Reer should possess themselves of Villa Nova and drive out the French Horse which were Quartered there But the Duke prevented this designe for lying in Ambush in a field of very high corn that was on the left hand of the way as you go from Villa Nova to la Motta he assaulted some fore-runners and Musqueteers of the Van as they past over a little wooden Bridge which crosseth the way which happening unexpectedly and on the sudden caused some confusion in the Spanish Army wherefore many of the Commanders advanced with part of their men amongst which were Gamboloita Bravo Prior Sforza and the Prince of Ascoli who shewed much valour upon this occasion By the coming in of these the Skirmish increased and held equal on both sides for the space of four hours for besides that the Cavalry was come in to assist the Duke from Villa Nova the situation proved likewise advantagious for him the Spaniards not being able by reason of the narrowness thereof to make use of all their Force But at last the Assailants being much prejudiced by four pieces of Artillery placed upon a little rise they were forced to give back leaving four Troops of Horse and two Bands of Musketeers on their backs to make good the retreat which was notwithstanding not done without some disorder There fell in this first conflict between four and five hundred of the Dukes Foot about sixty Horse besides many that weâ—…e wounded of the Kings side about fifty and as many wounded amongst which Almarante delle Canarie Son to the Prince of Ascoli and Lodovico Gambaloita who having received a sleight wound in the head with a Musket before it was well cured died of other disorders to the general grief and dammage being held by the Kings Commanders to be of an approved valour and good at Counsell Many thought that if the Duke had suffered the Van to pass and had given upon the Battel in the midst which was weaker and more impeded he had occasioned more loss and disorder and on the other side that if the Governour had sent a Squadron beyond the Rivulet which was on the right hand and assaulted the Duke on the Flank he had not only hindred his retreat but totally dâ—…feated him But humane wisedom does not always foresee what is best and in actions of War confusion danger and too much forwardness blind the Understanding and disturb Reason The Governour lay all that night with the Army in the place where the Battel was given and the Duke in the Trenches of la Motta which he abandoned the next day and causing Villa nova to be burnt and the Country thereabouts as well his own as that of Montferrat he retreated with his Horse which was come from Villa nova into Assigliano neerer Vercelles in great haste for fear of being assaulted to his disadvantage in the Fields of Carenzana but his fear was vain for the Governour growing more wary by the last unexpected assault and fearing lest he might be drawn into those dangers into which the Duke did not much care to precipitate himself thought it became him to be the more circumspect by how much he found his Adversary to be the more adventurous so forbearing to pursue him and possessing himself of la Motta and Carenzana and after some Cannon shot of Stroppiana he tarried there some days being detained by the rain and on the contrary the Duke being incouraged by the Governours circumspection sent his Horse into a plain between a certain wood and Stroppiana to the end that insulting there he might incourage his men who were not a little dismaied and giving manifest signs of undauntedness and valour might redeem the loss of repuâ—…ation in the last Skirmish and 〈◊〉 Nor did his resolution prove unlucky for though when it was given out in the Spanish Army that the Duke came on with the gross of his Army the Battaglions were set in order and the Horse were ready to sally out upon him yet the whole matter being quickly known the Prince of Ascoli with Spanish caution ordered that every one should return to their own Quarters and some Bands of Muskeâ—…eers were recalled who were placed upon a bank at Mortara from whence they might commodiously defend their own Horse and offend those of the Enemy so as the Duke not meeting with any opposition march'd up even to underneath the Enemies Rampiers The Kings Commanders finding afterwaâ—…ds how hard it was to fâ—…ll upon the Duke in his Quarters at Assigliano by reason of the new Fortifications which were made there and by reason of the waters and consequently how difficult it would be to get Vercelles as they had resolved without beating up those his quarters went towards St. Germano and Crescentino to the end that by taking the first they might keep back the Dukes Victuals and Succour and by taking the other they might remove all impediments which might keep the Army from drawing neer Turin by the way of Montferrat Crescentino stands upon the left bank of Poe in the midst of the upper Montferrat over against Verrua a Town which though seated upon the opposite bank belongs notwithstanding to the Duke so as the River which comes from the Territories of Turin and enters immediately into Montferrat running all along the length thereof would be Navigable from the State of Millain
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
fortified and leaving 4000 Dutch there in Garrison rather to free himself from the fear of their numerousness then out of any need of keeping it garrisoned the Governour went with his Camp to St. Germano where the Garrison having withstood the battery a while yielded on the third day and the Duke having burnt Bianza for that having dared to resist him one of his best Commanders was slain before it he went to Vinarie a place which stands on the way as you go from Trino to St. Germano from whence he hindred the Enemy from Victuals without abandoning Crescentino or bereaving himself of that refuge and hoping that his men would be constant in defending St. Germano he hoped to make the Governour rise from before it for famine wherefore to incourage the defendants and let them know that he was come he tarried there and fired his Cannon but all in vain for at the same time that he came to the Vinarie St Germano surrendred where at the Duke was so grâ—…eved as he put the Governour thereof to death because he had yielded the Town to the Enemy having promised to hold it out much longer And yet the Governour keeping three days in St. Germano had such scaâ—…city of Victuals as even his chief Commanders were fain to feed upon dead horse flesh for the Duke keeping his station kept the Enemy from Provision and the Governour who detested fighting resolved not to move from thence But at last inforc'd by famine or for shame to see himself as it were besieged he left Antonio Mastrillo Caracciolo's Serjeant-major in St. Germano with 500 Foot and marched towards the Duke Castelmerlino stands between Crescentino and le Vinarie a very little towards which the Army marched out of a double end that they might without disturbance receive Victuals there from Trino and to keep the Duke from Victuals who being excluded Crescentino by the loss of that place would be brought into the same streights whereinto he had a little before brought the Enemy and therefore moved by his disadvantage he marched to give battel to avoid the which when the Duke saw the Enemy coming he marched towards the Abby of Lucidio thinking to get beforehand into Crescentino but he could not march so fast but that the Spanish Van fell upon his Reer notwithstanding which skirmish the Duke march'd on till being overtaken by the night he was forced to lodge that night in the said Abby and the Governour in some small Cottages not far off where the Souldiers being famish'd for want of Victuals at St. Germano suffer'd also very much by cold that night The next day the Duke not being able to march so early as he intended by reason of some hindrances and not having with him above ten or twelve thousand Foot and about 1200 Horse he pursued his way in this manner the Artillery and Ammunition was placed in the Van the Baggage in the middle on the left hand where there was more field-room the Horse on the right hand where it was more wooddy the French Foot Regiments led on by Chricchy and Orfe the Reer led on by Count Guido was mixt of Italians Piedmontans and Savoiards and it had in it the best Souldiers and most experienced Commanders of the whole Army and the Country through which they march'd being full of bushes Count Guido placed Musketeers in some of them to the end that they might keep the Enemy from hindering them in their march if these Muskâ—…teers should be assaulted they were to retreat to othâ—…r bushes which were on their backs and thus to continue the fight that they might hold the Enemy play as long as possibly they might When the Governour knew what way the Duke marched he resolved to pursue him and sending part of his Cavalry before with 1800 Foot en Croupe to assault him on the Reer he himself followed after with the rest of the Army those who march'd before had much ado to drive the defendants out of the bushes yet overcoming them at the last they got up to the Reer for the Dukes Van being come to some narrow pâ—…ssages kept the rest of the Army from advancing so as he could not get to Crescentino without disturbance as he hoped to have done The Reer being assaulted made their part good against the Enemy and defending themselves honourably for a while did not only resist them with advantage but repulst them the Battaglions of the Spanish Army were this meâ—…n while advanced led on by Gironymo Pimontello and Gironymo Rho who though they saw that their men who were beaten back by the Dukes Reer could hardly keep the field yet having no precise order and the Governour being two miles behind they proceeded to fight buâ—… slowly when Don Alphonso Pimontello the Embassadour Vives and Cavalier Melzi coming in and not being able to indure that their men should be beaten for want of help they incouraged the Captains of the Battaglions to fall on without expecting any other orders assuring them that the Governour would approve thereoâ—… by whose words and authority being inheartned the Battaglions charged furiously and routed the Dukes Reer who not able to withstand so fierce a shock gave back and at the same time Count Sults not expecting any orders assaulted the French Regiments with his Dutch furiously on the Flank whose fear the Duke foreseeing he was come himself unto them earnestly exhorting them to stand fast to keep their ranks and incouraging them to fight but words prevailed not where valour was wanting Cricchi's Regiment made some resistance but Castiglions Regiment which was led on by Orfe not daring to look the Enemy in the face much less to stand the fierce and close assault of the Dutch threw away their Arms shamefully before they came to blows and ran and if instead of pursuing them the Dutch had fallen on upon the main body of the Battel the Dukes Army had not been only discomfited that day but wholly routed This success had the Battel of Lucedio which lasted for the space of five hours wherein there fell not above 100 of the Kings men and about as many were wounded Of the Dukes party there was above 400 slain and above 1000 sorely hurt amongst which 15 Captains and one French Collonel The Governours men took eleven Foot Colours and three Horse Ensignes and many of those who fled were miserably slain by the Country people of Montferrat So as though there were not many that dy'd by the Sword in the Conflict there were but few that kept with their Colours or who retreated with the Duke into Crescentino whither the Duke being gotten he was very diligent in assembling them together who were dispers'd abroad and had abandoned him Nor did his ill fortune cease here for the Marquess of Mortara entering the Langhe with 2000 Dutch with Cavalier Pecchios's Brigade and with the Alessandrian and Tortonesse Horse and Foot took Canelli Cortemiglia Calosso and other neighbouring places there being none to
withstand him in the field nor to defend those places And not long after Don Sanchio di Luna took Gattinara and other neighbouring places with the men of Millain and block'd up the passage to Vercelli on that side which City being invironed by the Territories of Montferrat and Millain and being streightned by the Garrisons of the new Fort of Sandovalle Trino St. Germano and Gattinara was as it were besieged A Gally was also parted from Genoa toward Monaco with monies for Monsieur di Boglio a Lord of many Castles between the Confines of Nice and Provence who having always formerly adhered to the Dukes of Savoy began upon some new distastes to waver in his former friendship and having at present entertained new intelligence with the Governour promised to infest the Dukes Territories on that side who the affairs of Savoy not being yet composed had his Dominions molested on five sides himself being absolutely routed in the field and having lost most of his men And that these so sad accidents might be accompanied with very sad circumstances the Prince of Conde who was the only prop and stay of the Dukes affairs was some few days before by order fromthe King accused to be guilty of high Treason and imprisoned in Paris so as the Government of that Court being altered wherein the Duke did confide and the Princes of the Kingdom who were his friends being alienated from the King they raised men to provide for their own affairs and filling France with civil wars they could not only not succour the Duke in this his so great distress but many of them who were come from France desired leave to be gone being drawn either by their own interests or for that they hoped for better entertainment there The common opinion was That the Duke being thus prosecuted by Fortune would not be able to bear it and less able to withstâ—…nd so great a violence and that therefore being dejected in mind and out of hope of ever making head again he would lay down Arms and indeavour some kind of peace And yet though over-laid not overcome with such an accumulation of evils and so great adversity he with a couragious mind was not daunted nor dismaid amidst so mâ—…ny misfortunes For relying upon the Forts of Vercelli Asti and Nice the chief Keys of hâ—…s Dukedom he little valued what Mortara Luna or Boglio could do against his lesser Holds which being lost by war would be recoveâ—…ed by peace So as he began forthwith to make new Rampiers and Bulwarks about Crescentino But on the other side holding it necessary to allay that fortune by industry and by cunning to lull those Forces asleep which he could not possibly then withstand he procured Monsieur Lodovisio who of an Archbishop was then made Cardinal and continued in the same Nuntiature and the French Embassadour should go to the Governour and treat of peace He sent along with these some discreet Gentlemen and Officers as followers of the Embassadour to the end that they might pry into the enemies ways and into the Commanders intentions And also that making the Rout to seem greater by their speeches they might cunningly make it be believed that the war was at an end and that the Duke not being able to resist any longer was reduced to such a condition as he could no longer refuse any conditions of peace which he knew the Governour would imbrace more willingly then war But there needed not so much cunning for Don Pietro di Toledo who was already weary of war and heard nothing but the noise of Drums and Trumpets and was therefore desirous of repose wanted not those who either for that they thought it made for the Kings service or as it was afterwards laid to their charge at Court out of secret intelligence held with the Duke advised the Governour to use his victory moderately telling him That the French were overcome and the Duke so weakened as he could no longer hold up his head so as he must be forced to consent to any whatsoever conditions That therefore he ought to proceed very warily in hazzarding the affairs of the Crown in Italy if by unseasonable prosecuting the war he should once more draw the French over and make a change in the minds of the Princes of Italy who though they might be content to see the Duke receive a blow yet not being able to see him totally ruined it was to be believed they would easily resent it That as the Dukes suppression increased the envy hatred and jealousies of other Princes would increase That therefore it was a wise advice To be content with an indifferent Victory and not to lose what was already gotten out of a desire of getting more That he had been sufficiently victorious in so short a time sufficiently triumphant and that now there remained no more for him to do then answerably to the Kings mind to secure peace upon such conditions as might be tolerable to the Duke The Prince of Ascoli was tâ—…e chief nay only Authour of this a fatal Counsellor that the Duke being reduced to great extremities might have opportunity to raise himself up again This Prince being till then much suspected by the Governour for the power and streight intelligence he had formerly had with Inoiosa by these his flattering speeches got into great power with the Governour and his counsel was afterwards the more credited by the Cardinâ—…ls and Embassadours coming to the Camp and by the speecâ—…es spred abroad in the Army by the Dukes Spies Wherefore the Governour being tickled to hear himself stiled Triumphant and Conquerour would no longer listen to Vives his counsel nor that of others who weighing the state of affairs better and the Dukes condition thought it necessary to pursue the victory and not to afford the Enemy time to breathe they told him that a good war was the best way to come by a good peace but all this was to no purpose The Cardinal and the Embassadour came to Don Piedro at Tricerro and desired him that he would let them know his intention touching the composing of the present affairs Don Piedro in a haughty manner like a Conquerer answered that they were to discover what the Duke was minded to do and then to acquaint him with it they therefore returned to Crescentino and from thence to Chivasso whither the Duke having found the Governours inclination to an agreement was come under pretence of well considering the state of affairs he spun out the Treaty at length to the end that he might the mean while find where that storm would fall and that he might have the longer time to discover the proceedings of such Princes as were his friends in whom the remainder of his hopes lay for about this time Monsieur de Verdon was come to him from France being sent by the King and Queen of France to acquaint him with the Prince of Conde's imprisonment and perhaps to keep him their friend in this so
great commotion of the Kingdom and to promise the favour and assistance of the Crown of France In Savoy things were in a way to composition for Nemours being abandoned by all assistance and shut up with his men by Prince Victorio in barren Rocks where they had not whereof to live and being also restrained by France and Burgony was forced to yield-to the composition which Monsieur le Grand Governour of Burgony did then interpose himself on the Kings behalf wherein he was accompanied by Monsieur di Lazai Privy Counsellor to the King and those commotions being appeased the Prince was infallibly expected with many Souldiers Marshal Deguieres was also expected with a great attendance both of Foot and Horse who was very diligently preparing for his journey and Boglio being become a Client of the Crown of France which â—…ad newly taken him into its protection had refused moneys from Spain or to hold intelligence with the Spaniards Mortara who was entred the Langhe with much fervour having placed almost all his Souldiers in Garrisons in the places which he had taken and not being able to keep the Militia of the Country any longer together was grown cooler so as betaking himself to pillage the fields and neighbouring Towns he minded more enriching himself then making war and the Venetians whose affairs declined in Friuli fearing that when the Duke should be quite overthrown their turns would be next began to be more open-handed and to disburse moneys more freely for the recruting of his Army and did moreover oblige themselves to pay unto him a certain sum of money during the war which as they say was 8000 crowns a moneth The Duke being hereby incouraged began to reassume his former State and to stand with the Governour not only upon what was necessary but even upon punctillios of honour wherefore after having kept the Cardinal and the Embassadour some days with him and not being willing neither that any overtures should proceed from him suffer'd them to return to the Governour who was then in Trino to whom not by way of any order from the Duke but as it were of themselves they told him in substance though in good and handsome terms That if he would go with his Army out of Piedmont they thought by what they might learn by the speech they had had with the Duke that being desirous of peace he would cashier all the French save such as were his own domesticks always provided that both the Kings would pass their words to him that he should be kept undempnified both in life and State that he would be the first that should restore what had been taken if he might be secured that the like should be immediately done to him and that the Governour would dismiss all the Dutch Swissers and some Troops of Horse And in the last place in their Princes name they demanded his paroll for the Venetians security whilst the King by his Embassadours should treat of composing differences with the Archduke Conditions which to say the truth were sufficiently advantagious for the Articles of Asti and such as had the Duke been victorious he could not well have demanded better yet the Governour answered moderately enough That the King did not alter his mind by success who did not aspire after the Dukes Dominions but only by War to secure peace in Italy and therefore offering to restore immediately what had been taken when the Duke should have done the like he demanded that the two Dukes should set down their differences in writing and refer the decision thereof to the Emperour passing their words reciprocally not to offend one another That the Duke should disarm totally in point whereof he offered to stand to what they should say in the names of the Pope and of the King of France This being observed he promised to free the Dukes State and to retreat with his Army into the State of Millain He denied that the King was bound by the Articles of Asti to lay down Arms and therefore denying absolutely to enter into the like obligation he added that when Italy should be in peace the King who aid abound in his own natural Militia would need no Forreigners He consented to pass his paroll for the Dukes indempnity but not for the Venetians in whose affairs as not being comprehended within the Articles of Asti he said the King of France was not to intermeddle and that therefore this was no place to treat thereof nor had he any Commission to do so It was hard in effect for the Duke whilst the Enemy was armed in his own Dominions to lay down those Arms which he had with such resentment re-assumed as not able to endure that the Governour should keep armed in the State of Millain And on the other side it might seem strange that the Governour who was entred Piedmont with intention to make the Duke lay down Arms should suffer himself to be treated as if he had been overcome by leaving the Duke in Arms and going cut of Piedmont just when he was possess'd of Victory And therefore both of them standing pertinaciously not to consent to what was proposed by each other it was thought to be impossible to perfect the business it was requisite therefore to cut this knot in two with the Sword which seemed to be so hard to untye by Negotiation But the Governour who abounded then in Forces wanted will and the Duke who wanted Forces was very willing and the Cardinal and Embassadour keeping the Treaty on Foot and giving continual hopes that they would return with more moderate proposals suffered not the Negotiation to be broken off The Duke this mean while fearing the Enemies Forces every day less then other and his hopes of approaching aid encreasing and being sufficiently assured of the Governours no great inclination to fight and of the desire he had to return to Millain and being encouraged by the many disorders which he knew was in the Enemies Army would not go a jot less from his first demands but sharpening his wits about the interpretation of the Articles of Asti he pretended that the Venetians were therein comprehended at least under that head where it was provided that the Kings Forces should not cause jealousie in the Italian Princes he therefore demanded that the King should be bound to secure them This mean while two moneths past on without any action though the weather which had been very bad till the battle of Lucedio turn'd to be extraordinarily fair and therefore very fit for the field in which time had not the Negotiation of peace or the Governours backwardness fomented by the advice of others slackened and almost taken the edge from off the Kings Forces they would certainly have made important progress and the Duke might peradventure have consented to such conditions as he could not be brought unto by the Cardinal nor Embassadour In which time the Spanish Army being no less wearied in mind through idleness then in body
by labour and hardship did diminish very much many of them daily dying many running away for the Countrey round about was desolate and not able to feed them and the horse were fain to go daily ten miles for forrage and after so many mile returning were very much weakened The Heads of the Army disagreed in opinion and were not only unsatisfied one with another but all of them were much displeased with the Governour whose authority grew to be as little valued by the Commanders as by the common Souldiers so as all Military Discipline being given over all obedience lost and all respect all was full of disorder and confusion To this was added the want of monies for the Army having been at vast expence none came from Spain where the War was abominaâ—…ed nor were those of the Staâ—…e of Millain who were already exhausted able to furnish sufficient for the daily present need and Don Piedro himself expected nothing more then that the season contrary to the natural course of Winter should alter and becoming less cold might afford him a fair pretence to retreat On the other side the Dukes affairs increased in reputation he received plenty of money from the Venetians and abounded in men for Prince Victorio having at last composed the affairs of Savoy had brought about 5000 Foot into Piedmont and 600 Horse some whereof were his own some belonging to Nemours and Marshal Deguieres was either already come thither or being come out of Dolpheny was ready to come and all the whole people of Piedmont a singular example of the Subjects duty to their natural Prince flocking diligently thither were most ready to succour him so as the Duke raised like another Auteus from his mother Earth was grown more vigorous then at first and being superiour to the Governour in Horse was Master of the Field At last Don Piedro who was better pleased with peace though upon bad conditions then to continue in the danger trouble and expence of War seeing the Dukes obdurancy and thinking he should have done enough if in the conclusion of the Peace he should have excluded the power of France had at last though too laâ—…e and in vain recourse to the Cardinal to whom he profess'd he was ready to compose businesses with the Duke by his means in any whatsoever manner yea even with passing his word for the Venetians security and therefore desired him that he would return to the Duke and bring back with him the final conclusion of Peace A thing which being afterwards known did not a little incense the King and the whole Court of France Wherefore the Embassadour by particular order from the King demanded that the Governour should send an Embassadour in extraordinary to Paris where the Kings aim was that the whole business of Peace might be carried on by his own proper interest But the Duke under pretence that he would not alter a tittle of the Articles of Asti without the consent of the Princes who did intervene therein excused himself and so the Treaty of Peace broke totally off to the small liking of the Cardinal and Embassadour who seeming little pleased with the Governour gave over the Treaty and return'd the one to Turin and the other to the Charter-house at Pavia And the cold coming on and the earth wholly covered with snow the Governour resolved to return to the State of Millain having notwithstanding fortified St. Germano and left Thomaso Caracciola there with his Brigade and distributed part of the Army into Trino Pontestura and other Towns of Montferrat not without the Duke of Mantua's consent who being then come to Casalle could not refuse it He moreover gave order to the Dutch at Santia that they should abandon that Town and burn it to the end that the Enemy might not possess himself of it He returned afterwards about the beginning of Winter with the rest of his Army into the State of Millain and with his Horse which did not amount to 700 worthy to be commended rather for his good inclination to keep up the honour and grandezza of his King than for any happy success which he himself marr'd by his so many irresolutions it being most certain that not being able to behave himself as victorious he afterwards allow'd the Duke field-room enough to treat with him as Conquerour Being retreated he quarter'd the rest of his Army in the Towns of Lomellina and he himself went to Vicenza near the Poe where re-assuming his warlike mind when it was now no longer time to do it he thought the Spring was too long a coming on which he much desired that he might once more as he publickly professed re-assault Piedmont more vigorously and with greater resolution But he forbore not this mean while to streighten Vercelli hoping that by the falling thereof into his hands this Winter it might open the way unto him the next Spring to greater and more important Enterprizes which he had designed The Prince of Messerano was Master of a small State beyond the Sesia between Vercelli and Gattinara even almost in the Duke of Savoys mouth and as the neighbourhood of greater Princes is always if not troublesome at least suspected by those who are lesser the Prince of Messerano out of both these respects was not well satisfied with the Duke Being therefore to free himself from the Dukes continual molestations and to keep from worse he treated with the Governour to put himself into the King of Spains protection and upon certain conditions to receive a Spanish Garrison which conditions together with the desired protection being easily granted him by reason of the great opportunity which was thereby had of approaching nearer and of streightening Vercelli more therefore the agreement being made the Prince was presently required to receive in the Garrison But he proceeding cautiously would not admit of them till such time as the King of Spain had allowed the conditions and whilst expedition from Spain was foreslowed the Duke got a hint of the business so thinking prevention to be the only remedy against so eminent a danger he sent Prince Victorio in the Christmas holy-days with 5000 Foot and 1000 Horse to secure himself of the Principality The Town of Messerano yielded presently to the Prince Victorio for the Princess of the place her husband being absent fearing lest the Town might be burnt and she and her seven children slain surrendered the Town upon certain conditions He went then to Gattinara and having plaid upon it with his Artillery in vain he was forced to quit the Enterprize either out of sickness which besell himself or for that he heard the Governour was gone from Valenza to Romagnano intending to relieve it Being returned to Messerano and forced to tarry there a while by reason of his sickness he sent a French Captain with a great many both Horse and Foot to attempt Creppacuore a place of the same Principality whither the Princess was fled and had received in a
being well prepared for deâ—…ence made many sailies out of the Town and did so molest the Enemy as by little and little he brought most of them to their end moreover he streightned Vercelles yet more by taking sometimes the Victuals which were sent thither True it is that Clausio did sometimes cry quittance with him for he being ready upon warning and having learnt that a Convoy of Victuals and Ammunition went with a Guard of 150 Foot and 50 Horse commanded by Gerardo Gambacorta Captain of Caracciola's Bâ—…igade from Tricerto to St. Germano he sent 1000 Foot and 400 Horse from Vercelli under Colonel Meziers who lighting upon them in the mid-way at Montei fought them and Clausio's Horse chased those of the Convoy though Gambacorta disposing of the Carriages in manner of Trenches resisted for two hours space yet being over-powered by number most of his men were cut in pieces Gambacorta's self sorely wounded and taken prisoner and the Convoy remained absolutely in Clausio's hands Thus the war in Piedmont varied from the beginning of September till the beginning of the next Spring in the year 1617. before which time the Marshal fearing to lose his Government of Dolpheny and apprehending much more the anger of the Court returned to France and freed the Governour from the fear of the Forces of that Nation which was so main a help to the Dukes affairs which though they suffer'd not a little by the King of France his precise and punctual command yet new and unexpected accidents hapned soon in Paris which made the Duke hope for greater favour The King of France was much molested by troubles and sedition raised in his Kingdom by Princes who being distasted at Conde's imprisonment and displeased with the Authority and Government of the Queen Motheâ—… went from the Court whereâ—…ore upon his own inclination for increasing in years he now began to the condition of the State and of his own affairs or instigated as it was more commonly â—…eld by Monsieur de Luines who was native of Avignone and a great favourite of his caused Concino the Florentine Marquess d' Anchre to be suddenly slain he who being got into great authority by the Queens extream favours made her become so odious to all the Princes and afterwards he removed the Queen from him and sending her to Bloys had recalled all the Princes and Officers of the Kingdom who being herewith very well sâ—…tisfied went speedily to Court and were very ready to obey him the Mother being removed from her Son she being much inclined to the Spaniards and the Princes who were friends to the Duke being taken to the Court instead of her the Duke had much reason to hope for better things both from the King and from the Forces of the Kingdom wherefore he began to care the less for the Governour who having gotten new men and disposed of them in several places threatned to enter Piedmont the next Spring But the Venetians were not idle this mean while in Friuli when the Austrian Army had abandoned Luciniso and was gone from thence to Lizonso they were masters of the Field from Luciniso downward and had taken all the Archdukes â—…owns save Gradisca which being the harder to be taken by reason of the new Fortifications the Venetian Army gave over the thought of taking it by force and betook themselves to the Country which lies above Luciniso to the end that succeeding therein they might draw neer Goritia and because the Enemies Army might be an impediment to this which lay beyond the River over against Luciniso and sent Forces often to scoure the Country on this side and to carry away much prey as did likewise the Garrison of Gradisca they therefore did all they could to prevent this mischief by building Forts and making Trenches on their side the bank they then applied themselves to St. Martino in Crusca a strong Town amongst the Mountaâ—…ns somewhat distant from Lisonzo to which purpose Pompeo Iustiniano went to Vipulciano which stands upon the road to St. Martino and took it but afterwards better considering how hard it would be to take St. Martino which might be as well succoured from Goritia as Gradisca by the old Stone-bridge which was not far off changing theâ—…r minds and deferring it till another time they resolved to make themselves first masters of the Bridge that they might not only cut off relief fâ—…om St. Martino but open the way thereby to Goritia as Alviano formerly had done The Bridge was defended by a great Tower at the head thereof buâ—…lt after the ancient manner and flank'd with new Fortifications which the Venetians being desirous as it was necessary to take they resolved to build a Fort on some elevated place on this side the River from whence they might play upon the Tower and the Bridge and Iustiniano being gone with some other Captains into those parts to discover the rises thereabouts carried with him a good strength of men between whom and the Archdukes men who were come to defend the Bridge a skirmish began on both sides of the banks which though it were to little purpose yet the Venetians were prejudiced thereby who left their Camp-master Iustiniano there being shot through the reins with a Musket-bullet and was carryed to Luciniso where within a few hours he died Count Martinengo succeeded in his place but not being able to discharge it by reason of his great age Don Iohn de Medici Bastard Son to Cosmo the first great Duke of Tuscany was chosen with the Title of Governour General he was an old Commander and had discharged places of chiefest imployment in the wars of Flanders and Hungary wherefore his Authority was great The Venetians forbore not though Iustiniano was dead to prosecute the buildâ—…ng of the Fort as they had intended wherefore they sent Martinengo with some forces to get footing in a little Hill which Iustiniano had made choice of to build the Fort upon which the enemy being aware of they sent Captain Fur a French man to prepossess it between whom and Martinengo there happened a fierce Skirmish to the which fresh succour coming in from the other side the Venetians were forced to give back and to leave the Hill in the Austrians possession who presently built a Fort upon it which from the multitude of Chessnut Trees that were there they called the Fort of the wood or of Chessnuts And the Venetians built another Fort on a higher Hill from whence with two Cannons and a Culvering they broke down the Bâ—…idge wherefore the Austrians that they might not lose the conveâ—…ency of the River threw another Bridge over a little higher upon an Angle of the River which was sheltered from the Venetians Fort. The sickness began now to rage again in the Venetian Camp whereof Martinengo 〈◊〉 desperately sick and the new Governour Medici not being yet come to the Camp the war grew worse with the Veneâ—…ans and the Austrians assuming courage from Iustiniano's death Martinengo's
it was presently fortified and furnished with a strong Garrison Lando and Medici being beaten from this enterprise and despairing to be able to work their end which was to pass over the River they hoped to effect it by another un-thought of way The passage over the River was not interdicted underneath Gradisca for the Territories of Monfalcone lying on this side the Bank the Venetians were masters of it as well by antient right as having newly won it by the Sword but the passage though it was easie in this part was to little purpose for he who will pâ—…ss fâ—…om the County of Monfalcone to Goritia must pass over the Mountains antiently called Giapedi and now del Carso which beginning from Lisonzo more below Luciniso and running in a continual Line even to the Sea do wholly divide these two Counties Mountains which are horridly rough and craggy and not esteemed passable by an Army at the bottom whereof towards Goritia runs the Vipao a River which falls into the Lisonzo over against the River Fara which though it be lesser then Lisonzo yet though del Carso should be past over they must meet with the same difficulties and be opposed by the enemy who were incamped not far from thence so as these difficulties being thought not to be overcome it was always held desperate to attempt Goritia by this way But it being found by some conjectures at this time that the Mountains were not so rough and craggy as they were imagined Marquess Oratio dâ—…l Monte was sent to make the discovery who having made all necessary diligence brought word back that there were some places by which they might bring their Artillery and avoid the other difficulties The Commissary and Medici being overjyo'd at so good news out of hopes of good success resolved by all means to pass over the River beneath Gradisca and passing from thence over the Carso to go to the besieging of â—…oritia But necessary preparations for the effecting it were not answerable to their hopes and desires the scarcity of Souldiers still increased partly by death partly by running away and particularly those of the Country who were never in the Camp but upon the pay-days many of the Grisons hearing the command of their Superiors were already gone and many were cashiered for having been too insolent and having caused sedition in the Camp The Hollanders delaied their coming still and a Regiment of 4000 French which the Duke du Mayne should have brought to Friuli at the Common-wealths cost were kept back either by reason of the new troubles in France or by the Grisons Decrees To this was added that being to go beyond the River to attempt an uncertain enterprise which the newer it was was the more difficult and dangerous they could not abandon the Country on this side the River which had cost them so much pains to get and so much money to fortifie So as to divide those few that were in the Camp was to hazzard the loss of what was certain to go with much danger to themselves to get what was uncertain The hopes of new supplies were but few by reason of the times which brought the Common-wealth into great streights for the Duke of Savoys Rout at the Abby of Lucedio happened but a little before which made them not only disburse good store of money to recruit him but also to provide experienced Souldiers and Commanders upon their Confines towards the State of Millain lest they might be probably assaulted on that fide So as the Venetian Army was fain to delay the enterprise of Carso and to expect the coming of the Hollanders which was thought could not be long This new enterprise met also with much difficulty by the coming of new supplies from Germany into Friuli whereby the Austrian Camp was increased and there was a speech of others that would shortly come The Common-wealths troubles were also infinitely multiplied by the new-taken resolution of Pietro di Girona Duke of Ossuna and Viceroy of Naples who either seconding the Kings intention had declared himself to side with the Archduke or out of his particular hatred to the Venetians had rigg'd up Gallies and Gallioons in the Haven at Naples giving out that he would send them into the Adrâ—…atick Sea not only to assist the Archduke by diversion but to hinder the Common-wealth in the possession which they pretend unto of the said Sea and to trouble their Maritine Traffick And though the same courage of mind appeared to be amongst those Conscript Fathers amidst so many troubles and adversities wherewith persisting in their first generous resolution of maintaining the publick honour and of freeing the Gulf from Pyrats they prepared to resist this new tempest and therefore forbare not to provide abundantly for all necessaries in all requisite parts yet naturally considering the little good they were likely to get by the war and the prejudice which might thereby result both to the Commonwealth and to private men and moreover foreseeing the emiment dangers threatned to their Common-wealth by the State of Millain and by the Kingdom of Naples they grew somewhat less obdurate and desired that the formerly broken Treaty of agreement might be reassumed But it was no less hard for them to find the means how then to compass their end with satisfaction for all the Princes being weary with the last Negotiations by reason of the Common-wealths backwardness to restore what had been taken not any of them cared to intermeddle therein And they could get nothing from the Pope who they thought would not be inwardly displeased hereâ—…t but words and generallities nor could they confide much in the King of France by reason of the vast troubles of that Kingdom They therefore thought it the less evil to have recourse to the Court of Spain which they had formerly so much suspected and which by the Declaration made by the King in the behalf of the Archduke and by the men who were paid by him in this war against the Venetians was little less then their declared enemy But by reason of many things formerly done by the Common-wealth which were ill taken by the King and Court of Spain and which made them desireous to lessen the Common-wealths good opinion of her self they oftentimes refused the pressures made by Pietro Gritti Resident in that Court for the Common-wealth who desired in the Common-wealths name that some composition might be come unto But the King and Duke of Lerma having been always against having war in Italy and more particularly now out of many respects the Duke imbracing the present occasion began to close with the proposals made by Gritti in the Common-wealths behalf and very affectionately desired the effecting of them But the Duke of Ossâ—…na forbore not for all this to pursue his enterprise for he abominated the Venetians more then any other Spaniard did and had therefore put seven Gallioons in good order for fight and furnish'd them with all warlike Ammunition
in secure peace but thinking himself derided by a Fisher-man who told him how neer the Enemy was caused him to be put in prison and not long after some Barques were taken loaded with Mâ—…rchandize and Victuals for the Army which being retreated to Liesina and not daring to stir from thence suffer'd the Enemy to rove â—…reely over all those Seas It was commonly said that Commissary Zane when Consultation was held by the Captains and Officers whether or no they should make use of the present occasion and taking the advantage of the wind fall upon the Enemy that after he had by his Authority and Reasons contradicted their opinion he at last drew an express command out of his bosom from the Senate whereby he was absolutely forbidden to give Battel no not upon any whatsoever advantage and truly the Commonwealth having so powerful an Enemy so neer at hand who publickly threatned to assault the City and the loss being beyond comparison greater which they should have received if they had been beaten then any advantage that could have redounded to them by Victory and that being able of her self to maintain the Empire of the Sea against that Enemy who they knew could not trouble them long it suited well with their wisdom to prefer wholsome and saâ—…e resolutions before such as they were not certain should prove glorious and that it became them not to hazzard that Fleet upon the uncertainty of Battel which being the only defence of that City ready to be assaulted and which being the greatest strength that they could then put together was thought the only foundation of the Venetian Honour and Empire which could not probably waver so long as that Navy was safe so if that should be lost would infallibly draw after it great mischief and little less then the utmost danger of the Commonwealths safety and the danger appeared so much the more probable for that doubtless as if they should fight at a distance the Venetian Fleet by the advantage of theâ—…r Guns would have much vexed that of Spain so if they should come to close fight the Venetians being badly provided of defendants would have been easily worsted by the Spaniards the want of Order and Military Discipline in the Venetian Fleet was also to be confidered for never a one of the Masters knew what their place was nor what upon such an occasion he was to do there was no distinction of Wings nor Squadrons but the whole Fleet was one great body mis-shapen and confused and therefore unable to move and more troublesome to its self then formidable to the Enemy but it was no less considerable that when contrary to the aforeâ—…aid probable Reasons of the Venetians being worsted they should have had the upper hand the victory must needs have been got by much loss and effusion of blood in which case if the Turkish Fleet should have come and have found the Venetian Fleet weakned and the Spanish beaten might it not have come up even unto Venice and without any contestation or opposition have done what the Spaniards threatned it was therefore in this respect thought that it became not the Commonwealth to expose her safety to the certain danger wherewith she was tâ—…reatned upon whatsoever event especially since not only tâ—…e Venetian Commonwealth but whole Christendom would have bâ—…n much indangered by this conflict for of the two Fleets which being both joyn'd together make but a proportionable Bulwark of Christendom against the Maritime Forces of the Ottoman Empire when one of them should have been discomfited and the other weakened Christendom would not have had Forces sufficient to withstand the Ottomans Fleet if it should have come against it and therefore many strengthning their Reason and fixing their Thoughts higher attributed that sudden and unexpected change of wind to a great miracle and acknowledged it to proceed from Gods Divine goodness yet they proceeded in Venice according to their usual custom against Commissary Zane as they had done against Bellegno sending for him back to Venice taking his place from him and proceeding hotly by Process against him and yet after some moneths he was acquitted by a great number of Voteâ—… in a full Council of the Pregati But the success of the Fleet and the loss of the Mahouns caused great commotions in Venice the rather for that false news being brought some few days before of the conflicts and of the vistory gotten by the Venetian Fleet great Feasts and Triumphs were made by the Nobility who believing that report could not contain themselves in rejoycing and congratulations and the Common People following the example of the Nobiliry fell into excesses even such as were scandalous they ran tumultuously in great numbers to the Spanish Embassadours Palace and mingling opprobrious speeches with their shouts and out-cries they had almost fallen to injurious actions and elsewhere they hung up the Portraicture of the Viceroy by the feet and after many scornful and abusive speeches set it on fire but the truth being afterwards known the Commonwealth was much afflicted both in private for the loss of the Mahouns of so great value and for the continual damage suffer'd by the Croates and was much astonished and confused in the Publick for the loss of their ancient Reputation and for fear lest the Spanish Fleet according to the Viceroys threats and commands might draw neer their Washes and assault their City They knew not what courses to take which might suffice to remove the imminent danger but finding them all to be short and unproportionable they complain'd of the King of Spain who being chosen by them to be a pacifier of the differences between them and the Archduke instead of making peace had proved so bitter an Enemy suffering them to be under hand so injuriously dealt with by his Minister without any respect had to the friendship which was publickly profest between them and yet the King who did not desire that the Treaty of Peace which was by him reassumed should be disturbed preferring kindness before revenge for they had injured him by assisting the Duke of Savoy and peace before whatsoever victory as soon as he had given way to the Commonwealths desire of interposing himself in the present differences commanded the Viceroy being much press'd so to do by the Commonwealth to send for the Fleet back from the Gulf and that his command might be the better observed he sent Orders to Don Pietro di Lieva to retâ—…eat immediately with his Fleet without injuring the Commonwealth into the Tuscan Sea and as good luck would have it for the Commonwealth the Kings Orders came to Don Pietro when he was not far from the Venetian Washes and when the Venetians as finding themselves in greatest danger did exclaim most against the King wherefore Don Pietro having had some inkling of the Turkish Fleet that he might not be inclosed between two Fleets retreated and leaving the Galleoons at Brindisi came according to the Kings command
the Commonwealth in his sentence but should also free the Commonwealth and the Gulf from being troubled by the Duke of Ossuna it seeming to be improper that he should compose differences as Arbitrator and as an enemy make war upon those who had freely put the differences and occasions of the war to his Arbitrement On the other side the Embassadour never having shewed any special command from his Prince for the absolute remitting it to the King nor no such thing being ever demanded of him it made much for the contrary but howsoever it was the Duke of Lerma being much offended with tâ—…e Embassadour who persisted still in the negative and being much concern'd that so advantâ—…gious Articles for the house of Austria if they should not be received and accepted as pronounced by tâ—…e King as by common Arbitrator should be taken out of the Kings power without precedent submission of the Commonwealth sent for the Embassadour to a meeting where all the Embassadours of other Princes â—…esident in that Court were and did bitterly reprove him mainâ—…aining the contrary to what he affirmed to his face and the King being also very much offended profest he would trouble himself no more with it but remitted the whole Negotiation freely over to the Pope who when â—…e received the Kings Letters shewed them to Abbot Alessandro Scaglia brother to Marquess Calusio Embassadour Resident for the Duke at Râ—…me exhorting him to write unto his Prince that the business might be brought to a conclusion The Duke not confiding in tâ—…e Pope for that he found him much inclined to satisfie Spain and for that he had permitted-passage to the Horse which came from Naples to Lombardy and for other things which he had done in favâ—…ur of thaâ—… Crown made the business known to the Embassadours of his Conâ—…ederate Friends and Princes and then sent to Rome to have the peaâ—…e concluded with express Commission to his Embassadour not to consent to any accommodation except the Articles of Asti were observed and unless the Venetians were secured as had been formerly indeavoured The Pope finding the Duke had not referr'd the business to his free disposal as the King had done was scandalized and would not meddle with it so as it remained unperfected but the same Capitulâ—…tions of Madrid being presented to the Senate at Venice by the Popes Nuntio and by the French Embassadour just at that time when that City quaked for apprehension of the neerness of the Navy at Seâ—… which having taken the Mahouns was feared would draw neer their Washes and when Vercelles was lost thâ—…y stood not much in approving of the same not as the award of the King who was autâ—…orized by tâ—…em to judge thereof but as propounded by him as a friend and aâ—… a mediator in the common differences and the Venetians did the more willingly accept of them because they seâ—…med not onâ—…y advantagious for them in all things which they could have desiâ—…ed save in the restitution of the Mahâ—…uns but also for that they seemed like a propitious star which in so great a fluctuation promised to establish peace and tâ—…anquillity in the Commonwealth they therefore forthwith dispatch'd away their commands to Ottaviano Buono and to Vincenzo Guzzoni theâ—…r Embassadours in ordinary and in extraordinary at Paris to stipulate and confirm the same Articles with the King they also impowered the said Embassadours to communicate the same to their Embassadour Gritti in Spain that he might consent to the same Articles in that Court the Commonwealth having chosen to prefer the King of France his Authority before that of the King of Spain were it either in respect of the differences which had past between her and the Ministers of that Crown or that by giving the honour to the King of France and taking it from the King of Spain they thought they did not only deny the King of Spain the Arbitrement of the affairs of Italy which he pretended unto but that they did compound the business with more freedom and reputation as if they thereby had made known to the world that they had never been brought to receive the Laws of peace from the King of Spain as that King had pretended he by his great interests with the Archduke by succouring whom and by his servant the Duke of Ossuna's Hostility seeming in effect to be a party and an enemy this Commission being come to Paris the State-Ministers of that King were no less desirous to have the business concluded then were the Venetian Embassadours in ambition that their King might seem to be the Arbitrator of differences in Italy and the King alledging for his justification that he knew the King of Spains good will as also the danger which might insue by the breaking out of new and greater differences and difficulties if the agreement should be deferred in the name of all the parties that were absent for all which he ingaged his word confirmed and ratified the same Articles as they had been pronounced by the Catholick King the Kings and Dukes Embassadours consented thereunto who were not in any sort acquainted with this peace before it was concluded though the Duke who to divert the war from the Territories of the Commonwealth had drawn it upon himself would never though never so much oppress'd come to any agreement unless the Commonwealth were therein comprehended or secured from the Spanish Forces The little respect which was shewen to the Catholick King increased the envy of this action who being chosen Arbitrator by the Commonwealth or according to themsâ—…lves Mediator and having furthered the Capitulations with so much satisfaction to her though against so great Princes and so neerly allied to him and who were assaulted by the Commonwealth she aâ—…erwards not content to deny that Arbitrement which she seemed so freâ—…ly to have granted him or at least had signified her intention of granting it had by applying her self to the King of France made him the chief Author and Moderator of that peace which she was to acknowledge howsoever from the moderation and goodness of the King of Spain But the peace seemed to be stipulated no less to the prejudice of the Commonwealth for that the restitution of the Mahouns was not therein comprehended which since there was no breach between them and the King of Spain ought as was pretended to be restored as not taken in fair War The Spaniards on the other side pretending that the Kings Declaraâ—…ion to assist the Archduke was a permissive hostility denied restitution and the King refusing to decide this point the Embassadours were pacified with the Kings promise that he would make them be restored and so the Articles of peace went forward But the Commonwealth partly that they might stand upon the advantage of reputation partly to shun the hatred and envy which she purchased by that peace and also for the King of Spain's and Duke of Savoy's satisfaction without whose knowledge the peace was concluded feigned to
formerly endeavoured by several ways to stave him off from the other Confederates shewing plainly how much it would make for his advantage to withdraw the Valtoline from subjection to the Grisons and make it dependant upon their King for his Territories having no need of access by that way he would be the only man on whom the Princes of Italy would fix their eyes and whose friendship they would mainly endeavour by reason of the need they should have thereof and the two Crowns would be inforced to esteem him no less then they since he would be the only man who when all other passages should be shut up might keep out the French and all other Forreigners from coming into Italy or who might bring them in But hatred against the Spaniards and a desire to oppose their ends prevailing more with him and conceiving great hopes from the League he still continued therein some Propositions being afterwards made concerning this aforesaid Marriage of some resignation to be made by the Duke of Mantua of Montferrat at least after the death of the said Duke Ferdinand and of his Brother Prince Vincenso both which for several respects had small hopes of succession the Duke of Savoy being exceedingly desirous of new pretentions to that State easily fore went any other business and the Spaniards who out of many respects were interessed in these Negotiations were not displeased that this might be effected fearing lest the line of these two Princes failing the Duke of Nivers who was to succeed in those States should draw the French into Italy chusing for the lesser evil that since Montferrat was to fall to the house of Savoy it might be given to the second Son in whom they did much confide and not to the eldest who being to succeed in his Fathers Dominions his Principality would be too great and the Duke not being able to forgo so great an occasion of increasing his Dominions for the vain and uncertain hopes of the League which did not much belong to him was so much the more necessitated to forgo the League and the Friendship of the French for this Marriage would make the French his enemies if the succession of Montferrat should devolve upon the Duke of Nivers who that they might have a Prince in Italy totally dependant upon their King would protect and maintain his pretences nor could the Duke of Savoy keep possession of that State from the French without the Spaniards assistance The Spaniaâ—…ds therefore being desirous to win him over and to interest him in their own Affairs were then very hot in pursuing that Marriage knowing very well that if the Duke should be separated from the League the plots of the Confederates would vanish who being as it were same for what concern'd Italy without him they could not at least not without difficulty do any thing they had agreed upon the design had taken handsomely but a petty accident which hapned in the River of Genoa withheld the effecting of it and the Prince his insuing death did totally overthrow it where Liguria Confines upon Piedmont stands the little Marquisate Zuccarello whereof mention hath been formerly made it was anciently granted in Fee by the Emperour to those of the house of Caretta but by alteration of times and accidents being gotten by the Genoeses and afterwards invested in those of Caretta it was held and possess'd for the space of 200 years by them as Feudatories to the Commonwealth upon the usual recognition of homage the same accidents and revolutions of Italy had lately transported it from the Commonwealth to the Emperours not without the Common-wealths complaint which yielding to the times that were but bad for her was not well pleased to be after so many years possession deprived of that Fee which lay so neer and so conveniently to their own State but the Emperours Authority rising up again in Italy after some ages the Genoeses were forced to be content and to expect a better occasion of repossessing it and therefore in the year 1576 they purchased an Annual Râ—…nt out of the said Fee from Scipio del Caretto the Marquess and possessor thereof and this Annual Rent was approved of by the Emperour and ratified by a solemn Decree Not long after the Marquess being impleaded by the Emperour for a certain man-slaughter he sold that Marquisate to the Duke of Savoy to the prejudice of the Cesarâ—…an Exchequer and of the Covenant of Prelation so to avoid confiscation and the Emperour proceeding to Sentence of Death against the Marquess and to confiscation of the Fee took it from the Duke â—…o whom it was already assigned over by the Marquess and held it for himself and for the Imperial Chamber the Duke being deprived of possession labour'd hard in the Court at Germany sometimes in his own name sometimes in the name of the Marquess and of his Son to have the lapse and confiscation revoked but in vain because of the opposition of the Cesarian Exchequer and of the Commonwealth which by reâ—…son of her ancient pretences and much more by reason of her more modern ones which she had got therein was by the Emperour admitted to give a Vote in that Judgement In fine the claim of the Caretti being excluded the Emperour in the year 1624 set it to publick sale by the Câ—…yer for whosoever would give most and divers offering moneys for it it was adjudged to the Commonwealth which offer'd most whereat the Duke thought himself much injured as supposing that no Chap-men would be found for it so as the Fee remaining still unsold he might obtain it the more easily from the Imperial Chamber he thought that the Commonwealth by buying it had spoiled all his designes and utterly defeated all his hopes of ever coming by it He therefore writ to the Commonwealth complaining of what had been done and exhorting her to desist for otherwise he would 〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉 the Commonwealth had just occasion long before to complain upon this account of the Duke since the question being of a Fee situated in Liguria wherein the Duke had never either action or pretention all reason would that in point of good neighbourhood he should have forborn it but that the same neighbourhood allowed the Commonwealth to purchase it as that which â—…ecame her better to do then any other by reason of her confining thereupon out of reason of State for her antient pretences thereunto and for the new Article of Prelation but being desirous of the publick peace and of keeping good correspondency with her neighbours she chose to prosecute her pretentions by a civil way in the Emperours Court wherein having after much labour and expence obtain'd her end which she had done by no other way then by purchasing that at a high rate which she had much reason to pretend unto as her own she thought her self the much more injured person seeing the Dukes appeals accompanied by such open threats and that though she was resolved to keep what
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
they chose Giovan Ieronymo Doria Knight of St. Iago to be their Camp-master-general of whom mention hath been formerly made an ancient and experienced Commander but whose great age did diminish that vigour in him by which in his youth he had done much in the behalf of the Catholick Religion and of the Crown of Spain in the wars of France and of Flanders and they made Don Carlo Doria Duke of Turcis chief General for the defence of the City The Camp-master-general Doria being brought into the Senate to speaâ—… his opinion touching the total administration of the present war sheweâ—… that the chief defence of the City consisted in keeping the Enemy as long as they could beyond the Apenine for the City being situated much underneath the neighbouring Mountains and it being to be conceived by the great Train of Artillery which the Duke brought along with him that he meant to begin the Siege by Battery there was greaâ—… danger of terrour and confusion in the City not being accustomed to such furious noise of the Cannon so as not approving the former resolution of abandoning Novi and Ovada he moved for their defence for though they were not able of themselves to stand out yet they would afford time and commodity to make their Trenches already begun upon the Mountains and for the coming of succours from Naples and from the State of Millain 〈◊〉 The Commonwealth approved of this advice and sent Georgio Centurione and Henrico de Franchi two Senators to defend Savona with titles of Commissaries General and ordered Doria to defend the State beyond the Apenine furnishing them all with such men as they could spare without disfurnishing the City Doria passing over the Apenine sent his Nephew George Doria with some Forces to Novi and he in his own person undertook to defend Ovada the Enemy had not as yet appeared before any of these places only a Trumpet came some days before to Ovada to summon it to surrender and the scarcity of Oxen and Horses for the Train of Artillery together with some other impediments was such as not sufficing to conduct them they were forced to bring part of their Artillery some miles forwards and to send the same Cattle back to bring on the rest which occasioned much delay in their march and the deep Mire and Rivers which were swollen by the great fall of Rain retarded them much more and yet the Dorii finding neither Victuals Munition Artillery nor any manner of defence in either of these places for the Inhabitants finding that the Commonwealth had abandoned them had for the most part quitted those Towns and carried away the Artillery and Munition along with them which were impossible to be brought back the Enemy not being many hours march off when the Dorii entred Iovan Ieronymo was forced to abandon the enterprise and to retire to within the Trenches of Rossiglione which finding to be ill ordered and not defensible he writ unto the Senate advising them to remove the people from thence lest they might be lost and it being impossible to go with the Army and Artillery that way to Genoa he counselled that the whole defence should return to Gavio by which the Enemy must of necessity march and whither he would go with his men as he did going therefore to Ottaggio a great Town upon the same way five miles more inward then Gavio he thought to send aid from thence to Gavio and Novi which he held would assuredly be the first places which the Enemy would fall upon and by thus keeping them from entring by that way to keep the City from being assaulted and from the misfortune of the imminent war Doria was not well got out of Ovada when the Van of the enemies Army which was advanced not meeting with any obstacle entred thereinto and finding no resistance took it and the Count of Overgnia General of the French Horse advancing by the way of Gavio took Novi also upon surrender and the Enemies Army which came on lay idle for some days quartered in these two Towns and in the adjacent parts waiting for the rest of their men with the Artillery and Munition which came on but slowly by reason of the aforesaid difficulties The Duke being quartered in Cremolino a Town in Montferrat neer to Ovada was busie in taking the Trenches which guarded that Town and the Count d'Overnia who was quartered in Novi and in the Cottages thereabouts had his eye upon the Town of Gavio which was defended by Benedetto Spinola who upon this occasion was made Commissary-General beyond the Apenine a Souldier much imploi'd in the wars of Flanders in chief commands for a long time he had with him 1500 Foot most of them Country people and one Troop of Horse from the State of Millain he having speedily fortified the place withstood a fierce assault given by the General who going to surprise it with almost all his men but without Artillery was forced to retire with the loss of many of his men and some of the chiefest and also to abandon some stations which he had taken before the assault The Dukes men had no better success in an assault which they gave to the Trenches of Rossiglione for the station was manfully defended by Iacomo Spinola the head of 500 Souldiers of the Militia of Bisagno with no small loss of the assailants so as the people of the Commonwealth though for the greater part of the meaner sort having gotten the better in these two assaults and in some lesser attempts began to take heart and to think the face of the Enemy less formidable and the Commonwealth her self fearing before how her men would behave themselves seeing things succeed better then they expected and that the Enemies Army lay still idle doing nothing worthy the threats and same which was given out began to build more upon the difficulties the Enemy would meet with then upon the strength of their situations and of the valour of their own men wherefore they would not according to Doria's advice abandon the Fortifications of Rossigllone which they were told by others were not to be taken and hoping every day for better success they thought that the Enemy being streightned in those parts began to experience those difficulties whereinto they had unadvisedly brought themselves and this the rather for that Don Ieronymo Pimontello General of the Horse of the State of Millain being entred by order from the Governour into Torona with 4000 Foot and 1000 Horse stood observing their ways that he might fall upon them in the Reer if they should pass further into the Mountains of Liguria all this while the peace was not violated nor was there any breach of a war conceived to be made between the two Crowns though for the Duke of Guise his having seized on the 150000 Ducates as hath been said in Provence the King of Spain pretending an interest therein had made a reprisal of all the French goods that were in Spain and
the French had done the like to those of Spain that were in France therefore the Duke and the Constable professing to observe punctually friendship and good correspondency with the States and Subjects of the King of Spain did not permit any act of hostility to their men and if any accident should happen to the contrary they proceeded to severe punishment against the Delinquents as done without their order thorow military licentiousness and excused themselves which was not only accepted by the Spanish Officers but seeding the French with the same food they assured them they should not be injured by their Forces many invitations were made moreover to the Duke and to the Constable and reciprocal friendly Offices past between them and upon complaint made by the Constable that some loads of Meal were taken by the Subjects of the State restitution was forthwith made the Governour who was unarmed being unwilling to provoke an Army which was strong and powerful upon his Confines but when he should have past the Apenine where the numbers of men would neither be an help nor hinderance it was certain he would not keep within the same bounds for it being as impossible to keep Genoa without the assistance of the State of Millain as to defend Genoa when that State should be lost it was apparent the Spaniards would be forced to break with all the World rather then to lose Genoa for these Reasons the Genoeses were reasonably well satisfied especially since they saw none of the Enemies Fleets appear but the Duke being desirous to clear the Pass of Rossiglione resolved to assault it with the gross of his Army on Holy-thursday the twelfth day after Ovada was taken the defendants who had had the better upon other occasions were afrighted to see so many men appear in good order so as distrusting not to be able to defend themselves they all basely forsook the Trenches before the Enemy came within Musket-shot and retreated unless it were a Company of the Corsicks which being placed higher made honourable resistance but afterwards fire taking in a Barrel of Powder at the blowing up whereof 20 of them were burnt and slain and seeing the places behind them abandoned they likewise forsook their stations and retreated to Rossiglione and the Enemy following their blow became masters of the Trenches and soon after of Rosâ—…iglione also which was likewise forsaken by the rest who making it a Rendezvouz for Arms for re-inforcing those who defended the more inward Trenches seeing that they all ran away they likewise begâ—…n to run so as the place together with the Victuals Munition Moneys to pay the Souldiers and other provisions fell without any opposition into the Dukes hands they continued running away till they came to the Sea only two Companies of Souldiers staid in Mansone where there was a little Castle very strong by reason of the narrowness of the Passage fifteen miles distant from Rossiglione towards the Sea wherein there was two small pieces and whither sufficient Victuals Men and Munition were sent from Genoa the Enemy entring Rossiglione past on to Campo a place only three miles more inward then Masone here they halted trying those of Masone with small Skirmishes and Articles of agreement who still defending themselves did manfully make good that Pass and that Castle all this while the new work of incompassing the Mountains with Trenches was hardly begun in Genoa the Walls of the City were not at all fortified and their Artillery whereof they had great store and very great ones were yet in their Magazines unmounted as in time of peace and lying one on the top of another they had no experienced Cannoneers little store of Match and the meaner sort of people was beyond measure increased by the concourse of women and others fled thither from the neighbouring parts for refuge the Souldiery which for a whole year were there assembled at the great charges and industry both of the publick and private much diminished those few that were left were sent to Garrison Gavi and Rossiglione and many of the latter were dissipated through the terrour of the preceding day 200 Neapolitans who at the earnest intreaty of Ianetto Spinola were by Iohn Ieronymo Pimontello sent to Tortona some days before what had hapned at Rossiglione as they past a long without thought of being assaulted were cut in pieces by the French wherefore the City appeared to suspect Feria as being abandoned in her so great danger so as the unexpected news of Rossiglione being brought to Genoa the City was in great terrour and confusion which increasâ—…d by the children old men and women of Vettri who flocking to Genoa full of fear and believing that the Souldiers of the Commonwealth who fled from Rossiglione and returned by the way of the Mountains towards the Sea were the Enemy affirm'd that Masone was taken and that the French did draw neer that therefore which befell Rome the City of Mars after the rout at Thrassimeno and Canna and at Hannibals approaching the Walls of Rome and of later times Paris when the Army of the Duke of Burgony and of the other Confederates in the War for the Common Good was heard to arrive and yet of later years when she feared to be assaulted by Charles the Fifths Army that which befel the Venetians after the Rout at Giaradadda befel the City of Genoa a City bred up for almost a hundred years in peace where there was not any that had ever heard the noise of an Enemies Drum or Trumpet some of the Gentlewomen went from the City some of the weaker sort of people fled others freed their houses of what they had of most value and worth and sent them to Ligorne The Senate amidst such a multitude of affairs and troubles hearing the opinion which was had of the greatness and neerness of the danger resolved forthwith to abandon Savona Gavio and all the other places of the State and to withdraw all their Forces to defend the City of Genoa upon whose safety and welfare all their thought were set therefore on Good-Friday the very day that they heard this news they sent all the Gallies that were in the Haven to Savona with order to the Commissaries that leaving the Citadel provided for they should presently return with all the inhabitants to the City Orders were likewise sent to Camp-master Doria in Ottaggio to do the like with all the Garrisons thereabouts and with those of Gavio the first Order was obey'd for on Easter Eve the Gallies returned from Savona with the people and Commissaries but not the other for Doria being experienced in warfare thinking it to be a rash resolution wrot back before he obeyed it that the Enemy having brought so many and so great pieces of Artillery by the way of Rossiglione there was no danger that they could possibly appâ—…oach the City without them and that the people might run danger of being lost if they should be brought away the Enemy being
before the City Walls and was very careful in preparing all things fitting for the enterprise but the Constable kept him from this resolution who being unwilling to leave Gavio behind his back which was well fortified and had a great Garrison in it it being an inlet for succour and a place of safety for the Enemy to retreat unto upon any occasion gave order for the expugning thereof before they should advance further The Duke thought it somewhat hard to foreslow the course of Victory but not being able to do otherwise he was forc'd to give way to the Constables will without which he could not prosecute the intended enterprise and because the Constable thought the loss too great which was received by the former assault given to place by the General of the Horse and the loss greater which was received before Ottaggio because they had proceeded in those actions according to the Military manner he would therefore proceed orderly in the taking of Gavio with Artillery Approaches and making of Trenches Captain Meazza Governour of the Garrison of that place labouring how to defend it and how to offend the Enemy by often sallies conceived such hopes as he writ to the Senate that he would make good that place for the space of ten or twelve days nor would he peradventure have failed to do it had not one who had gotten privately into Gavio given him some orders from Stefano Spinola and from the Resident for the Commonwealth with Feria at Millain whereby he was told that Feria thought it a better and safer way to preserve their men then to lose them together with the Town the preservation whereof was desperate that he should therefore give over the defence thereof and provide the best he could for the safety of the Garrison The Senate had writ to Meazza when they left the decision of the business to Feria that he should observe such Orders as he should receive from Spinola from Millain and they had written to Spinola that he should direct Meazza what to do touching the maintaining or abandoning of Gavio according as Feria should think fit hereupon Meazza about midnight without knowledge of the Townsmen went away with the Garrison of 3000 Foot towards Serravalle a Town lying towards the State of Millain about some five miles of but finding the ways bad and therefore having spent much time in his march he began to fear being surprized by the way the next day wherefore resolving to return back he did so with the like silence as he had come out that night and upon Articles to march out with his men the next day he yielded up the Town but not the Castle which was not at his disposal this third accident did again afflict the City which the day before the surrender had received Meazza's Letter by which he assured them he would maintain the Town fourteen or twelve days at least in which mean time the Genoeses believing that for certain that relief would come from Naples and Sicily they began to hope that the succour would come before they should see the Enemies Army but now failing of that assurance and not seeing the succour come every one apprehended his own misfortune and were astonished at the Enemies success and finding that they prospered in all their actions they thought it impossible they should do otherwise in the enterprise of Genoa This their affliction and astonishment was presently increased by the loss of the Castle which hapned not long after for the Duke being desirous to remove all pretences and impediments that the Constable could alledge for not going to Genoa speedily prepared the Battery wherewith having for a while plai'd upon the Walls and prejudiced them a little the Captain of the Castle though he were strongly situated and well provided of all things yet being but young and unexperienced he came to Parley and obtain'd Truce for three days with leave to send to Genoa to advertise the Senate of his condition but the Duke having made some Trenches during the Trucâ—… and the Captain not having received any advertisement from the City during those three days for the Duke had detain'd the Messenger he also surrendered so the Army having no other obstacle to keep them from going to Genoa unless it were the craggedness of the Mountain the Duke eg'd on by ardent desire and by the great hopes which so noble a concourse of Victories afforded him he press'd the Constable very hard that without giving further respite to the Enemy he would give order for the advancing of the Army and Artillery assuring him of undoubted Victory We have already said he opened the gate paved the way to the City all obstacles and impediments are already removed the Enemies are routed their chief Commanders are our Prisoners the City her self before the Victory at Ottaggio being full of terrour and confusion had as we understand by some Prisoners sent to Article with us and to offer us great sums of Money many of the chief of the Commonwealth do the like to redeem themselves from us and our hands from whence knowing their own weakness and being confounded with the presages of imminent ruine they very well know they cannot possibly escape what will they now do after so many defeats in the heels of one another after having lost their best men when they shall see themselves deprived of so many Chieftains and Officers deprived of their General at the very first encounter in whom they did so much confide shall we think that they will hold out at the very first appearance of our Ensigns that they will wait for the noise of our Cannon shall we believe that a City accustomed only to Traffick and to give account how they have gotten so great riches as they have now within their Walles and as they have distributed elsewhere shall dare to make any resistance against our Forces our Ensigns our Fame against the dread which the French Forces bear with them every where and which are every where so feared and reverenced let us go for Gods sake before they by their flight rob us of such riches as are already ours before that being fortified and succoured by the Spaniards they may dispute that Victory which nothing but speed can in all probability assure us what terrour what consternation hath the loss of their Trenches the rout and defeat at Rossiglione imprinted in our Enemies how neer was that City then to be abandoned and shall we now after the defeat of Ottaggio after the loss of Gavio when they are deprived of their best Souldiers best Commanders doubt that they will not undoubtedly be readier to run away then to defend themselves that they will not rather think of their own safety then of making resistance I pass by the many intelligences which we have with those Citizens I mention not the discontents and dissatisfactions which are in that City which certainly will much facilitate our Victory Let us go on then great
Highness very well knows and shall we think that they who have sold so little a Town at so dear a rate will be ready to throw open their Gates that they will so easily give themselves their Wives Children and Riches in prey to us let not oh let not the too immoderate desire of Victory the too great thirst after glory and revenge make us too rash and let us not be misled by vain intelligence with discontented people wherein the total of our lives and reputations does depend nor let us not place the ground-work of our Enterprize upon the peoples confusion and sudden fear for I protest and declare that we shall assuredly be deceived if we carry with us no other preparations no other inforcements for Victory and for our own escape the intelligence and plots of malecontents may easily be discovered and hush'd they may be withheld by the coming of new succours changed by the alteration of success vanish through the difficulty of performance or suppress'd by the diligence of the Governour a little time appeases hidden commotions a small opposition curbs popular insurrections and by what we hear of the union and good order of that City we have more reason to fear then to hope for Victory and I who have some experience of the worlds affairs as I build somewhat upon such occasions and accidents when Forces are adequate to the Enterprize so where I finde them inferiour I have always thought them to be but baits to ruine and to the destruction of those that lay the ground-work of their successe thereupon The Duke replied many things whereby to draw the Constable over to his opinion sometimes shewing him that being so far advanc'd they could not without much shame forbear prosecuting sometimes endeavouring to free him from the fear of the State of Millain by telling him in what straights of men and money the Duke of Feria was sometimes that the French Forces had the better of it in the Valtoline and were Conquerors on that side who would at the same time fall there upon the State of Millain sometimes mentioning the Venetians who being ready to break into war upon the account of Cremona and Giaradadda would reduce that Governour to a condition of rather needing succour then of succouring that therefore they were to make use of the reputation and heat of Victory which doth oft time bring Enterprises to a happy end though they be otherwise impossible and despâ—…rate to the appearing of all humane reason that all sinister events ought not to be thought upon which may intervene in humane actions since there are none so certain nor so surely grounded which may not be hindred by a thousand accidents upon which he who would fix his eye too attentively must not hope to do any thing that many things were to be left to Fortune which bearing a great sway in all humane actions but particularly in those of War doth commonly assist bold and couragious actions that it could not be long ere the Fleâ—…ts would arrive the necessity whereof he out of many considerations did not much value But the Constable demanding finally provisions to maintain the Army for at least three moneths beyond the Apenine before he would move from those quarters where he was and not long after these Disputes news coming that great succours were come to Genoa from Naples and Sicily the execution of this so great Enterprise was almost quite given over The Duke being necessitated to steer on his course resolved to shun lying idle and loss of time to turn part of his men towards the Western River which by the Capitulations of Susa were assigned over to him and where he understood the Genoese had taken Oneglia from him together with all the Valleys of that Country and were entred into that of the neighbouring Prela he gave the charge hereof to the Prince who forgoing for then to attempt Savona turn'd upon Pieve the first Town of the Genoese of the neerest to Piedmont and the Marquiâ—…ate of Ceva 2000 Piedmontese of the Trained-bands of Mondovi and of the Marquisate of Ceva were entred a little before into the River to defend Oneglia not knowing that it was taken by the Genoese these â—…aving past the Apenine at the place which is called Passo della Nava by which the way lies to Pieve a Pass naturally very difficult and unaccessible and almost abandoned by those of the Commonwealth came not time enough to defend it nor to relieve Oneglia which was already taken by the Genoese but going to Prela it was their good luck to relieve and free it for there being none before it but an unexercised Milâ—…ti without an experienced Commander with little or no Military Discipline they gave over the Siege at the appearing of the Piedmonteses so as returning with the same ease and success into Piedmont by the same Pâ—…ss of Nava and having acquainted the Prince with the weakness of the Guards at those Passes and how easily they had relieved Prela and how they had not met with any opposition in their return thâ—…y incouraged him the more to the enterprise where by the example of his Subjâ—…cts who were returned from those parts he had reason to expect but small resistance he therefore with hopes of good success began it nor failed he in his hopes for finding the Passes as he had been informed but badly guarded he fell down from thence to Pieve a great Town at the foot of the Apenine towards the Sea and the Market being usually there as great and populous used by the Piedmonteses and Genoeses but not weaker to be defended then that of Ottaggio Camp-master Doria was entred thereinto being sent thither from Genoa when the danger of that side was known he had only a thousand paid men given him by the Commonwealth so as though he had refused to go thither with so small a number yet to obey the Senates Orders he went but with protestation that he went to the manifest loss of himself and of his men so gathering together 1500 more of the common people of that Country he came together with them into Pieve and holding it was impossible to take that Town without Artillery which he also thought was impossible to be brought thither he gave all necessary Orders and made all requisite provisions for defence he fortified the Monasteries of St. Austine and the Capuchins which were without the Town and munited them with sufficient Garrisons he did the like at a certain station which was called la Morte all which places he thought untakeable without Artillery so as thinking himself saâ—…e within the Town with those Fortifications he expected the coming of the Enemy Doria was not deceived in his opinion for the Prince appeared without any Artillery and sitting down before St. Austines Monastery he met with great opposition and for some days had little hope to take it but Artillery arriving the fifth day beyond the defendants expectation all impediments
Enemies Army retreats from the Enterprise of Genoa and attemps Savona but being overtaken by Feria retires to Piedmont Feria takes the City of Acqui he goes afterwards to Asti and from thence to Verrua where he stays long to little purpose leaving many of his men behind him and being forc'd to give over the Enterprise returns with his Army much lessened into the State of Millain many actions happen at the same time in the besieging and defending of Riva di Chiavenna wherein the Spaniards have still the better of the French they drive the French at last out of the Valtoline and raise the Siege of Riva The English Fleet falling upon Spain is repuls'd and having in vain endeavoured to take the Plate-Fleet which came from America retires into England torn by Tempests A Discourse upon the quality and usual Navigation of the Plate-Fleet the Apostolick Legate returns from France to Rome and is sent from Rome to Spain whither being come he finds the Peace concluded between the two Crownâ—… and the Affairs of Iâ—…aly and of the Valtoline composed The Pope and all the Princes of the League are very much displeased with this Peace as also all the Princes and the Court of France Some of them do therefore conspire against the Kings person In pursuance of the Peace the Forts of the Valtoline are restored and demolish'd New occasions of disgust between the Genoese and the Duke of Savoy The Duke of Guise his Fleet goes from Marcelles and comes to Ligorne and returns from thence to Marcelles without having done any thing The Duke of Mantua dies and long after his Brother who succeeded him in his Principality The Genoese Factors who were interessed with the Crown of Spain are much prejudiced in their private fortunes by reason of the alteration of Payments and of other Decrees made to their prejudice by the King BUt the troubles and dangers of Genoa which were not much compassionated in Italy met with more favour and benignity from the hands of God whose anger the Senators being desirous by all means possible to appease publick Processions and Vows were added to the private Prayers and Processions which were privately made in Churches and in holy places their Piety seemed to be presently seconded by Gods goodnesse for at the same time that the Doge Senate and People were pouring forth Prayers to Almighty God for publick preservaâ—…ion a Galley entred the Haven which brought in her a Million of Ducates from Spain a favour the more singular by how much more necessary for the present need and which was acknowledged to proceed the more from Divine mercy in that it came when least expected for two days before the arrivaly of this Galley news came from Corsica that the same Galley being gone from Genoa 15 days befoâ—…e fearing to be discovered by the Fleet that lay at Marcelles had lanch'd out into the Sea and was driven by the wind upon that Island where the Genoese thought her to be still detained by the same wind the news was true but the conjecture false for the wind changed there by favour whereof the Galley came seasonably to Barcellona and receiving in the moneys which lay ready there return'd with great speed and success to Genoa soon after some other Gallies appeared which brought with them six Millions more from Spain whereby the Commonwealth abounding in money was largely inabled to supply her urgent necessities and the private men of Genoa to whom those moneys belonged having redeemed their credit were able not only to furnish Feria with moneys to hasten the Levies of the Dutch and for other necessaries for marching into the Field against the Confederates Army but also moreover to provide for the Armies in Flanders according to their obligations with the Court of Spain The Rivals of the Genoese grandezza were astonished and not without reason when they saw their Common-wealth which they held to be in a perishing condition not only able to subsist and to maintain her self but to administer help to Forreâ—…gn Armies and make them move to their prejâ—…dice who had plotted her ruine Nor were her enemies less amazed whose whole thoughts were set upon her extirpation so as instead of flocking to so rich and plentiful a prey they began to fall from their hopes of success just as befel Hannibal who whilst he was with an Army before the walls of Rome understood that some Lâ—…gions were sent out by other Gates to recruit the Spanish Armies sent into that Province They fell yet further from their hopes when they heard that great succours of men were almost at the same time come to Genoa For from Millain to boot with those that were sent with Guasco came the Cavallier Pecchio after the loss of Gavio and Ottagio with part of his own Brigadâ—…e and part of those of Modena and Parma which did amount in all to about 3000 Foot and the Marquess della Croce came about this time to the City with 33 Galleys wherein were 4000 Foot all very good men and whereof 2000 were Veterane Souldiers trained up in the Wars of Flanders and a little before 1500 Neapolitans were come thither in some Galleons The Sicillian Galleys came also thither with 600 Spaniards which were sent by Ianettino Doria Vice roy of that Island at his own expence in defence of his Country Marquess Bozzolo came thither also with his three brothers 800 Foot and 200 Horse besides Infantry which came daily from Naples so as with these and those which Guasco brought from the State of Millain those that were sent from Lucca and those which came though somewhat late from Germany the Commonwealth was in a short time provided with about 15000 paid Foot for defence of the State and City besides many Commanders and people of Quality and experience who were brought thither from several parts upon extraordinary pay By means of these Forces and of her own people who were very vigilant in defending their Country and Liberty and with the Militia of the State the Affairs of the State were prettily well securâ—…d and almost brought into a condition of safety The Popes Galleys and those of the Great Duke came along with Sancta Croce which returning from Marselles whither they had carried â—…he Legate and meeting with Sancta Croce as he came from Naples to the relief of Genoa turned back the same way by Orders directed to the Captains from their Princes which Orders Sancta Croce brought with him it was not thought strange that the Great Duke should issue out such Orders who profest himself a friend to Spain and to the house of Austria the Popes Concession came more unexpected he being commonly held to be not only averse to the Spaniards but to joyn in ends with their Rivals and the French Embassadour Resident at Rome did exclaim much against it yet it was thought that the Pope to remove so great suspicâ—…ons which were had of him had done it at the perswasions of the
Duke of Pastrana who press'd very much for it The first thing that was consulted of in Genoa was touching the whole matter of defence they all joyn'd in opinion That being now only to minde defence their first care should be to defend the City the Head of the State and to â—…efend Savona a principal Member thereof and hold them play till either the Enemies Army should grow less which was said to moulder daily away or till â—…he Duke of Feria might assault them in the Field and drive them out of the Common-wealths Territories Seeing therefore that the loss of la Riviera as long as Genoa and Savona should be preserved did not at all concern the main business they took not much care to defend it that they might not disfurnish the City of a Garrison in a time of such danger nor hazzard her 〈◊〉 never so little to be insulted over by the Enemies Army which being so neer when they should see those who were come in to her succour imployed in defending la Riviera might approach her Walls and attempt an assault howsoever what should be lost would be easily recover'd if Genoa and Savona should be kept by reason of the situation of la Riviera which being naturally open and undefensible is soon taken by any that will endeavour it and when the danger of the neighbouring Army should be over it would be more easily recovered by the Commonwealth then by any others as well by reason of the peoples inclination who by reason of the interests they have in the City and by their continual necessity of providing things necessary from thence would desire to return to their ancient obedience as also that the Commonwealth being master at Sea it would be very hard for any who should hold the Town to defend it against a Fleet at Sea and yet though so many succours come suddenly were sufficient to secure the present condition of affairs yet were they not sufficient to free the Commonwealth wholly from the imminent danger of the neighbouring Army and much less to free the Genoese from fear who were troubled at the successful proceedings of the Enemy in Rossiglione Ottaggio Gavio and la Riviera del povente and being still full of anxiety could not be at quiet whilst they were still subject to be molested by the Enemies Amry and it being requisite to expect the total freedom of the Staâ—…e of Millain though it were hindred by many impediments the Genoeses were still fearful and full of troubles for together with the want of people which the State was in the Dutch not being yet arrived the defence of la Riva which was a great curb to the French and Venetians not being to be abandoned kept the Governour from thinking of relieving Genoa Count Iovanni Serbellone was there as hath been said well fortified on all sides and to keep the Enemy the further off he had extended his Fortifications on the left side by which you come from the Valtoline even to the Town of Campo a Town upon the River of the Lake wherewith he incompassed that Town and la Nova which did almost joyn upon la Riva The Count being past over as hath been said to the other side into the Valtoline with the greatest part of his men was very intent upon fâ—…eeing himself of that hinderance which cross'd his designs and proceedings being therefore resolved to attempt the Town of Campo first to keep it from being defended he made la Riva be assaulted on the opposite side by those who he had left in Chiavenna as he returned into the Valtoline to the end that when he should assault Campo with his whole body he might the more easily take it he mist of his intent though his design succeeded for those few defendants who remained to defend Campo when la Riva was assaulted on Chiavenna's side did so stoutly maintain the defence as they got time to be succour'd for Count Iovanni leaving Chiavenna well defended came himself in person with many men to Campo where the Siege was more fierce so as the defendants increasing in number courage and valour a strong conflict was begun which being often re-inforced by the French Coure perceiving that his enterprise succeeded not so easily here as in the Valtoline against the Forts which were guarded by the Ecclesiasticks and remembring that he had left 400 of his men before that assault and that many others were wounded he withdrew into his Quarters â—…aving done but little harm to the defendants whereof hardly 20 were slain though they were plaied upon by the French Artillery placed in fitting places After this Count Iovanni found that Campo as being too far from la Riva was dangerously defended wherefore resolving to give it over he made his Fortifications more inwards towards the Town of Nova and the French who could not take that Town by force seeing it abandoned went immediately thither took it without any difficulty and fortified it and not satisfied with this they would advance to the top of the little Hill that they might go by that way to Chiavenna and fight the Garrison that was there but they failed of their intent by the gallant resistance which the defendants made who opposing all their Forces had always the better of them wherefore Coure who desired still to joyn with those that were at Chiavenna and to make them come unto him was forc'd to make them pass over hither and come to Campo by a further way about and over craggy Mountains in which passage the French having possess'd themselves of the tops of the higher Mountains which over looked the little Hill of Riva they threw down great stones into the Valley which lay under the little Hill wherewith they did much annoy the Rampiers and the Defendants who would not have been able to defend that so important station long had not Count Giovan sent a good many Souldiers to the tops of those Mountains to drive them from thence and herein he succeeded happily for the French being unexpectedly assaulted threw away their Arms and begg'd their lives but their prayers prevailed not for being made prisoners and tied back to back with ropes they were tumbled down the same precipices which was a most horrible spectacle Coure for all these unfortunate accidents would not give over the Enterprise but fell from assaults to Siege those of la Riva received Victuals and Succours by two several passages the one by the Lake the other by Land by the Lake by Boats which past from the lower Lake into the lesser one and by Land by Conducts which were brought to the Territories confining upon Chiavenna by the three Chappels of ease which lead to Riva Coure possess'd himself of these ways and placing part of the Garrison of Chiavenna to defend them he block'd up that passage and having the coming of Victuals by Land he endeavoured to do the like by water he by the help of experienced Artificers and Mariners brought from the
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
rather to take it by keeping them from Victuals then by assault and they would have soon regained it and have taken Don Felice prisoner had not the Duke apprehending his Sons danger resolved to free him he therefore chose 500 of his best Foot and 50 Horse and having overcome the asperity of the Mountains he came so suddenly and unexpectedly upon the assailants as quitting their stations they afforded the Dukes men free access unto the Castle and conveniency to take the Dukes Son and the whole Garrison out and to return with them yet this retreat was not without some trouble and loss unto the Duke for the Pozzeveraschy keeping behind him in those rocky Mountains slew some of his men amongst which Crotti the Dukes chiefest Secretary The Duke of Feria kept still in Pavia idle and irresolute for though a great many of the Dutch were already come yet could he not march out for want of moneys to pay the Souldiers and for want of other Provisions and the fear of breaking with the Crown of France did so perplex him as he knew not what to resolve upon especially since he had received Orders from the Court to be very cautious in what he should therein do The Duke and Constable being aware of these delays and perplexities grew more encouraged to persevere in the Enterprise and being sure that Feria would not second his threats with effects they were daily less afriad to be assaulted in their quarters and not having wholly given over their hopes of succour by Sea and of being recruited from France by Land they thought they might have more leasure to expect them The Commonwealth on the contrary which had the Confederates Army still within their Dominions and which was not yet out of fear of the Fleets by Sea could not be free from apprehension of danger wherefore being afflicted with their so long expectation of succour from Millain they resolved to put it to a push and sent Iovan Vincenzo Imperiale Son to Iovan Iacomo to Pavia who had been Doge a little before to the end that by his Reasons and by moneys whereof he carried good store with him he might facilitate the Governours coming into the Field the resolution was very seasonable and the expedition very acceptable for l' Imperiale being come unto the Governour removed all impediments by his present moneys and wan so much credite by the efficacy of his perswasions and counsels as he was admitted into their most secret Consultations where he wrought it so as the Governour laying aside all other respects resolved to go to the delivery of Genoa he therefore went with those of Pavia into Alessandria and prepared to march into the Field and to fall upon the Confederates with a powerful Army the Dutch who were come and who were to come into Italy were 16000 divided into four Regiments one under Baron Papenhaim another under the Count di Solmes the third under Count Sultz and the last which was not yet arrived under Charles Count Mansfield Besides these many Horse were come from Polonia and Croatia to the number of between two and three thousand to which the Neapolitan and Lombarde Horse being added they made up 5000 but because so many Forreigners in the body of an Army went accompanied with danger of Sedition Mutiny and other greater mischiefes the Governour who had but few home Forces to counterpoise the Forreigners resolved to take out all the Spaniards and Italians who were in Garrison at la Riva and send thither a greater number of Dutch in their places he sent Papenhaim thither with his Regiment consisting of about 6000 Dutch to which he added 500 Italian Foot and 500 Horse and sent back for Count Iovan Serbellone with all his Spaniards and Italians and kept them in his Army The Duke and Constable grew fearful when they saw so great a body of enemies so neer for it was calculated that the Governour leaving all his Towns well Garrison'd was to march into the fields with above 20000 Foot and 4000 Horse and their hopes of the English Fleet and of new supplies from France being vanish'd they began to see plainly that the business of Genoa grew daily more desperate and that it became them better to think of retreating then of advancing any further Leaving therefore Novi and Gavio well munited and in the latter 19 of their greatest Cannon for Battery which they could not possibly carry along with them for want of Oxen and firing Ottaggio they resolved to return into Piedmont by the same way they were come not having with them above 8000 Foot in very ill order and 2500 Horse and some small pieces of Ordnance It is true they were met in the County of Neice by Prince Victorio with part of the Garrisons that were left in the Town della Riviera This was the issue of the ill undertaken Enterprise of Genoa meted out rather by vast thoughts and ardent desire of revenge then by any civil or Military wisdom When they departed to the end that their Retreat might be the less dishonourable they resolved to go to the taking in of Savona The same nay greater difficulties opposed this designe then had done that of Genoa the same sterility of soil the difficulty of the ways unproper for the bringing of Artillery the weakness and small number of those they brought which were unfit for Battery especially of such new Fortifications and strong Rampiers as were made to defend the Town the many Souldiers and Commanders which were gone thither from Genoa for Genoa being freed from danger they turned all their thoughts and forces upon defending Savona the smallness and weakness of their Army whereas on the contrary that of Millain was multiplied and ready to march so as if when their forces were entire and fresh some of these respects kept her from proceeding against Genoa whilst the Governour was unprovided and whilst relief from Naples was not come to Genoa what could they hope for in so great an alteration of Affairs But the Duke thought it too great a scorn to be forc'd to return to Piedmont weakened in forces and Reputation not having done any thing worthy his threats and preparations He therefore for the honour of their joint forces and for the performance of what they had agreed upon at Susa propounded this advancing towards Savona to the Governour who having been never to be moved in what concern'd the enterprise of Genoa suffered himself by the Dukes importunities and reproches to be perswaded unto this This Enterprise appeared to have two foundations one That they had discovered new and precise Orders sent from Spain to the Governour whereby he was absolutely forbidden to come to a Battel wherefore supposing that all the Forces in the State of Millain would stand idly looking on they thought any enterprise feasable The other for that they had received new advertisement that the Fleet at Marcelles being come from out that Haven should appear in those Seas with
Baggage But Don Ieronimo Pimontello Don Lewis di Cordua and Don Francisco Padiglia took him off from so seasonable a resolution first by perswasions then by protesting against it who out of private emulation envying as it was thought by many the glory of so happy an atchievement proposed unto him the precise Orders of the Court to the contrary the danger and assured ruine which would insue of things should not succeed well which if they should do the good thereof was not to be paralell'd with the danger For what more can we expect said they if we should get the Victory but the routing of the Reliques of a miserable Army which being already consumed of themselves cannot prejudice us but say we should be worsted what danger would thereby result to the Kings affairs both from the Venetians who are ready to make war in the Cremonese from the French in the Valtoline and from the Duke and Constable if they shall have the better of the Conflict Besides that the Confederates party who were now quite overthrown if they should get heart again by any the least encounter they would for certain become more fierce and fervent then ever The Governour who was better vers'd in State affairs then in what belonged to war suffer'd himself to be perswaded by those who were better experienced in war then he and so let slip a signal occasion of putting an undoubted end to all the present war with one little action The like advice being given to the Marquess of San Croce in Savona made him keep from marching out of Savona and from falling upon the enemy on the Reer in their retreat from Cairo and Spigno it being certain that if San Croce and the Governour had known how to make use of the occasion by inclosing the enemy in those difficult places they would undoubtedly have ruined them And yet the remainders of this Army ruin'd as it was which the Spanish Commanders thought not worthy their destroying did within a while after ruine the Governours intire Army and not long after the Spaniards needed to be protected and defended against those weak remainders Thus doth Fortune often vary the condition of humane affairs and the loss of opportunity doth oft times carry victory to those who in all likelihood would have been overcome The Genoeses being thus freed from fear of the enemies Army the first thing they did was to think of recovering what they had lost and of what the enemy were yet masters The first Town that returned to the obedience of Genoa was Novi wherein was a French Regiment under Monsieur della Grange partly by means of the Pozzeveraschi partly by the means of the Towns-men and other inhabitants of those parts who being dispers'd by the war went wandering up and down about the neighbouring Towns About 300 whereof met at the Capuchins Covent not far from that Town part whereof entring by night by a Vault under ground into the Town and being assisted by some of the Burgers who were acquainted with the Plot first slew the Sentinels and then forced the Gate della Valle and let in their Companions by the Portal which they opened with their Axes who going jointly to the Gate della Strada where most of the French Garrison were they put them to the Sword and made themselves masters of the Gate Then running about the Town and putting it into an Alarm they slew all the French they met with and then going to the Castle whither the greatest part of them were with their Governour retired they begirt it on all sides threatning to kill them if they did not immediately surrender the Castle The French being astonished at so sudden and unexpected an accident yielded before the Sun rising upon discretion of the enemy About 300 of them were slain in this conflict amongst which the Governours Son a young youth who contrary to his Fathers Example chose rather to fall manfully with his Sword in hand then to purchase his life upon base conditions The number of the Prisoners were twice as many the chief whereof were the Governour Monsieur de la Grange his Lieutenant il Signior di Bellagrada and his Brother who was a Knight of Malta Monsieur Bonneville the Baron Lattè nine Ensigne-bearers and four Lieutenants The recovery of Ovada Rossiglione and Campo succeeded that of Novi which were abandoned by the enemy who flying so to shun death met with it by being miserably slain and cut in pieces by the country people The recovery of Gavio proved somewhat harder wherein were about 1800 Souldiers under Monsieur di Sonsi About this time the 2000 Dutch came to Genoa commanded by Verrema who together with Monsieur Bozzoloe's men and some others were sent by the Commonwealth under the Baron Batteville to recover the Town Being come to the Town they took up their Quarters planted their Batteries and fell to work but first they try'd the defendants and began to treat with them upon surrender upon Articles whereupon they quickly agreed so as the Town remained in the power of the assailants but not the Castle they therefore planted their Batteries against the Castle and plaid upon it for some days and though by reason of the far distancâ—… they could not prejudice it much by their shot the defendants yielded it upon agreement to the Common-wealths Commanders who recovered it in less time and with fewer men by much then the Duke and Constable had taken it with so powerful an Army There were therein 19 great Pieces of Artillery great store of Arms and Powder of artificial fires and other warlike preparation which were left there by the enemy and were taken by the Captains of the Commonwealth 17 Colours were likewise therein taken part belonging to the King of France part to the Duke which were all brought to Genoa in a kind of Triumph All the people and Citizens ran with great joy to see it who could not satisfie themselves with seeing those Tools brought captive to the City which were but a little before destin'd to make them Captives The Duke and Constable could not relieve these places as they faithfully promised the Commanders whom they left to defend them when they went from thence and as so noble a Train of Artillery left behinde them obliged them to do in regard of the Governours unexpected coming out against them and of the necessity of their retiring from Canelli from whence they afterwards recovered Asti where they consulted rather how to defend what remained then to keep what they had gotten Feria was at this time come from Acqui to Rocca a' Arazzo and from thence to Occimiano a Town in Montferrat four miles distant from Cassal whither Don Gonzallo di Cordua a Captain of good account came to him by order from the King out of Flanders to be assistant in Counsel to the Governour and in the managing of the present war wherein the Governour who was not over well experienced and who had
the most part Montferrians common people who being affrighted and terrified by the loss of their Houses and Fields when they should see them ruined by the Enemy would not in likelihood persist long in defending Casalle But their Calculations proved false and their designs vain for the Munition and Provision did far exceed opinion and the Montferrians proved not only more valiant but more faithful and constant then Subjects use to be to a Prince who was hardly known to them the intelligence wrought no effect either through the diligence of the Duke of Mantua's Captains and Officers or out of the diffidence and fear of those that treated therein The Governour notwithstanding coming into the Field about the end of March and passing over the Po at Valenza came with his Army to Frassinero the first Town of Montferrat two miles distant from Casalle where making a Magazine for Arms for Victuals and Ammunition he muster'd his men wherein he found not above 8000 Foot and 1500 Horse wherein were comprehended 2000 Neapolitans who were first of all come from the State of Genoa under Antonio dal Tuffo The City of Casalle stands upon the Banks of Po in a Plain on the left side of the River the form thereof is irregular but rather round then of any other shape it is begirt with Walls unless it be on the North side where the Poe coming almost up to the Wall serves for a Ditch on the South side where the Plain extends it self is the Citadel within half a mile whereof the Hills draw neer and ancient Castle defends it It was thought very fit by many to make themselves masters of the Hills not only because they command the City but for that the defendants would thereby be streightned in Victuals for being to expect succours only from Montferrat which lies behind the Hills the seizing of them deprived the defendants of all hope of succour but weâ—…e it either that the Governour who was almost equal to the defendants in Foot was loth to part from the Plain where he was superior in Horse or that he thought if he should incamp upon the Hills he should be too far from the River from whence he was to receive Victuals and other Provisions not without danger of having them intercepted by the City which would be between the River and him or that he thought his very accosting the City would be enough to take it he kept upon the Plain and going from Frassinero went in Rank and File towards Casalle whither when he was come so neer as that the Cannon could not reach him he halted and quarter'd himself before that part of the new wall which is called Alla nuova which thrusting out from the Citadel towards the Poe joyns with the ancient wall of the City At the sitting down of the Camp those within according to the custom of Souldiers sallied out very strong both in Foot and Horse and shewing great courage made a stout Skirmish that day which lasted till night and though they were manfully withstood and repuls'd they failed not to make another sally the next day out of a double design the one to hinder the Enemy as much as was possible from fortifying himself and from making his approaches or at least to retarde them the other that they might gain more time to fortifie themselves the better on the side whereon they were assaulted nor did their endeavours prove vain for being defended by Artillery from the Citadel which plaid upon that side they came to underneath the Rampiers where they fought valiantly and being afterwards pursued they retreated safe to underneath the shelter of their Cannon Continuing to do thus many days they afforded their men conveniency to fortifie their new wing against which the Enemy bent their whole Forces and they had made two Half-moons beyond it which defended the new Gate and two great Plat-forms which did also shelter the Mills which furnish'd them with grist but the assailants being got so neer as they were able to plant Batteries they raised four one of Italians on the side of the Capuchins Church the other three of Spaniards neerer the Poe from whence though they began to play furiously yet did they advance but a little for the shot gave only against the highest houses and sometimes slew some of them who wrought upon the Trenches and having spent some days thus and finding themselves deceived in their opinion of taking the Town â—…o easily and of the smâ—…ll resistance they should meet with they began to distrust the sequel and to know by experience that all they did was but apparent loss of labour time and reputation they knew also that Victuals were daily brought into Cassalle by the way of the Hills and new men and fresh Provisions which the Montferrians who extreamly hated the Spaniards Government and were desirous to keep under their natural Prince brought in so as finding now for certain that it would be too desperate an enterprise for them to attempt that place without being masters of the Hills and knowing the necessity thereof it became them to desist from what they had begun and fall to another manner of Siege that would be more convenient and more profitable which they might the more commodiously do for that all the men that could come from the State of Genoa were already come and from Naples 1200 Neapolitans and as many Spaniards to boot with 400 Sardinians from Sardinia so as the Camp being stronger in men was likewise more able for the enterprise of the Hills then before but being loth to acknowledge an errour and a certain ambition peculiar to Commanders who rather then to amend resolutions already taken will be subject to any inconveniences that may thereby result and the hopes which they had given at Court of the easie and speedy dispatch of the business would not suffer the Governour to re-begin it when by his promise he was obliged to have ended it so as deceiving both himself and the Court he continued his former supposals and with some new additions forced himself to persist therein wherefore without quitting those Quarters he resolved upon two Enterprises The one to deprive the Enemy of the Mills the other to take Rossigliano a Castle upon the Hills five miles distant from Cassalle not so much for that when they should have taken it it would avail much for the taking of the Hills as for that it was a receptacle for the Montferrians who were a Convoy to the Victual which were brought to the City and which oftentimes did infest the Spanish Horse which were quartered abroad in those Countries But neither of both these Enterprises did hit for Don Frederico Enriques going with six Companies of Foot and three of Horse to surprise that Castle and having to that purpose carried along with him some Petards â—…e got not thither before Sun-rising through the maliciousness of his Guide who was a Montferrian and prolong'd his March so as being discovered
Souldiers wherein Spain was much wanting her men being exhausted by Warr in several Nations in the Ocean Mediterranean and by often Transmigrations from Spain to America and to the East Indies To this was added the driving out of the Moores in the time of Philip the Third wherein more then two millions of Souls were said to be sent out of Spain a people who though they were generally train'd up in servile Arts and particularly in cultivating the ground and in feeding Cattle yet these by supplying the meaner imploiments afforded convenience for the Natives being unimployed in those services to betake themselves to military affaires So as the Natives after expulsion of the Moores being to reassume Husbandry and the feeding of flocks wherein Spain doth abound a very great scarcity of men began to be found in all the King of Spaine's Dominions especially of such as were Military to be sent out to make new acquisitions or to maintain what they had gotten Out of these respects and because the Catalonians were not inclined to make War with the French upon those Confines to keep from losing Traffick which passeth with interchangeable profit between them and France the Duke of Feria could raise no Souldiers and not thinking it fit to begin War with so weak Forces the diversion did not only saile on that side but occasion'd the like failing on the Germans side But many greater and more important accidents kept the Emperour from falling foul with France at this time which since for their weight and for the great concernment therein of Italy they deserve a particular discription It will not be amiss to make a little digression and whilst there is little done in Italy by reason of the excessive cold Winter to make it not a distinct and particular relation of them at least to give you a brief view of them to the end that reserving them to the times wherein they happened they may not break off the Narration of the chief Affairs of Italy The Austrian Authority the greater it was grown by the continued succession of so many Emperours the more odious and insufferable it grew to the German Princes and the so many victories obtained by this present Emperour had made him so formidable as the German Princes joyn'd in nothing more then in finding out some meanes whereby to lessen and moderate the power of that House so as they might vindicate their ancient and former Liberty which after so great an increase of power they had almost lost finding themselves now treated by this present Emperour not as Princes and as it were Confederates of the Empire but little better then Subjects To the desire of political liberty so much wish'd for by the Catholick Princes liberty of Religion was added by the Hereticks for the present Emperour being more religious then many of his Predecessors had in several manners curb'd their licentiousness and restrain'd that liberty of Conscience which they had enjoyed for above a hundred years so as they were doubly inclined to novelty The dissatisfaction of both these parties was occasioned yet more by the great Army consisting of above 100000 fighting men which the Emperour kept quarter'd in several parts of Germany but more particularly in their Territories who being worst satisfied with the present affairs he knew to be worst affected towards him more contumacious towards the house of Austria and readiest to rise and this he did not so much in resentment of their maligne intentions as to keep them the more curb'd in and to take from them the means of plotting innovations the common people were not therefore only burthen'd with quartering Souldiers but the Princes also with Contributions by not being able to get their usual Tributes and Rents from their Tenants who were afflicted and exhausted by unusual free-quarter To these mischiefs was added thâ—… juries done by the Cesarian Souldiers and Commanders and chiefly by the haughty proceedings of the Duke of Fritland Captain General of the Imperial forces who having the Supream Power and Authority given him over all the Armies and in the management of the war kept all Germany and the Princes of the Empire under his command This man was by Nation a Bohemian of private birth and but of mean fortune but who by his valour had raised himself to this greatness to his pride of nature to his fierce and terrible genius great valour great daring and an extraordinary judgment in Military Affairs was annexed wherein he was confirm'd by his signal Victories gotten against the Emperours Enemies and Rebels whereby he had rendred the Authority and Majesty of the present Emperor to as high a pitch as ever any of his Predecessors had been so as his name grew not only odious to the Hans Towns but even to the Princes Electors to whom bearing no â—…espect he contrary to their antient Institutions quarter'd Souldiers upon them as well as upon the more petty Princes The Emperours new Decree who confiding upon his power and drawn by zeal to Religion commanded that to the Catholick Churches should be restored the antient possession of all those goods whereof they were bereft at the beginning of the Heresies which goods having been possess'd by many Princes and Lords for above one hundred years were partly alineated partly converted to their own uses encreased their indignation and brought some of them almost to the point of despair and all Germany was much offended thereat and because there were many Princes concern'd in this Edict who adhered to the house of Austria amongst which the Duke of Saxony they began all of them joyntly to plot mischief against the Emperour endeavouring to lessen his power and to free themselves from such oppression and the Emperour likewise did extreamly desire that his Son whom he had made King of Hungary should be chosen King of the Romans and not beâ—…ng able to compass it without the Electors free suffrages the business in these commotions met with many disturbances especially for that all men hated that the Imperial diadem should continue in one Family whereby their liberties became not only inslaved but many Families and Persons who thought themselves as well deserving as the Austrians were excluded from this Grandezza it therefore became the Emperour to sweeten them that he might incline them to chuse his Son he therefore summoned a Diet in Ratisbone to settle as he termed it the affairs of Germany The Electors chief intention was to disarm him to the end that his Forces being weakned he might not use the like authority as formerly they therefore desired that Wallestein Duke of Fritland might be no longer General and that the Army might be dissolved they accused Wallestein of barbarous cruelty towards the people of insufferable pride towards the Princes of insatiable extortion and of unheard of fierceness in making Towns desolate and in subjugating Provinces for the dissolving of the Army they alledged that Germany being reduced to a quiet and safe condition by
though he was inferiour to them in Horse those which were sent to Bricherasco not being yet returned Momorancy was desirous to give battle which if it had been done would have been upon much disadvantage to the Duke but La Force would not give way thereunto Wherefore they retreated to their quarters about Pinarollo and the Plague increasing very much in both Armies they kept in their quarters for many dayes in the face of one another as if they had been in tacite League not doing any thing of moment The King of France proceeded more hotly beyond the Mountains who entring into Savoy with 8000 Foot and 2000 Horse had reduced all Savoy into his power unlesse it were Mommiliano for Prince Thomaso made no opposition he resolved to begirt Mommiliano on all sides and to besiege it a distance for it was a strong and almost invincible place For being inclosed on all sides by his Forces and impossible to be relieved it must of necessity fall into his hands for want of victuals So as needing not many men for that enterprize he sent part of his Forces to recruit his Army in Italy which had need enough of help And Prince Thomaso being sent for back by his Father carried his men with him from Savoy to defend Piedmont Thus both Armies bâ—…ing reinforced they prepared for greater enterprizes the French to relieve Casalle the Duke to withstand them This recruit was sent under Momorancy who was returned from Piedmont into France after the businesse of Cercenaseo it consisted of 10000 Foot and 1000 Horse and â—…ell down by the valley of Susa Momorancy intending to joyn with the Forces that were in Pinarollo and crossing Piedmont to draw neer Casalle towards which Marshal De La Force leaving a sufficient Garrison in Pinarollo and in the other places went by the way of the Mountaines to Giavenna neer Susa waiting there for Momorancy who did not much value Avigliana there being almost no Garrison there for the Duke had sent for the greatest part thereof to Pancaler Wherefore he easily took it he likewise believed he should easily passe through the Canevese to Casalle Spinola and the Duke were much troubled at the coming of this recruit but much more with the news of the Kings coming with a greater force who having possest himself as you have heard of Savoy was come neer the Alpes and was at the same time seen upon the Mountain St Barnado So as the Duke perceiving that the King was offended with him knew not how to fence himself against this third coming of the French and Spinola who was ingaged before Casalle but with a few men fearing lest little to his honour he might be forced as his Predecssor had been to abandon that enterprize which contrary to the opinion of all he had of himself undertaken knew not what to do Yet bâ—…ing much prest by the Duke he sent 6000 Dutch to the Mountain who were brought at the King of Spain's charge but very then from Germany and six Troops under Pagan Doria Duke of Avigliana in the Kingdom of Naples and Brother to Prince Doria a young man and who the year before had entred into the Militia under Don Gonsallo and was in the first businesse of Casalle and Spinola to the end that if the King should come he might not be inforc'd to raise the siege or fight took the Souldiers from working in the approaches and imploy'd them in making a crooked and high trench wherewith he invironed the whole Camp And seeing that by this new work and by the men which he had sent the Duke the siege would be slackned and having in vain desired a thousand of his Dutch from Collalto he sent to the Common-wealth of Genoa for a thousand men which he would take into his pay But neither was this granted him for hearing of preparations of Armes in the Provence the Common-wealth would not disfurnish her self and this the rather for that having formerly sent men to before Casalle she could not receive them back when she needed them without manifest danger of infecting the State the Plague being very hot in the Camp before Casalle So Spinola was forced to make use of those men to defend his own Camp which he had begun to oppose others with and the Duke of Savoy fearing Avigliana sent Count Verrâ—…a from Pancaleri with 3000 Foot and Gambacorti with 400 Hose to possesse themselves of the abandoned Trenches and Fortifications that shut up the valley which leads from Susa to Avigliana As they went thither they found the Enemy very neer but having possest themselves of the Trenches first the Prince came in with a great body of men who reinforcing those stations with 2000 Foot incamp'd himself with the rest at Riano within two miles of Avigliana both parties kept within their quarters facing one another two dayes some sleight skirmishes passing between them the third day the French finding it impossible to advance and storm those quarters resolved to give over their going that way to Casalle and endeavoured to retreat joyntly by the Mountain to Pinarollo and passing over the Mountain Giavenna to joyn with La Force who was yet there with his men the way by the Mountain Giavenna was very narrow and hard to passe so as two Brigadoes being already past over the rest remained yet in the plain in danger of being routed if they should be assaulted for that they could not well be succour'd by those that were already past The Prince thought it not fit to let slip this occasion but without tarrying for more of his men who were not above a mile off would fall upon them with those that he had ready hoping that they would suffice to get the victory He had with him about 5000 Dutch two of the Princes Troops of Horse and Doria's six Companies which were new men unexperienced and were not above 300 Horse The French reere which remained in the plain was 3000 Foot and about 400 Horse the choicest of all the Army and Momorancy and Marshal Diâ—…iate with some others of the most experienced Commanders remained in the reere for the greater security thereof Theâ—…e was a great Meere or standing water between them which men past over by two banks the one whereof was on the back the other on the flank of the French Shamburg and Sults advanc'd by the latter with half the Dutch in a close Baâ—…aglione and with the Prince his Troops of Horse by the other the Prince himself in person with the rest of the Dutch commanded by Gallasso and with Doria's Horse The skirmish being begun Momorancy divided his Horse into two squadrons and took a little compasse upon the left hand towards a neighbouring Town called St Ambrosio which led to the way of the Hill The Prince conceiving that the French fled and would climbe the Mountain by that way and get into a place of safety or recover Susa ordered Doria to fall upon them with his Horse and
and whereby Princes govern themselves do not contract Parentage it was ere long known how weak curbs Kindred or Conjunction in Blood are to hold back the force of Domination and the desire of enlarging Confines and of bettering the condition of Principality The French having pass'd over the Poe and refresh'd themselves in Saluzzo could not go to the relief of Casalle by that way neither by reason of the enemies Army which was quarter'd in Savigliano wherefore they resolved to repass back again over the Poe and to return to Pinarollo by the same way that they came and in their March backwaâ—…d they incamped under Ravil but finding it to be too strong they tarried not long there but returned to Pinarollo and finding the Towns of Piedmont for the most part desolate and void of Inhabitants by the Plague and that the new Dukes Army was quarter'd in Savigliano beyond the Poe they fell down upon Vigone Villa franca and Villa nuova and upon other Towns which lay lower and taking them without any resistance they came to Pancaleri where they took up the same Quarters and lodged in the same Fortifications wherein the Duke had incamped a little before against them they then had a mind to take Carignano which lay a little lower within two Musket-shot of the Poe where the woodden Bridge was indeavouring to pass by that way to Casalle they therefore sent some of their Horse under Mounsieur De la Tremoville to Corignano where taking a strong house which served for a Castle they advanced to the Bridge Duke Victorio being aware of their ends came out of Savigliano and marching with his Army on the hither bank he made two companies of Carabines advance that they might come the sooner to the Bridge which got thither just at the same time that the French were come neer the outer-more head of the Bridge and lighting off Horse back they placed themselves to defend it And the French leaving a Commander with a Troop of Horse in Carignano retreated to Pancaleri The Spanish Horse came the same night to the Bridge which the Carabines defended and the next day the Duke coming thither with his Army quartered upon the bank opposite to Carignano keeping the Bridge in his possâ—…ssion which being broken off in the midst met together by a draw â—…ridge which being pull'd up on the Dukes side fell down on the other side towards Carignano so as the Duke might open the way to his men and keep it shut from the Enemy About 4000 Dutch were to come to Avigliana under Count Verrua by which recruit the Duke became stronger he would not refuse to fight the enemy but resolved to quarter on the other side of the Poe that he might be neerer them to the which purpose he sent 500 hundred Foot and a peece of Cannon under the Camp-Master Luigi Ponse a Spaniard to recover Carignano after the which he sent Gerardo Gambacorti with 4â—…0 Horse to the end that coming to the Capuchins place they might shelter the 500 foot busied in the taking of Carignano and might also back the Dutch who were to come to Avigliano without any convoy of Horse to the Camp Ponse went with his men to force Carignano and whilst he was hottest in the business Gambacorti who found that the succour was come he left a company of Curassiers at the Capuchins plain and advanced with the three other companies of Carabines â—…towards Pancaleri where meeting with the Enemies Van led on by Marquis Diffiate he began a stout skirmish at the beginning whereof Gambacorti sent to the Duke to advance with the whole Army or that whilst he fought the enemy he might retreat with the Cannon and men which fought before Carignano But the Duke who had received nâ—…w advertisment from Verrua would come neither that day nor by that way but answered that he would not advance with the Army but wish'd him to entertaine the Enemy till the Cannon were withdrawn The conflict lasted four hours wherein the French increasing in number chaâ—…'d Gambacorti to the Port-cullis of Carignano where by reason of the narrownesse of the place he could hardly have retreated without disorder had he not been seasonably succour'd by Martin d' Aragona who was sent to him by the Duke with 400 Spanish Musketiers so as being incouraged by this new recruit the French were easily repressed who thinking that the Enemies whole Army had past over the River together with the recruit were slacker in their pursuit and afforded convenâ—…ence to Gambacorti and to Don Martin of Aragon to retreat back in good order by the Bridge all the Cannon and Foot which were gon to the taking of Carignano being drawn off before them The numbers that dyed in this conflict were equal on both sides the Duke of Tremuglia received a sore wound in the knee by a Musket-shot and a Captain of Horse was also sorely wounded the French quarter'd in Carignano and the Duke on the opposite shore observing one anothers wayes and expecting another occasion for action which it was not long ere it presented it self very singularly for the French For the Duke being impatient to tarry on this side the Poe and not being contented with his being fenc'd by the water had a desire to go to the opposite shore and to fortifie the head of the Bridge towards Carignano the businesse being argued met with variety of opinions as for the new Fortification it was considered that by making it the Enemies army would be in a manner besieged for it would be forced by the Garrison of that Fortification to live closer and more united and would consequently find greater scarcity of Victuals and Forrage And in case it should go to Turin as it was feared it would or would attempt going to Casalle by the Canevese they might the easilier keep behind them hinder their designeâ—… and oppose all their attempts On the contrary it was said that the fitter and more opportune the fortification should be the harder and more dangerous it would be to begin it and bring it to perfection by reason of the Enemies being quartered so neer in Carignano who were it only for Reputations sake could not possibly suffer that fortification to be made under their noâ—…es Moreover that the intended work being divided and separated by the water from the Army it would be hard to succour it that therefore being content to keep the Bridge in their power which afforded them sufficient convenience to keep behind any motion of the Enemy they should make use of the safety that the River afforded them against whatsoever the French should do The contrary opinion prevailed for fortifying which was thus devised that a half Moon should be made on the head of the Bridge towards Carignano which should be flank'd on both sides which were to be made on a little Island which the Poe makes neeâ—… the banks the care of the half Moon was committed to the Spaniards and the
materials upon any occasion which might happen when the Truce should be expired which notwithstanding he proceeded in but slowly by reason of the greâ—…t hopes he had of peace which being joyned to hâ—…s abhorrence of war and expences all provisions seemed superfluous These hopes accompanied and nourish'd with great desire had also made the Court of France negligent in making new recruits for Italy had not Cardinal Richelieu contrary to the opinion of the whole Council laboured to perswade the King to the contrary Shewing him that in case Peace should not be concluded in the time prefixt for Truce it would be necessary that the Citadel should be surrendred which being come into the Spaniards hands the state of affairs would be reduced to such a condition as it would be bootlesse to hope for any saâ—…sfaction or peace and that so the great expeâ—…ience the so great labour and troubâ—…e which they had been at for the maintaining of Cassalle would together with the reputation and honour of the Armes of France be lost the King being perswaded by these reasons gave order for the levying of as many Souldiers as could be whereof a body of 1200 being raised was sent to Pinarollo under Marshal Marigliack which was a good recruit to the French Camp it being much diminished The 15 of Octob. drew neer and no news being heard of Peace they treated of proroguing the Truce whereof Sancta Croce who naturally abhorr'd the thought of War and the Commanders and Council no less then he were desirous by reason of the confusion and difference of opinions and humours which was amongst them and for the distrust they had of the Duke and of Collalto which made them despair of good success but the French whose numbers were increased fearing that they might dissolve by delay and building very much upon the necessities and weakness of the Enemy refused it as did also the Duke and Collalto being displeased that the first suspension granted by them was ill resented Wherefore because the world thought and the Spaniards seemed assured that what they had done was a that time very seasonable they were now very backward to the end that the good of the former suspension might appear by the contrary effects and that so Sancta Croce and the rest who had blamed it might learn at their own cost to listen better in the future to their Counsels But the condition of affairs being much alter'd from what it was when the Truce was made made the present refusal be approved the French were then weak and despaired of relieving the Town by reason of the stout opposition the City Citadel were reduced to the utmost extremity for want of victuals by the advancing of the siege it was now clean contrary the French were very strong in Piedmont they met with little or no opposition the City and Citadel were that mean while maintained with victuals by the Spaniards and they had some provisions lay'd in for the future The fiege was much lessened their courage cooled preparations slackned and in fine the affairs of the Camp were much worse in Counsell Courage and Union and the reputation thereof was much diminished The Truce being expired and nothing that was done in Ratisbone being known in Italy the French betook themselves to relieve the Town but without victuals or any other provisions for sustenance of the Citadel which they were to relieve their whole Forces consisted of about 15000 Foot and 2000 Horse to boot with some 4000 which were left in Piedmont under Monsieur Di Tauanes to entertain or to give pretence to the Duke and to the Dutch who remained in Piedmont after the Truce to keep from joyning with Sancta Croce if he should oppose the succour and to infuse more terror into the Enemy they used many tricks and inventions to make their preparations appear greater and the number of their men more as well of those who remained in Piedmont as those who went to the relief There were three Marshals chose who were to manage the whole businesse Sforza Scomberg and Marigliack and these were to command every day by turnes the Duke demanded men from Sancta Croce to oppose them but did not obtain them were it either out of distrust or that knowing all the Dutch were in Piedmont would have the remainder for his own safety sake keep before Cassalle Wherefore seeing that neither the Dutch nor the Duke moved the French Army past over the Poe a little below Saluzzo without any opposition and came to Scarnafixo where they mustered on the fifth of Octob. and march'd on the next day having with them only six small pieces of Artillery The Duke of Momorancy being gone to France after the Truce was concluded was not present in this action The marching of this Army and the so constant resolution to relieve the Town afforded much discourse touching the Duke and Collalto whether they held private intelligence with the French or no it being thought that otherwise it was impossible three Marshals should take a journey of fourscore miles in an Enemies Countrey where they had no strong Holds for the safety of their march or upon any occasion for their retreat and therefore subject to be assaulted not without manifest danger and forc'd to fight in any disadvantagious place with a fresh nimble Army stronger then theirs Anâ—… say they had been sure to meet with no opposition or had had a safe Conduct sent them by the Enemy yet they might have supposed that they should meet with greater difficulties and dangers when they should be at the end of their march and be come within sight of the Enemies Camp For the Enemy being very well intrench'd munited with Artillery and being possess'd of the City and Castle of Casalle they must necessarily either assault them upon too much disadvantage within their Quarters or besiege them there either of which would certainly have been a desperate business but it was a no less dangerous and ill advised Enterprize to attempt the relief of a famish'd place without victuals which had more need of speedy food for nourishment then of men to defend them Whereinto if they should have gotten who sees not they must have surrendred the Town the sooner being to be the sooner famish'd by the entrance of so many men and would have stood in more need of victuals The Army being parted from Scarnafixo march'd to Raconiggi from thence to Somariva del Bosco then to Cerexola that they might from thence come into the County of Asti getting victuals from the neighbouring Towns Whilest they advanced apace and in good order without any opposition the others were nâ—…t idle before Casalle for having notice of the Enemies coming they began to make Trenches as well against the Citadel as against the coming of succour but more diligently on the side of the Hills by which way they thought they would march it being the higher and more advantagious they therefore placed many pieces
was not to be subject to the command or superiority of any other Captain this so large and independent authority of Feria caused not only envy and emulation in Wallestein who hated the name of a Spaniard but jealousie and despite for not being able to indure that by the entrance of another Army into Germany which should have no dependence upon him that supream and universal authority should be lessened in him without which he profess'd he would not have taken upon him the Generals command and therewith the defence of Germany he began to doubt that that body of armed men which had no dependence upon him had been secretly procured by the Spaniards who much distrusted his intentions and been brought into Germany by them not only to moderate his authority but his actions also and to oppose his forces and his ends and his too high machinations which he found the Spaniards feared he had plotted in his mind and by express Order from the Emperour not being able to keep Aldringer from going from Bavaria to joyn with Feria in Alsatia yet he sent him such Orders as Aldringer in his own discharge and justification made known after Fritlands death as the execution thereof was likely rather to occasion the ruine of that Army and Enterprise then the preservation thereof he could not tolerate that that Army should advance with such success so far into Germany whilst he stood looking on whereupon Aldringer that he might obey the Orders of the General whose excessive authority joyn'd to his fierce genius was more formidable and more punctually observed then the Emperours benign Orders did not co-operate sincerely in enterprises with Feria but abusing the best occasions of warfaring was not only a hinderance but a confusion and prejudicial to the proceedings which had been effected if he had proceeded sincerely with Feria the necessity that both of them were in to pass with their Armies into Bavaria whither they were sent for with much anxiety and eagerness by the Emperour occasioned yet more harm and had likely to have been the whole ruine of Feria's Army which that it may be the better understood upon what occasions they hapned we must leave Alsatia and the parts of upper Germany and pass into Saxony and the lower Germany and anticipately relate some accidents which hapned there General Wallestein having tarried after the Battle of Lutzen almost all the Winter in Bohemia though he was very sollicitous in raising men and in recruiting his Army that he might come into the Field in the beginning of the Spring yet reflecting upon the miserable condition of Germany upon the uncertainty and danger of War and upon the ruines which might thereupon ensue he applied himself to reduce the publick safety into some sort of security by counsel and without effusion of blood he therefore laboured to bring the Duke of Saxony off from the League of the German Princes and to reunite him upon any terms to the Emperour which if he could have done he verily believed that that Prince being the fundamental Basis of the aforesaid League he being removed the League would immediately fall to the ground and that the Eleâ—…tor of Brandenberg and many other lesser Princes would follow his example so as that faction which joyn'd in Arms with the Swedes against the Emperour being weakned would infallibly be dissolved and that the Cesarean party being so encreased the lesser Princes would come in to Cesar some suing for pardon some for composition and then the Swedes being but few in number destitute of the German assistance and bereft of the Maritime parts would be brought to such a condition as not being able to receive any supplies from their own Kingdom they would be shut up and as it were imprisoned in Germany and left to the discretion of the Cesarean party Thus he thought it a better and a safer way for the publick safety to quench so great a fire of War by these Articles then by the shedding of blood this which might really have been believed to be an assured wholsome Counsel if it had been practised by fitting and adequate means would doubtlesly have brought the Affairs of the Empire into a better condition of safety but being endeavoured by odd and foolish ways it did no good but injured the publick welfare very much and wronged the Inventer thereof much more for Fritland coming out of Bohemia in the beginning of the Spring in the year 1634 with a powerful Army he pass'd therewith into Slesia where lighting upon the enemy in the parts about Suainitz who were far short in numbers to him instead of giving them battle wherein he might have been sure of Victory he was the first who desired agreement and composure of differences to which purpose a Truce was appointed for 15 days to negotiate it during which time so shameful Agreements were capitulated as it was reported between General Wâ—…llestein and Arnheim and other of the Colleagues Deputies as none more pernicious nor ruinous for Religion and for the Sacred Empire could have been made thereby whole Province of the Empire were divided to the advantage of the Confederate Princes Wallestein claimed the Kingdom of Bohemia for himself in just reward of many labours undergone and dangers by him run for the good of the Empire many other things were agreed upon in favour to Heresie such Laws were given to Germany as pleased the Confederate Princes enemies to the Emperour and for the upshot General Fritland obliged himself to joyn his Forces with those of the enemy against whosoever should dare to oppose the putting of those Capitulations in execution not excluding the Emperour himself who received so much prejudice thereby and whose concernments were so ill dealt with these Capitulations being agreed upon which seemed rather to be horrible treasons and seditious Rebellions were subscribed by General Wallestein and were delivered to Arnheim and the rest who negotiated therein which when they were divulged gave not without reason great cause to suspect and distrust the actions and intentions of the Propounder and who being servant to the Emperour had agreed thereunto whereupon though Wallestein did afterward profess that his intention in propounding them was to deceive the enemy and to induce them by so large concessions to drive the Swedes out of Germany which when it should be done Cesar would be superiour in Forces and might give them the Law and force them to accept of any conditions Arnheim and the other Deputies having received the Capitulations took their leaves of Fritland and were already gone when not being gone one league off they were troubled that in this Agreement no mention was made of the Swedes whether they were to tarry in Germany or to go out which hapned because each party standing upon their advantage in the Negotiation desired that such proposal should be made by the other side but being afterwards aware that what was agreed upon was not safe unless the establishment of this point
Field commanded by the Prince of Orange who joyn'd with the French Army before Mastrick they made up a Body of 50000 fighting men abundantly furnish'd with Artillery and all warlike preparations the whole Country bein afraid of them and yielding to so great and formidable Forces they advanc'd without any opposition to Terlimone which Town presuming too much upon its self would be the first that should oppose so vast and glorious an Army for which boldness it paid soundly for being taken by assault it was sack'd with more cruelty then hath been heard of of many years Wherefore the Infanta having this mean while made up an Army of those that remained uâ—…slain at Avien and of other Regiments which was much inferiour to that of the enemy insomuch as he was not able to keep the Field put himself into Loveine with 5000 Foot and 2000 Horse having quarter'd the rest of his Army upon the River Dee distant above a League from Loveine and the Army of the League being marched towards thaâ—… City after having taken Dist and Ariscot it came up to the Reer of the Enemies Army and the Horse which tarried last not having all of them pass'd the River some of their Troops were deâ—…eated that Country was never so full of terrour since the war began it was ovâ—…rrun sack'd burnt and miserably destroyed without any hope of present help for the Infanta's Army half routed half run away kept within strong Holds abandoning all to Military fury and doubtlesly the assailants might have done great things had they known how to make use of occasion and of the advantage of time but lying long idle between Loveine and Termilone they afforded time to the Infanta to fortifie himself and to expect a great succour which was sent him from Germany The Colleagues finding the enterprise of Lorein to be too hard and almost impossible to effect by reason of the new Fortifications and number of defendants they went to before Brussels whereâ—…ore the Inâ—…anta left 2000 of his best experienced Souldiers in Loveine and went with the rest of his men to Brussels and the Colleagues returning from Brussels to Loveine thought to find that Town unprovided by reâ—…son of the Infanta's departure and that they might easily have taken it but being abused in their hopes for they found it extraordinarily well garrison'd and fortified round about they gave the business over and suffering much in their Camp for want of Victuals they were forced to quit Brabant and to retreat which they were the rather necessitated to do for that they heard Picolominy was marching up apace to them with 6000 choice Horse after whom the King of Hunâ—…ary came making long Marches â—…ut there 〈◊〉 â—…ed not so great an Army to frâ—… Flanders from so imminent a danger a sorâ—… and unexpected accident which beâ—…ll â—…e Hollanders was sufficient to dissolve that Army which was so formidable to Flanders In Gelderland just where the Rhein dividing it self into two parts makes a great Island which was anciently called Battavia and is now called the â—…mel Island there is a very strong Fort of such consideration for the situation thereof as it 〈◊〉 coâ—…monly held to be the in-let into Holland it is called Schinck Sconce from him who knowing the opportunity of the seat caused the Hollanders to build it This so important Fort being about this time surprized by the Infanta's Souldiers put the Hollanders into such coâ—…fusion as â—…aving all other enterprises they were conâ—…rain'd to imâ—…y all theiâ—…â—…orces and endeâ—…vours in the recovery thâ—…eof they thâ—…efore recaâ—…d the Prince of Orange and his Army aâ—…d made him câ—…e to defeâ—… their own Country he therefore return'd to Holland and the French Army consumed by famine was ruined and were paid for their detestable cruelties used to the Inhabitants of Termilone Thus Flanders was little less then miraculously delivered from so great and so neer a danger but we have sufficiently discours'd of Forreign Affairs it is time now that we return to Italy whereinto the Wars which were kindled in Germany flew and Italy sharing already in the effects of the peace which was broken between the two Crowns it followed by consequence the quiet which she thought she had got by the peace of Ratisbone and the Treaties of Chirasco were discomposed and the Wars formerly appeased in Lombardy and in other parts began hotter then before The End of the Thirteenth Book THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY BOOK XIV The Contents THis Book tells you the redoubled going out of the Fleet from Naples against Provence and the accidental disaster of the latter The occasion rise encounters and progress of the French Forces led by the Duke of Rhoan into the Valtoline The endeavours of the French to alienate the Princes of Italy from the Spanish party and to draw them over to their King The Pope and Venetians move not The Duke of Savoy goes over to the French more out of necessity then of good will The great Duke of Tuscany is constant to the Austrians The Dukes of Modena and Parma and the Lord of Mirandola negotiate with the French the Duke of Parma closes with the French the others adhere to the Spaniards The Commonwealth of Genoa notwithstanding the great damages suffer'd by her Citizens from the Spaniards and notwithstanding the distastes she had received in her reputation refuseth to declare manifest neutrality or partiality yet in fact keeps confident to both parties The State of Millain is assaulted by the French and by the Dukes of Sevoy and Parma who going against Valenza del Poe besiege it but it is relieved and quite freed by the Spaniards The Duke of Rhoan having routed the Dutch and Millain Forces remains absolute lord and master of the Valtoline BEfore the Austrian and French Forces broke forth reciprocally into open war Italy being subordinate to the same disposition of affairs was necessitated to do the like accidents The King of Spain when the Duke of Orleans and the Duke of Momorancy's Forces succeeded not against France resolved to assault Provence which being then unprovided and not expecting to be assaulted afforded hopes of happy successe Having therefore recruited and augmented his Army in Catalognia he gave speedy Order for the rigging up of a Fleet at Sea in Naples which being furnish'd abundantly with men and with all warlike affairs was to go forth to the prejudice of those parts under the Marquess of Sancta Croce And though that Kindom was exhausted both of men and monies by its having re-inforced two Armies in Germany under Feria and the Infanta yet as if it had a Mine abounding therein it was not long before by the extraordinary diligence of Count Montercy Vice-roy of that Kingdom the Fleet beyond all mens expectation was ready to put forth from the Haven of Naples but failing in their supposal for neither Gallies nor men were ready for that expedition after having tarried long in Favigiana a little Island near Sicily
reason of the times wherein they thought the Genoeses had slackened their studying the Kings good many of the Genoeses complaining and as being greatly concerned by the retention of their Rents exclaiming that it was an unworthy and unjust thing that the Spaniards should purchase the conveniency of passage from the Swissers for great sums of money and other honourable terms and that the Genoeses receiving no recompence should moreover be deprived of their rents which was the fortune wherewith they maintained their Houses and Families and which not being given gratis but bought with ready monies was due unto them by all Laws both Humane and Divine And that moreover the publick dignity was contemned and their Hospitalities were thereby violated The King not approving of what Borgia had done and being desirous in some sort to satisfie the Genoeses complaints which were prest home by their Embassadour Iustiniano did at last order by decree that their merchandise and vessels which were taken should be restored and as the ready execution would have generally much quieted mens minds so the difficulties put therein by the Spanish Agents in Italy did exasperate them and made the proviso unsatisfactory But on the other side the Spaniards did much resent the Common-wealths resolution and not being able to endure that the free concession of landing unloading and passage formerly granted unto those of their Nation should be now any ways controverted they thought that the favour their King had shewn in the last War to the Common-wealth should be prefer'd before any motive which should have made the Common-wealth put on such a resolution The Court of Spain had much adoe to believe that so great a conspiracy against the Common-wealth and the great losses suffer'd by that War should proceed onely from the Duke of Savoy's anger concerning Zuccharello but rather for that the Common-wealth contrary to the ends and interrests of all the Italian Princes would constantly maintain union with the Crown of Spain so as the assistance given by Spain upon that occasion to the Common-wealth to boot that it was not gratis nor at the Kings expence as those which were subministred for the protection of Montferrat but paid for by the monies of the Genoeses was onely due to the Common-wealth from the King by the Laws of gratitude and good correspondency but requisite for the safety of the Kings Affairs in Italy which would have run much hazard by the loss of the Common-wealth But howsoever who knows not how far the merit of benefits received may be cancelled and the memoy of them quite forgot by loading those that received them with wrongs and injuries And yet the Common-wealth minding more the substance of Affairs then Accidents which may happen shew'd plainly to the whole world and to the King and Court of Spain in the ruptures which hapned afterwards how considerately she proceeded in her actions For the Genoeses being amidst these Commotions the French thought they might prevail much with the Common-wealth and thinking that if they could draw her over to their side they should have as good as effected their business they endeavoured to make her declare for them as they had done the like with many other Princes of Italy But the Common-wealth which would never be brought to declare for Spain was far from doing so but carried her self so discreetly in her actions as neither of the Crowns had reason to complain of her So as she was equally pleasing to them both and her carriage in the disputes which succeeded afterwards between the Forces of both the Crowns was well received Wherein she wan so much credit with the French and of Spain's Admiral being then in the Haven of Genoa with the Standard royal and with other Gallies the Admiral of France came at the same time into the same Haven with a greater number of Gallies and better provided for fight and the conflict might have proved dangerous to the Spaniards had not the Common wealth interposed her self So that as if both of them had put their differences to be decided by her they stay'd there quietly with incredible respect and forbearing all the while of their abode there And both their Admirals coming on land walked up and down the City without any quarrelling and that seemed to happen at this time in the Haven City of Genoa which hapned in Noah's Ark where beasts which were at enmity with one another laying aside all their rancour lived peaceably together The like hapned not long after in Savona whereinto eleven Neopolitan Gallies being entred which had landed some Souldiers at Finale they were overtaken by thirteen French Gallies and after them came a great many French Frigats not far from Savona which assuredly would have made themselves masters of the Neopolitan Gallies had not Iohn Baptista Baliano who was then Governour of Savona willed the French General to forbear all Hostility which the French were ready to have used to the Enemy So as the King of Spain and his Agents might perceive how differently the Common-wealth though so many several wayes injured by his Agents had carried her self from what some Italian Princes had done who were near ally'd to the Austrian blood and who had received great honours and favours from the King One whereof as shall be said in its due place being hardly desired to do so by the French declared absolutely for Neutrality and the other joyn'd with the French and went with them to assault Millain These were the practices of the King of France wrought in Italy by his Agents and these were the fruits thereof but yet that King forbore not to attempt that by Arms which he could but weakly compass by negotiation not having drawn any others over to side with him but the Dukes of Savoy and Parma the latter more then willingly the other much inforced when War was openly declared he raised an Army of 2000 Horse and 12000 Foot in Dolpheny and sent it into Piedmont under Marshal Cricky to the end that joyning with the Forces of the Dukes of Savoy and Parma they might begin to fall upon the State of Millain Which being then unprovided of men many whereof were employ'd in the Valtoline against Rohan was but in bad condition to defend it self The Duke of Savoy was to concur in this enterprize with 2000 Horse and with about 10000 Foot and the Duke of Parma with 7000 Foot and 1000 Horse which made in all 5000 Horse and above 25000 Foot a formidable Army for the State of Millain though it had been sufficiently provided of Souldiers much more now when it wanted them so much Cricky appeared about the end of August in the year 1635. with Title of Lieutenant to the Duke of Savoy who was chosen as hath been said Captain General of the League and of the King of France his Forces in Italy and having thrown a bridge over the Sesia he presently took la Villata together with the Fort which the Spaniards had built
the defendants had the better of the businesses in repulsing assaults yet was it not had without the loss of many men whereof Cesare Caraffa was slain for one and a Spanish Serjeant Major but many more of the meaner â—…ort of Souldiers and many of the Captains Officers and Persons of Quality of the Enemy were slain but all this was not considerable by reason of the continual recruits which they received from France and it was reported that ten Regiments were upon their march so as the Town was not likely to hold out long Moreover by reason of the length of the Siege many things necessary for the maintaining of the Town grew scarce Moneys Salt Match Oyl and Grist the Enemy having beaten down the Mills which had furnish'd the Town with Grist and none being left but two hand-mills the general necessity could be but badly supplied Therefore all hope of preserving the place grew daily less and less not only in the defendants who through such wants decreased but in those who laboured to relieve them for it being to be done either on this side or on that side the River it was if not impossible very hard to be done on either side There was no thought of relieving it by the Lomellina the Bridg being down and to relieve it on the other side was too desperate a business the Mountain at the Foot whereof the Town stood the Hill which stood on the side of it the fields and banks which environed it being all of them possess'd and well munited by the enemy and Parma's quarter was at last recruited by the Marshal The difficulties growing thus great the chiefest of the Spanish Army began to detest the generous resolution of Celada and Spinola by which they and so many of their best men had engaged themselves in that defence and whereby they had been obliged to hazard the Garrison and State of Millain not knowing therefore very well what to do they inclined rather to abandon then to relieve the Town and beginning now totally to despair of keeping it they began to think what they were to do when it should be lost and foreseeing that when the enemy should have taken Valenza they would go either into Allessandria or into the Territories of Tortona as they openly threatned they would do they began to build a Fort beneath Valenza there where the Tanaro falls into the Poe intending to throw a Bridge over there whereby passing over into the Territories of Alessandria they might the more easily get into that part of the State to relieve either of those Cities if they should be besieged or to defend the Campagna if it should be annoyed by inroads or at least that they might bring some help to the languishing Town if any way might be opened whereby to do it on that side which though they were but slender undertakings and but of little hope yet the extremity wherein they were did either perswade them to it or made them believe it to be the least of evils whilst the Spanish Army was amidst these miseries troubles and dangers three Brigades came very seasonably the one Spaniards under Don Iohn di Garray the other two Neapolitans under Achilles Minutulo and under Andrea Count di Marianella which made in all about 4000 good men and well appointed who were sent by Sea by Marquess Sancta Croce who being gone the third time from Naples with the Fleet to Sea to assault Provence and hearing the great danger that Valenza was in and then the State of Millain held it his better course to endeavour the preservation of that State then to put for possessing what belong'd to another deferring therefore his chief enterprize he very seasonably landed these Brigades at Finale and sent them to before Valenza by whose coming the Spanish affairs got a little breath and every one began to hold the abandoning of Valenza and the Captains therein to be not onely ignominious and detestable but dangerous and ruinous so as they resolved by all meanâ—… to relieve it to this purpose they held a consultation in Dorno a Town between Pavia and la Pieve del Cairo whither all the Commanders and Chief Officers being come as the Cardinal Albornozzi and with him Don Francisco di Melo Don Antonio Ronchillio who was Lord Chancellour and divers others of the Councel both of State and War they all were of opinion that the Town must be relieved but with such caution and circumpection as that by so doing they might not be enforced to a battel which notwithstanding the re-inforcement which was come they did all of them abhor the resolution was in it self repugnant by reason of the neerness of enemies army for the caution did absolutely resist the execution of it and yet the business being long discuss'd there was a remedy found Don Martin d' Aragona and Don Iohn di Garrai took upon them the charge of this business and propounded a means which was generally approved and found a way how to relieve the Town safely without hazzarding battle and it was this that some place should be found out in the Lomellina neer the Poe and neer Valenza capable to receive the whole Army and all provisions necessary for the maintenance thereof which might be so fortified as they might not be compelled to quit it nor be brought to fight neither by assault nor want of provisions from whence they proved thus that it might be possible to relieve the Town without being forc'd to fight the men which lay before Valenza would either come joyn with the Pidemontese who were quarter'd on this side the Poe and which were fewest in number or they would not come if they should not come who could doubt but that the Army being safely quartered in the Lomellina wherein were 6000 Foot and 1200 Horse all of them good men and well appointed and being to be masters of the field might by boats brought by land bring into the Town what relief they listed and not so only but by the advantage of their numbers force the Savoyards to quit their quarters and if they should come to joyn with them and that the greater part of those that lay before Valenza should pass from that place to this it was certain that they could draw the enemies army out of their quarters without much slackning the siege of Valenza in which case the Town wanting opposers they would not need many defendants whereof having already more then needed the same effect would be wrought by the passing over of the enemy as if they should be succor'd by the defendants moreover the enemies trenches being weakned almost abandoned by that coming over men enough and sufficient provision might be convey'd into Valenza from the City of Alessandria these things being granted they proved that doubtlesly the Town might be relieved without their armies being forc'd to fight this dilemma was generally approved of so as some might be sent to discover the countrey the enemies
fortifications before the resolution should be put in practice but because there was some difference in opinion between Aragon and Garrai about the manner how the succour should march towards the river and about choosing the place where the whole Army might be safely quartered as also where they were to put the Boats into the water which were to conveigh in the succour they were both of them ordered that taking along with them Colonel Frederick Imperiale Vincenzo Monsury and the Count Trotti they should go to discover the Country and choose out both the safest places having with them a Convoy of four troops of Horse they viewed all the parts thereabouts narrowly not without some opposition made by the enemy who met them with the like number of Horse so a Skirmish hapned between them with some advantage to the discoverers who effected what they went about they found a place neer a Chappel between Frascarvolo and the Poe as fit as might be for their purpose being far from the enemy munited before by a deep way and behind by a rivulet of cleer water which served not onely for a ditch and safety but for drink for the Camp and which was of more concernment the place was almost fortified of it self they found it a harder business to choose the other place for conveying the boats over by reason of the Fort which being first built to defend the head of the bridge belonging to Valenza towards Lomellina and which as hath been said was afterwards taken by Marquess Villa was still held by the enemy and commanding both the upper and the lower side kept them from all hopes of compassing their intents and the less for that though the retaking of that Fort was a thing not difficult of it self yet was it dangerous to put for for fear lest the attempting of it would draw all the Enemies Forces to defend it in which case they must either go thither with their whole Camp and come to a battle or not coming quit the business the one of which was contrary to the resolution they had taken the other of little honour and less advantage For their design being discovered by the attempt they would fortifie the bank better they therefore out of these respects left thinking of taking the Fort and therewith the discovery of the upper bank which lying between the Fort and the Piedmonteses quarters they could not well do and went to discover the lower side where they observed a place which being far enough off was out of the Forts reach and fit to bring relief So as they all approved it except Imperiale who said that the same distance which rendred that place free from being offended by the Fort made it also too far off for bringing relief since it answer'd not just upon the banks of Valenza but between Valenza and the Parma quarters so as the boats which should be put in there would be necessarily carried lower by the current of the River and falling towards the Parma quarters would not relieve the place besieged but the besiegers He therefore was for bringing succour by the bank above the Fort where the current would carry the boats to the very side of Valenza and that to keep them from being endangered by the Piedmonteses quarters the body of their Army should advance and by its interposition keep the succour from being offended But this was not then neither approved as being contrary to the resolution of avoiding being compelled to fight they therefore continued their choice in both these places and the Camp master General had notice given him thereof that he might advance with the Army The Army marched and being come to the place near the Chappel they made a flying squadron of 800 commanded foot of several Nations which being led by Marquess Torrecuso a Neapolitan was sent to Frasearvolo which was the nearest place to the Enemies quarters that lie might keep there and secure those who wrought upon the Trenches and that he might be ready to receive and withstand the first incounters The rest of the Camp staying at the Chappel there made up the body of an Army and immediately giving out Mattocks Pales and Spades fell to fortifie and perfected their works in one night and day and having brought thither the provisions which had been diligently provided by Senator Arias they stood expecting what the Enemy would do in this so great alteration of Affairs They were not long in comprehending that counsels and resolutions which are taken in common are better acted then discours'd of for the Marshal and Duke of Parma fearing Villa's quarter and that relief would undoubtedly be brought if they did not pass over the Poe went with the greatest and best part of their men to the Piedmont quarter where the Duke who was come but a little before from Verselli was and thinking it now time to fall to work they marched out in ranks into the field to assault the succouring Army they were about 4500 Foot who all obeyed the Duke of Savoy the General of the Colleagues they advanced on the left hand towards Frascarvolo having sent some Troops of Horse before and some Foot towards the right hand near Poe to hold those Forces in play and to oppose them which should come from the left wing of the Spanish Camp Torrecuso march'd out with his men from Frascarvolo against the Enemies Army when he saw it march toward him and putting his men into a squadron advanced with certain Files of Musketeers and posses'd himself of a great hedge which was before him Under the shelter whereof he very seasonably let fly a shower of Musket-shot against the Enemies van which approached whereat the Spaniards who were at dinner stood to their Arms and put themselves in a defensive posture The General was in his quarters which were between the Artllery and the body of the Army he ordered his Foot and Horse to draw out into ranks the Foot within the Trenches and the Horse at the place appointed for the Magazine and in this interim the skirmish grew hot between Torrecuso and the Enemies Camp The Generall wholly intent how Affairs should be governed in this onset and knowing Torrecuso wanted Horse commanded Don Alvaro Quinones Leiutenant General of the Neapolitan Horse to go speedily and receive or withstand him with three Troops of Horse which were then upon the guard and sent Don Iohn di Garrai first to him with a strength of Musketiers and some carts of Ammunition and afterward Don Martin of Aragon Quinones finding Torrecuso alreâ—…dy much ingaged kept in a place a little distant from the skirmish and Garrai with Aragon advancing re-inforc'd some stations which they held to be convenient to maintain the skirmish which when the General saw it grew greater then was thought it would have done and that Quinones stir'd not he sent Colonel Imperiale with two Troops of Horse to assist the fight with directions to tell Torrecuso that he should not ingage
any further and to protest unto him that if he should be further charged by the Enemy he would send him no more help then what he had already done because according to the common sence he would not indanger a general battle He notwithstanding endeavoured with the Horse which Imperiale brought to defend those stations which were reinforced by Foot So as the skirmish being maintained valiantly and in good order on this side it continued for full four hours neither side sending out any more men For Colonna would not as it was agreed upon ingage himself in a general combat and the Colleagues Army which esteeming the Enemy to be far inferiour to them in Forces was gon out with an intent to fall upon them and defeat them utterly seeing how Affairs were ordered and that the Enemy without coming out of his Trenches sent a good strength of men out against him conjectured that the Enemy was stronger then he thought at first he was so as he cared not much to inforce the first encounters any more but kept on the fight with sleight skirmishes till night coming on he retreated to his quarters from whence he was with such fervour come Though some will have it that there was no good correspondency between the Duke of Savoy the Marshal which was the cause why things were not acted as it was agreed they should be Torrecuso seeing that the defendants had the better and having received orders not to advance any further retired also into Frascarvolo more like a Conquerour then conquered and to observe his orders he with-held his men from pursuing the Enemy as they were desirous to do But the Spanish Commanders being aware that by the coming over of many of their men to that part the Camp before Valenza was much lessened and the Trenches but badly guarded order was given that 500 Foot should come from Allesandra to Valenza with good store of match which the Town wanted much These were led on by the Camp-master Lodovico Guasco being guided by Maximiliano Stampa Count di Monte Castello nephew to Guasco who knew those ways very well and passing on succesfully between the Duke of Parma's quarters and those of the Montferrians they were not at all disturb'd by the enemy that side being open without Trenches and almost abandoned but they ran danger in approaching the fortification of their friends for as they drew near Fort Rosario a Fort which stood towards the Mountain and which had been bravely defended all the time of the siege by Ottaviano Sauli a Gentleman of Genoa and the fore-runners or Scouts not having given the true watch-word whereby they were to have been admitted and received but had given the last nights watch-word Sauli doubted that some treachery might lie hid under that false word and therefore made them keep aloof off with his Musket shot wherewith some of them were slain but when Guasco and other Captains who were very well known to Sauli began to parly they were soon known and let in by this happy success another better fortune followed for Cricky and the Duke of Parma â—…earing that this relief was brought into Valenza which was reported to be greater then it was they began to apprehend the safety of their own Trenches quarters Artillery and Baggage in case they should be assaulted by those that brought in the succour for knowing in what woful condition they had left them they verily believed they would have been taken and sack'd with the loss not only of their honour but of their Artillery and with the destroying of their Fortifications and the loss of those few men that were left to defend them so as they thought good to return speedily to their first Quarters This so sudden resolution of the Colleagues facilitated the bringing in of the whole relief by the Lomellina for the Spanish Army being encouraged by the preceding days success and seeing that the Enemy had abandoned the field knew they were absolute Masters on this side the Poe and saw not any thing that could keep them from relieving the Town leaving therefore all their Militia with half their Foot under the command of Camp-master Boccapianola to guard their Quarters they went out early in the morning with the rest of their men and marched towards the upper bank The Horse which was commanded by the Count di Sora marched on the right wing within sight of the Piedmontese Quarters to the end that the Foot which were divided into three Squadrons being sheltred by them might advance safely towards the same side and with them the munition and three Troops of Horse went before the Foot Van. The convoy of relief went on the other side towards the place that was chosen on the lower bank led on by the Marquess Lunato and Colonel Frederick Imperiale to whose charge the whole business was committed Two pieces of Cannon went before them with some Foot and behind came a competent number of Carriages loaded with Boats and with all things requisite for relieving the Town In this posture did the Army march being favoured by a thick mist which kept them from being seen by the Enemy and whilst the Scouts went without any opposition to the other side Don Iohn di Garrai who having better considered the windings of the Poe and finding by the manner of the Enemies proceedings that no Forces would come from the Piedmontese Quarters which might any ways make him apprehend a general Battle having first agreed with Colonna that the succour would come safe between the aforesaid Quarters and the Fort he ordered Lunato and Imperiale that they should go thitherward and towards the place which was first proposed by Imperiale to execute their Commission The new Order was obeyed forthwith so as the succour wheeling about behind the Fort it drew neer the bank which was above it where it was playd upon by Musket shot which came in abundance from the said Fort and by two pieces of Cannon which play'd from the top of the opposite shore but the Cannon shot though it were dreadful yet being made but seldom they did more terrifie then endammage and to the hail of musket-shot which came from the Fort no readier nor fitter remedy could be found out then to assault the Fort Wherefore Colonel Imperiale who attending still upon the succour saw how necessary it was to provide against this inconveniency sent to advertise Colonna how affairs went and how requisite it was to assault the Fort whereupon Colonna forthwith commanded some Companies of Spaniards and Italians that they should assault that Fort who going boldly on took it for they did no sooner skirmish then scale it The Marquess Torrecuso was the first man who having moved l'Imporiale a little before to favour the putting of the Boats into the River was intent upon the passing of them over it being the action of most importance when he saw the Foot advance to give the assault leaving the whole care of the relief
a great Trench which was made upon the bank of Scrivia he turns back and repassing the Poe endeavours to effect his design on that side but meeting with strong opposition there also he is forced to return and passing again with some men over the Poe he tarries with them in Nizza till such time as the Duke of Savoy going with the body of the Army into the Confines of Novara to annoy that part of the State may divert the Governour from guarding the Grand Trench and leave free passage by that way for the Duke of Parma Who by several accidents abandoning the design marcheth with a few men towards the Sea where getting into a little Vessel he passeth incognito into Lavigiana and gets into his own Territories The Duke of Savoy passeth succesfully over the Tesino and causeth such terrour and confusion in Millain as the Governour is forc'd to abandon the Trench and defend Millain And going with all his men towards the Enemies Camp he assaults it in â—…ornavento but the Duke freeing himself from the assault returns to the greater Lake whither being come and fearing that the Governour who was gone to Romagnagno would assault him on that side resolves to return towards Piedmont The Governour seeing the State freed of the Enemies Army betakes himself partly to recover the Towns taken by the Enemy partly to resent himself to Piedmont and the Duke of Parma's State and having sent what Forces he could thither he proceedes so far as the Duke who was retired to Piacenza maintains a siege till such time as seeing no succour he is forc'd to compound with the Governour The War of Parma being appeased the Governour turns upon the Towns in the Langhe which were yet held by the Enemy and having taken some of them he hears that the Duke raiseth Forces in the Canavese he marcheth towards him and having in vain provoked him to battle he sends Don Martino of Aragon with a strong body of men to discover Vercelli against whom Marquess Villa who was returned from the State of Parma coming forth with a no less number of men a great Skirmish is had wherein the Marquess hath the better The Governour understanding afterwards that Count Verrua was gone to besiege the Roccad ' Arazzo he prepares to defend it And succeeding fortunately therein his happinesse was imbittered by a great defeat which the Duke gave to Don Martino of Aragon before Monbaldone After which the Duke returning victorious to Verselli within a moneth after dyed Some Islands in Provence are taken by the Fleet which came from Naples A French Fleet comes from Britany enters the Mediterranean with which an other joyns which was provided in Provence both which keep in the Ligustick Sea doing but little good and less in Sardignia and Winter in Tolone but putting to Sea in the Spring they recover the Islands which were taken the year before by the Spanish Fleet. The Pope labours to compose the Wars between Christian Princes but in vain A League is concluded between the Crown of Spain and the Grisons by which the Valtoline returns upon some conditions under the ancient Dominion of the Grisons The State of Millain is at last freed from the French Forces by the recovery of Bremi NEws being come to the Court of Spain of the assault given by the Colleagues Army to the State of Millain and of the scarcity of provisions and Garrison which were there though Burgondy were assaulted at the same time by the Prince of Coude with another Army and Flanders and Germany were full of several perturbations all which required extraordinary provisions yet the King would have the State of Millain of all other parts chiefly and fully secured and furnish'd For it being the Bulwark and as a man may say the Rendezvous of the Spanish Arms the greater the prejudice should be that would result by the loss thereof the more necessary was it to provide for the safety and preservation thereof And Cardinal Albornozzi who was a Church-man not being very proper for that Government in so turbulent and dangerous times and the care of that State being to begin by the choice of a Governour who might be fit for that charge and for the condition of the present timeâ—… Don Diego Philippes Gusmano Marquess of Liganes who had formerly served in Flanders was constituted to succeed him Who though he went speedily from Court came not to Millain before the midst of October a little after Valenza was freed from the siege and not long after that by the rout given in the Valtoline the recovery of that valley appeared desperate With him came many Spanish Cavaliers who being zealous of that Crowns Reputation and Grandezza put themselves to serve as Voluntiers under this new Governour he brought also a million and a half of Ducates which was brought after him in Gallies But the Duke of Savoy and the Marshal being with no great honour driven from before Valenza and hearing how ill they were spoken of in the Court of France and particularly the Duke who heard himself taxed of double dealing they endeavoured to give better satisfaction to the Court then yet they had done by recovering their lost Reputation Having therefore mustered their Forces at Villata which was yet in their possession they went to the Lomellina and going to Candia whither 400 Foot were sent by the new Governour they met with some opposition but making themselves presently masters of the place the 400 Foot were sent prisoners to Gasalle And not thinking that place convenient for their design as being too far from the Poe they went lower and took Sartiranna where were 200 Foot who being as the others forced to yield were as the others were sent prisoners to Casalle from hence they march to Bremi a Town upon the Poe with whose scituation being satisfied they resolved to make use of it for a ground-work of their premeditated designes For considering that by casting a Bridge over here they might over-run the Country of Allessandria and of Tortona and the Lomellina and Country of Pavia joyning thereupon they thought that when they should have fortified themselves there they might make a good part of the State of Millain on each side of the River subject to their commands Falling therefore with all diligence to do what they intended they within a short space erected there a Fort Royal big enough to receive an indifferent Army and puting thereinto a good Garrison they thought they might keep firm footing in the State of Millain and lay a good foundation for the further designes they had upon that State and if they should do no more they thought they should win much glory and reputation in keeping a quarter in that State and an almost impregnable bulwark by which they hoped to have subjugated part of that the whole whereof they so much thirsted after The Duke of Savoy was thought to be a chief plotter of this being defirous to cancel the sinister opinion
was marched thitherward and having in his passage recovered the Town and Castle of S. Iovanni was come to Arena a Town in the Territories of Pavia to receive the Duke whom they expected suddenly to see on the other shore and having driven away some horse which were in Arena they kept in those parts but the Dukes met with new and greater oppositions which kept them from advancing so far Count Ferrante Bolognino a Knight of Ierusalem one who had been long vers'd in the wars of Flanders and who was newly come to Italy to serve as Camp-master in these Wars having received orders from the Governour to hinder the passing over the Poe had made some fortifications upon the mouth of Tessino and had drawn thither also many mills upon which as also upon the banks he had placed many Cannons and Musketeers So as the two Dukes finding these new difficulties and oppositions as hard to overcome as those of Serivia they past no further on but betook themselves to make inrodes into the Countrey and to prejudice the Towns thereabouts which causing great fear in those of Pavia they knew not how they should be able to defend themselves from being sack'd if the enemy should draw neer their walls and truly there not being so much as one Souldier in the Town for the Governour as you have heard had sent for them all to the Trench the danger of that City was not inconsiderable not onely in respect of plunder but also that it would be very hard to get the enemy who was very strong out when he should be possest thereof the Governour apprehending this sent Spinola immediatly to defend it with five hundred Musketeers which yet were not sufficient to free those Citizens from fear who for their greater safety and to keep the enemy from their walls were resolved to break down an arch of that noble and magnificent bridge which close to the City stands over the Tessino but these and other provisions which were hâ—…d were more then was needful for the preservation of Pavia for the Confederats letting slip so fair an occasion whereby they might have conveyed the Duke safely into his Countrey drew back though they were not pursued and returned to Bremi where not giving over the thought of conveying the Duke into his Countrey they resolved to make the enemy forgo the Trench by a lusty diversion which being abandoned they might pass him over with a few men into the country of Piacenza they knew that the continent of Novara as being that part which of all the State of Millain was farthest off from the Trench was totally without Garrison or defence wherefore they thought that by going thither with the main body of their army they might cause the Trench to be abandoned so being come to Bremi they sent the Duke of Parma with 3000 foot and 300 horse towards Nizza to the end that when the Trench should be forsaken he might pass with those men into his own dominions they afterward gave out that they intended three things to the end that the Governour being to defend them all might speedily leave the passage over the Trench free to the Duke The first was to sit down before Valenza The second to go take in Sandoval And the third to march strait towards Novara The Governour hearing these designs published did at the same time make two provisions he sent Don Iohn di Gattai with 3000 foot and some horse to succour Valenza whether Don Francisco di Melo resolved to go soon after and he sent Gambacorta with the greatest part of the Cavalry to relieve Rottofreno wherein there was but a small Garrison for that part thereof were sent for to the Trench wherefore it was streightly besieged by Marquess Villa who finding the Dukes expectation vanished by withdrawing of the Leagues Army and hearing how the forces were lessened about that place did not let slâ—…p the occasion of going to take it both these provisions were well warranted for Garrai getting into Valenza whilst the enemies army looked on endeavour'd sollicitously to perfect the Fort S. Diego which was already begun upon the Banks of Poe in the same place where the Fort was much guarded the foot of the Bridge of Valenza toward the Lomellina that upon the like occasions that place might be secured which Fort was soon perfected or at least put into a condition of convenient defence so as being assaulted by the French whilst they marched from Bremi to Novara it did not onely resist the assault but two hundred horse going forth under the shelter of the Artillery of the Fort they repuls'd the assailants and slew some of them and in particular the Maâ—…quess of Canesi a prime Cavalier of the French and of great expectation and Gambacorta who went to Rottofreno finding the passes well block'd up and fortified by Villa returned back not doing any thing yet the preservation of that place being of great consequence he was sent thither again with the same Cavalry accompanied with a good strength of Musketeers and being come thither he did not onely bring in the relief but made the enemy remove just when the Town was ready to surrender which mean while notice being come to the Trench that the enemies Army was marched towards the territories of Novara the Governour being very careful of those parts which were wholly unprovided of any Garrison sent Don Martine d' Aragona and Lodovico Guasco away with all speed and with a good strength of men to mark what way the enemy went and to defend the Towns of those parts as well as they could from them and to the end that the enemy might not attempt passing over the Tessino in the Barques which usually go thereupon he gave order that they should all be detained either in Pavia or in the greater Lake from whence Tessino comes The Governour continued notwithstanding with the main Body of his Army at the Trench except it were those who were sent to Valenza when the enemy drew neer the Town and who returning were busied in keeping that pass block'd up from the Duke the Duke was come already to Nizza with the men that were allotted him where he tarried till he might see the Trench abandoned that he might pass into his own Dominions whilst the Army of the League being come into the Territories of Novara overran that Country firing and laying all things waste where they came sacking some Towns and bringing others under composition and as it went to Fontaneto a Town not much fortified but of much consequence for entertaining Commerce with Vercelli and Piedmont the Towns men who confided in the Castle which was there made some resistance but being overcome on the fourth day they were miserably sack'd in revenge for the death of Marshal Toras who was unfortunately slain by one of the first Musket-shot that was made out of that Town a death unworthy so gallant a Commander and which was very ill resented not only by
his friends but by his enemies for his singular valour and for the gallantry of what he had done Fontanero being taken they talked of going to Sandoval or to before Novara but a strange and unexpected accident hapned which made them think of greater things six French Souldiers who according to the fashion of the Spanish Souldiers wore red Scarffs coming to the Tessino feigned themselves to be Spanish Souldiers and seeing the Barque wherewith they cross the River and which is commonly called Porto on the other shore as he is called Portenaro who guides it they earnestly desired the Portenaro that he would come and pass them over to the other side offering him a good reward for their waftage the Portenaro thought them to be friends by the red Scarffs which they wore and being too credulous and too greedy of gain went to the other side the River and took them into his Porto who presently slew him and passing over to the other side they found the Country abandoned by the Inhabitants who by reason of the neerness of the enemy were fled to the tops of Mountains so they took some Cattel and passing with them over the River they went and acquainted the Duke and the Marshal with what they had done and shew'd them how easie it was to pass over the Tessino The enterprise was very hopeful and glorious beyond expectation and was not to be despised and so much the rather for that to keep in the State of Novara as they had done till now with little advancement made but little for their honour wherefore that somewhat might be done they thought they were forc'd to embrace any whatsoever hard imployment and then much more this which was so easie and which was so propitiously presented to them by fortune they were the more encouraged to this enterprise by what little esteem was had of the enemies Forces which keeping still within the Trench they thought they would not dare to encounter them and that at the present they would shun coming into the open field to keep from hazarding the welfare of the State upon the uncertainty of a Battle having therefore sent some Horse over the Tessino to discover the Country and the affairs better they tarried expecting their return that they might the better ground their resolutions and finding by what they brought back that they agreed in their relation with what the others had said they threw over the boats which they had brought with them in Carts and making a Bridge of them pass'd the Army over to the other side and staid some days waiting some happy occasion which this so fortunate accident might present unto them the Bridge was thrown over neer Casa della Camera the first thing which they did after they were passed was to break the Sprone which is nothing else but the keeping in of the Tessino with great stones to the end that the water being thereby stop'd may rise into a channel which they call ill Naviglio whereby they pass even to Millain carrying and re-carrying boats full of provision from the Lake whence the Tessino comes to Millain and which are necessary for the City and for the Inhabitants who live upon the Lake and to take away the water from the Naviglio that so they might streighten the City in point of provision and bereave it of the advantage it got thereby they afterward fortified themselves in Tornavento a little Town on the left bank of the Tessino and extended their Fortifications to the Brughera which is nothing else but a Copse of many miles about where nothing grows but brush-wood or low shrubs which those of Lombardy call Brughi they tarried there some days pillaging those parts and having no place to take nor Mountains nor Rivâ—…s to pass over nor no enemy to encounter for Guasco was not yet come thither and Don Martine d' Aragona being far short of them in numbers who heard in Novara that the enemies Army had passed over the Tessino did also pass over it himself a little lower and was come to Bigarasso they might march safely to the Walls of Millain when the enemies passage over the Tessino was heard of and that an infinite number of the Inhabitants thereabouts were flock'd together with their Wives Children and with what else they had of most value as to a place of refuge the Citizens fell into such terrour and confusion as greater was never known in the memory of man or was ever read of in ancient Story The City of Millain was bereft of defendants and as it were exposed to be assaulted by the enemy who was very strong neer at hand and was hourly expected to appear before the City walls they saw the Governour and all the chief Officers stood idly minding only the keeping and defending of the Trench and that they did not at all care for the rest of the State so as they might keep the Duke of Parma from passing over that this was the chief thing whereupon all their thoughts were bent that they cared not though the enemy burnt plundered and laid the Country waste they saw that the Army which had been raised at the peoples so great expence and which had suffer'd such hardship in their quarters all the Winter made nothing at all for their saâ—…ety at this time of so neer danger so as the people exclaimed in the streets against the Spaniards and against the Governour himself and bewailing their miseries were neerer tumultuating then preparing to prevent their imminent danger many also thinking the City lost sent away what they had of most precious into the State of Venice so as the Gates of the City were pester'd by those who believing in her safety ran thither with what best things they had and by thâ—…se who not confiding in her safety fled away with what they had of most precious and convey'd them into safer places they were all the more disturb'd by hearing that the Duke of Rohan was fallen down by the Valley of Sarsina into the State of Millain and was come neer Lecco which if he should take he might safely come to the City and joyning with the Confederates Army might put for mighty things so as in this great confusion many of the chief Gentlemen had recourse to Don Ranchillo a Spaniard and Chancellor of the State who in the Governors absence supplied his place desiring that he would use his authority and that he would endeavour the peace and safety of the City he had at the same time received Letters from the Governour who was at the Trench of the same tenure wherefore beating up Drums immediately to raise as many Citizens as he could as well Gentlemen as others he distributed them upon the Walls and Gates in several places to defend them he also took care for repairing the walls and Gates where it was most requisite wherby and by other provisions men began to be of better hopes they were chiefly quieted by the coming of Prince
Borsoda Este into the State with 2500 Dutch who sent them immediately towards Lecco to oppose the violence which Rohan threatned and to keep him as far from the City as he could but the confusion of the Confederates was not less then that of the Millainois when they found themselves in an enemies Country which was laid waste abandoned by the Inhabitants and wherein the neighbouring Towns not being able to furnish food contribution nor quarters necessary for their daily sustenance they were forced not without delay difficulty and danger to have them from Piedmont and from the Continent of Novara they therefore knew â—…at to keep there with so much inconveniency was impossible and that to go to Millain as their so happy passage did in honour bind them to do was dangerous and difficult for if they should do so they must necessarily in the first place abandon the Bridge which not being to be fortified it was impossible to secure and the impossibility of securing it arose from the left side of the Tessino which being very high and commanded by many Hills it was altogether as impossible as necessary to fortifie all those Hills so as to secure the Bridge from battery and to fortifie them so as that the one might be a help to the other and that they might all joyntly concur with that which guarded the head of the Bridge for otherwise any one of those Hills being taken by the enemy and a battery being thereon placed the Bridge must necessarily be beaten down the Army must be debar'd the River being in an enemies Country wanting the conveniency of retreating and of those succours which they were only to expect by the Bridge being moreover exposed to be insulted over by the enemy who it was to be supposed would quickly come and fall upon them to their ruine and undoing to this was added that they heard a flying rumour that the Governour hearing that they were pass'd over the Tessino was already removed and was already come with his Army very neer Millain so as if they should go thither the Governour must either necessarily be got before them with his Army into the City or come upon them when they were hottest in besieging it or when they should have finished their Siege in any of which cases there appeared manifest ruine for if he should come before they were sat down before the City it would be a rash and headlong resolution to go to assault a great City well peopled and that they should not be able to continue the Siege having an enemy Army upon their backs and that in their retreat which would be necessary they were likely to receive a great blow and that say they should take the City the Souldiers would assuredly fall to plunder and would not obey their Captains commands but flying from their colours and running about the City without any Military Discipline nothing but ruine was to be expected they therefore concluded that their going to Millain would afford the enemy an opportunity of obtaining a signal Victory Yet the Duke of Savoy had much a do to keep the Marshal from going thither Who alleaged that the pressing over the Tessino had alwayes been dreadful to that City and was likely to prove so now more then ever That therefore it behoved them to make use of the occasion and aspire after the victory which they could not fail of if they would couragiously go about it That else they had done better never to have passed the Tessino then after so happily past it to do nothing That to make any doubt thereof was nothing else then to abandon the occasion of overcoming and to shun victory That the French Army had never past the Tessino but that the issue thereof had been the entire acquisition of the State of Millain Wherefore then should they now forbear when the Enemy who were inferiour to them in Forces and far more inferiour in Courage would never dare to shew their faces nor hazard battle When the people full of confusion and fear and moreover very ill satisfied with the Spanish Government would joyn with theâ—…in the ruine of so abhorred an Empire But reasons to the contrary and the authority of supream command which resided in the Duke prevailing over the Marshals Allegations and the having also heard for certain that the Governour was at last gone from the Trench and was come neer the City the Marshall was forc'd to give way to the Dukes will not without much murmuring Not proceeding therefore any further and being forc'd to go from thence by Famine they resolved to go towards the Lake and to take Sesto Anghiera and Arona which were scituated in the mouth thereof which believing they should take without any manner of difficulty they thought to be thereby masters of the whole Lake Whereby they should command the onely passage which the Spaniards had to bring men from Germany into the State of Millain And not being now able to bring in any by the Valtoline that State would be a prey to the French Armies when they should assault it with greater Forces The Duke therefore preferring the safety and advantage of this proposal before the airy and perillous enterprize of Millain made the Bridge be broken up and ordered that the Army should march towards the Lake putting some of the Boats whereof the Bridge was made into Carts and drawing some against the current of the River they marched with their Army divided by the River the Marshal with his French along the left side the Duke along the right side with his Piedmontese But the Governour having in this interim heard of the Enemies being past over the Tessino by messengers sent unto him from the City of the confusion of that City the desolation of the State of Novarra and of the Towns on this side the River he at last left the Trench and sending precise orders to all those that were either in the Country of Tortona or in the parts about Picenza to follow him he past over the Poe and the Tessino with Don Francisco di Melo and some others and came to Pavio and without entring Millain he went directly toward Biagrassa He sent Melo notwithstanding to Millain to be Governour of that Castle lest some disaster might happen in so great confusion For fearing lest the Enemy might approach the City he thought fit to put a wise Governour thereinto and one of authority Melo being come thither was very diligent in bringing Ammunition into the Castle by night lest if it should have been discovered it might have caused greater fear in the people He also armed 1200 Horse which were come a little before from Germany and put the much confused Affairs of the City into better Orders The Horse being armed were presently sent to Biagrassa and with them 13 Companies of Neapolitans and those who were come from the French and from the parts about Piacenza past over the Poe and the Gravalone and went to joyn
with the Governour who in a short time was able to muster 15000 Foot and 5000 Horse And whilst others were coming the Governour went with three Troops of Horse from Bigarassa to Tornavento the same day that the Enemy going from thence went towards the Lake The Marshall hearing this who marched on that side the River and was not advanced full twelve miles halted and advised with the Duke and they both resolved to return back and go to their former quarters of Tornavento and Brughera for it was very probable that those who marched on this side with the Marshal might be defeated if they should be pursued by the Enemy being divided by the River from their associates For the River which runs very swiftly from the Lakes mouth to Tornavento would not suffer them to throw over the Bridge there that so they might joyn their Forces together nor did the same swiftness of the River permit that the boats which were drawn against the Current could come time enough to peece with the others before the Enemy might come upon them Whereas on the contrary by returning back the Boats which were below would anticipately come to the former place so as the Bridge being speedily put together they might meet with their joynt Forces before they could be assaulted by the Enemy This Resolution was soon put on and executed and about the going down of the day the Duke and the Marshal came both of them to Tornavento the Duke on that side and the Marshal on this The Marshals chief care was to fortifie that place and the Dukes to cast over the Bridge speedily a little below Tornavento where the Enemy might advance there was a great ditch which had been formerly made by the French when they were masters of the State of Millain that they might bring the water of Tessino thereby and convey it elsewhere which ditch because it proved to no purpose and had cost much money was then and is yet called Panperduto which we may translate lost labour the Marshal made use of this ditch for a Trench and Parapet to his men For intending onely to stand upon defence he had left Monsieur Di Boisac Commissary of the Horse without with 300 Horse that he might flank Panperduto and playing upon the assailants on that side might keep them from being assaulted The rest of his men he kept within the ditch where on the Front and on the left side they were sheltred by the same ditch on the right side by the Naviglio and on the back by the Tessino and Tornavento Being thus securely seated the Marshal stay'd expecting the Governour who being returned before the Marshal from Tornavento to Bigarassa made his men advance to Constanzano within three miles of Tornavento that he might gaul the Enemy on the back in case he should continue his march towards the Lake and that he might fight him if he should tarry by the way The Governour came to Constanzano the same night that the Marshal was returned to Tornavento And notwithstanding that all those that were at the Trench nor other that he expected were not yet come to him and those that were already come were very weary by their long and speedy march yet placing his hopes of victory upon coming before the Bridge should be perfected which till it should be so kept the Enemies Forces un-united he was ready to go to assault them the rather for that two hours before day Gambacorta was come to him with part of the horse wherunto he was driven not so much out of the danger which delay might occasion by giving the enemy leasure to perfect the Bridge as for that his Army not being able to continue in the place where they were out of many reasons but especially for want of water he could not without much danger and without loss of honour retreat the enemy being so neer so as the choice was turn'd to necessity and the peoples murmuring made the necessity greater who being subject to such charges and to such trouble in quartering could not endure that the War should be spun out without hopes of ever seeing an end of their so many sorrows and calamities he therefore doubted that if he should delay fighting them now that they were so neer the people might go wild and perhaps produce some bad effect so as their opinions were not listned to who thought it rashness to go in the condition they were in to assault an Army well munited within its Works and which when the Bridge should be made would become more powerful but the peoples crying out for battle prevailed over these and many other considerations and the Governour inclining to give them satisfaction gave order to fight he had not now above 10000 Foot in his Camp for all the Foot were not yet arrived and between four and five thousand Horse who by reason of the streight situation were placed behind the Foot in nine Squadrons so as the Foot were to undergo the whole brunt of battle without receiving any help from the Horse Marquess Spinola was by the Governours side and Don Francisco di Melo who was come that very night from the Castle of Millain out of the great desire he had to be present at this action The conflict or rather the assault began four hours after Sun-rising on the second of Iune and endured till three of the night so as they fought fifteen hours without any intermission and was continued by the assailants with much valour and constancie though upon so many disadvantagious terms the enemies were very well shelter'd as hath been said on all sides and yet the assailants who gave the assault with naked breasts and in open field advanc'd so far as they came to push of Pike for all the hundred horse which were left without by the Marshal for though they turned at first to good purpose to keep the assailants aloof from the Trenches yet the Governour having sent Gambacorta against them with five hundred horse and after him another squadron of as many Curassiers commanded by Augustine Fiesco Gambacorta fell furiously upon the Enemy and drove them into a wood which was behind them whereinto when he with his men entered they were furiously played upon by musket shot from the Enemies Trench whereby some of them were slain amongst which Gambacorta who was shot through the body with two Musket bullets A death which was esteemed a great loss he being a gentleman of a stout heart good at Counsel and well vers'd in military affairs wherein he had given good proof of his valour wherefore his death was much resented by the whole camp the horse which entred the wood with him their captain being slain were forc'd to retreat and were pursued by the enemies horse which in this the others consternation had time to rally themselves they chased them till they came to Fiesco's squadron who did not onely make head against them but forc'd the French back into
a strong defence and Rendezvous for Arms capable to receive an indifferent Army and holding it for these respects impregnable they called it a new Rochel The Governour before he would betake himself to this place of so great concernment openly would have all his preparations ready and that so secretly as the Enemy should not be aware of it To this end he distributed many Souldiers in the parts thereabouts under the pretence of quartering and under the colour that those places might be better garrison'd by reason of the neighbourhood of Bremi he therefore sent some to Valenza some to Alessandria others to Montaro and into Lomello into which place he also sent Victuals Munition Straw and other provisions fit for the intended enterprize And to make the Enemy the less apprehend this siege he sent men to Filizano giving out that from thence he would make himself master of Mount calvo He also considered the custom of the Poe which swelling in May when the snow falls down from the Alps would be a great hinderance for the Armies abode in those places which at that time are subject to great inundations being therefore to anticipate the enterprise he provided much Hay and Straw which though it were very hard to get in any quantity then Winter being well nigh ended yet diligence overcame all difficulties These things being thus ordered he commanded that they should fall to executition which was carried so silently and so unexpectedly as the Souldiers were before the Walls even almost before they were discovered their secrecy made them so confident of good success as they prepared Scaling-ladders to attempt taking the Town by surprize and so to make themselves masters of that Fort by stealth before which it was thought that whole armies would be consumed before it could be taken The Governour therefore ordered that four Bodies of Souldiers commanded by the best experienced Camp-masters should by night about the midst of March 1638 at one and the same time fall upon the Town in four several sides the first that were to give the two first assaults were Don Antonio Sottelo and Count Ferrante Bolognio the first coming from Mortara about the coming on of night with 3000 Foot and the other with as many from Valenza and bringing with them all necessary instruments they were each of them to possess themselves in the several places appointed them of the banks of Poe joyning upon the Town and there to fortifie themselves and so by bereaving the enemy of any benefit of communicating by the River exclude all succour by that way which was thought would assuredly be sent from Cassalle the business proved lucky and better then was supposed for Sottelo advancing to a certain place called Bonobo lying between the River and the Town which was seated very high and fit for the business made himself master of it without any opposition Bolognino did yet more fortunately discharge his part he went at the same time out of Valenza and having assaulted the lower station called Corno and which was fortified and garrison'd by the enemy he at the very first drove out the enemy took the place and began straightway to fortifie against the enemy and then raising Trenches along the bank went to joyn with Sottelo who advanced with his Trenches likewise from Bonobo and joyning together they at very first block'd up the Town from the River and having each of them brought many sacks with them which they filled with earth and made sudden Trenches with them and many Barques being come to them from Valenza with Faggots and other Instruments for perfecting their Fortifications they raised that work higher on the same night Don Iovan Vasques Coronado and Don Carlo della Gatta were ordered to accost the â—…own from two other parts further from the River the former coming with Sottelo from Mortara was to assault the â—…own on that part which is called Forbice vecchia and the other coming from Lomello was ordered to approach it by the Covent of the Capuchins and when both of them were got thither they were to fall a scaling wherein if they succeeded well they were to give notice to Sottello and Bolognino that they might do the like with the Ladders which they brought with them and if the first Scaladoes should not succeed well they were either by real or seeming assaults to endeavour to divert the defendants from that part of the River where Sottello and Bolognino were that so they might leave them the Fortification on the bank unmolested by the enemies Garrison on which Fortification the ground-work of the business lay nor were they to forbear fortifying their stations and to sence themselves from the Musket-shot of the enemy before day-light if they should miscarry in their Scalado but both of them finding the defendants readier and more intent upon the defensive part they failed in the chief intent of the Scalado for as soon as they approached a hail of Musket-shot was let fly at them together with thunder of Artillery and lightning of artificial fires which though they kept the oppugners from making Scaladoes or giving assault yet could they not keep them from fortifying the stations wherein they were Don Martin d' Aragona was the Head and Superintendent of all this Enterprize to whom only the Governour had communicated the whole design from the beginning so as he ordered all things as his Lieutenant and diligently applying himself to all parts ordered all things requisite for carrying on the work Tiberio Brancacchio Camp-master was also ordered to go with his Brigade from Alessandria with many Carriages many Sumpture-Horses and store of Artillery to Valenza and from thence to Sartiranna to drive the Enemy from thence who moving early and being come to the intended place after having made forty shot of Battery took the Town which the Captain of the Garrison yielded upon Articles And Brancacchio going from thence went by Orders from the Governour to joyn with Gatta nor were the horse idle but were distributed into such parts by which succour might be brought Don Vincenzo Gonzaga was to guard the Passage over the Poe with 1500 Horse at Villata where it falls into the Sesia the custody of Frassineiro fell to Ferdinando de li Monti Captain of the Dutch Cavalry with as many Horse the guard of Lomello to Don Alvaro di Quignones that he might be ready there as occasion should serve but Marquess Cricky as soon as he heard of this so sudden and so unexpected assault sent nine Barques from Cassalle where he then was and in them 1200 Foot tumultuously and on the sudden put together together with much provision and munition not so much to supply the Town as to defend the bank of the River to the end that the enemy who he thought was possess'd thereof might not keep it nor block up the way from succour but the design being foreseen and prevented they did not onely not possesse themselves of the banks but neither did
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
Piedmont by the Spaniards thought it no longer fit to defer it The Governour of Millain had scarcely done with the troubles before Bremi nor were the Souldiers well cured of the wounds which they there received when these commands came to the Governour of Millain from the King he thought that the State of Millain being now free from the French by the recovery of Bremi his Government should hereafter be peaceful but being surprized by new and unexpected orders he was forced to turn his sayles according to the unlooked for wind which was contrary to his calculation He therefore by means of moneys newly received gave order for the raising of 4000 Swissers and propounded Vercelli to himself for his first enterprize to the end that when he should be master thereof his way might be open for further progress in Piedmont This new War made by Spain against Piedmont was made in the Kings Name without any mention of the Princes or their Interests which the King did not then think good to have to do with were it either that he thought his Forces sufficient to invade Piedmont without those of the Princes or that he thought the making use of their name would do him but little good and be of great expence to him or that he thought it misbecame his Forces to embrue their hands in civil Wars and to foment discord between the Nephew and Uncles equally allied in blood to him However it was the Governour in obedience to the Kings commands sent speedily and secretly to all the Souldiers that were quartered in the Lomellina that they should march towards Palestre where having immediately thrown a Bridge over the Sesia he made his Horse pass over it that the passes about Vercelli might be taken and so all supply kept out and the Foot being come the same day towards night they were suddenly quarter'd in several places about the Town The Spaniards and Burgondians were quarter'd between the River Sero and St. Bartolomeo the Italians were quarter'd between St. Bartolomeo and the Zocolanti or Franciscan Fryars The Dutch and Grisons which were newly confederated and which Grisons were never before known to fight in the Spanish Camp were quarter'd between the Zocolanti and the Sesia the Island which is made by the Sesia and the Sero being the most dangerous place of all the rest as most exposed to be assaulted by the Enemy was allotted for quarter to the Marquess Iovan Francisco Serra a Genoese to whom the Governour gave a Brigade of old Neapolitans that he might serve with them as Camp-master in the present war and because the place required a better Garrison to defend it there were added some Companies of Spaniards and Grisons and some Millaineses and that so sudden and unexpected a moving might not appeare strange and unjustifiable the Governour leaving Cardinal Trivultio at the Helm of the State when he marched into the State published a Manifesto in form of an Edict wherein repeating what hath been formerly said he told that the King of France contrary to the Articles of Ratisbone Cherasco had through threats gotten Pinarvolo from the late Duke and had afterwards constrained him to joyn in league against the State of Millain which notwithstanding the King of Spain bearing with that Dukes Childrens minority and considering that those States were governed by a Dowager Princess had pardoned the hostility committed against him by the Father and the Grand-father and not using any resentment against the Orphans or the Widow or State of Piedmont had continued his love and Protection to that Ducal House so as he had not onely forborn all hostility but had acquainted the Dowager that if she desired peace and friendship with him she should not assist the French Armies with men Victuals or any other thing nor continue the league with the King of France but should continue a real Neutrality between the two Crowns offering her moreover to assist her with all the Forces of his Crown in case she should be troubled by her brother for her Neutrality that the Dowager not being permitted by her brother to embrace so justifiable and so convenient a contract was forced to enter into a league against the State of Millain to the end that the King of France might afterwards possess himself of the Orphans State that therefore his Majesty being desirous to continue his Protection to the State and knowing that there was no other humane means to free it from oppression but to make himself master of the Towns of Piedmont he was compelled to assault them not out of any intent of keeping them but to drive out the French and to compel them to a good peace by which when they should restore Pinarvolo and all other the Dukes Towns his Majesty would also restore whatsoever he should have gotten by his Arms in Piedmont and that so the House of Savoy being put into peaceful and quiet possession of the States which it inherited from it's predecessors might enjoy them in peace and security he profest therefore that he intended not to make War upon the Natural Subjects of the Country nor to enter Piedmont as an Enemy wherefore he exhorted the natural Piedmonteses that as he would not suffer his Souldiers to injure them they should also forbear wronging his Souldiers that keeping correspondency with his Majesties Forces they would not oppose their so justifiable intentions which aimed only at the well-fare of their natural Prince and of Piedmont and he lastly declared that if they should do otherwise and assist the French Forces he should be forced to alter his manner of making War and make them partake of the miseries which war brings with it usually This pretence of Protection clad with gracious and affectionate appearance was not generally thought real and in process of time was known to be feigned by the Governour to make his taking up arms appear less odious for the King of Spain his Court and whole Nation provoked by Wars made against him sometimes by Duke Charles Emanuel sometimes by Duke Victorio who joyned in league with France to his prejudice and now lastly by the present Dowager who having renewed the league with her brother was ready to make War upon him not being able to suffer any longer so many hostile Acts resolved at last to cast aside all his Royal respects which inclined him to the good of Savoy and though he knew that the Dowager was compelled to that War and that neither she nor her young son were guilty of their predecessors attempt and much less of this whereunto they were forced yet seeing that the King of France who was more neerly concern'd in his Sister and Nephews interest cared little for what of prejudice might redound to them thereby so as he might make War offensive upon the State of Millain neither did he the King of Spain who was the party assaulted think himself bound to suffer himself to be wrought upon by those respects of love and
compassion which prevailed nothing with the King of France The Edict being published the Governour in execution of the Kings Commands went to encamp before Vercelli which was a City begirt with walls strengthned by Bulwarks and environed by a large Ditch beyond the which were many fortifications ordered and made with incomparable industry by Duke Charles Emanuel when it was restored to him by Articles of peace in the year 1617 after it had been taken from him by Don Pedro di Toledo by which excellent fortifications which rendred it almost impregnable it was in a manner new built The Marquess Dogliano son in law to General Villa a great confident of the Dowagers was Governour of the Town who together with his Father in Law opposed the Marshal when after the Dukes death he would have taken it two days before the arrival of the enemies Army there were two Troops of Horse entred into the Town which were sent from Turin which came in a very seasonable time for the more secure the Town was by reason of the fortifications the more need it had of Souldiers for there were in it only three Troops of Horse the two Troops that came last being therein numbred and the Foot of the Garrison together with the Citizens which were fit to bear Arms were far short of that number which was requisite to defend all the works but the Defendants though they were but few trusting in the relief which they shortly expected betook themselves couragiously to the business they knew that the French Army was fallen down from the Alps and was come into Piedmonâ—… more in number by what was given out then indeed they were but in effect being joyned to the Dowagers men they made neer about 7000 Foot and 3000 Horse The French Army was commanded by the Cardinal Della Vallette and by his elder brother the Duke of Candale who though they Commanded the Kings Forces in Piedmont with equal Authority and with the like title of General yet the Cardinal had the preheminency in Authority both by reason of his being Cardinal and for that the Cardinal Richelieu did more confide in him but as the news of these Forces which were presently to come to relieve the Town did much encourage the Defendants so did it make the Governour of Millain the more careful to fence himself against such a force which he foresaw would fall upon him when his Siege was at the fairest and therefore having allotted their quarters to each nation he betook himself with all diligence to draw the line which was about ten miles in compass a work not only strong for the large compass thereof for the greatness and heighth but more for the deepness of the ditch which it was environed with for the Artillery which was set in several convenient places and for being very well tackled the line was soon finished through the diligence which the Governour caused to be used therein but though the work nor workmen were not disturb'd from without for the great store of rain which fell kept the enemy from advancing fast yet were they often assaulted from within by the Garrison of the Town who whilest the Army being busied about their Fortifications did not much minde the Siege made out four Sallies at one and the same time which being given in four several places they were at last repulsed though they fought valiantly and in one of them which was made on the Governours own Quarters they left many behind them whereof four Captains and one Serjeant Major The line being finished they fell to make their approaches and order was given to make batteries the Spaniards and Burgonians wrought over against a great Tenaglia which was before them the Dutch and Grisons wrought over against another Tenaglia which stood on the Front of their Quarters and the Italians wrought also hard against a great Bulwark which was without the City all of them striving who should be the first that should finish their task And whilst these were thus busied they ceased not to molest the City in several manners particularly with Granadoes which flying on high and then falling into the City broke down houses and few many They betook themselves also at the same time to the taking of certain little houses which though they were without the Enemies Fortifications were not abandoned by the Defendants The Dutch went against these on one side and the Italians on another and at last they took them though not without much loss of blood to the assailants amongst the rest Bartholomeo Palavicino was there slain a Captain of Horse whilst he was backing the Foot who fought against the little Houses Count Iulio Cesare Boromeo Camp-master was also slain there The Defendants were not discouraged at the loss of these two Houses but sallying out the next day they recovered that which the Dutch had taken and slew almost all that had taken it and took the Captain Prisoner who was notwithstanding rescued by his own men before the fight was over and the same House was again regained by them not without much loss of blood But as the Camp without was held work by the sallies from within so did not they cease to molest the Enemies Country which was without by sending out Horse Don Vincenzo Gonzaga routed a Troop of Tronsono's Horse and others did the like The news of succour which was coming did this mean while encrease and the Dowager being much concern'd in the preservation of this Town resolved to go her self in person to Crescentino where the whole body of the relieving Aemy was to meet Here she assisted at the general Musters encouraging the Souldiers with her presence and by her fair demeanour and by her speech wherewith she was richly endowed by nature she incouraged the Captains and chief Officers giving them rich presents and omitted not any thing which might incite them to expedition and to behave themselves bravely in this business which the more to inanimate them she called hers but the Army was retarded by the abundance of rain which kept them from marching at last after long delay they marched on with ten piece of great Cannon The Cardinal and the Duke his Brother who were naturally given to be extraordinary circumspect slow and irresolute in all their Military actions did also much delay this succour insomuch as they appeared not in sight of the besieging Army till 20 days after they had begun the Siege The Governour had therefore the longer time to perfect his Fortifications and to bring on his approaches and to throw a Bridge over the Sesia by which he might send to encounter the enemy in case they should attempt to relieve the Town on that side at last the first ranks of the French appeared on this side the River and all the rest appeared soon after but the Commanders stood some days idle contemplating the strength of the Trenches which finding to be almost unvanquishable they also threw a Bridge over the Sesia
over against the Abbey of St. Lasaro by which they sent men to possess themselves of that Abby which being defended but by 60 Souldiers after the making of some shot surrendred here the French made their head-quarter and began diligently to fortifie it viewing attentively on which side and where they might best bring the relief and the Governour though at the first appearance of the enemy he seemed very desirous to fall to an assault lest in case of delay his Army might be assaulted by the enemy on the back yet he was kept from doing so for that all things were not ready for an assault For though the Spaniards were already come to the brink of the ditch of the Tenaglia on the front whereof there stood a Half-moon which was made undefensible by their Cannon-shot and though the Dutch were also gotten to the ditch of the other Tenaglia yet the Italians who were in the middle between them were not come within 45 paces of the Bulwark which they were to assault and yet the Governour fearing to be disturb'd if he made any longer delay setting all considerations of whatsoever difficulties aside gave Order that every one should be ready in their quarters about two a clock at night Thus the sign being given at the hour appointed they fell on couragiously and finding the defendants awake and vigilant the conflict was great and hard the defendants assisting themselves with Granadoes Fire-works and Stones and the assailants as valiantly overcoming all difficulties continued constant in the enterprise The Spaniards having first of all bereft the Half-moon which stood before them of all defence by their Artillery got upon the Tenaglia and killing some and taking other some of the defendants prisoners they became masters of it and fortified themselves therein the like befell the Dutch who likewise took the other Tenaglia The Italians met with more difficulty as not being yet fully prepared the Bulwark which fell to their share yet overcoming all difficulties they advanced unto the ditch and driving away the defendants betook themselves to the Bulwark which not having been plaid upon appeared impregnable yet being masters of the ditch they would not quit the enterprise but digged a Mine the fear whereof made the Bulwark be abandoned the next day and the assailants took it and fortified themselves there the defendants were astonished at the loss of these three chief places the rather for that they saw it was done whilst the French Army looked on who without moving suffer'd these three so important Works to be lost and yet when those within the Town were offer'd fair conditions by the Governour they shewed much courage and confidence in their answer but on the other side they acquainted the French Army with what they had suffer'd and in how great danger they were of being lost if not soon relieved not only in defending themselves against assaults and in sallying out but for want of bullet to supply the which all the Pewter of the City had already been made use of upon which news the French Army advanced to within Musket-shot of the City on Sandoval side and intending to break down the enemies Bribge they sent a Fire-boat down the River which being detained fell on fire to no purpose yet resolving to bring relief they cast their eye upon the Island made by Servo and Sesia and thinking that as indeed it was to be the weakest part they resolved to pass by there and to keep the Spanish Camp from re-enforcing the Island upon the coming on of night they made several seeming assaults upon sundry parts of the Line nor did the Stratagem prove vain for the enemy fearing that the succour would be attempted on a part which was guarded only by the common people they sent for some men from the Island thither though the Marquess Serra whose charge it was to defend the Island did sufficiently oppose it so about the fourth hour of the night a Body of 1500 Foot advanced part French led on by Colonel St. Andrea and partly Savoyards and Piedmontese led on by Colonel Senantes The Cardinal deputed Monsieur di Castellano a Marshal of the French Camp and the Marquess of Pianezza General of the Dowagers Foot to order the whole action who had leave to cull out the best commanded men both of the French and Piedmontese to order the business to discover the foords and to pass their men thorough them whilst the rest of the Army stood ready to keep off any diversion the relievers waded over the foord which came up to their middle and the Marquess Serra prepared for defence industriously notwithstanding his Forces were dismembred they were stoutly resisted every where and the attempt would doubtlesly have failed if aguard of Grisons who were placed between the Spaniards and Italians had fought as stoutly as the rest did but no resistance being there made for they basely abandoned the station at the very first brunt the relievers began to pass over the Line Serra who was imploy'd elsewhere when the business began came to that place and finding that the defendants had basely thrown away their Arms and were directly run away he encouraged those few that followed him and gave in amongst the thickest of the enemy where fighting with much danger to himself and encouraging others by his example he stopt the current of the relievers and though he was shot through the Arm by a Musket he continued fighting till Francisco Tuttavilla Lieutenant to the Camp master General came in to his relief with a squadron of those who were under Bolognino and who having no certain place allotted them to defend were appointed to go where there should be most need And Bolognino coming in with the rest after Tuttavilla those relievers who had not yet past the line were repuls'd Moreover the Horse which being distributed into several squadrons stood in guard between the City and the line were faulty also upon this occasion some whereof ran down-right away and part being deceived by the succourers who in the dark night cried Viva la Spagna past by those Horse and stole into the City and about 1200 of them entred with the succour which did prolong the life of the Town for a few days but was not sufficient to do so long For the Enemy having possess'd themselves of the chiefest out-works those of the Town were not able to recover them though they endeavourd it For they sallied to recover the Bulwark which was taken by the Italians here the conflict was greater then in other parts and it had been recovered had not Bolognino advanced with the most of his men and after a bloody contest forc'd them to retreat and the assaults given for the two Tenaglia's had the like fortune from both which after a fierce fight the Assailants were beaten back The Governour being angry to see the Town relieved made some Officers be proceeded against and put to death who thorough their carelesness were the occasion
battery And at the same time the French and Piedmontese retreated not far off to Costanza and Petegno where they tarried till the Spanish Army returned to the State of Millain which they did not till they had furnish'd Vercelli sufficiently with Victuals and Munition and with a very good Garrison At whose departure the French and Piedmontese Army went to the parts about Cassalle where they lay loytering all that Summer For the Governour fell fick of a Fever which he had contracted thorough his pains-taking during the siege and which made him keep his bed two moneths so as he forbore troubling the Enemy was not troubled by them But Don Francisco di Melo who was gone long before into Spain being returned into Italy about the end of Summer with the command also of Governour of the Forces in the State of Millain went not long after the beginning of September into the Field with an Army and passing over the Sesia at La Motta made as if he would go to Trino that he might draw the Enemy into those parts but turning suddenly upon Bremi he past over the Poe and sending Carlo della Gatta to take Pomaro he kept in Giroli till the business of Pomaro was ended which whilst it was prolonged by the difficulty of battery and by the necessity of reiterating Mines the Cardinal went out of Cassalle together with the General of the Horse to spy what the Enemy did and finding that they came to meet him he retreated to Cassalle leaving the Geneâ—…al of the Horse in the Field that he might seem to make some resistance between whom and the General of the Spaniards Horse some little skirmishes of very small moment past and the Spaniards being on their way towards Alessandria the French and Savoyards past over the Poe and having taken Montemango and Rifrancore they went to Filizzano where throwing a Bridge over the Tanaro they tarried till towards the end of October daily skirmishing with the Enemy till both of them forced by the cold weather and for want of Forrage returned to their winter quarters the Castle of Pomaro being first taken which was immediately demolished whilest affairs proceeded thus slowly in Lombardy there hapned a Sea conflict and that no small one above Genoa between fifteen French and fifteen Spanish Gallies those of Spain were conducted by Don Roderigo di Velasco Captain of the Admiral of Sicily whom all the rest were under and they were full of Foot who were to land at Finale and so to go for the State of Millain which being known by the French Gallies which were come from Provence in equal number under their General Count Poncurletto well provided of rowers and fighting men and who keeping upon the Seas of Provence went in pursuit of the Spaniards but with intention not to fight them till they had landed their men it hapned that the Spaniards for some occasion of their own came to Anchor upon the shore of Finale which when the French knew they thought that they had landed their men there and that therefore they might safely fight them and take them whilst they returned empty to Genoa the Spanish Admiral who was more couragious then considerate being aware thereof refused not battel which he thought was presented by the Enemy not considering how much the Kings interests were concern'd in that conflict the French made towards the Spaniards full of fervour and hope but when they were come neer and found them well provided of men they were somewhat astonished yet being so near as they could not retreat they must be content and fall to work but one of them which shut up the left wing for meer fear hoysed sail before the fight began and escaped the danger they encountred some miles above Genoa on the first of September the day being fair and calm they fought a long while with equal fortune valiantly on both sides The Spaniards were more in number of fighting men then the French but came short of them in number and quality of Mariners who were all Voluntiers and well furnished with pebble-stones which abandoning their Oars in the conflict they threw in such abundance as the Spaniards not being able to hold their Muskets in their hands and much less govern them they were for a while much impeded and of no use The French exceeded the Spaniards also in Targets and in certain little Castles which stood on their Prows lined some with course Canvas some with Mattresses whereof they provided themselves well as being come with an intention to fight whereas the Spaniards who came casually to fight were unprovided of any such defences but the French had much more the better of the Spaniards by the shameful running away of four of the Spanish Gallies who the first Volley of Shot being given withdrew themselves and in the heat of the conflict abandoned their companions and yet the eleven Spanish Gallies which remained fought so valiantly though upon such disadvantage as when the hail of stones ceased they slew many of the French and begun to have the better of the business had not a stratagem used by the French gotten them the victory who began to cry out liberty liberty at the hearing whereof the Spanish Gally slaves who were partly Turks partly people that were condemned to the Oâ—…r or sold for a prize mutined and began to turn upon their Masters who not being able to resist their enemies at home and abroad after an obstinate and fierce Fight were rather Conquered then Conquerours and the French being but hardly dealt with the Fight was rather parted then given over where in an hours space there were slain 4000 between Souldiers Mariners and Gally-slaves the French took five of the Spanish Gallies and the Spaniards took three of the French Gallies the French returned towards Provence but with so few men of any condition whatsoever as they could hardly rid any way not sailing above 12 or miles a day and set aside the greater number of Gallies that were taken by the French and the Spanish Admiral 's being taken Prisoner who being sorely wounded died within two days and that the French were Masters of the Field they got nothing of advantage by the Fight and they return'd so slowly as they left the Admiral of Spain by the way not being able to carry her along Not long after this conflict the young Duke of Savoy died in the seventh year of his Age on the third of October 1638 within one year after his Father whose death was the last thing that hapned that year and made more way for what hapned afterwards Charles Emanuel succeeded him the only remaining male-issue of Duke Victorio Amadeo being but four years old wherefore the Princes succession growing the neerer for the women according to the Law Salick do not succeed in Savoy their pretentions increased the more and it seemed more justifiable that they should be admitted into the Regency with their Sister in Law that in case
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
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
by rain as they could not throw a bridge over it so as they were fain to tarry there two dayes in which interim the Prince coming with some Forces to the opposite shore some sleight skirmishes past between them And the Cardinal and Villa being hindred by the River and being stoutly opposed by the Prince and hearing that the Town was surrendred two dayes before the time prefix'd for surrender in case succour should come the Cardinal of Vallette to the end that his endeavours might not prove altogether vain fell upon Chiavasso which resolution though it was then thought to be but to little purpose yet since it succeeded was very lucky for the Dowagers party They sent to Turin for four other peeces of Cannon wherewith they planted their battery against the Gate which looks towards Crescentino The Prince and Governour of Millain were come to relieve the Town with 4000 Horse and 6000 Foot and were gotten to the Chappel called L' Eremita within a mile of the enemies Camp where taking up their quarters they put themselves in battle array and began not onely to annoy the enemies quarters with their Artillery and with sleight excursions but being come within shot of Musket they fell to skirmish wherein some of the Spanish Horse that charged were beaten back And just as the battle was ready to be given to which both the French and Piedmontese prepared themselves with much Courage came the Duke of Longueville whom the King of France had sent with 2000 Horse and 4000 Foot when his Majesty heard that the Spanish Army was encamp'd before Turin a recruit which came very seasonably both to the Camp and to the Dowagers whole party which did droop very much At the Arrival of these men which was just upon the coming on of night and the Spaniards Courage cooling they retreated the next day the Spaniards finding how hard it would be to relieve the Town by reason of the recruit which was come to the enemy they began to prepare to be gone which they did without any disturbance The Cardinal of Vallette and Duke of Longueville did then send to Seback who was a Dutch-man and Governour of the Town wishing him that since there was no hope of relief he would surrrender To which he answered that he desired first to have leave to send to visit the Spaniards quarters the which being granted him and he being told by those he sent that the Prince and Governour of Millain were gone he promised to yield the Town if it were not relieved within three dayes and no relief appearing within the prefix'd time he surrendred the place and march'd out with 1500 Dutch leaving such French and Piedmontese there according to Articles as had fought against the Dowager in the Princes behalf The loss of Chiavasso which being recovered opened the way to receive and send out any thing to Turin by the Poe made the Governour of Millain fortifie Crescentino which he had dismantled a little before to the end that Navigation by the Poe which Chiavasso being recovered was free from Turin to Cassalle might be blockt up by fortifying Crescentino but whilst the two enemies Armies were busied before Chiavasso the Prince Cardinal was not idle nor were his endeavours ineffectual For coming out of Asti onely with his own attendants and some others he over-ran the other part of Piedmont where there being no forreign Garrisons he was received by all the inhabitants with great applause Ceva Cuneo Mondoni Beve Saluzzo Fossano Droueto Busca and Demonte did willingly come in of themselves to his own person or to those that he sent to them and all the chief Towns of those parts and places of any condition besides the mean people All this was done without shedding of blood and without shot of Musket meerly out of the peoples devotion and by Treaty of the Governours of the several Towns And putting Governours and Garrisons into them he retreated to Fossano lest Chiavasso being taken the French might turn upon those parts and retake the Towns that had surrendred to him Nor did he guess amiss for the adverse Army turning upon those parts Saluzzo at their very first appearance sent Commissioners to surrender it self in a friendly manner The Duke of Longueville went then with his men to Carignano and from thence to Racconiggi ten miles from Fossano but he had no minde to go to Fossano thinking it stronger then it was nor would he meddle with it though Villa and Pianezza strove to perswade him it was not so strong as he thought They therefore left him in Racconiggi and went with the Dowagers men towards Fossano to make Longueville see the easiness of the Enterprize who when they appeared the Inhabitants thinking that the whole Camp came surrendred the Town that very night but the Prince Cardinal was first retreated to Cuneo the strongest place of all those parts and peradventure of all Piedmont From hence Villa and Pianezza went to Bene which Town though it were strong enough yielded the next day The Governour Vargas who was a Spaniard retired with the Garrison into the Castle of Bene resolving to hold it out to the last Villa and Pianezza divided the care thereof between them Pianezza quartered in that part of the Town which was nearest the Castle and Villa kept in the field with the Horse to keep off succour Pianezza began to make Trenches and whilest things were in this posture Duke Longueville appears with his men who leaving the Castle to be taken by Pianezza kept also in the field The mean while Pianezza who was come with his approaches to the Castle wall fell to make 2 Mines under 2 Bastions whereunto after nine days giving fire and a sufficient breach being made he fell to assault which was withstood weakly for the Defendants thinking to save their lives by retreating into the Keepe minded getting thither more then fighting but they were so hotly pursued as that most of them were put to the Sword and Captain Vargas being wounded and taken Prisoner the Castle was taken with much effusion of blood These two places being taken Cuneo remained which was separated from the acquisitions made by the Prince Cardinal and were likewise the worse for being separated from it Prince Thomaso fearing it especially since his Brother was there went with a body of men from Asti to Mondovi to try whether by lending some help he might free them both from the imminent danger wherein they were But hearing that Duke Longueville was coming to assault him with Forces much stronger then his he retreated to Ceva from whence he joyn'd with the Governour of Millain who was with his Army in Asti Wherefore Mondovi being abandoned by the Prince yielded to the Duke who without any opposition made there a rendezvouz of Arms for his own and for the Dowagers Forces which were under her two Generals joyn'd with Longueville in that Enterprize The French and Dowagers Generals hearing afterwards in what weak
by the peoples ready obedience had obtained a Fort which had already wearied the Forces of France back'd by a powerful Fleet at Sea of the Turks which was sent to the taking thereof The present conjuncture of times did assist the Cardinal much in this affair for the French Fleet which kept floâ—…ng upon those Seas and the people of Provence who came upon those Confines made those of Nice much afraid that they should lose that Fort if it were not secured by some powerful Chiestain in those dayes wherein they could look for no help from Piedmont by reason of the great alterations that were there and wherein the Dowager being necessitated to assign over her principal Towns into the hands of the French they feared she would be forc'd to do the like with Nice So as they thought they could not do better for the House of Savoy in these perillous times for the preservation of that important place then to deliver it up to the Prince Cardinal who for his own concernment would not suffer it to fall into the hands of others and who by the assistance of the Spanish Forces might defend it from the French The people of Provence came neer to Varo where they did and received some prejudice but hearing of the Truce which was made at Turin they returned back and the French Fleet which was feared would assault the Town at the same time either had no such intention or as the people said and thought was kept from acting any thing by a thick mist. The French pretended that this action of the Prince Cardinal in taking Nice after the Truce was made was undoubtedly a more open and manifest breach thereof then the Dowagers bringing in of French into Susa especially since it was done by one party to the great prejudice of the other And they thought that Prince Thomaso had also broken the Truce who when it was made obtain'd a Declaration from the supream Senate of Piedmont for the putting of Caesars Decree in execution touching the Guardianship and Regency to the prejudice of the Dowagers Affairs which were chiefly in question though she in defence of her right and to keep her Sons sovereignty indemnified which she thought was intrench'd upon by Caesars Decree made the supream Senate of Savoy declare both the Emperours Decree and that of the Senate of Turin-hall But because the Governour of Millain and the French did truly observe the Truce the rest did nothing to discompose it but onely complained all the time of the Truce the Fortifications of the City of Turin went on and the French furnish'd the Citadel with whatsoever it wanted during the Truce some composure was also treated on between the Dowager and the Princes For the Princes presupposing that their advantage in Forces should make the Dowager willing to divide if not the name at lest the substance of Guardianship and Government with them and being desirous also to make the people see by these overtures of Treaties that what they did was out of necessity and not of choice they sent Messarati a great Confident of theirs to Susâ—… â—…o propound some terms of accommodation to the Dowager which were That she should be Guardianess and Regent and they her Assisters or Coadjutors that all writings and dispatches should be signed both by her and them that the Governours and other Officers should be joyntly chosâ—…n by her and them and that the publick Revenues should be also disposed of and managed by them joyntly These Proposals were neither wholly rejected nor wholly accepted but thus moderated by the Dowager That the signing which was desired by the Princes should be granted them in things of greatest importance as in Leagues Agreements made with Forreigners Alienations Marriages in making perpetual Leagues and the like And touching the chusing of Officers that they should have leave to except against any that they should not confide in in the Offices of greatest concernment And as for the Revenues that proposal was totally rejected No mention was made here that the Dowager should quit the League made with France nor that the Princes should pass over from the King of Spain's party to the French a chief point and which was the basis and foundation of all agreement from whence it might be seen that these Negotiations had rather semblances then substance But the French who saw how hard it would be for them to maintain the Citadels of Turin and of Cassalle the one being in an Enemies Countrey and the other far from any places which were held by the French and environ'd with Spanish Garrisons they began to bethink themselves how advantagious it would be for them if they could win over Prince Thomaso to side with their King by which they should not only secure both the Citadels but should re-gain many places of Piedmont by means of the peoples favour who they saw were much inclined to Prince Thomaso They thought therefore to draw him over to them by large gratifications they made very advantagious offers to him wherein in process of time and upon occurrences they enlarged themselves The King was gone from Paris to Dolpheny the more to countenance his Sister and the Affairs of Piedmont and when he was come to Grenoble he was desirous to speak with her and sent for her to come to him She very willingly pass'd the Mountains and went to see the King with great hopes of receiving comfort from him in these her so many and so sad afflictions but instead of comfort or consolation she found her self wounded with yet a more mortal accident then all the rest Cardinal Richelieu being as he always was desirous to improve the Grandezza of the Crown of France not content with such Towns of Piedmont whereinto the Dowager had consented as hath been said that French Garrisons should be put nor being content with the very Citadel of Turin which was lately assigned over by the Dowager into the hands of the French made the King desire her that she would permit that a French Garrison under a Piedmontese Governour might be put into Mommiliano the only refuge and as may be said the sacred Anchor of the Principality She had no readier answer for this so unexpected demand then her tears which pour'd abundantly down from her eyes which as they mitigated the Kings desire so did they the more exasperate the Cardinal Richelieu's acrimony who was the Authour of the demand who treating thereof afterwards with the Dowager tried first to win her consent thereunto by Reasons saying That since she was to fear her husbands Brothers and that she could not trust much in her Subjects she ought to resolve upon nothing but upon throwing her self into her Brothers arms and absolutely rely upon him And when he saw he could not work upon her by his reasons and found that her denial proceeded from her Counsellors who were by her who perswaded her never to yield to any such demand he strove to terrifie them
have a little deviated us The Truce being concluded and the Duke of Longueville being gone as hath been said into Alsatia the Cardinal of Vallettaâ—…ed â—…ed in Rivoli being much distasted and anger'd at the heart by reason of the unfortunate success which had hapned in his Generalship the blame whereof he saw was laid upon him and his Brother the Duke of Candale who was joyn'd with him in the Government of the War died seven moneths before him in Cassalle so the Arms of France in Piedmont wanting a Commander in chief the King of France sent Henry of Lorrein Count d' Harcourt thither to be his General he who by his Fleet at Sea had happily recover'd the Islands of Provence from the Spaniards who being come to Piedmont a little before the Truce was to end being desired by the Nuntio to prolong it seemed very willing thereunto yet the effects shewed that he dream'd of nothing less then of consenting to any the least delay but he appeared otherwise that he might lull the Governour asleep and make him negligent in making provisions to the end that when the Truce should be expired they might fall to War again as he was resolved to do his reason of not proroguing the Truce was the necessity of relieving the Citadel of Cassalle which was ready to be lost if it were not speedily relieved On the contrary the Governour of Millain though by his Speeches and Demonstrations he seemed to be wholly averse to the prorogation yet he desired nothing more in his heart then that the Truce might be prolonged out of his thirsting after the same Citadel of Cassalle which being but weakly garrison'd and being every where begirt with Spanish Forces he knew that by a long Siege it would fall of it self into his hands and thought that it was reduced even to extremity but Prince Thomaso who desired more to make the Citadel of Turin sure then to gain that of Cassalle and who contrary to his will had given way unto the Truce was unwilling to have it prolonged neither did he believe it would be for that the new General as well as the Governour foreseeing how prejudicial the prorogation would be to the Citadel he was sure it would never be granted he therefore admonished the Governour not to suffer himself to be fed with vain hopes nor to trust the enemies fair speeches who as soon as the Truce should be expired would assuredly march into the Field wherefore he exhorted him to be prepared lest he might be assaulted at unawares The Governour was of another opinion either out of his desire of seeing the Truce prorogued or being detained by the inconveniences which lying in the Field bears with it or by reason of the great expences for necessary preparations which believing that they would be superfluous if the prorogation should succeed as he believed it would he desired to spare and finding that Harcourt could not be rid of the Nuntio who continually sollicited him to prolong the Truce he argued that he had a good mind thereunto but being at last ascertained by the Prince that the French who were quartered abroad in several parts of Piedmont during the Truce now that it drew neer to an end went to joyn with their General who lay in Carmagnuola he began to be un-deceived wherefore going from Millain he went but not with all his men to Pavia and from thence to Asti where he tarried observing the enemies proceedings who giving still good words and holding on the treaty more then ever would not suffer the Governour to despair of a good conclusion which he strove to make him believe was now neerer then ever at last Harcourt making an express Messenger appear at the very expiration of the Truce who feigning to be sent from the Court brought him precise Orders from the King not to prorogue the Truce but to carry on the War he bad farewel to all Negotiations and also to the Nuntio who out of hope of obtaining a prorogation did study it much The French when this feigned Post appeared were ready drawn out in order so as the General at the same time that he dismiss'd the Nuntio commanded them to march toward Montcalleri they being about 9000 fighting men whereof about 7000 Foot and the rest Horse those Piedmontese being numbred in who were come to joyn with him under Marquess Villa The Governour understanding contrary to his expectation that the Treaty was over went from Asti to Villafranca where he heard from the Prince that the French marched to Cheri and therefore he counselled him to draw neer to St. Paolo and to the Towns within a mile of Villafranca by the neâ—…ghbourhood whereof he might secure Cheri and oppose any design of the enemy without exposing his men to danger being so neer Villanova he sent him word that he would come out of Turin with 2000 Foot and 600 Horse and that he would come to Cheri by the way of the hills so as the enemy being assaulted by one of them before and by the other behind he might undoubtedly be discomfited Cheri is a Town of large circuit abounding in all things full of Inhabitants and being one of those which made up the circle of the siege of Cassalle Harcourt having cast his eye upon it thinking that if he should take it he might open a sure and fit way to send relief to Cassalle which was now his chief intent There were but five hundred Dutch in Cheri who were sent thither when the Truce was expired by the Prince under Colonel Formestre together with some troops of horse too small a number for so great a circuit The Governour of Millain sent the Prince word from Villafranca that he would advance and wish'd him to do the like from Turin to the end that enclosing the Enemy between them they might easily rout them But fortune often makes a laughing stock of the best grounded designs the Governour being come to the foot of a hill which was the mid-way between him and Harcourt and which kept the French and those of Cheri from discovering the Spanish Army The Governour defer'd passing over this hill till the next day which if he had done the same day as undoubtedly he might Harcourt would not have dared to attempt Cheri for fear of being assaulted by the Governour whom he would have seen upon his back and the Inhabitants and Garrison of Cheri encouraged by the Governours being so neer would have done more then they d d in their own defence but no opposition appearing Harcourt came to the Town from whence-six Troops of Horse issued forth and skirmished four hours space with 400 French Horse which were the first that appeared But afâ—…er a long fight the main body of the French Army came up unto them which forced the others to retreat to Cheri upon whom the Gates of the Town being shut lest the enemies Horse might enter a long wâ—…th them they ran as fast as they could towards
two Castles neer this part of Moniferrat where the French were as yet who defending themselves better then it was thought they could have done he sent the Marquess of Caracena thither afterwards with his Brigade and with some pieces of Artillety who drove the French from both those places and reduced them to his power within three days space thus the Governour having put strong Garrisons into the Towns of Piedmont and left 5000 Foot and 1000 Horse with Prince Thomaso undercamp Master Bolognino the winter coming on he retired with the rest of the Army to the State of Millain and having quartered them in several parts of that State he prepared all that Winter for the next years War this mean while the business was not given over between the Citadel and the City of Turin for as soon as the Truce was expired those of the Citadel began to draw neer the Enemies Fortifications by new Trenches and works under ground and having sprung a Mine a fierce Skirmish ensued by which those of the Citadel advanc'd to very neer the Trenches of the City and could not be driven from thence till the next night when the Princes Souldiers having also sprung a Mine under the Enemies new advancements they also made a great assault wherein though they were stoutly resisted and were repuls'd more then once yet they got the better of the business and made those of the Citadel not onely forsake the station wherein they were but forced them to retreat a little more backward then where they had been before they then fell to make use of their Artillery those of the Citadel endeavoured to beat down the great Tower in the great Piazza from whence they were play'd upon in the Citadel and those without strove to beat down the Keep within the Citadel from whence the houses of the City were beaten down by the Artillery of the Citadel and each of them obtained their ends but not alike for the Tower after above 2000 Cannon shot was beaten down to the ground and the Keep of the Citadel was onely beaten down so low as the City could receive no prejudice from thence but notwithstanding the City and Citadel continued plying one another with Musket and Cannon shot whereby many were slain and many hurt and amongst the rest Mounsieur di Cavogne Governour of the Citadel received a sleight hurt in the face and in this manner did things continue here all the Winter In which interim they forbare not to fortifie the City against the Citadel Harcourt being with them who were preserved at the Bridge gotten to Carmagnuola quarter'd his men in those Towns of Piedmont which held yet for the Dowager amongst which were Saluzzo with all the Marquisate Alba Fossano Chirasco Savigliano Bene Carmagnuola Chiavasso and yet Harcourt was not idle for he furnish'd the Citadel of Turin with such things as were chiefly necessary for some moneths and when the Governour of Millain was retreated he vex'd some Towns which held for the Prince he took Busca a Town between Cuni and Savigliano and passing to Rossona and Drovero they yielded to him upon conditions before his men came to him he went then to Rovello which having easily taken he quarter'd there all that Winter but the French were generally hated by the Piedmontese who taking up Arms denied to pay them usual contributions and abhorring their government declared themselves for the Prince who that he might not spend that Winter idely sent the horse which lay idle in Turin to scour the parts about Chiavasso where together with much other hurt which he did he streightned that Town very much which the French desired to relieve but could never do it the Governour of Millain met also with a no inconsiderable encounter wherein he lost five Troops of Horse which were quarter'd in Constanza and kept the territories of Canava from being overrun by the Garrison of Cassalle which Troops whilest they lay carelesâ—… there were assaulted aâ—… unawares by four hundred Horse which came out of Cassale who slew some of them took other some prisoners and suffer'd but very few of them to escape and yet all this while peace and agreement was treated on between the Dowager and the Princes not without desire to see it Effected The End of the Sixteenth Book THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY Book XVII The Contents YOu shall read in this Book the Treaties of Agreement between the Dowager and the Princes and the Interest between the Princes and the Governour of Millain how the Governour goes with a powerful Army to Cassalle how it is relieved by Harcourt how he fought the Governour before he could bring in the succour and had the better of the Fight and did not onely relieve but perfectly free the place Harcourt being victorious goes presently to Turin he takes the Capuchins Bridge over the Poe fortifies himself there and afterwards begirts the City with a vast line and endeavours to get it by famine Prince Thomaso being in it but ere long he seeth the Governour upon the Hills with a powerful Army coming to relieve the besieged Prince the Governour finding it impossible to bring the succour by that way tryes to get a pass over the River towards Montcalleri and having gotten it he passeth over the Poe where quitting the Hills he takes up new quarters and thinking to make the French abandon the enterprize by famine he possesseth himself of the Avenues by which Victualls were brought to the Camp so as they would have been quickly made to remove had not Prince Thomaso who was impatient of delay made the Governour to fall upon the Enemies Trenches and to relieve him so which falling out unfortunately and the Governour not thinking himself any longer safe in his quarters beyond the Poe returns to his quarters upon the Hills where he 〈◊〉 assisting the besieged in what he was able till the City was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which hapned two moneths and eleven days after the unâ—…te 〈◊〉 given to the French Trenches that the besieged City might be relieved Prince Thomasâ—… comes 〈◊〉 of Turin and retreats to Inurea 〈◊〉 â—…e it defined by Monsigâ—… Mazzarini who was come Embassadour from the King of France into Piedmont a little before Turin was surrendred to joyn with the Frenchie but Count Siruela coming to him from the Governour of Millian he makes new capitâ—…lations with him to joyn with the Crown of Spains and the Câ—…ns Della Rivera being sent by the same Governour to the same purpose to the Prince Cardinal the Embassadour Mazzarini having notice thereof forcâ—…th Prince Thomaso to joyn with the French upon conditions one of which was that the Prince should go to Paris within one moneths space which condition was not observed for the Prince instead of going to France passeth secretly to Nice where he and his brother â—…e connfirm their union to the crown of Spain to Rivera the Embassador Mazzarini who went to Nice to confirm the one Prince and to
make in Italy not only Cassalle with the Citadel thereof would fall into their hands but also the Citadel of Turin together with all the other Towns of Piedmont which being unfurnished of Garrisons and not able to hold out nothing could be imagined but that they would yield at the very news of the approach of the conquering Army To the easiness and advantage of this Course necessity was added for the enemy not being far off and the Army which was before Cassalle lying in the open fields divided into two quarters with a great interval between them not fortified either by Trench or Rampier it was impossible for them to resist the joynt Forces of the enemy without marching joyntly out into the field that therefore since the great store of rain and the shortness of time would not permit them to fortifie the Camp it was without all question necessary to joyn all their men into one body to march with them into the field to encounter the enemy with their accustomed bravery being certainly assured that not being able to withstand them they would rather run away then fight and so afford them occasion of a signal Victory which drawing many other Victories after it would put an end to the War and would render his Excellencies name immortal Two things stuck with the Governour touching this so good and glorious resolution First the doubt of the conflict that it might make way for the relief presupposing that when the conflict should be begun the enemy would send relief to the Citadel by another way and having gotten their intent would withdraw themselves from the battle whereby the taking of the Citadel which was thought would be soon done would be prolonged the other the Governours own genius who did naturally abhor pitch'd Battles and perhaps precise Orders from Court which forbad coming thereunto when it might be avoided both which were powerful occasions of the loss of a famous Victory which would assuredly have been gotten if they had fought and would have ruin'd the enterprise for if the Governour presupposed so much courage in the enemy who were inferiour to him in Forces as they might lessen their men when the conflict was begun to send part thereof to relieve Cassalle why had not he courage enough to send some of his men to oppose the succour and yet Harcourt made it be seen that dangers are overcome by encountring them not by avoiding them and on the contrary that to examine dangers and inconveniences too narrowly and to keep within Trenches expecting that good fortune should fall into ones mouth was nothing but to neglect the fairest occasions of overcoming to ruine enterprises and pull dangers and dishonour upon ones self The Governour being therefore not pleased to encounter the enemy nor shamefully to abandon the enterprise which he had begun with assured hopes of compassing it he chose a middle way which though frequently used in extream ruptures is usually dangerous and which in this proved directly ruinous and it was not to expect the coming of the enemy in open field that he might keep from being forc'd to fight but within a line of circumvallation which he gave Order should be presently begun and finished as soon as possibly might be so giving over making of approaches the face of affairs was in an instant changed and this new work being to encompass Mountains and Plains it required many Pyoneers to bring it to perfection and more men to guard it wherefore great store of Work-men were sent for from the State of Millain and the choicest of the Militia of that State and all this not seeming sufficient those were sent for back who were gone to take Rosignano and 1500 of those who were left in Garrison in Turin Prince Thomaso was also desired to come and assist in the enterprise with his Cavalry who though he very much resented that the Governour by going to before Cassalle had deluded his expectation of going to take the Citadel of Turin which he had so faithfully professed all Winter long he would do yet hoping for mighty affairs by taking the Citadel he held it not fit to break with the Governour upon this occasion nor by foregoing the Spanish party not only lose all his future hopes but all that he at the present enjoyed in Piedmont by means of the peoples favour taking therefore all things in good part and making a vertue of necessity he suffer'd that the Kings business should precede his and not thinking it fit to abandon the City he sent his bastard Brother Don Mauricio of Savoy to him with 800 of his best Horse who passing over after the taking of Turin from the Dowager who had made him Captain of the Dukes Guard to the Princes party was by Prince Thomaso made General of his Horse all which diligence proved altogether vain and insufficient for Harcourt made such haste as he prevented the perfecting of the line of circumvolution and besides they had not men enough by many to defend the vast circuit thereof it is true that the Hill above Cassalle being thought to be impassible by reason of the deep stiff clay they were not over careful of minding the Trenches there nor were there sufficient Garrisons provided for defending that part for the Governour held for certain that the very situation thereof was enough to keep the enemy from falling on that part The Army being in this condition before Cassalle Harcourt comes with the two Generals Villa and Pianezza to Rosignano where mustering his Forces he found them to amount to the number of 6000 Foot between French Piedmontese and Montferrians and to 3000 Horse part French part Piedmontese and the Governour continuing in his opinion that the enemy could do nothing of moment by the Hills and that therefore he would advance by the Plain he placed all his men to guard that part of the Trench towards the Plain where the Gattâ—…la falls into the Poe where he thought the enemy would come thinking that being stoutly resisted there and desparing to make his way on that side and much more by the Hill he would absolutely give over the business for it being impossible for him to maintain his Army which wanted all manner of things in those parts what could he do else but return to Piedmont but he was deceived for Harcourt coming from Rosignano and appearing within sight of the Plain about noon he made his Foot tarry upon the skirts of the Hills and being desirous to know the position of the enemies Camp and of the line of circumvolution before he did any thing he descended into the Plain together with the Signeior della Turenna della Motta Odancorte and di Plessi Pralin with Villa and Pianezza and with Roccacerviera Serjeant Major of the Battle back'd for his more safety by some Troops of Horse and advanced a little into the Plain where he staid till he had inform'd himself sufficiently and so return'd to the Hill some Cannon-shot were
the wisest of Reason the Governour who thought he had ventured too much already thought rather how to save his men that were not yet routed then to expose them to further hazard out of these respects the Governour chose neither to reassume the enterprize nor to do what was thought by many of the Commanders would prove successful in the siege of Cassalle who grounded their reasons upon the coming in of many men into Cassalle and but little victuals so as it must necessarily be brought soon to surrender these advises were therefore far differing from the Governours genius who was cautious in all his actions and too much cowed in this the quarters under the hill fared otherwise where there was no fighting nor battel but downright plunder on the conquerours side and running away on the conquered the conquerours found the Enemies quarters almost void of men but full of booty especially that of the Governour wherein were not only great store of Silver-plate and of other moveables belonging to the Governour and so many other Lords and Commanders that lodged there but also monies which were to be used in the enterprize which all fell into the hands of the French so as the Souldiers who were greedy of handling money loved not to handle Iron especially not having to employ it for all the Enemies were fled the Governours Cabinet was also Sack'd wherein many secrets were found and amongst the rest the of King Spains Cypher with all writings of account some of those that fled from hence got safe into Pontestura not being pursued by any but many of those very many which fled to the Bridge neer Margherita over the Poe were drowned for they crouded so fast one upon another as they fell by the sides of the Bridge into the River and the great number of men and cattle and some carriages did so overload the bridge as one of the Boats whereon it was built sank and so great was the number as well of men as cattel and carriages that were there drowned as they fil'd up the vacancy of the Bridge and those who were not yet past over saved themselves by passing upon the dead Carcasses there were not above a thousand of the Souldiers slain in the battel 2000 were wounded and taken prisoners amongst which some of the chiefest of the Army those who perished in the Poe were most of them victuallers and the poorer sort of people who follow after the camp Harcourt sent generously all the Governours servant who remained prisoners to their Master and Marquess Villa redeemed all those that belonged to Marquess Caracena and to Vasques and sent them to their Masters the writings also were sent back for some sleight rewards disbursed to those that had them in custody Harcourt being victorious by so happy and so important a relief to a place of such concernment with a number so far inferiour to those that were fortified within their works did not forget himself with this happy success but having scarcely refresh'd his men and furnish'd the Citadel with some Victuals he went two days after the victory towards Turin and being desirous to purchase yet more glory he thought he should have done nothing unless he should also set the Citadel of Turin at liberty and put the Dowager into the condition she was in as she did earnestly request the King his Agents and Commanders and as the King had strictly ordered his Commanders this could not be done without the perfect recovery of the Citadel of Turin whereunto he couragiously betook himself and whereunto he was much enheartned by the smallness of the Garrison that remained in the City from whence the Governour had sent for a good part to before Cassalle and Prince Thomaso had sent away 800 Horse and he thought that but small succours would be brought from without for he held for certain that the Governour from whom succour could only be expected would not hazard the remainder of his men after having been so baffled and beaten in the relief of Turin to the so great prejudice of the State of Millain he moreover was put in greater hopes by the scarcity as well of Victuals as of Warlike provisions which he had learned by discourse was in that City for he calculated that the French Spanish and Piedmontese which one after another had been fed in that City must have consumed all the Victuals that were there and the Poe being block'd up all the Winter on the one side by Chiavazzo on the other side by Carmagnuola he thought it impossible it could be furnished by that river and much less by land by reason of the great scarcity of Cattel that was in those parts he thought there was greater want of Warlike provisions by reason of the great profusion which necessarily must have been made thereof the preceding Winter in the many Mines Batteries Assaults and Fights between the City and the Citadel he also built much upon the Citizens good will not so much out of the inclination which many of them might privately have unto the Dowager as of the meaner sort of people who living upon their handy work which was fed by continual concourse and traffick they could not hold out long the Gates of the City being shut up so as it was thought impossible that they should hold out a siege long all which things though they had an appearance of truth yet the sequel shewed that they were badly calculated for none of them cooperated to that Victory which was thought so sure for the City as was afterwards known was provided with victuals more then needed and as for warlike provision which was that which they wanted most they wanted not witty new inventions whereby they got enough thereof they might want Defendants to free the City from siege but not to defend it the people and all the Citizens kept always constant in defence of the City and stuck close to the Prince and what made most for the main affair the Governour of Millain contrary to Harcourts supposal appeared within a few days with a powerful Army before the City ready to relieve it for having a little digested the misfortune at Cassalle he feared as it fell out that the Enemy would forthwith come before Turin and knowing how weak the Garrison was and what scarcity of Warlike provision there was in the City he immediately sent 1500 Souldiers thither part Italians under Marquess Sirra and Vercelline Viscount and part Burgondians under the Baron di Vattevilla all of them choice and Veteran Souldiers to which about 4000 others of several nations being added which remained under Bolognino in defence of the City they amounted to well neer 5500 Foot who were all to obey Don Antonio Sotelo General of the Artillery of the State of Millain who was sent thither with supream authority to command all the King of Spains Forces many loads of powder and other warlike tackling were added to this succour the Governour Writ fervently to the
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
no mercy with the enraged rout who refusing great sums of money to save his life allaid their anger in his death by which cruel action the Spaniards being highly incensed they likewise grew cruel so the conflict began to be very bloody The French were much rejoyced at this happy success who having already kept the Spaniards twice from passing over the River thought themselves sure of Victory and made publick fires of joy in the Camp witnessing it with three Vollies of Muskets and with discharging their great Guns but the City was as sad and the Spanish Camp grew very diffident both of them finding how hard a business it would be to pass over the River wherefore it appearing impossible for them to relieve the City as they intended they began to consult how to do it by diversion by going to Carmagnuola thinking that the French would not suffer Carmagnuola to be apparently lost for the uncertain hope of taking Turin and the Prince himself seeing how hard it would be for them to pass over there advised them to go higher up toward Villa franca 22 miles above Turin where the River being foordable they might throw over a Bridge without any opposition but Villa franca was judged to be too far off and that the march would prove incommodious as well in their going as in their returning and so great a march so neer the enemy was not likely to be made without being forc'd to fight wherefore that resolution was not taken and yet the Governour had so great a desire to relieve the Prince as he attempted to pass over once more a little below Montcalleri where the Poe dividing it self into three branches makes other two small Islands more commodious for passage then the former two above Montcalleri which had been unfortunately attempted and though the River was much swoln by the fall of waters and that the further shore over against these Islands was well munited with Trenches and Garrisons yet he resolved to send the same Gatta with greater Forces then before to make a trial Gatta being come to the shore side placed some pieces of Artillery there and embarquing some Souldiers in some Shallops he past them over by night into the Islands who when the Souldiers were landed they began to send over materials for Fortification in the same Sciffs so as they made Trenches with great diligence in the second Islands before day break and before the enemy were aware but at last being awakned by the going off of a Musket which unfortunately took fire they presently put themselves in defence This going off of the Muskeâ—… instead of disturbing them in their Works made them work the harder so as about break of day the Islands were wholly cover'd with Trenches and in a good posture of defence both the Generals hasted immediately to the two several shores to provide against so sudden and so unexpected an accident upon which the main affair of the whole business was thought by both parties to depend by the Spaniards for encouraging the enterprise by the French for the disturbance thereof The French strived five times to fortifie their shore with new better Fortifications but were still beaten off by Musket-shot from the Islands and by Cannon charg'd with small bullets from the opposite shore with great slaughter to their men notwithstanding that the chiefest of the Army were sent for thither to defend it nay though Souldiers were drawn thither out of the Citadel and the Governour of the Citadel invited to come and hinder the passing over but at last giving over the defence of their shore Harcourt withdrew his men so far inward as they were out of the reach of the Spaniards Muskets which were placed on the side of the Island and made them stand ready to play upon those whom they should see first appear upon the assaulted shore The Spaniards when they saw the shore abandoned failed not to throw over their Bridge and to fortifie the head thereof where they began a Half-moon about the making whereof whilst a hundred Souldiers were very busie a good strength of Horse and Foot appeared on the shore to hinder the work and to drive away the Work-men who according to Orders which they had râ—…ceived retreated over the Bridge back into the Island and the Bridge not being yet well fastned broke so as 25 of them fell into the River and were unfortunately drowned yet a hâ—…il of Muskeâ—…-shot mix'd with the thunder of Cannon continuing from the Islands which made much slaughter amongst the French who were upon the Plain beyond the River Harcourt was forced to cause a Retreat to be beaten and not only to abandon the shore but even the Plain which was full of dead bodies and retreated to within the line of circumvolution leaving the Passage free to the enemy who fastning the Bridge better past over the Poe victoriously and became masters of the Plain which they had valiantly won and much to their glory as many of the French if not more were here slain as were Spaniards in the first attempt and many of them were wounded amongst which the Governour of the Citadel and many of the Souldiers of the Citadel were slain so as expecting to be assaulted within their Trenches the French fell diligently to finish their line of circumvolution making new Forts thereupon for their more safety and Harcourt having found by experience what scarcity of bread the besieged underwent by taking away the water from their Mills he attempted once more to take it away by a greater diversion he therefore immediately caused greater banks to be thrown up against the mouth of the Channel which being the worst of evils that the City could undergo the Citizens and the Prince endeavour'd to disturb that work and to put the water into its wonted course but they could not do it for a great many of the French assisting in the work defended the Work-men and kept the enemy from hurting them and from impeding the work but going thither afterwards with greater forces they made a gap which brought water to three Mills but this lasted but a while for the bank was quickly made up and the Mills went dry as before yet some Hand-mills being in this interim made the scarcity was by continual labour lessen'd and the City was somewhat better provided of bread but the people were more afflicted when hoping by the Armies so glorious and so victorious passage over the River to see it apply it self presently to their relief and freedom they saw it lie idle in the Plain which it had won and that it did not any thing to shew that it câ—…red for the welfare of the besieged which made them all complain grievously That which kept the Governour from acting was that he might fortifie himself in the place which he had taken against the â—…allying out of the enemy and that it might not be in the power of the enemy to draw him out to battle there
accomplishment of the enterprise if it had been entirely executed as the Prince advised He sent Don Carlo della Gatta with a good number of Horse and with about 4000 Foot to Collegno to the end that quartering and fortifying himself there he should do what the whole Camp was to have done if it had gone thither which was to block up all the avenues from succour and victuals Gatta past succesfully on with his men to the place appointed by the way of Mille Fiori though a thousand Horse went coasting along by him which came out of the line of Circumvolution For the Prince sallying at the same time out of the City had faln upon the Enemies quarters toward the Dora and the Governour was gone to give a feigned Allarme to Vallentino and the Garrison of Cheri being recruited by the Trades-men had at the same time assaulted the fortifications which were above the Capuchins So as the French being diverted into many parts could not much impede Gatta in his passage who coming to Collegno drove out the French Garrisen and being master thereof began immediately to fortifie it better The Governour also instead of taking Grugliaseo look Bianesco which stands upon another way which leads from Pinarvolo but a little lower then Graliasco and consequently neerer the quarters of Montcalleri by which the besieging Camp was somewhat more streightned and almost as much besieged as the City The taking of Collegno caused much jealousie in Harcourt who apprehended that his Trenches might rather be assaulted on that side then elsewhere and they being weaker then the rest he put stronger Garrisons into them and fortified them better towards Collegno the same day that Gâ—…ta came to Collegno he met with a fair occasion of intercepting a great conduct of Victuals as he did and of routing a Regiment of the Dowagers which served for a Convoy thereunto he also defeated 500 Horse and 500 Foot of Count Verrua's which were coming from Susa to the Camp and either slew almost all of them or took them Prisoners except the Count who got safe with some Horse to the Camp Vincenzo della Marra a Neopolitan Gentleman took also 60 load of Corn and utterly defeated the Convoy and the Governour having sent the Horse of his quarters towards Millefiori had a gallant Skirmish with the Enemy where the Corps de guard which were therein was totally put to the sword at the same time or a little before the French having thrown a Bridge over the Dora between the Meadows called Vanchiglia and the New-Park which made very much for Communication between the quarters of the Burgo and of the Capuchins with those beyond the Dora the Prince took a fancy to try whether he could deprive the enemy or no of that conveniency and free the City of the inconvenience which might result by the communication of those quarters by means of that Bridge he to this purpose Sallied out by night very strong both in Horse and Foot and though he cut the Ropes in sunder which fastned the bridge on this side yet the enemy easily mended it and put it into it's former condition and made some fortifications for the safety thereof the Prince being desirous to attempt the same again he sent Don Mauritio with 300 Horse thither and Marquess Serra with two squadrons of Foot one Spanish one Italians these sent Fra. Iovan Pallavicino with some Foot to discover the Bridge who finding it newly fortified whilest some sleight Skirmishes past between him and the Enemy they might see five companies of Horse come from the Borgo and advance towards them to cut them off from joyning with their companions against which Don Mauritio's Cavalry advancing Fra. Iovanni had conveniency to withdraw to a place of Safety and incorporated himself with Serra who went not onely to shelter Don Mauritio's Cavalry with his squadrons of Musketiers but to fall upon the enemies Horse which were forced with much loss to face about and get into a place of safety and though some other squadrons of Horse came from Vallentino to relieve him yet they came not time enough for they were de ained by the Cannon which played from the works of the City and by musket-shot which poured down from the Walls but the Bridge not being ruined neither by this second attempt the Prince threw another Bridge over the same River that he might pass over to the other shore when he pleased and receive any succour that might come by that way a difficult business for all the Bank beyond the River was defended by a Battery levell'd against the Mills but the knowledge that Marquess Villa who together with Pianezza was quartered there was gone with most part of the Piedmontese Horse elsewhere and the Enterprise being intended at the third hour of the Sun when the night Guards being relieved grow remiss encouraged them to the Enterprise which was wholly given to Bâ—…lognino who going forth with Horse and Foot threw over the Bridge with little loss over which the Foot pass'd the next day part of them were sent towards the Park against some Foot which guarded a Redout which was over the against the old broken bridge of the Park which Redout being assaulted and the Defendants cut in peices was taken the other part went to assault a body of men who guarded a half Cannon placed over against the new bridge who being routed the half Cannon fell into the assailants hands which they began to draw towards the Dora but Pianezza hearing thereof strove to repair the loss He therefore headed two squadrons of French Horse which were in that place and the ordinary Troop and spur'd on a pace to assault the Enemies Horse and skirmishing fiercely with them the half Cannon and those that carried it away put to flight the Foot with some of the Horse past back over the Dora the rest were chased by Pianezza towards the Park yet were the takers but little prejudiced for the Enemy having in the heat of the pursuit left the half Cannon behind them they immediately took it again and brought it to the banks of the Dora where it was under good shelter and being impossible to be recovered it was carried in triumph into the City But the French were as well damnified by the Garrison within the City as by the Army without for together with the continual pressure of victuals the Garrison of Collegno having ransack'd the Country as far as Pinarvolo had spoiled the mils which were not far from that Town and put the Town in such a terrour as it kept the Gates shut for many dayes And Gatta going with 1000 Horse afterwards into those parts fell upon St. Secondo a Town neer Pinarvolo where he kill'd 200 Dragoons and took their Captain Prisoner The Prince Cardinals Horse likewise which were sent as hath been said to the Spanish Camp being come from Beinesco under Count Broglio fell upon Rivalta cut the Garrison in pieces and made themselves Masters of
joyn with him in excluding the Spaniards and he was almost certain that the Governour to shun greater inconveniencies would give way that the Citadel should rather remain in his hands then in those of the French The Commendator Pasâ—…ro one of much experience and in great authority with the Prince was cry'd up for the Author of these counsels which being divulged about the Court were approved of by the Piedmontese nobles as those who being naturally more inclined to the French then to the Spaniards apprehended that to fall under the Spanish Empire was the worst of evils that could befall them They therefore thought that to keep from that misfortune they had best embrace any thing how slender so ever and expect better fortune The Prince being oppress'd by the nearness and by the greatness of the danger which though it was foreseen when a far off yet was it never so inevitable nor formidable as now Being therefore resolved to do all that was possible he sent a Letter to the Governour on the seventh of Iuly wherein he signified unto him that he could hold out no longer and that if he were not relieved within four dayes at the furthest he would without more a doe accept of the French offers and would surrender the City Which Letter was very unfortunate for the Prince and for the business in order to the relief and to the raising of the siege was the ruine of the common affairs did overthrow the Princes cause and on the contrary raised the French Army out of the extream precipice and danger whereinto it was more then manifestly brought The City was not effectually in so great streights as the Prince would fain have made it been believed to be for it had great store of Corn nor did it want grist as before that default being much supply'd by hand-mills which were daily made And though in conforminy to what the Prince had writ the Governour was also informed by Don Antonio Sotelo of the aforesaid wants who though he was chief of the Kings men and affairs that were handled in the City had upon many occasions appeared apâ—…e to please the Prince then careful of the Kings concernment yet the Governour had received contrary intelligence from other Captains and in particular from Marquess Serra who looking more narrowly into affairs knew that the City might hold out longer and woe his mind freely to the Governour and did assure him that there were those who had offer'd to maintain the City with bread for two moneths at no exorbitant rates Which offers the Prince refused as thinking them impossible to be performed and though there was more want of powder then of bread yet it was found that the City held out and made stout sallies upon the Enemies quarters twenty days after the eleventh of Iuly and yet had received no recruit in powder and the danger of the French succour which was said to be very neer proved vain for La Gatta being stronger in Collegno then the relievers who were not above 4000 Foot and some Horse it was impossible for to pass that way or to force the Garrison The Governour seeing himself taken off from continuing his designes and bereft of the victory which he so longed after and was neer getting by the Princes so precise pressures and resolute proâ—…estations he was much astonished and was the more confused for that by letters which he received at the same time he was informed as hath been said that the City was in a far different condition from what it was represented to be in by the Prince so as suspecting the Princes pressures must needs ayme at some hidden end amongst many things which he thought upon at last he light upon one or two either that the Prince had closed with the French or was upon agreeing with them And that therefore that he might the better honest his surrounding of the Town he put him upon the poynt of speedy relief that so he might provide for himself abandon the King of Spain and bâ—…ake himself to the King of France or else that he would revive his claim to putting of a Garrison into the Citadel The Governour had alwayes proceeded so reservedly with the Princes as without either assuring them of his intent or making them despair he had still held them in expectation that they should be pleased and they were always confident to have what they pretended unto either with his will or against it wherefore he was forc'd to vary his determination in the Enterprise though it proceeded on very successfully and to put the certainty of Victory upon the uncertain chance of a Dye He therefore began greatly to doubt what peradventure was true he knew no better way how to avoid this exigency then by feeling Paseroe's Pulse with offering him six thousand Pistols to procure the Prince to delay his expectation of succour for fifteen days to the end that he might the better attend the keeping out of that relief which was expected by the enemy from France hoping nay firmly believing that if that succour could be kept out the Siege would be raised before the desired time of delay should be expired and that by this means he should not need adventure his Forces in relieving the City The care of this was committed to Marquess Serra who was chiefly trusted by the Governour in carrying on this Siege but this Negotiation not being to be ended so soon by reason of the difficulty of giving and of receiving advertisement and for that it becomes those that negotiate in such affairs to wait the conjuncture of times the eleventh day being come before the Negotiation was ended the Governour who had precise Orders from the King not to give the Prince any occasion of foregoing his party he suffer'd himself to be pul'd on by necessity and by the Prince his inclinations as one doth sometimes who rides an unruly horse and resolved to please him he therefore agreed upon the doing of it in this manner The Governour was to go from his quarters of Montcalleri and Gatta from his of Collegno upon the break of day on the eleventh day upon the sign being given by certain fires and should fall upon the enemies Trenches Gatta was to assault those which were between the Porporata and a certain Channel which is called Martinetto and the Governour those which do terminate on the banks of Poe neer Valentino that the same night 1000 Horse should be sent to the Prince by a Foord over the Poe which being joyned to his Horse might enable the Prince to sally strongly out of the City that same night and face the enemies Horse The Prince was to go with this recruit of Horse and with the Spaniards which were with him towards Valentino to facilitate the Governours entrance on the innerside and to the end that these three which were the chief actions might succeed the better the Governour was to place eight piece of Cannon upon the hills beyond
the Poe and to play therewith upon the tops of the Trenches and drive the enemy from thence and so facilitate the assault that was to be given on that side Divers provisions also were made to the same purpose thus The Dragoons and Croats were to be sent to scoure along the other parts of the Trenches to keep them in aw with feigned assaults and intent upon defending themselves Don Silvio of Savoy was to advance towards la Stura with the Horse that were without and was to fall upon the Quarters beyond the Dora or at least to seem as if he would do so The Mountainers beyond the Poe were to assault the Forts upon the Capuchins Hills with the Horse which were of the Garrison of Cheri These three diversions were to be made at one and the same time to the end that the besiegers being assaulted on these three sides might not come to assist the Trenches which were to be assaulted by the Governour and Gatta things being thus ordered an accident hapned which made the Governour alter the hour appointed for the assault he heard that the succour from France was come to Giavenna a Town five miles from Collegno and searing that if Gatta should go to give the assault by break of day he might run danger of being fallen upon by the French who were the Convoy for the succour on the back he ordered him to forbear falling on till noon when if the French should not move he should and according to Orders should give the assault but if the French should be already moved he should keep within his quarters till he should receive new Orders Gatta heard by his Scouts that the French would not move that day whereof he advertised the Governour and being come four hours before Sun-set to the Trenches he fell couragiously upon them with 4000 Foot and 2000 Horse his first assault was bravely received and at last he was repuls'd and had some of his men slain amongst which Camp-master Emilio Ghiglino la Motta who was in defence of that part with his Regiment discharg'd the part of a valiant Souldier and judicious Commander but coming with more vigour to a second assault the Foot scaled the Trenches and making way for the Horse the Horse and Foot joyntly entered who had they been more considerate this very action had freed the City for the breach which was made being made good by Garrisons and Fortifications the Line was open and at the disposal of the Governour who without forcing the Trenches at Valentino might have entred by this breach and have destroyed the besiegers and broken the line of circumvolution and if he had not resolved to put himself to this hazard by keeping that breach in his possession he might have sent what succours he had pleased into Turin so as the besiegers losing their hopes of the Siege would have risen of themselves and have given the business over but whilst Gatta when he had broke into the Trenches ran with his Horse towards the City according to his Orders received from the Governour to joyn with the Prince and cared not to guard the breach which he had made and whilst some of the Foot that were entred fell to plunder the enemies Huts and Pavilions and other some to pursue in disorder those that fled the French who were driven from desending the Trenches had time to get under the shelter of the Artillery of the Citadel and to rally and re-order themselves and being assisted by many others who were come from other parts of the line to help here they made a good body and turn'd upon the enemy who were in disorder and busie in plundering whereof they slew and wounded many and it hapned that Don Michele Pignatello Captain of the Rere who entred therewith when those that were entred before were ill handled by the French was assaulted as he would have defended himself and though he resisted stoutly yet having no Horse for they were all gone towards the City he found he could not well keep the field so spying a little Fort not far off between the City and the line of circumvolution he entred thereinto with the best of his men thinking to defend himself there but the Fort not being able to receive so many men those who got in resisted as long as their powder lasted and afterwards betook themselves to their Pikes but the defendants valour was overpower'd by the multitude of French who still encreasing in numbers took the Fort and put all the defendants to the sword except Pignatello and some Officers who were taken prisoners what with these and some others that were amongst the Tents 500 of the Spanish Army were slain but not without revenge for many more French perished amongst which two Camp-marshals twelve Lieutenants four Captains and seven Officers and Colonel St. Andrea was taken prisoner The worst that befel the besieged was that the French making use of the errour committed by the relievers presently made up the breach of the Trench which Gatta had abandoned and kept out 70 load of powder part whereof fell into the hands of the Enemy and part was carried to Collegno The Prince had no notice given him that the hour of assault was altered for the shortness of time and difficulty of giving advertisement could not permit it he therefore waited all that night in Arms with his men expecting an assault should be given at break of day and that the re-inforcement of Horse by Vanchiglia should appear he continued in this posture till noon but failing at last of his so long expectation and not expecting that any thing that had been promised should be performed he much unwillingly retreaed to the City and dismis'd his men who were very weary that they might repose themselves after their long watching and pâ—…ins which they had taken the preceding right when not many hours after he heard of the assault given by Gatta and not long aâ—…ter he might see the Souldiers appear victorious who brought him certain news of the succours being entred wherefore he suddenly summon'd all his Souldiers to their Ensigns and though he had not above 300 Horse with him he notwithstanding resolved to go towards Valentino to facilitate the Governours entry on that side according to agreement he took Tavora's and Serra's Brigades along with him and the Burgondian Souldiers and advancing with his Cavalry towards the Trenches be took the hedge which incompassed the Fort which shelters the way that comes from Montcalleri and Pioppi he sent others to get ground upon the Fort which defends Valentino towards the City and a number of Ciâ—…izens who went out with the Prince joyning with some of Serra's men took a redoubt first and then got in even to the Palace of Valentino which they took and plundred Gatta at this time joyned with the Prince together with 2000 Horse which were entred before so as being thus strongly recruired he advanced towards the Trenches which were then assaulted by
the Governour on the out side or ready to be assaulted and being gotten to Pioppi he took a Farm-house and a neighbouring Chappel which environed the Fort which was assaulted on the out side and though he saw the souldiers very desirous to fall upon the same Fort on the inside yet he held it better to restrain their forwardness till he might see the succourers Ensigns â—…dvanced in that Fort for the Governour at the same time that Gatta assaulted the Trenches was gone from his quarters to Montcalleri and went to assault Valentino but not with any intention of adventuring the rest of his Forces theâ—…e his chief end was to entertain the Enemy in desending that part so as they might not oppose Gatta who when he should have broken into the line of circumvolution was to joyn with the Prince and fall joyntly on the Trenches on the inside and assist the assault from without to the end that the Trench being thrown down both within and without they might raise the Siege and ruine the besiegers The eight Cannons on the Hill beyond the Poe had from the break of the day plaid uncessantly upon the Parapets of the Trenches about Valentino which were to be assaulted and having broken down a Bulwark which was neer the banks of Poe towards which the Governour sent Don Lewis di Lincastro with his Brigade and with many Ladders Bridges and little Huts after whom he also sent the other Camp-master Don Iovan Artiaga with his Brigade and with some of Prince Borso's and Don Pignatello's Brigades against a Fort which flank'd the way from Montcalleri and which was the same upon which the Prince expected to see the victorious Ensigns set but these and the rest being somewhat at a loss they occasioned some confusion yet they went on to an assault but though the assault were twice re-inforced they could do no good upon it but were at last forced to retreat wherefore the Governour finding that the aids from within were not answerable to his Forces without began to apprehend Gatta's success since he could not hear that he was entred so as night drawing on and having lost 500 Foot in that assault and six Captains he caused a retreat to be beaten and gave over the enterprise a more unfortunate or disastrous succour then this hath not been read of for it ended very unfortunately not only for that Gatta had no ways aided the Governour in his assault nor for that he had not guarded not kept open the breach he had made and whereby he entred but for that having carried neither powder nor victuals with him it served to no purpose for without these those that were entred were neither able to force the Enemies quarters nor to defend the City so as their entrance did but little good nay rather harm since they were to be sed by the Cities Victuals those who entred being as it were so many imprisoned Sampsons imployed in nothing but in turning about Hand-mills to supply themselves with Victuals and the City with Grift nor did the mischief cease here for the Governours Army being deprived of so noble a part of his men who being broken into the Trenches were there shut up was rendred unable for bringing any more succour and on the contrary the French Army was hereby freed from all danger it languished before for hunger and was only sed with slender hopes whether the succour which was expected from France would force its way or no through the Pass and opposition which was made at Collegno where their fear was certainly greater then their hopes but Gatta's assault removed all difficulties for that he might give it he had left but a small Garrison in Collegno and the Gates almost open so as the French succour made use of the occasion and almost beyond all expectation came the next day after Gatta's entrance to the Enemies Camp and having recruited it with Victuals and Men did in an instant free it from the misery it was in being almost ready to ask mercy of the Enemy or to retreat as it did at Cheri and made it frollick and couragious and of being almost conquered it became Conqueror and having no cause to fear the Spanish Army it became doubly formidable as well by the encrease of its own Forces as by the weakning of the Spanish Army The Scene of affairs being thus strangely altered new and more fervent rancours and reciprocal complaints arose between the Prince and the Governour and between their Souldiers and Captains each of them laying the fault of this disaster upon other The Governour that he was too much importuned to this action by the Prince and said that if he had continued a few days longer in his own course he had assuredly gotten a famous Victory without effusion of blood he also complained that the Prince had not assisted from within the assault which he gave without which was the occasion of all the misfortune on the contrary the Prince exclaimed horribly upon the Governour for that he had not sent him any Horse by Vanchiglia that he came not really and with all his Forces to assault the Trenches that he had altered the time appointed without giving him any notice and he also complained of some lesser failings which he said did concur to the misfortune of the success It would be too tedious to relate the bitter accusations which they laid one upon another or rather the redargutions which past between the fautorers of them both to insist upon which too accurately belongs not to the Office of a good Writer The Governour seeing this unfortunate success and the loss of those men who were entred the City without Ammunition bit his fingers ends for madness was grieved at the very heart and blamed himself for having suffered himself to be removed from his first resolution and considering that the mischief would be yet greater and irrecoverable unless he could find some means to send Ammunition of War into the City he cast about how he might do it and having long thought upon the business he could not light upon a better way then to convey it over by the Ford of the Poe called Margerita over against Vanchillia he therefore sent some loads underneath the Hill which coming into the Valley which answers upon that Foord they came to the River but the Governour having made signs to the Prince by some fires that he should send Horse to the River to receive them for all commerce between the besieged and the Spanish Camp was so block'd up as they could not converse but by such signs that now hapned which doth often times fall out that the signs not being understood but very little good was got thereby so as none appearing from the City at the Foord the Carriages returned back by the same way that they went And on the other side fearing what might ensue if no help were found out against this default got together as much Salt-peter and Sulphur as he
could whereby he provided though but in a scant measure for the necessary and daily defence But the Governours Forces being so dis-joyned as they could not be of any help one to another and finding that the Enemies Forces were not only refresh'd but recruited he began to bethink himself rather how to secure those men which he yet had then how to relieve the City or how to recover his losses so as giving over his first design of famishing or besieging the French Camp nay doubting the safety of his abode at Montcalleri he would provide himself of a more secure quarter Repassing therefore back again over the Poe over the which he had passed a little before with such glory and honour he went to his first quarters upon the Hills where he thought he might keep more safe from being assaulted where he might better defend himself and watch any occasion which should be offered of relieving the City which Harcourt perceiving he took a course that fearing less to be assauted on the other side beyond the Poe he might draw many of his Forces closer togeâ—…her and joyn'd them almost all in defence of the bridge and Capuchins Forts where he made new Forts and new Trenches that he might the better resist any attempt that the Enemy might make upon those confining parts Nor herewithal content having by experience known how easily the Enemy had made way to relieve the City what danger his Army had incurr'd by Gatta's entrance he strove to prevent the like disasters for the future He therefore began a second line of circumvolution which was two thirds lesser in compass then the former which though it needed a lesser number of Souldiers to deâ—…end it yet he drew a good part of the Garrison out of the Citadel to guard this second line which beginning from the furthermost angle of the Citadel struck strait toward la Dora and crossing the Dora ex ended it self a little further and then falling towards the Poe enclosed the new Park and then crossing the Dora again drew neer the banks of Poe and running along thereby to Valentino joyned in a crooked line to the Citadel from whence it began The Citizens were much afflicted at this second line whose numbers being encreased both in Men and Horse they were forced to let them partake of that Bread and Forrage which was hardly sufficient for themselves Finding therefore for certain that things could not continue long in this condition they began to think of a remedy Many entreated the Prince to attempt getting out of the City and to get with a good strength of Horse to the Governour and to try whether he could prevail more with him by his presence then by his Letters to do some gallant action for the freeing of the City more then he had yet done They wish'd him also to consider that when his person should be safe come what would come the common Affairs would not be so much damnified as if he should meet with any misfortune in his own person and out of this respect only he was sollicited by Letters from the Governour But the Prince reâ—…used absolutely to do so not being able to abandon his Sisters in the common danger who had followed their Brothers fortune with such constancy nor to forsake that Countrey where he was born a Prince nor those people who to maintain his Cause had put themselves into those troubles And this Proposal being absolutely denied it was resolved that Gatta who whilst he kept idle in the City by reason of the Souldiers and Horse that were entred with him was rather an incumbrance then a help should a tempt forcing the Line with the same Horse that he brought with him at the same place of the Porporata by which he had entred and should go joyn with the Governour whereby the City was to receive a double advantage which should thereby be eased of the great burthen of maintaining so many Horse and the Relievers should be made better able to assist it This motion was presently embraced and put in execution every one thinking that it might be easily effected for the Enemy having drawn almost all his Forces towards the hills had left all the other parts slightly guarded Gatta went out in the dark of night with the Neapolitan and Dutch Horse being guided by some Troops of Croats and one of the Prince Cardinals Troops led on by Count Broglia which carried spades and mattocks to throw down the Trenches and which might levell the way for the rest who kept with Gatta under the Bastion della Consolata expecting News when the way should be levell'd These went out and luckily threw down the first Line and afterwards though with some more difficulty the second but they met with a very great impediment beyond it which was a great ditch newly digg'd behind the Trench whereinto the water of Dora was brought and for their further misfortune the earth of the Trench which was beaten down falling into the Ditch and mingling with the water made it muddy and harder to be pass'd over Wherefore being astonished at this difficulty which they saw was not to be overcome whilst they were thinking what to do they were discover'd by the Enemy and though some of them escaped by wading through the ditch many notwithstanding who attempted the same stuck fast and not being able to recover themselves were taken Prisoners or were stifled in the mud amongst which Captain Lamas was one of the first the greatest part fled towards the City some whereof saved themselves some were slain or taken prisoners by the Enemy Gatta seeing this misfortune gave over his intended voyage and went into the City again which not being any wayes eased by its disgorgement returned to its former streights which the Citizens endeavouring to get out of and finding that the scarcity of Grist which was encreased by the many mouths which were added to the eating thereof was that which would hasten their deaths they attempted to open another channel to the Dora a little below the old and accustomed one which was notwithstanding much hindred by the Enemy The Engineers disputed very much whether the lowness of the Dora would not hinder the design but it proved easie though not without much danger and labour and expence of time for they could not work but by night by reason of the Enemies Musketiers yet in a months space they perfected the work but could bring water only to four Mills which was a great consolation to the City but this comfort lasted not long for the Enemy after having endeavoured by divers Batteries to beat down the Mills which were notwithstanding frustrated by the diligence of the besieged Harcourt made an out-let for the water on the opposite side of the River by which the water was turn'd away and the Mills were left dry it remained that some provision might be found out to furnish the City with Ammunition of War since by the abundance of Hand-Mills
which were made they provided sufficiently for Grist The Governour agreed with the Prince to send him 200 load of Ammunition at a certain hour of night which was to be conducted by Don Vincenzo Gonzaga accompanied by a good body of Horse which was to bring the supply to Motta's quarter whither the Prince was to send Horse to receive it but neither did this design prosper for the nights being very short and Gonzaga being to foord over la Stura and la Dora after he had foorded over the Poe before he could come to the place appointed he knew he could not get thither before the Sun would be up so as perceiving day break a little after he had gotten over the Poe and fearing lest he might be met by the way he returned back This night the Prince was come in his own person out of the City to receive so necessary and so desired a recruit and with him was Don Antonio Sottelo with all the Horse back'd by Marquess Serra with Foot and being come to the place appointed he was discovered and assaulted by the Enemies Horse The Prince withstood the assault manfully and after a sore contest repuls'd the Enemy wherein la Serra behaved himself gallantly who sheltering the Horse with his Musketiers afforded them conveniency of forcing the assailants to wheel about who being pursued left above 200 of their men behind them and five Captains wounded not above ten of the Prince his Forces being left behind amongst which a Dutch Captain who being stript was to the admiration oâ—… all men found to be a woman who having always kept company amongst Souldiers in mans habit was never known to be what she was but alway conversing like a man and fighting as valiantly as any man was in a few years gotten from being a Foot Souldier to be a Captain of Horse when she was taken her life was offer'd her if she would demand it but she scorning so low a behaviour chose rather with an undaunted spirit and high words to die honourably then to live a life which she should have obtained unworthily The day beginning to clear and the Prince seeing no Ammunition appear he ordered a retreat which was orderly and gallantly made even in the face of the Enemy though not without much grief for not being succoured by their long expected Ammunition but ere long the besieged were provided of Powder and all things necessary for defence by an unusual and never before practised or known way convey'd with safety and speed from the Camp to the City Commerce being block'd up as hath been often said between the Camp and the City so as there was great trouble of giving and receiving advice upon reciprocal occurrences and necessities a certain invention was found out by a hollow Bullet whereinto Letters were put and the hole stop'd up with a stopple made of a piece of Wire which being put into a piece of Artillery was shot from the Camp into the City and from the City into the Camp the sign being formerly given by a great smoak to them who were to receive it that they might watch where the Bullet fell by this means the Prince and Governour conversed freely such conveyance being to be sent hourly which were afterwards by way of mockery called flying Posts and as it is not hard to add to things which have been formerly found to succeed well this lucky and useful invention was improved in the conveying of Ammunition for War in bigger Bullets capable of fifteen pound weight of Powder which being more carefully squeezed together and put into a Mortar-piece were by the force of fire blown into the City over the Heads and Trenches of the besiegers who were very angry thereat and finally this invention served to furnish the City with Salt-peter and with Salt for want whereof it suffer'd much especially since men being glad for want of other meat to eat the flesh of horses this food eaten without Salt caused much sickness and mortality in the City above a thousand of these Balls or Bullets were thrown into the City which furnished the besieged with above 15000 pound weight of Powder Thus did the besieged behave themselves sparing their Victuals by parcimony and encreasing their Grist by Hand-mills and provided for their defence by this new device of flying Bullets comforting themselves with hopes of being one day freed from so many afflictions amongst these adventures it fell out that Monsieur d' Argenson and Monsieur di Govone who was Governour of the Citadel as they went from the Camp to Pinarvolo were taken prisoners by two Troops of Horse carried to Cheri and were by order from the Governour sent to Millain Argenson was President of the Senate at Grenoble a Gown-man but very well credited in Affairs both of Peace and War and of such authority as little of any moment was done without his approbation not only in the Camp but neither in all Piedmont The Prince and Governour were very well pleased with the taking of these two Gentlemen for having it in their thoughts to surprize the Citadel which was but weakly garrison'd a good part of the Gâ—…rison being drawn out and placed as hath been said in guarding 〈◊〉 â—…ard Line they thought that the Citadel would be the more eaâ—… 〈◊〉 now that it wanted a Governour and now the competition 〈◊〉 â—…he Garrison which had formerly been the occasion of all the scandal and of the ill Government of the present War and which as it were spoil'd and disordered all the common designs could be no longer an obstacle for the Prince having upon this occasion desired the Governour that he would give over his pretentions The Governour who saw all things in so desperate and ruinous a case was better content that it should fall into the Prince his hands then into those of the French and resolved at last though too late to please the Prince therein but this too late remedy served but little to the expiring enterprise The Prince when he had obtain'd his desire said for what reason it is not known that it was not now time to make the inâ—…ended attempt which made the Governour interpret the proposed enterprise in a sinister sence as if the Prince verily believing that he should have his desire denied had intended to take some fair pretence of concluding the treaty of agreement with the French which was never yet laid down so the design of surprizing the Citadel vanish'd diffidence and mis-understandings did daily encrease all was full of jealousie which discomposed all Negotiations Yet the Governour took no notice of any thing by reason of the precise Orders which he had from the King he continually provided the Prince with all things necessary and particularly with Powder though not without great expence he listned willingly to any thing that the Prince propounded touching the relief of the City but he interposed such difficulties in all attempts as retarded the execution till the occasion was
by the lower Valley and then take some little works not far from the aforesaid petty Forts and afterward the Forts themselves These difficulties did not at all trouble the Prince who thought they might all he overcome if all the Forces which could be raised in the City would go oâ—… unexpectedly by night and fall upon them He therefore desired that when he should have overcome all those difficulties and should be master of the bridge that the Governour should be ready with all his Forces on the other side to pass over the River by that bridge and joyn with him in suppressing the French Camp wherein he did not doubt of success And to the end that the weakness of the Governours Camp might not keep him from taking this resolution he ordered Don Silvio to joyn with the Governour with 1000 Foot and 600 Horse and that the Marquess Bagnasco should do the like with a thousand other Foot by means of which recruits and of 2000 Foot that were come from Millain he thought the Governour could not under pretence of weakness refuse the proposal He therefore acquainted him with his advice with his reasons for it and with the manner and form how it should be put in practice desiring and exhorting him that he would assist him on his side with all possible force and punctuality and joyn freely in this attempt which as it might justly be thought to be the last so he did promise unto himself it should prove the happy end of the siege and of the war He also writ unto him what was to be done for the happy conduct of the enterprise which was that he was to come privately with all his men about the going down of day and that he should be two hours before day at the foot of the hill that was nearest the Bridge where he should tarry till he saw the six squibs fly which he would give fire unto when he should be master of the bridge that then he should advance to the bank and joyn with him by the bridge concluding that he should let him know sometime that day whether he would do this or not for otherwise he protested he could hold out the siege no longer but was resolved to close with the French This proposal to boot that general diffidences made against it and the Governours wonted aversion to hazard more then he had already done seemed full of difficulty and danger and impossible to be effected and destructive to what both the Governour and the Prince was to do For as for the Prince he being to fight by night against an Enemy recruited by new and gallant Forces and many of the Nobility against several Trenches and Fortifications the attempt would be more then rash and as for the Governour though fortune should so favour the Prince his bold attempt as that he should make himself master of the bridge yet the other misfortunes remained which were to be met with in passing over the River for the bridge by which they were to pass over was not made of sound timber but onely sustained by small rafters and so streight as not above three foot could march over it aâ—…brest without sides or parapetets exposed on the one side to the Muskets of the bridge neer the Capuchins and behind to the Arillery placed upon the Capuchins Covent So as give it for granted that the bridge were both sound and firm those that should pass pass over it must needs be torne in pieces by the Musket-shot and by the Artillery and those few who by miracle should get to the other shoar not being shelter'd by those very little Forts they must necessarily be welcomed over by the Enemies Musketiers who would undoubtedly be come thither and would kill them so as they should not come to relieve others but to be slain themselves Out of these Reasons the Prince his design which was carried on rather out of a great desire of freeing himself then by any well weighed reason was not approved by the Governour But because the closing with the French and surrender of the City was added in case of refusal the Governour resolved to satisfie the proposal rather in shew then in substance The Prince was therefore inform'd that he should be satisfied according to his own manner and to this purpose the Governour moved the same night with his men towards the place appointed The Prince believing in the Governours correspondency betook himself cheerfully to the business he gave order that a thousand Dutch who guarded the Trenches opposite to the Citadel should at the sign of going off of a Cannon assault the Citadel to divert the Enemy in so important a place he disposed of the Ecclesiasticks and others of the weak vulgar in defence of the Walls he went out of the City himself with the rest of the Garrison and with such Citizens as were fittest to manage Arms and being full of hopes he appointed several parts for falling on to his best experienced Commanders he deputed others to defend those ways by which the Enemy might break in to disturb them all these Commanders did their devoire the line of the inward Circumvolution was broken and the other Fortifications taken then coming to the Bridge they also easily mastered the other smaller Forts so as the Prince seemed to have wholly pâ—…rformed his paâ—… The last thing that was to be done was to give fire to the squibs whereby to call in the Governour but he came not some said because he was killed who was to fire the squibs but this appearing to be too unlikely others said that the Prince knowing that the Governour was too far off to come in time enough with his men to his succour thought it was superfluous to give fire to the squibs which appeared to be less likely then the former alledged reason the truth was that the little Forts were not well taken when all the French flock'd in so fast as they were abandoned as speedily as they were taken those that defended one of them ran away and those of the other who made some resistance were cut in pieces so as there was no time to call in the Governour by firing the squibs who had he been come to the Bridge which was recovered by the French could not have gotten thereby over to joyn with the Prince The whole French Camp moved at the first going off of the Cannon which was the sign given by the Prince to his men to fall on and General Harcourt accompanied by a good body of men hazarded himself in the business but being entertained by Marquess Serra who was appointed to defend that station though he met with stout opposition yet more men coming in unto him he made his way thorow the Enemy in which conflict Serra fought valiantly but having lost his Serjeant-Major six Captains and many of his best Souldiers he was forced for safety of his life to throw himself down head-long into a Valley that was below General Harcourt
did at this time also run great hazard of his life being shot with a musket-bullet thorow the brims of his hat and thorow the lock of his hair and yet having rid his hands of Serra he hasted to recover the Bridge whither at the same time came also Viscount Turenna Plessis Pralin the Dowagers two Generals Count Tonniere and the chiefest of the Camp from several places who presently recovered the little Forts and when it was cleer day the Assailants being plaid upon by the Cannon from the Capuchins Covent the Prince after a long and stout resistance got gallantly out of the Conflict and retreated with his men towards the City having left behind him about 250 of his men whereof some were slain some taken and having slain as many of the Enemy Thus the attempt which was so orderly so vigorously and so hopefully made by the Prince vanish'd But the Prince not at all dismay'd by this unfortunate success quitted not the Enterprise he invited the Governour to make the same attempt the next night either after the same manner or how the Governour should otherwise please but he foreseeing the unlikelyhood of the attempt was further from it then before wherefore the Prince not having received an answer sutable to his mind seeing no hope of succour but that his condition grew daily worse to keep himself from being reduced to the utmost extremity resolved not to defer surrendring the Town any longer but yielded it up at last upon these Conditions That on the 22. of September the Prince should put the City into Count Hancourt's hands who was to receive it in the King of France his Name who would re establish it in the Regency of the Lady his Sister under the Sovereignty of her Son the Duke of Savoy That the Prince should be permitted to go whither he would and That it should be at the Infanta's will either to tarry or go out of the City and follow the Prince That the Spanish Garrison might have leave to return to the Governours Camp That the City should enjoy her Priviledges and That Justice would be therein administred as formerly in the Dukes Name That the Citizens should peacefully enjoy their Goods and Fortunes and That Hostages should be reciprocally given for the performance of what was agreed upon Nothing was concluded touching the differences depending between the Dowager and the Princes notwithstanding that during the Siege it was trâ—…ated on by the Marquesses of Pianezza and Villa the Dowagers Lieutenant-General in Piedmont and Abbot Mondino General Gunsiero and by Count Muzane in the Names of Prince Thomaso and of the Cardinal Nor was there any mention of the Princes their adherence to the Crown of France But three moneths were appointed for the discussing and concluding of these things Cardinal Richelieu seemed not to be any ways satisfied with this Agreement when he heard thereof being desirous that Harcourt should never have conseted that the Prince should have had his liberty without obliging himself to joyn with the King of France his party But Harcourt were it either that he found his Army much weakned or that he was transported with the greediness of Victory or that as a Prince of Noble descent he commiserated the misfortune of a Prince as highly descended and with truly generous and singular moderation he thought it greater glory to use a mean in Victory then to triumph fully after the dangers and troubles which he had undergone in this Siege he shun'd delay and deferred the discussion of this point which peradventure was of more importance for his Kings Affairs till another time The Articles being concluded such abundance of rain fell as the Rivers overflowed the Campagnia and hindred commerce so as the delivering of the City was necessarily defer'd for two days but it was resigned on the 24 of September four moneths and fourteen dayes after the fiege was begun The Prince march'd out of the City if not gloriously yet worthy of praise being rather content to let fall so principal a part of his pretentions then to dispute it further to the manifest danger of his State and of the Principality of his house it being certain and afterwards confest by the Prince himself that though he might often have taken the Citadel he cared not to do it left as it was very probable it might fall into the hands of others whereby the exclusion of the Duke his Nephew and of his whole Family might ensue the Infantas his sisters went along with their brother who though they were very much desited by the Citizens and by the Nobles of Piedmont as also by the French and particularly by Harcourt to tarry in the City with profers and promises to be honourably treated yet they would as they had still hitherto done follow the Prince in his Fortune almost all the Nobles that were in Turin and an infinite number of Citizens accompanied the Prince when he went out witnessing the like obsequiousness and constant devotion towards him at his departure as they had done during the siege He went that night to Rivoli and the next day to Inurea where he intended to reside The Spanish Garrison went to the Governour to Cheri he being retreated thither with his men from the hills who parted soon from thence to Asti resolving to make a Magazine of Arms there and he quartered his Horse and part of his Foot in the parts about Montferrat to refresh themselves after their sufferings in the siege Many of the French Nobility went into France and part of the Souldiery were distributed in the Towns near Piedmont and part kept in Turin whereof some few Horse and Foot were sent to re-inforce Cassale The City of Turin remained under Harcourts Government who after having governed it two moneths with much equity moderation and satisfaction to the people resigned it over to the Dowager who coming from Savoy into Piedmont made her solemn entry into Turin on the 18. of November where she was received not onely with triumphant Arches and new Gates of Stone made in the Walls but with unspeakable and universal applause of the People who had not forgot the clemency and benignity of her Regency A true example of the instability of popular affection which feeding alwayes upon novelty are as exactly cloyed with the present Governours as ready to embrace new ones nor was the Dowager wanting to her self upon this occasion she received them all graciously and as if she had forgotten all that was past she conferr'd her favours indifferently upon them all The first thing she did after her return was to abolish the Decree of the Senate which was made in favour of the Princes their Regency alleadging that it was extorted contrary to all right and reason by the violence of the Spanish Forces and the Cesarean Decrees were also declared null as repugnant to the Sovereignty of the house of Savoy which was never wont to receive Laws in the like case from the Cesarean
as the Spaniards should do the like with those Towns which were in their possession That he would help to make a match between a Son of the Princes and a Daughter of the Duke of Longevile's one of the richest Ladies of France and that he would co-operate in composing the differences between him and the Dowager together with many Pensions to be given to him the Prince to his Wife and Children Upon which account some moneys were disburst unto him in present to prepare him for his journey moreover some promises were made him that he should have some Territories given him out of such Lands as should be gotten in Italy whereby he might have where with to maintain himself and his posterity in a condition becoming their qualities it was agreed out of the same respects that this Convention should be kept secret and the Truce was prorogued for all February next The Prince also promised but not under his hand that he would cause the Castle of Asti to be delivered up to the French and he was not permitted to acquaint the Prince his Brother with any of these agreements so severely did the French press him in this agreement but his aversion to observe this agreement was as great as was their urging him thereunto to witness which the Castle of Asti was not delivered up though 500 Horse with men en Croupe came to it by night to receive it who having told the Sentinels that they brought Letters for Don Emanuel Brother to the Prince and Governour of the Castle were not admitted but were bid to come when it should be clear day when being discovered they were saluted as enemies by Cannon-shot both from the Castle and Citadel and the Garrison of the Castle which were Piedmontese was recruited by the Spaniards The Prince Cardinal having heard how great a blow he had received by the loss of Turin and how little the Governour had done towards the preserving thereof desired to find some way to preserve himself from ruine which he saw was not far off he therefore sent the Abbot Soldato one in whom he did much confide to the Court of France to lay the foundations of an union there which he thought to make with that King offering to joyn with him upon some conditions The chief whereof were three That a Lieutenancy might be permitted him in the County of Nizza and to keep the Towns thereof without any dependency upon the Dowager that the Guard anship and Regency should be absolutely in the Dowager except in matter of Peace and War Confederacies Alienations and the like That his Majesty should be bound to restore all the Towns to the Duke which he held of his within three years space together with any others that he should recover The other conditions were of lesser concernment and such as reflected only upon the Prince Cardinals own occasions The King abhorring that the Princes should hold so principal places whilst he should be prescribed terms of restitution denied both the Articles not without some disdain so the Abbot return'd to Nizza re infecta and the King having quickly notice of the Agreement made in Piedmont not doubting but that they would be made good was very well pleased therewith as was the whole Court and desired very much to see the Prince come who sought nothing more then to evade the performance of those Agreements which he profest he had unwillingly consented unto wherefore the time prefix'd for his going into France being come he did not much mind the taking of that Journey though he was much sollicited thereunto by the Embassadour Mazzarini and by the other French Agents but in lieu thereof he past thorow the States of Millain and Genoa to Nizza where being equally distasted as was his Brother with the negative which was brought from France they treated of the common affairs This so sudden departure of the Prince and so contrary to the late made agreement did and not without reason inâ—…use jealousie into the Embassadour Mazzarini who presaging the sinister influences which that conjunction as an ominous Constellation of so great Planets would cause went to Nizza to see whether he might prevent the imminent influence which he foresaw But all was in vain for the Princes were already almost agreed with the Spaniards so as being press'd by Mazzarini the one of them to persevere in the other to enter into convention with the French they answered that the Spanish Agents were at last perswaded to restore the Towns but that as the King of France offer'd to restore those that he held to the Regency of the Dowager so the King of Spain offer'd to restore what was held by him to the Regency of them the Princes The King of Spain had not really done this nor was there time enough past to have a positive answer in the point come from Spain nay it was at this very time agreed upon between the Princes and the Spanish Agents that the Towns should be garrisoned by the Spaniards in the same manner as they were at the present till the general peace should be made The Proposal was an artificial trick agreed upon between the Princes and the Spanish Agents for that all of them believing that the French would not accept of it the Spaniards might shun the odium which would be laid upon them for desiring to keep what they were possess'd of as also for that the refusal might make the Princes adhere the more constantly to the Spanish party And on the behalf of the Princes to the end that the same refusal might serve the one for a pretence of foregoing the convention which he had entred into and the other from thereinto entring The Embassadour as soon as he was come to Nizza hearing the proposals perceived their ends in it wherefore he immediately answered that it was ridiculous impossible and a thing procured by the Princes themselves Many were the debates hereupon the Princes endeavoured by fair words to perswade the Embassadour to what he could not believe and if the Embassadour should not agree to the restitution out of his mistrust of them they might have occasion not to confide in him who would not trust them but that if the business were rightly weighed it must needs by very advantagious for the Duke for thereby the Towns would be taken out of the hands of Forreigners and put in those of the Natives and would so come to be posses'd by the Duke A chief essential poynt which so it might be done the manner mattered not for means would not be wanting afterwards to accommodate that touching which the form of estitution appeared now strange And therefore if he could think of any middle-way which might satisfie both the Crowns they desired him to propound it for they would be ready to part with any thing that should of due belong to them so as the restitution might be made to the Dukâ—… at last adding intreaties to their reasons they endeavoured by all
means possible to perswade him not to give over the Treaty which was almost already brought to a conclusion shewing how much the King did not onely study to preserve the Dukes Grandezza but to encrease it Wherefore the Embassadour who was the King his Plenipotentiary ought not nor could not differ in opinion from his Majesty but was bound to observe it all these perswasions could not work upon the Embassadour who knew that the King would not permit that the Princes should have any thing to do in any of the Dukes Towns For this would not be to compose differences but to occasion greater dissentions to fortifie factions which the King thought made against his Nephew the Duke to foment discord and rather to encrease then to appeale War in Piedmont To shun which inconveniencies the King desiâ—…ed that the restitution should be made by himself and by the King of Spain into the Dowagers hands as sovereign Governess and Regent which being the ground-work wherein the Dukes Grandezza and safety did consist admitted of no allay much less of what was propounded by the Princes and held to be diametrically opposite to the safety of his Nephews Dominions Wherefore the Embassadour not thinking that the business would admit of a reply said that since the King of Spain would not restore the Towns into the Dowagers hands according to agreement the Prince was absolutely obliged to joyn with the King of France in the recovery of them He therefore parted from Nizza incens'd and with but little hopes that the agreed capitulations should take effect The Princes were not at all dismaid at his departure but as if they had had the better end of the staff and had justified to the world that the agreement had not been impeded by them they made use of the Embassadours backwardness and departure to justifie their inclination to peace to which purpose they published Manifestoes and endeavoured to lay the fault of breaking the agreement upon the Embassadour alledging that when the Spaniards made no mention of restitution the French were wholly for restitution but that as soon as the Spaniards mentioned restitution the French had nothing to say At last the Princes seeing the State of their Affairs reduced to the condition they desired thinking all Treaties broken with their advantage and to their reputation and all conventions made with the French abolished they agreed on the fifth of May the year 1641. in Nizza with the Embassadour Riviera and drew up in writing what they had spoken of the sum whereof was That the King should keep all the Towns he had in Piedmont till the geâ—…ral peace should be concluded which should not be made without including the Princes That Prince Thomaso should have an Army raised for him of 4000 Foot and 500 Horse whereunto he should be bound to adde 1500 Horse more and 2000 Foot of his own That the Prince should be General of this Army in the Kings name to whom he should take the same Oath that Generals use to do That this Army should be paid by the King by the hands of his Officers That the Prince should be bound with this Army to joyn with the Governour in defence of Piedmont the State of Millain and Montferrat That the Prince Cardinal should have a thousand Spanish Foot given him to defend the County of Nizza and 7000 Crowns a moneth allowed him for the maintenance of another thousand which the Cardinal should raise of his own men That neither of these Princes should treat directly nor indirectly with the French with the Dowager or any others without consent of the King or his Agents Together with many other Heads which concern'd their own private Interests This Agreement being confirm'd by Prince Thomaso with Count Sirvela in Segli a Village five miles from Genoa as the Prince returned from Piedmont was afterwards ratified on the 15th of April in Gaila a Town of the NOvarese by the same Sirvela who was chosen Governour of Millain The first point concerning the restitution of the Towns was moderated in a writing apart in point of the time of retention wherein it was agreed that in case the general peace should not be concluded within six years all the Towns except Vercelles should be delivered up to the Emperour who was to keep Dutch Garrisons therein until the general peace The change of the Governour of Millain did much good in the making of this agreement for whilst it was in treaty the Princes having made several complaints to the King of Spain against the Marquess of Leganes the King sent for him into Spain and had appointed Count Sirvela to succeed him in that Government who was as great a confident of the Princes as Leganes was the contrary and the Princes confidence being much encreased by the change of the Governour they betook themselves more heartily to the Spanish party and the rather for that at the same time Count Harcourt return'd to France and not long after Embassadour Mazzarini and l' Argenson all of them the Princes chiefest Enemies and after them many other Commanders so as the French Army in Piedmont was not onely much lessened in Authority but in Forces so as that fear ceasing in the Prince which had compel'd him to that Capitulation he thought he was now in a better condition of safety and liberty and that he might dispose better of himself and of his affairs he and his Brother being therefore resolved to joyn with the Spaniards who sustain'd them and to part from the agreement made with the French which reduced them to nothing Prince Thomaso gave over holding intelligence with the French about the end of the Truce who sollicited him to go to Paris and declared that he could no longer stand to the Capitulation out of many reasons particularly for that the things agreed upon were not kept secret they themselves having divulged it in the Court of Spain to the which he attributed the detaining of his Wife and Children and to aggravate their omissions the more he complained that that divulging was a trick used by them to the end that he the Prince being the more irritated against the Spaniards for that their denial might adhere the closer to the French but that the King of Spain being contented to restore the Towns notwithstanding the publication of what was to be kept secret as also to the restoring of his Wife and Children so as he would still adhere to him he could not forego such an occasion without offending the Laws of Nature which obliged him more streightly to so dear pledges then any thing else could oblige him to the King of France that it would certainly be too mad a resolution and for which he deserved to be for ever blamed if when he might re-have his Wife and Children and the Towns without any noise or trouble he should chuse to recover them by force of Arms by a thousand dangers and calamities by the tedious dangerous and uncertain delays
angred not only the French Agents and Commanders in Piedmont but also the Court at Paris which being held on by the long hope and desire of seeing a Prince appear as a Trophy of the Kings Grandezza who had been so totally alienated from him and finding themselves abused therein were much unsatisfied and Cardinal Richlieu who it was not known whether he would receive him graciously or not was not only offended to be so basely deluded but thought it a great affront to that he should be seen by the world to be so much mistaken in his trust and that he had thereby failed of removing that obstacle which had been so repugnant to the happy concourse of the Kings designs Likewise the King not being able to tolerate that his favour and protection should be so little valued was scandalized that a Prince who had neither Towns nor Territories nor any Authority but such as had been obtained by Treaties and which was dependent should so neglect him and his protection when in all reason he should have held it his greatest happiness to be received thereinto as into a safe Harbour he did also much resent it that the Prince in defence of his breach of word should alledge the anticipical publishing of the Agreement made in the Court of Spain he termed this conceit an abortive product of the Intellect and a shew of his sinister affection who had formed it The French Forces were as hath been said much diminished at this time in Piedmont but General Harcourt was shortly expected to return from France with a gallant re-inforcement of Foot and Horse those few French who were yet there were quartered about Chiavasso not far from Inurea at which their aim was and though the Commanders to cloak their design feigned some other intents yet the Prince being jealous of their neighbourhood as conscious of the wrong he had done them went to Millain and endeavoured to have from the Governour upon whose favour he did much build a certain number of men which being added to his own Forces might be sufficient to assault on the sudden one of the French quarters which lay in disorder beyond the Dora not far from Inurea hoping as he gave out to rout it with a dry head Turenna upon the absence of the Prince took occasion to assault Inurea To effect the which he sat down before it not waiting for General Harcourts return who was come neer Piedmont it was generally thought that he was put upon this by the Embassadour Mazzarini who having boasted in his Letters sent to Paris that he had brought the Prince over to throw himself at the Kings feet was troubled that he was cheated in his chiefest Negotiation Turenna having past over la Dora at Montalta about the midst of April 41 took up his quarters upon the neighbouring hill which commanded the Town and the Horse passing over not long after and the rest of the Foot they took up another quarter towards Vercelli Don Silvio di Savoy was Governour of the Town who was left there by his Brother the Prince when he went for Millain as soon as he saw he was assaulted he gave notice thereof to the Prince who was not then well satisfied with the Governour of Millain who had denied to send him the men he had desired wherewith to fall upon the French quarters but finding now how necessary it was to defend a place of such importance to the Prince he needed no intreaties but was very ready to assist him he therefore sent for his men immediately from their quarters which whilst they were assembling the oppugners having notice thereof caused some Cannon to come and plaid upon the City for two days space on three sides and having made 400 shot they gave a fierce assault there was but few of the Prince his Souldiers at this time in the Town the chief burthen of the defence lay upon the stout Garrison which was brought thither by Count Vercelline Visconte Camp-master and a gallant Souldier it consisted of Italians and Spaniards the latter under Don Pietro Gonzales Lieutenant to the Camp-master-general a gallant and well experienced Souldier subordinate to Visconte by whom the assault which was five times re-enforced being stoutly withstood it was five times more re-assumed in the space of four hours and as oft repuls'd wherein there died about 600 of the assailants amongst which many of the Nobility and about 100 of the defendants The Governour advanced this mean while with the succour and the Van of the Army being come to Bolegno three miles distant from the French quarters Harcourt who was now come to the Camp hearing thereof resolutely resolved to encounter it before the main body of the Battle and the Rere should joyn with it he therefore went towards them with the most of his men and they being fewer in number he would easily have scattered them had not the Governour and Prince Thomaso commanded Cavalier Aiazza to go with four Troops of Horse and some Foot from the Village Birvolo whither he was come to fall upon the French on the flank charging him to do all he could to entertain them till the Artillery and the rest of the Foot should come up who were not far off but Marquess Villa coming out against Aiazza charged him so home as he forced him to retreat to Birvolo where through the advantage of the situation the Foot who were pursued recovered Aiazza whom Villa had taken and the rest of the Spanish Army coming in very seasonably this mean while the face of affairs alter'd for the French being plaid upon on the one side by the Artillery and fiercely faln upon on the other side by Prince Thomaso and the Marquess Caracena who was arrived with fresh men they were forced to retreat to their quarters The Fight was fierce and bloody wherein above 400 of the French were slain of which many Officers and Captains about 50 of the Spanish Army were slain and as many hurt whereof four Captains it was thought that if the French had assaulted the Van one half houre sooner they had certainly routed them and had the day lasted but one half hour longer the Spaniards would have gotten a famous Victory and have ruin'd the Enemy totally for they were in great confusion when the night parted the Fray Governour Sirvela sent a relief of 800 Foot into the Town and being desirous to make himself master of Chiaverano a Castle two miles distant from Inurea and as far from Colegno he sent men to take it who beating down the gate with a petar'd met with such resistance as they were at first forced to retreat but afterwards re-inforcing their assault they took the Castle the Prince desired and press'd very much that they might go to assault the Enemy in their quarters but Sirvela Caracena and the rest of the Commanders were of another mind intending to carry on affairs with more safety but that somewhat might be done whereby the Town might
be freed and the Prince not seem to be abandoned they resolved to try whether it might not be done by diversion they therefore went to before Chiavazzo the loss whereof would be of greater importance to the Enemy then the getting of Inurea so as it was likely they would give over the one to defend the other this counsel was so well taken as that Inurea being reasonably well relieved they might spin out the defence thereof and not endanger the loss of it by their going to Chiavazzo the design did not fail though the Prince was not much pleased with it being loath that the other Town which was of so great importance to him should be endangered but finding the Spaniards loath to hazard all upon one chance he consented to the diversion passing over the Dora therefore at Rivarotta the Army marched to Chiavazzo the Prince going foremost with 1000 Foot and Don Vincenzo Gonzaga with 1000 Horse being come to the Town the Prince desired to try the taking of it by Scaladoe whereunto the Governour was hardly perswaded yet he gave way unto it that he might not seem to reject all the Princes proposals but it succeeded not well for the Assailants were repulsed and many of them were slain and wounded to the number of above 400 so as the enterprize proving harder then was thought they began to repent their diversive resolution but knowing that if they should give it quite over they would be laugh'd at and that the enemy would not rise from before Inurea when that Army should be gone from Chiavazzo they began to make approaches whereby they came in three days to the Ditch which being full of water they found it redious and troublesome to pass over it yet they got over upon galleries and planks and coming to two Bulwarks they fell to mining the Defendants Sallyed out upon them stoutly but were beaten back leaving many dead behind them and some Prisoners amongst which the Governour of the Town 's Lieurenant who led on the Sally the Horse were not this mean while idle but scouring the Country they took the Victuals and ammunition which were bringing to the Camp before Inurea as on the other side those which were brought to the Spanish Camp were hindred by the Cavalry of Cassalle which passing over the Poe made inrodes oftentimes as far as to S. Ia and Vercelli when the Spanish Army was gone to Chiavazzo the French being out of fear of being assaulted on the back began to make several assaults upon Inurea and to play with their batteries upon the walls but so valiant were the Defendants as they rendred all their attempts vain nor being content with defending themselves they made out several Sallyes one whereof was done so resolutely as they past on even to a battery of three pieces of Artillery which they had takes had they not been assaulted by the French whose Horse was come up to them when they were come to the Battery and then seeing it would be rashness to oppose so great a Force they retreated to within their walls still fighting and in good order whereby the French finding how hard the business would prove and hearing that Chiavazzo was very neer being taken and that it would be assuredly lost unless it were speedily succored Harcourt was forced to abandon the one that he might not lose the other so as after 35 days fiege wherein he had lost about 3000 men he resolved to quit it and to go relieve Chiavasso the Prince and Governour perceiving that the French Army was marching towards them and that they had therefore obtained all that they had pretended to by their diversion they past over the Poe upon a bridge of boats which they had purposely prepared and retreated with their Artillery baggage and with all their men cutting the bridge behind them and dragging the boats to the other shore to the end that they might not be pursued by the Enemy all was done in good order without the loss of one man through the great diligence skill of Prince Thomaso and of the Marquess Caracena to whose care the retreate was committed but understanding whilest they made their retreat that Harcourt when he went to Chiavazzo had left the bridge over the Dora before Inurea well munited that he might return to his former quarters when he should have freed Chiavasso and reassume the inâ—…e mitted siege or else that he might withdraw his baggage and ammunition which he had left in his quarter to the end that he might the more speedily relieve Chiavazzo to keep him from doing either of these Don Vincenzo Gonzaga was sent with 500 Horse towards the bridge that foording over the Dora at Verolengo he might get speedily into Inurea nor was this in vain for Gonzaga was not well come to Inurea when he might see the enemies Van upon return and make towards the bridge part whereof being already past over was assaulted by Don Gonzaga's Horse which were enforced by many choice Foot of the Garrison and after a long and stout dispute he forced the Enemy to give back and to forsake their quarters with the loss of much victuals munition and instruments of War which were found there which being brought into the Town Inurea was well furnished with what they wanted most at the cost of the Enemy wherefore Harcourt thinking it impossible to reassume the siege gave order that the bridge should be broken and retreated to Visea and to other neighboring Tovvns the Spanish Camp passing over the bridge at Verva went to Livorno where hearing of Harcourts retreat the Prince went joyfully to Inurea and the Governour with Cardinal Trivultio and other Commanders to Millain whither being come they sent their Army to their quarters Harcourt being gone from before Inurea though his Forces were weak by reason of the men that he had lost there and because the recruits which were usually sent from France every spring were not yet come he applied his mind to the surprisal of Alessandria which was proposed unto him by Seignior Covogne Governour of Cassalle as an easie enterprize and which now that the Enemies Army was sent to their quarters might be effected with a few men and maintained by small Forces he therefore sent Marquess Villa towards it about the end of Iune with the Dowagers Horse which amounted to about 800 and with 1000 French Foot which Harcourt gave him of his men and Harcourt to back him went to Battigliere a Town in the territories of Asti and from thence to Cerisola where hearing that the business was not to be attempted for that Cardinal Trivultio was entered that City with a good body of men and that therefore Villa was gone towards the parts about Alba he fell to consider what was next to be done he aspired after great actions and such as might equal his former but he wanted Forces equal to his desires Marquess Pianezza General of the Dowagers Foot propounded the taking of the Fort of
Ceva alleadging that it would require but a few days and small Forces and was notwithstanding of great consequences to pursue the rest of the Campagnia with more considerable progress and that notwithstanding Harcourts self might be free with the whole body of his Army fit to oppose any attempt of the Enemy and to secure the Country the mean while till supplies might come from Frances whereby when he should be recruited he might beâ—…ake himself to more important enterprizes he said moreover that Marquess Villa would approve of it by reason of the great advantage that would thereby redound to the Dowagers affairs and for that being already upon the way to Ceva he would advance thither the more easily with his Horse and with the French Foot which were with him and lastly he pâ—…ofer'd to go thither himself in person with 1500 of the Dowagers Foot ' desiring only one Regiment of French and three small pieces of Artillery assuring him that without further incommodating his Army he and Villa would speedily dispatch the business Harcourt was pleased with the proposal and gave way unto it so Pianezza went towards Alba to joyn and settle the business with Villa who approving of the design took upon him to go with 800 of the choicest Musketiers and with the greatest part of the Horse but without baggage to prepossess himself of the Town and of the victuals that were there and to block up all Avenues from the bringing of any succour to the Fort whilest Pianezza should advance with the Foot Artillery and Munition Villa at his first arrival made himself master of the Town and of some neighboring places which might have been a hindrance to him in taking the Fort and Pianezza having overcome the difficulties of the ways which were bad enough for the bringing of Artillery came within three days to the Town of Ceva and joyning with Villa the next day which was the fourth of Iuly began to attach the Fort their men were divided into two parts Villa placed himself with one part under a certain Tenaglia which had been abandoned by the Enemy and Pianezza with the other part on the right side of the said Tenaglia against a bulwark which was neer the gate and ordering their Cannon they betook themselves to take away their defences and then to fall upon the wall and to make mines whilest these things were doing Harcourt kept about Alba to oppose any succour which should be brought to the Fort or to prevent any design that the Spaniards might have of falling upon any other place but it was more then needed for 〈◊〉 Governour keeping still in Millain and the Prince in Inurea thougâ—… Cardinal Trivultio was gone to Allessandria where the chief Heads of the Army were met and where the people of those parts being mâ—…t were ready at any beck of the Commanders yet the many provisions which were there taken proved to no purpose they being to expect resolution from Millain which not being according to the Prince his Genius the time for action was spent in sending re-sending the consultations answers and replyes between Millain Alessandria and Inurea Wherefore the siege continuing without disturbance Marquess Pianezza had been very diligent in working the Mines on his side and though he had met with some obstacles yet he overcame them and went on So as his Mine being perâ—…ected before that of the other side he feared lest the Enemy might blow it up be summoned them to surrender threatning that otherwise he would give fire to his Mine which when it should be once done there would be no more place for parley And answer being made that they desired first to see some effects Pianezza drew up his men immediately that they might fall on as soon as the Mine should have play'd which having made a breach of 25 paces brâ—…ad the besiegers made a furious assault which being manfully with-stood by the Defendants order was given for redoubling it with greater vigour But the Defendants having done their best at the first they feared what might ensued if they should be re-assaulted Whereâ—…ore seeing all things ready for giving a new assault they did beat a parley and articled to surrender whereupon about 200 Spaniards and Piedmontese march'd out and were according to Articles convoy'd to Bagnasco This business was of great consequence to the Dowagers affairs for to boot with the great advantage she got from that whole County the taking of this place drew after it the like of the City Citadel and County of Mondovi For the Fort of Ceva being taken and afterwards the Town of Mulasana the Marquesses resolved to go to the taking in of Carru a strong Castle in those parts which held still for the Princes and Pianezza marching thitherward with some squadrons advanced towaâ—…ds the City of Mondovi inâ—…ending rather to frighten it then out of hope to take it nor did this prove amiss for those Citizens being terrified when they saw the victorious Forces advance towards the City they fâ—…ared they were come to take it they therefore threw open the Gates and willingly surrendred it He pursued his march afterwards towards Carru which despairing of reâ—… surrendred within twenty fours Ceva and the City and County of Mondovi being taken all the neighbouring Country return'd to the Dowagers obedience together with the Fort Carru Whereby the City of Conio being almost quite separated from all the other Towns of Piedmont which were â—…eld either by the Princes or Spaniards it was thought it would not be hard to take iâ—… especially since it could not be succor'd by the County of Nizza on which it confined not so much for that the Prince Cardinal had no Forces to draw into the field as though he had had any or that he should be furnish'd with any from Spain by sea yet the ways were so bad which led from the seâ—… side to Pieâ—…mont and the passages so difficult as it was impossible to convey men thither So as no Forces were to be feared from that side and Harcourt being willing to make use of the occasion threw himself immediately before it with his own and with the Dowagers men The enterprize was very hopefull nor of less advantage and consquence by reason of the scituation which being placed at the foot of the Apenine where being cut off from the Alps it divides the County of Nizza from Piedmont Conio is seated in an eminent place enclosed between two Rivers which falling down by two Valleys formed by the Apennine and running some few miles by the plain which lies beneath enclose that Town between Of these two Rivers the one which is called Ghez runs so close by one side of the Town as it serves it for a safe and deep ditch and by the height of the steep banks makes it unaccessible the other which is called Stura being about a bow shot from the Town is not of so much safety to it wherefore the Fortifications are the
men so far within Piedmont and leave so many of the Enemies Towns on his back especially being to pass over so many Rivers with Artillery Baggage and Victuals to overcome difficult passes to fight continually and to defend himself from being infested by Marquess Villa who beating the Campagnia with his Horse would gaul him now on the one side now on the other and would continually incommodiate him and which was of greater consideration he was to affront an enemy stronger then himself and who was intrench'd wherefore the Governour and other Captains not thinking it fit to hazard themselves in so dangerous a business they resolved to try whither they could free Conio or no by diversion as they had done Inurea they therefore gave the Prince a good strength of Horse and Foot who went from Asti together with the Marquess of Caracena to Ceri whereby they infused jealousie into Carmagnuola and Chiavasso but Marquess Villa mar'd these designs who either foreseeing or fearing these drifts put forces into both those places so as the Prince being frustrated in his intention turned back upon Chirasco a place of greater concernment and fitter to relieve Cenio by reason of the neerness thereof Cherasco is one of the strongest places of Piedmont not so much by nature as by art but not equally on all sides and which had been long neglected as being no frontier Town and wherein was at this time but a weak French Garrison it being one of those Towns which were assigned over by the Dowager to the King of France in the year 39. so as the Prince thought he might securely take it but Marquess Villa did here also deceive him for fearing that the Prince being kept out of the other two Towns would come before this he sent word immediately to Seignior di Savigni who was Governour thereof that he might call in all the Country people thereabouts and he also sent him a Troop of Dragoons and 500 foot were sent to him from the Camp nor did Villa's diligence cease here for fearing also Savigliano and the quarters of the Camp in case the Prince should adventure to fall unexpectedly upon either of them he sent men into Savigliano and went himself at the same time into the Campagnia with the rest of his men advancing so neer Cunio as he could not be kept from thence if it should be needful for him to go to the Camp the Prince going from Cheri with 1500 choice Foot and with all the Cavalry of the Camp except the Neapolitans marched towards Chirasco and not having notice of the new recruits sent by Villa he betook himself with much courage and hope to the enterprise he divided his Foot into two parts and making the greatest part of his Cavalry get off Horse-back he ordered assaults to be given by night on sundry parts but all the Squadrons which were sent met with such hinderances as they could not fall on at the same time so as they did but little good and gave the defendants opportunity to make the greater resistance where they were assaulted and the Towns-men who shew'd themselves faithful to the Dowager took up Arms and ran couragiously to make defence so the Prince being repulst not without much loss retreated to Sommariva where he tarried some days but being egg'd on by honour and by the prejudice which would redound to their party if the Town should be lost he would try his fortune once more which the place being newly re-enforced did not favour him yet both parties fought valiantly for many hours the assailants mounted the Walls several times and were still beaten back they sometimes entred the Town and were repuls'd and in these interchanges of fortune the defendants having the better of the businesse about break of day the Prince was forced to retreat having lost above four hundred men The more unfortunate these diversive attempts proved the more successfully did the Siege of Conio proceed for Harcourt not being at all diverted by these the Enemies attempts and joy'd that Chirasco was out of danger which otherwise might peradventure have made him forego Conio to relieve it he continued more constant in the Siege he therefore laid aside all treaties of agreement and betook himself more roundly to the taking of Conio but neither were the Prince nor Governour discouraged for their bad success nor did they forbear attempting to relieve the Town by diversion The Governour sent Don Iohn Vasques Camp-master-general with the Foot and Don Vincenzo Conzago with the Horse to assault Rossignano who when they were come neer it hearing that above 200 Montferrians were entred the Town forbare doing any thing there and went by Order from the Governour to Montcalvo where whilst there was fair hopes of doing good the Prince who was with almost all the Horse and with 600 Foot in the parts about Villanuova advertised the Governour that he heard there was not above 600 Foot in Chiavasso wherefore he thought it fit to attempt the taking of it for it being a place of almost as great concernment as Conio it was not unlikely but that the Enemy might forego the one not to lose the other but the Governour who had oftentimes found the Princes Forces to be more forward then fortunate was not willing to yield to the proposal the rather for that he was very neer taking Montcalvo yet being much sollicited he though much against his will bad the Prince take up his quarters about Chiavasso and that if he should hear that no new recruits were entred the Town he should send him word and he would come in to his assistance with all his men hoping that in the mean while he might take Montcalvo The Prince upon the Governours promise went with 600 Foot which he caused to come from Inurea and together with him went the Marquess of Caracena with the Horse and took up their quarters and finding that the Town was not re-enforced he advertised the Governour thereof desiring him to joyn with him in the Enterprise The business of Montcalvo was not yet perfected though it advanced prosperously every day wherefore the Governour who that he might not prefer the certainty of the business of Montcalvo before the uncertainty of that of Chiavasso had against his will permitted the Prince to go to before Chiavasso the more he saw the Siege of Montcalvo draw neer an end the less fit he thought it to abandon the one for the uncertainty of the other wherefore feeding the Prince with delays he entertained him so long with words with sending and re-sending Messengers till he might see Montcalvo taken but the Prince being frustrated of all hopes and finding that the Governor continued his delays arose from before Chiavasso and retreated to Inurea being sufficiently scandalized that the Governour should rather suffer him to riâ—…e from before Chiavasso then Vasques from before Montcalvo which he alledged did not only redound to the prejudice of his the Princes honour but to the
Cardinal in particular should renounce the protection of the Empire and that Prince Thomaso should be bound to serve the King in person in War against the Spaniards as his Majesty should be pleased to appoint All the other Articles which were to be agreed upon on the 14th of Iune the year 42 together with many other writings which were signed the same day were forthwith sent to France that the King might approve of those which related to the agreements between the Dowager and the Princes and ratifie those that were made between the Princes and his Embassador By these Capitulations which were afterwards perform'd with satisfaction to all as shall be said an end was put to the Wars of Piedmont In the Articles which were made between the Princes and the French Embassadour the Princes were bound to dismiss all the Spanish Souldiers that were with them but it was not express'd when whereunto they thought themselves engaged after Ratification made with the King But this was the hardest point of all others to execute and which caused much trouble especially since the whole Garrison in Inurea were Spaniards yet Prince Thomaso found means how to be easily rid of them At the same time when these Affairs were upon concluding instead of General Harcourt the Duke of Bullion was made Commander in Chief of the French Forces he who had hatched the aforesaid Rebellion in the Town of Sedan but after the Battle and death of the Count Soisons upon humbling himself to the King he was pardoned and was taken into the Kings favour who when he was come into Piedmont and had ioyned with the Dowagers Forces march'd into the field and passing into Alessandria was come as far as Filizzano and Corniente Don Iohn Vasques who was Governour of Alessandria and who was retreated with his men into that City fearing that he would pass over the Tanaro sent all his Cavalry and 1000 Foot under Don Vincenzo Gonzaga toward that river to oppose the Enemy some skirmishes past betvveen these and the Enemy on both sides the river but Bullion making as if he vvould goe somevvhere else vvhich vvas said vvould be either to Pontestura or Trino the Governour went from Millain to Vercelli to hinder any design of the Enemy and to keep him from sitting down before either of those places Upon this occasion Prince Thomaso advised him to take up one quarter before Pontestura wherein he might put 2000 Foot and 1000 Horse offering him his Spanish horse and foot which as he said lay idle in Inurea The Governour accepted his offer being unwilling to disfurnish other places wherefore the Prince sent both Horse and Foot from Inurea towards St. Ia but ordered the Horse that when they should be come to such a certain place they should hault and suffer the Foot to advance But it being quickly known that Bullion was retreated from Tanara the Governour sent back the Foot to Inurea and the Prince refused to receive them under pretence that there was a Truce made between them the Princes and the Dowager and that to shun that this reception might seem a novelty he did not think fit to let them in They therefore retreated to Vercelli so that by this cunning trick the Prince quitted his hands of the Spanish Garrison Nor did the Prince Cardinal want means to free himself from the like incumbrance for either having received or seeming to have received notice that Don Francisco Tuttavilla Captain of the thousand Spaniards which were granted him for the defence of himself and of the County of Nizza had treated with the Garrison of the Castle to his prejudice he sent for him into the Castle and seeming to resent the action he commanded him to go immediately out of the Castle together with his men who were there ready to depart and that he should go out of Piedmont which being done both the Princes were masters of themselves and might the better make good their agreement This dismission was done very seasonably for had it been longer delaid it had hindred not only the execution of this so important business but had hazarded the whole agreement by reason of a sudden accident which hapned in Cassalle Bullion who after he could not get over the Tanaro was returned to Montferrat had quartered his men in the Towns thereabouts and going himself for pastime to Cassalle out of a desire to see that Citadel which was held to be impregnable when he was come into the Citadel contrary to his own expectation and the like of all others was by order from the King seized upon by the Governour of the Citadel and sent back well guarded into France This hapned just ten days after the agreement made by the Princes and five days after they had cashiered the Spaniards which made it be generally conceived that this was done by way of resenting what had hapned at Sedan notwithstanding the Kings pardon this seemed to be an example to the Princes who did always distrust that the Articles made with the Court of France would not be made good unto them and it was commonly conceived that had not the Princes declared so absolutely in the behalf of France by dismissing those men they would have demurred upon those Conventions but being quite deprived of the Spanish assistance though they knew not what might succeed they were forced to rest contented and to expect from whence this blow proceeded and what it aimed at but all doubts and apprehensions soon ceased it being known that the Dukes imprisonment proceeded not out of any old account but out of â—…ew jealousies that he was complice in a new conspiracy made against the Cardinal Richlieu by Monsieur St. Mark Grand Escuyer de France and favorite to the King so as all occasions of diffidence ceasing and the Kings ratification being come from France with satisfaction to all they fell to do what was at the present to be done but there was a knot found in the Prince Cardinals businesse which was hard to be untied which proceeded from whether the Marriage should precede the resignation of the Towns in the County of Nizza or the resignation the Marriage whereof there being great distrust on both sides some solution must be found for it which after much discussion was that the Marriage should be celebrated in Nizza by a Proxey to be of purpose deputed by the Princes which Proxey was to swear upon pain of life that the Marriage should be consummated as soon as the Towns should be resigned and that the Governours who were to receive them in the Dowagers behalf should swear unto the Prince before they entred the Towns to re-deliver them to the Prince if they should find the Princess her Proxey backward to celebrate the Marriage Things being tâ—…us adjusted the Prince Cardinal sent Iovan Dominico Doria Marquess of Cerie to Turin with sufficient authority to celebrate the Espousals by words for the future between him the Prince and the eldest Daughter of Savoy
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
in the Castle of Voghera he sent Forces to drive them out which was done without any difficulty for the French at the very sight of the Spanish Colours surrendred the place and retired as the rest had done to the â—…renches about Tortona all on this side the Scrivia towards Tortona being taken and the Governour being master of the Field he betook himself wholly to relieve the Castle the Condition whereof he could by no means hear so diligently weâ—…e all the Avenues guarded which made him much doubt the preservation thereoâ—… not knowing how long it could hold out and it was given out by the Enemy that it would soon be surrendered And yet because he would not be failing to himself nor leave any thing undone which might make for the presesvation of so important a place he was very diligent in getting provisions whereby to keep the Castle from â—…urrendring wherefore he hasted to relieve it he knew he could not effect his design by any way but by that of the Mountain wherein he was to meet with two great difficulties the first that the Enemy foreknowing it would fortifie the Trench on that side the more strongly and would place his whole Forces there since he could not apprehend fear in any other place The other difficulty proceeded from the inconveniencies which were found in the scituation of the Mountain The Castle of Tortona stands upon the top of a Hill which being severed from higher Hills declines gently for the space of three miles on the East side of the City which lies just at the Foot thereof so as the Governour if he would relieve the Castle was to begin from the highest and furthermost tops of the Hills and by the ridge thereof approâ—…ch the well munited Trenches which shelter the Castle on the Hills side Nor was this all the difficulty about a mile before you come to the line of Circumvolution the Hill declining by degrees shapes out a gutter which falls into a Valley whither he who will advance must fall down and then climb up again to the opposite top This gutter or slit was very incommodious and dangerous if the Enemy should have munited the edge thereof as it was probable they had done therefore the resolution of bringing relief was fuller of danger then hope But the Governour who thought the loss of this Castle to be the worst of evils that could befal was resolved to try his Fortune he therefore took up two quarters on the very top of the Hill and possessed himself of Montgualdone and Sarzano and falling down from thence he came without any opposition to the Gutter or Slit where he found Longueville and his men on the opposite height well prepared to defend that Pass nor herewithall content he fortified himself with a good Trench and with Artillery upon the edge of the top of his hill so as from thence he commanded all the Enemies Troops and all the avenues by which he might be assaulted The Governour being come to the slit began also to fortifie the top of his hill and contemplating the Enemies advantagious position he began to find that he could not send to assault it but by ways which by the fall of waters were made slippery and which were so 〈◊〉 as but a few could march on front so as to attempt an assault against a long stout well munited row of men would be a great piece of folly there remained but one thing to be done that he might not seem to have moved in vain and to have done thus much to no purpose which was to send some men to try an assault upon some Corps de guard which were without the Trenches placed upon the hanging of the slit neer a little solitary Chappel which was there to see whether the Enemy being provoked thereby would forego his advantages and fall rashly down into the Valley whereby fighting in an equal place way might be made for the intended succour as this conceâ—…t was idle so proved it unuseful for though Marquess Villa came out of the Trench with his Horse back'd with some Squadrons and falling upon the assaulters beâ—…t them back to a certain little house which they had formerly possest themselves of and which stood in the middle between the two Camps yet no more was done but all the Corps de guard being sent for back returned to the Trench and the French Commandeâ—…s shewed themselves more wary in maintaining the advantage of their 〈◊〉 then ready to hazard the unceâ—…tainty of Baâ—…tle either upon equal or unequal terms and therefore the Governour finding that the Enemy was not minded to forego his advantage he attempted but in vain to put 300 men by night into the Castle Both the Armies kept their stations that night the next day the rain increased so as the Spanish Army not being able to convey in their Victuals and their Souldiers being exposed to the rain the Governour was forced to think of retreating he therefore made his Horse advance and left Don Vincenzo Gonzaga with a good strength of Horse and Foot to keep the station where his Army was quartered till his Souldiers might be march'd off who met with many great obstacles in their retreat for being to passe over the Gru a little rivulet at other times but which ran now with very much violence being much swollen by the fall of waters they were fain to climb up a hill beyond it and to draw up their Artillery by it which by reason of the rain was become hardly passable wherefore they resolved to march both Horse and Foot by the current of the Gru wherefore the General of the Horse Marquess Caracena sent some Horse that night to guard the lower part of that rivulet to defend the Army in its march by whom he was afterwards informed that many Horse were come out of the City of Tortona marching towards Vighizvolo by which the Army was to pass with their Artillery wherefore the Marquess doubled the aforesaid Guards charging them to mark well the Enemies way and to give notice of every the least proceeding The Guards returned averring their former advertisement and moreover that the Horse and Foot marched toward the same stations that the Spanish Army had left whereupon the Spanish Army haulted to consult upon what was to be done the joynt opinion was that they should continue their begun march for that the advertisement might be false and if otherwise they might by continuing their march get to Vighizvolo before the Enemy only Caracena opposed the general resolution averring that the Horse which marched in the Rere should be so long held skirmishing by the Enemies Horse which advanced by the Valley as the rest of the Enemies Horse which marched by the hill might come up unto them and fall upon them and that not being able for want of Foot to defend themselves they the Spaniards would be routed that the Enemy would pursue their Victory and advancing forwards would also rout the
Foot he concluded therefore that it would be better to bring all their men into one body and keep in that station which was very strong as being between two hills which were higher then those on which the Enemy was and that keeping the Gru before them which ran between the two Armies it was impossible they could fight them upon such advantage without passing over the Gru which he desired the Enemy would dare to do for by so doing their utter ruine would undoubtedly ensue and the loss of all their men whereby they the French might obtain a signal viâ—…tory and if as it might be believed the Spaniards might think this too dangerous and so keep idle where they were they might draw up their Artillery which might be done in one day or two and the Baggage might march securely in the Rere This advice was generally disliked all of them persisting in their former resolution of marching along the Gru but the Marquess knowing the certain danger they should run into by that march said resolutely he would not go that way and gave order to the Horse to march the way he should direct them and was so resolute therein as the rest changed their minds and came over to his opinion and ere long by an accident that hapned his opinion was clearly found to be the best and the only safe one a thick cloud arose upon day-break which took away the sight of the Campagnia and of the hill which vanishing away a little after Caracena's opinion was approved of several Troops of the Enemies Horse and Foot were discovered on the hill which made them all aware what imminent danger the Army would have incur'd had not Caracena persisted in his opinion wherefore the whole Army very much applauded the Marquess as their deliverer from so great a danger and acknowledged themselves infinitely obliged to him and not long after they might see the French Troops which lay towards Vighizvolo joyn with those upon the hill by which Caracena's counsel appeared to be the sole safety of that Army which was at that time of such importance for the preservation of the State of Millain Both the Armies kept their stations not acting any thing the French not daring to assault the Spaniards began to retire towards the Camp two hours before Sun-set which the Spaniards perceiving they also removed and went towards Pontecurone whither it came without any encounter but weary the Artillery was drawn by the Dutch of Prince Borso's Regiment and by some others of the same Nation by strength of Arms up the hill and safely brought to Pontecurone for which they had good store of drinking money given them a retreat which the fuller it was of danger and difficulty the more praise-worthy was it The Besiegers thinking that the Castle would immediately be surrendered now that the relieving Army was gone whereby they were deprived of all hopes of relief sent to demand the Castle but it was manfully answered that affairs were not yet brought to terms of surrender In this interim a great supply of Victuals and Ammunition was brought to the French Camp by the way of Acqui nor was Piedmont content only to send considerable succours to the enterprise of Tortona but the Dowager making use of this occasion design'd to take such Towns from the Spaniards as they were possest of and to free Piedmont absolutely whilst it was unprovided of requisite Garrisons To this purpose she got together a considerable body of men composed of the Military remainders in Piedmont and drawn out of the Garrisons thereof and of Montferrat to whom she added those that were sent by Marquess Villa when he parted from Serravalle and this was approved of by the French and Piedmonteses for by sending of these men into the field one of two things was likely to result either the recovery of â—…e Towns or the withdrawing of the Spaniards from defending â—…ortona and because the recovery of the Towns was the thing chiefly intended by the Dowager her opinion was approved of by Marquess Pianezza who propounded the enterprise of Verrua first and next that of Vercelli not so much in consideration of their slender Garrisons as for the safety and conveniency which would redound to Piedmont thereby and for that nothing else would more divâ—…rt the defending of Tortona And the manner of effecting both these enterprises being discuss'd the French Embassadour who could hear no more acceptable news then the recovery of Verrua which opened the way to France for the relief of Cassalle joyn'd willingly with Pianezza in his opinion Wherefore some Horse were sent to Verrua to possess themselves of the Avenues thereabouts that they might keep out the Spanish succour which might be sent thither from the confining Towns of Trino Pontestura or Villa-nuova The good success of this enterprise consisted in expedition wherefore Pianezza having sent men by the Poe to this intended enterprise and ladders and other necessary instructions along with them he marched towards the Town where he applyed ladders that very night by which he forced the Defendants to fly unto the Castle so he easily became Master of the Town which did facilitate the taking of the Castle But before he would attempt it he would try how the Defendants minds stood he therefore beat a Call summoning them to surrender whereupon they parâ—…ed and the next morning yielded upon honourable conditions by which the place was restored by the Spanish Governour to Pianezza who received it in the name of the Dowager and the Duke Verrua was a place of greâ—…t consequence by reason that it commanded the Poe which when Marquess Pianezza had so easily gotten he bethought himself of greater enterprises as to recover Verceâ—…li where the Garrison was much diminished by reason of the necessary defence of Tortona the Marquess cast his eye upon two Tenagâ—…ias that of St. Andrea and that of the Citadel which not being guarded answerable to their greatâ—…ess seemed easie to be taken if they should be attempted by night and when they should be taken would be a safe quarter against the City But this business required more men wherefore it had been formeâ—…ly thus ordered in Turin that all the French should joyn with Govognes Governour of the Citadel of Cassalle who coming from thence with part of the Garrison should take the Tenaglâ—…a of the Citadel and Pianezza with his Pâ—…edmontese was to take that of Sr. Andrea but whilst this enterprise was in hand it was interâ—…upted by no sleight accident The French Embassador â—…earing that Verrua was surrendred to Pianâ—…zza who held it in the Dowagers name began to complain pretending that since the French concur'd in the enterprise as well as the Piedmonteses the French were to have entred there in Garrison whereâ—…ore he much resented that Pianezza should do so greaâ—… an injury to the King of France's Forces Whereunto the Marquess answered that he was the Duke of Savoy's Souldier not Souldier to the King of
they might prosecute more commodiously according as the several inconveniences lessened and this the rather for that they were comforted in these their sufferings by being certain that they should not be disturb'd by any considerable succours they knew that there were no Forces in Piedmont to draw into the field and the last years Army as hath been said was almost quite extinguished and the same rigour of the season withstood bringing of new supplies from France to boot with the urgent occasions of Wars in Catalonia Flanders and Germany wherewith that Kingdom was opprest Moreover the Governour judging that the Castle was not over-well provided with Victuals thought rather to take it by Famine after the first skirmishes and batteries then by the sword and the defendants were of the like mind who being left by the Duke of Longuevllle and by Prince Thomaso in great hopes of being relieved and wanting Ammunition wherewith to maintain fight they held it better to spare those few that yet were left till such time as the undoubted succour should come to the end that they then might assault the besiegers on their backs and facilitate the succourers approach to the Castle so as the Governour forbore batteries and they forbore sallies Thus a kind of tacite truce and suspension of Arms seemed to be agreed upon between them The Governour when he first resolved upon this enterprise though he could not be disturb'd by new succours from without for the aforesaid Reasons and therefore though he had begun the line of circumvolurion on the outside yet thinking it better at the present to streighten the Castle with Trenches so to keep them from sallying out he gave over the line and applied himself wholly in muniting and fortifying himself against the Castle but he failed in his account for the Governours falling upon Tortona being known in Piedmont and in France both thâ—…se places resolved to prepare for defence of that place which they had gotten wherefore they began to make ready a great and gallant succour Men and Moneys were sent by Sea and Land from France for this enterprise those which were sent by Sea landed in Oneglia that they might go from thence to Piedmont where in a short time there was a strong and well munited Army put together which caused the Governour to alter his mind who thought that the Victory would consist chiefly in keeping out succour wherefore he began to re assume the working of the other line of circumvolution which was already commenc'd as hath been said about the Walls of the City which was full four miles in compass and was begirt with Ditches flanks with Forts munited with Stoccadoes and Fortifications both within and without the Work surrounded both the Castle and the City serving to keep the City from being assâ—…ulted from without and the Castle from relief if any should be brought the outermost houses of the City towards the Castle were well munited and the Streets mouths which led unto the Castle were stop'd up with earth which served for a fence against the Castle on the inside and not content with all this diligence and provision the Governour strove to keep succourâ—…s far from the Castle as he could To this purpose he sent 500 Horse towards the Frontiers of Montferrat not only that they might keep back the succour which might come by Piedmont but also that by laying the Country waste they might keep the relievers from accommodations if they should advance by that way nor did these diligences prove vain for Monsieur Plessis Pralin the King of France his Lieutenant General in Piedmont and the Marquess Villa appeared together about the midst of March in the year 43 with 2500 Horse and 5000 Foot and advanced to St. Salvadore within five miles of Alessandria and Prince Thomaso passing over the Dora with 1000 Horse and 2000 Foot threatned Novara and the adjoyning parts wherefore the Governour for the better security of those parts had sent the Marquess Caracena thither with a good strength of Horse and some Foot most whereof were taken out of the meaner sort of people of that State that he might observe what way the Enemy went and cross his designs but the Prince returning quickly to Cassalle and joyning with the French and Piedmontese Army told them they must cast a Bridge over the Tanaro wherefore Caracena by Orders from the Governour went from the Novarese to Alessandria to open that way and to keep the Bridge from being cast over but the Prince finding himself opposed by Caracena desisted from his design and passing back over the Poe at Cassalle he went with the joynt forces towards Palestre and Vespolano and Caracena went to Mortara where some skirmishes past between the Horse of either party in one whereof Cavagliere Aiazza being engaged with 150 Horse was taken prisoner but Caracena fearing lest the Prince to relieve Tortona by diversion might fall upon some Town in that Marca past back into the Lomelina and the Novarese in pursuit of the Prince to oppose his proceedings in those enterprises whereunto he saw him most inclined The Prince knowing that he was followed and observed by strong Forces approached sometimes neer Novara sometimes neer Bremi sometimes neer Mortara as if he intended to fall upon all or some of these places but durst not fasten upon any but fell to over-running the Country where plundering and pillaging the best things that were there he much prejudiced the Inhabitants and took away much Corn and Cattle which for the most part he sent to Cassalle Caracena being somewhat inferior in Forces durst not face the Prince who having more men was master of the field and seeming as if he would march along the left side of the Poe to Giarvola threatned to pass his men over there to the other side and so to go to the relief of the besieged Castle which the Governour having notice of he got as many men as he could from Serravalle and other places dissolving the quarter at Pontecurone and sent a great body of men with six pieces of Artillery towards the shore over against Giarvola to resist the Prince if he should venter to pass over the River which the Prince perceiving he retreated again to Cassalle intending to make way for relief by the Tanaro which the Governour doubting he sent Caracena and Gonzaga with almost all the Horse and between three and four thousand Foot to defend that River wherefore the Prince resolving not to venture upon that Pass threw himself at last before Asti imagining that the Governour would either quit the Siege of the Castle and come with all his Forces to defend Asti or else would not at all move from the Castle if he should not move he assured himself he should take Asti by reason of the weakness of the Garrison and the Inhabitants inclination to love him and if he should move he should certainly relieve the Castle and City of Tortona and might peradventure take Asti
well awake The Dowager and the Prince hearing of this so sudden and so unexpected success sent both of them speedily to repair it The Dowager with fortunate speed sent the Companies of her guard and of her Sons commanded by the Counts of Aglie Feusasco Piusasco and Tana who coming hastily to the City with their Souldiers which were 300 Horse and some Foot which they took up in their march entred the City in sight of the Enemy who having taken the Citadel meant to take the City which they easily might have done had not the Citizens and the Garrison who were encouraged by this recruit put themselves in a posture of safety not fearing to be over-powered as they had hourly reason to doubt before they therefore breathed a while expecting the Prince his coming who not being able to march so fast by reason of the number of men which he brought with him to relieve the languishing City came thither just then when the Enemy by reason of his appearance thought it good to draw off from the City to the necessary defence of the Citadel The Prince having reduced the City to her former condition of safety did so munite it as that it was not only able to defend it self but to threaten the Citadel and retreating to Camerano he gave himself to impede any attempt which might be made by the Spaniards who notwithstanding conveyed both men and munition into the Citadel which were sent them from the Governour who was come into Alessandria but the Siege of St. Ia although somewhat disturb'd by this accident was not given over for the Prince having substituted the Governour of Cassalle Covogne in his place it was strongly continued the Town was much plaid upon by batteries and sallies stoutly repuls'd insomuch as Don Diego Alverado who was Governour of the Town having made honourable resistance when he saw the Town was no longer to be maintain'd surrendred it upon honourable conditions The Prince having rid his hands of this business betook himself wholly to the recovery of the Citadel of Asti which being besieged and batter'd in vain held out and did not only annoy the besiegers with their great and small shot but even the City it self but not being able to do any more it yielded to the Prince who since the defendants had suffeâ—…ed themselves to be reduced to the utmost extremity would not receive them but upon discretion which he used notwithstanding very modestly suffering the common sort to go forth friendly and detaining their Captains and Officers only till such time as two piece of Cannon which were drawn out of the Citadel were restored by the Governour and some prisoners of War that were in his hands The City and Citadel of Asti being freed the Prince went with some 5000 Foot into the Langhe and having left Marquess Villa with the Dowagers Horse for a relief on his back he advanced to the Ligustick Sea even neer to Finale intending to fall upon that Marquisate both by land and sea when the French Fleet should be come from Catalognia to Provence and to make himself master of it and the Prince being already come to the Gates of the Town was lodged in the Church called Pia within Musket-shot of Finale and had taken up some other convenient quarters The Garrison was but weak in Finale a good part thereof being sent two days before by Don Iohn di Castro Governour of that Marquisate to defend Cingio fearing lest the Prince should assault it and it wanted provision of bread but both these wants were supplied by Genova the Spanish Embassadour victuals were sent thither by Sea and the Governour sent Fra. Iovanni Pallavicino with 1300 Foot from Millain who with no less speed and fortune then he had done at Arona past over the Mountains neer Genoa and being come to Voltri went by the sea side to Finale where he entred with his men before the face of the Enemy The Prince had not brought victuals with him to feed his men in that barren Country for he expected to be furnished therewith by the French Fleet which not appearing the Prince seeing the Town well recruited and provided himself and his men in great scarcity of victuals and hearing that the Militia gathered together apace round about knew he could not tarry there without much danger wherefore he gave over the enterprise and retreated into Montferrat freeing that Marquisate from the danger it would have fallen into had the Prince tarried therebut one day longer for the very next day after his departure the Fleet appeared at Sea which hearing that the Prince was gone towards Montferrat return'd also to Provence from whence it was come This being the last thing that was done by the Spaniards French and Piedmonteses in the year 1644 for the Armies were sent to their Winter Quarters after this business of Finale We will end this our second part and in the third will treat of the Wars which were raised elsewhere between the Pope on the one side and the Commonwealth of Venice the great Duke of Tuscany the Dukes of Modena and Parma on the other side which having hapned at the same time that these by us related did we that we might not confound order in the Affairs of the two first Books have reserved for the following part where looking back they shall be related and pursued with all truth and sincerity FINIS †Caesarve priorem Pompeiusve parem Lucan lib. 1
the Venetians who were continually losers seemed in general to be victors having always carried the war into the enemies Country without losing any thing they had gotten and always advancing somewhat towards new Acquisitions Many laid the fault of this not upon the Commâ—…nder but upon the scarcity of his men and of necessary provisions for war others imputed it to his being too prodigal of his own life and spacing of his Souldiers lives others laid it to the secret orders of the Emperours chief Officers corrupted by the Venetian Gold But howsoever he being well esteemed of for his great valour both by the Emperour and Archduke his death did very much trouble tâ—…em On the Venetians side Baglione was slain whilst he with 500 Foot opposed a great squadron of horse upon the Carso as they were carrying relief to Fort Stella that so they might put it into Gradisca with him there dyed Virginio Orsino di Lamentana and 500 Foot who were almost all of them put to the Sword by the Austrians There also dyed but upon other occasions Danielle Antonini and Mark Antonio Mazzano both of them of Udine Count Leonardo Gualdo Francisco Maria Albertaccio all of them being prime Commanders in the Venetian Army to 〈◊〉 with many others of lesser note Count Nassaw dyed tâ—…ere also but of sickness and his Brother Count Ernestus succeeded him It is thought that in this war what by the Sword 〈◊〉 by sickness there dyed of the Venetians above 30000 and not full 〈◊〉 4000 Austrians Trautmistorfâ—… was succeeded in his charge by Iovan Prainero a gallant Commander bred up in the Hungarian wars who was lucky in the defence of il Barco and in the relief of Gradisca and Pietro Barbarigo Procurator of St Mark succeeded Commissary Lando he who at the beginning of the war exercised the same place though under the bare title of Commissary and Lorenzo Iustiniano succeeded Commissary Erizzo The Venetians were much prejudiced in their proceedings by the continual 〈◊〉 whâ—…ch fell contrary to the season of the year for the Venetâ—…ans â—…ad passed over Carso in the beginning of Iune Tâ—…ese rains caused much sickness amongst the Souldiers and Lisonzo being extraordinarily swoln broke the Venetians Bridge at Cassoiano wherefore those of the Commonwealth could not conveniently communicaâ—…e 〈◊〉 the Bridge being broken nor could those of Carso be victualled by those of Friuli They were likewise much prejudiced by the mutinying of the Holâ—…anders who were displeased with their Captains for kâ—…eping back a good part of their pay which had been readily diâ—…burst by the Venetians but certainly the fallings out between Medici and Nassaw did most harm who strove for superiority and who should command and who obey Medici by his Patents from the Commonwealth being to command over all save the Commissary-general and Nassaw being by his Letters Patents not to obey any save the Commissary-general and the Commissaries not being able to compose the difference jealousies grudges and disâ—…astes grew amongst them whereby the cause of the Commonwealth was much prejudiced the Commonwealth not being only not well satisfied with Medici his service but his loyalty and truth being suspected if not publickly by the Senate at least by the Nobles who beginning to distrust him did publickly and generally deâ—…act from his reputation as if by private intelligence held with the Archduke whose Sister was Wife to the Great Duke of Tuscany Nephew to Medici he had not only let slip the opportunity of going to Goritia by proceeding so slowly upon Carso but as if having neglected the Commonwealths service in several things he had suffer'd the Enemy to bring succour to Gradisca when it was in greatest necessity The Governours of the Common-wealth do often fall upon such Rocks especially when affairs go not well with them and it is clear enough that if the War â—…ad lasted that he being weary of the Venetians â—…ealousies would either have left their service or they for their own greater satisfaction would have tried-first the others fortune and this was whisper'd to be privately treated on by the Senate but that they did not proceed therein by reason they saw the War was neer at an end and by reason of Medici his condition and alliance Marco Antonio Canale was also given for a successour to Trivigiano though Trivigiano had always shewed himself indefatigable in labour ready for danger and would have won much glory in that War had he not through the immortal malice he bore to the Spaniards obscured it by a piece of cruelty committed by him upon a Spanish Knight who being brought prisoner before him while the Prisoner submissively bowed unto him he thrust a Dagger into his breast and slew him The affairs of the Commonwealth proceeded but slowly in Istria and Dalmatia nothing of memorable succeeding therâ—…in save that Zimino a place of some concern was taken by General Antonio Barbaro in which action he lost 200 Souldiers and some Captains for the rest they spun it out till the conclusion of the peace which was made not long after with much advantage to the Venetians according to the custom of that Commonwealth which though she be good at Counsel comes short of other Princes in matter of the Militia and therefore since she is not fortunate in War makes peace upon more honourable terms by Negotiation but because the Siege and taking of Vercelles preceded that peace it will be necessary that returning to the affairs of Piedmont we first relate the progress of that War in the beginning of the Summer 1617. The End of the fifth Book THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY BOOK VI. The Contents THe Governour of Millain goes with his Army to before Vercelles and besieging it on all sides and the Town not being able to be relieved after a long Siege he takes it upon Articles The Capitulations of Peace as well for what concern'd Piedmont as Friuli are treated of in the Court of Spain and are concluded in the Court of France as also at Madrid The Duke of Savoy being assisted by the French who came into Piedmont after the surrender of Vercelles takes some Towns in Montferraâ—… and in Allessandria And at last in pursuance of the Capitulations stipulated in the Courts of France and Spain the Peace is concluded in Pavia between the Governour of Millain and the French Embassadour The Viceroy of Naples sends some Galleoons into the Gulf in defence of the Ragusiens who were vex'd by the Venetian Fleet which Galleoons get the better in fight of the Venetians A Conspiracy is discovered in Venice and some rumours are spred abroad upon the Confines of Venice toward Millaâ—…n between the Spanish Souldiers and those of the Commonwealth which being appeased a period is put to the War and Italy is restored to her former Peace THe Governour being recruited with new Forces and being kindled with new desires of re entring Piedmont with his Army aimed to give on theâ—…e where it might be to most
purpose and most mortal to the Enemy Theâ—…e were of new arrived in the State of Millain 4 Companies of Light-Horse 16 of Gens d' Armes commanded by Camillo Caracciola Pâ—…ince of Avelino and 600 Curâ—…ssiers under Don Antonio Caraffa Duke of Matalona in all 1800 Horse which were sent him by the Duke of Ossuna who being no less desirous to maintain the grandezza and honour of the King against the Venetians then anxious for the affairs in Lombardy had spared neither for cost trouble nor diligence to keep up the Glory of the Spaniard and the Kings Authority in its ancient splendour Besides these there were expected 1000 Curassiers and 6000 Walloon Foot from Flanders who came quickly The command of the Horse was given to Iovan Ieronimo Doria the Foot were divided into two Brigades the one was commanded by Gulielmo Verdugo the other by Gulielmo di Quen The Lombard Neapolitan and Dutch Brigades being recruited with new men were almost gotten to their former number so as those that were there already being computed with those who were shortly to come the Army consisted of about 25000 Foot and of 5500 Horse a gallant Army and fit for whatsoever Enterprize A Council of the chief Commanders being therefore called he ask'd their opinion touching the whole business and touching carrying on the War against the Duke The opinions were three the first that the Towns of Montferrat should be recovered since the defence of that State was the principal end of the present War and for that when they should be recovered the Army in case the Peace should not be concluded which was closely negotiated might easily go to the expugning of Turin or if peace should be concluded it would redound the more to the Kings honour for that the possession of what was taken being got by War the Duke should not have the honour of restoring them The second whereof Mortara was Authour was that Asti should again be attempted The third that they should go to the taking in of Verrua and Crescentino with intention to keep succour from Vercelles and to open a commodious way for entrance into Piedmont The last not appearing so difficult as the taking of Asti and more honourable then to keep so great an Army about the recovery of a few inconsiderable Castles was approved of by the greatest part of the Council and so resolved on Don Ieronimo Caraffa Marquess of Montenegro a man of great power long vers'd in the Wars of Flanders was thought to be the Authour of this opinion who being sent from Spain the Winter before to be assistant to Don Piedro di Toledo in Council succeeded the Prince of Ascoli who was sent for back to Court and he commanded the whole Army by title of Camp-master General though under the name of the Governour So as it being noised that they went to Crescentino the Souldiers and Captains were wholly bent thereupon but the Governour who had resolved otherwise in private with Montenegro feigning to go from Pontestura where the Army then was to Crescentino and changing the Garrison of S. Germano in his passage faced about and sat down before Vercelles so unexpectedly as four Troops of Horse which were gone out oâ—… Vercelles to discover the Enemâ—…es Proceedings falling upon the body of the Army were kept from re-entring into Vercelles by a flying Squadron which were advanced by another way so they returned 〈◊〉 and dispers'd to the Duke and some other which could not save themselves by running were some of them slaâ—… some taken Prisoners Marquess Clausio was Governour of this place which was sufficiently well victuall'd yet but ill provided of Souldiers and worse of warlike Ammunition for they had been much wasted in the business of Messerano and Creppacuore wherefore the Governour knowing these their wants thought the business would be short and easie if by drawing suddenly and unexpectedly before it he could keep it from being relieved To this end having resolved to place Iovan Ieralimo Doria with the Cavalry which was come from Flanders which consisted wholly of choice and Veteran Souldiers to guard the ways by which relief might be brought from Piedmont he had sent to Millain before he went from Pontestura for provision of Arms and calculating the time so as that these Horse might come to Millain at the same instant as the Army should approach Vercelles he failed in his account by reason of some delay made by some Officer of Millain in the delivery out of the Arms So as the Duke who at the first news of the Armies being gone to Vercelles was gone with all his Forces to the Ruines of Santia had opportunity of sending 1500 Foot and some Companies of Horse into the Town who finding the ways open got safe without any opposition into Vercelles This succour came very opportunely for together with them there entered also many Commanders and Captains and amongst the rest Monsieur di Saufrone the Dukes Engineer who did singular service in all this Siege This place was begirt on that side which looks towards Piedmont where the greatest danger of assault lay with a Wall which was platformed with a Ditch It was impossible it should be infested on that side which lies toward Millain there being but a very little space between the Wall and the neighbouring River Sesia full of Roots and snags of Trees When the Army was come within sight of the Town finding that the Flemish Horse did still delay coming and fearing that more succours would be brought in he thought it requisite to streighten it the more He commanded therefore that a long Trench should be begun which beginning from Sesia a good way above Vercelles and taking a compass towards Piedmont might not only encompass the whole Town with a greater circuit but might also inclose all that space of ground wherin the Army was quarter'd and should terminate in Sesia a good way below the City to the end that the Army might lye safe within that Trench and be sheltered from the Dukes assaults and might securely attend the siege a work which by reason of the large compass and continual rains could not be perfected without much delay of time The Horse which were in the Camp were most of them quartered beyond the Sesia to the end that they might keep succour also from being brought by that side The Town being thus beâ—…eagured on all sides and the Artillery and other provisions being also come they began their Trenches and began their Batteries against the Walls and Fortificaâ—…ions thereupon erected on the lower side of the Trenches about which there was continual Skirmishing for those within beâ—…ng increased in numbers to boot with their shooting of Cannon and Musqueâ—…s from the Walls Ravelines and other fortified places 〈◊〉 ofâ—…en out to assâ—…ult the enemy and to skirmish with him though for the most part some whaâ—… to their loss And those without advancing stâ—…ll with their apprâ—…aches and assaults indeavoured to get underneath the
they might fortifie it and make it serve for a Bulwark against the State of Genoa and there hinder the passage of shipping between Spain and the Kingdoms of Naples and Sicily the Genoeses were no less jealous of the Princes of Italy who having room left them to be admitted into the League it was not known how they stood affected to these present commoâ—…ions it being feared that either apprehending to share in the ruine of Genoa they should not dare to declare themselves or run the same fortune for assisting them or that out of a tacite abhorrence of the Spanish Empire they might not be sorry to see an alteration in the State of Genoa which was so neerly joyn'd to the Spanish Grandezza and that some out of a desire of bettering themselves in the ruine of that Commonwealth might wish it for a Rendezvous for Arms was made in the City of Pisa and a great assembly of men and preparations for War and though it was said to be done under the colour of being ready upon all occasions to defend Tuscany yet the Genoeses wanted not conjectures of danger to Serezzana and Serezzanello belonging to the State of Genoa upon those Confines which places the great Dukes of Tuscany under pretence of the Florentine Commonwealth have always had an eye upon and sometimes some secret practices it was certainly known that the great Duke did at this time treat with the Duke of Feria that he would suffer him to possess himself of them and of the Gulf of Spetie and to keep them and defend them against the Confede ates Army lest when they should have taken Genoa they should take them also and that answer was made that neither by the King of Spain nor yet Feria's self that any one-foot belonging to the State of Genoa should be possess'd upon any whatsoever pretence The Genoeses were therefore much distracted being forced upon these urgent occasions to lessen their own necessary defences so to provide for the defence of Corsica and of the two other places of such concernment whether they notwithstanding sent people and provision for the maintaining of them though the danger from the Duke of Mantua who was thought to be privately very partial to the French were not so great yet the jealousie was no less by his giving free passage to the Confederates Army through Montferrat and more by the offers made afterward by him in secret to the Commonwealth to joyn with them against the same Army which was already past promising to fall upon them in the Reer with 6000 Foot and 1000 Horse if they would give him money to raise them and to maintain them in the field which offers as contrary to the ends and proceedings of that Prince were not only not accepted but as not too much to be trusted in these times they were rejected The Venetians forgoing that so noble study and endeavour publickly profest by them upon all occasions of the libâ—…rty of Italy being now joyn'd with Forreigners against the Genoeses were held to be little less then open enemies to them they had no old quarrel against the Commonwealth nor any new occasion of enmity or resentment to incite them to so hostile a resolution but after the ancient emulation for Empire at Sea the two Commonwealths had always kept upon fair terms the uniformity of their Government and their being both of them Italian Potentates might have been sufficient to interest them in the reciprocal maintaining of each other only the common end and desire of the Confederates to abate the greatness of the Austrians and of the King of Spain which was more suspicious to the Venetians then to any others by reason of the neighbourhood of Germany was sufficient to work upon that Senate at this time and to make them together with the rest plot the ruine of Genoa it was commonly said that this business being handled in the Consiglio de Pregati and it being argued what disorder and inconveniences would insue to the common affairs by the ruine of Genoa at that time particularly when that Commonwealth was desired in the Dyet at Susa to ioyn with the rest in the War against Genoa Rainero Zeno a Senator of great sway and eloquence should say that the inconveniences were most apparent but that the danger of their affairs by reason of the great power of the Empire and of the Crown of Spain was such so imminent and so neer their State as all other respects and considerations whatsoever being laid aside it ought in good Government of State to be prefer'd before all things else and that since all disorders could not be prevented they ought in so weighty and important resolutions too have an eye upon the greater and wink at the lesser just as wise Physitians do who to preserve their Patients life stick not sometimes at the amputation of a Leg or an Arm which being preserved would be his death And though the Venetian Forces being far from the Confines of Genoa were not much to be doubted yet being neer the Cremonese and joyn'd with the French in the Vatoline they kept the State of Millain imploied and consequently were no little hinderance to the succours which might be brought from thence to the Genoeses whose condition was now such in Venice as the Merchants of Genoa durst not appear in publick they were so generally hated and great was the rejoycing of the Venetian Nobility and Commonalty when they heard of the good success of the Confederates Army against the State of Genoa and no less triumph and rejoycing was made in the Court of Rome where the Genoeses through sinister news spread abroad of their misfortunes had lost so much reputation as they mock'd and publickly laught at them as if they had already been quite vanquish'd and were it either by reason of the great joy which great alterations cause or were it that the Officers of the Palace were for the most part Florentines or such as depended upon Florentines they were not displeased to see the liberty of others lost though their own was therein concerned a thing which made some men argue that the Pope was not overwell affected to the Commonwealth and which did much detract from the fatherly zeal which he profest to bear her and from the words which he was used to say when he heard ill news of the Commonwealth wherein he was wont to deplore the ruine of so Christian and Catholick a State to this miserable and ruinous a condition the Affairs and Liberty of the State of Genoa seem to be reduced The End of the Eighth Book THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY BOOK IX The Contents BY relief of Moneys and Victuals sent from Spain and Men from Naples Genoa is comforted in the midst of her troubles she is incouraged by the wants of the Enemies Army and through the disagreeing of their Commanders and is at last wholly freed by Friends coming into the Field with a powerful Army The
endeavoured to win him over to declare for them and they so well knew they the advantage of his joyning with them abusing their patience left nothing undone which might not prejudice them though little to their honour the Cardinal agreed for provision of victuals with some of the Dukes subjects and bargain'd with some others for the conducting of such as were in Nizza to ease his present necessities The Duke made them all be imprisoned but not being able without apparent contumacy to deny the conduct of such as were in Nizza since he had already received monies for their conduct he would appoint the conductors himself who depending wholly upon him brought more or lesse according as he pleased But the Army not being able to continue longer thus and the Cardinal being either to break with him or unworthily waste his Army or return with shame to France before he would break he would make the last trial He promis'd that he would assault some place in the state of Millain provided that the Duke would furnish Casalle with victuals the Duke either did not or did not seem to refuse the proposals Whereupon the Cardinal made his Van advance consisting of 7000 Foot and 1000 Horse under Marshal Cricky and going himself out of Susa with the body of the Army came to Cazalletto a place near Avigliana and the Duke sent good store of victuals to Casalle which finding that the Van being come to Rivas a Town in Montferrat did not prosecute the voyage he made them stay preâ—…ending that the Van alone could not do any thing of moment against the state of Millain so as it was necessary that the rest of the Army should follow The Cardinal was mightily troubled to be thus used perceiving that those very tricks were used to him which he used to others For as this marching of the Van was feignedly peâ—…formed by the Cardinal to make the Duke put victuals into Casalle so the Dukes sending of victuals appeared to be counterfeit to the end that he might make the Cardinal come out of Susa with his Army where he had as yet some provisions wherewith to subsist to the end that he might bring him to before the Spanish and the Cesarean Armies without victuals and be but badly backt by the remainder of his Army which tarried behind So as he might either be overcome by Famine without fighting or if he should fight he might be miserably destroyed And the more to witnesse the Dukes bad intentions it was added that notwithstanding that he had good store of monies disburst unto him per le Tappe and other quarterings he would not permit that the Army should passe by the usual way that it was to march and which leads from Susa to Avigliana where the way was more commodious broader and where there was better quartering but made it passe by the way of Condove and Cassalette which lies on the left hand very improper for the Foot much more for the Horse and for the carriage of the Artillery where there was no order nor provision for quarter and where they were to suffer both hunger and cold insomuch as the Army which tarried here some dayes had perished had not some remainder of victuals which were yet left in Susa been brought thither But this not being able to maintaine them long and the Duke pressing them to advance the Cardinal thought it not fit to pursue that voyage and leave Avigliana behind him where the Duke was with all his men Wherefore he answered that if the Duke would have him advance he must furnish him with victuals and declare openly for the King and remove the impediment of Avigliana which in the condition it was in would not suffer him to advance The Duke reply'd that the great scarcity of victuals must excuse him from sending in provisions that he could not declare against the Emperour who was his Sovereign Lord from whom he held so many Territories in fee and as for Avigliana that he was not bound as the Rebels of France to demolish his Townes to pave the way for the Kings Army but that to free himself of all jealousies he was ready to take some of his men out of Avigliana to which purpose he drew from thence about 7000 foot but he placed them in the guard of the Bridges and Passes by which when the French should be past LaDora they might assault him which the Cardinal perceiving he resolved to use force and to go against the Duke when he should be past Dora who tarried with some of his men in Rivoli and to this purpose was Cricky sent for back from Rivas where he continued still with the Van the Duke was aware of this and did not fear it for having munited Avigliana and Torino well the places whereupon he thought the French were likeliest to fall he hoped he might hold them play there till such time as the Cesarian Army and Spinola's might advance and finding them incamp'd before those places might easily rout them in case they should not long before be made to quit the enterprize for want of victuals But a new and unthought of accident alter'd the state of affairs the Duke going that very night from Rivoli went to Torino and abandoning the Bridges and Passes of the River which the French were to assault the next morning he afforded them conveniency to passe over the River without any impediment This so sudden and unexpected change was attributed to some knowledge that the Duke had got of some treaties held by the Cardinal in Torino where there were then many French and amongst them two of Cricky's Sons who as soon as they heard the Duke was entred the City retired to the Army whereat the Duke being mightily offended he made the chief of the French that remained in the Town be imprisoned as complices of plots and treaties and published a manifesto in print wherein he complained bitterly of the Cardinal that whilst he was entred his Dominions as a friend and whilst he had furnish'd him with victuals and other things to the great prejudice of his own people from whose mouths he had pull'd it he had endeavoured to oppresse him with plots and treaties within his own doors only for not having joyn'd his Forces with the French against his Sovereign Lord the Emperour and against the King of Spain to whom he had no reason to professe himself an Enemy wherefore declaring himself openly for the Emperour and King of Spain against the French he made new and more urgent dispatches to Spinola and to Collalto to make them advance with all possible speed to relieve Piedmont promising them full and assured victory over the Enemy who were streightned by so many necessities of which victory the happy end of the enterprizes of Mantua and Casalle would be the undoubted result The Cardinal was in great confusion at this the Dukes sudden and unexpected resolution his Army being in great danger to be lost for to send
men to Casalle and no victuals would rather be a trouble then an ease to the Town to keep idle where he was was impossible for want of victuals and dangerous lest the Enemy might come upon them to sit down before Avigliana or Torino would be a desperate and ruinous businesse So as in so great confusion and difficulty he knew no better course to take then to send a Messenger to the Duke who treating with him and with the Princesse Royal of Piedmont might mitigate the Dukes severity and bring him to more moderate counsells But neither did this do any good for the Duke being angry with the Cardinal minded nothing but revenge and the total ruine of that Army and utterly to overthrow the Cardinals fortune who out of private Emulation and big with Hatred and Ambition brought the Kings Forces to triumph over his and thought to make his Name remarkable to the Princes of the present age and immortal to future times He therefore neither admitted of the Messenger nor would he suffer him to speak with the Princesse Royal nor with the Embassadours of other Princes who were resident in his Court Wherefore the Cardinal forced by necessity changed the defensive war which was intended in favour to Nevers into war offensive against the Duke of Savoy by whom he held himself to be so unworthily dealt with he therefore sack'd Rivoli and the neighbouring Townes but thinking this too weak a resentment and unworthy his Grandezza he turned upon Pinarollo whither having sent Cricky with the Van he followed him the next day with the rest of his Army a resolution whâ—…ch was certainly necessary in so desperate a condition but very uncertain and dangerous for if that place had been so well provided as the importancy thereof and the present condition of affairs required and consequently the Cesarean and Spanish Armies had had time to succour it the French must necessarily either have come to a battle upon disadvantage or have foregone the Enterprise with much danger and confusion and have shamefully returned to Susa where if assaulted they could hardly have held out but must have been enforced to receive such Laws as the Conquerours should please to prescribe them to the intire loss of that Glory which they had won upon that very place the year before But Fortune which useth to change in points of extremity raised the Cardinals condition to the highest pitch of felicity which appeared to be ruined and precipitated the Dukes Affairs almost into utter destruction which seemed to be placed on the height of happiness For the Duke somewhat doubting that place where he knew there was no other defence but the Garrison which was usually kept there in time of Peace sent thither a great recruit of men the very day that the Army removed from Rivoli but it being given out in the Army that it went to Turin and those that went with the Artillery thinking that they were to continue their march according to their former Orders before the consultations had against Pinarollo were discovered drave on to Turin and the Duke who by reason of the said consultations doubted lest he might be assaulted recall'd that recruit of men which he but a little before had sent to Pinarollo and kept them to defend the chief City so as Pinarollo being deprived of that recruit and the Duke not being of himself able to march into the field to defend it could not hold out long against the French for the Van being come thither on the 20th of March and having placed their battery upon the ditch the City yielded without making any resistance They had somewhat more to do to take the Castle which held out somewhat longer for the Duke This success did totally alter the face of Affairs the Cardinal having time to breathe amidst so great streights to boot with having made way for the bringing of victuals and provisions from France brought the neighbouring Towns of Piedmont to Contribution which abounded in Victuals and by keeping that and Susa in his possession might not only advance to further acquisitions but secure the restitution of Cassalle if it should be taken by the Spaniards and now that he had so good pledges in his hands he might treat of Peace upon better conditions the relief of Cassalle not being so necessary as before On the contrary the Duke being by the loss of this place faln from his advantagious condition could no longer keep the French Army from Victuals nor make it depend upon his will as formerly in respect of relieving Cassalle nor could he keep the Spaniards any longer from being jealous of his joyning with the French but on the contrary it behoved him not only to depend upon the Cardinal and be subject to his will who being Master of Pinarollo might prejudice Piedmont in several manners but also upon Spinola's pleasure by the necessity he was in of being assisted by his Forces against the French who were got into the bowels of his State so as being of a sudden saln from being the Arbitrator of Peace and War as he held himself to be to be subject to the pleasures of both parties it behoved him wholly to forego those high conceits by which he thought to give Law to all and to submit himself to be disposed of by those who could readily and powerfully either defend or indammage him Spinola who being wholly bent upon Peace would never supply the Duke either with men or moneys being awakened by the coming and the progress of the French Army began to be of another mind and to make more haste in providing for War he therefore sent into Germany and Naples to hasten the coming of the men that were ready there and into Spain for more moneys and minding chiefly the safety of the State of Millain he began to build a great Fort neer Sartiranna and another upon the Poe over against Valenza and a third at Villata he threw one Bridge over at Villata and another between Valenza and the new Fort so he thought that that part of the State which was neer the great Garrison of Cassalle was safe enough and hearing that the French were gone to Pinarolo he sent Don Martin d' Aragona to assist the Duke with the Van consisting of 4000 Foot and 600 Horse and he himself expecting the Legate in Alessandria who came to treat of Peace tarried there to assemble the rest of the Army and therewithal himself in person to defend Piedmont but were it either that the ways being broken down by continual rain hindred the speed of his march or that thinking it impossible to come time enough to relieve the Castle of Pinarolo he thought that the Castle since it was to be lost might be lost before his Kings Forces appeared or else as many were of opinion that Spinola was not yet very sure of the Dukes Friendship and that therefore he was not displeased with that loss which forced the Duke to joyn with the