at the time of the besieging of Groeningen the Fort Delf-zijl had the hap to be furnished with powder and shot out of East-India the better to defend the ships Suddenly many Smack-boats were sent thither to take out the finest Wares and to bring them home over the Wadden and our Ships of War went to the Eems to fetch off these India Ships all which by a special providence arrived at their several Ports without any hinderance and the Fleet returned again to Zealand And it is very remarkable that the English who had so long lurked for to prey upon our East-Indie ships themselves of which the certain news came the 17. August lost a very rich Indie ship of their own called the Faulcon being taken by a Zealand Caper and brought up at Bergen in Norway esteemed to be worth 1500000. gildens After this nothing was done by both Fleets the design of the Enemy which was to Land on our Coasts being continually hindered by hard weather in the mean while our Capers which at the beginning of the War were not permitted with many other that had Commission from Zealand went out to Sea and yet daily do which already have so much endammaged the French and especially the English that their losse is rated at many millions The condition of the remainder of our Country we left under the sad tumult of the Inhabitants by which all things were like to come into a lamentable confusion and if I judge not a misse in greater peril than through the Armies of the French every moment we being in danger to strand upon the blind Rocks of the incensed vulgar of which the effects were so many and diverse that it would be too confused and tedious a work to rehearse or read them it will be sufficient to relate the chiefest by which may easily be judged of the rest Upon the general insurrection of the Citizens against the Magistrates it was in some Cities published and Letters from his Highnesse divulged dated the 9. July wherein the Citizens were commanded to abstain from such manner of proceedings and to let things remain as formerly they were upon pain of displeasure and to be punished as disturbers of the common peace it being an intrenchemend on his Highnesse authority as Stadholder whose office it is to dispose of the concerns of the Magistracy wherefore if any in the Regency were guilty they might be orderly charged and being found guilty should be according to desert punished Hereupon the Citizens expected that his Highness would make a general reformation in the Government but nothing came of it and no wonder for this Iron was too hot for him to lay hold on the time not be suitable to begin a work of such consequence Nevertheless the Commons would so have it and therefore they set upon the work again Rotterdam and Dort displaced the most part of the Magistrates and nominated others in their room and in many other places by threatning Petitions the restitution of their Old Priviledges laid by were required Delf was taken in by the Pesants of Maesland and the Magistrates constrained to give them and the Citizens satisfaction The like was done at der Gou and at der Tholen the Pesants came to alter the Magistrates At Zierickzee they brake the windows of the Town-house but the Citizens shut out the Pesants that were entring themselves emptying the Town-house shutting it up and displacing all the Magistrates At Middle-borough the Citizens and common people had set upon the Magistrates till such time the Pefants came brake open the City gates and lifting up the Doors from off the Bars drew 7. of the Lords without the City whom they would not let go till they had received satisfaction Vlissingen and ter Vere also turned all upside down and at ter Goes the Citizens rose up against some whom they termed Traytors Leyden was deep in the reformation deposing all their Lords and shut up the Town-house Haerlem did not much lesse In North-Holland the Women themselves very busy to have things ordered to their mind At Amsterdam also were meetings at their Doelens some of whom not satisfyed to have occasioned great trouble in the Church by following of Labadie who now is said to be married with the Lady of Sommelsdick were ring-leaders also to do the like in the Policy But the Magistrates according to their wonted wisdom desirous to prevent the storm approaching resigned the whole Government and every one his charge to the free disposal and pleasure of his Highness who seeing the unavoidable necessity for the common peace did according to the resolution of the States General in date of 7. August take in hand the altering of the Magistracy disposing thereof in some Cities as he thought best himself in others he chose out some of them that were upon nomination in some he did it by Commissioners which notwithstanding gave not full content to all but much dissatisfaction still remained which was not a little fomented by such as imagined themseves injuried by this alteration But blessed be God this drew no further disaster along with it and that the Government was in some measure brought to a more setled posture by putting by such as the commons suspected What concerns the plundrings and personal assaultings they were diverse whereby also the greatest of the Land were in jeopardy as Burgemaster Graaf the Ambassador de Groot the Lord of Beverning yea the ancient Prince Maurice himself yea such was the rage of the vulgar as they threatned to plunder the house of Admiral de Ruyter which also was really done to many of the Magistrates houses in diverse Cities but it shall suffice to note in its place one example thereof happened at the Hague the 20. August After the King of France his departure the quitting of the siege before the Bos the breaking up of Turrennes Leger and the delivery of Groeningen no great matter of concern passed between us and the Enemy except some skirmishes of which I will note the principal as they fell out 22. July the Ambassador de Groot who was the chief of the Commissioners sent to the King of France silently departed the Land with his Family as perceiving that the change of time would not permit the transactions with France to go forward his Highnesse not being altogether satisfyed with him therein but disavowing the same declared that he was ready to defend his Country to the utmost and to hazard life and all for the same De Groot wrote a Letter to the State in way of excuse that he was onely retired for to escape the machinations of his enemies and the rage of the vulgar by which for some while he had been in perill of being overwhelmed That all his services had been improved for the good of the Land neither would yet undertake any thing to the prejudice of the State GRONINGEN 26. dito The Frieses under Alua were unawares assaulted by 13. Standards of the Bishop between
alarmed whereupon the French were forced again to retire out of those Posts taking along with them some prisoners but on the other hand at the same time a French Troup of Horse near the Village Capel a little higher than Schoonhoven were soundly beaten and many slain without any great losse of our men 4. dito The Sommer season passing our Fleet came in some lighter Frigats keeping Sea near our Ports the greater ships retiring to their several homes upon which also the greater English ships were laid up one Esquadron of the lighter ships onely keeping at Sea The French Esquadron also prepared to go home but were kept at Sea by contrary winds till the midst of November before they got to Brest And it is past apprehension how these two Fleets Enemies to each other could be so long without any engaging The War which till now hath been so sore upon us was driven on by the professed enmity of 2. mighty Kings one Elector and the Bishop of Westphalia besides many other who under hand did favour and assist them where on the contrary we onely a little supplied by the Spanish Netherlands were forsaken of all our former Allies With Brandenburg indeed a Treaty defensive was made but hitherto without any effect untill that the Lords of Amerongen and Pelnits took their journey thither with vast sums but the ship in which they were happily met a boat from Hamburg before the Weset who told them there lay three English ships before the Elve which waited for the coming of an Holland ship with money and that if they would but look up they might see them wherefore it seemed most safe to these Lords to sail with the money to Bremen where they well arrived from that time forward there was a gathering of some Soldiers of which continually was much spoken and long expectation At the same time also the Emperor raised forces at Egra according to a league defensive between him and Brandenburg for the security of the Empire against France in which league Spain and Denmarck also were included which to us seemed to promise some good and the rather because it was certainly reported the Brandenburgers traine came down and the Elector himself 26. August arrived at Halberstadt where also the Earl Montecuculi General of the Imperial Troups came the 10. September It was expected that both these Armies would have come further to the Rhijn side and presse into Wephalia were upon also Turenne gathered his Forces and encamped between Wesel and Doesburg for to have a waking eye upon them but the Auxiliary Troups having laid some while about Halberstadt changed their course returning back to Franckfurt The Elector leaving some Forces upon the borders of Westphalia and the Auxiliaries sate down at Fridburg and Butspach whereupon Turenne also marched up higher with his Army alongst the Rhijn and pitched over against Ceulen And notwithstanding we here were altogether ignorant of the intent the Auxiliaries had in this march yet it put some courage into us for hereby Turennes Army was kept off from us and in the interim our Armies encreased mightily with inlandish and outlandish Forces as diverse Regiments of Konincksmark The General Polens of the Duke of Holstein Pleun of the Earl of Witgenstein and the like which came out of other Countries the method also of the Militia was better ordered the Leger Posts in better defence and the commotions at home sedated all which gave more satisfaction to the Citizens but on the contrary it encreased the misery of the conquered places and daily augmented their oppression On the plains all was ruinated by fire and sword in the Cities excessive burdens and contributions raised and Soldiers inquartered in the Citizens houses and themselves disarmed and upon high threats of punishment required to bring all their Arms up to the Town-house to be lockt up Diverse of their Churches contrary to agreement taken from them and thorowout all the Conquest the following Proclamation of the King was published Whereupon on the other hand by way of retorsion a like Proclamation was published by the States A Declaration of the French King against the Inhabitants of Gelderland Over-Yssel and the Sticht Utrecht FRom the King His Majesty being well informed that a great number of the Inhabitants of the new conquered Lands by his Arms in Holland have abandoned and forsaken their Lands Houses and Inheritances retiring themselves elsewhere His Majesties pleasure being to force them to return doth ordain and command expresly that the owners of the said Houses thus abandoned do come and dwell there again and that before the end of this month now running on without any longer delay upon pain the time being past of confiscation of all their incomstes and to be obliged every day to pay 50. gilders for the maintenance of the Troups of his Majesty and in case of no payment their Houses to be rased down to the ground their plantations ruinated RAYMUNDUS GRAEF van MONTE CUCCOLI Generalissimus van t. Keiserlück Leger NAARDEN UYTERMEER SLUYS WEESP His Majesty commands and ordains to his Lieutenants General Commanders of his Troups in the conquered Countries as also to the Lord Robert Intendant of the Justice Polity and Finances in his regard to look unto the execution of these presents the which his Majesty will have published and in all places affixed where it 's require that none may pretend ignorance hereof Given at Versailles the 9. Septemb. 1672. Was subscribed LOUIS Yet lower LE TELLIER In England the time of the Parliaments coming together approached but it pleased the King to prorogue them untill February next coming of which there were diverse thoughts but most judged it a sign of small inclination to peace which seemed the more credible because of the news that France and England bad prolonged the Alliance for 6. moneths The 28. dito Ours made an attempt upon Naarden to which end many ships went with Soldiers from der Gow to the Southern Sea and from Amsterdam and other Posts with boats to Weesp for to fall upon Naarden altogether at one time early in the morning both by Water and by Land the Soldiers at Land with whom his Highnesse was in person being ready at the set time and were advanced near unto the City they within not yet knowing of it but by reason of an extraordinary calm the Soldiers in the ships nor the Float-boats with the Canon could come up so the attempt came to nothing for his Highnesse not willing to hazard his forces which might have been fallen upon from behind out of Amers-foord and Utrecht drew off the Militia to their Posts onely leaving some Posted in Grave-land and Ankeveen Octob. 7. Some French who upon the attempt of Naarden were come from Utrecht fell upon ours who were Posted in Graven-land putting to flight and taking some of them prisoners whereupon the French advanced before the Sluce of Ankeveen where Prince Maurice had planted some Pallisados and cast up of
payment to have his Army in readiness There was a Treaty also with the Princes of Lunenburg but without effect in the mean while our Army gathered near the Yssel about Doesburg and the retrenchment alongst the Yssel was compleated whither the Prince with most of the chief Commanders came and the Forts at Staphorst and Rouveen were with all diligence forwarded and the Army mustered 9. dito The French King having made a review of his Army near Charleroy sent the Marshal Turenne with 15000. men 4000. Wagons and 27. Canons to march to the great Cassey by Luyck and Mastricht and himself followed with the gros of the Army and on the 11 12. and 13. dito having lodged in three several places of the Spanish bounds came the 14. dito into the countrey of Luyk passing near by Navagne and arrived the 18. dito at Visé where he stayed and beset Tongeren with French Soldiers In the interim dito 16 the Avantguard under Marshal Turrenne had surrounded and shot upon Maseyck requiring them to deliver it up and nothing regarding the Luyckish neutrality possessed himself thereof and Turenne entring it said that there a Magasin for the King must be erected and serve for a pas to the Armies so departing presently the French fell at work to fortify the Town demolishing whatever stood in their way Hereby Mastricht was as good as blockt up and the rather because Condé came on the other side of Mastricht with an Army of 35000. men which was come marching from Sedan through Ardennes longst the overside of the Mase so that it seemed they intended to assault Mastricht of which there was no great fear seeing it was well provided with all things necessary and had a Garrison of 12000. Soldiers besides the Citizens 14. dito Upon the advice that our Fleet was at Sea which at Schoonevelt yet waited for some of our ships and that the French Vice Admiral the Earl d'Estré was come to Wight The English Fleet under the Duke of York made out to Sea to joyn with them which had not our Fleet come a little too late might have been prevented one of them that followed falling in our hands was sent up to Rotterdam Our Fleet crossing there about some time and seeing the Enemies Fleet came not out returned back to our coasts 18. dito The Bishop of Munster desirous to share in the ensuing war published upon frivolous pretences a Westphalian Declaration of War against this State Declaration of his Grace the Bishop of Munster against the States of the United Provinces BE it known that forasmuch as by intercepted Letters and Persons detained in Prison and by many other wayes it is confessed and made evident that in the United Provinces many have been induced and misted through mony and great promises of reward to labour by themselves and their adherents to corrupt and by great soms of mony to entice the Servants and Officers of our Gracious Lord of Munster and Convey to fire the Forts Cities and especially the Magasins of his Highness and through such horrid crimes to make the Senses possessors of his Grades Forts and Cities and to debauch his Soldiers from their oath duty having stirred up â—…ellion CHARLEROY MAESTRIGHT and revolts by such damnable wayes yea have also not feared to conspire against the very life it self of his Grace committing Crimen Assasinatus against his Graces Person Which thing also horrible to relate hath in his Country Cities Forts Lordships Towns and Villages been practised many places set on fire as verily suspected to have been atchieved by these evill Doers as hath been confessed and ocularly appeared So as such horrid actions have scarce ever been perpetrated by Barbarians and Turks Wherefore his Grace both in care to his own Person as also to preserve asmuch as possible may be his Graces Cities Forts Lordships Towns and Subjects in the Country from further dammage doth command most graciously and earnestly all his High and Low Officers whiter Civil or Military all his common Soldiers and Subjects most strictly to take care that none of these incendiaries and traytors be suffered to enter his Grates Dominions which if any shall presume to seize upon them and deliver them to the nearest Garrisons and whoever shall bring in any one of these shall have a recompence of 100. Rijcksdollers But to the end that hereby other honest and well-meaning people be not hindred to come into his Highnesse Dominions for to Trade in his Graces Cities and Country they are required to signifie unto the Commanders and Officers where they first arrive the cause of their coming that so they may drive their trade and businesse in his Graces Dominions having before obtained a Pas from them His often before mentioned Grace doth also command the more carefully and with assurance to prevent all treachery upon the highest arbitrary and after conviction upon pain of corporal punishment as also confiscation of Goods that no man of what state or quality soever within his Jurisdiction thither Ecclesiastical or Laick Civil or Military person do without consent granted correspond with any of the said Netherlands by interchange of Letters or Commerce so as all trading with them is from hence forward unlawfull and that no man may pretend ignorance thereby to excuse himself these presents shall in all our Cities Towns Lordships and Villages as also in all Garrisons and elsewhere be publickly from the Pulpit proclaimed and afterward in usual Places affixed that every one may have knowledge hereof witnesse our own hand and printed secret Seal Subscribed at his residence in Ludgersburg the 18. May 1672. Christoff Bernhardt Locus Sigilli 18. dito Here happily arrived the Fleet from St. Ubal about 80. sail of which some that went towards the East Sea were taken by Scotch Capers The same dito the States did of their meer bounty set at liberty all the detained English and Scotch ships which about the time of the breach and some while after were with pas from the Duke of York come hither to the number of 70. Merchant men and more allowing them freely to depart with ships and lading which the States by their last agreement were not bound to do but might according to the Law of Arms have made them prize The day following the States chose Officers for the raising of four Regiments and gave the Commander Stockheim an order to raise one Regiment more also a part of our Foot that had been quartered in the Spanish Netherland returned home and the rest followed soon after All Holland through the Pesants were armed and mustered and 1375. of them were sent from North-Holland to the Yssel 18. dito in open field the King of France held a great Councel of War with all his High Officers and concluded to keep Mastricht blockt up with 20000. men and to march with the gros of the Army to the Rijn Whereupon Condé the 21. dito brake up with his Army passing through gulicker-Gulicker-land
near Coblents and the Wester-wald This encounter fell out to the advantage of the Confederates they keeping the Pas though they were fewer in number and the 7. and 8. dito they passed over the Bridge they had made the Emperial General Montecuculi being to depart to Weenen and the Duke de Bourneville to come in his place to command the Emperial Troups And at this time the Prince of Condé was come to Mets to gather an Army about the Moesel to withstand the Confederates to which end all was brought together in France what possible could be to send to Condé The 24. dito the Duke of Anjou who was born while the King was in the Field died The French fearing that the Emperialists would march longst the Bergstraat through the Palts and passe the Rhijn at Straatsburg over the Bridge to come into the Elses thereupon the Commander in Brisack shipping 700. men came the 16. November in the night and burnt the Bridge at Straatsburg ruining 8. arches thereof to the great astonishment of the Straatsburgers but the Emperialists not seeking that way made a Bridge over the Rhijn a little higher than Maints and in part marched over the same Whereupon also the Marshal Turenne laid a Bridge over the Rhijne somwhat below Coblens by Andernach and departed with such speed out the Bergsland and Westerwald that the sick and overweary were left behind above a 1000. in number all which by the Pesants there about were put to the Sword November 4. 400. French came into the Vïllage Waverveen where the Pesants at first made some resistance but soon retired an Outlayer having in it 28. men and some iron pieces defended it self couragiously but ran a ground and so was mastered whereupon the French plundered the Town much abusing the Pesants and before they departed set the Town on fire The 7. dito they burnt down the remaining Tile-houses about Woerden as also the 8. dito the Villages Newveen and Over-meer and the 9. a Fort by Newerbrugge and wholy consumed by fire that fair Town of Jaarsvelt and the 16. dito set on fire Abkow nothing being exspected but this Winter they will ruinate all the open Country where ever they can come 14. dito A party of 400. out of Ouwater surprized 14. ships with Hay by Monfoort with Oats Straw and Corn intending for Utrecht some they brought with them the rest they burnt And the day following the Marquis De Tours Commander of the Goverwelle-sluce with a gallant party set upon many Boats with provision going for Utrecht and Woerden taking 30. of them and sunk 8. before Woerden whereupon soon after the French deserted the Cities Ysselstein and Monfoort blowing up the Tower of the Fort of Monfoort 16. dito The Munsters forsook the Yler-sconse because as it seemed 2500. Horse of the Prince of Courland taken into service of this State were arrived at Lier in East-Friesland for to come here into our Country through Groeningen About an hundred of our men laying before the Old-sconse were commanded to take possession of the Yler-sconse whereupon a day two or three after 3000. Munsters fell on again driving our men out and taking some prisoners as also routed 200. of the Courlanders who were gone a grasing too far in Westphaly yet many of these afterward made shift to return to their main body the Munsters lost not many lesse in this rencountre and quitting the Yler-sconse it was well nigh wholy ruinated 2. dito 50. men out of Block-zijl made a party and hard by Hasselt encountred 36. of Colen with a Lieutenant whom with 24. they took prisoners and killed the rest The 28. dito The French came to the Post of Ankeveen from which they were forced to retire with the losse of 8. men and 4. or 5. prisoners yet in their retiring burnt some houses behind the Town The 30. dito they came again to Abkow thinking to burn down the remaining of it but our men falling out of the Fort hindred the same and took 30. of them prisoners and some other of ours in a boat went to Breukelen and fetcht 19. French from thence and brought them prisoners to Abkow SWART SLUYS HASSELT 29. dito 500. men from Block-zijl and the Kuynder came before Swartsluce with 30. Capers and 3. very great Flat-boats which were fenced and provided with great Guns or half Cartows having about a 1000. men in them for to Land and so altogether to fall upon the Sluce 200. of our Land-soldiers fell on so stoutly at the appointed time that they had even got the mastery of the Fort but the Ships and Boats advanced not but kept off shooting at a distance doing little or no hurt to the Enemy our Men on Land making sign with their Hats for them to sail forward but in vain though they had both wind and stream for their advantage whereupon a party of Horse from Hasselt and Meppel came rushing on falling upon the back of our men and took in the Fort again about an 100. of ours either slain drowned or wounded and near 200. taken prisoners which was imputed to the treachery or cowardize of some for had they that fell on as was meet been seconded they had not only got Swart-sluce but Hasselt also which was the intent of the enterprize but this was the second time brought to nothing to our shame and losse The season of the year the badnesse of the wayes and ill success of our undertakings did sufficiently shew that this Winter time very little good was within the Country to be exspected as also it could not help much to the redressing of our decaying State in case it could have been attainable for us this Winter to gain Naarden Woerden yea Utrecht it self therefore it was a most prudent and praise-worthy resolution and an undertaking of a more glorious and higher design of his Highness leaving the Land in a good posture of defence to go forth and meet the Enemy upon the borders not shunning to face them in the Field hereby peradventure being like to put a short issue to a long War And however it might fall out with the undertaking the successe whereof depends on the blessing of the Lord nevertheless the Impartial will in equity free him from that imputation wherewith the enviers of his Greatness and prosperity have bespattered him and be constrained to confess that the liberty of his Country is more precious than his Life that his Princely youth doth not come short of any of the noblest undertakings of his Illustrious Predecessours This State not being satisfyed with the pretended neutrality of the Country of Luyck where the French had put Forces in the Cities of Maseyck Tongeren and Valckenburg and fortifying the whole Country though against the will of the States of Luyck and kept under their devotion Therefore on our side also the said Country was set undër contribution and with force furthered upon which there followed enmity between Luyck and Mastricht all
Dragten and Bergen where the Frieses being allured into an Ambush would have fallen short had they not been seconded whereby those of the Bishop were driven back with the loss of 150. horse and onely 25. of our soldiers 31. dito The Pensionaris de Wit for the first time went to Church after his recovery of his wounds wherein he was the more hasty for to have the opportunity to be assistant to the dangerous condition of his brother the Ruart van Putten who the 24. dito was brought from Dort to the Hague and there kept prisoner The 1. August the Pensionar went and complimented his Highnesse over his Illustrious Character and advance The 4. dito he appeared in the Session of the States General where he made an Oration of his great services and care of the welfare of the State but perceiving that in this conjuncture it could be no longer for the profit but contrarywise to the disadvantage of the Land he therefore was come to lay down his office of Pensionarship perhaps because he foresaw he was not like long to hold or at least to execute the same and withal desired that according to the resolution before taken he might have his seat in the High Councell but forasmuch as there fell dispute about the Ranck and afterward Zealand was opposite to the Session it self and as is reported the Chair of State was denied in the Church he never after appeared in the Councel Upon notice given in England of his Highnesse advance to the Stadtholdership came a rescription dated 28. July which his Highnesse communicated to the State A Letter of his Majesty the King of Great Brittain To his Highness the Prince of Orange From Whitehall the 28. July 1672. Cosin MOnsieur van Reede having made report of the sad condition to which you are brought it went very near me but which most troubled me was that you seem to have an apprehension as if I had lesse care and affection to you than formerly I pray you that you be pleased to assure your self that they are groundless apprehensions without cause but on the contrary that I have the same tender respects and affection your person that ever I had both in regard of your own worth as in respect of that blood of which we both partake Neither have I ever forgot any of the least good services which your Father in his life time hath shewed to me the obligations whereof shall alwayes remain engraven in the bottom of my heart Be pleased I pray to believe though the present State of things have not permitted me to correspond with you and to communicate my designs and Treaties which in all transactions I have undertaken with the most Christian King I have alwayes endeavoured to advance your Interest so far as the nature of the Treaty could any way permit The insolencies and continual Machinations against me by those that for some time since have had so great direction in the Government of the United Netherlands have necessitated me to joyn with the most Christian King who also hath the same Subject of complaint against them to the end onely to cast down that insupportable greatnesse of the Louvesteinish faction and to assure our selves from the like future insults and mockage The trust that I have to the Friendship of the most Christian King the affection he bears to your Person and his aversion to them which have manifested themselves to be my Enemies as well as yours do promise unto me a good issue out of all these turmoiles as to your self and in case the Inhabitants of those Provinces had in time considered their mistake and conferred upon you the authority and dignities wherewith your Illustrious Predecessors have so worthily been possessed of then without doubt the said most Christian King and We should have continued in a perfect and assured friendship with the foresaid Provinces Notwithstanding I am very much satisfied with what the Commons of those Provinces now lately have done choosing you for their Stadtholder And when I shall see that affairs are brought to such a stay that it shall be no longer in the power of the said violent faction or another as malitious to dissolve or make fruitlesse what is done and that I shall be able to free my Subjects from the oppression and injuries they have so long sustained I will endeavour to protect you and your friends and improve all my interest with my Brother in law the most Christian King for to yeeld to such an issue to these embroiled affairs that the whole World may perceive the particular care I bear to your Person and what for your sake I will do for the interest of the foresaid Provinces To be short I would assure you and you may certainly believe that I have alwayes all manner of good inclination and intention for your well being as such as you could desire and which alwayes may witnesse that I am and shall be Cousin Your well-affectionate Uncle and was under writ CHARLES REX The Letter was diversly interpreted which I leave to every one to judge of as seemeth him good but look upon it as meerly complimental and expressing the Kings bitternesse against this State under the name of the Governors thereof and I pityed those who judged to see in it any affection of the King towards his Highnesse and for his sake to this Country or did hope by this change the easier to obtain an accommodation with England 1. August Towards evening went out of Utrecht about 3000. men most Horse having some pieces by them with which the day after they came before Kroonenburg where Captain Witze commanded with about 200. men it was a strong Fort but not provided with Ammunition of which the French with some losse made themselves masters carrying away our Soldiers prisoners to Utrecht which also they did to the Fort Loenersloot in which lay onely a few men both which Forts a while after they left by powder demolishing Kroonenburg and having plundered all Loenen and what was thereabout retired with the spoil to Utrecht 8. dito In the Quarters of his Highnesse Captain de Hing Yossa who had laid in Wesel was sentenced by the High Councel of War to be beheaded for cowardize mutiny and treachery Colonel Mombas who had betrayed the Tol-house was the same day his brother in law de Groot departed the Land sentenced to be deprived of all dignities and Offices to be detained 15. years prisoner but in the sentence nothing was pronounced against his Person but not long after he escaped and went over to the Enemy upon which 3000. gildens was set upon him by proclamation The 28. August Colonel d'Ossery for his unfaithfullness at Rijnberck was beheaded in the Princes Leger And the 23. Septemb. the Commander van Zanten and Major Copes for their unfaithfull carriage in the delivery of Wesel were disgraded and their Swords broken at their feet and the first of these in the presence of
all the World whereupon the vulgars fury not yet satisfyed they toward the evening first cut off the two foremost fingers of John de Wit wherewith he had subscribed the perpetual Edict and afterward cut of the Fingers Toes Nose Ears and privy Members of both of them and prying into the innermost parts plucked out their Bowels winding them about their arms tore their Hearts out of their bosoms screwed open their Bodies with wooden pricks offering to sale in all parts of the City yea in other Towns inlandish and outlandish the torn pieces of their Garments and Members of their bodies A Toe was sold for 10. the joynt of a Finger for 12. a Finger for 15. and an Ear for 25. stuyvers and so pro rato accordingly some of them they dryed embalmed and carried about to be seen for money and they that went to the highest pitch of inhumanity did horresco referens rost their Flesh and ate it Who would believe that ever our Netherlands should have brought forth Anthropophagi The night drawing her Curtains before this tragical Theatre the Actors and Spectators departed whereupon came a Coach with five Laquies which took away what was left of the Bodies bringing the same into the House of Iohn de Wit burying the same silently the next night in the New Church in the Grave where Iohn de Wits Wife laid Some there were that spake of taking them up out of the Graves again to burn them to ashes and fling them into the air fearing perhaps least by another change of time their bones should rear them up a Grave of honour as Martyrs of the State as was formerly foretold should be done to Barnevelt However they satisfyed themselves in putting their hands to the last work of breaking to fitters their Arms which were made to be hung up in the Church for they would root out their memory if they could as well as their Lives from the Earth Their kindred complying with the intemperance of these times did not appear in mourning apparel Strangers spake of the transaction as their fancies led them some judged it an act of Chivalry and restauration of our oppressed liberty Others did not commend yet would not blame it looking upon it as a special judgement upon them yet many condemn the whole action fearing the destruction of the whole Land would follow hereupon but they who would seem the most impartial judged that in this conjuncture of time it was a good service to the Land that these men were removed though they were the greatest Intelligents and Politicians of the World yet the action it self they lookt upon as barbarous and abominable and which hath stained our Nation with the black mark of fury which shall never be wiped of and the more because no certain evidence or confession of the one nor accusation of the other hath been made known This is remarkable that at the very same time the Citizens were here busie to take away the life of John de Wit who had resigned his Pensionaryship even the States of Holland during these tumults were employed in the choice of another Pensionaris unto which the Lord Griffier Fagel was propounded 1. September The Field Marshal Wurts went with some Troups out of Gorcum to the House Pouroyen which the French had fortified and garrisoned which he soon mastered taking some prisoners the rest retiring to Bommel and while ours were busie in this work they of the Bos went before Crevecoeur to impede that no assistance from thence might be sent to Pouroyen which being sometime beset with our men was soon after demolished by Gun-powder 2. dito Some Frieses with help of them that crosse upon the Souther-Sea fell upon Block-zijl and gayned the Sconse by them erected upon which the Inhabitants fell upon the Munsters and cut the throat of the Commander and forthwith by help of ours Soldiers did drive out the French whereupon Vollenhoven was also left by the Enemy About this time also some Yaghts and Small-ships with Soldiers under the conduct of one Muller went from Amsterdam with a design upon Swart-sluce before which after long hinderance by contrary wind they came but the plot not being well laid did not prosper the Munsters being seconded by their friends whereupon some of ours returned to Amsterdam leaving there the Yaght of Muller which was fired but most of ours made for Block-zijl from whence the 11. dito Captain Holbaarn with 240. men made a gallant assault upon Slijckenburg or the Kuynder-Sconse soon putting 250. of the Episcopel to flight taking 28. prisoners a Coach with horses and other booty few being slain or wounded on either side Captain Holbaarn remained Commander there 7. dito Toward evening 2000. Groeningers with 12. Field Pieces went forth out of Groeningen under the chief Lieutenant of the Governor Rabenhaupt to Winschoten which the Episcopal were a making strong by that Fortresse to straiten the Bourtange Delf-zijl yea Groeningen it self Whereupon the Episcopal being 800. Dragoons went the 8. dito out of Winschoten and set themselves in posture by four Esquadrons in the Field till ours came but were soon put to flight and withal driven out of the Winschoter Sconse loosing about 200. man six pieces many waggons spades and such like Instruments retiring unto the Old and New Sconses after which ours put a Garrison in the Fort Te Wedde which is the Pas to the Bourtange whereby the Passes of the Old and New Sconses are asmuch as possible could be shut and blockt up 16. dito Some Troups from the quarter of the Earl of Horn marched into Oudewater putting forces into it making soon after his quarters there leaving the Post of Gouverwelle sluce beset with some Troups onely Which also his Highness would have done at Woerden if they had not been unwilling to spoil their Tile-houses so desired they might be excused whereupon his Highnesse seeing he could not be secured put no forces into the Town but the French awakened through our strengthening of Oudewater the Duke of Luxenburgh Stoupa Mombas and many other Officers marched from Utrecht with about 4. or 5000. Horse and Foot 4. Peeces and much bagage to Woerden where arriving the Duke by a Trumpetter desired of the Lords passage for some Troups which was granted whereupon they all entred and held their Post there to the great astonishment of the Inhabitants The 19. dito many boats with bagage and provision also carts with instruments and bullets and two Canons for the other did stick in the way were sent in and with all speed the Pesants round about with the Citizens were forced to work at the fortification for the strengthening of the City and to leave all they had without the City and demolish whatever stood in the way so Luxenburg returned to Utrecht leaving a Garrison of 2000. there 20. dito Some French went from Crevecoeur to Heusden and on a sudden rushed into a Redout and Horn-work which they of the City perceiving were
directly to Keysers-Weert where the 27. and 28. dito he passed the Rijn over a Bridge of ships and came the 1. of June before Wesel Turenne with his Army followed him and passing the Maes marched directly to Nuys and from thence by the west-side of the Rijn Orsoy and Rijnberg to Burick where he arrived the 1. June The King with his Army followed the 27. May and 31. dito arrived near Nuys where the Elector of Colen had made great preparation to entertain his Majesty but the King excusing it hastened his march directly to Orsoy and Rijnberg where he came 1. June 1. June with break of day Orsoy and Rijnberg were surrounded by the King himself Wesel by the Prince of Condé and Burick which lay over against it by Turenne At the same time the Bishop of Munster with his Troups and some of Colens brake up from Benthem and falling into Twente surrounded the City Grol But of these more in particular Orsoy though a little yet a strong City having 700. Soldiers in it for defence whereof more then 2000. had been needfull was by the King summoned June 1. but the Councel of War consisting of the Colonel Moulet Commander Major Koerbeeck and 7. Captains with their under Officers would not listen resolving to defend the City wherefore the King was necessitated to plant his Canon which the besieged seeing and fearing the great power of the Enemy as having no hope of succour they began to despair and to think upon good conditions of agreement and were constrained to deliver up themselves the 3. dito to the discretion of the King onely reserving Life and Goods which accord the French not regarding miserably abused the Garrison high and low keeping them as prisoners of war WEESEL BURICK RYNBERCK ORSOY Burick right over against Wesel being a small Fortresse with 5. bulwarks and ruined fortification no reparation a long time having been done to it three hundred soldiers onely in it also unprovided of Canons and Ammunition having for their Governour Peckendam with 3. Captains was also besieged the 1. of June by Turenne who notwithstanding the besieged considering their bad provision defended themselves couragiously advanced so strongly that on June 3. early in the morning he approached the Mote and had almost half fild it up having made all things ready to storm and resolved to attempt it the next morning with 12000. men The besieged having notice hereof and finding themselves unable to resist so great force made their composition with Turenne and forthwith delivered up the keyes to him upon which the French entred and little regarding their agreement spoyled the Garrison and kept the Soldiers prisoners of war Turenne not willing to loose time removes with his Army further downward and besieged the City Rees Wesel That known Fortresse and Magasin of all manner of provision but with a sad ruined fortification and unserviceable Canon on their Walls their Lipper-Scons much decayed was also surrounded by Condé on the 1. of June Assoon as notice came of the Enemies approach they began with might and main to repair the fortification but could Burgers and Soldiers together scarce raise their Brestwork to a sufficient height having onely planted here and there some Pallisades without being beset with Baskets however they within did shoot stoutly the first and second day the French not answering them who were very busie in delving and making all things ready for the Battery which the besieged might have more invaded if their peeces had had more force and while they thus manfully gave fire out of Burick and Wesel they in the Lipper Scons did nothing having but 2. peeces and both unserviceable and standing upon a Bulwark not compleated having no Pallisados yet erected which encouraging the enemy they 400. only in the night about the 2. and 3. of June fell upon it surprising the Watch and quietly coming over the Wall with out let that corner laying flat open thus they marched to the Head-Watch who thus surprised they within presently cryed for quarter which was granted them although they should all have been kept prisoners but being two Companies and almost as strong as their assaulters the most of them got out of the Schans into the City one or two who stood upon their defence being shot to death Thus this Schans was lost and Wesels very heart vein pricked which the 3. dito caused so great tumult in the City that the Citizens forsook the Wall and carried home their Armes and would watch no more They especially the Women and Soldiers wives requiring the delivery up of the City and threatning sword and halter to whomsoever withstand it yea they were about to lay hold on the Governour by one whom they had bedaubed with soap for this purpose intending to murder him crying out that seeing they had treacherously quitted the Scons and the Canon in it now made serviceable to shoot upon the City nothing was to be expected but it should be made a Theater of murder The Garrison consisting of about 15. or 1600. men was to defend the outworks and those within together therefore the Captains and Councel of War desired to deliberate about it but Colonel van Zanten who by reason of the absence of the Governour Jucchen had the command would not admit the same but onely treated with Major Copes and some Colonels and Captains as were not well affected and they appointed that the Soldiery should quit the outworks and onely keep the Posts within which the Citizens would no longer do The same day in the afternoon the Burgomasters sent a messenger to the Head-watch to be let out with a Letter to Condé which the Captain that had the watch would not consent unto without expresse order from the Commander who agreeing thereto the messenger went and returned the same back again with two Trumpetterss from Condé The 4. dito the Burgomasters rode in a Coach with a Voeder of Rhinish-wine to the Prince the Women stirred up thereto by some of the treacherous Captains crying for an accord In the mean while the Commander Major Colonels Hoenderbeeek Nieuland van Haesten together with the Captains Inyosta and Mengers without calling together the Councel of War or giving notice to the other Officers deputed Nieuland and Mengers to go to the French Army and privately to make agreement for the Garrison Oh treachery of faithless and effeminate Rulers and Military Officers Thus the 5. dito being Easter day the subscription was concluded to be done and the civil and military Governours were early to be with the Prince upon pain of nullity no sooner the Commander was come but Condé layes a paper before him which he must forthwith after reading subscribe without a word contradicting which also he underwrit blotting out in that treacherous act the Lustre of the State and also herewith early before day the Enemies had the keyes delivered up to them and before eight of the clock the Garrison was shut up