THe place whereupon the Towne of S'hertogenbosh is built, hath heeretofore (according to the common presumption) beene a Boscage or Wood, kept for the Hunting of the Dukes of Bra­bant; of this Boscage the Towne hath the name of S'hertogenbosh.

This Boscage was an euen and recreatiue place, fruit­full of wild Deere, as of Harts, Hinds, Wilde Bores, Wolues, Hares, Rabbets, and such like: wherein were many little water-brookes, Orchards, and Hearbes.

In this Boscage the Duke had made a Cottage, as-well for his Dogges and Horses, when he went a hun­ting, as also for men to be at shelter from the raine and [Page]great heate. This same Cottage was after this named the Hanse-wint, or in English the Grayhound, and is yet vpon the Market-place.

The Hunters of the Duke had made a Ditch round about this Hutte, for to be assured against the forces of their Enemies; because there was a great difference risen betweene them and the Hunters of the Count of Meghen, for that they were come vnder the Iurisdi­ction of the said Count, following not onely their Dogges that were astray, but also by reason of the great heate, their Game. Wherefore they were very much beaten and hurt by the Counts Hunters, for da­ring to hunt in anothers Hunting place. The Duke tooke this very ill so that he forced those of Meghen to hang those dead Dogs by the hinder legs on high, and for reparation of their fault, to couer them with Corne.

The place of this Boscage was fit for many vses, ha­uing in the middest a common Riuer, where resorted (as if it had been a common Hauen) many men, there to receiue their goods which they had bought.

The Kempenlanders, Peelanders, and their neigh­bours, were wont to bring their Bees towards the far­thest dominions of Gelder, for that that Land hath a sweet ayre, and was very fruitfull of Corne, Blossoms, Ypes, or Broomes blossomes, being very good foode for the Bees. This Nation bringing ouer their Bees in Hiues, and trading with the Gelders Nation for Corne. Beanes, Pease, Cheese, and such like Wares, they haue chosen this place as the fittest, where they came in great number with their Boars, and Carres: for to receiue those Wares they daily bought. And it hapned then that this place, by reason of the great trading more and more did encrease, wherefore ma­ny came thither.

There were then no publike Tauernes for to lodge [Page 3]the Iourneying Trauellor, so that they were forced to lye in the Field, vnlesse they would goe to the next Villages and Houses. A certaine Trauellour, being weary of this misery, was minded there to build, and was the first that builded there a Publike Tauerne, neere the old Diese, about the Geertruyde-Bridge, who was, by reason of the many Guests, and good trading, in a short time growne very rich: which was no wonder, because it was then a peaceable time, and the people came there in great number, as well from the Gelder quarters, principally from Bonuneler, Tielerweert, Maes, and Wael, as also out of the quar­ters of Brabant, namely, from Brussels, Louen, Ant­werpe, Kempenland, and out of all the Townes and places situated there round about, for to trade with their Merchandise in this place.

By reason of this good successe and welfare of this Vintner, (like men being of nature artificers) there came more yet to build their dwelling-places there: so that there were built many Houses. These then were the first luckie beginners of the Towne to come.

Euen as those that prosper are hated, misery onely is freed, so the prosperity of this people hath beene hated by the Burgers of Heusden, because this Tra­ding and Merchandise was wont to bee with them. These Burgers then fearing that such a luckie begin­ning, and great multiplication of these new buil­ders should doe them not small, but very great hin­derance, and that their Towne, for want of men and trading, would come to nothing: therefore they thought how to preuent it, and by what meanes they might best hinder it. After they had well medi­tated these businesses, and iudging, that their lon­ger staying would bee but a hinderance vnto them, they concluded together to fall vpon these new [Page 4]Builders, and caused them to depart: who hauing gotten fit opportunity, they did fall very secretly vp­on them, caused them to depart out of the place, and beate downe their new Buildings to the very ground, for to hinder these speedy beginnings; which otherwise would haue put downe all the trading of their Towne.

This attempt was to no purpose against the For­tune: for that the people did not forsake this place by reason of the said dammage and hinderance, but shortly after this returned thither againe, and did build againe new houses in the old Field: for which the iealousie of the Burgers of Heusden did increase more and more, and would not leaue them at quiet, but fell for the second time againe vpon them, de­stroying their houses, and caused them to retire a great way off that place, to the end that their last in­tent should not bee greater then the first.

These people being twice destroyed and ruined by the Burgers of Heusden, they were forced to be strag­glers here and there, which did grieue them much, hauing no meanes to resist them; yet notwithstan­ding continued still in their opinions, and did looke alwaies for a better occasion, hauing in minde the saying of the Poet Virgil:

And expecting after darknesse the light, were min­ded to seeke other helpe and assistance: They made their complaints vnto the Duke of Brabant, who [Page 5](they knew) would assist those that were in misery; and manifested also their cause vnto the Burgers of the Brabandish head Towns, and did together require helpe and assistance, that they might bee assured a­gainst the forces of those of Heusden, and to be resto­red in their former place, that they might build vp a­gaine their pillaged and ruined Houses.

In this they were not deceiued of their hope, be­cause these Brabandish Burgers, hauing regard vnto their request, condiscended vnto them, and promised truely to helpe and assist them, so that hereafter they should not any more bee hindred of their good in­tent.

The Illustrious Prince alledged this reason in the common Assembly, That he was willing to prouide vnto the same for time to come, but that he was now much troubled himselfe with Warres, and great af­faires, and therefore did put the said cause to the dis­position of the Brabandish Burgers.

The three chiefe Townes of Braband, namely, Lo­uen, Brussels, and Antwerpe, tooke this Cause in good earnest vpon them, and considering well of it, they found fit to build there the fourth chiefe Towne, to the end that the Brabanders forces might lye vpon 4. Pillers.

By the command of the Prince, they began there to make there three Ports or Cates in a round, which were ended in a short time: each chiefe Towne buil­ded one Gate. Those of Louen about the Market place, neere the great Hospitall, which is now the Prison­gate. Those of Brussels, the Crosse-gate, which re­maines still in Orten-street. Those of Antwerpe the Vrouwe-port, or Gate, about the Wilde Bore, which in the augmentation of the Towne, was taken away by the Burgers.

The Forces were made in fauour of these new In­habitants, [Page 6]because that their Enemies and haters should no more in time come to spoile nor ruine their building, nor to make them retire any more.

These chiefe Townes were specially minded here­vnto, to the end that the Gelders might be forced to stay in their Dominions▪ for that the Brabanders most times were forced to maintaine Wars against them, about whose frontiers, the Townes, Villages, Houses, and goods of the Brabanders are situated, which were still very much spoiled and ruined by this Gelder Na­tion.

These then haue beene the beginnings of the new Towne, and the first foundations.

When these Gates, in manner aforesaid, were built so freely, there came so great a quantity of peo­ple to build and dwell therein as if vnder the founda­tions there had beene Mines of Siluer.

These new Inhabitants taking anew their courage, which they had lost by reason of the pillaging and de­stroying of those of Heusden▪ they builded againe new buildings, setting the Houses one close to the other, and the number of the same encreased daily more and more, and so fast, that they at last, with the assistance of the Prince, did make a Wall and Ditch round a­bout the Towne, and strengthned it with a stone wall, so that they were able to resist their enemies.

As the number of the comming Strangers did very much increase, and the Towne prospered, so they be­gan to build other new buildings.

The Princes Court was the principall, and most costly builded, situated ouer against the Butchers Hall, where there is now the Tauerne called the Swanne.

The House Rood enburgh is also built by the Com­mon-wealth for the gracing of the new Towne, and it was a great while the Treasure-house of the towne.

[Page 7] The Towne-house was built as well at the charges of the Prince, as also of the Burgers.

The Burgers of S'hertogenbosh being come in such a wished state, began to statute Lawes, and to make a Magistrate, to bring the Riuer through the Towne, to make new streets and wayes, and to make much one of another, wherefore they haue gotten great Liber­ties of their Prince, as by the Letters thereof more at large may appeare.

All those that come to dwell there, although they were broken and Bankrupts, they got liberty of the Prince, wherefore it did happen, that there came ma­ny out of the Land of Cleefe, Guilicker-land, Gelder­land, and out of other neighbour places, to take their residence there.

This said Prouince yeeldeth very strong and bold Women, so that these Strangers brought with them very bold Women, which for the most part had com­mand ouer their Husbands, and did make away the common goods in despight of their Husbands: Ther­fore the Prince gaue vnto this Towne this Law, That the Women without their Husbands may not dispose of any of their goods: but that the Husband, without the knowledge of the Woman, hath full power to sell and dispose of their goods.

There were not as yet any Churches built in the new towne, but the Orten-Church, situated neere the Diese, hath beene a great while the Parish Church, which was long before built by a Gentleman, who being strayed by the tempest of the Sea, landed there first of all; for that the Sea was wont to come in that place, as appeareth by the name of that place, called Ooort-Duyuen.

There were also no Cloifters in the towne, the Fri­ers were the first that began to build there, and buil­ded a small dwelling house; after this they tooke a [Page 8]bigger place neere the Princes Court, and enlarged their place of residence, after the manner of Cellekins, and they haue also built a Church, which the Burgers haue vsed a great while for their Parish Church They were not yet tyed to any publike promises.

Shortly after this there came many men and wo­men from seuerall Regions in the same towne, after beginning of this towne, (as hereafter more at large shall be declared) they haue built there their Houses and Cloysters.

The Towne was in a short time so increased by rea­son of the louing and friendly Burgers, that euery one thought it should haue been a second Rome, and were forced because of the multitude of men, to inlarge the Towne, and make it bigger, that the multitude of the Burgers might the better dwell therein.

In the yeere 1300, when the augmentation of the towne was intended to be inlarged, the said towne was therein assisted by the Prince, and by the Pro­uince of Brabant. The Burgers did make new Stee­ples in the precinct, with new Gates, they did also make new and wide ditches, and new Walles, and or­dained new Streets to be made; they brought the Riuer the Dommel, and the Aa in seuerall places tho­row the Towne, and prouided further all that which was needfull for the augmentation of the Towne.

This new towne was presently multiplyed with new Burgers, which according to their state, builded each for their commodity new houses: and did so in­crease in riches, as if they had got to the riches of Cre­sus; by which meanes it happened, that there were built so many faire and costly Cloysters, holy Houses, and costly buildings, so that the most part of the new towne, is built with Cloysters, Churches, Chappels, and such like Houses.

[Page 9] In the yeere 1380. there were laid the foundation of the great and renowned Church called S ^t. Johns Church, the ground-place of which, together with the streets situated there round about, from the pri­soner-gate to the Hintemer-gate, is called the Hinte­mer sant, because the said place heretofore hath ap­pertained vnder the Vilage Hintem.

About that time there were built seuerall publike and priuate Houses, as holy Churches, Hospitals, and diuers Houses for the poore, which daily increased by reason of the riches of the Burgers, and their liberali­ty. Which things seuerall to declare, should bee too long, and needlesse.

These Burgers are, by reason of their ciuill carriage, wisdome, and courtesie, come in great fauour vnto e­uery one, being faithfull to euery one and did deceiue no body, neither were chargeable vnto any: Their friends were welcome vnto them, but they did resist their enemies: for as the vnquiet and vnpeaceable Gelder Nation, when they were about the building of S'hertogenbosh, did spoile the Brabandish Townes and Villages, setting on fire their Countrey-houses, de­stroying their Lands, taking away their Horses and Beasts, and ruining all that whereby they could come; Likewise they (some while before the building of the Towne) did fall vpon the Village called Oosterwicke, neere the Towne, and haue quite pillaged the same, and set on fire all the trees: These Burgers of S'herto­genbosh haue after that, with their owne power, resi­sted the said Gelders Nation, and haue not onely kept them from comming abroad, but also haue falne in their owne dominions, and haue forced them to lay downe their Armes.

But as euery thing in this world is not euerlasting, so this Towne also hath suffered many seuerall dam­mages and alterations, and was twice almost burnt [Page 10]downe. The first and greatest fire was in the yeere 1419, on the 28 of Iune: the second fire in the yeere 1463 the 17 of Iune, at the Heusdens Faire. The first fire began in the Verwer-street, neere the signe of the Brasse▪ Kettle: by which fire, the Towne-house, and all the Papers and Writings, were altogether burnt. The second fire began neere the signe of the Falcon in the Hintemer-street, where the top of S. Iohns Church and many Images were also burnt.

The name of the Duke of Braband, by whose com­mand the towne of S'hertogenbosh was built, we haue forborne to set downe in this History, because of the diuersity of the Historians, and haue kept this diffe­rent till the last. The common presumption is, that the Duke Godfrey in the Cradell, hath beene the Founder of S'hertogenbosh, which is confirmed by these words:

The Duke Godfrey hath of a Boscage built a towne, in the yeere 1184.

Others presume that Henry the first sonne of God­frey the third hath built this towne.

The Historie written before the Chronicle of Saint Truden, saith, In the County of Peeland is a Boscage, which the Emperours haue giuen vnto the Church of Vtricht, whose right hath appertained a long time vnto the Counts of Gelderland, which said Counts haue giuen the same Boscage vnto their friends, and haue sold the Village called Ʋucht vnto the Duke Henry van Looteringen, who hath built vpon Oortens-dyck, a towne which is now S'herto­genbosh.

Others say, that in the time of Iohn the second, and Iohn the third Dukes of Braband, there were [Page 11]first made Walles about this place by one William de Bosco, Knight, sonne of Gerlacus de Route, who did liue in the yeere 1313, when the Geerlinger Bridge in the Hintemer street was builded, and got the name of it. This Knight dying, gaue vnto the Lord of Erp, the Cloyster called Clarissen in the Hintemer street, and made his onely heyre the Lord Francis, in September, Anno 1335.

Some say also, that the place of this Towne here­tofore hath beene a Boscage or Wood, appertaining vnto the Duke of Gelderland, who hath giuen this place vnto John the second sonne of John the first Duke of Braband, for a Gift at his Christening, and that the Towne of S'hertogenbosh is scituated and built on this place.

They say also, that the said Duke Iohn hath fold and assigned the said Boscage vnto the said William de Bos­co, from whence he hath gotten his surname: And that this William de Bosco hath beene the first that hath made Walles about the Towne, and admitted euery one that would come and liue there.

Although it seemes that these three opinions are contrary one to another, notwithstanding, they may very well agree together, yea concurre one with an­other,

As concerning the two first opinions, euery one can well iudge it: for that Henry the second liued in the yeeee 1185, when his Father Godfrey did raigne. And it is the vse of all Historians, that when Kings and Princes raigne during their sonnes liues, that all that which happened in such a time, is written both of the Fathers and children.

Concerning the third opinion there will not bee much difference, for that it is to bee vnderstood of the principall part, namely, from the Prisoner­gate to the Pinappels and Saint Anthonies Gates, [Page 12]Against this doth not contradict, that it is not men­tioned there of the beginning of S'hertogenbosh, for that it is the biggest and fairest part, hauing in his ringle the great S. Iohns Church, the great Hospitall the Holy Ghost, or the Spint, the Gregorians Frater­house▪ the Sister of Ortens Cloyster, the great Begging-Cloyster, with many other Cloysters three following the rule of Saint Augustine, and one of Saint Benedi­ctus, one of Saint Clara, and many beautifull Chap­pels, as, Saint Iacobs Chappell, which is now a Parish Church, one of Saint Anthonies. The Synechdochies manner of speaking is, where a part is taken for the whole, it is very common vnto the writers.

Laftly, it is knowne, that in the time of the said Knight, William de Bosco, the Towne was augmen­ted, as by the Letters of the Duke of Braband, and of the Magistrates of S'hertogenbosh, more at large may appeare.

Thus farre Simon Pelgrom of S'hertogenbosh, Prior and Prouinciall of the Order of Guil­helmines.

THis Towne of S'hertogenbosh did from time to time increase so much, that at the last it was growne to be the head or chiefe Towne in the fourth quarter of Braband, vnder whose obedience are these foure Counties, as Kempenland, Peeland, Maaesland, and the Land of Oosterwicke; in which Counties are situated the Townes of Helmont, Eynd­soue, Megen, and Graue, hauing besides these vnder their command 72 Villages, in the which are one hun­dred and one Parish Churches.

S'hertogenbosh lyeth vpon the Riuer called the Diese, 6 Miles from the Mase, 12 miles from Rauensteine, [Page 13]9 miles from Heusden, and 36 miles from Antwerpe. It is by nature a strong place, because of her situation, and low grounds round about, which lieth most times vnder water, specially in the Winter, except on the Ʋuchter side, Southward of the Towne, where, for the highnesse of the Land, the Towne is sortified with 2. Royall Forts, the one lying neere the Towne, beeing the smallest is called S ^t Anthony: The other lying on the Vuchters-heyde, hauing fiue Bulworkes, Fran­cebray Counterscarps, and a double Ditch, named the Fort Isabella. Eastward of the Towne lyeth a Royall Fort called Pettler-Sconce, towards which they must come by water thorow the Hekell, because it ly­eth as it were in a Myre, hauing on the one side a small moore or damp, then followeth high ground, but on the other side Iow fields, being still vnder wa­ter.

Notwithstanding that these Lands round about S'hertohenbosh lye most times vnder water, they are good and firme Lands, sandie and hard ground, which is for the most part of summer very dry▪ in some part of it is sowne summer Corne, as Oates and Barley, which are sometimes ouerflowed by the high waters of the Maes, and suffer sometimes dammage, which is hardly recouered, except it be by an extraordinary dry Summer.

Thorow this Towne runne also seuerall waters, or small riuers, hauing their beginnings out of two seue­rall streames, the one being called the Aa, the other the Dommell, or Domale: which two Riuers in this last Siege were stopped by the command of his Princely Excellency about the Trenches, who making the water to come round about his Workes, through a new made ditch, about 30 foot wide. The water in and about the Towne was stayed with two stone beeres on the Bulworkes, next to the boome, as also [Page 14]on the boome it selfe, with a Sluce doore, else it would haue runne in a great part, yea almost round about the Towne, if the said Riuer had not beene stopped.

In the yeere 1577. on the 21 of September (in the time of the gouernment of Don Iohn) the said Towne being by the command of the generall States, released from the Dutch Souldiers, which lay in the Towne, remained on the States side till the yeere 1579. with­out any Garrison, notwithstanding, the States vsed great diligence to assure this Towne with Garrison, according to the agreement made at Ʋtricht. Albeit that at last, by reason of the differences amongst the Burgers, (for this cause) and of the departure of those that were minded towards the States, is turned on the Spanish side▪ and so remained popish, wherein came a great number of Ecclesiasticall persons.

On the 19 of Ianuary, in the yeere 1585. there was made an enterprize vpon the said Towne, by the Count of Hohenloo, they were already in the Towne, but were, by reason of the bad carriage of his Souldi­ers, and the good courage of the Burgers; beaten out of the Towne backe againe, with the losse of many men, slaine, hurt, and taken prisoners, and so remai­ned vnmolested till the yeere 1601. the first of No­uember, vpon which day, the said Towne, by the command of the high and mighty Lords the States, was besieged, vnder the Conduct of the Illustrious Prince Mauritius of Nassawe of famous Memory, and was with great diligence entrenched round a­bout: but because of the great extraordinary frost, he was not onely hindered of the approaching, the get­ting of Victuals. Munitions, and other necessaries, but also those that watcht in their Sentinels, were dead frozen: therefore the said Prince broke vp his said Leager, and departed from thence the 27 of the same moneth of Nouember.

[Page 15] In the yeere 1603 this said Siege was againe vnder­taken on the 19 of August: but because the Arch-Duke Albertas did lye ready with a great Armie of Souldiers, for to seeke his fortune vpon these Lands, therefore he followed the said Prince on the 21 of the same moneth, leaguering himselfe on the East side of the Towne, in the which at that time there was but a small Garrison, and besides they did refuse to take in any Garrison vpon the request of the Arch-Duke say­ing that they themselues were strong enough to resist their enemies: but there was, by the practice of the said Duke, put into the Towne about 3000 men, a­gainst the Burgers will, who thereupon did mutiny: wherefore some of them were punished. His said Ex­cellence seeing that the said Towne was thus proui­ded, did with good order breake vp his Leager, and lest the Towne on the 5 of Nouember, in the same yeere, as likewise the Arch-duke, departing euery one in their Garrison. The Gouernour, the Lord Antho­ny Shets, Lord of Grobbendoncke, remained in the Towne.

The High and mighty Lords the States generall, with the Illustrious Prince of Orenge, hauing nothing so at heart as the welfare of these vnited Prouinces, and the good Inhabitants of the same, haue in the be­ginning of this yeere 1629, kept seuerall Assemblies with the Illustrious Prince of Orenge, for to haue rea­dy all things necessary for a braue siege, hauing there­fore to that end, sent betimes in the beginning of the yeere, through the Riuer the Wael, vp towards Nim­megen, and to the Sconce S'Grauenweert, some Bridges, and slat bottom'd ships with Ordnance, Munition, and other warlike prouisions. Whereupon, in the middest ef the moneth of Aprill, the Garrison follo­wed, who had their Rendezvous about the said Sconce.

[Page 16] The Illustrious Prince, the 24 of Aprill, in the mor­ning betimes, at six of the clocke, with a good resolu­tion, departed from the Hage, with valiant and braue Followers, taking his way towards Vtriclat, so to­wards Arnhem, and from thence to S'Grauenweert, where his Excellency finding his Troopes ready, de­parted with great diligence for Mockerheyde, put­ting there on the 28 of the same moneth his Army in Battell-aray, where they that night lay in the Field. The 29 of the said moneth, early in the morning, marching further towards the Towne called Graus, ouer the Bridge, right to the Besh, before which Towne that night the Prince sent some number of Horse, and the next day, being the 30, hee beset the same Towne: then his Excellency came with his whole Army before the Towne, after Dinner, at 3 of the clocke in the afternoone, taking his quarter, with 134 Companies, at Ʋucht, lodging in the house cal­led Heyms-house.

His Excellencie had further separated the other chiefe Quarters as followeth:

His Highnesse Count Ernst at Hintem with 50 Companies.

Count William of Nassaw, Gouernour of Heusden, at Orten with 32 Companies.

The Lord of Bredrode about the Pettler Sconce with 26 Companies.

His Highnesse of Solms at Engelen, neere Creueceur, where the Ships lay with Munition and Victuals.

The Lord Pincen comming in the Leager on the 11 of May, he is commanded to take his Quarter at Deu­teren: Further, the Quarters were appointed and made vp in a very short space.

In the matching toward the Bosh, the said Prince tooke the house called Heeswicke, scituated 6 miles from the Bosh, in which were 60. men.

[Page 17] The Gouernour Grobbendoncke being aduertised that the Leaguer was comming for the Towne, seeing also some of our Horsemen, notwithstanding, would not beleeue that it was intended vpon him, but thought that it was intended vpon Breda; yea durst freely say, that the Prince would not beginne such a vile deede: but shortly after this, seeing him make his Quarters, and that our Souldiers came neerer the Towne, and forced his Souldiers to retire in the same, began to thinke vpon his owne fault, that the said towne was not sufficiently prouided of men, Ordnance, and Gun­powder; he could a little while before haue gotten from Luike many thousand pounds of Gunpowder, but he left it for want of money.

These tydings being come at Brussels and in Bra­band, did make great alterations there: the Arch-Duches did presently send Post by Post to Spaine, cau­sed all the chiefe men of Warre to be assembled, and gaue order for payment: that with all speed the soul­diers should be brought in the Field.

Grobbendoncke did presently write for men and powder, and that there should be haste made for the releeuing of it.

Certaine renowned chiefe men of Warre of the Spanish side, said, (as is told me) with laughing mouth, that Grobbendoncke was like the bold men, which say that they are not afraid for the Deuill, iesting at all times with him, yea, would faine see him, but being in such a case, they are as much afraide as others, wishing that they were released from him: so it is with him, for that hee oftentimes did say, that hee would very faine haue vs to come and see him, wish­ing that the Prince Fredericke durst doe so, he would shew him what a man hee was, thinking that other chiefe men of Warre were not so couragious: But now, seeing him before the Gates and Walles of the [Page 18]Towne, he is as all the rest, wishing that he would goe away.

The first of May the Illustrious Prince did condiscend, that many, women Beggins, and ser­vant Maids, should depart out of the Towne. The Horsemen which lay within, thought also, without permission of the Prince, to depart out of the same, but were forced to retire backe againe.

Betweene the 4 and 5 of the same moneth, came into the Towne 800 men, secretly along Vlimen, neere Deuteren, by the Kee-Sconce, and so got in through S. Johns Gate, going in some places vp to the midst of the body in water: for which his Excellence caused also there to be made a broad way of Bauens, with a Bulwarke from the Vuchter-heyde along thorow the Moores, neere the Vogel-key of Grobendoncke, vntill the Quarter of Pinsen being garnished with many Re­douts made of Wood, and is called the Hollans Walls which way of Bauens is made out farther along the Riuer called the Bosh-sloot, to the Village called Enge­len. And so with this all the Leager round about is finished within the space of 8 or 10 dayes.

The 5, Captaine Drop was put as Admirall ouen the shallops.

The 8 of this said Moneth there were fetcht some halfe Curtowes out of the ships at Crenecour, and were brought to the Leager, for to bee planted vpon the Batteries.

Those of the Towne began also to labour very ear­nestly on their Workes without the Vuchter-gate, ma­king their Batteries higher, but shot very little. A­bout this Towne the Lord of Bredrode began to make a Sconce ouer against the Pettler, and all the Workes were by the command of his Excellence, made high­er, thicker, and the Ditches wider.

[Page 19] The 12 the Dommell was bespoken to be stopt, or to make a Damme ouer it.

At night, those of the Towne came out with two shallops vpon the Quarter of Count Ernst, thinking there to take some Prisoners, but they hauing misfor­tune, did speedily retire backe againe, whereupon they of the Towne did shoot with Ordnance and Muskets, but did small hurt.

This Leager is presumed to bee betweene 60 and 70 thousand men strong, whereof were 70 Cornets of Horse.

The 14, about forty flat-bottome Turfe-shippes were fetcht from S'Grauenmoer, neere Breda, and were brought in the Leager, for to make of the same Ship-bridges. The 15, those did salley vpon the quar­ter of the Lord of Brederode, but were caused with forces to retire backe againe. The 16 are those with­in come out againe with some shallops, vpon the quar­ter of Count Erust, but were faine to retire without doing any thing.

The 20 we began to make a Trench betweene En­gelen and Creueceur, for the security of the Horses: and all other Trenches with double bankets or feet-ben­ches: the foot of the Trench was about 16 foot thick, and the vpper part 6 foot. Neere the place called Vliemer brugge ouer against the high-way, is made a Fort which can hardly be taken, to resist those of Breda that would come out. On the 23 there came a Messenger with Letters, which was followed by ours, so that he was drowned; whose said Letters were deliuered vnto the Prince. The 27, 28, 29, & 30 of the same moneth, we shot on both sides very fiercely though there was but small hurt done.

The first of June, those of the great Fort Isabella did make a salley vpon the French Battery, but were at last forced to retire.

[Page 20] The night following, those of the Towne did make three seuerall fires vpon the steeple of the Church, weighing the fire three times vp and downe. The French did fall vpon the Enemies, and caused them to retire, and got many Shouels, Spades, Swords, and other things.

The 3 and 4 those of the Towne made againe a fire vpon the steeple of S ^t Johns Church: And the 5, 6, 7, and 8 of this Moneth, there was little done on both sides.

The 9, ours of the great Battery did shoote vpon the Towne and the little Sconce aboue 140 shot. The same day those of the Towne came out with two shallops vpon the Quarter of Pinsen, thinking there to take some Horses, and men which were at worke, but were hindred.

The 11 there arriued in the Quarter of Count Ernst yet 18 or 19 Companies of new Scotchmen.

The 12 and 13 little hapned.

The 14 His Excellencie, with the Lords the States, went vpon the Battery, and caused a Morter to be set on fire, which stood vpon the same Battery, which the first time did not worke very well: but the second time much more, so that for the dust we could scarce see the said Sconce: the little Sconce was likewise battered: and betweene the 13 and 14, there were a­gaine made 3 fires vpon the steeple.

The 15 there were throwne into the Sconces sixe Granads, whereof the second did worke very well, so that the Hurts did fly in the ayre. The same day, the water of the Dommell was let go in the outmost ditch round about the Princes quarter.

The 16 at night, those within did make a salley, (comming through the Hintemer Gate, vpon the Workes of Count Ernst, causing the Watch to retire to the Battery: notwithstanding, they were forced [Page 21]to retyre. The 18 there were throwne into the little Sconce two or three Granads.

The same day at night, the English were busie to fill the ditch of the little Sconce. The French were at that time also very busie, making that night three bints of their Gallery neere the great Sconce. The next night those of the Towne did very fiercely throw with hand-Granads and firing with pitch hoopes.

The 20, ours did labour in open day vpon the Gal­leries, and did throw 8 Granats into the little Sconce, which caused all that they came neere to flye in the Ayre, the men did withdrawe themselues into the Counterscarps, to saue their liues. Those of the towne did make three seuerall fires vpon the steeple.

The 21 there were Granads throwne againe into the little Sconce which was thereupon very much beaten with Ordnance.

The 22 at night, the English were very busie vpon their Gallery, which was for the third time set on fire by those of the Sconce: notwithstanding the said Eng­lish were very couragious, beating their enemies out of their Counterscarpes in the ditch, where many of them were drowned.

The 23 the English were againe very forward with their Gallery: likewise the French, who did set on fire a Mine neere the great Sconce.

At which time Count Henry van den Bergh did muster his men, and was found to bee about 25000 men strong, aswell of foot as Horse.

The 24 and 25 hapned very little.

The 26. there was vpon three seuerall places in the Leaguer a fire, namely in the Horsemens Quarter, in the Quarter of Brederode, and in the Quarter of His princely Excellency, amongst the English, where there was done the most dammage.

Count Henry van den Bergh being a marching vp, [Page 22]did lodge himselfe in Langhestraet, at Sprang, Wael­wicke, Druynen, and Loon-opt-land. His Maiesty of Bo­hemia came this night in the Leager, and went with His Excellency to see all his Workes. The 27 came the Horsemen of Count Henry van den bergh at Ʋly­men, shewing himselfe on seuerall parts of the Leager, from Ʋlymen to Cromvoort. At night there was an Allarum in the Towne.

The 28 there was in the Quarter of Count Ernst a­gaine a fire in two seuerall places. At night, Count henry van den bergh shewed himselfe neere the Three Sisters, neere the Hollands Wall: amongst which ours shot 10 or 12 Cannon shot, whereupon they did pre­sently retire. Our Souldiers were in battell-array all this night. The 29 there came some Souldiers in the Leager, which were runne away from the Enemies, complaining of hunger and great dearth. The 30 the Spanish did hide themselues in the Wood behinde the Ynffer-Sconce, who got some Waggons with Bauens of our Leaguer, and about 40 prisoners: They tooke also the Houses Burtell and Hesop, the Souldiers which were in the same, came with their full Armes & bag­gage into the Leager: besides, they came betimes in the morning with 2 shallops from Vlymen, to the three Sisters and Hollands Wall, to sound the depth of the water; whereupon the whole Leager came in battell aray. Some that were run away from the Enemies, declared, that in the Spanish Army, a pound of Cheese was worth 12 Stiuers, and a Kan of Beere 6 Stiuers, and all other things accordingly.

The 2 of Iuly, Monsieur Fama was hurt with a shot thorow the body, and dyed immediately. The 4 at night, the Spanish came againe vpon the Leaguer, a­mongst which we played very fiercely with our Ord­nance from the outermost Batteries: wherupon they were forced to retire, leauing behind them some dead [Page 23]men and hurt. At that same time they thought also to breake thorow along the Wall of the Dommell, but were also hindred of it. Those that wee tooke priso­ners, complained of great hunger, misery, and bad payment. This was the tenth time that they tryed their fortune against the Leager, which made vs to stand euery night in Battell-ray. This night those within the Towne did make againe three seuerall fires vpon the steeple. Also wee tooke prisoners some of the Boores which did measure the depth of the water, and thought to bring them through it, of which two were hanged in the Quarter of his Excellencie: The one was a Borrow-master of Beckhonen, and the other a Boore of Vucht: they confessed to haue receiued each 20 Gilders, and that they should haue had with them 600 men, which should haue brought into the towne each of them 10 pounds of Gunpowder. The 6 the English and French haue brought ouer their Galleries before both the Sconces. Betweene the 7 and eighth those of the Great Sconce made a salley, but were bea­ten backe againe, leauing behind them about 40 men aswell dead as hurt. The Spanish marched from Cran­voort, and the places there-about, towards Boxell.

The 9 the French haue taken the Hornenworke of the great Sconce: there was begun an inner Trench from the Quarter of Pinsen to the Three Sisters: like­wise from the Quarter of His Excellencie to the Sconce of Brederode: and from thence neere the Cloi­ster at Eyken-donck vnto the Quarter of his Highnesse Count Ernst, and are well prouided with Redouts a­gainst those within. The 12 the Coronelship of Mons. Fama late, is giuen vnto Count Maurits of Nassawe. The 14 the 2 water-mils neere the Diese, together with 21 other water-mils to bee vsed with Horses, were to be mended, therewith to make dry the low­land. The 16 Count Henry vanden bergh marched vp [Page 24]with his whole Army from Boxtel, making a Bridge neere Moock ouer the Maes, hee himselfe remaining neere Moocke. The 17 there was a Boore taken priso­ner, who thought to bring a Letter into the towne, by which Count Henry van den bergh commended vnto the Gouernour Grobbendoncke to keepe good Watch, saying that hee would take no aduantage vpon the Leager for to relieue the towne. Of this tenor:

But this Letter being come into the hands of His Excellency, he did send it vnto the Lords the States of the vnited Prouinces, with his aduice what order and what meanes there should be imployed to hinder the designe of the Enemies, and he himselfe gaue or­der to follow the Enemy with as many men as hee could spare out of his Leager, to continue and aduance this Siege.

The 18 the Lord Dieden, Gouernour of Emmericke, hath taken in the morning at three of the clocke, the great Sconce, finding in the same 10 Hogsheads of Wine, 24 Tunnes of Beere, and some bread and Porke. The next following, the Colonell Harwits got also the little Sconce, finding in the same much Ar­mour and Houshold-stuffe.

The 24 the Prince heard that Count Henry van den bergh was fallen into the Ʋelewe, whereupon there were sent thither some of the chiefe men of War, with a great number of Souldiers of Foot and Horse, for to secure the Betuwe and other places from his Designe. the 25 and 28 those within haue with two shallops brought into the Towne some prisoners. The 28 ar­riued in the Leager the yong Prince of Denmarke, who will stay there a while.

The 3 of August the Rush bridge was brought o­uer. The 4 we tooke in the Tanaille before the Vuch­ter gate, notwithstanding those within did beate vs out againe. The 7 at night the said Tanaille was taken, and presently there was made a Battery of the same.

The 10 at night there came two Boores out of the towne, each with a couple of Pigeons, and 3 Letters, which Letters were brought to the Prince: the tenor of them was, that they were to be relieued within 3. weekes: the 13, 14, & 15 was on both sides very [Page 26]fiercely plaid with Ordnance, and some Granads were throwne into the Towne, which caused great outcries in the same. Those within came out vpon the Trench northward of Brederodens Quarter, neere the water­milles, thinking to cut thorow the same, which being almost done, they were beaten backe againe Between the 17 and 18, those which came out with some shal­lops, vpon the Battery betweene Pinsens Quarter and the great Sconce, spoiled the victualers; but found no Ordnance, because it is euery night brought vnder the great Sconce, and so returned backe into the Towne. The 19 there was a Mine sprung in the Hornenworke neere the Hintemer end, which killed many men; notwithstanding those within defended themselues three seuerall times, and kept the Victo­rie.

After that his Highnesse Count Ernst had well beset the Betuwe, and other places neere the Issel streame, for to hinder the comming of the Enemies, (which were already falne in the Ʋelewe) with braue and chiefe men, well considering of all things: thereupon the Prince also did send thither men of Horse and foot as many as his Excellency could well spare, shewing himselfe day and night (fearing not any danger) euery where in the vttermost of the Workes and batteries; then there came on the 20 this joyfull Letter, from the Worthy, Worshipfull man of Warre, Otto van Gent and Oyen, Lord of Dieden, &c. vnto the Illustri­ous Prince of Orenge.

Whereupon there was a generall Thankesgiuing through all the Leager for this Victory; and we haue made Bonfires after the Leager manner, as follow­eth,

His Excellency commanded that none should begin before the Signall of the Jacht before Creueceur was done. The Princesse was her selfe vpon the Walles of Creueceur, and the Yacht play'd his Canon; then those of the Fort Creueceur did play with 18 Peeces, and played those of the Redouts along the Bosh-sloot, then the Lord Pinsen, then the great and little Sconces, and then the Ordnance about the Quarter of the Prince of Orenge; then after those the Quarter of Bre­derode from his Fort against the Pettler, then his high­nesse Count Ernst with his whole and halfe Curtows, as also at Orten.

When the Ordnance had thus played at all places, then beganne likewise all the Muskettiers of the whole Leaguer. Those of the Quarter of his Prince­ly Excellency beganne first, and then they followed Eastward the one after the other, round about the Leager, as a running Fire. The Pike-men, and ser­uants of the Horsemen did carry burthens of Straw [Page 28]vpon their Pikes and staues going so through all parts of the Leager, that it made a great light. When the second charge of the Canon began, was cast into the Towne a Morter: the ships (lying by hundreds toge­ther along the Diese) did make Bonefires with pitch-Barrels and did hang out Lanthorns vpon their Masts. In summe, it was like as if the whole Leager had bin on fire. The 26 at night went forth 2 companies of Horsemen, and 200 Fire. lockes, which met by the way a Conuoy that went for Breda, of which ours killed some and brought prisoners with them 40 men and about 80 Horses well furnished: Also a Ritmaster and a Lieutenant, with a Cornet: for the Waggons was giuen security. The 30 a Boere or a carrier of let­ters was hanged here in the Leager, after he had beene imprisoned about 10 weekes. Betweene the 30 and 31, the Gallery on the West side of the Ʋuchter-gate was brought ouer; and the ninth binte of the other Gallery on the South side of the said Bulwarke (which the [...]4 was appointed to be made) was brought ouer.

The first of September, ours that were in the Bul­warke, began to breake from the said Bulwarke in the Walles of the Town, which was about 12 foot thicke, and there to make a Mine. On this day Monsieur Sta­kenbroeck and the Duke of Bouillon, with ten Cornets of Horse, three Peeces of Ordnance, and some hundred Fire-lockes, are marched toward the little towne cal­led Endhouen, and got the same, with the Castle, which lyes there, on the second of the same moneth, with agreement, or composition. About 200 men, which did withdrawe themselues from thence in a Moore neere that place, part of them were defeated by the Duke de Bouillon, and about 160 were brought prisoners into the Leager. Betweene the 9 and 10 in the morning, the Illustrious Prince did ride towards the Mine which he did cause to spring, and it did work [Page 29]well, springing to the Vuchter-gaete. The English had the Watch there, who fell vpon the Enemy with a great courage, and did so beate them out of the same, that thee were forced to retire and leaue the Halfe-Moone; they defended themselues at the first well, but ours fell on with a false Alarme, likewise fell the Enemies with all their forces vpon vs, ours did retire somewhat backe, so that the Enemies were deceiued, thinking that they had the Victory; whereupon our second Mine sprung, so that armes and leggs flew in the Ayre, whereupon ours fell on againe, and did beat them by force out of the halfe-moone, (as aforesaid) so that we tooke in all their workes on the Ʋuchter-gate: in which halfemoone we began to worke at 3 of the Clocke, because those of the Towne should not shoot in it, we beganne also presently to mine in the stone Bulwarke, where on the 11 our Mine sprung, wherevpon, by the command of his Excellency, some of ours did fall, onely to see what countenance the Enemies held, which came presently backe againe, and our Souldiers presently lodged in the breach of the Mine. Thereupon came a Drummer from the E­nemies, hee pretended to aske leaue to dig out two Captaines, which they said were on led in our Mine: the Prince (who was present in the Workes) com­manded to be looked for them, which was also per­formed: vnto those that looked for them, was giuen a Couinex-daller by the Spanish; but it was not there­fore that they did it, because the Drummer came pre­sently againe, requiring to speake with some of our Officers, to report vnto the Prince to treat of a Com­position; whereupon there came presently 4 persons of quality out of the Town, to the Illustrious Prince, (who sate in the Gallery vpon a little bench, being ac­companied with some chiefe men, though few in number) speaking there with the said prince, requiring [Page 30]foure dayes, meane while they would send vnto the Infanta, and in case of default of releeuing in that time, would treat of the rendition of the town which was denyed vnto them; notwithstanding, they fell to a treaty of a parly, and they haue on both sides sent Hostages: meane time many Burgers and Ecclesiasti­call persons shewed themselues vpon the Walles.

On the 13 of the same moneth, those of the Bosh did dine with the Illustrious Prince, and after dinner did returne with the Princes Coaches backe againe in­to the Towne, and ours came againe out of the same towne; those of the Towne did leaue their Commis­sion with vs, the which, together with the resolution of the Prince, the high and mighty Lords the States did carry with them into the Towne.

On Friday the 14, after dinner, about 4 of the clocke, the Composition of the rendition of the migh­ty and renowned Towne of S'hertogenbosh, is absolute­ly concluded in the Leager, in the House where the Illustrious Prince was lodged, and was by both par­ties subscribed, to the great ioy of ours, aswell among the chiefe, as common Inhabitants. The Committies are ioyfully departed one from another; and those of the Towne (after they had subscribed the Compositi­on) departed with the Princes Coach to the Towne; which were these, to wit, Fr. Michael Episcopus Bus­cobus: Fr. Johannes Moores, Abbas Bernensus: Johan­nes Hermans, Deccanus Buscobus: R. van Voorn: T. vanden Velde: R. van Ireneuen: B. Loef vanden Sloot: Henrick Somerts: Peter Huberts, Hercalt Heuel.

Meane while there came in the Leager many thou­sand of Burgers from seuerall Townes and places, to see the braue Siege, the Illustrious and Couragious Prince of Orenge, and the departure of the Enemies out of S'hertogenbosh; of which many were forced to lye all night in the Field.

[Page 31] The 17 the Prince caused the men of Warre to bee armed, and there were made 2 Tents neere the towne, wherein were the Illustrious Prince of Orenge, being accompanied with his Princesse, his Maiesty of Bohe­mia, and his Queene, the Prince of Denmarke, besides 40, aswell Dukes, Counts, as Barons, where those of the Towne did march by them: First there came a Company of Horse of ours, where those of the towne did passe neere: then followed the Waggons and Carres, with sicke persons, baggage, Iesuites, Nunnes, and Friers of all sorts: betwixt these was Grobben­doncks wife in a Coach (who was but three weeks out of Childbed) with whom the Prince had a long Dis­course. At last at night followed the Gouernour sit­ting vpon a Horse, betweene 2 Coronels of ths States: the Footmen were 22 Companies, being about 2000 men strong, together with the sicke and hurt persons, whereof there were not aboue 1200 in health: there followed also three Companies of Horse, braue and well armed.

Of our side marched againe into the Towne the Guard of the Illustrious Prince, the Company of my Lord Beuerweert, and also the Company of my Lord Wits, besides some other Companies. Also in the Pet­ler Sonce many Souldiers. On the 18 there was put an Orenge Ancient on the steeple of S. Iohns Church: there came many thousand Burgers from without in­to the Towne: the Burgers within were reasonably well contented, saying that they had not had want of victuals during this Siege, but onely of Butter and Cheese, which was very deare.

On the same day came his Princely Excellencie himselfe into the Towne, but returned presently againe to the Leager: Many of the high and mighty Lords the States generall, and Deputies of the same, are come into the Towne with Coaches, [Page 32]and were welcommed of the Magistrates, and are lodged at the signe of the Sunne.

On Wednesday the 19 of this moneth, the Gospell of God was preached in 3 Churches, and his Princely Excellency, his Maiesty of Bohemia, together with the Prince of Denmarke being present in Saint Iohns Church, where were baptized three children, to which the said Potentates were Godfathers: namely his Maiestie of Bohemia of the first child, called A­melia; his Princely Excellency of the second child, na­med Iohannes; and the Prince of Denmark of the third child called Mauritius.

The Lord God saue and blesse from henceforth his Princely Excellency, who hath carried himselfe in this siege as a valiant and braue Souldier, fearing no dan­ger, but presenting himselfe alwaies personally, to the encouragement of his Souldiers, and terrour of his E­nemies. There was neuer seene in any siege in this Countrey, so many Dukes, Barons, Gentiles, and Vo­luntiers, which did come out of seuerall Kingdomes and places, but onely before this Towne of which no body can speake enough, being all done in a short time. And that the Enemies must giue him the honour, that when he came there with his great and strong Armie, he could attempt nothing vpon him, but sent a Let­ter into the Towne, and so went away.

For this great Victorie, which the Lord God hath (this yeere) giuen vnto these Lands, there is by the high and mighty Lords the States generall ordained and commanded to keepe a Fast, and day of Prayer, whereupon they gaue out this Letter.

In the Towne are chosen new Magistrates, and the old are released from their Oathes done to the King of Spaine. And Sir Philips de Thienen, Coronell ouer the Regiment of his Highnesse van Brederode, is put as Commander ouer the Garrison. The Burgers are also releafed from their Oath vnto the King of Spaint, and tooke their Oathes vnto these Lands.