THE High and Mightie Lordes the States Generall, with the most Illustrious Prince of Orenge, taking nothing more to harte then the Prosperitie of these Free Vnyted Provinces, and the good Inhabitants in the same, had seuerall assemblies with the Prins of Orenge, consulting howe to take in hand and haue in readinesse whatsoeuer should be needfull and fitting for a Famous Siege, and so resolved to besiege the citie called the Busse, but before wee wil speake further of this Siege, wee shall first informe you of the scituation, Antiquitye, power and Renowne of this place.

This place where the Busse is nowe scituated, hath beene formerly ac­cording to the generall opinion of all men, a Wood or Parke where the Duke of Braband did vse to hunte, and for this purpose himselfe did cause a cottage or small dwelling place, to be built there for his Hun­ters and Houndes. But by reason the same place was verie comodious and had running streames of fresh Water through it, many people of se­uerall Townes did meete there on Market dayes to trade with one ano­ther. And some of them built a few houses there for to entertaine and lodge people, and others for to haue there comodities allwayes in readi­nesse: But the Burgers of Heusden envyeing theire good, did destroye them twyse. Neuerthelesse those people complayning to the Duke of the wrongs done vnto them, he did graunte them to environ themselues with Walles and Moates: After which this place did greatlie increase as well of trade as of people, yea manie strangers came to liue there, and prospered well, insomuch that the Duke made it the fourth chiefe Citie in Braband, yet retayning the name of's Hertogenbos, which by in inter­pretation is the Dukes-Wood, but commonly being called the BUSSE. And so this Citie builded a Townehouse, a Court to entertayne the Duke, likewise many Churches, and in these latter times exceeding manie Monastaries. And in the yeere of our Lord 1380. the foundation of the greate Church called Sainct Iohns Church was layde.

Also in those times the Cittie was enlarged and made greater, and newe Walles moates and Bolwarkes, and foure seuerall gates made to it, vnder the commande of this citie at present doth belong Kempenlande, Peellande, Maselande, and the Lande of Oosterwyke, in which Landes are scituate foure chiefe Townes as Helmont, Eyndhoven, Megen and the Grave, besides three score and twelue Villages, wherein are one hundred and one Parish churches: Through this citie of the Busse run­neth a faire Ryver called the Diese, it lyeth 2. leagues from the Ryver [Page 4] called the Mase, 3. leagues frō Heusden, and 12. leages frō Anwerpe. This citie is marveillous strōg by reasō of the lande which lyeth roūde about it, being verie lowe meddowes which almost continually are overwhel­med with water, especially in the Winter season, insomuch that none can assaulte it from without. Besides the strong Fortification of this citie of high Bulwarkes, very broad Moates, Hornworkes, halfe Moones. It was strengthened with three greate and very strong Fortresses or Sconces, twoo of them neare the Vuchter gate, where some high grounde lyeth. The greater and outwardmost is called the Fort Isabella. The lesser which lyeth betweene that and the citie is called Sainct Antonio. And the other which lyeth on the Eastside of the citie in a Morrace, is called the Petler-Sconce. Thus much touching the describing of the citie to you.

Nowe to returne to this present Siege, the Prins of Orenge by order of the Lordes the States Generall, did beginne very timely in the yeere sente vp some shipping with Ordinance, Amunition and other warrelike necessaries to Nimmegen, and to the Sconce of's Gravenweert. After this aboute the midst of Aprill Anno 1629. the Prins caused the most parte of his Forces to be raysed out of theire Garrisons, taking theire Rendevous towardes the said Sconce: And so with a greate Resolute­nesse and courage on the 24. of Aprill early in the morning at 6. of the clocke, his Eccellence departed out of the Hage with a braue Trayne of Valliant Commanders and Officers, and went directly for Utrick, from thence for Arnhem, and so for's Gravenweert. Where his Eccellence finding his Troopes in readinesse, instantly departed and marched to the Mokerheath, and there the whole Army stood in Battell the 28. of Aprill, and quartered that night vnder the Heavens Canopy. The next morning at the breake of daye they marched forward to the citie called the Grave over the Bridge, and so directly towardes the BVSSE, where a Troope of Horse came that same euening. And the next daye which was the 30. of April they viewed the Citie, and in the afternoone aboute three a clock his Eccellentie came thither with his whole Armye, en­quartering himselfe with 134. Companies at Vucht, a Village very neere to the twoo greate Sconces called Isabella and Anthonio, and tooke his owne lodging in a faire ould building called Heymshouse. The other chiefe Quarters his Excellence ordered in this manner. Counte Ernst at Hintem with 50. Companies, Counte William of Nassau, the Gover­nor of Heusden at Orten with 32. Companies. The Lorde of Brederode aboute the Petteler-Sconce with 26. Companies, and the Count of Solms at Engelen, neere Crevecoeur, for the safetie of our Victuall and Amunition Shipping which laye there.

And one the 11. of Maye Mons. Pinsen came thither with 23. Compa­nies, and tooke his Quarter at Deuteren. In the meane time all the Quarters being layd out, and every Regiment and Companye hauing theire ground giuen them: His Excell. caused certaine thousandes of Husbandemen to come out of the Betuw, the Tieler and Bommeler-Weerd, and other places to the campe, which with the helpe of the Soul­diers did in few dayes entrench euery Quarter: and being defensible, as so many bees to theire hiues, so each Souldier brings some thing to make himselfe a Hutt. This being done his Excellence rides about to view the ground: The Line of circumvallation being nigh 30. English Miles in circuit. The Siege running thus, from the right side of the Dam, (where a Riuer called the Dommel was stopt) it ran along by Ge­nerall Cicills Regiment, and so to Coronell Harwords, from thence to [Page 5] the French and Walloones, and along the Heath to the stone Gallowes. Then a long to Deuteren, from thence to the Busse-Sloate, and so along the men of warre to Engelen and Crevecoeur, and from thence on the other side of the Riuer called the Diese downe to Orten, from thence to Hintem, where Count Ernst his Quarter laye, and so forward to Coud­water and to the Lord of Brederods Quarter, and thence along the Uf­frouws Sconce and Berkel-Sconce to the Dam, where the out Line met againe.

The Governor of the BVSSE called Grobbendoncq, hearing that our Army came marching towardes the Citie, and seeing our Horsemen making a bravado, in compassing and viewing thereof, could not beleeue or be perswaded that it was intended to besiege him, but that the plott was layd to besiege Breda. Yea hee said playnlie that he did thinke the Prins was not so vnwise for to beginne such a foolish acte. But presently after perceiuing that he setled his Quarters, and his Army approching towardes the Citie and to annoye it, hee began to ponder his owne negli­gence, that he had not provyded the Citie sufficiently of Men, Ordi­nance and Gunpowther, although a little before he could haue had cer­taine thousand weight of powther from Luyke, which for the coue­tuousnesse of monnie tooke noe effect. This newes comming to Brus­sels and other places in Braband, some set very light by it, esteeming this Citie to bee invincible, but others considering theire vnpreparednesse and wante of men and monnie, were much amased.

The Archduchesse sent one Post after another for Spayne, caused her chiefe Commanders of warre to assemble, and beganne to laye theire witts togeather howe to rayse monnies, for the paye of theire Souldiers, that so they might gett them in feelde. Grobbendoncq wrote in all hast for more men and powther, and that the Archduchesse would vse some speedie meanes to releeue the Citie, some of the Enemies cheefe Com­manders, when they heard of this (as I am credibly informed) sayd smylinglie, that Grobbendoncq was one of those stout and valliant men, which did not feare the Divel himselfe, yea scoffed at him, and as it were desyred to see hem. As this Governor did often wish that the Prins would come and visit him, but when he sawe him indeed, he was as sore affrayde as the rest, and desyred soonest to be rid of him.

His Excellence the first daye of Maye suffered divers Women, Chil­dren, Nunnes & Maydservantes to departe out of the Citie. The Troo­pes of Horsmen, which laye in Garnison within the Citie, thought also to passe out of the Citie, without anie consent of the Prins, but were for­ced to returne in the Towne againe. Betweene the 4. and 5. of Maye in the night, there slipt into the Towne some 800. Men, which came from Breda by the waye of Vlymen and along Deuteren, (where Monsieur Pinsens Quarters was afterward) and from thence wading vp to the Armepitts in the water got into Sainct Iohns gate. By reason whereof his Excellence did cause a Dyke to be made from the Vuchterheath to Pinsens Quarter, over the drownedland by Grobbendoncks Koy, and likewise along the Busse-Sloate, as farre as to Engelen, wrought all by Pesants, which brought earth and Sande thither in boates, with twigs of trees or brush to laye vnder and betwixt the earth, that the water might not wash it awaye. And so the whole Siege was compassed and shutt in 8. or 10. dayes.

Betweene the 11. and 12. of Maye Count Ernst did approche in his Quarter as farre as is noted in the Mappe from A to B, and there made a Corps de guarde, and bargayned with his Workemen to make him a [Page 6] Batterie there of sixe peeces of ordinance, which Batterie within tenne or twelue dayes after was made, being very neere within Musket shott of the Towne.

And by reason the water encreased there could be noe neerer appro­ches made at that time, because all the ground towardes the Citie stood blanke vnder water, to which ende the Enemy in the Citie cut asunder the Cadyke, going towardes the Orterdyke, noted with the letter D.

The 14. daye of Maye our men brought 40. flat Turfe Ships in the Camp to make Bridges. The 15. the enemie sallied forth of the Petler vpon the Lord of Brederoods Quarter, but were soone drouen backe againe. The 16. they of Towne sallied forth of the Towne in boates vpon Count Ernst his Quarter, but were faine to retraict, not ef­fecting any thing against vs. Aboute the 20. we began to make an out Line betwixt Engelen and Crevecoeur, fo [...] the safety of our Horse, and all the Lines hauing twoo steps: The bottome thereof being aboute 16. foote, and the top 6. foote broade. And by the Vlymer-Bridge his Excel­lence caused a Sconce to be made against the stragling Souldiers of Bre­da, which was thought invincible. The 22. Count William caused some Canon shot to be made into the Towne of 6. and 7. pound bullets, and af­terwardes hauing perfected a Batterie, did continue in shooting with twoo halfe Cannons, which sent in bullets of 24. pound, and a little peece which shot 6. pound.

The 23. a Post ventured to get into the Towne, but being descryed & followed was drownde by the waye, but neuerthelesse our people got him dead, and brought his secrett Letters to the Prince.

The Outline of the Siege being thus finished and made defencible, then the English and French, which were in his Excellencies Quarter, broake ground, and each Nation striuing for his honour made towardes the Towne, to wit the French towardes the greate Sconce Isabella, with their Ingeners Mons. Porcibal and his Sonne, and the English towardes A the lesser and farther Sconce, called Sainct Antony, with theire Ingeners Ian de Bos and Master Humphry.

The 28. Count Ernst commaunded to make shott into the Citie, with three halfe Cannons; and suddenly after his Batterie being finished, did continue shooting with twoo halfe Cannons, which shot Bullets of 24. pound, and afterwardes with three peeces more of 12. pound shott.

B The same daye in the night some 30. or 40. Muskettiers sallied forth of the greate Sconce Isabella, and did discharge vnder the Ordinance of our Carabins, and so retraicted, not doeing any thing else.

C The 29. Porcival made a Line, which they of the greate Sconce broke in peeces, and so was left.

The same daye Counte William caused shot to be made into the Towne from a second Batterie, with three peeces of Ordinance, which carryed Bullets of 24. pound, and with other three peeces of 12. pound, and his first Batterie with three peeces of 6. pound, and one of 3. pound, also continuing.

D The 30. came forth of the greate Sconce Isabella 40. Muskettiers, vnto our approches, and discharging theire firelockes mayming some of our men returned againe.

The same daye those of the little Sconce sallied forth, and killed an English Lieftenante and his man, with Musket short hurting another Souldier, and so were drouen in againe.

The first of Iune in the night they of the Towne fyred vpon the top of the Church steeple three times, pulling vp the fire euery time thrise: the [Page 7] French seeing this fell vpon some Workes, which those of the greate Sconce had made, chasing them out of theire Workes and got manie shouelles, armes and other implements.

The English in the meane time making Waye and Passage towardes the little Sconce, drawing neerer and neerer.

And by reason the water began to diminish & fall at this time, Count Ernst went forwarde with his approches, and made the twoo Lines, mar­ked with C and E, and made a Corps de guarde vpon F, in the Hinte­mer-Waye.

This Corps de guarde was finished in fewe dayes after, being made Canon proofe, and guarded with Pallisadoes.

The same time the French wonne the Line of the greate Sconce, which broke our Line which was made the 29. of Maye. At that time were slaine a Leeftenant and a Volantarie, likewise Monsieur de Vitre was shot in his shoulder and thigh, neere to the Conterscharpe of the greate Sconce.

Betweene the second and third daye, Count Ernst approched with the Lines, which are marked G, H, I, to some small millhills K, and there made a Corps de guarde, which afterwardes was changed and made a Batterie for twoo halfe Cannons.

On Whitsonday the 3. of Iune the French beganne to shoote with 6. F peeces of 24. pound Bullets, from a Batterie which was made in the Line of Communication, passing from the English Workes to the French, for the assistance of on another if need were.

The same daye at night they of the Towne drewe vp fire againe in the greate Church steeple.

The 6. and 7. of Iune, And whereas the approaches and Corps de gardes in Counte Ernst his Quarter daylie were furthered, so he approa­ched from the said Millhills along the Line L, and at M made a Corps de garde, from whence his men went to the letter N, the Line of Com­munication along the Kadyke to the Quarter of Counte William. And the same night approached to the Stonebridge in the Hintemer-Way to the letter O, and the 7. they began to sap ouer that Bridge, and the night following made the Corps de garde, which is marked with the letter P. And the dayes following they did sap towardes the Horneworke, at the Hintemer-end along the little Waye on both sides thereof, because the Lande laye vnder Water. Insomuch that his Grace bargayned to make a Batterie there the 14. of Iune, for 3. peeces of Ordinance, at the letter Q. and afterwardes another Batterie of 2. peeces at the letter R.

The 8. a French Captaine, called Monsieur de Vittenval, was shot in the Trenches, looking betweene twoo Cannon Baskets, and his Lieften­nante succeeded in his place.

The same daye the French began to make Cannon shot of 24. pound vpon the Horneworke of the greate Sconce.

The 9. His Excellentie caused aboue 140. Cannō shot to be made vpon the little Sconce and into the Citie from the greate Batterie. And the same daye some Souldiers came forth of the Towne towardes Pinsens Quarter to take some Horse and Workemen, but were drouen backe againe.

Counte Ernst at this time was advised by his Ingener Matthijs van Voord, to make a greate Gallerie directly vpon the Citie from the letter N. betweene the Hintemer-end and the Orter Bulwarke, which should be made in this manner. The plaine thereof should be a foote heigth aboue water, and 12. foote broad betweene the Walles thereof on both [Page 8] sides, which Walles should be Cannon proofe. And at euery 8. or 10. foote length a Travers to be made also Cannon proofe. Which his Excellentie and Count Ernst, with the States Committies approoved of: And so in­stantly order was giuen that it should be made. To this end the twoo Batteries marked S and T, were put forth to be made, each of them for eight peeces of Ordinance. The Wings or Hinderparte thereof closing togeather, and hauing on the sides Corps de guardes, for the safetie of the Batteries, and so this greate Gallerie was begunne the 8. of Iuly by these Ingeners Matthijs van Voord and Iames Slip.

And by reason the Place where this greate Gallerie was to be made was alltogeather a Morrace, which was overflowne with Water at some places a mans heigth, wee were faine to fill the Waye as we worked for­ward with brush and earth, which was brought thither from afarre of in Cartes. And for the more securitie of this Gallerie, there were made the Batteries V and W.

The same daye at night six Frenchmen went in Armour of Musket proofe, to viewe the Conterscharfe of the Horneworke belonging to the greate Sconce, but never a shot was made at them.

The same night the French advanced theire workes to the Conter­scharfe H of the Horneworke, where they began to mine, but stopped it againe.

The 11. came into Count Ernsts Quarter eleauen Companies more of Scotsh.

This daye the English began to make Cannonshot of 24. pound at the I little Sconce, from a Batterie that had twoo peeces, which shot at the Sconce gate.

K The same daye the French made shot from a Batterie, which they made vpon the Conterscharfe of the Horneworke.

Dito Monsieur de Candale came into the Quarter and had the Watch in the Trenches.

The 14. the English began to shoote Granadoes out of 2. Morters into the greate Sconce Isabella, and the little Sconce Sainct Antony, where­of L one fell into the Powther Roome of the greate Sconce, and with a wondrous greate Noyse like a Thunder clap threwe as it were whole Houses in the Ayre, to the admiration of diuers.

The same daye his Excellentie and the States went vpon the Batterie, and sent some Granadoes into the little Sconce, which made parte of the Walles to flie vp, that wee could hardlie see the Sconce for Dust and Smoake.

The last night they in the Towne drewe vp fire againe in the Church steeple.

The same daye Count Ernst went forwarde with his sap along the smale Waye towardes the Hintemer-end, raysing the passage with Brush and earth; and advanced so much that the 19. the Corps de guarde Nu­mero 1. and vpon the 28. the Corps de guarde Numer. 2. were made. And to advance the workes of the mayne Gallerie at Numer. 3. and 4. twoo Batteries were made each of one peece of Ordinance.

The 15. His Excell. commaunded to let the Water, which was stop­ped at the Dommel, to runne rounde about his Quarter: And the same daye the English sent six Granadoes into the twoo Sconces, whereof twoo made a fearefull stirre among them, & threw some of theire Hutts over the Walles. Forcing the Enemye to saue themselues in the Out­workes, vntill the Granadoes had done theire operatiō, wee in the meane time playeing vpon them with Cannon and Musket shot as fast as wee coulde.

The 16. in the night the Enemie sallied forth of the Hintemer-gate, and beate the Scotsh out of theire Trenches: as likewise those of the M greate Sconce in number some 50. or 60. Men came out with Treshing cudgels, Pistolls and Clubs, and beate the French out of theire Tren­ches, and slewe some of the English, which were employed there in ma­king of the French approches.

The same night the English sent three Granadoes into the little Sconce, and did greate endeavour to fill the moate of the halfe Moone with Brush and earth, but they of the Sconce threw forth hookes and pulled out our Brush sometimes as fast as we did put it in, and cast out firebrandes and Handegranadoes to burne it, so that wee had hot worke to prevaile with them.

Likewise they of the greate Sconce threw forth Handegranadoes and Firebrandes to breake and burne the Gallerie, which the French began to make towardes the Horneworke, but neverthelesse they got vp that night three posts or ioynts of theire Gallerie.

The 17. the English were mynded to haue made an assaulte vpon the N halfe Moone, being they had made a passage over the moate, but the Captaine of the Watch being hurte it was deferred.

The 18. the French began to make a Gallerie directlie vpon the mid­dlewing O of the Horneworke.

The 19. the English began to make a Gallerie towardes the halfe P Moone of the little Sconce, & the 20. they worked forwarde with theire Gallerie by cleere dayelight, and sent eight Granadoes into it, which made the Enemye call vpon the name of the Ladye Mary most feare­fullie and fled into theire Conterscharfes to save themselves. The night following they drewe vp fire in theire high steeple againe.

The 21. were sent 8. Granadoes more into the little Sconse, with many Cannonshot everie daye and instant.

The 20. the French began a second Gallerie on the right hand of the Q first.

And the same daye the French broake a myne into the Horneworke. R

The 21. the English broake a myne into the halfe Moone of the little S Sconce. And began to make a second Gallerie on the right hand of the T first.

The 22. in the night the English went couragiously forwarde with theire Gallerie, but they of the Sconce sallied forth and set it on fyre. The English neverthelesse watching an oppurtunity, suddenlie fell vpon the Enemie, insomuch that they had noe time to seeke and returne the same waye which they came forth. And so divers of them being enforced to make speed or to be put to the sworde leaped into the moate and there were drowned.

The same night the English set fyre on theire myne and made an as­saulte vpon each side of the halfe Moone, but the myne operating con­trary to theire expectation, they beganne another myne and went for­ward with theire Galleries.

The French also gave fire to a myne but effected little.

At this time Count Henry of Berck Mustered his Army at Turnhout, being in number some 25000. Men foote and horse.

In the afternoone the French gave fire to twoo mynes more, but avay­led not. The third made such a breach into the Wall of the Horneworke, that wee could see the Enemie in it from top to toe. And so they should have made an assaulte vpon them, but by reason the springing of the myne cast so much earth into the Mouth of the Gallerie, that they could [Page 10] not goe forth of it, they were prevented and the breach suddenly stoppet againe.

The 24. and 25. wee did effect little.

The 26. there was a greate fire in three severall places of te Siege, as namely in the Horse Quarter, in the English Quarter and in Brederoes Quarter, it was suspected to be villany of Traytors, but we could not finde them out.

At this time Count Henry of Berch marching towardes vs, lodged his Forces at Sprang, Wallwyke, Druynen and Loon.

At the same time the King of Bohemia came vnto the Siege, and went with his Excell. into the Trenches, and viewed our Approaches, Batte­ries and other Workes.

V The 27. the French passed ouer the moate of the Conterscharpe, and made Cannon shott from a Batterie on the right hand of the Gallerie, X and made on each side thereof a small Batterie.

The same daye Count Henry of Berch came with his Army to Vly­men, and appeared in our sight at seuerall places with his Horse, which went vp and downe to viewe our Outworkes. In the night they of the Towne caused an Alarme to be made, which made vs thinke that the Enemie would haue fallen vpon vs from without and within, but they at­tempted nothing.

The 28. Count Henry appeared with his Forces in the night neere the Hollands Dyke, and by our greate Sconces called the 3. Sisters, but we hauing sent them some 10. or 12. Cannonshot they retired backe: Our whole Army neverthelesse standing in Battle all the night long.

The 29. many of the Enemies Souldiers came into our Quarters, com­playning of greate scarsitie, hunger and hardnesse.

The 30. the Enemye laye themselues in Embuscado neere the Uf­frou Sconce, and tooke diuers of Waggons and Waggonmen, which went forth for Brush. Likewise they tooke the House of Hesop and Box­tel, where we had some small strength of Souldiers, which they let passe with theire Armes and Baggagie into our Camp. In the morning came twoo of the Enemies Sloopes to the 3. Sisters and the Hollands Dyke, to take measure of the depth of the Water, which made our Army to rise in Armes. Some more Souldiers of the Enemie comming to vs, reported that in theire Campe Cheese was sould for 12. stiuers a pound, and a Pot of Beere for 6. stiuers: Insomuch that the common Souldiers were all­most famished for want of monnie and foode, which caused them to flee from them.

The second of Iuly Monsieur Fama was shot and dyed of it.

The Enemye continually buzzing vp and downe, sent some 4000. Horse and foote with 800. firelockes, each hauing a leather bag of pow­ther to put them into the Towne, betweene the Petler Sconce and Count Ernst Quarter, and brought along with them Spades, Fagots and Plankes to fall vpon a Horneworke of ours, not farre from Coudwater, but being discovered by our men in the night, which stood readie to re­ceaue them, the Alarme being giuen; They were beate of some of them drowned, and others being shot and wounded, retreated and lefte some of theire powther baggs behinde them. This failling he had other de­signes by the helpe of twoo treacherous Pesants for the cutting of our Damme.

The same night these Pesants as theire Guides brought his men along the little Dyke, which runnes from the Dam to Boxtel by the Boores Houses, but they in the night discovered Generall Cicills Tents, which [Page 11] were newly sett vp, their harts misgaue them, thinking we knew of their plot, and so retreated without attempting it, parte of a Companie onely hauing the guarde at the poinct vpon the Dyke, while the rest of the Companies were drawne to the Line vpon the Heath, they might easilie haue effected it. Our Men in the morning discouering them as they marched towarde Count Henryes Quarter, the twoo halfe Cannons which laye vpon Cicills Batterie let fly at them, and slew some of them: But to preuent this the next daye his Excell. caused abundance of Palli­sadoes to be driuē into the Dyke, and made a Batterie where they should haue come one, and from thence to Berckel Sconce chayned boates to­geather ouer the Water; setting watch in them by night, for the defence of the Damme.

Count Henry of Berke being then quartered at Boxtel, Cromforde and Helforde, within an English mile and a halfe of our Line, wee were faine to make the nights our dayes, and the dayes our nights, expecting continually his comming vpon vs with maine Force, which oftentimes he attempted but to little effect, which lasted aboue three weekes togea­ther vntill hee left vs. In the meane time the Companies of all Nations beset the Line of Circumvallation, some twoo hundred paces distant one from another round about the Army: The Horse standing behind them in Battaile readie to receaue him. His Excellentie euery night about midnight goeing the grand Round to answere all Alarmes. The same night that he intended to put in these firelockes and their powther bags into the Towne, and to haue cut the Damme, and to haue let in a Sea of water vpon vs, which ranne rownde about our Quarters, returning from Vlymen with the grosse of his Army, he discovered himselfe betimes in the morning, assoone as it beganne to be light by the downes, and had layd an Embuscado of Musketteirs in a ditch by some trees, and behinde the downes he made a halte with his Horse and foote, and sends out first some 10. or 12. Horse to entertaine a skermish with some of our Horse, which stood readie in Armes without our Line vpon the Heath, hauing the Outguarde. The Trumpets sounde a Charge, and our Cannōs roares from all the Batteries at the Enemye, and as the skermish enceased, so wee sent them the more Bullets, which made divers of their Horsmen to turne vp theire heeles, wee seeing oftentimes leggs and Armes flie vp, and their Horse roule over one anothers. At last there came three troope of Horse, which changed Bullets with our Horsemen, and still our Ordi­nance giuing fire among them, and our Horse charging them towarde the foote of the downes, the fayned a retreate to drawe on our Horse within their Embuscado. Monsieur Mauue a French Captaine of a troope of Horse, charging home his Horse from the Embuscado was slayne vnder him. The Enemy falls out againe with more Horse and takes this French Captaine prisoner. The Duke of Bullen seing him thus engaged, chargeth with a troope or twoo for to rescue him, and while twoo of the Enemyes men were a disputing whose prisoner he should be, our Horse charges them againe, and drives them to a retreate, they not having time to carry their Prisonner away, to end the dispute pistole him, and so the Duke brought of his dead bodie. This skirmish during a while after, Count Henry marched awaye, and we to our Quarters.

The 4. of Iuly in the night the Enemy came vpon our Army, intending to breake the stoppage of the Dommel, but were prevented and manie of them slayne. At this time some Pesants were taken, which had led the Enemy & shewen them the way through the water howe to come vpon vs as they did seuerall times in the night. Whereof twoo were hanged in his Excell: Quarter.

Having made this digression, I returne againe to our Approaches, be­fore the English came to the laying over of their first Gallerie. There the Captaine of his Excell: Guard got a dangerous shot in the forhead that he lost his eye. Captaine Omkaes a worthy Ingener shewing his bodie too open was snapt of and slaine with a firelocke, and Captaine Clarke shot through both his legs, and hauing brought over their Galle­rie, they could not come to the moate of the little Sconce, before they had beaten the Enemie out of twoo Traverses, and a point which came out of the Conterscharfe in the forme of a halfe Moone on our right hand next the Dommel, at the entrance of the Gallerie: Over this first Water on the left hand they had a Batterie vpon which Coronell Har­wood was shot through his hat; The Lord of Oxford standing by. The Gallerie being ouer they beganne to sap and made a mine in the Ene­myes first Traverse, that night which Sir Iacob Ashley commanded in the Trenches desirous of honour, he was appointed with some 60. Pikes and Musketteirs to fall on after the Mine was sprong; and Captaine Gouldwell as eldest Captaine to second him with more Men before the Mine was blowne vp, he gaue the Enemy an Allarme to drawe them on towardes our Mine; and the Mine being sprung set on with his Men and beate the Enemie to a retreate out of parte of theire Travers, our Men & the Enemye giuing fire brauelie one to another a good while, but the English lyeing open to the Bulwarke of the little Sconce, and their other Traverse, were faine to retreate againe into the Mouth of their Galle­rie. This Mine tooke not well, but sprang rather backward then forward, and did more hurte to our Men then to the Enemye; yet from this earth which was cast vp out of the Enemyes Travers they beganne to sap for­warde, which the Enemye seeing at last they quitted it, and so became Masters of it, and getting a little more elbowe roome they advanced for­ward to the moate of the little Sconce, making Guardes, Batteries and Blindes, till they came to the very brinke of it, where they beganne a se­cond Gallerie.

The 7. of Iuly in the euening aboute eleauen a clocke, Monsieur Dou­chant, Leeftenante to Coronel Chattillon, commanding the French Trenches, they of the Conterscharfe sallied forth in number about 100. Y Men, and overcame by force of Armes twoo of our Corps de guardes, and mayntained them against vs for the space of an houre, and then being forced to leaue them in the retreate; the Ensigne which commanded them was taken prisoner. In the meane time some 200. Men of the Hor­neworke intended to sallie forth, but being discouered returned backe againe.

The 8. the Enemye blewe vp a Mine vpon the English, but did them noe harme.

The 9. Mons. Chattillons Companie hauing the guard in the French Approaches, fell vpon the Horneworke of the greate Sconce, and founde but 7. or 8. Men in it, which did not dispute the matter long & quitted it and retired to their Conterscharfe, where on their right hand they cut it off, and made a small Travers in it, whence they gaue fire with their Mus­ketteirs and firelockes vpon them. But the French hauing put their Gal­lerie ouer the moate of the Conterscharfe, they came to the second moate of the greate Sconce, where they likewise put over a Gallerie into the Faulsebray. On the left hand of their Gallerie, the Enemye had cut off their Faulcebray to hinder our Workemen and Miners by giuing fire from a small Travers vpon them.

The 11. his Excellencye caused an inwarde Line to be made towardes [Page 13] the Citie, beginning at Pinsens Quarter, and so passing by his Excellent. Quarter came to Brederoes Quarter, and went from thence to Count Ernsts Quarter, being fortified with manie Redouts, whereby those of the Towne were prevented to come forth vnto our Quarters.

The 12. Count Morris of Nassau was made Coronel in steede of Mon­sieur Fama.

The 14. his Excell: gaue order for the repayring of the Watermills Aa neere the Diese, and appointed 21. Mathematicall Mills to be made there besides, which drewe vp abundance of water from belowe, sucking it vp with funnells, and casting it vp dismist it selfe vpon the higher Lande making a new currant.

The Gallerie in Count Ernsts Quarter Numer. 5. was appointed to be made the 8. of Iuly, but not begonne before the 14. for want of earth, vpon which Gallerie the Enemy shot verie hotlie, both with Cannon and musketts; insomuch that manie of the Workemen in the Mouth of this Gallerie were slayne.

The Gallerie being brought over, the Enemy retired in those places which they had cut off, noted in the Mappe Numer. 8. & 9. but in respect the Scotsh continually went forwarde with sapping along the side of the Horneworke, the Enemy was forced likewise to leaue those places.

The 15. Count Henry of Berke raysed his Army and departed from Boxtel, marching towardes the Graue, and passed the Mase over the Moakerheath, but first sent a Pesant to bring a Letter to the Gouvernor Grobbendonk in the Towne, which Pesant was taken in our Army vpon some suspition and the Letter founde, and brought to his Excellentie. The tennor whereof was as followeth.

But this Letter falling into the handes of his Excellentie, he sent it to the Lordes the States Generall of these Unyted Low Countrye Pro­vinces, with his advyse and counsell what he thought fitting to be done against the Enemyes plot, his Excellentie likewise ordered an Army of Foote and Horse out of his Campe, vnder the commaund of Count Otto van Stierum, to followe Count Henry, and watch what he inten­ded; neverthelesse himselfe continueing the Siege before the BUSSE.

The 18. the Lord van Dieden, Governor of Emmerick, then comman­ding in the French Trenches, hauing blowne vp a Myne in the greate Sconce, which overwhelmed twoo of our men that stood too neere it. Bb The French entered, & finding noe resistance, tooke the greate Sconce. There were founde in it 16. Hogsheads of Wyne, 24. Barrells of Beere, greate quantity of Bread and Porke, a Boy and a Dog, with a Sellar of Yse to coole Wyne or Beere in the heate of the Summer.

The 19. of Iuly in the morning about three a clocke, the Enemy like­wise Cc quitted the little Sconce, wherein was founde seuerall Armes and Houshouldstuffe.

The same daye Coronell Harwood commaunding the English Tren­ches, after he had taken the little Sconce, went forward and likewise Dd beate the Enemye out of a Traverse, which they had made without the Sconce, and so they fled to theire halfe Moone, which was 250. paces from thence towardes the Towne. The English and the French after­wardes releeued one another in approaching and sapping towardes the Towne euerie fourth night, and the Dutch hauing the Watch after them one night. And so his Excellentie caused some Batteries to be made by Ee the little Sconce, which shot vpon the Tenaille, Vuchtergate and halfe Moone thereof; wee in the meane time sapping forwardes towardes the Tenaille, which was the next thing that laye in our waye.

The 20. Count Otto van Stirum departed out of our Camp with an Army of 1200. Horse and 4000. foote to followe the Enemy.

The 23. came newes to our Camp that Count Henry with his and the Emperours Forces, were got over the Ryver called the Ysell into the Veluw, which daunted vs much, being the Enemye could runne vp from thence without passing over any more Waters, even to the principall Cities of Hollande, as he did partlie, his dessigne being thereby to make vs breake vp the Siege of the BUSSE, and to come to prevent his pro­ceeding. But his Excell. seeing the Towne could not hould out long, sent forth Count Ernst with Coronell Harwood, and so many foote and Horse as he could spare out of his Camp, to hinder the Enemys com­ming over the Ryne into the Betu, as he afterwardes (when he had brought his Forces into the Velu) did oftentimes attempt, which if he could haue effected, would haue beene greatlie to our disadvantage.

Ff The 26. the Sergeant Major of the French, which then had the watch in the Trenches, brought a bridge of rushes over the moate of the halfe Moone, which laye before the Tenaille, and making a Rempart in the Gg halfe Moone, the Enemye left it and fled to the Tenaille.

The 28. the Enemye sallied forth of the Towne in Boates, and tooke divers Prisoners, whereof some were Burgers, that were gone too neere the Towne to see strange things.

The same daye came into our Camp the Yong Prins of Denmarke with a Regiment of Dutch.

The 3. of August a Bridge of rushes was brought over the moate of the Tenaille.

The 4. Monsieur Douchant hauing the Watch in the Approaches Hh aboute noone sprong a Myne in the Tenaille, after he had layd twoo Rush-Bridges over the moate thereof, and about some 100. of the French went on verie furiouslie into the breach which the myne had made, ente­ring Ii it with halfe Pykes: But the Enemye resisted them verie stoutlie, and slew many being most of them Volontaries, and so put them backe by force, which Combate his Excellentie sawe standing vpon the Bul­warke of the little Sconce.

The 6. of August Monsieur de Candale commanding the French Kk Trenches, made a sap on the right hand of the Tenaille, which did the Enemye much harme, afterwardes he caused a Corps de guarde to be Ll made to make shot on the sideway; and the daye after sent them manye of Granadoes.

The same daye Monsieur Pinsen made a Batterie verie neere the Ci­tie, from whence he cast them manie Granadoes.

The 8. Monsieur Maurice Coronell of the Walloones hauing the watch in the Trenches, the Enemye left the Tenaille, after twoo Mynes were sprong, the third being readie, and so was taken and a greate Bat­terie made of it of nine halfe Cannons.

On the 10. of August Grobbendonk in the night sent forth twoo Soul­diers, apparrelled like Countriemen, with Letters to the Arch-Duchesse, each of them hauing a paire of Doves, which should haue beene cast vp and flie into the Towne with answer backe againe: But their hartes fai­ling them, and fearing to be taken by our Men in passing the Line and Watches: the one Souldier being more willing then the other, drew out his Knife and threatned to kill the other, if he would not goe along with him to the Prince, and so calling to our Centinells; the Guard receiued them in: the contents of the Letters were, that he could not hould out the Towne aboue three weekes longer, and the Burgers for the sauing of their liues and goodes, and shunning of sudden danger would force him to a composition, and therfore required releife within that time, or else it would goe verie hard with them, of all which the Prince made good vse.

To goe on the Tenaille being ours, we beganne a new sap from the right point thereof towardes the Enemyes halfe Moone, without the Vuchter-Gate running the Approaches by oblique Lines, windings and turnings till wee came to the verie brinke of the Moate of the Towne, where the Dommell falleth into it, making the moate and it aboue 300. foote over, and euer as wee got ground so we advanced our Ordinance, made Batteries, Gards and Blinds for the safegard of our Men: there be­gan Mm the first entrance of our mayne Gallerie into the moate to be put ouer into the Bulwarke on the right hand of the Gate, on both sides of this Gallerie there were made for the defence of it a small Batterie of twoo halfe Cannon, which beate vpon the bricke foundation of the Bul­warke, and flankard our Gallerie on both sides; the Ordinance likewise, which were planted vpon the Tenaille, playd vpon the Bulwarkes on each side of the Towne gate, to dismount their Ordinance, which shot vpon the end of our Gallerie and of our Workemen, but the Enemyes Ordinance were so sunke, that wee could not come at them. From vnder the said Tenaille was also a planke Bridge layd over the Dommell, and a Blinde made to get into the Vuchter-end or bleach feelde: In this patch of ground were made Blindes and Batteries to dismount the Enemyes Ordinance, which playd vpon our Galleries and Workemen, from the Bulwarke on the left hand of the Gate, and a peece which they had suuke [Page 16] in their halfe Moone. In this Feelde also we began to laye over a second Gallerie on the right face of the Bulwarke; but the Enemyes Ordinance from the Bulwarkes on the further side of the Gate shot through it 8. or 10. times, breaking some of the posts asunder, at the entrance of it into the moate, yet at the last our Batterie in that Feelde put them to silence, and an English Captaine an excellent Cannonnier dismounted their halfe Cannon, that daye the Lord of Oxford had the Guarde after, which our Men working more safelie in both the Galleries.

The 13. manye Granadoes were cast into the Towne, which threw downe manie Houses.

The 15. of August in the night the Enemye had a Stratagem to cutt our Trench by the little Mill and Coudwater, betweene Count Ernst and Brederoes Quarter, and so to haue let in the Water vpon our Approa­ches; to put this into execution, Grobbendonk sent out of the Towne some hundred and fiftie firelockes and spades, which stole in the night betweene the Petler-Sconce and Count Ernsts Quarter through the in­warde Line, where it was not finished and came to the little Windmill by our out Line; and there hauing layd an Embuscado of some of their fire­lockes in a ditch, and behinde some bushes fell to worke apace to cut our Trench some 30. foote broad betweene the Horneworke, and the Re­douts vpon the Line, not farre from that place where Count Henry of Berks Men would haue attempted it before: But parte of Captaine Brogs Companie hauing the gard in a Redoubt next vnto them gaue fire, and the Alarme being giuen: Our Horse, which had the gard in a House not farre from thence, came vp to charge them, and giuing fire likewise from that Redoubt, they lefte their worke, and retreated backe to their Am­bush, leauing their Spades and a paire of ould Shoes behind them, and as they retreated gaue fire vpon our Horse, and slew a Corporall and hurte twoo or three more: But by reason of the Morrace and the Ditches, our Horsemen could not come to charge them, neither durst our foote leaue their Guardes: and so they retreated backe againe into the Towne, some twoo English mile where they fell a cutting. Surelie if they had stayd but one halfe quarter of an houre longer, or cut the gap not so broad, they had effected the busines they came for, because the Water was not pas­sing three ynches lower then the top of the Trench, and so should haue let in an Inundation of Water vpon vs.

The 16. of August newes came to our Campe that the Enemie had ta­ken Amersford.

The 17. Count William then commaunding the Quarter and Workes of Count Ernst, caused twoo Mines to be blowne vp, which were made vnder the Horneworke of the Hintemergate, also made twoo assaults vpon the Enemie, but prevayled not.

The 18. in the morning the Enemie sallied forth of the Towne neere Pinsens Quarter, and robbed some of the Victualers and so departed: the night following the Leeftenant Coronell Sir Edward Vere had the com­maund in the Trenches. And on Sondaye his Excellence who oftentimes ventered his person very much, came downe to the Gallerie to see the Approaches, a little before the said Leeftenante Coronell was relieued, hee went to shew the Prince the Workes and the Sap, the Companies being relieued, were drawne off as far as the little Sconce. The said Leef­tennante Coronell Vere hauing showen his Excellentie the Sap, and ta­king his leaue of him, walking off with Sir Thomas Conway, being a Tall man, came an vnhappie Musketshot through the Blind, and shot him be­hind in his head, that it perisht his braynes: that night being brought to [Page 17] his Tent within some foure dayes afterwardes dyed, whose extraordi­narie vallour sufficiencie & compleat abilities for a Commander as they were well knowne, so was his losse exceedinglie lamented by his Ex­cellentie and the Chiefes of our Army. My Lord Generall Vere, my Lord of Oxford, many Captaines, Officers, Voluntaries and Gentlemen of quality, who had beene at his funerall in Bommell returning home that night.

The English Regiment had the guard in the Approaches, and a civill worthy Gentleman of my Lords Companie of Dort, one M. Mollenax that bare the sword of the said Leeftenant Coronell before his corps, goeing to see the sap, was the first that night which followed him the waye of all flesh; my Lord Generall Vere bestird himselfe, had all his Of­ficers and Souldiers in readinesse, that vpon the first occasion, if the Ene­mie had either sallied out vpon our Sappers or Workemen, or if they should haue attempted the firing of the Gallerie, they might haue beate them in againe. Captaine Rookewood of my Lord Veres Regiment as eldest Captaine, executed my Lords commaund with valour and discre­tion, had his Granado-Men at hand, and placed diuers Musketteirs vpon all flanks to playe vpon the Enemie, and to keepe them vnder for shoo­ting vpon the end of our Gallerie and our Workemen, and now and then sent them some Cannon Bullets, which shot vpon the topp of their Bul­warke, and vpon their halfe Moone to keepe them vnder, sometimes sen­ding a Granado into the Towne, and throwing Handgranadoes amongst them into their halfe Moone. Towardes midnight the Enemie likewise did cast Handgranadoes vpon our Blind next to their halfe Moone and set fire on it, which brake out into a greate flame, but the vigilency of my Lord Vere was such fearing, that the fire might take further hould, he gaue order that some Souldiers should take shouells and spades from the Workemen, and cast earth and water vpon it, which caused it to slake, and had twoo or three Granadoemen there, which paid them with theire owne coine, but sure it was good that the Wind blew Southwest, for had the Wind blewe Northwest and had blowne stiff, as it did, it had not one­lie endangered the firing of all our Blindes, but also our Gallerie, which would haue hindered our Approaches and cast vs a greate deale behinde hand. And so this daye and night following the Gallerie and Workes were well advanced. This daye Sir Harry Hungate got a marke of ho­nour by a Bullet, which shot him thorow his buffe Ierkin, and grazed vpon his flesh.

Before our Regiment had the Watch againe in the Approaches the Gallerie was well advanced, and they got about three Posts night and daye, it was then my Lord of Oxfords turne to commaund, who was made Leeftenante Coronell in Sir Edwarde Veres place deceased. The Bridge being layd ouer the Ditch of the Enemies halfe Moone. The English began to sap, and lodged in the left corner of it, because of the Trees that laye a crosse in it. This night there was discouered an engine vpon a floate from the furthest parte of their halfe Moone by the moate, which wee presupposed they had prepared for the firing of our Gallerie. To prevent this my Lord of Oxford got a Sloope, which was brought about towards our Gallerie, that on a suddaine tenne or twelue resolute Souldiers, with short swords and Pistolls might chop into it, to hinder the Enemie from fastning anie fireworkes vpon our Gallerie, which the Enemie perceauing, attempted nothing. The Lorde of Oxford gaue order likewise that our Musketteirs from all flanks should continuallie be playeing, and our Ordinance shooting vpon the top of their Bulwarke [Page 18] and their halfe Moone to keepe the Enemie from peeping over and gi­ving fire vpon our Workemen. This night although it was Moonelight, the Brush and faggots were layd ouer to the left hand of the Bulwarke, from the end of our second Gallerie in the Bleachfeelde, and thanks be to God, but one Man shot in layeing them over, and another Souldier of Captaine Skippons shot, which stood Centinell in our Long Gallerie. My Lord Crauen whose worth and liberallitie was knowne heere extraordi­narilie, this night and the daye followeing (as at other times he vsed to doe) watched with my Lord of Oxford, the next night with my Lord Cicills Companie, and the third night with Generall Morgans Regi­ment. My Lord of Doncaster and my Lord fielding trayled Pikes vnder my Lord Cicills Companie, and went constantlie downe to the Approa­ches vpon anie service, and exposed theire bodies both to danger and sicknesse. My Lord of Oxford an houre before he was relieued, had about with the Enemie vpon the lefte corner of the halfe Moone; and my Lord Veres Musketteirs of Dort comming vp almost to the top of the halfe Moone, gaue fire in the teeth of the Enemy, and came to the push of Pike thorow the Blinds, this startled them and made them throwe stones and Handgranadoes amongst our Men, but his Lord caused a Souldier of Captaine Roockwoods Companie to cast 14. Handgrana­does among them into their halfe Moone, which made them giue backe and cry, Guarda, Guarda. The Granadoes being burst they came vp againe to the top of the halfe Moone, and gaue fire vpon our Men, but my Lord caused Musketteirs to be drawne to the top of our gards, espe­ciallie that of Captaine Clarke, which was high, they gaue fire apace vpon them, fetcht some of them off, which shewed their heads and bo­dies; this peece of service being ended, my Lord of Oxford being relee­ued drew awaye to his Quarter.

On Count Ernests side the 19. of August the Brush and Planks were layd ouer to the Enemies Horneworke, and a Mine made into it: This Mine being sprung, the Scotsh and the Dutches fell on couragiouslie, and they and the Enemie gaue fire apace one at another for three quar­ters of an houre, our Ordinance playing from all Batteries as fast as they could charge and discharge; in this time the Enemie stood out verie stoutlie three assaults, with the losse of manie men: But the Enemie gaue fire in such manner from the Wall of the Towne, and out of the greate halfe Moone, that our Men were forced to retreate into the mouth of their Gallerie and Works, yet this advantage wee got that wee did sett vp some Musket-baskets, and lodge some of our men vpon the right corner of their Horneworke, from whence wee began a Sap, and made Blinds towardes their halfe Moone, which after another Mine was sprung caused the Enemie on the 21. of August to quit it, and so retired in their halfe Moone. In this fight were slayne Captaine Ramsey, and twoo dayes after a Dutch Captaine, called Captaine Hatton, who carried themselues very worthilie.

And when as Count Ernest had strengthened the Betuw, and all the Cities and places thereabouts, as also along the River called the Yssel, against all assaults of the Enemie, for the furtherance of which the Prince sending him daylie more Forces as he could spare and raise them.

It happened that vpon the 20. daye of August these glad tydings came to the Prince to wit a Letter from that worthy and Valliant Commaun­der Otto de Gendt and Oyen, Lord of Dyden, Gouernor of Emrick, vnto the Prince of Orenge, the tennor whereof followeth.

The first Vndertakers of this Enterprise were Peter Mulder, Richard Mulder his Brother and Iohn Rootleer all three Burgers of WESEL, men of a meane condition, but of a good spirit & resolution. This Peter Mul­der divers times fayning to learne to swim, had pilde the depth of the moate on that side, which he intended the Citie should be assaulted, and spying out all opportunities, made a greate Iron hammer to beate downe the Pallisadoe, which stood vpon the Bulwarke on the East side of the Towne, wherewithall the Prince being aquainted as also of the possibilli­tie of this designe. His Excellentie appointed the Lord of Dyden for the mannaging thereof. The time and place being appointed the 18. of Au­gust, Peter Mulder went out of WESEL at one Gate, and his Brother out of another Gate, about three houres before the shutting of the Gates. Peter Rootleer followed a while after, to avoyde all suspition, all three meeting togeather in the darke at the place appointed: And hauing cal­led vpon the Name of the Lord of Hosts, for his ayde & assistance here­in, that thereby theire fellowe Brethren and Cittizens might be released from the bondage and vexation of theire Enemies. The Lord of Dyden about midnight came vnto them, with some sixteene hundred foote (some muskettiers others firelockes and halfe pikes) and eight Troopes of Horse. Before they went on the Lord of Dyden to doe noe man wrong, made the Captaines to drawe Billets, who should fall on first: And Peter Muller with his twoo Comrades went on before them couragious­lye. But ere our Troopes came thither, and that the Lord of Dyden had ordered the businesse thus, it began to be light, so that they imagined it was not practicable. The Enemie likewise seeing the daye broke, and that it began to be light, drewe off their By-watch from that place, and betooke themselues to their rest: But God, who is the disposer of all things, and giues courage to men, at last our men waded through the moate, and entered the Bulwarke. And Peter Muller with his Comrades broke downe the Pallisadoe and made an entrance. The Officers and Souldiers seconded him brauelie, and enters the Towne on Sundaye morning the 19. of August 1629. a little before Sun rysing, after the guarde was drawne off: And cutting off the twoo gardes next adjoyning to that place with small resistance, bore vp stiffe to the Market place. The Alarme was so suddayne that the Enemies men running too and [Page 20] againe to answere it knewe not our Men from their owne vntill it was to late for them; for in the meane space Peter Muller got a smith and ope­ned the Bruynish Gate, and let in our Horsemen. The Spaniards seeing the Cittie lost fled to the Sconces out of the Towne, which they yeelded vpon Composition: The brunt being over the Souldiers fell a plunde­ring got into the Spaniards shops, and into bitterest Papists and Iewes Houses, ransacks the Nunneries, breakes downe the Images and got an incredible booty, as Count Henry of Berk his plate and chiefest Bag­gage, Monte Cuculies monie and goodes, which the Emperour had sent to him, and the Riches which the Crawats had got in the Germane Warrs, and left there behind them for safetie in their expedition for the Velu. To conclude, the Foote devyded the spoile, and the Horsemen shared Bags and Barrells of Rijcxdollers by hatts full: But that which was most remarkeable, that Church which they had bolted vp against the Protestants, that verie Sunday was made a Prisson for their Officers and Souldiers, till on the morrow they were sent to Arnhem. The Go­vernor and Officers standing good for the ransom of 1042. Souldiers, who the next daye were set ouer the Water with their Wiues and Chil­dren. Three of the Enemies Captaines were slaine and about 70. Soul­diers, and we lost but 9. Men in all. Besides this there was found in the Towne manie small Barrells of Pistolls and Rijcxdollers, for the pay­ment of the Enemies Army, 46. peeces of Brasse Ordinance vpon the Walls, and 2. in the Market place, and 2. in the Magasin, and 2. Morters, Armes as Corselets, Pikes, Muskets and Firelockes to arme 5000. men, aboue 1000. Barrells of Powther, besides this greate store of meale abun­dance of Corne and other Victuall, and provision for their Army, which the Lord thus deliuered in our handes.

On the 24. of August wee had a generall thanksgiving and a triumph throughout the Army, in acknowledgment of the greate goodnesse of God for the taking of WESEL. The Triumph was made in this manner: First the Musketteirs were drawne off from all our Guardes, saving the Approaches, and out of our Quarters and placed along the inward Line next the Towne some sixe foote distant one from another. The Pikes were drawne to the Outline and Outguardes, the rest stood by devisions in the Quarters, euerie one of them having a Wisp of strawe vpon the head of his Pike to be sett on fire, when the signall should be giuen. The volley of Musketteirs should begin at Crevecoeur, where the Princesse laye, and so to Engelen; from thence along the Men of warre, and the Redoubts by the Busseslote to Monsieur Pinsens Quarter, so the French Line, the Approaches & then to the English, from thence to the Lord of Brederoes Quarter, and so along to Count Ernests Quarter, and so to Count Williams Quarter, where it ended betwixt euerie volley, the Cannon, which laye vpon the Batteries of the Outline those, which were drawne out of our Quarters to the heath by the stone Gallowes, and those which were in all the Approaches, should be shott off. The signall was thus, about tenne a clock in the night, when a Granadoe was shott into the Towne, then the first volley should begin, and the Wispes of strawe vpon the heads of the Pikes should be sett on fire, all which was done accordinglie, and made a braue show. The volley met with a stop at the first, but when it came to the French Line, to the Approaches, to the English, the Lord of Brederoes, to Count Ernests Quarter and Count Williams Quarter, it ranne well, betweene the Volleyes there were about 300. peeces of Ordinance, from Crevecoeur and round about our Army discharged. Those of the Towne acknowledged afterward, [Page 21] that shooting at once with so manie Ordinance out of our Approaches into the Towne, did much amaze them, and then they beganne to be­leeue indeed that WESEL was Geux; Though the Governor by all meanes laboured to conceale it from them.

The 25. of August the Enemie sallied forth into the Workes of Count Ernest, and burnt aboute some 20. Posts of his Gallerie.

The 26. Newes came to vs in the Siege, that the Enemye had left Amersford, and that the States had layd 1500. Men in it.

The same daye went forth of our Army twoo Companies of Horse, and 200. Firelocks, which met with a Convoy of the Enemies goeing to Breda, whereof our Men killed some, and tooke 40. of them prisoners, and some fourescore faire Horses, with their Saddles and Pistolls, and brought them with good store of munition and match into our Campe togeather, with the Lieftennante and the Cornet or Ensigne bearer of the Enemies Troopes, which became surtie for the value of the Wag­gons, which our Men left behinde them.

The 30. A Pesant which had carryed Letters too and fro, in and out of the BUSSE, and had beene our Prisoner some tenne weekes, was con­demned and hanged in the Princes Quarter.

The first of Septemb. the Enemie quitted the Counterscharfe of their Halfe Moone, which laye before the Vuchter-Gate.

The same daye our men attempted to make a Mine into the Bul­warke of the Towne Walls, but could not effect it by reason of a peece of Ordinance, which the Enemie had sunke, wherewithall they slew manie of our Men at the end of the Gallerie.

The second of Septemb. Monsieur Stakenbrooke Lieftenant of our Horse, and the Duke of Bullen with 1000. Horse, three hundred Fire­locks, and diuers English and French Muskettiers taken out of divers Companies, and three halfe French Cannon toward euening were drawne out of our Quarters, and marched that night to a small Towne and Castle in Braband, called Endhouen, some sixe houres going from the BUSSE, where some 400. of the Enemies Wardgelders, or as wee terme them freshwater Souldiers, taken on by those of Flanders, who laye lurking there, to see if in the night they could haue cutt our Trench vpon the Outline, and let in the water vpon vs, which stood blanke without our Entrenchment, by reason of the stoppage: But his Excel­lentie having intelligence of them, prepared this Camisado for them. They having advertisement by some Countriemen their freinds, of our Mens comming, stole awaye in the night and trusted rather to their heeles then to their Armes: Yet they were not gone so farre, but the Duke of Bullen with his Horse overtooke them, and rounds them in a Morrace and by a Ditch, and charging vpon them, slew about 70. of them, the rest cryed out for quarter, and because they were such Soul­diers, the Duke was in a quandary whether he would giue them quarter or noe, but at last by much entreaty he graunted them quarter, and brought awaye about some eight score of them prisoners. In the Castle of Endhouen (which our Men tooke in to their possession) we found foure Petars made of oken Planks some 5. Inches thick, and the cham­ber or briche lined with yron; these should haue beene charged with Powther and stones, to haue beene discharged out of their sloopes vpon our Trench, and so having made a rupture in our Line, haue let a Sea of water to haue drowned and overflowne all our Approaches, these en­gines were brought likewise in Karts to his Excellencie House in his Quarter.

The 3. wee began to mine vnder the Halfe-Moone of the Vuchter-Gate.

The 4. wee sprung a Mine in the Wall of the Halfe-Moone, but never­thelesse wee were not able to lodge in it.

The same daye the Scotch which had the guarde in the Approaches of Count Ernest, wonne the Raveline running betweene the Horne­worke and the Towne.

On the fifth of Septemb. the Trench and Faggots being layd from the end of our long Gallerie, to the verie foundation of the Bulwarke. The Miners began a Mine thorow the Brickes into it, and discouered a Mine which the Enemie had made; neuerthelesse taking theire course another waye verie skillfullie, went forwarde being vndertaken by three Englishmen to wit Iohn Scot, William Lee and especiallie Richard Pristman, who had good skill in digging and vnderpropping of Colepits in England; who performed it verie well. This commendations one maye giue them that it tooke the best effect of any Mine which was euer sprung before the BUSSE.

Well then on the tenth of Septemb. being Mundaye betime in the morning, Sir Iacob Ashly, Lieftennant Coronell to Generall Morgans Regiment, had the commaund that night in the Approaches, and with much a doe a Mine was made in the Enemies halfe Moone before the Gate, ere the Mine was sprung he sent a Sargeant with six Musketteirs to the top of the Halfe-Moone, to giue the Enemye an Alarme to bring them on towardes our Mine, and then for feare of endangering our men, he was to retreate backe againe, all which was done accordinglie: The Myne then being blowne vp, tooke but little effect, and made noe greate entrance. After this Sir Symon Harcourts Ensigne was commaunded to fall vp with some 30. Musketteirs to the top of the halfe Moone, and to giue fire among the Enemye, which he did. The Enemye stood it out a good while, thinking to drawe on our Men to twoo of their owne Mynes, which were to be sprung, nowe the Enemyes twoo Mynes being blowne vp, Sir Iacob Ashly fell vp, and gave order to Sir Symon Har­court to fall into the Enemyes Halfe-Moone with 50. Musketteirs and Pikes more, with his Ensigne and the said 30. Musketteirs. The Enemye disputing it a good while, but at last Sir Symon and his men beate them vp to their entrance into their halfe Moone by the moate side, and there Changed bullets one with another and came to Push of pike, and after they had maintayned that place a pretty while he droue them from thence along the moate side to a Traverse which was cast vp some 60. pa­ces from the said entrance of the halfe Moone, where following them close along the moate of the Towne Bulwarke, and giving fire vpon them at last they bid him farewell and retreated into the Towne by Sainct Iohns gate.

This being done he himselfe with his men made a stand at the entrance into the halfe Moone, where the Enemye stood it out till it began to be light and till our men were lodged in the top of the halve Moone, in those places which might most offend the Enemye; this was the first worke, which was carryed awaye by force of Armes and really disputed: In this fight Sir Symon Harcourt was fiue times thrust and shott through his clothes, and yet ir pleased God he came of well and with honnor: After the English had thus taken the Halfe-Moone, his Excellencie came downe into the Gallerie and gaue the English extraordinary thanks for carryeing themselues so well, and rewarded some of the Soul­diers with monie: And thus the Enemye on this side were shutt vp into the Towne.

The same night came on Sir Harry Harbourd, Lieftennant Coronell to Coronell Harwood, and relieued Sir Iacob Ashly, he brought with him for the reliefe, my Lord Veres Companye of Schoonhouen, Sir Harry Harbourds owne Companie, Captaine Gouldwells, Captaine Abrihalls and Captaine Welsons Companies. The Gallerie being gott over 91. Posts from the end of it, the Brush and Planks, and a Blind was layd to the Bulwarke, and the Myne being readie the Powder was cham­bered, and the trayne layed to it. His Excellentie as mercifull as valliant (to try what the Enemye would doe) gaue order to Sir Harry Harbourd that on Tewsday morning, after the Myne was sprung in the Bulwarke, our men should fall on, and though they should possesse the Bulwarke and be Masters of it, yet they should retire into the Gallerie: The myne being blowne vp tooke good effect, and cast vp a greate deale of earth and stones into the ayre, and shattred some twoo rodds of our Gallerie in peeces, and made a breach mountable; after this Sir Harry gaue order that Captaine Abrihalls Sargeant (who was slayne goeing on) should fall vp to the Breach with his Musketteirs; that Captaine Welson should doe the like with 30. men more to second the Sargeant, and Captaine Gouldwell to second them with the Pikes, from the end of the Gallerie; all which was done accordingly, our men falling vp to the Breach gaue fire in the verie teeth of the Enemye, and our other Musketteirs giving fire from all Guardes and Flanks, and our Ordinance thundring from all Batteries did so amaze and startle them, that they quitted the Bulwarke and retreated where it was cut off to the skirt of the Wall by the Vuch­tergate. This being done our men stayed a little while vpon the Breach till they discharged all their Bandeliers, and till that Sir Harry caused them (according to his Excellencie commaund) to retreate againe into the Gallerie, our men being drawne off, the Enemy came againe to the Breach, and cast vp a little defence of earth, which the mine had blowne vp, and Brush vpon it, but our twoo halfe Cannon, which laye vpon the right side of our entrance into the Gallerie, beate the earth and Brush, which they cast vp about theire eares, and shore off the heads of the Souldiers Pikes, which stood there for the defence of their Workemen. This made a terrible Alarme in the Towne so that the Bells rung, the Women and Children cryed, the Burgers and Popish Priests by flockes ran to the Governor, and tould him that nowe or never it was time to lissen to a seasonable and an honorable Composition, for the safeguard of their liues and goods: The Governor taking hold of this occasion strikes his saile, and came with the Bishop Abbot and divers Officers to the Parapet of the Vuchter-Gate, sending a Drum, which reported that there were some Gentlemen of qualitie overwhelmed and stifled in the springing of our Myne, and requested that they might be sought for and burryed. His Excellentie then being neere at hand, sitting in the Gal­lerie, gaue waye to their request; but as indeed the matter being other­wise: The Drum came vp againe, and requested to speake with some of our Officers, and tould them that the Governor, Magistracy and Clergie in the Towne were mynded to parley with vs; presentlie after came foure Personnes of quality downe the Breach to his Excellencie in the Gallerie, desyring foure dayes time to writte to the Archduchesse, and if so be they were not releeued within that time, they would deliuer over the Citie vpon Composition: But his Excellencie denyeing them this request. They resolved notwithstanding to treate vpon a Com­position, and Hostages were receaued and deliuered on both sides. In the meane time the Walls of the Citie were blacke of Burgers and Women, [Page 24] and Spirituall Personnes to take viewe of our doeings and the danger they were in.

The 13. of September the Commissioners, which the Towne had ap­pointed, dyned with the Prince, & in the afternoone they left their com­missiō with the Prince & the States, and tooke their resolutiō with them.

The 14. the Aggreement was concluded to render vp the Citie with the Petler-Sconce to vs, within three dayes after, and so accordinglie was subscrybed by both parties. In the meane time came manie thou­sands of people out of Holland and other Provinces thereabouts to see this famous Siege, with the departure of the Enemie out of the Citie.

The 17. in the morning the Prince of Orenge appointed all his Army to stand in Battle order, in euerie Quarter, especially those of his owne Quarter, as well Horse as foote, and placed them in this manner: Along Monsieur Pinsens Quarter (where the Enemy was to march thorow first) stood some threescore Companies of Footemen, being Scotsh & Dutch­men, from Pinsens Quarter along the Hollandes-Dyke stood some 40. Companies of French, and neere to the verie place where the Enemy was to march out of our Line, stood some 40. Companies of English; and without our Line along the heath stood some 30. Companies of Horse. This being the Waye which his Excell: had ordered for the Enemy to passe thorow. Betweene the English and French stood a greate Batterie of twenty Peeces of Ordinance to playe vpon the Heath, where his Ex­cell: caused twoo Princelie Tents to be set vp, for the Princesse, the Queene of Bohemia, and the Ladies & Gentlewomen which were there. The Prince sitting on Horsebacke, with the King of Bohemia and the Prince of Denmarke, and some 40. more, whereof most of them were Dukes, Earles, Barrons, Lordes, and the rest Coronells and of the Chiefe Commaunders, besides this the greate number of our owne Burgers and people, which came thither to, behould this sight was so greate that they could hardlie gett beere for their monnie, and manie of them were faine to sleepe in the feelde vnder the skie for want of better lodgings.

Nowe to relate the manner of their marching forth: First in the mor­ning there marched forth some 50. Horsmen, and as manie firelocks and Musketteirs. Then followed about eleauen hundred Waggons & Karts, whereof some 400. of them were loaden with sicke & mayned Souldiers, and the rest with goods, houshouldstuffe, Images, Clergiemē & Women; and about eleauen of the clocke came the Iesuites & Priests ryding vpon Waggons, and some barefooted Monkes and Fryers goeing a foote. His Excell: being gone to dinner with the King & Queene of Bohemia, and the rest of the Lordes and Ladies, which stood vpon the Batterie in the twoo Tents. In the meane time came the Governors Wife in her Koach, who was but 3. weekes ould in childbed, accompanied with her daughter and her Child, lyeing vpon the Nurses lap in the forepart of the Koach. Generall Morgan & some others courts her, and made her staye before his Excell: Tent, till he with his trayne returned from din­ner. His Excell: comming saluted her, and had some small discourse with her, and then tooke his leaue and let her passe. Towardes euening came the Governor himselfe marching in the midst of his Troopes, hee staid long because his Cannon was graveld and sunke into the ground that he could not drawe them away; the night drawing on his Excell: sent him word by the Sergeant Major Generall that he would send them after him on the morrowe. The Governor had ordered his Men by three divi­sions, the first were the Walloones consisting of sixe coulouts being some 400. Pikes firelocks and Musketteirs. The second were Burgonians. The third & greate diuisiō were Highdutches with nine coulours.

These 3. diuisions were a matter 1400. men: Then followed the Go­vernor on Horsebacke, and passing by, his Excellencie had some small speech with him: After the foote came three Troopes of Horse, which brought vp the Reare, the first was about 70. in number, the second about 80. and the last Troope about 90. all well mounted, well armed, proper Men, with red scarfes about them. During this Siege the Ene­mye confessed there were slayne some eleauen hundred Souldiers, and not aboue 16. or 18. Burgers, by reason they refused to endanger them­selues in the Outworkes. They had with them according to the Arti­cles of Composition three whole and three halfe Cannon, verye faire peeces, and twoo Granado Morters. They lefte besides these in the Towne some 36. brasse Peeces of Ordinance and sixe Yron peeces, the most parte of the Brasse Ordinance being Sling-peeces and Faukenetts, and fewe halfe Cannons, except some which the noses were brused and shott off: And little or noe Powder to speake of, which indeed was the principall occasion they yeelded vp their Sconces, Traverses, Halfe-moones and at last the Citie it selfe sooner then they needed.

In this Siege there happened manye strange passages, which would be too tedious to rehearse, onelie twoo things of note, I cannot but make the gentle Reader acquainted with first in the Crossebrethren Cloyster, a little before the Towne was yeelded, there was a Monke in the Chan­cill sitting in one of the Seats of the Quire, and reading in one of his Massebookes about midnight, wee shott a Granado into the Towne, which fell iust into the Seate where he sate, and tooke him, his Seate and Booke awaye that scarselie they could finde a Mommock lefte of him, onely leauing the tincture of his blood vpon the Wall for a memoriall, which is yet to be seene to this daye. The second there was a strange shott hapned as in Ostend, there was a Cannon Bullet of the Enemyes shott from the downe Batterie, iust into the mouth of one of our Can­nons, which laye vpon the West-Bulwarke charged. These twoo Bullets stryking togeather, gaue fire to the loose cornes of Powder, which were not driuen home: Our Cannon went of and sent the Enemy their owne Bullet and ours backe to them againe. So before the BUSSE a Soul­diers presenting his Musket to giue fire vpon the Enemye: The Enemie being quicker then hee, discharged first vpon him, and shott iust into the Bore of his Musket, parte of the lead beating out at the Tutch-hole, and so by the prouidence of God this Souldier escaped a scouring.

To returne againe where I lefte hauing related vnto you the depar­ture of the Enemye, so in the morning about eight a clocke his Excel­lencie sent into the Towne his owne Guarde, with sixe other Companies to take possession of the Bulwarkes, and about the euening came in some tenne Companies more.

The 18. all strangers were suffred to come into the Towne, and viewe all the Enemyes Workes, Churches and Nonneries, one of them clymed vp to the top of Sainct Iohns Church, steeple and sett an Orenge silke Flag aboue the Wethercocke.

The Burgers for the mostparte were verie well provyded of all kinde of Victualls, except Cheese and Butter. The same daye his Excellencie came into the Towne, but returned suddenlie backe againe.

The 19. our Ministers preached in three of the Churches, and in the greate Church were three Children baptised, where the PRINCE OF ORENGE, the King of Bohemia and the Princesse of Orenge were Godfathers to them.

After this his Excellencie placed newe Magistrates in the Towne and discharged the ould Magistrates, and all the rest of the Burgers of the oath, which they had made to the King of Spaine, and receaued them in­to the oath of the States of these Unyted Provinces. And so left the Ba­ron of Brederode with 36. Companies of foote and 10. Companies of Horse for Garrison in the Towne. The States prescrybing a daye of Thanksgiuing to the Lord throughout the Provinces for these Victo­ries.