LEwis the 13th. by his last Will and Testament, ordained that the Queen his Wife should have the Government and Charge of the Person of King Lewis the 14th. his Son, during his Mino­rity, and the Regency of the Kingdom. This young Prince was not much advanced in the fifth year of his Age ere he began to triumph over his Enemies, through the successful Conduct of the Duke D'Anguien at the memorable Battel of Rocroy, and the gaining of Thionvillle, af­ter a Siege of twenty-two days.

The Duke of Orleans the Kings Uncle, Lieutenant-General of the Kingdom, added to his Victories the taking of Graveline, where Marshal de Gassion gave most signal Proofs of his Vallor. Thus Luxemburgh, being taught that an Infant King, might be Victorious, Germany was now to learn the same Lesson. The Duke of Anguien advances to the Banks of the Rhine, Attacks the Bavarian Army, and three times defeats them. He surrounds and takes Philipsburgh, for which reason Wormes would not dispute with him any longer for her Liberty, no more then Mayence, besides a great number of other Cities that gloried in opening their Gates to the Conquerer. The retaking of Leri­da in some measure counterballanc'd so many great advanta­ges. But the next year we continued the Progress of our Conquests in Lorraine by the taking La Mothe, where the Sieur Magalotti who commanded for the King, received his deaths wound; and in Catalogna under the conduct of the Count of Harcourt, who was received into Barcellona with applause and Acclamation. He defeated the Spaniards at the Battel of Li­orens, in which the Enemy lost between five and six thousand Men. After that he took the City of Balagnier, some Months after that, the Count of Plessis-Praslin, had also in Roussillon reduced Roses to his Majesties obedience.

During so many brave exploits the Duke of Orleans was was not idle in Flanders, where he took by force the Cities of Pourbourk, Links, Lans, Bethune, Liters, St. Venant, Arenantieres, Menene, and other places in that Province. Nor was the Duked Anguien less prosperous in Germany, where that young Prince gave Battel to the Imperialists and Bavarians, whom he defeated near to Nortlingen, with the loss of their General Mercy, who was killed with a Musket shot; and their Gene­ral Gleen, who was taken Prisoner, the all afterwards ex­changed for Marshal Grammont, who fell into the Enemies hands at the beginning of the Fight. Insomuch, that by that Victory, the Imperialists and Bavarians were very much weak­ened, and constrained to retreat out of our way for their Oecu­rity, which gave us opportunity to take Treves, and settle the Elector of that place.

1645. This year concluded happily with the Marriage of Ʋladislaus, King of Poland, with the Princess Louise Maria de Gonzaga of Mantua, Daughter of Charles Duke of Gonzaga, Cleves, Mantua and Nevers deceased.

So many glorious successes happening to our Nation begat in the minds of the Spaniard that Stomackful despight which was the occasion of much Division at Rome. For as that City is the place where the Animosity between the French and Spaniard most publickly appears, it soon fell out, that a dif­ference arose between Prince Cardinal d' Este, Protector of France, and the Admiral of Castile, Embassador of Obedience from the most Catholick-King in that Court: and this the more easily in regard that the Spanish-Faction believed it self to be the strongest both in Number, and by reason of the Vi­cinity of Naples. But the Spaniards forgat that it never was the Custome of the French to number their Enemies; howe­ver, that they always bring their Designs to pass, when they find the Honour of their Prince concern'd. So that this Dis­pute was gloriously decided for the French, in regard the un­lucky dishonour redounded to the Spaniards, to have made a great noise, vast preparations, but to have given very little proof of their Courage.

1646. This year produced Prodigies in Flanders, such as were the taking of Lancy, Courtroy, Bergues, and Mardike, the retaking of which, was not a little fatal to France, through the loss of so many brave Gentlemen. The Count of Fois was one of those Hero's that encountered the Danger, being the first that entered the Trench, where nothing could resist his Courage; at length wearied as he was, while he was Charg­ing the Enemy a second time, he was shot in the side with a Musket-Bullet, of which Wound he dyed soon after. Never­theless this Consolation rested with that Generous Prince in his Misfortune, that he had followed the steps of the most Il­lustrious [Page 3]of his Predecessors, ending his days with a Death like that of the Famous Gaston de Fois, whose Illustrious Acti­ons he had so strictly imitated. The Duke of Nemours in that Assault received a Wound in the Knee, the Prince of Marcellac in the Shoulder. But the Count of Rocheguion, and the Chevalier de Fiesque were so unfortunate as to loose their Lives upon the spot.

The taking of Dunkirk recomforted the Duke of Anguien for them is fortune of his most intimate Confidents. After which he understood with no small Joy, that the defeat of the Gar­rison of Bassee, was the Act of the Marshal de Melleray,, who was ordered by his Majesty to pass into Piedmont to joyn with the Marshal de Pressis-Praslin. Those two Generals, after they had recruited our Naval-Forces, took soon after Piombino, and Porto Longone, and by such noble Exploits they made us easi­ly forget the misfortune of the Siege of Orbitello. We were also thereby the less sensible of the loss of Armentier and Lan­drecies, of which Arch-Duke Leopold, made himself Master in the year 1647. Which was a year remarkable for variety of Accidents. The Spanish Navy was defeated by the French, upon the Sea of Genoa, in sight of Naples, and the Duke of Breze, who commanded the Fleet, was killed with a Cannon-Shot. The Duke of Anguien, now Prince of Conde, by the decease of Lewis of Bourbon his Father, was constrained to raise the Siege of Lerida. The Marshal de Gassion was slain before the City of Lens. But the revolt of the Kingdom of Naples, was a more then ordinary Prank of Fortune. Never­theless the Duke of Guese did not meet with those advantages, there, with which he flattered himself; by reason that through the Treachery of certain Neapolitans he fell unforrtunately in­to the hands of the Spaniayds,

If at the beginning of the year 1648. the French, as well as the Sweads had all the advantages they could desire in Germa­ny, by reason of the defeat of the Imperialists and Bavarians, of which there were slain and taken Prisoners, about nine or ten thousand, of which number also was their General Me­lander; our affairs went on with no less successful prosperity in Catalogna, where Marshal Shomburgh having constrained the Spaniards to Retreat from the Siege of Flix, took in the Ci­ty of Tortosa, after he had lain before it some Months. But in Flanders, Fortunegiving some kind of check to Balance the pro­sperity of the Kings Forces, made us loose Courtray, to give Ipre into our possession. After which success, the Spaniards be­lieving us too weak to oppose them, by reason of our losses sustained in the last Siege, forced us to give them Battel near to Lens, wherein they were wholly defeated with the loss of eight thousand Men, though their Army exceeded ours a third part in number.

This Victory, which could not choose but be the Subject of the General joy of France, was the occasion of a World of Misery, whereto she was afterwards reduced. While they were returning thanks to God for this Victory in the Ca­thedral Church of Paris, in another place they were provi­ding Prisons for the Sieurs de Broussel, Counsellor in the Grand Chamber, Blanc-Menel & Charton, Presidents of the Par­liament. The Confinement of these three persons caused most horrid disorders in Paris, where you might have seen in a moment the Chains fastened, the Barricados put up, and all the People in Arms, which nevertheless they soon laid down, after that the Queen, at the Prayer of the Parliament had wisely granted them the Liberty of those three Senators. The Calm lasted till the Kings leaving the City, who was carried out of Paris upon the fifth or sixth at Night; which put the Burgesses to take Arms again. But the Parliament apprehensive of the Mischiefs that might happen by reason of these misunderstandings, sent a considerable part of their Members to St. Germans, where his Majesty lay, who put forth the Declaration of the Month of March, by which the Souldiers being re­manded from Paris, to the Frontiers, where the Spani­ards were taking their advantages of their regaining Ipre, the Face of things began to alter so, that there was great hopes of a new repose and quiet upon the Return of the King.

But all our hopes were quite dashed, when we beheld the Princes of Conde and Longuevile in Bois de of Vin­cennes, Guien and Provence all in an uproare, because of their Governors, whose behaviour and management was insupportable to the people of those two Provinces. The Kings presence was requisite to reduce Bourdeaux to obe­dience; Therefore his Majesty marched thither, and having forced his entrance after some Resistance, he constrained the Heads of the adverse Party to retire.

All the Conquests of Arch-Duke Leopold, during these Divisions in France, were bounded by the taking of Mouzon and Rethel; of which last place he was not long Master, as being afterwards regained in the Month of De­cember by our Army wherein was Cardinal Mazarine in person.

The Parliament judging that the Liberty of the Princes might be a means to restore tranquility to the Kingdom, as well as the retirement of Cardinal Mazarine, went in a Body to Petition the King for the Liberty of those Illu­strious [Page 5]Prisoners, and sometime after made their humble Remonstrances to his Majesty, for the Removal of the Cardinal from the Management of Publick Affairs, to take away all pretence and Colour of a Civil-War.

Some few days after the Cardinal was retired, the Prin­ces being set at Liberty, arrived at Paris, where they were received with a most incredible Joy, out of a hope which all Men had conceived, that their return would pre­vent all those misfortunes which seemed to threaten us. But so far we were from beholding that good Fortune with which we flattered our selves, and which the Majo­rity of the King, the solemnities of which, were performed with an extraordinary Pomp, was in all probability most likely to settle, that we were sensible of new miseries, apprehensive of renewing Calamities. For the Prince of Conde out of his distrust, not finding it requisite to close with the Court, retired to his New Government of Guien, whither being pursued by the Army, and more then that by the presence of the Kings person, he treated with Spain, makes a powerful party in Gasconie, and from thence, as Cardinal Mazarine was reentred France he return'd to Pa­ris, where the Duke of Orleans joyned with him against the Cardinal their Common Enemy.

In the mean time, the King besieges Estampes, wherein the Army of the Princes was enclosed; but the event did not prove so advantagious to the King, who was oblig'd to retire with his Army and to surround Paris, where during the whole remainder of the Campaign, several Skirmishes happened on both sides upon the Arrival of the Lorrainers, who shunned however, as much as in them lay, a general Battel; yet could not avoid a smart en­counter in the Suburbs of St. Anthony, where were slain on both sides above a thousand Men upon the place, and where the Prince of Conde shewed all the Conduct and Bravery that could be expected from a valiant Captain, and yet if Madamoiselle had not caused the Gate of the Ci­ty to be opened, and discharged some pieces of Canon from the Bastille, the Princes Army had been utterly Routed.

But two days after, the disorder happened to be so great in Paris, that the People were forced to weare Straw to shew the aversion which they had against the Cardinal, which occasioned soon after the burning of the Gate of the [Page 6]City Common-Hall where, to unite the City with the Parliament, three hundred noted Burgesses were Assembled, of whom the Mutineers, out of a Design to destroy them all, Murdered the Sieur Le Grat, Master of the Requests, de Janvry, Counsellor in Parliament, Myron, Master of the Accompts, and several others as they came out of the Assembly. The Sieur Doujat, Counseller of the great Chamber, and some other Persons of quality had run the same Fortune, had they not found a way by disguising themselves to Slip unknown through the Mutineers by the favour of the Night, who at length came to that Degree of Insolence, as to force the Priestly and Religious Orders, the Women and Children to provide themselves with straw to preserve themselves from their Fury.

In the midst of these Heats, the People of this great City weary of War, began to distast the Government of the Princes, and for that Reason sent several of their Bur­gesses to Pontoise where the King was, to beseech his Ma­jesty to honour his good City of Paris with his Return, which caused the Duke of Orleans to retire, and the Prince of Conde to Retreat, who with the Forces which he took along with him, and some of the Spanish Succors took Rhetel, and St. Menehon. Soon after the King returning to the City, attended by the Marshal of the Hospital, who was Governor, the Provosts of Merchants, and the She­riffs, who had been constrained to absent themselves, was received with all the submission imaginable.

After that the King went to the Parliament, which he united with that which he had before established at Pon­toise: and in the same place was published an Act of O­blivion, in favour of the Rebellious, provided they deserv'd it by returning to their Duty. But the Prince of Conde being withdrawn into the Territories of the Catholick King, marched his Army before Rhetel, of which he made himself Master, as also of Chasteau Porcien, St. Menehon and de Barr.

During these Troubles in Paris, the Spaniards, knowing that Marshal de Grancy was absent from Gravelin, besieged the Place, and carried it, before it could be relieved.

Guien being all out of Order, by Reason of the Prin­ces Party, sent for the Royal-Army Commanded by the Count of Harcourt, who retook Barbeseux, Poudesat, and [Page 7] La Reole, although the Baron of Vatteville was come as far as the River of Bourdeaux, sent by the Catholick King to the Succor of the Princes; who taking hold of the present op­portunities, sent Don John of Austria before Barcellona, which was by him easily mastered. Nevertheless this Loss was in some measure repaired by the surrender of Mon­trond, the Fortifications whereof the Marshal de Pallaux who Commanded at the Siege, had Order to slight.

All this heap of misfortunes arrived to that height, that at the end of the Campaign we found the Cities of Dun­kirk and Casal both reduced, the first by the Spaniard, the second by the Duke of Mantua.

The Cardinal of Retz, Coadjutor of Paris, having been Arrested in the Loure, by the Sieur de Villequier, was car­ried to Bois de Vincennes, where after he had been detain­ed a long time; he was removed by the Marshal de Meil­leraye to the Castle of Nantes, from whence he made his escape in the day time, got to Belle-Isle, and so to Rome.

The Year 1633. began to signalize it self in Burgundy by the Siege of Bellgarde, which having been besieged by the Duke of Espernon, Governour of the Province was constrained to yield to the Arms of his Majesty notwith­standing the Resistance of the Marquess of Bouteville, who commanded within for the Prince of Conde Rhetel, Mou­zon, and St. Menehon followed the same Fortune soon af­ter, but the taking of Rocroy by the Prince, lessened our rejoycings for the rest of our good success.

These successes were attended with the reducing of Bour­deaux, and all other Towns of Guien, who had taken Arms in the Rebellion; as also with the accommodation made with the Prince of Conde and the Dutchess of Longueville, who took hold of the benefit of the Act of Oblivion. The Princess of Conde refusing to accept of it, retired into Flanders together with the Duke of Anguien her son.

The King according to the example of his Predecessors, re­solving upon his Coronation, set forward for Reimes, where the Bishops of Soissons, with five other Prelates received him, and at that great Ceremony, performed the Duty of the Arch­bishop of that place. At the same time the City of Stenay be­ing besieged, was constrained to return to its first obedience, although the Prince of Conde did all he could to relieve it. Perceiving therefore that there was no avoiding the loss, he marched all the Spanish Army with great expedition, and sate [Page 8]down before Arras with thirty thousand Men, before our Ge­nerals could put any considerable Succor into the Town, so that he had leisure to make a Circumsallation, that seemed to defy all the Forces in the World. Nevertheless, the Terrible Lines of which it consisted, were so vigorously attacked by the Army which was sent to succor that place, that the Ene­my was forced to quit his Works, which were sufficient to have daunted any other Nation but the French, who by the shameful flight of the Spaniard, which happened upon St. Lewis's day, 1654. gained sixty pieces of Cannon, and all the Besiegers Baggage, who 'tis very probable had all left their Bodies in their Trenches, if the Prince after he was forsaken by the Arch-Duke, and the rest of the Spanish Generals, had not bestirred himself after an extraordinary Manner, to make the best of such a rash Retreat.

The Marshal de la Ferte Senneterre, resolving to end the Campaign with some honourable Action, as he had begun and continued it all the year, lead the Body which he commanded before Clermont, which he Besiged and took, while our other Captains watched the motion of the scatter­ed Spanish Troops, who did nothing all the Winter but threa­ten Quesnoy, which was so abundantly revictual'd by the Mar­quiss of Chastelnan, assisted by the Marquiss of Montpouillan and the Chevalier de Manpeon, that that place was in a Condition not to fear the Enemy.

The beginning of the year 1655. was remarkable for the decease of Pope Innocent the Xth. upon the 7th. of January. After whose Death Cardinal Chigi supplyed the Chair who called himself Alexander the seventh About the same time the Duke of Guise returned from Naples, and the Court sent into Portugal, to purchase a good number of Vessels for the Kings Service.

The Enemy being at a loss in Italy how to disingage himself from the Duke of Modena in whose Territories the Governor of Milan, was engaged with an Army of six thousand Men, and from whence he could hardly Retreat after he had lost his Nephew, his Cousin, and above 1500 Soldiers, were at the same time much perplexed how to preserve themselves a­gainst the Genoeses, who were become weary of the pride of that Nation, which together with their slackness of payment of the vast sums owing to that Republick, was the Reason that they sent an Embassador into France, who received all the sa­tisfaction imaginable from his Majesty, to whom the Nun­cio, sometime after, delivered a Letter from the Pope, wherein he returned thanks to the King for his kind inclinations and sa­tisfaction [Page 9]which he shewed for his being exalted to the See, and withal exhorted his Majesty to a good and sound Peace.

At that time the Conclusion of the Treaty which Cromwel and the Common-wealth of England was a thing that brought no small advantage to the affairs of France.

In the year 1658. the Siege of Valenciennes, was raised by Marshal La Ferte, whom the Enemie had put into some dis­order. But Viscount Turenne with his Brigade disputed with them the Ground they had got, and took La Capelle, while they were hastning to its Relief with a powerful Army. In Italy the Duke of Merceur besieged Valencia, the Count de Broile was slain in the Approaches, and the Infantrie of Mo­dena quite defeated by Troiti, Nevertheless the Duke with the remainder that was left, never forsook his Trenches till he had taken the place.

The arrival of Queen Christina from Sweden, and her Re­ception quite thorow France, shewed the esteem which the King had both of her Person and her Dignity.

The loss of Saint Guillain was recompensed by the taking of Montmedy, and the defeat of the succors, with the Affront which the Enemy received at Calais, which they would have surpriz'd. St. Venant, Bourbourgh, and Mardike were reduced by Marshal Turenne, who also relieved Ardres.

The Forces of France being joyned with those of England, vanquished the Enemy at the Battel of the Downs, which was followed by the taking of Dunkirk, Bergues, St. Winox, Furnes and Dixmude, which took the Netherlands, and constrained Don John of Austria, and the Prince of Conde, to retire into the heart of Flanders, and to put themselves under the prote­ction of Tournay. Our Army at the same time took Mont-Cassel, Graveline, Oudenard, and was also Master of the Field. Ipre was afterwards taken, and upon the defeat of the Prince of Ligne, Mencin, and other Forts, surrendered themselves.

The Spaniards requested of his Holiness and the State of the Empire to mediate for Peace. The Journy to Lion, and the interview of their Majesties, and their Royal. Highnesses of Savoy could not contribute to that Agreement which was intended for a double Alliance, the Queen having other thoughts at the same time to make peace with Spain, and Marry the King to the Infanta. The arrival of Monsieur Pi­mantell was the occasion of the Journey of Monsieur de Lionne to Moden, and they were the two Ministers that [Page 10]treated with Cardinal Mazarine and Don Lewis de Haro.

A Cessation of all sorts of Hostility was published on both sides, in Order to a solid and firm Peace. And then it was that Men began to hope for the wonted Intercourse between the two Nations, and that the former Commerce would be establish'd, which had been interrupted for four and twenty years together.

Cardinal Mazarine and Don Lewis de Haro being arrived in the Island of Faisans began the Treaty the 13th of Au­gust which was at length concluded upon the seventh of No­vember, after four and twenty Conferences, at such a time that Peace seemed to be more desired then expected The suc­cess of the Low Countries and those of Portugal constrain'd the Spaniards to a Conclusion, the Queen-Mother giving them to understand, that if they let slip this Occasion, they might probably never recover the same again. The disor­ders of Marseilles forc'd the King to take a journey into Pro­vence. The Duke of Merceur enter'd the City with his Sword in his hand at the Head of the Light-Horse, to preserve it from Plunder: which done, his Majesty appointed the Erection of a Citadel, the place and compass where he immediately assign'd.

In the year 1660. He continued his Progress through all Tholouse, Bourdeaux, and Bayonne to the very Island of Faisans, where happened an Interview between the two Kings, and the Reception of the Infanta. The Pomp and Consummation of this great Mariage, appear'd extreamly advantagious to the two Nations. The Ceremonies finish'd, the Court return'd to Paris, which had prepar'd all things for the Magnificent En­trie which the Queen made the 26th of August.

The Death of the Duke of Orleans at Blois the 2d. of Feb. 1661. and of Cardinal Mazarine at Vineennes the 9th of March, moderated in some measure the publick rejoycings. They were very much lamented by the King and their own Crea­tures. But the Mariages of the Duke of Orleans with the Princess of England, and of the Prince of Florence, with Ma­domoiselle D ^r Orleans made them forget these Losses. The re­straint of the Sieur Fouqnet surpriz'd not only his own, but all People of business. The Erection of the Chamber of Justice was very disadvantageous for them. It opened the Kings Eyes, and caused him to take Care of his Kingdom. It esta­blished an admitable Order in his Houshold, and a rare Disci­pline in his Armies, keeping both the great and meaner Offi­cers in their Duty, and an entire dependency. It has also made him so much the Master of the Fortresses and Citadels in the [Page 11]Kingdom, that the General and particular Governors are in a most perfect Obedience. The Spaniard was desirous to ex­periment whether his Majesties new Government were up­held with constancy and vigour. To this purpose the Baron of Batteville at Londou assaulted the Count d' Estrades at the publick Entry of the extraordinary embassador of Swedeland. The King complained thereof at Madrid, and at Brussels, and recall'd his Commissioners, that were employ'd with those of Spain, for the Regulation of the Limits.

The Marquiss of Fuentas came to make his Majesty satisfa­ction, assuring him, that his Master had sent Order to his Em­bassadors and Ministers not to appear at all in Competition with those of France, which was made in the presence of eight Embassadors, and twenty two Residents.

The Birth of the Dauphin of France, and the Prince of Spaine, the first and sixth of November were great favours to both Nations.

The King made several Knights the first day of the year 1662. There was great wondring that the Duke of Longue­ville should pretend to precede the Duke of Vendosme, who preceded in Birth, not only him, but all Forraign Princes. The Count of Soissons and the Duke of Guise refus'd the Order of Knighthood, saying, they would go in pairs, like the Dukes of Merceur and Beaufort, which was adjudged with great knowledg of the Cause in favour of the Natural Princes.

The first Campaign of the Portugeses astonished Spain, as did also the Mariage of the King of England with the Infanta. The Succors which they obtain'd from the French and English and the Signal Victories which they got by that means have contributed much to the establishment of that Crown.

The Limits of the Kings Conquests were for the time hap­pily regulated at Mets.

The Assault made at Rome upon the Duke of Crequi, and the evil consequences which were thought would have follow­ed from thence, were terminated by the Treaty of Pisa,

In the year 1663. The Embassadors of the thirteen Cantons of Switzerland came to renew the fair Alliance betwixt them and France.

There happened some Disorder in Lorrain, Marsal was in­vested by the Count of Guiche, but the Kings Journey in eleven days, and the submission of Duke Charles, who redelivered the Place to the Kings obedience, calm'd that Tempest. In the Month of December the King created fourteen Dukes and Peers and the Duke of Anguien espoused the Princess Palatine, Anna of Baviera.

Germany was very much alarumed in the year 1664. at the raising the Siege of Canisia, and taking the Fort of Serini, and Montecuculi, the Emperors General was, repuls'd, and his Ar­my [Page 12]had been lost, had it not beeen for the French Troops un­der the Count of Fueillade who defeated the Turks upon the Raab. They came to encamp before Vienna, and made an irruption into Silesia. However that signal Rout constrained the Infidels to make a Truce for twentynine years between the two Empires, The enterprise of Gigeri contributed very much to it, so that the name of France was very much re­doubted in the Ottaman Court.

In the year 1665. The English and Hollanders made a new War and France engaged it self to succor the United Provin­ces, nevertheless he sent the Duke of Vernueil into England to mediate a Reconciliation. But the English Treaty with the Bishop of Munster, very much astonished the Hollander, so that the Troops that were sent to their Releif, embroiled us with the King of Great Britain,

The Death of the King of Spain which happened upon the 17th of September, was followed by that of the Duke of Ven­dosme, the 22th of October. The King and all the Court testi­fied their sorrow to the Dutchess his Wife, and to the Prinees of his Family. To which purpose the King sent the Duke of St. Aignan, clad all in Mourning, the Train of his outward Gar­ment being carried up by two of his Gentlemen in Ordinary, with a square Bonnet, and the Coller of the Order conduct­ed by the Sieur Saintot, the King at Arms and the Heralds, who after they had presented him the Holy water, he cast it three times upon the Coffin of the deceased Prince, while his Ma­jesties Musick sang the Anthem de Profundis. The Count of Pressis Pralin, and the Marquis Pluvant for the Duke of Or­leans and Valois.

The Queen-Mothers of France and Portugal dyed, the 20th of January and 27th of February 1664. The Peace between the Bishop of Munster and the Hollander, occasioned the return of our Forces. But the Hollanders puft up with their Victo­ries, affronted the Duke of Beaufort, who apprehensive of their Treachery, gain'd Brest in sight of the English-Fleet.

In the year 1667. The Grand Signor, who made War in Candy for several years sent thither his Grand Vizier with a potent Army. The place was assaulted with great Vigor and well defended by the Marquis Ville and the Venetians.

The Queen of Poland dyed the 10th of May, and Alexander the VII. the 22th, to whom succeeded Clement the IX. who has maintain'd the Grandeur and Dignity of the Church with great Zeal and Honour.

The Mariage between the Duke of Guise and Madamoiselle d' Alencou was Consummated the 15.

The several Musters which the King made of his Forces, were but a Divertisement to his Enemies; but their March in­to Flanders astonished Castel-Rodrige, who caused several pla­ces [Page 13]to be demolish'd. His Majesty repaired Armentieres and Charle-le-Roy; forced Fournay, Bergue Furne, Lisle, Courtray Oudenarde and Alost; which was retaken by assault by the Hol­lander and the Marshal-General making himself Master of the Place, caused it to be demolished.

The Empress being brought to Bed of an Arch-Duke, his Majesty sent the Marquis de Guiry to Congratulate their Imperial Majesties at Vienna, who did not long enjoy the hap­piness which she promised to her self of seeing a King of the Romans.

The Estates and People of Portugal deposed their King Al­phonsus from the Government, and gave it to Don Pedro his Brother, who married the Queen upon the Nullity of the first Marriage.

In the year 1668. The King having requested the Pope to be Godfather to his Son. Monsieur the Dauphin, he cast his eye upon the Cardinal of Vendosme. To him therefore he sent full power and authority to perform the Ceremony, wherein the Cardinal behav'd himself with great honour. He gave the King to understand, that it belong'd to his Holiness in his per­son, and not to the Queen of England to name the Prince; and to the Bishops to tender to his dignity and to the Holy See, those respects and submissions which were due. The Prince was named Lewis, and the Ceremonie was performed at St. Germains, the 24th of March. The Honours were carried by the Bourbons, and the Train of the Prince's Royal Mantle was born by the Duke of Vendosme, having his precedence imme­diately after the Princes of the blood.

The Dispensation which the Legate gave for the second Marriage of the Queen of Portugal his Niece, is to be account­ed one of those blowes of State lucky, and unlook'd for.

The Duke of Beaufort, and the Knight of Vendosme in his thirteenth year Embarqued with an intention to make a de­scent into the Spanish Tertitories. But the Peace and an ex­traordinary Tempest put a stop to the Designs of that great Admiral; however it made the boldness and fierceness of the young Prince to be admired.

The Conquest of Franche Conte during the Carnival, was one of the greatest Actions that ever were performed. it ama­zed all the World, and caused the Spaniard to quit the Name and Arms of Portugal, and their Pretentions to that Crown. However the Province was restored by the Peace of Aix la Chapelle, and partly at the request of Clement the IX. The King having a greater regard to the good of Christendome then the Grandeur of his glory and Dominion.

The Birth of the Infant of Portugal happened upon the sixth of January, 1669. at what time his Holiness exhorted all the Princes of Christendome to the Relief of Candie. The Duke [Page 14]of Beaufort, carried thither the Knight of Vendosme, with a Detachment of Seamen. One time among the rest, hearing the Enemy beat their Reveillez betimes in the Morning, he Com­manded his Drums to beat a Charge, and clear the Retrench­ment at the head of the first Battalion, which he did so gene­rously, that the Turks abandoned the Place. But the Fire which the Christians put to their Magazines caused such a Pa­nick-Fear as forced them to return. The Duke forsaken by his own People, was euvelop'd by the Infidels. He could not quit the Field, nor the Victory which he had gotten. The Knight of Vendosme stood firm to him. Fortune and War have spa­red that youthful Mars, and the Honour of that famous and glorious Retreat which he made the 25th of June, gave the world to understand he was both Soldier and Captain.

The great Services which the Cardinal Duke of Vendosme did the King and Kingdom, terminated the 6th of August, after all the pains which he had taken to forward, the Forces that were design'd for Condy. The Dutchess of Vendosme his Mo­ther, was the example and Model of Vertue and Sanctity of Lise, and dyed this year, as also did the Queen of England, the one on the 8th, the other on the 10th of September.

Our Monarch took a Progress into Flanders, 1670. to shew the Queen the Conquests lately joyned to his Dominion and confirmed by the Treaty of Aix la Chapelle. His Majesty vi­sited all the places, took a View of the Fortifications and Ma­gazins, the strength and force of his Garrisons, and what was wanting to keep them in a true Posture of defence. Where­in such has been his great pains and care, that of places mean and of no regard, they are now become of great importance and capable to endure long Sieges.

A new Embroylment of the Duke of Lorrain constrained the King to send thither the Duke of Crequi, with an Army, which took Possession of Ponta Mousson, the Walls whereof were rais'd; of Espinal and Chate, the Garrisons of which places did but plunder and destroy the Country adjoyning.

An Embassador was sent by one of the Kings of the Coast of Guiny, who keeps his Court at Darda, to admire the Gran­deur of his Majesties Court, and to see what advantages he could make by establishing Commerce. Those barbarous peo­ple live in Idolatry, and are very much to be pittied.

In the year 1671. The Spaniards by their Emissaries making the Duchu apprehensive of our Neighbourhood, and the Pro­gress of the Kings Arms, engaged those Republicans to forget the many Benefits which they had received from France, and to labour their own Ruine with two much heat and passion. To which purpose they sollicited all the Soveraign Princes to joyn with them in Leagues and Treaties against France.

The Vertue and Merit of the Bishop Duke of Laon advan­ced [Page 15]him to the Cardinal Dignity. The Ministers of Spain op­posed his advancement, and the Nomination of the Queen of Portugal, which his most Christian Majesty very stifly defen­ded. And indeed this Promotion was very honourable for France, especially done to favour a Queen whose interest is much more profitable to the Kingdom.

The second Mariage of his Royal-Highness with the Daugh­ter of the Elector Palatine was concluded; and the Articles signed the 6th of November 1671. and the Marshall du Plessis had the charge of the Procuration for the Ceremony of the E­spousals at Mets, the 16th of the same Month.

France and England by the succors which they gave the U­nited Provinces made of that Rebellious People a Puissant De­mocracie. But at last the two Kings disdaining their ingrati­tude, joyned their Forces to chastize their Crime. The for­bidding of Commerce, and the Injunctions laid upon their Subjects to exercise all Acts of Hostility against them, was published the 7th of April, and the King at the Head of an hundred and fifty thousand men caused them to tremble. He presently took from them Orsoy, Wesel, Burie and Rhineberg; Rets, Emmerick and Groll. The Count of Guiche passed the Rhine Swimming with two thousand Horse. To which dan­ger the Chevalier of Vendosme was the only Prince that exposed himself besides his General. He so behaved himself, that at his first setting foot in the Betau he gained an Ensign and a Standard which he presented to the King; and flew with the Prince to the Skirmish, wherein the Duke of Longueville was killed.

The passage over this River, caused the Prince of Orange to quit the Banks of the Issel, at which time Vicount Turenne cau­sed a detachment of six hundred Men to be made by the Duke of Vendosme, which has always served at the Head of his Regi­ment, and particularly to open the Trenches of Arnheime. They would have also shewed their Valour at Nimmeghen; but that great General stopped their Fury, and besought the King to retain them about his person. The Forts of Schenk, Doesburgh, Zutphen and many other Ramparts of Holland were taken in so small a time, that there were reckoned up near fifty in two Months. Ʋtreck refused Relief; on purpose to surrender it self to the King. Creveceur, Coarden, Grave and Bomel were taken, and the Campaign ended with the taking of Bodengrave, Survanmerdam, and Niverberg. To requite these Losses the Prince of Orange with six thousand Spaniards, sent him by Montery under the Conduct of Marcin, besieged Char­leroy, but the Count of Montal, having got into the Town, made him retreat with shame not only to himself but the Spa­niards.

In the year 1675. The Hollanders having drawn to their [Page 16]side the House of Austria, and the most part of the Princes of Germany, proposed strange Chimera's to themselves. But Vi­count Turenne constrained the Marquiss of Brandenburgh to fly, and took from him the County of Mark with several pla­ces. Whereupon Cologne was chosen for the place of Treaty.

The King having caused Maestricht to be Invested, the Tren­ches were opened by Night, the 18th of June. And that place of such importance, so well fortified, so well defended, was for­ced to surrender at the end of the Month, a thing almost incre­dible. In short, the United Provinces were so roughly hand­led both by Sea and Land, that they acknowledg it to this hour, confessing that the Arms of Kings are long and ponderous, and that it was ill done, to draw upon them the Indignation of two great Monarchs; of which their Allies are not a little sen­sible, their Countries still suffering for it.

At the beginning of the Winter, Vicount Turenne marched into Alsatia, there to fight the Enemy. The Princes of Ven­dosme took Post to be in the Action; but the Knight of Ven­dosme near to Mets broke his Arm, by the fall of his Horse, that stumbled under him.

The Campaign began betimes in Burgundy, 1674, Gray, We­soul and several other Losses began a second time, the Conquest of that Country. That which hastned his Majesties March, was the surprizal of the Prince of Fustenburgh, the Elector of Cologne's Plenipotentiary. An attempt in time of Peace con­trary to the publick Faith. For the committing of which Acti­on in regard the Emperor gave Order against the Right of Na­tions, it will be an Eternal Reproach both to him and his.

The King therefore compleated the Conquest of Franche Conte, by the taking the City and Citadel of Bezanson, Dole, Salins and all the rest of the Country, which he subdued to his Obedience, and is a safeguard to six Provinces of his Kingdom. The Duke of Lorrain, and Count Caprara in vain attempted to Relieve it. For Vicount Turenne, with a far lesser strength gave them a stop beyond the Rhine, where that great Captain did wonders during the whole Campaign, having fought and won several Battels, and performed famous exploits in War. The Knight of Vendosme was always near him, and still so de­sperately engaged the Enemy, that he brake and disordered the Duke of Lorrain at the Battel of Seiren.

All this while in Holland, the Prince of Conde sustained the Forces of the Empire, Spain, and the Low Countries. That Powerful Army thought to have carried all things before them and to have taken up their Winter Quarters in Picardie and Champaigne, and there to have quaffed the good Wines of Rhet­mes. But the Battel of Seneff which he won from so many E­nemies, was the most remarkable exploit of that exquisite Captain. He thought to have vanquished them at Oudenard, [Page 17]but they shamefully quitted the Siege. The Duke of Ven­dosme, who had signaliz'd himself in Burgundy, took post to be an Eye-witness of so great an Action.

1675. The Embassies of Marshall d' Estrees were very ho­nourable and very bold. That of the Duke his Son was main­tained with the same Vigour. He knew well how to let the Pope understand that he was obliged, not only to give audi­ence to the Ministers of his most Christian Majesty, but also to hear their just Complaints, which is a prerogative that his Holiness cannot refuse to the first King in the World.

The most important Cities of the Enemy were apprehensive of being besieged, at what time the King attacked Limburgh, and made himself Master of that Dutchie, which is one of the seventeen Provinces of the Low-Countries, which was ad­joyned to the Government of Marshal d' Estrades, After this Conquest his Majesty delivered up the Charge of the Army to Monsieur the Prince, who endeavoured all he could to Fight the Enemy; But the Intentions of the Spaniards did not cor­respond with the Designs of the Princes of Conde and Orange.

Montecuculi with all the Force of the Empire promised to himself that he would pass the Rhine, which he did over the Bridg of Spire. But Marshal Turenne, marching to meet him, he repass'd it, the Imperialists being very much surprised to see him so near them. The French were eager to give them Bat­tel, although encamped among Rivers and Woods, which cau­sed them to follow the retreating Enemy, who to secure his March, planted two pieces of Cannon upon a Hill to favour his Retreat. And from thence it was that the Marshal-Gene­ral going to take a View of the Enemies encampment was kil­led with a great Shot.

He had designed the Chevalier of Vendosme to command the Cavalrie. However the young Duke of Beaufort was the person at that time, who commanded fifteen thousand Horse, and was present at the retaking of Corbi. That young Prince after six Campaigns, has been so unfortunate, that he could ne­ver find an opportunity to fight with Honour, and serve the King with Renown.

Upon the difference between the Count d' L' Orge, and the Marquiss de Vaubrun, the Army desired to be Commanded by the Duke of Vendosme. But the two Generals being reconciled, they retreated through Wilstelt to Althnem, where was fought a famous and memorable Battel.

Upon the Intelligence which Montecuculi received, that our Baggage marched into Alsatia, he pretended to send certain Troops thorow Strasburgh, to Plunder it, but the Marquiss de Vaubrun passed the Rhine with seven Battalions and twenty-two Squadrons. And indeed he had been lost without this Stratagem. He flattered himself that not having to do with [Page 18]any more than one Brigade, it would be easie for him to be cut in pieces with a powerful Army. They fought there near ten hours. The Duke of Vendosme at the Head of his Batta­lion, which appeared weak, because it was not so numerous as the rest, was more exposed to the Attacks, yet as vigorusly sustained the force of the Enemy. The Enemy understood not that there was a Prince at the head of it, with the Officers of the Guards, and that it was the Regiment of Vendosme, which has ever been Victorious. That young Mars outdid himself in a time, and upon an occasion of so much danger and hazard. He received a slight wound cross the Thigh, which did not at all hinder his Fighting, nor his winning of Honour.

The Prince of Conde had Orders to take Charge of that Ar­my, and leave his own to the Duke of Luxemburgh. So that al­though Montecuculi besieged Lovern and Haguenau, that great General constrained him to quit the Sieges and repass the Rhine.

The defeat of Marshal Crequi was the occasion of the Loss of Treves, the first City which the Franks took from the Gauls.

The City of Conde and Bouchain were taken by the King, the 4th. and 12th of May, 1676.

The King agreed to the Mediation of England for Peace, and made suitable returns for the Zeal which his Majesty of Britain had shewen for the Repose of Christendome. Thereupon, Pas­ports were agreed, and sent where they were required, and the Duke of Vitry and the Embassadors Colbert and d' Avaux were ordered Plenipotentiaries for France, and sent for Nimeghen, in Order to that Affair, which was the conclusion of Peace, so important and earnestly desired.