CERTAINE LETTERS declaring in part the passage of affaires in the Palatinate, from Septemb. to this present moneth of April.
COunt Henrie of Naffaw with 36. companies of the States horse, assisted with 4000. Musquitiers out of Gulick conducted the Lord Generall Sit Horatio Vere.
On the 15. day of September wee drew neare to Coblens with a resolution to passe ouer the Rhine, and to goe to Frankford. The Towne of Coblins showed vs their good will in shooting with Musquits at vs, but our farre distance kept vs from hurt, though some were hit with fowling bullets. The Prince Henrie not withstanding commanded boates out of Coblens for our transport, threatning to burne their village if they should refuse to send them. And soon the 16 and 17. daies of September wee passed the Rhine some two miles belowe Coblens, and taking our way through Naffaw towards Hannaw which lyeth on the North about Frankford, wee lodged both horse and foote the 21. and 22. day in two Dorps called vppon Marlow and nether Marlow. Wee had before sent 95. of our sicke men, among whom were Captaine Rhae and Captaine Dexter with some of our baggage from Coblens by boate to Bracrack, where they ariued the 21. of September, being thursday, and the 22. they together with the Towne were taken by such as Spinola sent thither, and there they yet remaine till their ransome be payd (which is now in handling) all saue two or three that are dead, and three that were disarmed and stript, brake away, and brought vs this newes to Wormes.
While we came to nether Marlow Count Henrie Vandenbergen drew all the enemies horse out of the campe at Oppenheim and 4000. foote with some artillery, with intent to crosse the Maine betwixt Ments and Frankford [Page]to surprise vs the same night of our ariuall there, whither we came tired with a long march and hunger, not doubting any such attempt. God only saued vs at this time from the enemy. For the enemy hauing passed all his horse at a foord, and drawing out his munition and foote, was suddenly recalled by Spinola, being himselfe present at the drowning of some of his foote, caried away by the force of the streame, and some of his munition.
Wee marched from nether Marlow on Saturday the 23, And on Sunday the 24▪ we marched to the Maine side, neerer Hannaw then Frankford, and passed the riuer, the horse and waggons ouer the foord, and some foote, the rest by boates, and lodging in a dorpe, had two false allarmes of Spinola his approch, which our men tooke with excellent silence and courage.
The next day we marched almost 20. English miles, and got Vinstall a Towne in safetie from Cammissados, by which diligence Spinola who sent to interrupt vs, fell behinde our Rere; but by this long march many of our men became weary and sicke, who being left there, haue since gotten to vs as they recouered. Wee sent to Heidelberg for their recouery. God shewing vs this mercy, that few of our men doe die, though many fall sicke; whereas of Spinola his armie doe every day as is thought 60. die a days From Vinstal we cose on Tuesday, and quartred in a dorp, from whence the next day wee got into the straights and mountaines of the Pallatinate, and lodged at Bensheric, about eight miles from Wormes on the North. Thus in a moneth space our iourney to the Pallatinate was ended; in all which time wee had faire weather, and not so much as one houres raine. Victuals in the Bishopricks of Ments, Tryer and Cullen were by the command of the Bishops, as was discouered, kept from vs what they could, through wee offered to pay and did pay for what they sold vnto vs: but as necessitie made new lawes vnto our men, so the prouidence of God watched ouer vs, that sometime their swine and their cattell came out of the woods into our [Page]quarters, and at one time of our great neede came 500. sheepe out of the jurisdiction of Ments, from the wood thereof, when our men with a long march and want of meate were almost discouraged: with this we feasted at nether Marlow, where we should haue beene staine, being by the enemies appointed as sheepe to the slaughter. At Bensherie we rested all Saturday to repaire our solues and our armes, where on Saturday the 30. of September wee marched and lay within two miles of Wormes, vnto which we marched on Sunday, the Princes of the Vnion viewing vs twice in those two dayes march, with great content, the people with new hopes, and so day at the Dorp called Houenhein about 7 miles from the enemies camp at Openheim, and neere to the quarter of our friends, on the West side of Wormes.
From Houenhein we marched the third of October towards Altzen, and loged that night within two miles and a halfe of that Towne into which Spinola had put 200. horse and 1800. foote, and some artillery, and an old Commander called Bellanzoom to secure it, and had also fortified, the towne, but especially the Castle. The purpose of the Princes was to take this towne againe, to which end their armie, all saue 4000. foote and 1800. horse lest to command Wormes, were drawne neere to it, the English nearest of the foote.
But on Wednesday morning the Princes sate in counsell, and by Count Henry aduised rather to turne backe to Openheim to braue their enemie, then to hazard there their foote in so cold a time, for the regaining of a towne so well manned, which being got, must either be left againe with scorne to vs at our departure, or kept with a stronger garrison then might be spared. Hereupon we rose to goe towards the enemie; a bruit being first spread amongst vs, that Spinola was marching towards Wormes, which made our men rise with readinesse and without dispute why they went not to Altzen.
By this aduice giuen by Prince Henrie, and seconded [Page]by the Lord Generall Ʋere, wee snare our selues, and had cast it vnawares on our enemies neckes, though wee made no great aduantage of it: for Spinola supposing vs busied about Altzen, marched towards Altzen with his whole armie, hoping to surprise the foote before they could be intrenched, the very night after their comming thither, which could not haue beene auolded, our horse being dispersed as they must. Thus God brake that snare, and deliuered vs. The same day wee marched towards the enemies campe, not of knowledge of purpose to meete him, but onely to braue him and prouoke him to sight, which was supposed he would refuse. About noone came word that Spinola was marching towards vs, which put so much life into our noble Generall as I never saw in him before, and generally in all our troupes, for wee marched in Battallion, the English in the Van next after the guard of the Princes, the Dutch foote next after ours, who with ours made vp the number of 6200 foote. About halfe an houre past two wee came in sight of some of our enemies troupes, and perceiued some skirmishing in a bottome, in which wee after heard of foure of our horse and two of our men shot, but wee did not know what dammage they did. On wee marched; but Spinola rewarding him very royally that brought him the newes of our marching, smiling his sticke on the ground, saying, Battalio, Battalio, yet vpon view of our comming vpon him, and of the number of our horse, which were one third part more then his, as his foote was almost a third more then ours, hee drew backe almost two miles, and within two of Openheim placed himselfe in Batalio horse and foot vpon a hill, whither by reason of a deepe valley wee could not approach but by one passage of but reasonable width, in which hee planted his artillery, which that wee might know to bee there, was discharged eight times at a cornet of horse that lay under a wood, and slue a dog, or else did not hurt Right a gainst this of his we planted our artillery on another hil, embatteld our horse, drew our foote into [Page]the valley before it, where the Dutch guard pleased to glue our English leave to take the Van: by this time it was 3 of the clocke; and thus we stood at a mile and half vs distance facing one the other, still expecting order to charge, till the night and the newes of an impassable way tooke off our hopes. There also tooke I vpon mee to goe to the heads of our English troupes, to euery deuision apart, to incourage them, which they received with much affection, and generally shewed the brauest resolution to fight that could be seene or wished of men. It was the hand of God that did strangely disappoint vs of that worke, by which if it had succeeded, this poore afflicted people might haue beene relieved, and the war in a manner ended in one day, or at the least Openheim and the bridge might haue beene taken, yea, without stroke of battell, if we had but put our armie betwixt Spinola and it, which was moued by some, but not followed. Count Henrie and Generall Vere as loth to ouergage their horse too farre, and distrustfull of the foote, being most High Dutch, and vnexperienced, though well disabled. The Princes of the vnion which had lyen about Openheim, remembred not the passage in time, till the aduantage was lost. The night came on, at the approch whereof Spinola was retired without sound of drum or Trumpet, and shouted for joy when they had thus escaped; and leaving vs in the field all night, returned to his quarter, neuer (I suppose) more glad of any escape, which hath rather taken from his glorie, then added to ours. It is true, that when we came after the day to discouer our possibilities, we are much more ready to censure our greatest Commanders for that ouersight of aduantage, then to acknowledge their foresight for our preseruation.
The opinion is, that except the Prince foote bee reinforced by more English, of whom they haue a great opinion, the Princes will hardly give battell to the enemies, and consequently the poore people be eaten vp as well of their friends as enemies.
The Townes which Spinola hath taken are of no strength, [Page]and yeelded without any stroke, also did also some strong forts possessed by the Boores, whom the very name of a souldier conquered. In the meane time God pursueth our enemies with mortall sicknesse, and iudging them fit to bee punished, but not by vs: nor doe I maruell at this our outrage considered; for even we that in respect of the cause fight for God, doe in our behauiour fight against him, I speake not of all, but of many of our troupes, who doe pleade greater abuses in other instead of their owne vertues, and reckon some deboyses to their callings, which onely spring from their owne personall wildnesse.
Since the fourth of October, wee haue twice remoued, and now lye at Nitersein betweene Wormes and Frankindal, vncertaine whether wee shall be called to businesse or garrison. On the morrow after our returne, some went to Arwen, the place where our enemies stood, and there found some 7. or 8. Italians and 26. Spanish women, which Captaine Proud tooke there prisoners. The same morning Spinola sent certaine troupes of horse to obserue our rising, whereof 600. were charged by the Duke of Brundswicke, and Sir William Dalford with 300. of our horse, who also cut off and tooke six of the enemies.
Frankindale, Ianuary 9. 1620.
COncerning the late lamentable defeature of the King of Bohemia his armie, I suppose you haue heard enough, perhaps more then truth. The losse of men was little, for on both sides there fell not aboue 22, hundred, insomuch as some did blame the cowardize of our partie, which others called trecherie. The losse of honour, munition, of treasure and baggage was great, but the losse of the Kingdome much greater, which except one place of strength, is said to be reuolted to the stronger party, though of that so ill intreated, as if occasion were, they would quickly shew to whom their hearts were subiect, euen the [Page]Romish part it selfe.
The King (and Queene great with child) hauing receiued the oath of Allegiance from those of Silecia, and promise of their uttermost assistance, as being firme in their Religion, haue retired themselues into the country of Brandenburg, together with the Prince of Anhault, and there both of them (the Queene especially) do make all commers to be witnesses of their singular moderation, patience, deuotion, and confidence in God. And this I would haue you to beleeue, that the world in many ages did hardly see such a paire of that ranke, and surely this tribulation shall do them good.
A report was spread in these parts that the Queene was dead in child, bed a moneth since, but I spake with one that came from her presence within these nine dayes, and and left her in good health, and daily expectation of deliverance, which God grant, and I trust we shall heare well.
Bethlem Gabor beheaded the Generall, and some other officers of those forces he sent into Bohemia as soone as they returned into Hungaria, for their cowardly running away; and threatned that if hereafter any of his made the like fault he would raze out their posteritie: those troupes were 10000.
VVe say without variance, that he prepares to aide the King of Bohemia with 30000 men, which hee may the better do; because the Polanders which found him worke at home, haue bin lately broken by the armie of the Turks, and Tartarians, which lately, slaughtering 20000 of them, haue succeeded farre into that kingdome, and are like to possesse it. A remedy worse then the disease.
There is much speech here of the King of Denmarke his purpose to shew him selfe in person, and with an army for the King of Bohemia, and some hopes they haue that England will help to repaire that losse, of which the world makes it too blame, whiles the treatise of peace foreslowed some helpes for it, and shadowed the resolution of the enemie but this perpaps is but a part of that libertie which [Page]men take to judge of colours by candle-light.
Before that late battell by Prague was fought, one Pr [...]torius Minister of Adorpe in the Palatinate called Treshiem, addressed himselfe to the Kings Councell at Heidelberg; and perswaded them to hasten a Poste to the King, to wish him to shift for himselfe, for within eight dayes Prague should be taken, (which indeed fell out) adding that the King in or before 1623. should with an army recouer that kingdome, and be made Emperour. Of the latter men thinke the more, because the former fell out so right.
In the Palatinate the distresse is great, and greatned by scare that the Empererours forces left in Bohemia will make their way through the upper Palatinate unto Spinola in the lower, and (if Bethlem Gabor divert them not by inuasion of Bohemia or Austria; it is probable.)
The bishop of Tryer hath reedified a sort vpon the Rhine beyond Tryer, which the King of Bohemia had some foure yeares since suddenly in one night surprised. This is now finished, and furnished with 3000 men and sixteene peeces of Ordinance, and lyes sit to cut off all succours which might from those parts come to vs, or to be a bridge for the enemie into that part of the Palatinate which lieth on the East side of the Rhine, and is yet untouched.
Count Iohn of Nassaw who commanded the natiues of this countrey and the trained Boores, is censured for suffering this worke, but he dischargeth himselfe on the Princes of the Vnion, in that he did weekly aduertise them of it; therefore the people do blame and boldly call their fidelitie into question, not considering that if they had sent forces conuenient to stop that worke, they should haue exposed the Citie of Wormes, Frankindale, and other townes neare the enemie; to apparent danger, their at my being weake enough to encounter the enemy when it was all together.
The Dorpes are miserably taxed and forraged by the [Page]enemy, and almost asmuch by their owne horsel, whose outrages haue darkened those of our troupes, and gotten vs reputation.
Our troupes haue bin very disorderly and vile in pillages and quarelling amongst themselves, and chiefly in swearing and drunkennesse, against which the noble Generall and some of his Officers and my selfe in my place haue made what resistance we could, my selfe with some danger; and though we haue not bin able to stem the current yet haue we by Gods mercie much preuailed of late so we labour with much griefe and some hope, Pray for vs, and for me.
God hath also set vpon vs, for about 300 of ours are dead of a contagious Feuer, which as our wine and drunkennesse thereby abounded, did increase both in quantitie of infection and mortalitie of disease, and on some persons by botches and spots appeared to be the Plague. Those which by example or tolleration of their Captains were most notorious, haue borne this stroke in proportion; among whom this also fell out, that some of the first disordered with drinke, fell euen then into madnesse with their sicknesse, which euen arrested them, and never left them till they died; which being obserued, and by my selfe publikly prest, caused some to haste from vs into England with their faults on their backs, and some others by Gods mercie do scare and refraine.
This rod of God is in a manner remoued, for sew fall sicke of late, and of them scarce one dieth, yet haue we not bin smitten as our enemies, for of them we haue of certaine, that 10000 are wasted, and most by sicknesse.
Three thousand of Spinoldes men lately returned into Flanders, being those which were last sent vpon Count Henries coming and ours they in their returne summoned Fryburg an Imperiall Citie (as stake in Nassaw) took it by composition, and after (contrary to promise) carried thence fiftie peeces of artillery and great store of come downe the Rhine, which caused them of Frankford to [Page]abhor the rendring of the Citie into their enemies hands to which they were before inclined. How good is he that drawes good out of euill?
Our troupes neuer came to blowes, but are eager of it beyond all beliefe, and now by daily experience well brought to know their weapons. Or their valour the Country takes generall notice, and namely of their defending thirtie of them, an open Dorpe from the forraging of 200 horse of their owne partie, wherein the English repulsed them stoutly, and made them retire with losse. Oh if God would give vs more to feare him, how would he honour vs? By this you see what need I haue of many prayers, and this poore people also: and how it concernes our nation to yeeld what comfort they can to this afflicted state and Church, to which God enlarge all mens hearts.
Frankindale, Ianuary 29. 1620.
SInce our coming Spinola hath bin stopped, and himself three seuerall times bin forced rather to retraite then ioyne battell with vs: so far hath God blessed our small [...]roupes, and made them defenders, though not deliverers [...]of the Palatinate. And though our troupes by that mortalitie we had, and by the departure and running away of many, were much lessened, yet are they filled vp with such, as from vnder Coronell Gray and others haue come to vs out of Bohemia, so as with Officers and all, wee are not lesse then 2000 men, who being exercised with the use of their armes, will be vnto vs twice themselves, if God will use them. You haue a contrary opinion of vs in England, but this I say is true.
The Princes of the Vnion are wonderfully cheared with the mony & message which his Maiestie sent them by Sir Albertus Mourton, and are now drawing toward Holbrun, where their diet is appointed on the 28 of this Moneth to consult of further courses.
Some conceit they haue of peace, but besides our Kings, mediation for it, I heare not of any ground they haue vnlesse the working of their desires, which you know produceth oftentimes the fume of false hope, no hope indeed
In Bohemia Count Maunsfield hath taken some small Townes, and assured some others to the King; and Prague it selfe is so weary of their curbe, that if any meane succor be sent them, it is probable they will, it is certaine they desire to shake it off.
The King and Queene of Bohemia do beare their afflictions with such patience & piety, as haue added more true honour to them then victory could haue done; and makes me hope that God will in his time lift them vp againe, to the astonishment of their enemies, and joy of his people. From them lately came a command for a solemne day of fasting and prayer, besides their monethly bid dayes, and daily Church-prayers, which was accordingly performed January the 14.
The Queene was brought to bed of a yong Prince the sixt of Ianuary, and baptized the eight of Ianuary, 1620. his name is Mauricius.
Bucquoy is past through Morauia without resistance, and is as they say resisted by Bethlem Gabor in Hungaria.
For represse of swearing in our armie, our worthy Generall hath caused memorable punishments to be executed on them, as boring through the tongue, the Strapado, and banishment.
Frankindale the 26 of February, 1620.
BY letters written the 29. of Ianuary last, I hope you vnderstand are this how things then stood in the Palatinate.
About that time the Princes of the Vnion met at Helbrun in the Dukedome of Wittenberg, where they yet remaine in consultation, and amongst them the Margraue of Ausburg, Generall of all their forces in the Pallatinate, and some other chiefe Officers, Count Solms being left to commaund in chiefe at Wormes in their absence. Spinola taking the aduantage hereof, did with some of his troupes assault in the night a walled Dorpe called West Oven some fiue English miles from Wormes, and did the next day about noone take it, and in it 300 foote souldiers there quartered and thirtie horse, with losse of 50 of his men. The souldiers spoiled of their armes, were the next day put to their choise, of returning to the Princes, or seruing the enemy. The one halfe returned, the other reuolted. This was done the fifth of February, at which time the towne was put to ransome of 10000. Count Solms tooke the alarme, and drew out the horse troupes, when all was done: so he onely ouertooke and tooke some sixe of their straggling horse prisoners. Vpon this occasion the Margraue of Ausburg was suddenly recalled to Wormes, but after few dayes went againe to Helbrun, and in his stead came the Marquis of Bauden, who lies now at Wormes full of the gout, but a valiant Prince.
On the 23 of February the foresaid towne of west Oven and East Ouen by it were both burnt to the ground, being each of them bigger then Bromingham, by command of the Marquis, vpon intelligence that the enemie had designed to lodge his men, and there to watch his opportunitie of assailing Wormes or Frankindale, which he might from thence haue done in three houres march.
This thing though necessarily done for the safetie of the rest, yet hath brought a maruellous feare vpon this people: every man either pittying the misery of those many ruined in habitants, or fearing that his owne turne is not farre off to be vndone.
We haue had many alarmes, and haue bin drawne out of our garrison sundry times, but to no vse, onely our [Page]troupes haue had the oportunitie of shewing their alacritie and willingnesse to sight, which is admired of this people.
Count Iohn of Nassaw who commanded the natiues of the Palatinate, being threatned with the losse of his owne country, vnlesse he would quit his service, hath now withdrawne himselfe, and left his name to construction.
It is much feared that the Princes wil prouide for their owne peace, and abandon this poore countrey, which is like to be left vpon the mercifull hand of God, who is able to deliuer them, and in his good time wil do it, though we yet see not the meanes.
Meane time in Bohemia Count Mansfield hath rifled much, and taken sundry townes, and is like enough to recouer Prague, if he had but meanes enough to pay his men, which he utterly wants.
Coronell Grays regiment being reduced to 300, was lately besieged in a towne of Bohemia, and did in three assaults repulse the enemie brauely.
In Morauia Bucquoy his forces haue lately received two great ouerthrowes by Count de Turn assisted with Bethlem Gabors troupes, in which the Imperialists are said to haue lest 27 or 28 Ensignes.
The Emperour hath put out the Banne against the King of Bohemia, the Prince of Anhault the Marquis of Brandenburgh, and all the Kings assistants.
Our troupes continues 2000. by the supplies wee haue met withall, and are much better disciplined and ordered then they were before, and some there are whom God I trust hath effectually called by his word and rod unto true grace.
Our noble Generall (thanked be God) is in good health, and growes in all goodnesse, &c.
Thus beseeching God to blesse you with all yours, and praying you to stirre vp all the prayers you can for the distressed people of God here, and even for our troupes, and for me, that I may do the great worke of God faithfully [Page]and fruitfully in this emploiment, I take my leave, and remaine
Frankindale, 31 of March 1621.
SIr, I receiued your second letters the 23 of March, and thanke you heartily for them. Newes out of any farre country brings some delight, how much more out of a mans owne country, when he is farre from it, and specially when it is all very good, or not very ill. From hence I shal not be able by exchange to make retribution to you, not because I am vnwilling to do it but because the exchange goes so low at the present. But take it as it is.
We yet are and haue bin a moneth in treatie of truce for six weekes. This day the Margraue of Ausberg and Spinola, with the Bishop of Ments and Count de Ormstat (which two last haue bin interposers for peace) do meet at Ormstat, a dayes journey from Wormes, to finish this Treatie, in cessation (as is hoped) from armes for two moneths: vpon which, Spinola, with most of his, will look back, not so much for loue of Flanders, as for feare of the States army now drawing forth.
The French King hath lately encouraged the Princes to hold their vnion, with promise of aid; whether really; as iealous of the Austrian greatnesse, or more maiorum that with lesse distaste of these Princes hee may afflict his of the Religion, pendre le temps.
Bathl. Gabor is said to be off his treatie with the Emperour by the Venetians perswasions, and in armes vpon the reuolters of Morauia wth 30000 men.
From the Kings of Denmarke and Sweden, and the Duke of Brunswick and Haunce townes, 3000 men are in readinesse, if not already in their march, for the Kings aid; but whether here or in Bohemia, is yet vnknowne to [Page]vs, because both wayes reported.
Count Mansfield growes daily in strength, and hath recouered the seuen peeces of Cannon left by Prague. The great Turke is expected in Polonia this Summer in person with 300000. Al which things wil in likelihod moue the Emperiall partie to take thankes for giving that peace in the Palatinate, which they might better haue giuen thanks to take: if that point had been stood vpon. But in appearance God will give this poore and good people peace, which shall be to them the best. And blessed be the peacemakers. This being all that I haue for the present, I commend you Sir to the protection and blessing of God our Father, and remaine