The life of Lewis of Bourbon, late prince of Conde digested into annals, with many curious remarks on the transactions of Europe for these last sixty years / done out of French.

THE HISTORY OF LEWIS de BOVRBON, Prince of Conde. The Second Book. (Book 2)

* 1.1THE Duke of Enguien was become so considerable at Court, that after the Battel of Friburgh, and the reducing of Philipsburgh and Mayence, he was made Governour of Champaigne and Brie; and it was also farther resolv'd that he should again Com∣mand in Germany.

* 1.2The French took the Field betimes in that Coun∣try, and at the beginning of the Spring they made themselves Masters of three considerable Places, by the prudent Conduct and Bravery of Major Ge∣neral Erlac. The 15th. of April he descended to∣ward the Rhine, where Moser, who commanded the Queen of Sweden's Forces, joyn'd him with three

Hundred Foot, and his own Troop of Horse. All their Forces being embodyd into an Army, besieg'd Lichtenaw, a Castle which the Germans made use of as a convenient Post, to seize the Boats that fell down from Strasburgh to Philipsburgh. That Place held out some Discharges of the Canon for Honours sake, and then surrender'd upon Composition. After that the Marquiss of Baden surrender'd the Castle of Stolburn which belongd to him,* 1.3 tho it were strong∣ly seated, and well provided with Victuals. This do••e, General Erlac besieg'd Kirppenheim, well fortifid with Half-Moons, and defended by a broad Moat, lin'd both within and without. The Inhabi∣tants who rely'd upon their Fortifications prepar'd themselves for a stout Defence; but they were con∣strai••d to give way to the Vigorous Onsets of the Bes••egers, and surrender'd upon Composition.

While Erlac made these lesser Progresses, Turenne acted with Success against the Imperialists. 'Tis true that the Advantages which he won at the be∣ginning of the Campaigne were attended with a sad Event, for in regard he thought he had no reason to fear his being attack'd by those he had so vigo∣rously driven before him, and that he thought 'em a great way off, he was all of a suddain assail'd by Mercy, who was one of the most experienc'd, most vigilant, most piercing, and most politick Captains that ever were. Mercy then surpris••d Marshal Tu∣renne near Mariendal, where the King••s Quarters were, and the Marshal was beaten before he could joy••n his Men. But certain it is, that if Turenne committed a fault in suffering himself to be sur∣priz'd,* 1.4 he made amends for it with as much Honour as it was possible. For by that presence of Mind which made him find out Remedies in Conjunctures more difficult, and more imminent Dangers, he made a very Honourable Retreat; still defending himself with a Heroick Bravery and Conduct, till

he got to the Passage of the Rhine, and fighting ra∣ther like a Victor then Vanquishd.

But the loss which France sustaind by that Ill Suc∣cess was more Advantageously repair'd by the D. of Enguien, who was sent into Germany in Iune. The Prince's Presence gave new Confidence to the French, who were something terrifi'd, and infus'd•• into 'em that Courage, that Boldness and Resoluti∣on, as prepar'd 'em for the most difficult Under∣takings, and put 'em into the greatest Hopes.

So soon as he arriv'd, he possess'd himself of se∣veral Places, which gave a free Passage over the Rhine, and made himself Master of Wimphen, a lit∣tle City seated upon the Necker. And at this time it was that he fought the Battel of Norling,* 1.5 accor∣ding to the following Account.

The Loss which the French had sustain'd by the Battel of Mariendal, was soon repair'd by the Duke of Enguien, who was sent into Germany, a little while after. The Presence of the Young Prince, who had won so many Victories, not only enlivend the Courage of the French, but so hotly alarum'd the Imperialists, that at first they knew not what Course to take; and the Prince made the best of the Terr••ur which he had struck into the Enemy. Immediately he seiz'd upon the most considerable Places upon the Rhine, and cast the Enemy into a perfect Consternation, by the taking of Wimphen and Ro••tambu••gh.

But in regard he design'd a Nobler Expedition•• to make himself Master of Heilbrun, he thought it behov'd him to do all he could to weaken the Ba∣varian Army, which would ••e still opposing his En∣terprises. So that without consulting any farther, after he had prepard every thing ready, he fell upon the Enemy, who lay Encamp'd up••n several Hillocks between Wending and Norling. Marshal Grammont commanded the Right Wing, where was

the French Cavalry with Arnaut, Camp-Master Ge∣neral of the Carbines; Turenne le•• the Left Wing, where was all the German Cavalry. Belten••ve, Mar∣sin, and the Marquiss of Castel••a•• commanded the Foot between the Wings. Major General Geis, and ••c••in commanded the Second Line, compos'd of two Regiments of Turenne's, six of Foot, and twelve of Horse, that were all Hessians, which were reuni∣ted with the Dukes: And the Body of the Reserve was commanded by Chabot.

The Bavarians, who as I have already said, were Posted upon several rising Grounds, no sooner per∣ceiv'd the Approach of the D's. Army, but they pla∣ced themselves very advantageously under a Moun∣tain, for on the one side they had a Village that stood in the Plain, and on the other a Castle, where they had already put their Canon and some Infantry.

Now in regard that from the Village to the Mountain there was an easie Ascent for an Army embattell'd, the Duke had a Design in the first place to make himself Master of that Post, as soon as an opportunity should present it self. Neverthe∣less, the Enterprise was not so easie; for there was a necessity of passing between the three Flanks of the Mountain, the Castle and the Village which he design'd to take. But being resolv'd upon it whatsoever Risco he ran, he undertook to make an Onset with the Infan••ry only; to the end that as he drave the Enemy from the Place he had an Eye up∣on, the two Wings which march'd towards their Cavalry might receive no Annoyance from the Ba∣varians, but that on the other side, they might ad∣vance under the Favour of their own Men's Firing.

There was also another Inconvenience which was to be remedy'd: for there was a necessity of assay••∣ing the Village in Flank; and it was to be fear'd lea••t the Men who made the Onset should be bea••en by those that stood at the top of the Mountain.

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of the Bavarians, so that they push'd forward into the Plain, and were going to fall upon the French Baggage, when a German Regiment not only 〈◊〉〈◊〉 'em, but gave•• em chase.

The French also were in a kind of Disorder, i••∣somuch that 'twas greatly to be fear'd t••ey 〈◊〉〈◊〉 loose the Victory. The Right Wing was u••ter••y broken, in regard they had made no Res••st••••••, being vanquish'd almost without striking a 〈◊〉〈◊〉. But Turenne, with the first Line of the L••ft Win•• which he commanded, broke into the ••irst ••i••e of the Enemies Right Wing, tho much more n••••e∣rous then his, which had been extremely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the continual firing of the Bav••ri••n In••an••ry; and by that means he made amends in some sort ••or the Cowardice of the French Souldiers. The s••co•••• Line of the Enemies put themselves at the sa•••• Instant in a Condition to second their ••ir••t, a•••• chargd some Squadrons in the Flank; but a•••• ••his nothing terrifid Turenne. In the mean time, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Enemies began to make their best of some little Ad∣vantage which they might have had, if Ture••ne h••d been left to himself. But the Duke having spyd him in that Condition, advanc'd all of a suddain with his second Line, and having rally'd the ••irst with all the speed imaginable, He and Turenne charg'd the En••∣my both at the same time, and having broken so••e of their Squadrons, put all their Troops in Disor∣de•••• Here the Duke having perform'd all the D••∣ties of a private Souldier, as well as of a great Cap∣tain•• was shot in the Elbow with a Pistol B••llet, which however did not hinder him from act••ng.

It may be said that till then there had been only some slight Skirmishes, tho there had already bee•• a great deal of Blood spilt, and a great many O••••i∣cers of Note Slain on both Sides. But because they found it necessary to come to a General Battel•• the Bavarians having brought down their Body of Re∣serve,

and the Troops which had broken the Right Wing, that Turenne seconded, the Duke order'd the He••sians to advance, together with his own Infantry and Cavalry, and march'd himself at the Head of 'em ••••ainst the Enemy. The Dispute was obstinate and bloody for two hours together, and during that time there was no Quarter given on either side. They ••••ught on both sides with so much valour and equa∣lity of Advantage, that it was a difficult thing, while the heat of the Combat lasted, to judge which way the Victory would encline; but at last it fell to the Duke. One part of the Enemy was cut to pieces, the other routed and put to flight. The Ba∣••arians lost four thousand Men in this Battel. ••Tis true that it cost the Duke fifteen hundred, count∣ing in the wounded; but withal he got fifteen pie∣ces of Canon, took forty Colours, and a great num∣ber of Prisoners, of which He was forc••d to re∣lease the greatest part, because he could not keep 'em without great Inconvenience to his own Army. But that which compleated this Victory was the ta∣king of Gleen, General of the Imperial Army, who was afterwards exchang'd for Marshal Grammont; and the Death of General Mercy, one of the great∣est Captains o•• his Age. That very Mercy, of whom the Duke himself and Turenne gave that Honorable Testimony; that it was he alone who for along time sustain'd the tottering Imperial Troops; that he had never been surpriz'd in any Irregular Moti∣on•• that he had never lost a favourable opportuni∣••y, nor ever fail'd of preventing the taking of any, as if he had been present in their Councils. In a word, this Loss of the Bavarians was so great, that it seemd at first as if the Prosperity of their Army had expir'd with their General. And certain it is, that that same Body which had so many times sig∣naliz'd themselves, never after that mov'd as it w••nt to do.

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day with his, and the D. of Enguien march'd another way with his men, toward the General Rendevo••z.

The D. of Lorrains Army had already passd the Scheld, with a Resolution to oppose the Designs of the D. of Orleance, and D. of Enguien, But so soon as he understood that the three Bodies of the French Army were marching directly toward him, he re∣pass'd the River at Montagne, in expectation of P••∣colomini, Beck and Sambry, that were to join him. But tho that Army were five and twenty thousand strong; tho it coasted all along, in view, the March of the French Army, and that it were already posted along the River under the Walls of Tournay; the French however forbore not to advance a little below the same place, and to seize upon a Pass over the Scheld, over against Trinity Mount. That Pass gave the French an easie opportunity to attack Tournay or Oudenara. But the difficulty was how to pass the River in view of a powerful Army, which in all probability would not sit still and look on. Nevertheless, at a Council of War all the General Officers concluded, that there was necessity for 'em to attempt the Passage. The only difficulty they met with was to secure the Convoys; but the D. of Eng••i•••• had already found out a Remedy for that. For he had attack'd the Castle of Lannoy,* 1.6 seated between Tournay and L'••••••••, and took it in a days time. Which being done, all their Conveys were securd, and they had no more to do but to put their Resolutions in Execution. But upon a suddain the D. of Orleance alterd his Design, and concluded upon the Siege of Courtray. First of all the two Brigades led by Gassion and Ranzau, got before the Place, and invested on both sides the Ri∣••er 〈◊〉〈◊〉, upon which it was seated, till the D. of E••guien came up with his Army on that side next ••o Moncouron and Rolingue. But the little Care they ••ook to Invest it ••etimes, gave the Enemy leisure to put a considerable Succour into the Town. Delpon••••••,

a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in great ••epute for holding out of Towns•• got in with his own Regiment and twelve Compa∣nys of Foot•• however all this did but animate the French Generals so much the more.

The next day the Trenches were open'd: but the Neighbourhood of the Enemy so near the Trenches, was the reason that the Besiegers were in continual fears of being surpriz'd. The Enemy also made some motions. And the Duke of Enguien gave no∣tio•••• the same day that the Trenches were open'd, that the Spanish Army was advanc'd very near his Camp, with a design to fight him. Thereupon one part of the French Army drew off and prepard to meet the Spaniards, who were con∣strain'd to retreat a long by the Scheldt, into their first Entrenchments. After their Retreate Enguien joyn'd Gasson and Ranzau, to the end they might invest the Town with more ease and assurance.

All the French Forces being reunited, the Cir∣cumvallation was begun•• and finish'd in less then four days, tho it took up almost five Leagues in Compass, in reguard that both Horse as well as Foot were set to work. Orleans with Ranza••'s Men took up his Quarter beyond the Li••, and on that side next to Flanders, from one end of the City to the o∣ther; and he had his Communication with the Quarters of Enguien and Gass••on, by means of seve∣ral bridges la••'d over the River. Enguien took up his Quarter on this side the River, from Orleance's Quarter to Gassion's, on that side next Tournay; and Gassion from Enguien's to Orleanc••'s, on that side next Audenard and Gand. The Circumvallation as I have already said, was so vast, that the French Armies were not numerous enough to guard the whole extent of it, so that there were many void ••paces, through which the Spaniards might have put Re••ie•• into the Town, had not the spaces been in∣••lo••'d with a Line, supported and d••fended with a

great number of Redoubts. 'Twas thought by the Besiegers that by this means they had removed the Enemy so far off, that it would be impossible for him to come on. But Charles the IV. Duke or Lorrain, in a sit of Dispair, usual with unfortunate Heros, advanc'd with all his Army, leaving his Bag∣gage behind him and posted himself within Canon Shot of the French Camp, making a shew as if he would attack 'em. And had they march'd directly against the Duke of Lorrain, as it was Enguiens ad∣vice, they had doubtless given him a total Defeat. But Orleance did not relish that Counsel, whose opinion it was that they should only mind reduc∣ing the Town, without running any hazard. So that every Quarter entrench'd themselves, and went on with the Siege, tho very slowly, by reason that Lor••ain's Army gave fresh Alarums every moment.

In the mean time Lorrain being forcd to retreat, upon the news which was brought him, that the Hollanders had taken the Field, and his Presence was necessary in the Neighbourhood to those Quarters where they were drawn together, en∣deavour'd before his departure to put some consi∣derable relief into the Town. But the attempt prov'd fruitless, and cost him also a World of Men, which extreamly abated the Courage of the Be∣sieged, who flatter'd themselves with being re∣liev'd. At the same time Gassion attack'd a Half-Moon and carryd it. Enguien also having open'd his Trenches on that side where he lay, soon af∣ter lodg'd himself upon the Counterscarp of the Half-Moon which he attack'd. The extream faci∣lity that he met with, was the reason that he only made a brisk Onset without any Formality. His Enterprize prov'd successful, and was so much the more applauded, because it made him Master of what he de••••••'d much sooner then if he had gone re∣gularly to w••••k. However because the Trench was

pearc'd thorough, and not supported with any ••••dg••ments•• Traverses or places of Armes, and for that the ••o••gment which he had made upon the Half-Moon was not well secur'd, it was three times regain'd, and the French were driven out with great loss. Nevertheless, nothing but bare necessity restrain'd the Co••rage of the D. of Enguien. His de∣sire to repair his loss by main force, had like several times to have transported him beyond his Judg∣ment, and made him abandon himself wholly to his Valour. But this same Prince, who as valiant as he was, was no less Judicious then Brave, gave ear to reason, and pref••••••'d the security of for∣mal Approaches, before his boyling Indignation, and the troublesome delays which the Maxims of besieging taught him, before an irregular Daring. And now Lorrain being joynd by the Marquiss of Caracena, there happen'd some Skirmishes between the French and Spaniards•• The Besieged likewise, who still expected Succour, made continual Sallies•• and moreover, they rely'd upon their Garrison which was very numerous, and the strength of the Fortifications. For it was surrounded with a good Wall flankd with Towers, with a Rampart and a Moat supply'd with water by the River. But Del∣pon•••• finding that he could not hope to be reliev'd; that all the Half-Moons were taken and that the Besiegers began to fill up the Moate, & fix their Mi∣ners upon the 28 resolv'd to beate a Parley, and had very honourable Articles granted him. After the taking of this Place the French Army rested a while in their Camp, and for sixteen days did nothing else but repair the Breaches of the City; Level some part of their Lines, and Fortifie the weakest places with five or six Half-Moons.

So soon as the French had rested, they began to think of New Conquests. For the Dutch Army, to which the D. of O••leince had sent a Reinforce∣ment

of six thousand Men, were pass'd the Sheldt; and the French and Dutch Armies being joyn'd Orleance advanc'd toward Berguen St. Winox, which is a large City, seated upon the River Colme, which about a hundred Paces below, falls into the Canal of Dunkirk, with a resolution to Attack that place. To which purpose, Orleance with Ranzaus Brigade posted himself along the Colme, on that side next Sanberkhen•• Enguien fix'd himself from his left Hand as far as the Fort of Ventismul••r; so that they had invested the City on both sides the River. Gassion took his Post from the Fort of Ventis••••••, beyond the Colme, as far as the Grand Canal from Berghen to Dunkirk, and farther to the Banks of Colme, where he joyn'd to Orleance's Camp.

The Place was no sooner invested, but Berghen and Dunkirk, pull'd up all their Sluces; but the French had posted themselves upon two Rising Grounds, and opend two Trenches, one in the Duke of Orleance's, the other in the D. of Enguien's Quarter. So that the Besieged, seeing the French advance so furiously with their Approaches, and that the Cannon from Enguiens Attack had al∣ready broken down their Walls, and that they lay naked to the Shot, demanded to Capitulate. Which being concluded, the Garrison marchd out the 31. of Iuly, in very good order, and was conducted to Dunkirk.

So soon as they were Master of Berguen a design was laid for the besieging of Mardicke. To which purpose Messengers were sent into Holland to sol∣licit Admiral Trump to lye with his Men of War before the Place. But the Marquiss of Caracena, judging rightly, by the March of the French Troops, of the design which Orleance and Enguien had form'd, sent away forthwith to Fernando de So∣lis•• who was Governour of Mardicke, two thou∣sand Foot and a hundred Horse, with all other

things necessary for the defence of the Place. The Circumvallation was finish'd in three Days, and upon the 8••h of August at Night, Orleance open'd two Trenches, and Enguen one. The besieged on the other side made several Sallys; and that which was the least advantageous, and made upon En∣guien••s Trench, provd to be the most Fatal to the French, for the Prince, upon the first noise of the Sally, flew upon the Enemy with a great number of Volunteers, and the Horse Guard of his Attack, brake through all that oppos'd him, and put all to the Sword, hardly one escaping back. But the Besieged ••••••d so furiously that their Shot from the Counterscarp, the Hornwork, the Half-Moons and the Bastions was fatal to a considerable number of the French. The Counts of Flaiz and Rocheguyon were both slain, with the Chevalier de Fiesque. The D. of Nemours was wounded in the Leg with a Mus∣quet Bullet, and the D. of Eng. scorcht in the Face with a Fire-post. Thus the Besieged continu'd their Sallys till the 23d. But all their Canon be∣ing dismounted, and the French pressing upon 'em with an unresistable Fury, they thought it their best course to Capitulate,* 1.7 which they did the 24th. and by their Articles they were all made Prisoners of War; to the number of two thousand five hun∣der'd Common Soulders, two Collonels, and For∣ty Captains.

Some days after the Surrender of Mardicke, the Duke of Orleance return'd to Court, leaving the General Command of the Army to the Duke of Enguien, who after he was cur'd of his Wounds, pursu'd his Conquests with the same Vigour as before.

The Post before Mardicke, was too inconvenient for the Army to make any long stay in those parts. The Prince therefore dislodgd two days after, and pass'd the Colme. But at the same time that Mar∣dicke

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I am apt to think that the Dignity of this History•• may raise my mind to that pitch as to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to hope, without wounding my Modesty, that the Recital will deserve to be suffer'd among the Learned, if it may not deserve their Applause.

All people thought, that the Campaign in Flan∣ders during the Year 1646. would have ended with the taking of Mardicke. The Season was far spent, our hardships had been extream, and our Victories highly Honourable. Gaston Duke of Orleance, after he had Commanded our Armies was recall'd to Court; and all things laid together, made people believe that the Army would have been laid up in their Winter••Quarters; and that the War would not have been renew'd again till the Spring. Never the less, Lewis Prince of Conde, never accustom'd to end his Campaignes without the having per∣form'd some great Exploit above the Common rate of Courage, did not find his Honour yet sa∣tisfi'd. And tho that after the departure of the Duke of Orleance, who left him General, he had in two days passd several Rivers, repuls'd the Armies of Lamboy and Caracena, and taken the City of Furnes; he could not consent to retreate, the Winter being yet at some distance•• but form'd designs befitting his Reputation and his Fortune. For so long as the Spaniards, who knew that the loss of a General Battle would be the total Ruine of Flanders, refus'd to put it to the venture, and that there was no other way to continue the War but by Seiges, the Prince resolv'd to undertake one more this Year, and to that purpose calld his Council together, to consult which place he should fall upon: and all opinions were reducd to two, either Menene, or Dunkirk.

Menene is a Town seated upon the Lis, between Armentiers and Courtray, in a Fertil and Pleasant Country, famous for the Trade it drove formerly

in Co•••• and ••eer, and which boasts her Original 〈…〉〈…〉, and we had fortunately won 〈…〉〈…〉 Gassion afterwards thought fit to 〈…〉〈…〉, and by his care it was put into a Condi∣tion able to ••••stain the Siege of a great Army, when C••••••cena surprizd it rather through the weakness of the Garrison, then for any defect of the Place.

They who were for regaining it, alledg'd, That was absol••tely necessary to joyn those places which we held u••on the Lis•• That Menene being in the Enemies hands, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Convoys to Courtray could never go sa••e; that it wo••ld r••quire a whole Army to bridle that one City. On the other side, that if we had it in our own hands Provi∣sio••s might be ••arryd up the River with little danger and expence•• that we should be in a condition to make farther Proposals•• without leaving any thing behind to give us annoyance; that Armentieres and Courtray would faci∣lit••te the conve••i••ncies of the Siege; that it was not fitting to suffer an Enemy in the midst of our strong Holds; and lastly that it was for the Honour of the Nation to preserve by our Arms•• what our Arms had acquir'd us. These Rea∣sons were plausible and solid in appearance; but they who did not approve 'em, argu'd after this manner.

That the Siege of Menene requir'd the crossing of se∣veral Countries, and to undertake a hasty march to pre∣vent the Enemies Diligence, and to be at leisure to en∣trench themselves before the whole Army could joyn; which appear'd the less feasible, because their Forces encamp'd about Newport, near Furnes; they were always restless to know our designs, and that they were ready to follow us which way soever we bent our march. Moreover, the Siege of Courtray accomplishd in view of the Enemy, with con∣tin••••l hardships, the Succours sent away to the Holland∣ers, during a violent heat, beyond the Nature of the Cli∣mate, in a Country open and without water, unless that of C••nals, and stinking Mershes, bitter and noysome; our q••ick march toward the Sea Coast, the taking of Berguen, the Siege of Mardike, the Expedition against Furnes,

had almost render'd the Army unfit for Service. On the other side, the Enemy having undertaken no Siege, keep∣ing themselves the best part of the Summer under the shel∣ter of their City, abounding in all sorts of conveniencies, and Provisions were as fresh as when they first quitted their Garrisons, and were in a condition rather to get before us to Menene, then to follow us: but tho we were assur'd of getting there before 'em, and putting our Lines in a po∣sture of defence, yet the River of Lis running round the Place, would oblige us not only to make a large Circumvallation, but moreover to divide our Army into two parts; and this Army would be so l••ssen'd, as it hap∣pens alw••ys at the end of a Campaign where the Souldi∣ers have suffer'd great Hardships, that we shall not have Souldiers anow to defend our vast Entrenchments, much less sufficient to carry on the Siege. On the other side, the Enemy will have the Advantage with all his Forces to assail the half of ours, and afterwards to defeat the re∣mainde••, if their fi••st attempts succeed. More especially since the Return of the Infantry, which had repassd the Sea, would not admit 'em the least hopes of any Diversion from the Hollanders, tho the Prince had sent Tourville to 'em to perswade 'em, if he could, to sit down before some Town, were it only to divide the Spainsh Forces, conse∣quently to dream of taking Menene, considering the Con∣dition they were in, was visibly to hazard for a Town of small Importance, the Honour of so many Victories, the Reputation of the Prince, and the Loss of the Army. Add to this, that after the Siege of Mardike, the first Advice was to regain Menene, which tho then it seem'd good, nevertheless, the Surrender of Furnes, which was as it were a Blockade upon Dunkirk, and opend a way to that nobler Expedition, ought to make 'em alter their Counsel••, and therefore that of the two designs they were to make choice of that which promis'd most Profit & most Honour.

These Considerations having made 'em lay aside that Enterprize which few People contested after the taking of Furnes, they fell to examine the

Attempt upon Dunkirk, where they could not expect to meet with fewer Difficulties. For tho the Situ∣ation render'd the Circumvallation more easie, and that it were but a small March for the Army, yet there were so many Obstacles to obstruct the Design, that it was morally impossible to surmount.

There is a necessity, said they, that one part of the Army must Encamp upon some Hills, and the other among stand∣ing Pools, and muddy Grounds. There was no Wood in all the Neighbourhood, nor any Straw for the Souldiers Hutts; no conv••nience for Lodging the Cavalry; no Forrage for their Subsistance. One part of the Country desert and un∣tilld•• the War had ruin'd the rest: So that there was no likelyhood that the Army could subsist there one day; much less continue a Siege. The trouble of procuring Victuals was also as great, which could be brought no way but by Calais, or by Sea. But the Dunkirkers might easily drown so much Ground as to deprive 'em of any Communi∣cat••••n by L••nd, and the way by Sea was no less hazar∣dous, because of the Fla••s and Shoals, and want of Ports; and altogether impossible in stormy weather: So that if it should happen to be bad weather, and that chance to con∣tinue but a little, we must either famish, or be forc'd to raise the Siege, with the Ignominy of having attempted it without foresight. Moreover, as it was a most difficult thing to force Dunkirk•• so long as her Port was open, so there was no probability that the great Dutch Ships that had lain in the Road ever since the taking of Mardike, could be able to come to an Anchor near the Shoare, if the Winds began to blow so furiously as they had done, more especially in the Engl. Channel, where the Waves are short, and the Sea runs high in bad weather. And when the Dutch are forc'd to keep out at Sea, the Enemy with their small Vessels, will run all hazards to fetch Relief for the Besieged. They farther observ'd, that during the Sep∣tember Tides that swell'd high, 'twould be a hard thing to hinder the Barks from Newport or Ostend from cree∣ping along the Shoar, and getting with the Tyde of Flood

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himself confirm'd in his desire to a••tack it by this, that the Enemies Generals would hardly hazard the event of a Battel, so long as it appear••d to them uncertain; for which reason he might the more daringly undertake what he pleas'd, and that there was no fear of those whom their own Interests held to be half vanquish'd already.

Thus then the desire of the publick Benefit join'd with the hope of more then ordinary honour, ha∣ving made him resolve to fall upon Dunkirk, he de∣termin'd to vanquish all manner of Obstacles, and to overcome Nature her self that oppos'd his great Design. Nevertheless, to testifie his Moderation in an Action of so great Importance, and to avoid as much as in him lay, the effects of envy the insepa∣rable Companion always of great Atchievements, he caus'd the Opinions which had been debated in Council to be written out, and without imparting his mind publickly to any Body, sent away La Mous∣saye to Court, to inform Ann of Austria, who during the Minority of Lewis the XIV. her Son, successfully govern'd our Empire, in Expectation of her Or∣ders, with a Submission so much the more accepta∣ble to her, that he might have Permission to act without consulting the rest of the great Ministers.

Now in regard he had so order'd his Message that he made no question but that the Queen would leave all things to his Management, and that she would permit his Prudence to take the Liberty of his choice, he resolv'd while he stay'd for her Appro∣bation, to employ his time in getting all things which he thought necessary in such a Readiness, that when the Answer came from Court, there was no∣thing to retard his going forward. Four things chiefly put him to a great deal of Trouble; the bad condition of his Men, that lessen'd every day, and which however he design'd for new hardships, grea∣ter then those they had already undergone; the barrenness of the Place whither he was to lead 'em;

the difficulty of hindring the Dunkirkers from com∣municating with Ostend and Newport, and the weak∣ness of Furnes, which left him expos'd to the Enemy, if he drew off his Army.

After he had for some time debated with himself the m••ans to remedy these Inconveniencies, his Pru∣dence at last furnishd him with such as prov'd effe∣ctual. La Ferte Seneterre remain'd upon the Lis with a volant Camp of eight hunder'd Horse, and fifteen hunder'd Foot, with a design to secure the French Conquests, and if the Enemy made any Diversion, to march where necessity calld him. The Prince also gave him Directions with all speed to fortifie those Places which the French held in those Quar∣ters, and to put ••em into such a Condition, that if he sent for him, he might have 'em well secur'd. He wrote likewise to the Vidame of Amiens, the King's Lieutenant in Picardy, to draw out of the Frontier Garrisons as many Men as possibly he could, and to bring 'em to the Camp. He sent Villequien into Bou∣lonnois to rally the Mil••tia of the Country that were return'd home after the taking of Mardike. And foreseeing that the French Infantry which had fol∣low'd Grammont into Holland, and which were to return into France in two of the States Vessels, might Land at Mardike, a little before he marchd for Dunkirk, he designd to make use of those Men, and order'd that as soon as they Landed, they should be distributed into Mardike, Bourbourgh and Berghen, to the end they might refresh themselves a little af∣ter the Inconveniencies of the Sea, and be ready so soon as there should be any occasion for 'em at the Siege. He order'd also the Polish Regiments of Pri∣amski and Cabree to take some rest in the Neigh∣bourhood to Calais. Those Foreigners were above seventeen hundred in all, and were newly come in∣to France under the Leading of Sicot.

After he had taken those just Measures, that he

might bring together when he pleas'd as many Men as were sufficient to fight the Enemy, should they resolve to fall upon him rather then suffer the Town to fall into his hands, and to carry on all the Labours of the Siege, his next care was to provide for their Subsistence. To which purpose he dis∣patch'd the Intendant Champestr••ux to Callais, to make Provision of Ammunition and Victuals, and told him which way he would have 'em brought, notwithstanding the Inconveniency of the Season, and the deepness of the Roads; remitting to him the performance in general of what he orderd him in particular.

Now, tho that the Dutch Admiral, Trump, a Man famous for Sea Affairs, and whose valour had rais'd his Fortune, was come, by the States Order, with ten Men of War to an Anchor in Dunkirk Road, and that number were sufficient to block up the Port, while the French Navy found the Spaniards Employment in the Mediterranean; nevertheless in regard the small Vessels of the Enemy might creep along the Coast and slip into the Place, the Prince thought it convenient to send for some few Fri∣gates from the French Ports. So that Montigny sent away twelve from Dieppe; Villequier two from Bo∣logne, which were join'd by one from Calais, toge∣ther with some Beelanders which they pickt up upon the Coast. Beelands are small Vessels, longer and narrower then Hoys which they very much resem∣ble, and much in use among the Flemings, for the conveniency of their Trade; and all these small Ves∣sels were under the command of Andonville.

There was nothing more now to be done but to put Furnes in a Condition to stop the Enemy while Dunkirk was taken; and to furnish it with Forrage for the Subsistance of the Horse, which the Prince took care of in Person; to the end his presence might make 'em more diligent to hasten their work,

and to see that they spent no more time then what was necessary in finishing the Fortifications, and supplying the Magazines.

Furnes is seated between Newport and Dunkirk, at some distance from the Sea, tho it may be conje∣ctur'd that formerly it was very near it, when the Ocean driven by the violence of the North Winds, overflow'd all the Land about it, if not stopp'd by the Mounds that lye in the way. For Fueren or Wu∣eren, as the Flemings now pronounce it, signifies to Navigate; and Nae••wueren to arrive in Port; as if Furnes had formerly been a Haven for Ships, and that it had deriv'd the name of it from thence. And as a mark of this, the Vi∣count of Furnes holds the first Rank among the Ca∣stell••ns of Flanders, who are call'd Riverians, in re∣gard it was their Business to guard the Coasts. A great number of Churches and considerable Edifices render the City very beautiful. There is the Cham∣ber still to be seen where Lewis the XI. kept himself close, when being Da••phin, he retir'd to Charles the VII. and that the D. of Burgundy protected him from the Anger of his Father, and that Chamber is still adorn'd with the Arms of France and Burgundy. The Country about Furnes is pleasant in Summer, chiefly that which extends to the East and South, by rea∣son of the Meadows and Woods: but the Mershes render it very noysome at other Seasons. 'Tis true that this Inconvenience is amply recompenc'd by the fertility of the Pasturages, which is the reason that in several places they neglect all the care of good Husbandry; and by the great number of Ca∣nals, which are infinitely advantageous for Trade. Nevertheless, there is good store of Plough'd Land, which bears plenty of Corn; and in a word, the Riches of these Parts is such, that Charles the V. was wont to say, That if the rest of Flanders were but like that corner of the World, it would be more worth then the

Indies. The Foundation of it is very ancient; for we find in the year 958. Baldwin Count of Flanders fortifi'd it with out-works of Earth, against the In∣vasions of the Normans. After that, notwithstanding it ••ad been several times ruin'd by Fire, by Dome∣stic•• Seditions, Civil Wars, and the funy of the French Arms, ••nder Robert of Arra••, and Philip de 〈◊〉〈◊〉, yet still it has recover'd it self after so many Disasters, and was then in a flourishing con∣dition, when the French took it. So that besides the necessity the French had of it, in order to their de∣sign upon D••nkirk, they had reason to preserve it, for the sake of it self. So that the Prince after he had consider'd the Situation, and the nature of the Place, resolv'd to environ it with several Half-Moons, a Hornwork and a Counterscarp; having no other defence at that time then a Wall flankd with Tow∣ers, and a Moat full of Water. To this purpose he distributed the Foot into those places where he in∣tended to break Ground; divided and appointed the Quarters of the Regiments; orderd a Camp-Master to every Quarter to take care of the Work; settl'd the Hours of Rest; nam'd the Bodies which were to relieve one another, and methodizd all things with so much equality, that there might al∣ways be a good number of Souldiers at work all day long. In the mean time, the Cavalry were order'd to cut Wood, and every Troop brought Piles to make Palisadoes and Stakes for the Use of the For∣tifications. He had also before this commanded the Magistrates of Furnes, to order the Peasants through the whole extent of their Jurisdiction, to gather Fo∣••age, and bring it into the City. He sent for Boats from all parts to facilitate the Transportation of it; and appointed an Officer to receive it as they hundled it up, and store it up in the Magazines. Never was seen so much Diligence, and so much Order, both at the same time. The Fortifications

were rais'd, the City furnish'd with Provisions, the Cavalry, Infantry, Burgesses, Peasants, Sea-men, every Body quick, and without Confusion, in the performance of what was enjoin'd 'em. All this while, the Prince was every where giving Directi∣ons, and shewing that he had a perfect Understand∣ing of Military Oeconomy. Which to me, seemd so much the more worthy of Applause, because Va∣lour is common to the meanest private Souldier, whereas Fore-sight, and Knowledge in the Art of War, are the distinguishing Qualities of Great Men. So that it appear'd, in a short time, how much the Pr••sence and Ability of a General puts all things in forwardness. For in the space of 14 days, the Forti∣fications were fi••ishd, and the Magazines well filld.

Now these great Preparations not being unknown to the Spaniards (for the Flemmings spurr'd on with that Aff••ction, which People reserve a little while for the Masters they have lost, gave them continu∣al Intelligence) they readily c••njecturd that the French had a design to attack Dunkirk. Caracena, who lay nearest to the French, was the first who dis∣patch'd away advice of it to Castle Rodrigo, Gover∣nour of the Low Countries, at Brussels. He sent him Information of what he learnt day by day, and by redoubld Couriers, de••ir'd his Counsel and Assist∣ance, in a Matter of so high Importance as this. The chief Commanders of the Flemmish Armies, after they had shar'd among 'em the defence of these Countries, were at that time seaprated in Posts re∣mote from one another. Their Generalissim••, Charles of Lorrain, was drinking Waters at the Spaw; and his Men lay quarterd upon the Frontiers of Holland; as was also Beck with his Body of Flemmings and Walloons, Picolomini, with the princip••l strength of the Country, was encamp••d upon the Scheldt, near Dendermonde. Curacena, lay at Newport, command∣ing the Royal Army of Spaniards and Italians, as al∣so

the Germans, and the Liedigeois, which the Empe∣rour had sent at the beginning of the Campaigne; while Lamboy, General of those Forces, constrain'd by Sickness to quit the Service for some time, was gone for the Recovery of his Health to one of his Houses in the County of Liege. This Disposal of the Spanish Forces, seem'd absolutely necessary to Casti••rodridgo, for the security of the Provinces which he govern'd; and upon the sole conjecture of Appearances, usually false, frequently fraudu∣lent, he durst not disfurnish those Places, which they possess'd, for fear of exposing 'em to the Ar∣mies of the French or Hollanders. But tho there were not so much reason to be afraid of the Hollanders, for that they carry'd on the War more re∣missly, since their Plenipotentiaries had begun a Negotiation of a Truce, with the K. of Spain, in the Assembly at Munster, where the Ministers of the Christian Princes met to settle Peace over Eu∣rope; yet it was plain, that tho both the Armies of Flanders should have joyn'd, there was no likely∣hood they would come to encamp near Dunkirk, so long as the French lay at Furnes; for that being de∣priv'd both by Sea and Land of all Communication with Newport, it would have been their visible ru∣ine, and to have been expos'd an easie Prey to the French, all Flanders being depriv'd of their Veterane Bands, which till then had hinder'd 'em from hast∣ning their Destruction. Thus Castelrodridge, being ••••opt by these Considerations, and the slow manner of acting, customary to that Nation, who wait up∣on time, which they often loose, in hopes that ei∣ther the Season, or the Places, would either hinder or ruine the French, deemd it su••ficient to keep in a Readiness what he thought necessary for the Re∣lief of Dunkirk, when the Town should be Besieg'd. To the end therefore that nothing might be omit∣ted which he thought might be serviceable to him

in this important necessity, he resolv'd to try whi∣ther he could excite the Parliament of England a∣gainst the French, in regard they seem'd to look upon it as their Interest not to let Dunkirk fall into their Hands. To this purpose, after he had imparted his Resolutions to the Generals he dispatch'd an Express to the Spanish Ambassadour at London, to the end he might be inform'd of his Designs, and make use of his Credit, which was very great with the Repub∣licans at that time, to obtain a considerable Succour.

This was the posture of Affairs on both sides, when the Answer from the Court was brought to the Prince. It was written in such a manner, that tho the Ministers started some difficulties in the En∣t••rprise of Dunkirk, 'twas easie to perceive that they inclin'd to the Design of Attempting it; rightly judging, that if it succeeded, the taking of that place would prove a great Honour to the Queens Regency. Thereupon they referr'd it again to the Prince, to consider whither he would undertake the Enter∣prize or no.

The design therefore being resolv'd upon, there was nothing more in the Princes Thoughts but go∣ing to work, and to make the best of the Season, Winter drawing on a pace, and already beginning to pinch the Army. For the security therefore of Furnes,, the Prince left Bosquet Governour, with a Gar••ison of 1200 Foot, and 100 Horse, with In∣structions to send continually to the Camp, Corn, Hay and Straw.

All the Souldiers h••d orders then to be ready to March, and the 19th. of September, the whole French Army set forward from Furnes to Dunkirk, consist∣ing of between nine and ten thousand Foot, and five thousand Horse, without any Baggage, or that Rab∣ble of useless People, that usually follow great Ar∣mies. Gassion and Ranzan Marshalls of France, com∣manded under the Prince. The first having pass'd

through all the Degrees of Warfare, had attaind by his own Merit to be chief in the Princes Favour. The other a Native of Germany, but long devoted to France, found his Services recompenc'd with the greatest Honour to which the French Nobility could aspire. These two had under 'em, for Lieutenants, Villequier & la Fer••e Imbrand, Chastillon, la Moussaye, Arnauld, Pallua••, Lavat, Chabot, Castelnau and Mar∣sin, Camp••Marshals to the Prince. Quince, Roane••te, and Miossans, were the same under Gassion. Norman∣tier, Sicot, and Clanleu, under Ranzau. They had un∣der them very good Officers, few Volunteers•• but amongst those that were was the Duke of Rets•• whose Diligence, near the Person of the Prince, du∣ring the whole Campaigne, made him to be greatly taken notice of; and Montauzier who rode Post to wait upon the Prince, upon the first Rumo••r of the Siege.

The Country between Furnes and Dunkerk, is in∣tercut with several Canals, between the New River, and the Colme, beyond which, toward the North, the Downs extend themselves, and the Sea-Sands. The Prince therefore resolv'd to divide the Army into three Parts, as well to possess himself of this Country, as to invest Dunkirk, so soon as he was got out of Furnes. This Disposal render'd his March more easie and swift, and by this means, all the three Bodies which he had separated might arrive before the Town, all at the same time. He chose that side next the Town, as the most dangerous, by reason of Newport, where the Enemy lay encampt. He had with him the Regiments of Pers••n; Enguien, Conti, Albert, and Mazar••n, Vattevil••e's Regiment of Switzers, and the Battallions of English under Til∣liot, Hacquins and Hansfers. His Cavalry consisted of the Queens Gendarmes, those of Conde, Enguien, Long••eville, de l' Hospital, and Grammont, the Light Horse of Conde, and Enguien; the Royal Regiment;

those of Enguien, Mazarin, Grammont, Sceaux, Me∣ille, Marsin, Binse, and four Troops of Arnauds Ca∣rabines. The most part of these Bodies had always serv'd under him, and the Tryals he had put 'em upon, gave him such reason to confide in 'em, that it was much to their Honour. Gassion took the Left Hand of the Prince•• along the River that runs from Furnes to Dunkirk, with the Companies of French Gu••rds, six Companies of Swiss Guards, the Regi∣ments of Picardy and Navarr, one of Walloons under Borrnonville, one of Switzers under Guy, and a Bat∣tallion of English under Rocpy. For his Cavalry he had his own Regiment, with those of Coas••in, de la Fueil••ade, Villequier, Rocheguyon, Coeuvres, Bergere, Stref•• Tillar, and Bussyalmoru. Ranzau march'd tho∣rough the Country that lies on the other side of the New River, with six Companies of the French Guards, the Regime••ts of Piemont and Orleance, and the Switzers of Molondin. His Cavalry consisted of the Regiments of Orleance, dela Ferte Imbaud, Roque∣laure, Beaujeau, Eclinvilliers, Noirlieu•• with his own, together with the Fusel••ers and Cravates. The Ar∣tillery, commanded by Cosse, St. Marsin, Chouppes, and le Borde••, consisted of fifteen heavy Canon, some Middling and small Pieces, some Bombs, and a great number of Granadoes.

After a March of six Hours, the whole Army ar∣riv'd before Dunkirk, not having met with any con∣siderable Obstacle. Only Ranzau was constrain'd to drive the Enemy from four Redoubts, which they held upon the Canal, that leads from Dunkirk to Bergues, through which he pass'd. Nor would it have been an easie thing to have forc'd 'em in some hours, would they have held out till their Canon could have been brought up; which could not have been done so soon, by reason of the deep and mie∣ry ways, which the Rain had broken. But whither they wanted Resolution, or whether they thought

to spare their Souldiers, they quitted the three first Redoubts, so soon as they saw the Bridges layd to get at 'em, and retreated to the fourth, which was defended by the Canon of the Town; and imme∣diately a hunderd and fifty Horse fall••'d out of Dunkirk, and put themselves behind the Fort; as it was thought, with a design to dispute it. But after∣wards it appeard, that their Intention was only to favour the Retreat of their Foot, which was there engag'd. For Noirmonstier, who was comman∣ded to take in the Forts, and who had already pos∣sest himself of the rest, was marching to fall upon the latter. At the same time he also caus'd the first Squadron of the Regiment of Orleance to advance, and order'd Genlis to take a hunderd Musketeers of the French Guards, and seize upon certain old Ruines that lay between the Fort and the Town. But that struck a fear into the Enemy, lest we should hinder their return, and made 'em judge it was dan∣gerous for 'em to stay any longer; so that they made away after a slight Skirmish, and the French Van Curriers drave 'em to their very Counterscarp.

Dunkirk is seated among the Downs, that rise up with their white Heads, on the North side, from Eschelle to Calais. On the East it is bounded by Fur∣nes and Newport. Southward, it looks toward Ber∣guen and Flanders: Mardike lies to the West of it; and the Sea washes it to the North. The Territory that belongs to it is very small, and almost every way enclos'd by that of Berguen. The largeness and strength of it proceeds from the convenience of the Sea•• St. Eloy, preaching the Gospel, built a Chappel there in former Ages, of which there are some Remains still to be seen near the Towers of the City; from whence it derives both Name and Original. Dunkirk, signifying no more then the Church upon the Downs; and it seems that for that Reason they have built the Steeple of St. Eloy••s

Church so high, that the rising of the Hills does not hinder it from being seen out at Sea; and from the Platform at the top, you may discover in a se∣rene day, the Mou••tains of Dover, and the Coast of Englan•••• At first, Dunkirk was only a poor Ham∣let, compos'd of Fishermens Hutts, erected for the conveniency of the Haven. Afterwards, Antiquity and Carelessness having spoil'd the Harbour of Mardike, famous at that time, it became considera∣ble by the Ruine of that Port. Baldwin Count of Flanders, Sirnamd the Young, made a City of it in the Year nine hundred four score and sixteen. Af∣terwards it was peopled by the Favour of Philip of Vermandois, who endowing it with several Immuni∣ties, drew great numbers of Inhabitants to it. It would require a particular History to relate, how often it has changd Masters; how often it fell in Partition to Robert de Cassel; how it past to Robert de Barr•• who by the Marriage of his Daughter, he fix'd it into the Family of St. Pol; how it fell after∣wards to the Families of Vendosm and Bourbon; af∣terwards under the Dominion of the Spaniards. It would be also no less Delightful to understand the various Misfortunes it has undergone; how the En∣glish burnt it in the Year 1388. how it was surpriz'd by the French, a long time after, under the Marshal Termes; what are the Priviledges of the Lords of it? what are the Laws it is govern'd by? what is the Trade which it drives? what is the Supream Marine Council which is there settl'd? what is their Herring-fishing, and the great v••nt they have for that Commodity? and what the Priviledges wherewith the Emperor Charles the V. endowd ••em. But in regard our Design is only to write the Siege of this place, without intending any other Divertise∣ment for the Reader, we shall only give an account of the State of the City, at the time when the Prince's Army sate down before it.

〈…〉〈…〉 divided into two Cities, the old and 〈…〉〈…〉 The old is seated upon the Sea-shore, en∣〈…〉〈…〉hick Wall, after the ancient man∣〈…〉〈…〉 a great many large Towers, sup∣〈…〉〈…〉 a sp••cious Rampart, accompany'd with 〈…〉〈…〉 with Brick, above 26 foot wide, and 〈…〉〈…〉 Colme Water, which swells in that 〈…〉〈…〉 Tides are higher or lower. On Mardike 〈…〉〈…〉 Sea runs up into the Land, and extending 〈…〉〈…〉 the Wall of the old City, forms a Ha∣〈…〉〈…〉 to contain 200 great Ships: however, 〈…〉〈…〉 it is very narrow and dangerous, by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Shelves and Sands that lye full in the 〈…〉〈…〉 it. Within the Canal, which is no less 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then the Haven, above a hundred Vessels may ••ide 〈◊〉〈◊〉 safety. Out of this Haven sayl'd the 〈…〉〈…〉 blockd up the mouths of our Rivers, and were ••••c••me so formidable upon all the West∣e•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 France. Antiquity never knew Men 〈…〉〈…〉pon the Sea then the Dunkirkers. And indeed i•• i•• •• thing hardly to be believ'd, that this C••••y alo••e should have almost spoil'd the Trade of 〈…〉〈…〉 potent Kingdoms of Europe, and 〈…〉〈…〉 D••tch Fleets that Sail to the New World•• 〈…〉〈…〉 from the Spaniards whole Provin∣ces 〈…〉〈…〉 were not our Merchants Losses as Fa∣〈…〉〈…〉 Scandalous Testimony of their Fury and ••alour. O•• that side next to France, from the 〈…〉〈…〉 against the Walls of the old City, the H••ve•• is defended by the Fort de Leon, built upon the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and by consequence ill flank'd, by rea∣so•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Inconvenience of the Place, otherwise small, but strongly Pallisad••'d, and furnish'd with a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of great Canon. On the other side of the Haven, rises •• Causey which running 5 or 600 Paces 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Sea, covers it on Flanders side and juts upon a small wooden Fort, planted with some Canon. The new City joyns to Fort Leon, and enclosing the rest

of the Harbour; afterwards enlarges and extends it self about the Old one, beyond the way that leads to Newport. It is environ'd with an enclosure of 12 Bastions of Earth, with a Moat full of Water, and a Counterscarp; and two Hornworks fill up the whole space that remains between the hind most Ba∣stion, and the Causey that shoots into the Sea. To∣ward the South, three large Canals run out of Dun∣kirk, and afford the advantage and convenience of transporting in their Beelands, these Commodities which they vend up and down the Country. These Canals fall into the Haven, and serve either to cleanse it, or to drown the Parts adjoyning to the City, as they pull up, or let down their Sluces. The first leads to Berg••••n, the second to Hons••otte, the third to Furn••s, Newport, and then to Bruge••. The Magistrates having begun this latter in the year 1640. and having finish'd it the next year, gave it the name of the New River; the other two are very Ancient. Dunkirk was guarded within with two thousand six hundred Foot, in a 11 Regiments; and without by the Armies of Caracena and Lamboy. In those Re∣giments, the number of Officers equall'd almost that of the Souldiers. There were also in the Town 300 Horse, and 2000 Seamen, accustom'd to Sea Fights; the fury of which makes 'em contemn all other dangers; the Fortifications were well provided with Artillery; and as we have said already, there was nothing wanting in the City that might serve for the defence of it.

So soon as the Army came before the City, the Prince assign'd the Quarters, and resolv'd to dispose of his Men in such a manner, that if the Enemy should attempt to raise the Siege, they could not be able either to succour the Town, nor force his Camp, On the East side of him, there was a space of Ground which separates the New River from the Sea. This space of Ground is cover'd in part with

unequal Hills or Downs, both in regard of their Situa••ion and Heighth, and perfectly extends it self into a Plain, which is water'd by the New River, and then runs on as far as the Canal of Honscotte. From this Canal going to Mardike, there are two Mershes, which are cut out of the Canal of Ber∣guin, and some other Rivers. To the West, you meet with a Plain opposite to the former, other Downs, and then the Sea Shoar. These la••ter Places seem'd sufficiently defended by the Canals, and the Mershes, which made the Access very difficult to those that were not Masters of 'em; as also by the Neighbourhood of Mardike and Berguen, which se∣cur'd ••em. The greatest danger was toward the East; for that the Enemy setting f••rward from Newport, which is but ••5 Miles from Dunkirk, might come to the Camp in a few Hours, without any Molestation, which oblig••d the Prince to make sure of that place. To which purpose he caus'd Gassion to encamp with his Brigade, from the Sea Shore to the middle of the Downs•• the rest he took up himself, and all the Plain as far as the New River. There he lodg'd the Men which he himself lead; and that he might wholly fill up the Place that remain'd void along th•• Ca••al of Furnes, he joyn'd to his own Men, ten Companies of French Gendarmes, and Beaujeu••s Regi∣ment of Horse, which were of Ranzau's Brigade. From the New River, drawing toward the Canal of Berg••en, Ranzau had Order to Line the rest of the Plain, with the Bodies of Horse and Foot which the Prince had left him. The Places which the French possess'd, and the inconvenient Situation of the Country serv'd for the rest of the Circumvallation. Only upon the Downs, which lye to the West; the Prince plac'd Villequier, with the Militia of Boulogne, his own Regiment of Horse, and that of Rocheguyon, to the end that the Spaniards, if they should pass the C••lme, after they had drawn together at St. Omers

to put in Succour into the Town, between Berguen and Mardike, meeting with that Obstacle might be quite out of hopes. By Sea, the Dutch Ships, and the French Frigates, blockt up the Port, and thus was Dunkirk enclos'd on every side. Moreover, a Bridge was layd over the Canal of Furnes, for the Commu∣nication of Quarters; and two more over the Canals of Honscotte and Berguen, for the Carriages to come over that brought Victuals from Calais to the Camp.

The next day the Circumvallation was begun; at which the whole Army wrought. The Prince undertook to cut, and sink a Moat, six Foot deep, and twelve Foot wide, from the Downs, next the Sea, to the Canal of Furnes; and to consolidate the Work, and hinder the Sand from falling into it; he order••d the Lines, which were to be Canon Proof, to be lin'd with Turf. Then he mark'd out the most easie Places for the Attacks, and to secure 'em with Pallilado's and Turnpikes; and about 30 or 40 Pa∣ces beyond the Moat, he drew out another of an ••qual bigness. Now, in regard the risings of the Downs were un••qual, and for that there were some along the Lines, that might annoy the Army, he was constraind to possess himself of all those upper Grounds, to fortifie 'em, and extend his Works a great way, chiefly toward Newport Road, and Gas∣sion's Quarter. There was one of these Hills, which being much higher then the rest, commanded the Camp, from the top of which, the French were to be seen drawn up in order of Battel, and it was dangerous to let the Enemy be Masters of it, so as to plant their Cannon upon it. The Prince there∣fore, to obviate all Annoyances, resolv'd to possess it; and whatever pains it cost him to environ it with two Lines, which should joyn to those of the Circumvallation, to raise a Fort at the top of it, and to plant a Battery upon it.

The Sea Shore still remain'd to be fortifid. But

by reason of the Flux and Reflux of the Sea, there was no probability of working in the Sand, with∣out being able to fix it; and besides, the shortness of time would not permit the casting up of Mounds. Nevertheless, the rest of the works were insignifi∣cant, if such a space of Sandy Ground should be left unguarded, during low Water. The Prince there∣fore resolv'd to plant a kind of Rail, well fortifi'd with Stakes anow to put a stop to the Enemy for some time, and easie to repair if the Tyde should carry any part of it away. He order'd therefore Piles of Wood to be driven in by main force, the better to sustain the fury of the Waves, and to range 'em so close one to another, that there might be no room to go between 'em; yet still at such a distance as to give way to the violence of the Sea, and break the strength of the Innundation.

Nor did he employ less Industry to defend him∣self from the Water, which the Dunkirkers, had let into the Highways, from the New River to Mardike, which were overflow'd in such a manner, that the Wagons that came with Victuals from Calais could not pass. But tho, when the Prince thought of the Siege, he had provided against this Inconvenience, by ordering Champlastreux to cause a great quantity of Ammunition Bread to be bak'd at Berguen, from whence it was brought down the Canal to the Camp, and to send for all the Provision he could in Boats, that crept along the Coasts from Calai••: Neverthe∣less, because this way was uncertain and trouble∣some, and for that the Army was still in fear of want, ••he thought it necessary to clear the High∣ways by turning away the Water. And first they thought to stop the Sluces with Planks, rampar'd with Earth, which would be easily done, and take up but little time. But the Fury of the Waves, which with a wonderful Rapidness, drives back the stream of Rivers, when the Tyde flows in, having

twice carry'd away all their Toyl and Labour, there∣fore they determin'd with great pains to drive in great Piles near the Hollowness of the Sluces, thorough which the Sea rowl••d in, and to forti••ie the Piles with great Stones, and throw in a vast quan∣tity of Earth, till at length the Sluces were stopp'd.

At the same time also that he entrench'd himself against the Enemies Forces, and the Obstacles of Na∣ture, the Prince with no less Prudence provided for the Necessities of the Army. He sent away out of the Camp all the Baggage Horses, and a thousand of those that belong'd to the Troopers, which were most harass'd to recruit themselves in the Pasturages about Calais. The Forage which the Barrenness of the Place, & the difficulty of Carriage render'd scant, was very sparingly distributed; taking the pains himself to go twice a day to the place where the Forrage was Landed, to see it equally shar'd. At the same time he commanded Roanette to fetch the In∣fan••ry that return'd from Holland, and sent Ram∣bur••'s Regiment to Villequier's Post, the better to se∣cure it; and for that purpose, the Companies of the Garrison of Lorrain and Havre, and Grammon••'s Regiment took Furnes Road. Those of Noirmonstier and F••bert, stay'd at Berghen, with Directions to come in their Turns, and serve in the Camp, by mounting the Guards of the Trenches. He also order••d Sicot to bring the Polonians within the Lines. In the place where he encamp'd, he retain'd the Battallions of Cabree, and sent the Third which Pri∣amiski commanded to reinforce Gassion's Quarter. That Nation contemns danger, which their Natural Fierceness is ignorant of. The Nobility however are Civil and Ingenious, but Haughty, as are all the rest of the Northern People. Now in regard the Polan∣ders know little what belongs to Sieges, the most part of their Wars being carry'd on in the Field, they came into the Camp without any conveniences

for the making of Hutts. Nor did the Place, which was Barren enough of it self, afford 'em any; so that they were constrain'd like Beasts, to dig them¦selves holes in the Sand, to shelter themselves from the weather.

During all this variety of Labour and Toyl, the Prince was up and down every where, leaving no∣thing exempted from his Care; yet still appearing with that Sedateness of Mind, which was easie to be discern'd in his Countenance. So that the Souldiers imitating the Example of his Chearfulness, and re∣doubling their Labour with the same Alacrity, in four days, notwithstanding the continual Rains and Winds, all the Fortifications of the Camp were fi∣nishd, and the Sluces prevented from doing any more harm. The Downs also that were fortifid for defence, lookt like so many great Bastions, and sur∣priz'd the Eyes of those that beheld 'em. Nay, even they that fortifi'd 'em could not but wonder how such prodigious Works could be brought to perfe∣ction in so short a time. Surely, if we consider ••e∣riously all the Circumstances of those Works, which I have so faithfully describ'd, and afterwards exa∣mine those which are to be found in the Greek and Roman Histories, which we never read without asto∣nishment, will find by a just Comparison, that the Prince has hardly been out done.

While they were working at the Entrenchments, the Prince receiv'd news that the Orders which he had sent for securing the Places which the French held upon the Lis, had been punctually obey'd. That La Ferte Seneterre, together with Rovigny and de Pi∣ennes were departed from Bethune, with all their Men, to put in a Convoy of 500 measures of Corn, and some bundles of Match into Courtray, which that Place stood in need of. And it was said, that because they would make the more haste, and for that they understood, that the Enemy had thrown

Trees cross the High-ways, they left the Wagons, and loaded the draught Horses which they un∣spang'd from the Wains, beside that every Horse∣man was order'd to carry a Sack behind him, and so crossing the Enemies Country, in the Night, got safe to Courtray, where they left 500 Men of the Regi∣ments of Antragnes, Tavanes, Lamberte, and the Swiss Guards, and Provision enough for two months for 3000 Souldiers. Lastly that they were return'd to Armentiers, from whence, they could send all ther Men to the Prince.

At the heels of this came other News no less ac∣ceptable. Tourville return'd from Holland, and gave a better account of the Success of his Negotiation, then the Inclination of that Republick seem'd to pro∣mise. Frederick Henry Prince of Orange, whose Au∣thority till then had constrain'd the United Provin∣ces to continue the War, then lay labouring under a lingring Distemper, which had much enfeebld the Vigour of his mind, and renderd him less capa∣ble of Business. In the mean time, the Deputies of the States taking the Government into their hands, several among ••em sway'd by their old Inclinations to Peace, others corrupted with the Gold of Spain, and deeply concern'd for their want of Trade, had set forward their Treaty with the Spaniards, and the Catholick King granting almost all their de∣mands, 'twas much to be fear'd th••t the Treaty would be concluded; which happen'd to be an ••••∣seasonable Conjuncture for the French, in regard they could expect no succour from Holla••d•• However, Tourville had so dextrously follow'd his Instructions, which the Prince had given him, that in spite of all these troublesome Obstacles, the Dutch not only promis'd to break the Trace, but engag••d to make a great Diversion in Brabant, and to undertake the Siege of Liere or Malines. Now, tho the Prince built no great hopes upon these Promises of the Hollan∣d••••••••

〈◊〉〈◊〉 pompous then real•• nevertheless, be∣c••••se he made no question but their Army would be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Motion, were it only to make some show of ful∣fi••••ng their Promises, he thought he should get ad∣vantage e••••ugh by their March, since it would oblige 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spaniards to divide their Forces; and in regard they that lay at Newport, were too feeble to fight him alone, he should the more easily accomplish the Siege.

While things thus pass'd in the Camp, the Ene∣mies Generals, no longer doubting but that Dunkirk was besieg'd, assembl'd at Newport, which was the next place to the Siege, and therefore most Com∣modious for Conference and Execution. Picolominy & ••••amboy were there, being come to joyn Caracena, who had never stirr'd since the taking of Furnes. Beck was also expected, who was hastning thither with long Marches. These Captains being of several Na∣tions, and having various Interests, pretending to be Independant one from the other (tho Picolominy had some Authority above the Rest) frequently retarded the welfare of their Party, through their private and particular Passions; and many times, while they opposd those Counsels which were not giv'n by themselves, their own misunderstandings frustra••ed good designs. At this time, the Import∣ance of the thing, being joynd with the loss of their Reputation, which the continual Victories of the French had very much lessend, oblig'd 'em to give their opinions generously, and to bethink them∣selves of an entire Union, and which way to force the French to raise their Siege. Nor were they at the b••ginning without hopes. They found themselves more numerous then the French, promising them∣selves, as they desir'd, and not without great pro∣bability, that the Hollanders, by a quick conclusion of the Peace, would leave 'em at liberty to draw out their Frontier Garrisons, and oppose the D. with very great Forces. Besides, the Inconveniencies of

the D's. being encamp'd in such a place, and the badness of the Season gave 'em hopes that they might defeat the French Army full of Diseases and tyr'd, and enclos'd between their Forces and ••he Town; besides, that they lay open toward the Sea, & were but badly entrench'd along the Downs. For they could not imagine that in so f••w days it had been possible to fortifie the Sea-shore, nor to raise in the Sand such good Defences as the French had done. Nevertheless, not being willing to hazard any thing rashly, and because Beck was not yet come to Newport, to take the most certain measures, they concluded to draw out of all their Bodies a good number of Horse to take Prisoners, and to inform themselves the best they could of the state of the French Camp. They also thought it necessary to pre∣pare at Newport as many Frigates as they could get ready, to the end, that if their Negotiation with England succeeded, they might assist the English Men of War to force the Confederates Fleet; or if they miss'd of Forraign Ayd, that they might attempt the putting in Relief into Dunkirk, by the Favour of Wind and Tyde.

In the mean time, the Prince resolvd to carry the Place by main Force; for being a Person of a deep Fore-sight, he rightly conjectur'd, that only the length of the Siege could ruine his Design. Victuals came with great di••ficulty to the Camp; the Sea grew tempestuous, and ran high; and the Sea-men being forc'd out of Calais, and not daring to venture for fear of losing their Vess••ls, kept themselves within the Canal of Mardike, with so much obstinacy, that the Officers of that Fort, were constrain'd to let fly with their Great Guns upon 'em, and to sink one of the Beelands to terrifie the rest, and cause ••em to bear away to the Camp. Nor was the Shore more favourable to 'em then the Sea; many of their Ves∣sels being thrown against the Sands, and stav'd to

pieces. Moreover, the Rain continually falling, soak'd into the Souldiers Hutts, so that they lay half in the Durt; the Wind caus'd 'em to catch great colds•• nor had they ••ires sufficient 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dry them∣selves; the terrible blasts blew the small Sand among their Victuals, and in their Eyes; & amidst all these hardships, together with their Military Duties in the Gua••d of the Trenches and Camp; there was a necessity of continually repairing the Breaches, which the Sea made in their Fences, or in the Slu∣ces•• and emptying the Moats of the Lines which the Wind filld with Sand, which redoubld their Toyl•• Ill Stabling, and bad food for the Horses, reduc'd 'em into a very bad Condition; and sick∣ness began to seize both Men and Beasts.

These vast Inconveniencies nothing dismay'd the Prince, who had seen 'em all present in his thoughts, from the very moment that he form'd the Design; and who as we have already said, had from that time so well taken his Measures that by his extraordinary Dillig••nce and Industry, his Ar∣my might support it self longer, then he judg'd it necessary to take the Town by force. For in re∣gard it was to be fear'd, that if they went about to Storm the Town with those Securities and Defen∣ces usually prepard for other Souldiers, le•••• after they had spent a long time in raising Works, the approaching Winter might render all their Labour Fruitless, and an ensuing mortality consume the Ar∣my, the Prince took up his first Resolution, which was to make Tryal of the quickness of Execution, and Judiciously perswaded himself, that it was the Preservation of the Souldiers, to hazard a small number in Glorious Attempts, for the Safety of the rest. By that means he prov'd a good Husband of time, the loss of which is never to be recover'd. He satisfi'd the desire of the whole Army, impatient of their Su••ferings, and brought to pass this renow∣ned

Enterprize, maugre all the Opposition of Men and Nature: having this to comfort him, That whatever happen'd, his Honour would retain en∣tire, not only because it did not depend upon ha∣zard, against which he had fortifi'd himself as much as it was possible•• but the rather because his Virtue had rais'd him above the reach of ill Fortune.

With these thoughts, the very same day that the Entrenchments were finish••d, he went to view the Place, together with Gassion and Ranzau; and after he had well considerd it, he resolv'd upon two At∣tacks; t••e one upon the last Bastion, the other up∣on the Hornwork against it. He order'd the first on∣set to be made by his own Army, which he rein∣forc'd with two Battallions, which he took by turns from both the Marshals; leaving the more easie At∣tack to the two Brigades that were to relieve 'em•• They attack'd the Bastion in the Face next the Sea, and the Hornwork on that side which was most ex∣posd to the Bastion. In the Evening the Trenches were open'd, and a great Redoubt was rais'd at the beginning of each, and between the two Redoubts they rais'd a Battery of 15 Great Guns. This was done without any Disorder, the Besieged never mo∣lesting the Workmen; whether it were that they thought that what was yet done, would do 'em but little harm; or whither they believ'd it more neces∣sary to employ themselves in finishing certain Out∣works which they had already begun, and to sur∣round 'em with Pallisado's.

The Marshals Attack was the first place where any fighting happen'd to be. For between the Pallisados and the Besiegers Trenches, there was an indifferent high Hill, which the Enemy possess'd, and from whence they were to be driven, before the French could carry on their Works. Therefore Noirman∣stier, being upon the Guard that day with ten Com∣panies of the French Guards of Ranzau's Briga••e re∣ceiv'd

orders to make himself master of that Down. Thereupon having drawn out a Company of choice Men, under the command of Saujon, Chail••y and Rou∣sille, seconded by the rest of the Body which Cour∣celles lead, he fell on with great Resolution. The Souldiers were daring, the O••ficers prudent, and as it happens in the first Action of Sieges, every one strove with Emulation to signalize himself. So that the Attack was undertaken with so much Vigour, and in so good Order, that the Enemy astonishd at the fury of the first Onset, gave ground without much resistance, not being able in their Confusion to consider the number of the Assailants, nor to make the best of those Advantages, which the Light of the Moon, and the white Sands, over which the French advanc••d without any shelter, might have gi∣ven 'em. However, they did not suffer the Attack∣ers to rest long. For all of a suddain, as soon as they had recollected themselves, they return'd to the Charge. Three times they came on again, and were three times repuls'd. In the mean time, Nior∣m••nstier, tho he ran up and down where ever the Exigency of Command and Danger summon'd him, had broke ground with so much speed, that maugre those Attacks, he had finishd a Lodgement upon the Down which he had gaind; and they had join'd it by a Line of Retreat, a hunderd and fifty paces in length, with the Works of the French. Never∣theless, the Work was not brought to full Perfe∣ction, for want of Bavins, when about six a Clock in the Morning, the Dunkirkers resolvd to drive the Besiegers out of their Lodgment. Noirmonstier im∣mediately ran with Courcelles,, and the other Cap∣tains, to the Head of the Work, by their presence and Conduct, to encourage the Combatants. At the same time the Enemy threw a great number of Gra∣nados, the breaking of which did the Besiegers the more mischief, in regard there was not one that fell

in vain among the Souldiers that were thick crow∣ded together. The Besieged were in hopes that their Granado's would have put the French in Disorder; and that afterwards they might be repelld with more ease. But when they saw the Officers resolute and accustom'd to Discipline, succeeded one ano∣ther when any one was wounded, and that fresh Souldiers took the place of those that fell, then hopeless to see the small effect of their Granado's, they came to Handiblows with the Besiegers. This encounter which lasted 3 hours, was very bloody, the manner of Combat augmenting their Fury. The Fortune of the Day also waver'd for a long time, the French not willing to abandon their Victory, and the Spaniards striving with all their might to regain it. But at length the Spaniards recoyl'd, and tho they made 3 other Attacks with the same obstinacy, they were still repuls'd, and the Lodgement made capa∣ble befor•• Night to contain above 300 Men. The Besiegers lost a great number of Men; they had 10 Serjeants kill'd; Porcheux, a Captain of the Guards; Mondebise, a Lieutenant, and two other Officers wounded. Nor was the Enemies Loss less conside∣rable. On their side there dy'd a Volunteer of the House of Cro••y; and of the French, Barrouliere, an Ensign of the Guards. Saujon, Chailly, Rousille, Loig∣nac, Genlis, Campagnole, and du Voulch, Officers of the same Regiment did signal Service, chiefly Courcelles, who next to Noirmonstier might well assume to him∣self the greatest part of the Honour of that Action.

On the other side, at the Principal Attack, where Aubeterre was wounded with a Musket Shot, the Approaches were briskly carryd on. Chatillon, in a little time had advanc'd the Works so far, that there was not much ground to be gaind to come at the Counterscarp; all things went on prosperously, and the speed of the work answer'd the Prince's expe∣ctation.

In the mean time Intelligence came, that the Ene∣mies Armies were set forward out of Newport to ••ight the Besiegers; and that the foremost Squa∣drons of their Vanguard appea••'d between Furnes and Dunkirk. This Intelligence was grounded upon the Advantageous Rumours which the Spaniards caus••d to be spread about, of great Succours which they were preparing, and of their assurance to force the French Lines; and all this to chear up the de∣jected Minds of the People. Which Reports, the V••lgar believing, had encreas'd 'em with great Ad∣ditions, according to Custome, and the Cavalry that appear'd, seemd in some Measure to confirm 'em. However, the Prince being inform'd that the Forces of Flanders were drawing together about Newport, and desirous to know the truth of the Rumour of their March, that he might prepare for all Acci∣dents, sent out for News, and dispatcht away Or∣ders to La Ferte Seneterre to approach with his Fly∣ing Camp. The next day the French Scouts brought word, that the Cavalry which had alarum'd the Pea∣sants and the Spies, was nothing else but a great Par••y sally••d out of Newpor••, which fell upon the French Foragers, and that having taken some of 'em, they were retir'd again in hast.

Now tho this Report of Relief had spread it self among the Besiegers, yet it wrought no disturbance. There was no Alteration made in the Guard of the ••amp, which was still dispos'd in the same manner as if the Enemies Army had been in view; the works a•• the Trenches, and the attack of ••he Bastion went o••, and Arnaud and Marsin were advanc••d almost to the Foot of the Counterscarp; but with some trouble and danger; the Difficulties encreasing ••s they drew nearer and nearer to the Enemies defe••∣ces. At length, La Moussay•• coming in his turn, un∣dertook to make a Lodgement. He mounted the Guard with the Battallion of Switzers under Molon∣din,

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〈…〉〈…〉ring their great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which 〈…〉〈…〉fore, with extraordinary Fury; 〈…〉〈…〉 who were altogether expos'd by 〈…〉〈…〉 workmen, ••ighting with disadva••∣〈…〉〈…〉 had already receiv'd two mor••••l 〈…〉〈…〉 most daring of his men not wil∣〈…〉〈…〉 but prefer••ng de••th before igno∣〈…〉〈…〉 by him. The T••mult, the Night, the 〈…〉〈…〉 Arms, the Gro••ns of the Wounded, 〈…〉〈…〉 Combatants caus'd a hidio••s 〈…〉〈…〉 the news of this disorder wa•• carrid 〈…〉〈…〉 who immediately flew into the 〈…〉〈…〉 the da••ger, and by his Pre••ence settl'd all 〈…〉〈…〉 order again; he caus'd the Men to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••o t••e Works, which La Moussaye repair'd 〈…〉〈…〉 on with the same Courag••, as he had 〈…〉〈…〉 surviv'd some days the Honour 〈…〉〈…〉ervice; but Death depriv'd him of all 〈…〉〈…〉ut the praises of Posterity. At 〈…〉〈…〉 on the Marshals side, the Tumult was 〈…〉〈…〉 nor the Combat no less furious. For 〈…〉〈…〉 carry'd on the Trenches, and Chan∣•••••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 possess'd the place of a Fortification, 〈…〉〈…〉sieged had begun near thei•• Counter∣〈…〉〈…〉 mounting the Guard after them, had 〈…〉〈…〉 P••llisadoes, one of which lookt toward t••e ••ea, the other coverd the Hornwork whither the ••esi••ged were carrying on their W••rks. The 〈…〉〈…〉 of Navarr had attack'd the first, and the 〈…〉〈…〉 Pic••r••y the other. Now the Spaniards 〈…〉〈…〉 while they defend any strong Hold, th•••• when once the Garrison is distributed to the 〈…〉〈…〉 most likely to be a••tack'd, they never change 〈◊〉〈◊〉 d••ring the Siege. When the Besiegers have 〈…〉〈…〉 Outwork, the Men that defended it, retreat to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Guard of the next Ent••enchment. Now 〈…〉〈…〉 had been all along oppos'd to the 〈…〉〈…〉, from the beginning of the Sie••e.

And ever since the opening of the Trenches, tho always at Hand••blows with the Assailants, had de∣fended their Outworks with Resolution and Valour. But now, tir'd with watching and hardship, they quitted their Pallisadoes to the Besiegers almost without any Contest. The Besiegers were Masters of em for some hours, and had finish'd their Lodg∣ments, when Leda, bringing along with him two Companies of natural Spaniards, which he took out of Fort Leon, and animating ••he Wallo••••s with this Succour, and his Personal Presence, made a S••lly at the head of ••em, tho fruitless as to the Decision of the main Business, yet prosperous at the beginning. He regain`d the Pallis••do, with an extraordinary fu∣ry, which led to the Counterscarp of the Hornwork, and overthrew all that oppos`d him. Grave, Blan∣cafort and Poix, Officers of the Regiment of Picardy, were wounded in sustaining the Assault, and Breaute was kill`d. The Death of the latter added to the Mournful Examples of the Misfort•• ne of his Ance∣s••ors, of which the French Histories are full, and con∣firm`d the common opinion, that the Destiny of the Wars of Flanders, is always fatal to those of that Family. La Vieuville, Camp-master of the Regiment of Picardy, assisted Mi••ssans, under whom he mount∣ed the Guard. He perceiving that the Souldiers gave ground, and that the Commands of the Officers were not at all regarded, and not bro••king, while he liv`d that his Regiment should receive an affront, ran with some of his Men where the Conflict was hottest, and throwing himself into the thickest of the Enemy, put a stop to their Victory by his daring Boldness. His Souldiers also, spurr`d on by his dan∣ger, and his Example, returnd to the Onset with so much fury, that they layd the Spaniards sprawling, and regain`d the Lodgement which Mi••ssans brought to Perfection, without any Opposition.

This was the Posture of things in the Attacks

of the Place. In the mean time Beck arriv'd at Ne••port, and joyn••d the rest of the Armies with three thousand Foot, and five and twenty Cor∣••••••s of Horse. He found the affairs of his Party in very great Disorder, and that there was no pos∣si••••lity of succouring Dunkirk. For their Spies, and the French Prisoners which they had taken had inform'd 'em of the strength of the Besiegers Lines, and they judg'd the work so compleat, that they ••o••ld not without extream rashness, undertake to force 〈◊〉〈◊〉. They knew the Prince who defended 'em, to be a Person accustom'd to Victory, pru∣dent in Danger, and that success attended his Wisdom. So that altho their Armies consisted of above twelve thousand Men, that number was not sufficient to accomplish the Enterprize, where multitude only could overlay the Valour of the B••siegers; and which is of great moment in ma••∣ters of War, the Reputation of the Prince had imprinted such a violent Terrour in the minds of the Soldiers, that they dispair'd of Victory, had they been to fight him in the open Field much less to force him out of Entrenchments that were fortif••••d and better guarded.

As for their Negotiations in England, they had m••t with little success in 'em. They could obtain but a very inconsiderable supply from the Parlia∣ment, and all the Credi•• of their Faction, the Po∣licy and Sollicitations of their Embassadors provd ineffectual. Not but that the English for good Reasons of State would have been glad to have cross'd the French in the Conquest of Dunkirk: but more pre••∣si••g considerations, and the urgency of Affairs at home restrain'd 'em from looking abroad, and oblig'd 'em to preserve their Men and Money for more pressing occasions.

But that which utterly broke the design of the Spaniards was this, that the Hollanders, in expecta∣tion

of a Peace, of which there were very plausi∣ble Probabilities, were preparing for some Expe∣dition, not willing so soon to quit the Publick ••ause, nor their Allies. 'Twas certainly repor∣ted also that they, were marching in hast towards Liere or Malines, and the report ran already of the taking of one of those places. Now tho the danger was not so great, and for that the Hollanders marchd but very slowly, yet certain it is, they would have besiegd some place or other, could they have met with any that had been unprovided for ••esistance. So that the Spaniards were as much constrain'd to oppose their Proceedings, as they were at the beginning of the War; and were not only de∣privd of the Succour of their Frontier Garrisons, but oblig'd to reinforce ••em with part of their Army.

For which reasons those Gen••rals were no soon∣er met at Newport, but they were forc'd to separate again; which renderd all their Consultations in∣effectual. For being alone they were not strong enough to repair the loss of Dunkirk, by any other considerable Conquest•• and they durst not keep any longer together for fear of the Hollanders.

In the midst of these Extremities, they resolvd before they parted to march toward Dunkirk, as if they intended to relieve it, and to fall on a sud∣dain upon Furnes, not dispairing to take it with the same speed as the Prince had won it; and hop∣ing by such a Conquest not only in some measure to satisfie the expectation of the People, but to in∣commode the French by depriving them of their Forage. With this resolution, the next day af∣ter Becks Arrival, they took a review of all their Forces, and setting forward from Newport, they En••ampt at a Village call'd Adinkirk, and round about the Abby of Dunes, between Furnes and the Sea, and in the Road which the Enemy were to take in their march toward the French Camp. Pre∣sently

the Besiegers ••ad some thoughts that they might attack their Lines, they giving out the re∣port themselves, on purpose to dissemble their de∣sign•• and to shew as if they really intended to fight the French Army. Now while the Soldiers were preparing themselves, and that in the midst of their fears of so furious an Assault, the greatest part co••ceald their sadness under an affectation of false∣joy, they sent out a party to view Furnes. But by accident, they who were sent thither, whether it were that they could not ride round the Pl••ce, or whither they satisfi'd themselves with seeing where it might be most easily attack'd, only took a view of those parts, that had been forti∣fid with gratest care. So that after they had con∣siderd the Defences, being surprizd to see 'em so strong•• they carrid back word that not only Furnes co••ld not be taken by Assault, but that altho they should Besiege it regularly, they found it in such a co••dition, that they would not warrant the Success of the Seige. Upon this news they lost all their hopes of doing any good; and Beck, never stay∣ing an•• longer, march'd away with seven Regi∣ments of Foot and three of Horse, toward Demer and Neth••, to oppose the Hollanders. The rest return'd to encamp near N••wport, and Dixmude, contenting themselves to save those Towns after the loss of Dunkirk. And thus all their great Pre∣parations, and vain Ostentations vanish d into Sm••ake•• On the other side, the Prince, who up∣on the General belief of their coming to attack him•• was salli'd out of his Trenches with some Ca∣valry to observe their Motion, finding only the footste•••• of their abandon'd Lodgments, return••d to the Camp, and sent back La Ferte Seneterre to the Banks of the Lis, who was come as far as Berg∣•••••••• to be at the Battle.

While things were in this Posture, the Besieged

spurr'd on by their Valour, under the leading of a most excellent Captain, and in hopes of being Succour'd, every where intermixd Stratagems of War with couragious Actions, omitting nothing that might be serviceable for their Defence: they were always either in Fight, or hard at Work. They disputed their Trenches with an incredible Obstinacy. When the Besieg'd had carrid 'em, they presently threw up others, and still oppos'd new Obstacles to the Besiegers Armes, and stoppd their Victory at every step they made. They sur∣mounted the Toyles of perpetual Labour and Watching, and contemnd the Pain and Torments of Wounds. On the Besigers side, a Defence so Resolute, infusing despite and shame into, the Sol∣diers, and Emulation & Ambition into the Officers, the French in stead of being repulsd were more incens'd and encouragd by difficulty and danger. The Prince also lookt upon it as an Honour, that the Siege should be signalizd with numerous and famous At••heivements; and knowing how much it would redou••d to his Renown, with a small Army and in a few days to subdue a Town suffi∣ciently able to stop the Carreer of great Armies for a long time, employ'd his utmost vigour to at∣tack it, and us'd all his ende vo••rs to hasten the taking of it. And thus Danger a••d Fury every where equally increas'd.

After Moussaye and Miossans were reliev'd, Chabet who succeeded at the Attack of the Bastion, with the Regiment of Persan, and 300 ••olanders, gaind the Top of the Counters••a••p. The conflict was very hot; Molan••re, a Captain in Persans Re••iment fell upon the spot. Malortie and du Fay••, his Companions and five Lievetenants were wounded and the work as quit∣ted a good while, the Pioneers having betaken them∣selves to their Heels: but at length the Prin•••• se∣cured the Victory by his Presence, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉

••odg••men•• to be finishd. The Besieged on the other side diggd a Traverse on the righthand, which would have very much annoy'd the Besiegers, if Caste••••••••, who reliev••d Chab••t, had not carryd it of a suddain.

On the t'other side at the Attack of the Hornworks, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with the Regiment of Orleance, Noirmonstier's, and three hunder'd Polanders gain'd those Traverses, from whence he drove the Enemy. Among the Dead, wa•• found Bi••e, Major of the Regiments of Orleance•• and three Lieutenants wounded. Now in regard the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was weaker on that side, and for that the Besieged broke ground with more diligence, they spee∣dily•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 themselves behind three Redoubts which they environ'd with Palisado's: But Roan••••te, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Guard, carri••d on three Sappings, and we•••• on so brikly with that d••fficult labour, that the Besieged could not have time to fortifie th••mselves in their new Enterprise.

U••••n the 1st. of Octob. at night, Noirmonstier & Lava•• mounted the two Trenches, and resolvd together what∣ever it cost 'em, to make themselves Master of the Counterscarp. To which purpose Laval Commanded the Regiments of Eng. and Conty with some Polanders. He divided to the Right and Left the Officers & Soldiers which he resolv'd should begin the attack, & taking the m••ddle, with those which he had had ma••e choice of for himself, and fell on pell mell upon three Places at once. Presently there was nothing to be seen but Fire and Smoake, and the Counterscarp of the Bastion was gain'd•• but when they began to cover themselves, Laval himself working hard among the Soldiers, as he was placing a Barrel, he was lay'd upon the Ground with a Musquet Bullet that took him in the Head, and dy'd some few days after of his Wound. His loss was generally lamented by the whole Army; and the Prince in particular was deeply sorrowful for his Death. He was a Young Gentleman of an Illustrious Family, ambitious of Honour, and capable to have ad∣vanc'd

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and vex'd to the Soul to see Dunkirk lost before their Eyes, that they might omi•• nothing which was to be done, resolv'd notwithstanding the Wind was still against ••em, to try what they could do by Sea, and by the me••ns of several small Boats which they had got rea∣dy, knowing that the Seamen were perfectly ac∣quainted with the Coast, to put in a considerable Suc∣cour by Water; whi••h design, if it succeeded, they were in hopes, that the bad weather, and the Inconve∣niencies of the Encampment would constrain the French to raise the Siege; or at least, that by ruining their Men, the taking of the City would cost 'em their Ar∣my. To this purpose, they hir'd 30 Beelands at New∣port, which they fill'd with their bravest Command••rs and stoutest Souldiers, and which they set to Sea under the Conduct of their most experie••c'd Pilots. This Fleet put to Sea in stormy weather, every Body being resolv'd to surmount all difficulties, partly ambitions of Honour, partly covetuous of Reward, and spurr'd on by all those other Incitements, that usually inspire Men with Contempt of Danger. However, the Success no way answerd their fruitless promises, and the joy of the Dunkirker••, tha•• from the top of their Walls be∣held•• the Beelanders coming, soon turn'd to sorrow. For so soon as the Spaniard•• saw that they were discover'd by the Hollanders, and that the Sea-men perceiv'd that Trump was preparing t•• make up to 'em, whither it were that fear depriv'd 'em of their Judgement; or that they could not withstand the Wind and the Sea, as afterwards they said, they betook themselves to flight, and without making the least Effort to weather the Storme, they made all the speed they could to Newport, whither A••donville chasd 'em with the French Frigates.

All Men, well skill'd in Sea Affairs, unanimously a∣greed, that tho many of the Beelands might have been taken or sunk, yet had they ventur'd, some might have escap'd and got into the Place; but it had been to lit∣••le purpose. For the Town was then so sorely press'd,

tha•• it m••st have been a very considerable Succour that could have preservd it. The Mine that had been a del∣ving under the Horn-work a••l Night, and all the next Morning was found to be 15 F••ot deep, and there was no dou••t but the effect of it would be very great, in a place so proper as that was. By consequence the Horn-work could hold out no longer, and after the loss of t••a•• Forti••ication, the Dunkirkers, securd only by the Walls of their old City, and being incapable of de∣fending thems••lves, would be constrain'd to Surrender.

And Fort••n•• in this seconded the common Opinion, and soon reduc'd the B••sieg'd to the utmost Extremity. For ab••ut two of the Clock in the Afternoon the Mine was spr••ng; and such was the violence of the Powder, that of a suddain it carryd away the Earth, and the Wall ••hat were next the Mine, and le••t a great breach in one of the sides of the Hornwork. Some lazie Soul∣diers, surpriz'd by the Fury of it, w••re blown up in∣to the Ayr, and fell down half dismember'd, over∣whelm'd with Stones, and wrapt up in Dust and Smoak. Pre••ently Clanleu orderd Molondine's Swisses to the Breach, who finding it without any defen••e began a Lodgement. And they had already plac'd 40 Barrels, when the Besieged powring out from behind two Tra∣ver••es, where they had retir'd till the Mine was sprung, ••inding there was nothing more to be afraid of then the ordinary Risco's of War, fell on desperately, and mangre all the Resistance of the Besiegers, drave 'em from the top of the Hornwork where they had en∣t••ench'd themselves. The Switzers full of Indignation retu••n••d to the Charge, and continud fighting a long time with dubious Fortune•• At length they fell to Han∣dy-strokes, which prov'd a cruel and desperate Con∣fl••ct, the Besieged having been accustom'd to Victory, and 〈…〉〈…〉 knowing themselves lost, if they lost 〈…〉〈…〉. All the while, the Smoak of the 〈…〉〈…〉 from the Trenches and the Town, 〈…〉〈…〉 and noise, occasion'd by the Conflict,

having darkend the day, and depriv'd the Combata••••s of the knowledge of one another; all of a suddain both Parties, that believ••d, being each in the same Confusi∣on, that their Enemy had the Advantage, retreated on both sides, and left the Lodgement in the middle between 'em quite abandon'd•• and this great Disorder lasted for two hours. But at length, the Skie being clear, and all things in a Calm, the Besiegers first began to recover themselves. Clanleu, then led 'em on again to the Breach, where that he might act with more se∣curity, and have his Orders e••ecuted without Confu∣sion, he was willing they should rega••n the top of the Lodgement Barrel after Barrel•• and step by step. And thus he spent the rest of the day, the Enemy not daring to disturb him, till Miossans reliev'd him, and found the Lodgement almost brought to Perfection•• In this Encounter the Besiegers lost a Captain; two Lieutenants were wounded, and fifty•• Souldiers either slain or dis∣abl'd; the loss of the besieged being equal••

Nor must we omit the Death of Semur, the more to be pity••d for the oddness of the accident, and for that his Generosity prov'd fatal to him, while he lost his own to preserve the Life of his Friend. Belloy and he did the Duty of Serjeants of Battel, and with their Pikes in their hands sustain••d the fury of the Enemies Sally. They had both an Esteem for each other, and there was no less Emulation between 'em. Neither of ••em would be first that fled from danger, nor be the first that ••orsook his Companion; Honour and Cou∣rage stopt ••em in the midst of Peril. In this Noble Contest, Belloy was struck down with a Stone. Semur•• never minding his own Preservation, but running to help him up again receivd a Musket shot in his Thig•••• of which ••e dy'd sometime after. But Belloy return'd to the Fight, and the next day was in a Condition to do Service.

At the same time that they so warmly engag'd at this Attack, Arnauld having mounted the Guard in the New

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length, by a Line of Communication, joynd the two Attacks to the side of the Moat. To that purpose he began after one Sapping, to pierce it; he orderd Ba∣vins to be brought to fill up ••he Moat, he planted one piece of Canon convenient for Battery, with a Design to preserve the Trenches, which running on with less room, as they approach'd the Place, were the more easily shot thorough by the Canon of the Enemies De∣fences, and therefore it was the more necessary to play from the Trenches to ruine em.

Marsin reliev'd him, with the Regiment of Persan, and a Battallion of English, and all that Night continu'd throwing Faggots to fill up the Moat. But in regard he found it to be very broad and deep, and that the Enemy annoy'd his approaches, the Mines could not yet be set to the Bastion; which forc'd him to facili∣tate the building of the Bridge which led thither, to raise a new Battery.

The same Night Miossans, with the French Guards of Gassions Brigade, made an end of Lodging himself up∣on the Hornwork, and carry'd on the Sapping to the Entrenchment, which the Enemy had already opposd against him.

Some Hours before day Picolominy advancd along the Shoar to the Besiegers Fortification of Piles and Stakes, and alarum••d Gassion's Quarter. For he had been told that he might that way put men into Dunkirk, a••d retreat without any danger, provided he kept his de∣sign Secret, and that he took the Advantage of the Night, and the fall of the Tyde. Now tho he knew that this Enterprize would not save the Place, yet he was oblig'd to attempt it, by reason of the Honour which, would redound to himself, either to have rein∣forc'd Dunkirk with Relief, or to have been the only Person of all the Generals in Flanders, that durst ap∣proach the Enemies Entrenchments. To this purpose therefore, setting forward from Newport with 500 of the best Troopers in his Army, he march'd all Night

in ••o good Order, and with such a profound silence, and his Guides had led him so directly, that he had elu∣ded the watchfulness of the French Scouts, and was got to the S••o••••a••e without being discoverd. There was then some hopes that he might get forward with his Men•• But the Besiegers Foot Guard, that kept a dili∣gent watch, with their Arms in their hands, fir'd with that fury upon him, that h•• was forc'd to retreat.

S•• soon as the Prince had notice of the Enemies ap∣proach, he presently mounted, and Sallying out of the Lines, with two Regiments of Horse, march'd with all the speed he could above two Leagues, but could not overtake 'em. Picolominy galloping away full speed, as judging that he should be follow'd, and that he could not avoid being defeated, if he gave the Prince never so little time to joyn him.

The Prince, from this time forward, assur'd of the taking of Dunkirk, which only was a work of a little time, and finding he should have enough left him either to reduce Dixmuyde, or to fortifie Courtray, for his Winter Quarters, if he could but oblige Leda to sur∣render, without prolonging his Defence to the last extremity; and being desirous to spare some few days for the refreshment of his Men, resolv••d to joyn Ne∣gotiation with force, and to try if he could hasten the end of the Siege by a Conference. For which purpose, he wrote to the Governour of Dunkirk, That having something to impant to him, in reference to an Affair that concern••d hi••s••lf, and which was of great Importance, he di∣s••••d leave to send a Person of Quality to him, who should farther unfold his Mind. A Drummer was sent with this Letter, and Leda at the same time return'd for Answer, That he should look upon such a Conference as a very great Honour; but that being oblig`d to give an Ac∣count of his Actions to the Council of Spain, and the Gene∣r••ls of the Low Countries, he did not judge it proper, ac∣cording to the Rules of Decency, to admit a Person of Qua∣li••y in•••• hi•• Garrison, without Permission first obtain`d. That

it would be much better for him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 send ••o the Camp, and that if his Highness though•• it c••••ve••ient•• th••re should a Per∣son attend him the next day to receive his Co••mands.

The Prince having consented to this Pro••osal, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 de Veere Maj. Gen. of 〈◊〉〈◊〉••s Army, came the next da•• to the Camp, about ten a Clock in the Morning. After the usual Complements, the Prince coming close to the Matter, told him, That ••••ving always had a high Esteem for Courage whereev•••• he met it, he had never omitted any opportunity to indulge it. That ••••was hi•• opinion that V••r•••• was to be cherish`d in an Enemy; and that i•• wa•• but ••ust for a Victor to be favourable to the vanquish`d, when their Act••••s deserv`d it. Therefore th••t the Governou•• ••nd Officers who had defended Dunkirk, both deserv`d and m••••ht ex••••ct from him all manner of civil and fair Vsage, provided they did not deba•• themselves of the means to receive it. Tha•• it was sufficient for them to have stopt him so long before a Place, which he might much ••••oner have subdu`d, had any others th••n themselves defended it. That they had already acquir`d all the Honour they could expect by the Siege•• that they had gi∣ven absolute Satisfaction to their Reputation; and therefore, that it was now high time for ••em to think of their security, and speedily to think of Capitulating, unless they had a mind to ruine themselves. That it behov`d `em to consider that the Armies of Flanders not willing to hazrrd a Rattel we es••∣parated; that the Frigates of Newport, were sled after a vain attempt; and that the most vigorou•• defence they could make hence forward would only delay their Destruction for some few days. However that tho in this Condition they were quite out of Hopes of any Succour, yet he would be so favou∣rable to their Prowess, as to suffer `em to ••••rch out of Dun∣kirk with Honour. But if they stay`d to the last extremity they would constrain him, in despite of his own good Nature, to make use of all the severity of War.

Veere seem`d to be surpriz••d at the Prince`s Speech, & excusing himself for not returning a Reply, in regard he had no power to treat, return`d to the Town, with a promise to inform Leda, and to bring back his An∣swer before Night.

〈…〉〈…〉 there were two Conjunctures* 1.8 〈…〉〈…〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Surrender of the 〈…〉〈…〉 it was that Expe••ience shewed them, 〈…〉〈…〉 to be in••••us••ed with the Nego〈…〉〈…〉 from fea•• and 〈…〉〈…〉 ha•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 formerly a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈…〉〈…〉 taken at the Battel where 〈…〉〈…〉y Ma••••••al Gu••breant, and had 〈…〉〈…〉 of his Parole. For 〈…〉〈…〉 afra••d of falling again into their 〈…〉〈…〉 would have done any thing, rather 〈…〉〈…〉 second time Prisoner to Fr••nce. 〈…〉〈…〉 he was in Dunkirk with five Re∣〈…〉〈…〉 Artillery of L••mboy's Army, and 〈…〉〈…〉 that i•• he lost those Men, and his 〈…〉〈…〉 and Fortune of his General, upon 〈…〉〈…〉 depended, would very much decay•• 〈…〉〈…〉 means agree to such a loss. Nor was 〈…〉〈…〉 to sacrifice his particular Inter••st to the 〈…〉〈…〉. So that he return••d with a resolu∣〈…〉〈…〉 utmost endeavours in persuading th•• 〈…〉〈…〉 a Surrender.

〈…〉〈…〉 were not conceal'd from the Prince; 〈…〉〈…〉 he had discover'd the Trouble and 〈…〉〈…〉 that Ve••re was in, and penetrated the 〈…〉〈…〉 to augment his Fears, to the end 〈…〉〈…〉 the more confirm him in his thoughts of a 〈…〉〈…〉 To this purpose he made choice of 〈…〉〈…〉 under colour of waiting upon Veere 〈…〉〈…〉 ordered him to accompany him to the 〈…〉〈…〉 e••trance into the City. Pall••au had natural 〈…〉〈…〉; and being a Person of a jocund 〈…〉〈…〉 Conversation, he gets ground upon all 〈…〉〈…〉hom he converses, his Tongue being no les•• persuasive, then voluble. Therefore having discour∣〈…〉〈…〉 b•• the way, of the extremity to which the 〈…〉〈…〉 was reduc'd, the weakness of their Party, the Cl••m••ncy o•• the Prince, and ••he stedfastness of his

Resolution, as also of the Misfortune into which the Governor of Dunkirk might precipitate himself; so soon as he began to find him wavering, he fell insensibly to talk of Lamboy's men, and the hardships of Imprison∣ment; and feigning to be concern'd out of a Principle of Honour and Generosity, in the Misfortunes that threatn'd him, he manag'd his discourse so dexte∣rously, that he never left him, till he judg'd him ab∣solutely resolv'd to sollicit a Surrender. With such a rapidness is the mind of man transported with the impressions of fear; and so true it is, that Reason serves only to augment the belief of Danger, when a man is once dismay'd with the terror of it.

Being enter'd the Place, he found Leda perusing Let∣ters which the Spanish Generals had sent him by a Frigat from Newport, which had stole into the Harbour in the night time, the Wind and Tide favouring him. Those Letters were stuff'd with high Encomiums of his Prowess, and with great Promises encourag'd him to hold out some few days longer. And he seem'd willing to prepare himself for it; flattering himself with an Opinion, that he should do the King of Spain a great piece of service; and with hopes, that the Generals would not fail of their Promises. But after Veere had made it out to him,

That they did but de∣lude him, That there was nothing to be expected from the inability of Spain; That all the Defence he could make, would be to little purpose; That it would but exasperate the Prince; and that it be∣hov'd him to prepare for a long Imprisonment in an Enemy's Country, if he refus'd to capitulate.

These Considerations, together with one more, which was the chiefest; and that was, that he might preserve an Army for the defence of his Partyy, by preserving his Garison compos'd of a great number of Officers, the loss of which would not be easily repair'd, in the miserable condition to which Poverty and long Wars had reduc'd Military Discipline; all these Reasons, I

say, bow'd his haughty mind, and made him resolve upon a Capitulation.

And being thus determin'd, he sent back Veere to capitulate, with express Orders to gain as much time as he could, in expectation of being succour'd by the Spaniards: Being desirous to do that honour to the Arms of the King his Master, though he expected no∣thing from them; and the better to justify his sur∣rendring the place, by the more sufficient Testimony of their Disability. He also wrote at the same time to the Generals, of his intended Capitulation, and in∣form'd them of the Reasons which oblig'd him to it. Among other things, That he was unwilling, when it could not be any advantage or honour to them, for five or six days holding out longer, to venture his being made a Prisoner of War in his old Age, and when he was almost worn out in the King's Service; never∣theless, That if they could be certain to relieve him within ten or twelve days, he would do his utmost till that time: otherwise that it would be but a fruitless waste of time and good Soldiers.

But this last point of relieving the Place was more difficult to execute, then promise. For on the Mar∣shal's side, Sicot, with the Regiments of Orleans and Noirmonster, had driven the Enemy from their last In∣trenchment upon the Hornwork; so that there re∣main'd no more then to carry on their Approaches to the side of the Moat of the Old Town. In the attack of the Bastion also, where Vignaut, Serjeant of Battel, was kill'd, the greatest Difficulties were surmounted. Moussaye, who led the Regiments of Anguien and Ta∣bert, and a Battalion of English, had finish'd the Bridge of Fagots, and was raedy to set the Miners to work. So that the Promises made to the Gover∣nour, had more of noise then solidity; more of show than truth.

Towards night therefore Veere return'd with a power to capitulate; and immediately the Duke gave

order to Balluaw, and Arnaud, men of understanding, and long experience in War, to treat with him. Af∣ter some Contests and Disputes, at length the Articles of Composition were agreed, whereby among other usual things it was concluded,

That all the Marks of Honour should be allow'd the Governor and the Sol∣diers; That Lamboy's Regiments should march out with their Artillery; That the Spanish Armies should have three days time to succour Dunkirk; which if they did not do by that time, the Town should be surrender'd to the Prince.

This Capitulation was forthwith sign'd by the Prince, and the Governour. At the same time also Hostages were deliver'd by the Garison, by Lamboy's Regiments, and the Townsmen: and so without any more ado, Veere departed for Nieuport, where he was in hopes to meet the Governour.

That night the French Officers that were upon the Guard, went on with their Approaches•• In the Marshal's Attack, Roanette, with the Swiss Guards, and Bournon∣vil••es Wall••ons carry'd on the Approaches even with the superficies of the Water of the Moat of the Old Town.

In the other Attack, Chabot, with the Regiments of Cont•• and Albret, with a Battalion of Polanders, re∣took some Traverses, whither the Enemy were re∣turn'd. But Fortune usually crossing Felicity, at the very instant that the assurance of the Capitulation seem'd to warrant that all the danger was over, and that the Besiegers were ready to reap the Fruit of their Victory; and that Chabot, having given his last Di∣rections, was re-passing the Bridge in order to retire, he was struck in the Head with some pieces of a Gra∣nado, and dy'd of his Wound in a few days after. This Accident was the occasion of no small grief to the Prince, who had always rank'd him in the num∣ber of his most familiar Friends. As for his part, he shew'd a great Resolution at his death; no way daunted at the expectation of it, and contemning i•• when it came.

In the mean time Truces were made, and all the Approaches were strongly guarded, till Veere return'd, that nothing might be attempted afresh. Two days after he return'd no ways deceiv'd in the success of his Journey, from which there was nothing to be hop'd for, and which he had undertaken only to keep up the Reputation of his Party, and to admonish his Generals to provide for all those Places, upon which the Prince is most likely to turn his Victorious Arms after the Surrender of Dunkirk.

And now the time for relieving the Town being just ready to expire, in the evening of the third day Veere deliver'd up into the Prince's hands all the New Town; and Miossans, who then commanded in his turn, enter'd the Place with two Squadrons of Horse, and six hundred Foot taken out of the Battalions of French Guards, and the Switzers of Gassions Brigade. Which done, he march'd to take possession of Ni••uport Gate of the Old Town. 'Tis true, that Governour made some scruple of yielding up the Gate: but at last, being ob∣lig'd to it by his Capitulation, the Soldiers became Masters of it, and there stood all the night under their Arms, within a Pikes length of the Enemy. The next day, being the 11th of October, the Garison be∣gan to march forth about Eight of the Clock in the Morning. The Prince also, not so much out of ostentation, as to prevent Disorders, and to see Leda, for whom he had a high esteem, plac'd him∣self upon the way through which they were to pass. A hundred and fifty Horse appear'd first of all, be∣being follow'd by Lamboy's five Regiments; after which came the Baggage, and then the Artillery be∣longing to the Germans, and two Pieces of the City Cannon, according to the Articles; the Spanish In∣fan••ry march'd after the Great Guns, and a hundred and fifty Horse brought up the Reer. Leda came last, mounted upon a good Horse, and accompanied with the Principal Officers.

So soon as he perceiv'd the Prince, he alighted, and accosted Him with a profound Respect. On the other side, The Prince, who was also alighted from his Horse, so soon as the Governour came pret∣ty near him, receiv'd him very civilly. After the first Complements, and a great number of Recipro∣cal Encomiums, as the Governour was ready to re∣tire, the Prince stopp'd him, and invited him to stay and see the Garison which he intended to put into Dunkirk. Presently Norssmonstier, who had the leading of 'em, advanc'd at the head of the Battalions of French Guards of Ranza••'s Brigade, the Regiments of Piemont and Orleans, Molonden's Switzers, and Cabree's Polonians. These Bodies march'd one after another, and with the Foot that enter'd the day before, made two thousand four hundred men, of the stoutest in the Army.

While they march'd along, and that the Prince was discoursing with the Governour, the latter com∣paring to himself the Fortune of the Siege of Maestricht with his present Condition, and the great Qualities of two famous Captains that had vanquish'd him, could not chuse but admire the Prince. Puissant Ar∣mies, abundance of all things, length of time, had render'd Frederick Henry of Nassau Victorious. But here the Prince, with a slender Army, pinch'd for want of Necessaries, in a short time had by his Pru∣dence and Courage within thirty days accomplish'd what the Hollanders were three Months bringing to pass.

The Garison being march'd by, Leda took his leave of the Prince, who order'd him the Queen's Gens d' Armes, commanded by Franquerot, to conduct him to Nieuport, and then made his Entry into Dun∣kirk. He found in the Magazines a good quantity of Powder, Match, Bullets, Arms, Corn, Forage, and other sorts of Provision and Ammunition. Upon the Fortifications several Pieces of Brass Cannon, and a

great number of Iron Pieces; and in the Port, two great Vessels, three Flutes, and thirteen Frigats, or rather Privateers, which kept the Western Seas of France in a shameful subjection: it being easie by all this to see, that the Besieged had store of all things ne∣cessary for their Defence, and that Valour only had tam'd them.

Thus ended the Siege of Dunkirk, at a time when all E••rope had their Eyes fix'd upon the Prince. But among so many Nations that beheld with astonishment the Wonders of his Life, there was none but acknow∣ledg'd that his Fortune was beneath his Virtue, and his Prowess.

The End of the Second Book.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Prince of Conde made Go∣vernour of Champagn and Brie.
• * 1.2

  1645.
• * 1.3

  The taking of Lichte∣naw, the Castle of Stolbur•• and Kirp∣penheim••
• * 1.4

  Ture••ne beaten at Merienda••.
• * 1.5

  The Battel of Norling.
• * 1.6

  Lannoy ••a••en.
• * 1.7

  Mardicke taken.
• * 1.8

  164••.