The Turkish history from the original of that nation, to the growth of the Ottoman empire with the lives and conquests of their princes and emperours / by Richard Knolles ... ; with a continuation to this present year MDCLXXXVII ; whereunto is added, The present state of the Ottoman empire, by Sir Paul Rycaut ...

ANNO 1685. [year 1685.]

BEfore we enter upon the Martial Affairs of this ensuing Year, let us take a short View of the State of things in Christen∣dom, and in Turky, and the Preparations that were making on both sides for car∣rying on a more bloudy War (if it can be possible) than that of the preceding Years. The Eyes of all Christendom,* 1.1 and I may say, of the World too, were at a gaze to behold the Successes of ths impor∣tant War; and yet Europe for the most part was either engaged actually in War, or at least in Fears and Jealousies one with ano∣ther. The Plenipotentiaries of France and Spain were at Variance concerning the Confines and Dependencies, and the In∣croachments which the French King made on the Rhine; and Motions in Alsatia, caused such Fears and Jealousies in the Minds of the German Princes, that they with-held much of that Force, which they designed as Auxiliaries to be employed in Service of the Empire, which was then the common Cause and Interest of all Christendom. How∣soever, the generous Elector of Bavaria, a valiant and active Prince, who had in the two last Campaigns improved his youthful Years with the Exercises of War and Mili∣tary Discipline, was resolved to employ his own Person, Armies and Fortune in prose∣cution of this Religious War against the Enemy of Christendom.* 1.2 The Affections he had to the Welfare of the Imperial He∣reditary Countries, and of all Germany were elevated and rendred more zealous and warm by the Love he professed to the Arch-Duchess Maria Antonia, eldest Daughter of the Emperor, a Princess of great Vertues, whom he afterwards espoused, and with her all the Interest of the House of Austria in so zealous a manner, that he seemed to have contracted the same Desires and Passi∣ons with the Emperor himself.

Thô the last two Years Wars had consu∣med both Men and Mony,* 1.3 yet had not the Emperor's Coffers been exhausted, the war∣like People of Germany would not have wanted Soldiers to fight in defence of their Country, nor the respective Princes a readi∣ness to compleat and recruit their Troops beyond the numbers, that, during this War, had appeared in Hungary. The Pope Inno∣cent XI. had already contributed in so libe∣ral a manner, that his Treasure was sunk to a low Ebb, and could not furnish such large Sums as formerly: The Arch-Bishop of Strgonium, Primate of Hungary, an opu∣lent Prelate, who had made large Contribu∣tions, died about this time, aged Ninety three Years; he had also supplied the Im∣perial

Army with vast quantities of Corn out of his own Granaries, which gave a seasonable Relief to the Soldiers before Bu∣da, who were ready to famish in their Trenches for want of Provisions.

But to promote the common Cause, Con∣sultations and Treaties were assiduously and warmly held at the Diet at Ratisbone,* 1.4 by the Commissioners and Plenipotentiaries from the Emperor, and by the Agents sent from the Duke of Bavaria to the other Electors, and by the Convention of the Circles held at Norimburg. Moreover, the Emperor dispatched the Count de Thaun, and the Baron of Meyershein for his Envoys extraordinary, to represent unto all the Courts and Princes of Germany the pressing exigency of Affairs, which did not only concern the Emperor and his Hereditary Countries, but did involve likewise the common Interest, Welfare and Safety of the whole Empire, and all Christendom. These Matters being well inculcated, and circula∣ry Letters wrote, and dispatched to the Cities of Saltzburg, Passaw, Ausburg, Cologne, Ratisbone, Norimburg, Ulm and Francfurt, desiring their Assistance with Men and Mo∣ny, with the use of their great Cannon for Service of the Army; in Compensation for which, the like weight of Mettal, was of∣fered, with so much Mony as should pay the Charge of new Casting the Guns, in re∣gard that in the two las•• Years of War, most of the Emperor's Artillery had been con∣sumed, and the Touch-holes widned and blown, and to New-cast the Mettal a∣gain, there was not time sufficient before the Commencement of the following Cam∣paign.

These Matters were so well represented and negotiated in the Courts and Councils of the respective Princes, that nothing al∣most was denyed which was demanded. The Houses of Brunswick and Lunenburgh furnished an Army of Ten thousand fight∣ing Men,* 1.5 all select and veterane Soldiers, under the Command of experienced Gene∣rals and Officers; and what was of high Importance, they were so early dispeeded, that they arrived at the Camp about the beginning of the Campaign. The Duke of Saxony was not less forward with his Army, which, thô inferiour in number, were yet well-disciplined Soldiers, and conduct∣ed by Officers of approved Valour and Experience. The Arch-Bishop of Saltzburg sent unto the Emperor a Hundred thousand Rix-dollars in lieu of his Quota, and of the Troops which he was obliged to send. The Elector of Brandenburg had promised to send an Army of 12.000 Men into Hungary, with a considerable Train of Artillery, and so to march with them in Person; but the Appearance of Troops from France on the Rhine, and in the Dukedoms of Cleves and Iuliers, the Numbers of which still increa∣sing, gave such an Alarum to that Prince and his Neighbours of the Circle, that a stop was given to the Proceedings of his and their Forces; and a supply only sent of Men and Mony according to the Quota in such cases agreed, and established by the ancient Constitutions of the Empire: Not∣withstanding which, the Emperor's Forces in Hungary, contrary to the expectation of all Europe, much exceeded the general Cal∣culation, and composed a better Army, than had during this War appeared on the Plains of Hungary. The Pope was not less solli∣citous than the other Princes in this Chri∣stian Cause;* 1.6 towards the Advancement and Maintenance of which, as he had formerly, so also this Year he sent supplies of Mony from Rome to Vienna, and granted unto the Emperor a full third of the annual Rents of all the Ecclesiastical Benefices within his Hereditary Dominions; to exact and raise which, Cardinal Bonvisi, Apostolical Nun∣tio, and the Bishop of Newstadt, were ful∣ly authorized and empowred by the Pope; with Instructions to Erect a particular Of∣fice, wherein it was Registred how much was paid, and how the same was particular∣ly employed and expended for the sole Use and Advancement of this War.

Nor were the Turks less sollicitous and active on their side, in their Preparations for the War,* 1.7 which they still resolved to continue on their defensive part; under which Notion, neither the Grand Seignior nor Vizier Azem were obliged to go in Person. Shitan Ibrahim Pasha, late Governour in Bu∣da, during the Siege, (of whom we have already given a Character) was appointed Seraskier, or General of the Army. And thô the Grand Seignior minded nothing so much as his Sport of Hunting, to which he was so immoderately addicted, that he was scarce persuaded to omit and decline it upon Fridays, and spent two whole Months entirely in it, within the Countries between Adrianople and Constantinople; yet the Grand Vizier, who was esteemed one of the wisest and most experienced Ministers that ever had been in that Place, closely attended and followed the main Concernment, both for raising Mony, and levying Soldiers. As to the first, The Grand Seignior's Treasury had already this Year been twice opened▪ and at each time, the Value of Four hundred thousand Pounds Sterling had been taken out of it, all which came far short of the necessary Provisions which the War requi∣red.

The Naval Forces were very inconsider∣able, consisting only of some few poor Gal∣lies,

commanded by the Mosaip or Favourite to the Grand Seignior, a Person of no great natural Talent of Understanding, and of no Experience in Maritime Affairs;* 1.8 nor were the ten Men of War, which they had for the two Years past been labouring to Equip, in any Posture or Condition to make Sail this Summer; so ignorant and averse are the Turks to all Matters, which belong unto the Seas, and so unable for any Naval Fight, that it seems a Complement or Com∣passion in the Venetians, not to have de∣stroy'd them long before. This Mosaip or Favourite,* 1.9 who was Captain Pasha or Ad∣miral of the Seas, had for a long time en∣joyed the Air of his Master's Favour; his Priviledge was to be clothed in the same Habit with the Sultan, to Ride always on his Right-hand, to Converse intimately with him, and sometimes to sit and Eat with him; and yet I never heard, that he was ever e∣steemed for a Man of extraordinary Shapes or Beauty, or to be charming in his Di∣scourse, or to have had any great Talent of Wisdom or Prudence: And therefore if En∣quiry should be made on this Occasion in∣to the Reasons, Why Princes elect such and such for their Favourites, no true Cause in my Opinion can be assigned, unless finding in that Person, of whom they make choice for their Companion, a certain Harmony of Affections and Humour, they love him by Sympathy, and adore their own Image in him, without which, all other Qualities would be mean and contemptible.

But to return to the Vizier, his greatest Study and Application was to make Levies by Land, both in Europe and Asia: Com∣mands were dispatched to that Purpose to Aleppo, Damascus, Diarbiquier and Gran Cairo, the remotest parts of the Empire; but those being Countries ill Peopled, Levies were made with much difficulty;* 1.10 and such as were constrained to go by reason of the far distance from the Rendezvous, came late; many sickned in the March, and some ran away and deserted; and diverse of the Eu∣ropean Troops, which had been harassed the last Year, retired into the Mountains, where they passed the whole Summer; and in the Winter came out from thence, and returned home, where they told Stories, as if they had been engaged in all the Sieges and Bat∣tles, which had happened that Year. The Grand Vizier finding the numbers allotted to be raised, to fall much short of the Quo∣ta, and of a reasonable Calculation, attri∣buted the Default thereof to the negligence of the Musselims or Deputy-Governours to the Pashas, for which some of them were punished with Death; and others being af∣frighted, hereby used all the Tyranny and Force imaginable to compel the poor People unto the Wars; to which many of them going, with much unwillingness, stole aside, and never came so far as the Camp. How∣soever, it was impossible, but that, out of so vast a Tract of Ground, as is the Otto∣man Empire, consisting of many Kingdoms and Principalities, there must be some out of every part, who having Courage enough to sacrifice their Lives for their Religion and Country, came in, and united themselves with the Camp; and these, thô inferiour to the numbers designed and expected, yet composed an Army very formidable, and such as was able to bid defiance to the Forces of Germany. Howsoever the Turks did not think fit to trust so much to their Arms; but that they would first assay and try, if it were possible, to put an end to the War by a fair Accommodation: The Person appointed to manage this Treaty, was Shitan Ibraim, as yet Vizier of Buda, a Person (as we have before-mentioned) of refined Parts, and good Address,* 1.11 and a Cour∣tier fitted for such a Negotiation. In pur∣suance of this Design, this Vizier wrote Letters of Complement to the chief Mini∣sters of State at Vienna, acquainting them of the Grand Seignior's Inclinations to a Peace. And thô it had never been the Custom of the Sultans to be the first Pro∣moters of Peace, or to ask it before it was offered or begged; yet such was the Cle∣mency and Compassion of this Emperor, and his desire to stop the Effusion of Human Blood, that contrary to the Dignity of his Sublime Station, raised above the Throne of earthly Kings, he would now condescend so low, as to be the first who should make this Religious Motion; in order unto which, he desired, that a Pass-port should be sent him for a Chiaus, who was an Armenian by Nation, and (as I think) by Religion a Chri∣stian, freely to pass and repass, and to car∣ry the Proposals, and to Treat thereupon: The Pass-port was accordingly sent,* 1.12 and the Armenian conducted to Comorra, where, be∣ing taken rather for a Spy than an Ambas∣sadour, he was so closely confined and guard∣ed, that he complained of his Restraint to be contrary to the Laws of War and Nati∣ons; at length he was guarded to Vienna, where he was detained under Custody, with as jealous and watchful an Eye, as when he was at Comorra: Howsoever, the reception of this Chiaus became the Subject of much Discourse and Talk in the City, and gave occasion to the World to censure, as if the Emperor had designed to make a Peace un∣der-hand, without the Privity and Concur∣rence of the Allies. The Audience of this Chiaus was deferred for some time, until it was promoted and hastned by the Envoy from the Prince of Transilvania, then residing at

that Court, and by him at length conducted to the presence of the President of the Council, to whom he delivered the Propo∣posals and Articles of Peace: The which after mature Examination, seemed to be projected with such Sagacity and Subtlety, without sincere and open Terms, that they were generally concluded to be Fallacious, and not to be Grounds for a faithful and lasting Peace: And so in fine, the Armenian was dispeeded back with this Answer only, That the Emperor could not conclude a Peace without the Concurrence of the King of Poland,* 1.13 and the State of Venice, the true Allies and Confederates with the Em∣peror; by which Answer, the Minister from Apafi Prince of Transilvania being assured of the Emperor's Resolutions to continue the War, changed the Tenure of his former Memorials, and in his Master's Name, pro∣posed that he might remain in a Condition of Neutrality, thinking it more secure to remain as a Friend to both sides, rather than by adhering to one, to rise or fall ac∣cording to the dubious fortune of War.

But if we look into the Winter-quarters before we Treat of the Feats of War, which were Actions most fit for the Summer Sea∣son;* 1.14 we shall find the Imperialists and Ba∣varians so miserably in want of all Provi∣sions, and of things necessary for the suste∣nance of Human Life: That one would wonder, how it were possible for these Men to be so soon recover'd, and made fit for new Services and Fatigues. For such was the Famine in the Lower Hungary, that the Inhabitants were forced to Abandon their Dwellings, and Fly for Bread into the Town of Buda; where they were enter∣tained for Day-labourers to Repair the For∣tifications, with the Wages of eight pence a Day, two pounds weight of Bread, and a pint of Wine. In the Emperour's Coun∣try, a Bushel of Wheat, which in the times of Peace, was worth no more than ten Groats, was now advanced in price to Eighteen shillings. In Presbourg the Streets were cover'd with famished and dying Peo∣ple; the Soldiers were either Dead or Lan∣guishing, or had deserted their Colours: A Pestilence, as is natural, followed the Fa∣mine, and Cattle died of the Murrain. The Island Schultz, which used to be the Grana∣ry of the Upper Hungary, was now in a Starving condition, and the Inhabitants for∣ced to Eat Roots and the Barks of Trees: Nay, this Misery and Desolation extended even to Vienna it self, where in the Garden of the Archbishop, two Women were seen to Eat the Raw-flesh of a Horse lately Dead. But for a remedy to this Epidemical Cala∣mity, the Emperor, who is the Common Father of his People, caused great quantities of Corn to be brought from all the Neigh∣bouring Countries round about; but the Ways were so broken by the great Rains and Marching of Armies, and heavy Car∣riages, that the People were brought to the last extremity before the supplies ar∣rived. Notwithstanding this great want of Provisions, even to a Famin, and the Snows and Rains, which fell in abundance, with Cold Weather of the Winter; General Schultz with a Body of Four thousand Ger∣man Horse and Dragoons, and some Com∣panies of Hussars, maintained a Blocade round Newhausel. To Relieve which, Count Tekeli,* 1.15 and the Pasha of Agria were parti∣cularly encharged with the Commission: Tekeli had 6000 Men which he had drawn from the Frontier Garrison, and the Pasha had Four thousand, which were all his own Troops. General Schultz being informed of their motion fell upon them with such bravery, that he put them to a total Rout, without much loss or fighting, and took most of their Provisions and Baggage, which were designed for the Relief of that place. Howsoever, Tekeli made a second adven∣ture for the Succour of Newhausel, and with a Party of Three thousand Horse, he made way for a Convoy of Three hundred Carts,* 1.16 laden with all sorts of Ammuniti∣on and Provisions, with as many Horse, each carrying a Sack of Meal to enter into the Town: In the strength and encourage∣ment of which, the Garrison made Incur∣sions at four and five Leagues distance, Plundering and Destroying all before them, which caused the poor Inhabitants to aban∣don their Dwellings, and seek for Succour and Refuge in fortified places. Not long afterwards a second Convoy brought Two thousand Sacks more of Meal into the Town, which with the former were good Preparations against a Siege; but to pre∣vent the like for the future, Count Palfi, who commanded the Hungarian Troops, was order'd to joyn with Colonel Heusler, who having but Two or Three thousand Men, was so unable to guard the Avenues to Newhausel, that the Blocade seemed of no importance: But Heusler being thus con∣siderably reinforced, he defeated a thi••d Convoy which the Turks were sending to the Town, consisting of Eighty Waggons,* 1.17 which carried Ammunitions and Provisions, and Sixty more of Timber for Building and Repair of the Fortifications. A fourth at∣tempt was again made to carry Succours into Newhausel, of which General Schultz having intelligence, he lay in the way and intercepted them, killing Three hundred of the Enemy upon the place, and putting the rest to Flight. Tekeli having notice of this Defeat, pursued after Schultz with a Rein∣forcement

of some Turks, and having over∣taken him in the Mountains between Soniati and Rozenau, he Charged him with such Success,* 1.18 that he killed Nine hundred of his Men, and took Four hundred Prisoners with all their Baggage. Afterwards meeting with a Regiment of Bavarians in their Win∣ter-quarters at Neudorf, he entirely defeat∣ed them, and so returned to Newhausel, which he again Relieved with another Con∣voy.

The Spring coming forward with the time for Action; the Emperor's Council calling to mind the Miscarriages of the last Year, caused for the most part by extream Famine, and want of necessary Provisions for the Soldiery, all possible care was taken to prevent the same for the succeeding Year; and such quantities of Corn from the more remote parts of Germany, and from Poland it self, which is a Country abounding with Wheat, and all sorts of Grain, were brought and laid up in Magazines, as were judged sufficient to sustain the Army for the whole Year without such wants, under which it lately labour'd.

All the remaining part of this Winter was spent about Esperies, or intercepting Con∣voys designed to Newhausel. Esperies is a Town of Hungary in the County of Sarax very well fortified,* 1.19 Situate upon the River of Tarbez towards the Mountains, and on the Frontiers of Poland; it hath always be∣longed to the Emperor as King of Hungary, until such time as in the Year 1678, it fell into the Hands of Tekeli, from whom it was recover'd by force of the Imperial Arms in the Year 1685. Howsoever, at the beginning thereof, the attempt of Ge∣neral Schultz was fruitless, and of evil con∣sequence; for laying Siege to it in the Win∣ter, the Cold and extream Weather, and want of all things necessary, enforced him to Rise again with the loss of Five hundred Soldiers killed and wounded, with several Captains and other Officers, who were all slain by the many brisk and desperate Sallies which the Defendant made from the Town: And being upon his Retreat, Tekeli in person Charged him in the Rear at the Head of his own Men with such Success, that he defeated the whole Party, and Schultz with much difficulty saved his Can∣non.

Towards the end of February Five hun∣dred Ianisaries, and Three hundred Spahees belonging to Newhausel, possessed themselves of the Fortress of Gutta,* 1.20 after a Fight of ••ine Hours; the Garrison consisted only of One hundred and fifty Hussars, under the ••••mmand of a Lieutenant, who with two Soldiers only escaped to Commorra, all the rest being put to the Sword. This Town is Situate on the River Waagh; it was Built during the late Wars in a Moorish or Fen∣ny place, between the Danube, the Waagh and Swartz; it is but * 1.21 a Mile from New∣hausel, and may be seen from the Top of the Steeple of the great Church. The Turks having made themselves Masters of Gutta, were carrying away the Plunder with two pieces of Cannon to Newhausel. Two thousand Spahees, and Six hundred Ianisaries were giving Convoy unto Sixty Waggons laden with Ammunition for the same place, when Colonel Heusler with several Detach∣ments from Comorra, Papa, Vesprin and Le∣ventz, endeavour'd to obstruct their Passage by Ambuscades which he had laid in their way: Of which the Turks having had notice, they alter'd their Course, and endeavour'd to fortifie themselves in some advantagious Ground; but Heusler joyning with Count Zabor, allowed them not time to secure themselves, but attacked them near Weit∣zen with such Bravery, that he put them all to Flight, and seized on their Waggons,* 1.22 with the Provisions in them, which he burnt, because he knew not in what manner to carry them off safe: He afterwards took Weitzen, and put all the Garrison to the Sword; which having done, he received in∣formation that a Pasha with Five hundred Ianisaries appointed for Convoy to Five hundred Waggons, drawn by Five Oxen a∣piece, were retir'd within a little Fortress not far distant, where they concealed them∣selves until the Enemy was retired; he im∣mediately went and invested the place, where he killed the greatest part of the Ia∣nisaries, took the Pasha with many Prison∣ers, and all the Waggons, which he carried to Leventz.

About the same time the Marquis Doria, and the Baron of Soyes having passed the Tibiscus with a strong Detachment of Bava∣rian Troops,* 1.23 and a Hundred Horse belong∣ing to the Regiment of Caraffa, defeated a Party of Five hundred Horse belonging to the Malecontents, killed Four hundred of them, took twenty Prisoners with eight Colours, and a considerable Booty. But General Schultz was not so succesful in his Attempt upon Ungwar, being forced to Retire from thence with considerable loss.

The Successes of General Heusler much troubled the Thoughts of the Vizier of Buda, and the Seraskier, in what manner to defend themselves against the Complaints which Tekeli and the Pasha of Novigrade had made against them to the Grand Seig∣nior: To prevent which, and stop these insinuations from receiving credit,* 1.24 they caused the Pasha of Novigrade to be Strang∣led, with the Pasha of Erla, after which

they dispatch'd two Agas to the Port with all expedition to be before-hand with their Com∣plaints against Tekeli, and the Pashas, repre∣senting that they had put the two Pashas to Death for their Cowardise and evil Conduct, with some Reflections upon Tekeli, as if he entertain'd a secret Correspondence with the Christians. The Grand Seignior and Grand Vizier, being prepossessed with these first advices, applauded the care and justice of the Vizier of Buda, and Seraskier, advising them to be careful in the chocie of such Men, who were to succeed them in those Offices of Trust.

Notwithstanding the advantage which Te∣keli had gained over General Schultz before Esperies, and given it some Relief; yet the Town laboured under great want of necessary Provisions,* 1.25 to supply which Tekeli sent a strong Convoy to support the place with Grain Flesh, Pulse and all things required for a Siege: But Schultz recovering his Forces, and animated with desire of Revenge, watch∣ed his opportunity to fall on the Convoy, which he charged with such Vigour and Bravery, that he killed Three hundred on the place, took all their Carriages, with great quantities Tokay Wine.

Thus did all matters proceed with vari∣ous Successes on both sides; the Imperialists having it in their intentions, to open the Campaign with the taking of Newhausel, made a Preparation thereunto by cutting off all Convoys, and Succours which were design'd for it's Relief: The Turks labour'd to support it, and lost many Men this Win∣ter in the Enterprise; and more particularly remarkable was that Defeat which Colonel Heusler (after having destroyed all the Country to the Gates of Newhausel) gave unto a Party of Five hundred Spahees and Three hundred Ianisaries,* 1.26 assembled in the Neighbouring Villages, to give Convoy to great numbers of Waggons laden with Pro∣visions for supply of the Garrison; the Fight was very warm, and doubtful for some time; but the Spahees at length turn∣ing their Backs, left the Ianisaries exposed, who still maintained their ground under the shelter of the Trenches, which they had hastily cast up, and the Covert of their Waggons with which they had encompas∣sed themselves: But being at length over∣whelmed with numbers, they were entirely overthrown, Two hundred of their Men were killed with an Aga, and about Forty Prisoners taken, with all their Waggons to the number of Forty, laden with Provisions: To compleat this Victory, the Imperialists lost not above ten Men, and freed above Fifty Christians out of Slavery; and of all this Detachment not above Two hundred Re-enter'd the Garrison, the remainder be∣ing either dispersed, or else had made their Escape to Novigrade.

The Great Vizier being informed of these Successes, and thereby made appre∣hensive of the danger of losing Newhausel, resolved to bend the main Force of the Ot∣toman Empire against Hungary. The War on the Frontiers of Poland seemed not so formidable, as to need much Aid; the Tartars,* 1.27 who in times past were considered as Free-booters, and like Locusts and Cat∣terpillers, fit only for Rapin and Spoil, and to lay a Country Desolate, were not ranked in the number of Martial and Well∣disci∣plin'd Troops, and esteemed a match sufficient for that Warlike Kingdom of Poland. The Tartars, who availed themselves much on this late Opinion, which the World had con∣ceived of them, began to stand on their Terms with the Polish and Ottoman Courts: The first offer'd them considerable rewards to accept of a Neutrality;* 1.28 and the latter fearing lest this Mercenary People should fall from their dependance on the Port, overcame their Minds with greater Sums, than what had been offer'd by Poland, to∣gether with a Concession of all the Ukrain, to which the Grand Seignior would resign his Title unto them, and annex it to their Dominions, provided they would recover it again by force of their own Arms. The Proposals of the Sultan being accompanied with a certain Harmony of Affection and Religion, which is between the Turks and this People, were more charming than the faint Offers from Poland, and fixed them in their Resolution to Live and Die, Stand and Fall with the Ottoman Interest.

The Season of the Year being now well advanc'd, and the Weather become mild and fit for Action; the Imperial Troops from the Hereditary Countries, with the Auxiliaries and Bands of Voluntiers, com∣posed of divers Nations, began to descend from Moravia, and with their Officers to march towards the place of General Ren∣devous,* 1.29 appointed in the Plains between Newhausel and Barkan, being esteemed the most convenient Situation for Atchieving any Enterprise, according to the Resolu∣tions of a Council of War. The Imperial Army consisted of Twenty four or Twenty five thousand Men, but the Auxiliaries were above double the number: The House of Brunswick furnished 10.000 Fighting Men, Commanded by Prince George William, el∣dest Son of the Duke of Hanover, who marched in the Head of them. General Chauver commanded the Troops of the Prince of Zell. The Elector of Cologne sent Six thousand effective Men, and the City Six hundred, composed in all of Forty five Companies of Foot, Twelve of Horse and

Ten of Dragoons: All the other Electors and Princes of the Circle complied with their Quotas according to Agreement,* 1.30 Com¦manded by Officers of Experience and Bravery. The Archbishop of Saltzburg over and above the Money already mentioned, contributed to this Summers expedition, a considerable Train of heavy Cannon: So that the Quotas of the Empire according to the true Calculation, amounted unto Forty thousand Men, besides 16.000 Bavarians, all vete∣rane and experienced Soldiers, which were added as Recruits to the other Forces, al∣ready emploied in the War of the last Year. Count Rabata was appointed Commissary General for raising and amassing Provisions wherewith to supply the Army; and for the more effectual performance thereof, it was recommended as a particular Charge to every Circle, to furnish their Men respe∣ctively,* 1.31 with a sufficiency of Victuals for the Campaign; by which means there was an abundance of all things in the Camp, and the Army freed of the misery of Famine at∣tended with Pestilence; which two evils ruined all the designs of the last Year.

About the beginning of May General Palfi was order'd to march into Hungary, and joyn with Colonel Heusler at the Blo∣cade of Newhausel; which they so streight∣ned, that the Pasha Governour of that place, turn'd out all useless Persons out of the Town, who were not capable to bear Arms, and so many of the Christian Slaves,* 1.32 as served only to consume and lessen the Provisions, and not defend the Town: By these Persons the Commanders received information, that the Garrison con∣sisted only of Two or Three thousand Iani∣saries, of which a great number was Sick and Infirm.

The better to reinforce the Blocade, and streighten the place in such manner, that it might receive no Relief either of Men or Victuals,* 1.33 three thousand Horse, and as many Foot were sent to joyn with Heusler and Palfi, and with them many Carts and Waggons laden with all sorts of Ammuni∣tion and Provisions, by which there was no want of any thing necessary for the com∣fort, and encouragement of the Soldiery, that so with the more Strength and Vigour they might be ready to oppose a strong Party which was preparing at Pest, to Convoy Eight hundred Carts with Victuals, and to make way for them into the Town by Force of Arms.

At this time that Palfi and Heusler were emploied in Blocking up Newhausel, Gener∣al Lesly departed from Vienna to Gratz, from whence he drew his Forces into the Field in order to march into Croatia, where he was to Command this Year, with a Rein∣forcement of Seven thousand Men more than he had the last.

General Schultz, who had newly distribu∣ted a Hundred thousand Florins amongst his Soldiers, finding them Couragious and in good Heart, was resolved to begin the Campaign with the notable Exploit of lay∣ing Siege to Ungwar, a small, but the Capi∣tal City of the County of Ung, in which Tekeli had placed a strong Garrison. So soon as he invested it, he took a Redoubt, and began to make his Approaches, and raise his Batteries, and throw Bombs into the Town; and having by his Cannon opened a sufficient Breach in the Walls, he Stormed it, and with great slaughter and loss of Men,* 1.34 he entred and took the Town; and without giving the Enemy farther respite, he Invest∣ed the Castle, and lodged his Soldiers in the Ditch, where in the space of three Days he lost Three hundred Men, besides Twenty Officers killed and wounded. Upon this News, the Male-contents, with a great Bo∣dy, came to relieve the Place; but General Schultz bravely encountred them, gave them a Repulse, and took three of their Stan∣dards; and returning with this Success back to the Siege, he was ready to give Fire unto a Mine, when News came that Tekeli having joyned himself to a strong Body of Tartars, was marching against him,* 1.35 he rai∣sed the Siege with so much Hast and Pre∣cipitation, that he was constrained to leave the greatest part of his Artillery behind him, after he had lost Nine hundred Men, which were killed, and Two hundred wound∣ed; amongst which was Count Strafoldo, who was shot through the Arm with a Musquet-bullet, and Baron Arti his Lieute∣nant Colonel, was wounded likewise.

It was now the beginning of Iune, when the Duke of Loraine, appointed General of the Imperial and Confederate Forces, with ab∣solute Power and Authority from the Empe∣ror, came to the Army, which was encamped near unto Gran, where a Council of War was held, and therein diversely debated,* 1.36 whether they should begin this Campaign with the Siege of Novigrade, which would interrupt all Communication between Buda and Newhausel; or return again to Buda, where the Fortifications were not as yet ful∣ly repaired, nor the Inhabitants totally freed from the dread and fear of their late Dan∣ger; but upon farther examination of this Matter, it was made to appear, that Buda was in a much better Condition than it was before the Siege;* 1.37 for that the Fortifications were all finished, and made better and stronger than they were formerly; that the new Governour had demolished all the Hou∣ses, which had been ruined and defaced by the Bombs, and totally destroyed the Su∣burbs;

that the Garrison consisted of Ten thousand Men, all stout and brave Soldiers; that the Seraskier, with the like number of Men,* 1.38 had encamped between Buda and Al∣ba Regalis, and 12.000 more had passed the Bridge to joyn with a Body of Ten thousand Tartars, so that impossible in a manner it was to lay a Siege, which was daily in hazard of being disturbed by such potent Armies. The Enterprise upon Novigrode seemed much more feasible; but before any Resolution would be taken therein, the Duke of Lo∣raine, with General Souches, Scaffemburg, Colonel Beck, and several Officers belong∣ing to the Artillery and Ingineers, thought fit to take a view of the Works and Situa∣tion of the Place. The Duke at the head of Three thousand select Horse, command∣ed by Count Caprara, on the 25th passed the River Grana, on a Bridge of Boats, and foorded over the River Hippol, which, at that Season of the Summer, was not deep∣er than the Bellies of the Horses. The next Day before Noon they came in sight of No∣vigrode, and by their Appearance, gave an Alarum to the Town and Castle, from whence they fired many of their Cannon, for a Signal to those who were abroad, la∣bouring in their Vineyards, or keeping watch over their Cattle in the Field, to ha∣sten back and retire under security of the Fortress: The Report of the Guns warned every one of the Danger, so that the Guar∣dians of the Cattle, as well as others, drove in their Herds from their Pastures as fast as possible; but could not make such speed, as to get them all into Security, before the Hussars, a People used to that kind of Prey, came up with them, and seized a great share of the Cattle, driving them away for Service of their own Camp: And thô a Par∣ty of Horse sallied out of the Garrison up∣on them, endeavouring to regain the Spoil, yet being supported by a stronger Body, they retired within the Palisadoes, where they were received by several Chambers of Ianisaries.

Novigrode is raised upon a high craggy Rock,* 1.39 fortified by Nature, and the Way so narrow as is not capable to receive above one Man a-breast, and encompassed with a Ditch of about Thirty four Foot deep; this Place was taken from the Christians in the Year 1663. The Duke of Loraine, and the other Generals and Engeniers, ha∣ving well observed the Situation of the Place, and all the difficult Accesses thereun∣to, sounded a Retreat, and began their March back again to the Camp; the Rear∣guard being committed to the Care and Con∣duct of the Count de Ofkirk, with whom were several Princes in Quality of Volun∣tiers, as the Prince de Conti, de la Roche Sur-yon, de Commerci & de Turenne. Upon this Retreat, a Party of the Turkish Caval∣ry sallied out of the Town, seeming as if they resolved to fall on the Rear, with de∣sign only to draw them into an Ambuscade of Ianisaries, who lay hid in certain Hedg∣es and Bushes, not far distant from the open Road. The Stratagem succeeded in part; for these young Gallants thirsting after Glo∣ry; and desirous of an Engagement with the Enemy, could not refrain from pursuing the Turks to the place of Danger, where in all probability they had most certainly been de∣stroyed, had not the Duke of Loraine sent some Troops seasonably to their Relief. The next Day this Party being returned from Novi∣grode to the Camp, General Caprara, who lay confined in his Bed by a Fever, delivered into the Hands of the Duke of Loraine a Letter from diverse poor Christian Slaves, Greeks, Hungarians, and others in Newhausel, miserably complaining of their Servitude, and of the Famine of that Place, which was so great, that they were ready to Pe∣rish for want of Food; so that in case he would only appear with his Army before that Place, the Distress of it,* 1.40 by reason of Famine, was such, as would cause them to Surrender without farther Violence or loss of Time. The Particulars of the State of this Place, was again confirmed by a Turk, who carrying Letters from Newhausel to Buda, was intercepted in the way, and brought to the Camp; where being exami∣ned before a Council of Officers, he there confirmed the Truth of what was related in the Letter, and that the Garrison did not exceed Twelve hundred Men; so that the Pasha, an ancient Soldier, did much lament the Miseries of the Place, which he could not maintain, and must either be forced to make a Surrender of it, or else Sacrifice his own, and the Lives of all the Inhabitants, to the Fury of the Enemy. This Report se∣conding the Letter wrote from the Christian Captives, the Truth thereof was no longer doubted, so that without farther dispute or demurr, it was resolved, at a Council of War, to open this Campaign with the Siege of Newhausel; thô in reality both the Let∣ter was feigned, and the Report given by the Turk false, as will appear hereafter, be∣fore we make an end of the Siege of this Place: Howsoever, it served for the pre∣sent to alter the design from Novigrode,* 1.41 and turn it on Newhausel, against which all Pre∣parations were making, and Orders sent to the Prince of Hanover to advance towards the Town, and cause his Men to provide them∣selves with Faggots and Timber to make Gabions, with other Materials necessary for this Enterprise; and all the Boats, and Floats for Bridges, which lay below Comor∣ra,

were ordered to be drawn up against the Stream: And lest in the mean time, du∣ring this Siege,* 1.42 the Seraskier thinking to make a Diversion, should lay Siege either to Strigonium or Vicegrade, the latter Gar∣rison was reinforced with Three hundred Men, and the former with Fifteen hundred, under the Command of Count Mansfeld, be∣sides several Troops of Hussars, who were appointed to scower the Country round, and observe the Motion of the Enemy.

* 1.43All things being prepared in order to a Siege, on the third of Iuly the Duke of Loraine Commanded the whole Army to raise the Camp, and March towards New∣hausel; and on the 6th they pitched at a Bog or Fenny place in sight of the Town, being hindred from proceeding farther by the Storms and continual Rains, which gave great retardment and stop to their March: But to lose no time, General Heusler was appointed with a Party of Horse to survey the Fenns, and give an account of the Ways and Passages over it; and meeting with a Party of Horse belonging to the Garrison,* 1.44 which was commanded to prevent and stop his Passage, he charged them with such vi∣gour, as caused them to fly back to the Town, pursuing them to the very Gates thereof. After which, having well observed that the Fenns were not to be passed by the Infantry, it was ordered, That every Horse∣man should mount a Footman behind him; so that the Day following all the Army pas∣sed, and encamped by the Banks of the River Nitria or Neutra, about Cannon-shot distant from the Town.

At the appearance of the Christian Army, the Turkish Garrison being greatly dismayed, they quitted the Palanca, which was raised at the Gate of Strigonium, and broke the Island-Bridge, causing all their Forces to be dispersed without the Town in little Forts and Redoubts, to retire within, that being gathered into a Body, they might be the bet∣ter enabled to make a valiant and an obsti∣nate Resistance. The same Day the Pasha opened the Store-houses of the Place, where Provisions were laid up in such abundance, that, being distributed with Frugality, and managed with good Husbandry, were suffi∣cient to conserve and maintain the City for many Months without Famine.

But before the Siege was formed, the Duke of Loraine,* 1.45 with other Officers and Persons of Note and Quality, took a View or Survey of the Town, to discover the parts and places where the Attacks might be carried forward with the best Advantage, and tryed where the River Neutra was ford∣able, as it was at that Season of the Year in diverse places. In the mean time, the Troops of Hanover and Zell, Commanded by the Prince of Hanover, and his Lieute∣nant General Chauvet arrived in the Camp, against whom the Turks spent many of their Cannon-shot without any Effect; which Troops being drawn up in open Field, made so good an Appearance in all Respects, as gave great Satisfaction to the Duke of Lo∣raine, and the other General Officers.

On the 9th about Noon, the Bavari••n Infantry advanced forward, commanded in chief by Count Serini.

On the 10th the Imperial Generals, with the Elector of Bavaria, and the Prince of Hanover, designed the place where the Town should be first attacked; and Horses were sent, and Waggons to draw up the heavy Cannon which were arrived in Boats near to the Camp, and the places chalked out and designed where the Batteries were to be raised.

On the 11th a Council of War was held,* 1.46 and there resolved by all the General Offi∣cers to open the Trenches, and to make the main Attack at the same place and side on which the Turks had done, when they took the Town in the Year 1663.

Great Labours were used on the 12th to enlarge the Trenches, joyning unto which there was a Vally, which served for a Pa∣rade, wide enough to draw up Two thou∣sand Men, and therein to remain under Covert, and out of danger of the Enemies Shot. Two Lines also were drawn,* 1.47 one towards the Point of the Bastion adjoyn∣ing to the Port of Strigonium, and another leading to the Bastion which was contiguous to it; and on this part of the Town the chief Effort was to be made. The Bavari∣ans maintained the Attack on the Gate∣side, and the Imperialists the other; and a third Attack was intended on the side to∣wards Vienna, on the Banks of the River Neutra, which was to be committed unto the Swedes,* 1.48 so soon as they entred into the Camp, as they did the Day following; and having formed their Trenches, they cut a Drain from the Town Ditch, where being a kind of declivity, the Water fell in abun∣dance, and ran with a full Channel into the Neutra. To these several Attacks Three thousand Men were every Day appointed to relieve each other, under Command of the General of the Artillery, two Sergeant-Majors or Battalions, two Colonels, and o∣ther subordinate Officers, which the Prince of Croy, Count Serini, and the Duke of Hanover were successively to Command, ac∣cording to their turns.

All the Day following was spent in open∣ing and enlarging the Trenches,* 1.49 which were broad enough to contain three Men a-breast, and advanced unto Five or Six hundred Paces in length; and sufficient Ground se∣cured

to lengthen them about One hundred and fifty Paces more, which would reach un∣to the side of the Ditch; all which was per∣formed without any considerable loss, not∣withstanding the continual Firings from the Enemy, both of small and great Shot. At the end of every Line a Redoubt was rai∣sed, and a Parallel Line of Communicati∣on drawn from one Attack unto the other, with a place of Parade in the middle, about which three Batteries were raising, one be∣hind the Line of Communication, which was to be the biggest, containing Seventeen or Eighteen Pieces of Cannon, because it was to front and succour the other Bat∣teries on each side; the other two were to the right Hand, and to the left of five Pieces of Cannon, each to Flank the main Battery.

On the 14th, the Redoubts, the Parallel Lines of Communication, the Parade, and the Trenches were all perfected and suffici∣ently opened, so that now the Siege was completely formed; and an Allodgment prepared on the brink of the Ditch; which thô the Besieged did endeavour to disturb by constantly Shooting on the Workmen,* 1.50 yet nothing hinder'd to perfect the Allodg∣ment which was made wide; and extreamly well fortified on all sides.

The City of Newhausel is Situate on a Plain with some little rising Hills about it, and on the Banks of the River Neutra; it is not far from Comorra, and about a Days Journey from Strigonium; it is en∣compassed by six Bastions,* 1.51 according to the manner of the modern Fortifications; the distance of the Curtains, and of the Flank∣ers are of an exact equality, and the Form is a Sex-Agon, or Six-Angles. After the Turks had taken it in the Year 1663, they brought the Neutra round the Town and filled the Ditch with Water, and made it so Deep, that it was almost impossible to form any Mine under it.

The presence of the Duke of Loraine, who was always an Overseer and director in making the Trenches, in which he for the most part remain'd until after Mid∣night, did very much contribute to the dispatch of that Work: So that between the 14th and 21th all matters requisite for the Siege were finished, the Allodgment on the brink of the Ditch was more enlarged than before, the Water whereof being Fathomed, was found to be seventeen or eighteen Foot in Depth; and sometime increased, notwith∣standing the Drain, by the excessive Rains, which not only supplied it with Water, but much incommoded the Soldiers in their Trenches. The Batteries continually plaid with good Success,* 1.52 and not only had bea∣ten down a great part of the Parapet, but had made a considerable Breach in the Ba∣stion it self; which they intended to widen, and open yet more by the help of another. Battery newly raised, consisting of eighteen Pieces of Cannon; but whilst these things were in agitation, News was brought to the Duke of Loraine, that the Turkish Army began to march towards Buda and Alba Re∣galis, and that Six thousand Turks and Tar∣tars were advanced towards Vicegrade. Up∣on this intelligence General Lesly, who was appointed to watch the Motion of the Ene∣my, was Order'd to endeavour unto the utmost of his power to hinder and obstruct the Passage of the Seraskier over the River Sava and Drave;* 1.53 and Colonel Heusler with Two thousand Horse was dispeeded towards Pest, to get intelligence of the Designs of the Vizier: Soon after this Advices came, That the Seraskier was advancing with all his Forces towards Buda, and had made a Bridge not far from thence over the Da∣nube; but that it was not yet known, whe∣ther he intended to attempt the raising of the Siege, or to Sit down before some Town whereby to make a diversion: But to be better provided, and in a readiness either to meet the Seraskier in the Field, or to defeat his Attempt against any fortified Place; The Duke of Loraine order'd a De∣tachment of a Regiment of Savoiard Dra∣goons, to joyn with some of the Bavarian and Lunenburg Troops, to the number of Three thousand Men, and therewith to Re∣inforce those Regiments, which guarded the Bridge of Comorra.

During the time that a considerable Force was employ'd to observe the Motion of the Seraskier, the Siege was carried on with all imaginable Courage and Resolution; the Cannon continually fired from the several Batteries, and the Bombs and Carcasses were thrown into the Fortress with such good Success, that on the 22d,* 1.54 the Town appear'd to Smoak and Flame in three sever∣al places, which continued all Night, to the great Terrour and Labour of the Defen∣dants: But at length by the great Rains which fell, the Fires were not only extin∣guished, but the Christians very much in∣commoded in their Trenches, and the Wa∣ters of the Ditch increased, as fast almost as they were sunk by the Drain: So that it seeming a long and tedious Work, before the Ditch could be emptied of it's Water, a contrivance was made to pass a Miner over the Ditch in a Boat, and fix it to the Breach in the Wall; but the Boat recei∣ving a Shot from the Town, was ready to sink, and those therein were so incommo∣ded with showers of Stones from the smal∣ler Guns, and Petreras planted on the Walls, that they were forced to Retire, and give over that Design.

On the 24th, the Defendants made a Sally on that side, where a Guard was ap∣pointed of Swedes and Suabians to defend the Drain, which was made to sink the Water of the Ditch; and surprized them at a time, when they were overcharged with Wine,* 1.55 which they had unfortunatly gotten, and laid for the most part in so profound a Sleep, without so much as a Match light∣ed, that a Hundred of them with their Lieutenant Colonel, two Captains and two Lieutenants did never awake from their natural Sleep, but insensibly passed from it, into the last Sleep of Death. The Turks return'd back again into the Town with∣out much harm; but with great Joy and Triumph, which they testified by the Mu∣sick, which was heard from the Walls into the Trenches.

But on the 25th, greater care was taken with the Guards on that side, and endea∣vours used to enlarge the Channel, which being perform'd, the Water in the Ditch sunk eight Foot,* 1.56 so that the Faggots, Stones and Rubbish were prepar'd to fill it up; and that Labour so closely followed, that in one Night the Ditch was half filled up on that side, where the Imperialists were lodg∣ed: But on that of the Bavarians, they ad∣vanced little, by Reason that the Defen∣dants fired so continually from the Parapet of the Bastion, which was opposite to them, as disturbed the Work, and hinder'd them very much in carrying Faggots and Rub∣bish, so freely as was done on the other side.

The Work was now to fill the Ditch on each side, as well where the Imperialists, as where the Bavarians were Quarter'd: To prevent which, the Turks on the 27th, about Noon made a Sally by the Port of Strigoni∣um; and stopped the Channel, by which the Water vented it self out of the Ditch and ran into the River; but being opposed by Three hundred Bavarians they received a Repulse, and made their Retreat back in∣to the Town; the Bank being again open∣ed,* 1.57 the Water fell so low, that the Imperi∣alists discover'd a secret Passage, by which the wet and moorish Ground kept a Cor∣respondence with the Ditch, and supplied it with some Waters from thence; the Chri∣stians endeavour'd to stop this Conveyance, and the Turks to open it, so that what one did by Day, the other destroy'd by the Night.

The increase of the Waters in the Ditch, caused the Besiegers to despair of being able to effect any thing by their Mines;* 1.58 but finding that their Batteries opened the Breach more and more, they resolved to per∣form their work by the two Attacks, on the right and on the left Hand: The two Gal∣leries were in a short time advanced; that to the right, went drawing near to the Wall, being well cover'd, and flanked with Baskets, Barrels and Gabions filled with Earth, in which Action the Lieutenant Co∣lonel of Count Souches was killed: The Turks labour'd with all possible Industry to keep off the Approach of these Galleries, which most certainly threatned the Ruin of the Town; to effect which, they threw certain artificial Fire-works upon the Gal∣leries,* 1.59 composed of Sulphur and Bituminous matter, which burn'd so violently, that it was impossible to extinguish it, until it had laid all in Ashes; and so forcibly did it burn, that it took hold of the next Batte∣ry, and set Fire to the Powder in it, with which divers of the Gunners, to the number of Forty Men were Blown up. Nor did the Gallery on the left Hand fare any thing better, for the Turks shot such numbers of Arrows with artificial Fires into it, that nothing could resist the violence of the Flames: All the Gallery took Fire, with the Parapet and Neighbouring Battery,* 1.60 and burn'd with such fierceness, that it became too hot for the Guards, and dismounted four Pieces of Cannon. The Duke of Loraine came immediately in Person to the assi∣stance of the place, and remained where the Fire was most impetuous, commanding the Officers to march their Troops to that place; and in the mean time employed all his Servants and Attendants, who were a∣bout him, even his very Pages to stop and extinguish the Fire. The Example of the General was so prevalent, that every one gave a helping hand, with such diligence and vigour, that the Fire was extinguished, and a great part of the Battery was saved, with the Cannon and Powder: Whilst this Action was doing, all those who work'd about the Fire lay open to the shot of the Enemy, of which about Sixty Soldiers were killed, and twelve of them near to the Per∣son of the Duke, who exposed himself without fear to the utmost Peril of his Life.

The Fire being extinguished, Order was given to repair the Damage which the Fire had done; which accordingly was execu∣ted with such diligence, that on the next Night following the Parapet was repaired, and the Cannon being remounted began a∣gain to Batter the Town; new Galleries were also making of such matter, as should not be so easily combustible as the former.

The Disorders being composed which were caused by these Fires,* 1.61 the Elector of Bavaria enter'd the Camp; and immediate∣ly repaired to that part where his Soldiers were lodged. The Duke of Loraine having made him a Visit, and passed those Com∣plements

which are due to his Person, and Character; he attended him abroad and showed him all the Attacks, the Approaches, Batteries, and the whole Form of the Siege.

Whilest matters were thus in Action at the Siege, Advices were daily brought of the Seraskier's motion, that his whole Army consisted of 60.000 Men, including the Tartars, and lay Encamped at the Foot of St. Gerard's Mount near Buda, with Twenty five Pieces of Cannon, small and great.

* 1.62On the 26th it was certainly advised, that they had passed the Danube, and that the Van-guard bended towards Vaitz, and the Rear-guard towards Vicegrade and Strigo∣nium. Upon this intelligence it was almost certainly concluded, That the Turks intend∣ed with one part of the Army to lay Siege to Strigonium, and with the other to attempt the Relief of Newhausel; to confirm which two Hussars about the close of the Even∣ing, brought News, that the Turkish Army about Noon of the same Day, had pitched their Camp in sight of Strigonium, and had made a Bridge at the Isle of St. Andrew, for better Communication of their Troops. It being now out of all doubt, that the Turks would either Invest Strigonium or Novi∣grade; the Duke of Loraine with the con∣currence of his Electoral Highness the Duke of Bavaria, resolved to leave 16.000 Men under the command and conduct of Count Caprara to continue the Siege; and with the Gross of his Army to march against the Seraskier; but before their departure they had the satisfaction to see the four Regi∣ments of Infantry belonging to the Elector of Cologne,* 1.63 to come and joyn with them, all brave and stout Men well Armed and well Clothed. Colonel Heusler, who with Fifteen hundred Horse watched (as we have said) the Motion of the Enemy, gave cer∣tain intelligence, that on the 30th of Iuly, the City and Castle of Strigonium were In∣vested by the Seraskier, which caused the Duke of Loraine to hasten his march to∣wards the Relief of that place, leaving all things belonging to the Siege in very good order. The News sent by Colonel Heusler, was confirmed on the 4th of August,* 1.64 by Report of the Cannon, which being car∣ried by a favourable Wind, were heard at the Siege before Newhausel: The Duke of Loraine being on his march, passed his Army consisting of 40.000 fighting Men over the Waagh on a Bridge of Boats, ben∣ding towards Comorra: On their way thi∣ther intelligence was given them, that the Night before, the Turkish Army had been Alarum'd by a Party of Hussars which had fallen in upon their Baggage: Howsoever, they continued still to force the Place, ha∣ving given a fierce Assault upon the lower Tower Town, but were bravely repulsed. This News quickning the march of the Army, the next Day they passed the D••••nube upon two Bridges near to Comorra, and afterwards Ranged the whole Army into order of Battle: The Imperial Troops were divided in the first and second Lines of the two Wings; with them joyned some Dra∣goons, and some Battalions of the Allies; the Elector of Bavaria Commanded the left Wing;* 1.65 the main Body of Bavarians and Swedes were comprehended in this Wing, and that of Franconia and Lunenburg in the Right; the Prince of Hanover and General Chauvet, Commanded at the Head of their own Troops, as the Marquis of Tutriac, and other Generals of the Allies at the Front of theirs. Count Rabata General of the Horse, the Commissary General, Count Palfi and Baron Mercy, and other Chief Officers were of the left Wing; Prince Lewis of Baden, Count Dunewaldt, Count Taaf and Stirhaim, Major General, were added to the right Wing. Prince Waldeck and Count de Fonta∣na, one of the Major Generals marched at the Head of their Troops, and Prince Lubomiski commanded the Cannon: In this order the Army marched, and on the 10th of August they Encamped within three hours march of Strigonium: And the next Day approaching yet nearer, the Report of the Cannon, and all Noise towards the Town seemed to cease; so that it was con∣cluded, that either the Town was taken, or the Siege raised. Whilst they were in this suspense, the Garrision of Vicegrade came in sight of the Camp, to the great surprise of the Generals,* 1.66 who until that time, had never been informed that the place had been Invested by any part of the Ottoman Army: It seem'd a little strange to meet that Garrison in the open Field, march∣ing with their Arms and Baggage, with their Matches Lighted, their Drums Bea∣ting, and their Colours Flying; but this Wonder ceased, when the Officer in Chief acquainted the Generals, how that the For∣tress of Vicegrade, had sustained a Siege for the space of sixteen Days, against all the Force of the Ottoman Army; that the Tower which was adjoyning to the Castle was Blown up, which made so wide a Breach, that it was impossible to sustain another Assault of the Enemy, having endured two Assaults before: And therefore, after a loss of the greatest part of the Garrison, which was reduced from Three hundred and fifty to One hundred and thirty Soldiers, the Surrender thereof seemed excusable, and not to be imputed to the Cowardize, or want of Conduct either in the Comman∣der, or in the Souldiers. There was also something more than ordinary in the be∣haviour

of the Turks towards the Garrison, when this place was Surrender'd: For they out of a Principle of hatred to the Chri∣stian Religion, and of scorn and indignation against all People, but those of their own Profession, were commonly provoked to use their Victories with Pride and unlimited Insolence; and to break their Faith and Engagements, to which they had obliged themselves by Articles and Capitulations;* 1.67 did now contrary to their usual practice, Treat the vanquished of this Fortress with due respect and kindness; and lest any thing should happen, which might seem dis∣agreeable to their Capitulations in their march by Land, care was taken to Tran∣sport them in Boats, and to Land them as near as was possible to the Christian Camp; and for the better security on the way, they were accompanied by three Turkish Officers, whom the Duke of Loraine treated with a Civility, corresponding unto which they had used towards the Garrison.

The next Day being the 11th of August, the Christian Army pitched their Tents at Almatz, about a League distant from Stri∣gonium: From whence an Officer was sent to Complement the Duke of Loraine, and the other Generals, with a Relation of what the Turks had acted in the late Siege: He told them,* 1.68 That one the 30th and 31st of the last Month their Approaches were begun (as were to be seen) on the side to∣wards Comorra, at the Foot of St. Thomas his Mount, and were in two Days time, carried on to the Counterscarp of the low∣er City, where they Sprang four Mines, and seconded them with as many Assaults, in which so many were killed, that the Ditch seemed to be levelled, and filled up with the dead Bodies of the Slain, and made equal with the Border of the Counterscarp. In fine, About two Days before, the Turks ha∣ving received certain Intelligence of the Ap∣proach of the Christian Army for their Re∣lief, had raised the Siege with so much hast and precipitation, as gave Courage to the Defendants to make a Sally upon them at their departure; and falling on their Rear, took a Bloody Farewel of them, with the Slaughter of Three hundred of their Men. The Success of Strigonium made some a∣mends for the loss of Vicegrade, and gave undoubted proofs, that where is any equa∣lity in Force, the Christian Valour and Conduct, challenges Fortune to be of their side, and to favour and assist them.

The Duke of Loraine having recruited the Garrison of Strigonium with Five hun∣dred Foot, and succoured it with Ammuni∣tion, and Provisions necessary for it's De∣fence; raised his Camp on the 13th, and marched away in quest of the Seraskier, with resolution to give him Battle, in case the moorish and fenny Grounds, which in∣terposed between the two Armies, did not prevent the Engagement.* 1.69 The Day follow∣ing, with rising of the Sun was opened a clear Scene, representing the whole Tur∣kish Army, which having passed the Danube to joyn with some Tartarian and Turkish Troops, were Encamped on the farther side of a fenny of moorish Ground, which lies between Newhausal and Senan, extending it self from the Banks of the River to a cer∣tain rising Ground, on which they had plan∣ted their whole Train of Artillery; the Ap∣pearance of which seemed very formidable, and not consisting of less than 55 or 60.000 fighting Men, which for the most part were experienced Soldiers, who had tried the Dint of the Enemies Sword, and often without fear beheld Death in the Face.

The fenny and moorish Ground, which interposed between the two Armies, was the Bar which restrain'd the Courage and Mettle of the Christians; who otherwise, in despight of all disadvantages, where had been any possibility of Engagement, would have broke through all to have closed and mixed with their Enemy. To perform which, the boggy Ground was tried and assaied on all sides; but being found unpas∣sable, the Generals feigned a kind of fear, and unwillingness to Engage, in expectation thereby to draw the Enemy to remove; so that raising their Camp, as if they had fear∣ed a Battle, the Turks carried on by their own Destiny, followed after them, leaving the place of a more advantagious Ground. The Christians retreating at the distance of an hour's march,* 1.70 drew up in the Form and Order before mentioned, extending their left Wing towards the Danube, and their right towards the Hills of Saran. The Se∣raskier animated with this Retreat, as if it had been caused by his more formidable Force, which much exceeded the Christi∣ans in their numbers,* 1.71 raised his Camp and followed the motion of the Christians; and leaving a great part of the Infantry, with the heavy Cannon behind, on the rising of the Hill; on the 15th and 16th Instant, he passed the moorish Ground, and marched towards the Enemy. At break of Day in Morning, so great a Fog or Mist arose, that for some hours neither Army could discover the motions of the other; during which time the Christians had the advantage to draw up their Army undiscerned into a posture of Battle, and to reinforce the left Wing with some Regiments, which were not as yet disposed. No sooner was the Army drawn up in its due Order, than the Fog dispersed, and a bright Day appeared, which showed the two Armies each to the other,

both moving with a slow and regular Pace to joyn Battle. The Turks, who are of the more fiery and fierce Temper, caused their left Wing to March with some hast to charge the right Wing of the Christians;* 1.72 upon which they three times made an Attempt, but the Germans, who stood firm and unshaken like a Rock, three times repulsed them with great Slaughter: The Duke of Loraine per∣ceiving that the Turks pressed the right Wing with their main force, caused his left Wing to move with a slow pace to their Suc∣cour: The German Foot were conducted by their Captains at the head of their re∣spective Companies, with their Artillery in the Front; which being charged with Mus∣quet-bullets, were fired upon them so op∣portunely, and seconded by Vollies of small Shot, that the Turks began to draw back at some distance. The Seraskier observing the disorder of his left Wing, advanced with a strong Body of Turks to charge the utmost part of the right Wing of the Christians; to sustain which, the Duke of Loraine re∣doubled the firing of the first Line, and commanded Count Dunewald to reinforce the first Line with such Squadrons and Bat∣talions of the second Line, as were nearest unto it. The Elector of Bavaria coming at the same time to their Assistance, put the Turks into a disorder and confusion, and afterwards forced them to make a Retreat, and draw a little off. The Hungarian Troops which were accustomed to the Turkish man∣ner of Fighting, were order'd to charge them in the Rear; which having done, they wheel'd about and made a stand. So soon as the Turks were out of reach of the Ger∣man Musquets, they rallied again, and made another Charge as furiously as they had done the first; but the Imperialists maintaining their Ground, and not giving one Foot backwards, many principal Officers amongst the Turks fell in this Charge at the head of their Squadrons, which caused a second Disorder amongst them, and to turn their Backs; and being pursued slowly by some Troops, which continually fired upon them, they were put to the rout and fled.* 1.73 The right Wing of the Turks observing the Disorder of the left, wheel'd about towards that side, not only to Succour the flying Party, but to joyn with them to make a second Effort and tryal of their Fortune: To this Purpose a considerable Detachment advanced to charge the Christians in the Flank; but being repulsed, the whole Army was put to flight, and being pursued by the Hungarians, Croats, and some Troops of Dragoons, fear so possessed many of them, that they took their Way, without any consideration, over the Moorish or Fenny Grounds, where, sinking up to their Middles in the Water; and their Horses plunging in the Boggy places, above Two thousand Men were lost and perished in the Quag-mires. In the mean time, the right Wing of the Christian Army having knowledge of the Passage over the Marsh, by the Turks, who led them the Way, pur∣sued them beyond the soft Ground; and perceiving that the Turks began to rally on the top of the Hill, where they had left their Cannon with some Chambers of their Ianisaries; they made a stand until the Duke of Bavaria was come up with the left Wing. So soon as these two Bodies were joyned on the other side of the Moor∣ish Ground, the Turks durst not stand ano∣ther shock; but leaving their Camp, Tents, Cannon, Baggage and Ammunition, they all betook themselves to a shameful flight: Such was the general Fear and Consternati∣on amongst them, that they fled by three several Ways; and the Ianisaries to Re∣venge themselves on the Spahees, for expo∣sing and abandoning them upon the Hill, killed many of them to get their Horses. Thoô the Turks in the first Action did not lose above Four thousand Men, yet double the Number perished in the Fenny Ground, and in the Pursuit the Seraskier himself was wounded, and Osman Pasha of Gran Cairo, and two other Pashas were killed. The Christians lost not above Two hundred Men, and took but few Prisoners, because that gi∣ving Quarter was almost out of Fashion: The Pursuit continued not far,* 1.74 by reason that the Turkish Horse were more nimble than the Christian, and fled to Buda and Alba Regalis; the Foot saved themselves in the Woods and in the Mountains: Howsoever, afterwards in more cool Bloud, many were hunted out, who had layn hid amongst the Reeds and Ofiers which grew in the wet and marshy Grounds, so that about Four hundred Priso∣ners might be taken, and many Christian Slaves obtained their Freedom. The Turks lost Thirty eight Colours, Twenty three Pieces of Cannon, two Mortars, and great store of all sorts of Ammunition. After the Battle was ended, Te Deum was sung, and Thanks publickly render'd in the Camp to Almighty God for so signal a Victory; and the Prince of Neuburg was dispatched with all diligence to render an account unto the Emperor of the happy Success of that for∣tunate Day.

Whilst the Turks were engaged in Battle▪ and their Army routed and totally defeated▪ their Garrison in Newhausel declined, and the Besiegers daily advanced upon them. The Galleries were again refitted and repaired, and the Soldiers lodged at the Foot of the Breach,* 1.75 so that all things were ready for a general Assault, only Count Caprara thought fit to demand first the Orders of the Duke of Lo∣raine,

not knowing whether he might be de∣sirous to be present at this great Action, to add the Subjection of this Place to the Glo∣ry of his late Victory: But the great Mind of the Duke, which was zealous for the Service of the Emperor, and the Christian Cause, gave orders not to defer the Assault for one Moment; but first to advise the Besieged of the defeat of their Seraskier, and to verify the same by some Prisoners taken in the late Battle, which were sent into the Town, that being informed of their des∣perate Condition, they might be induced to accept Terms of Mercy for their Lives. The 18th was the Day appointed for this Attempt, but the Rains were so violent, that it was thought fit to expect more fa∣vourable Weather, and to break some Pali∣sadoes with the Cannon, which were newly erected within the Breach. The next Morn∣ing being the 19th, at break of Day, the signal of the Assault was given by the dis∣charge of Thirty six Pieces of Cannon, up∣on which,* 1.76 immediately Three thousand Men were appointed to make the Assault. Count Scaffemberg, at the head of his Men, Com∣manded the Attack in face of the right Ba∣stion, and mounted thereupon without the loss of one Man, and was followed by the Troops of Lunenburg and Suabia; the Turks now losing their Courage, did not dispute the Breach with such Resolution as was a∣greeable to the Resistance they had made at first, and thereby gave opportunity to Scaf∣femberg to possess himself of the Bastion without much difficulty. The Baron of Asti, and Colonel Kaletz, who Commanded the other Attacks, with the Troops of Co∣logne, Bavaria and Franconia, were in like manner successful, and planted the Imperial Standards on the Breach, where a Pasha which Commanded it was killed; he was a Native of Bohemia, and of the Family of Garasba. In the Bastion Eight hundred Men were slain, excepting Two or Three hundred, who cast themselves over the Wall into the Ditch, where they met the Sword of the Bavarians, and under that, ended their Days. All this time Seventy Pieces of Cannon continually plaid upon the Town, and Twenty Mortar-pieces which threw Bombs and Carcasses, and Three thousand Men already upon the Walls and within the Town, in which Amazement the Turks spread a white Flag, which was the signal of a Parly or of a Surrender: But alas it was too late; for the Christians being al∣ready Masters of the Town, they killed all without remorse, or distinction of Age or Sex, either of Men, Women or Children. The Governour of the Place died the next Day of his Wounds which he had received on the Breach; the Garrison which consist∣ed of Three thousand Men, was reduced to On thousand Seven hundred, most of which also were killed on that fatal Day.* 1.77 At length the Town being taken, Orders were given to stop the effusion of Blood, which came only in time to save the Lives of about Two hundred Persons.

In the Town Eighty Pieces of Cannon were taken, with great quantities of Am∣munition. About Forty Christian Slaves were set at liberty: The Plunder of the Town was esteemed to amount unto two Millions, besides Plate, good Furniture, and Moveables belonging to the Houses. There were Fifty Horses of Price taken, which were distributed amongst the General Offi∣cers; all which was performed with the loss of Fifty Soldiers only, and one Lieu∣tenant. So soon as the Place was taken, Count Scaffemberg took Post to carry the joyful News thereof unto the Emperor, who was graciously pleased, in Reward of his Services, to conferr upon him the Go∣vernment of that Place. The News of two such Atchievements, as the defeat of the Turkish Army, and taking Newhausel filled all Christendom with Joy and Wonder, and Thanks to Almighty God for such glori∣ous and unexpected Successes; which also being accompanied with the taking of E∣speries, by General Schultz, and the burning of the Town and Bridge of Esseck, by Count Lesly, increased the Jubilee of that Year in Christendom; as on the contrary, never was there such a Damp on the Spirits of the Turks, nor such Sorrow and Grief as at that time: For the Loss having been Uni∣versal through the whole Empire, the Death of Friends and Relations was lamented, as far as to Bagdat or Babylon it self, and to other remote parts of the East.

The Advice of taking Newhausel was brought to the Duke of Loraine, whilst he was in Discourse with the Elector of Bava∣ria, and the other Generals, of carrying on the Wars with such other Enterprise, as might conclude and terminate this Cam∣paign with the greater Glory. Upon the News hereof, the Generals moved with a desire to see the Place, enter'd into it on the 20th,* 1.78 and there beheld the most horrid Spectacle of Slaughter and Desolation in the World. To cover which, immediate Orders were given to bury the Dead, and to repair the Breaches which the Cannon had made in the Walls, and, with the La∣bour of Turkish Slaves, to fill up the Tren∣ches and Approaches which were made without the Town during the Siege. The Christian Slaves, which, on occasion of the late Defeat, had escaped out of the hands of the Turks, came in great numbers to New∣hausel, and there related, how that the Se∣raskier

was come to Buda with a slight Wound in his Leg; that the Confusion amongst the Turks was so great,* 1.79 that they killed and robbed one the other, in the Flight; that in the Sieges of Strigonium and Vicegrade, they had lost at least Four thousand Men; and that the latter place was so weakned by blowing up the Tower, and required so much time and labour to repair it, that they expected Orders from the Seraskier to de∣molish and abandon the Place. And in fine, That the Turkish Forces were so scatter'd and divided, that after all these losses and discouragements, they were scarce able to Rally an Army of 30.000 Men.

We having not thought fit to interrupt the Relation of two such great Matters, as the Fight near Strigonium, and the Siege of Newhausal, with a Digression unto other A∣ctions; which being now past, let us look back, and behold the Progress which Count Lesly, and General Schultz were making a∣gainst the Common Enemy in different Places. Lesly being advanced into the Country near Kanisia, had the good for∣tune to meet a Party of Turks, belonging to that place, which he defeated, and with the Slaughter of several hundred of them, cau∣sed the rest to Fly into their Fortress. After which with an Army of about Eight thousand Men, composed of Croats, Hun∣garians and Germans, he resolved to render himself Master of the Bridge of Esseck: In order whereunto,* 1.80 having left his Baggage at Turnawitz, under the Custody and Guard of Two thousand Men, he marched away on the 9th of August, which Four thousand Germans and Two thousand Croats, all choise and experienced Soldiers towards Esseck, taking with them Provisions for ten Days, in regard the Country was so wasted and destroyed by the War, that it yielded nei∣ther Food for Men, nor Forage almost for Horses. The same Day a Detachment was made of Five hundred Croats, under the Command of an Officer to Invest Michalo∣witz, which upon the first Summons Sur∣render'd, before the Body of the Army ap∣peared, without making any Terms, or Conditions for their Liberty. The Guard of this Fort was committed to the defence of Two hundred Foot and One hundred Heyduks; and the Prisoners taken, both Men, Women and Children were secured in a Tow∣er belonging to the Fortress. After which the Army marched with all diligence towards Esseck: Upon sight hereof, the little Forts and Palancas on the way, fired their Guns to Alarum the Country round about; and passing by Carafina, which is a Town forti∣fied with strong Walls, and a double Ditch, the Turks Sallied forth with Horse and Foot, and Skirmished with some of the Troops, without any great hurt or damage on ei∣ther side. After three or four Days of hard march, Lesly drew up his Forces on the 13th of the Month, into order of Battle in the Plains of Esseck, expecting to meet the Enemy in those Parts: But finding no opposition, they pitched their Tents, and Hutts so much to ad∣vantage, and which took up so much Ground, as if they had contained an Army of at least 30.000 Men: Soon afterwards, a Thousand Turkish Horse came and took a view of the Camp, with some Infantry marching in their Rear. Whereupon the Army Commanded by Siaus Pasha, drew out into order of Battle, and marched soft∣ly against the Enemy, who stood firm, nei∣ther advancing nor retiring,* 1.81 until the Chri∣stians were come within Musquet-shot; and then they began to give Ground, which the Croats perceiving fell upon both their Wings; and gave them a total Rout and Defeat. The Horse fled by the way of Belgrade, but being hotly pursued by the Croats, se∣veral of them were killed; but the Foot found a nearer Refuge in the Town and Castle of Esseck. The German Horse and Foot, advanced still in good Order to the Suburbs of the Town, which at the first Assault they took, and Plunder'd; and thence found an easy entrance into the City it self; from whence the Turks had the Day before sent their Wives and Chil∣dren by Water towards the Danube, into which the Drave falls not far from the City: Those who remain'd, were with their Goods and Moveables retired into the Castle.

The City of Esseck is not very large, but well peopled and well fortified; and as I remember, after the modern fashion; it hath about Five hundred Shops belonging to Tradesmen,* 1.82 and adorned with many Mosques and Caravasaries, or Inns built for the Reception of Travellers, which are com∣monly stately Structures. It is very strange, that this place which was esteemed so strong, and well fortified by the Turks, that they made it their Granary, and Store-House for all sorts of Provisions for sup∣ply of those Parts of the Country, should so easily be abandoned, and opened to the Enemy, which was capable of sustaining a Siege of many Months against an Army of far greater Force, than that of Count Lesly's which did not exceed Six thousand Men;* 1.83 especially being well provided with quanti∣ties of Rice, Bread, Bisket, Salt and pow∣der'd Flesh; and with Barly and Oats; all which served greatly to refresh, and feed the Men and Horse of Count Lesly's Army, which were languishing before for want of Victuals, the ten Days Provisions which they had taken with them being almost

consumed. So soon as Lesly became Ma∣ster of the Town, Guards were set to op∣pose any Sally from the Castle, whilst the Soldiers were Ransacking the Houses, un∣to whom all the Plunder and Pillage was given. In the mean time, Count Lesly went to take a view of the Bridge, like which there is none in the World, and of which we have already given a Description in the former part of our History: The Ri∣ver Drave is not very broad in this place, there being only Sixteen Boats to sustain the Bridge, which the Turks had broken down the Day before, loosing them that they might drive down the Stream; the Christians endeavoured to recover them the next day following, but could not get a∣board for want of smaller Boats; nor could they for want of this Bridge, pass over the Drave to burn the Bridge of Esseck, which on that side is Eight thousand Paces long, and all built of Oak. 'Tis true, Money and good Rewards were offer'd to some French Soldiers, of the Regiment of Erbe∣ville, who with certain Germans and Cro∣ats under-took to pass the River, and burn a great part of the Bridge; but the Boats on which they endeavoured to pass were so small and leaky, that they sunk under them, and saved themselves only by Swimming. Howsoever, That part of the Bridge which was on the Town side, being Eleven hun∣dred Paces in length, was in a very short time reduced to Ashes: Whilst these things were acting, a Rumour was spread amongst the Soldiers, that all the Riches of the Pasha, and Moveables of value belonging to the Citizens, were conserved within the Castle; which so animated the Soldiers to make an Assault up it, that Count Lesly could not restrain them from running the utmost hazard of Storming the place with open Force: But whilst they were preparing Faggots, and other combustible Matter, to fix at the Gate which looks towards the City, a furious Fire took in divers Houses, caused by the Rabble of the Soldiers, which burnt so violently, by reason that all the Houses are built with Wood, and the very Streets Planked with Boards and Timber; the Ground being a Clay,* 1.84 and sort of Ow∣sey Earth, not capable of a Stony Pave∣ment; that there was no possibility to quench it, or to Approach near to the Gate of the Castle on that side, so that in a few hours the whole Town was utterly con∣sumed: Wherefore they fixed some artifi∣cial Fire to the other Gate, on the Bridge side, with which both the Gate and the Bridge burnt together, without much of∣fence to the Defendants within the Castle; but rather, the Fire and the Retrenchment made within, served to secure them from an Assault: Wherefore General Lesly thought fit, not to Attempt any thing further upon the Castle, but having left all the Town in Ruins, he returned back the next Day to Turanowitz, where he had left Two thou∣sand Men to Guard and Secure the Bag∣gage. With the good News of this Success, Prince Deichtrestein was dispatched to the Emperor, and for Confirmation there∣of, he carried with him five Colours of the Fourteen, which were taken from the Turks.

Whilst these matters were acting to the advancement and Glory of the Christian Arms, General Schultz on the 19th of Iuly,* 1.85 began to lay Siege to the Town of Esperies, and by the 8th of August had formed all his Works, Trenches, and raised his Batteries, and threw such quantities of Bombs and Carcasses into the Town, that it took Fire in divers places. Esperies is a City of Hun∣gary, in the County of Sarax, very well fortified, Situate on the River of Tarbez to∣wards the Mountains, and on the Frontiers of Poland; and hath always been consider'd by the Malecontents as a strong place, and of great importance to them: The Garri∣son consisted of a Thousand Soldiers, all stout and brave Men, and more resolute than the Turks; for the Malecontents ha∣ving been provoked by the ill usage, which the Emperor guided by his evil Council had put upon them, were always more ob∣stinate and fierce in Fight; either, because they were made Angry by Oppression, or became desperate, and out of all hopes to obtain Pardon from the Emperor: Some Attempts were made by Tekeli to Rein∣force the Garrison with Six hundred Men, but they were prevented and beaten back; and the Besieged made their Sallies, but with ill Success, which moved them on the 16th to display a white Flag in token of a Parly; but so soon, as some Soldiers and Officers came near to receive their Offers, they with-drew their Flag and Fired upon them, killing a Lieutenant and four Sol∣diers. Schultz being justly incensed with this Treacherous Action, omitted nothing which might destroy the Enemy: He con∣tinually threw Bombs into the Town, and Batter'd the Walls; and having opened a Breach, an Assault was made, but his Sol∣diers were repulsed with considerable loss. After which a Mine being formed, and rea∣dy to Spring, the Malecontes on the 10th of September desired a Parly; but their late act of Treachery made the Imperialists more cautious in their Dealing with them, and to give them no answer, until they had sent two Officers for Hostages; those in the Town refusing so to do, the General more furiously plied his Cannon and Bombs than

before. But at length, the Governour be∣ing made sensible of the impossibility of de∣fending the Place much longer;* 1.86 desired to Capitulate, and sent Hostages for assurance of the Treaty, which was concluded on the 18th of September, on these following Articles.

First, That the Commander, and several of the Officers and Soldiers being Germans, should be received into the Service of the Em∣peror, and be advanced a Month's Pay.

Secondly, That such as were not willing to enter into the Emperor's Service might have liberty to return to Tekeli, and to have safe Conduct into his Quarters.

Thirdly, That the Inhabitants should have a free Exercise of their Religion, and that the Churches and Schools should remain in the same Condition, as before, and enjoy the like Freedom and Liberty, as those did, which had on the same Agreement and Articles submit∣ted to the Emperor.

Fourthly, That the Nobility might be re∣stor'd to their Estates, and having taken a new Oath of Fidelity to the Emperor, might quietly enjoy the Privileges belonging to Noble Persons.

Fifthly, That the Magistrates of the Town, and Iudges shall continue in their respective Offices, and Places of Trust.

Sixthly, That the City shall be conserved and exempted from the Plunder of the Sol∣diery. And finally, That these particulars shall be approved and ratified by the Em∣peror.

These Articles being agreed, a Surrender was made; but with much difficulty could General Schultz, and the Duke of Wirtem∣berg restrain the German Soldiers,* 1.87 who be∣longed to the Garrison, and had taken part with Tekeli, from Plundering the Town: For they being inform'd of the many Suc∣cesses of the Imperial Arms, were desirous to shew their Zeal to the Cause of the Emperor, and so signalize the Return to their Duty and Allegiance, by opening the great Gate of the City to the Soldiers of the Duke of Wirtemberg, with liberty to Plunder and Spoil together with them∣selves; but General Schultz and the Duke of Wirtemberg being resolved to maintain the Articles, Order'd two Officers with a Thou∣sand Men to Enter by the Breach, and at the Postern Gate; whilst the Duke of Wir∣temberg with Two hundred Men joyned with the Germans of the Garrison, and together marched into the Town. These Germans were so Zealous to testify their Loyalty and Kindness to their Country Men, That they invite them to fall upon the Spoil, and to Plunder with them; but by the care and good conduct of the Generals a stop was put thereunto, and the Town preser∣ved from Pillage, according to the Tenure of the Capitulations.

The Day following General Schultz en∣ter'd the Town, and caused the Ditch to be cleared of the dead Bodies, and the same to be decently Interr'd; and the Breach with all possible speed to be repair'd. On the Walls were found Thirty Pieces of Cannon mounted, with a Mortar-piece car∣rying Sixty pounds Weight, and several Thousands of Cannon Bullets, the greatest part of which were Cast by the Imperialists in the time of the late Siege;* 1.88 when the Town was taken by Tekeli in the Year 1678. There was no want of Provisions in the Town, nor of Powder, of which there was One hundred and twenty one pounds weight. The Germans who were Two hun∣dred and seventy in number, of which Thir∣ty were Dragoons, were Listed into the Emperor's Service, as also the greatest part of the Talpazzi, a sort of Hungarian Sol∣diers under their Hadnag or Captain. The others which were but Eleven, Swore never to Fight more against his Imperial Maje∣sty, but to return home, and live quietly and in peace amongst their Neighbours. Such vertue and power hath good fortune, and success in War, that it not only sub∣dues by Force of Arms, but converts the Minds of Mankind, making them wise and gentle, free from Passion and Masters of Reason.

The taking of Esperies was followed by that of Cassovia, which contrary to the Ex∣pectation of the Court at Vienna held out a formal Siege, and made a Vigorous Re∣sistance. Cassovia called by the Hungari∣ans Caschaw, is the Capital City of the County of Abanwivar; it is very well for∣tified,* 1.89 being Situate on the River of Kun∣nert, which empties it self into the Tibis∣cus. Thô it be a Town which enjoys great Privileges, yet it hath long acknow∣ledged and submitted to the Emperor, as King of Hungary; but in August 1682, it was unhappily taken, and possessed by Te∣keli and his Party, and continued firm to them until this Year 1685.

When on the 6th of the Month of Octo∣ber, Count Caprara appear'd with his Army before Cassovia,* 1.90 and immediately rai∣sed two Batteries, from which he warmly plied his Cannon and Mortars upon the Town; the like was return'd from thence upon the Besiegers with much more Damage. The Garrison within the Town, consisted only at first of Four hundred Soldiers be∣sides the Citizens, who were resolved to hold out unto the last Extremity. The Count Peterhasi, who was a valiant Man,

and the best Soldier of all those belonging to Tekeli, had made some overtures of returning to his Obedience, and to the Allegiance which he owed unto the Em∣peror; but all proved nothing but a mere Plot, and design to convey himself with Seven hundred Men into the Town:* 1.91 The which having succeeded according to his desire, the Defendants were greatly there∣by Reinforced, and animated to make a more Vigorous Resistance than could be expected.

For on the 8th the Besieged made a Sal∣ly and passed far within the Trenches; and thô they were forced at length to Retire, yet above Eighty Men were killed on both sides. On the 14th, Count Caprara Summoned the Town, and received a fierce and disdainful Answer; and the same Day three or four Sallies more were made, in which many were Slain, and amongst the rest the Prince of Wirtemberg, with several other Persons of Quality. In the mean time General Schultz took the Castles of Kalo, Ibrano and Vihel belonging to Tekeli; as the Generals Heusler, and Mercy had done of all the small Places about Erla, for better convenience and enlarge∣ment of Winter-quarters.

Count Caprara continued still to Batter the Town, but with little effect, in regard the Garrison within was strong and reso∣lute: And the differences which happen'd between General Schultz and Caprara, were great obstructions to the Surrender of that place: But at length an accommo∣dation, and good understanding being made between those two Generals, Schultz came to the Siege, and joyned his Army with that of Caprara, with which united Force a vigorous Attack being made, the City came to Terms of Treaty,* 1.92 and Surren∣der'd on the 25th Day of this Month of October.

Thus have we related the particulars of all the most Glorious Successes, with which the Imperial Arms were blessed this Year in Hungary; which we have done so Am∣ply, that we shall not need to add much more thereunto, until we have given an Account of the Progress of the Veneti∣an Arms, which though very prosper∣ous and considerable this Year in the Morea; yet we thought not fit to inter∣rupt the Story of the dreadful Wars in Hungary, by a Digression to any other A∣ction.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The State of Christen∣dom.
• * 1.2

  The Elector of Bavaria Marries with the Emperor's Daughter.
• * 1.3

  The Empe∣ror's want of Mony.
• * 1.4

  Treaties with the Princes of the Empire.
• * 1.5

  Auxiliaries of the Em∣peror.
• * 1.6

  The Pope gives Assi∣stance.
• * 1.7

  The Turk•• prepare for War.
• * 1.8

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Tu••ks Fo••ces at Sea.
• * 1.9

  The Mosaip Admiral.
• * 1.10

  L••vies made in Europe and Asia.
• * 1.11

  The Turks propose a Treaty.
• * 1.12

  A Chiaus sent to Vi∣enna.
• * 1.13

  He is sent back.
• * 1.14

  A misera∣ble Plague and Famin.
• * 1.15

  〈…〉〈…〉 Newha••s••l.
• * 1.16

  A Convo•• brought thither.
• * 1.17

  Other Con∣voys.
• * 1.18

  Successes of Tek••••••.
• * 1.19

  Espe••ies.
• * 1.20

  Gutta ta∣ken.
• * 1.21

  Five English Miles.
• * 1.22

  Successes of Colonel Heusler.
• * 1.23

  A party of Malecon∣tents de∣feated.
• * 1.24

  The Pasha: Erla and Novigrad strangled.
• * 1.25

  A Convoy sent to Re∣lieve Espe∣ries, taken.
• * 1.26

  Another Convoy de∣feated.
• * 1.27

  The Turks slight the Poles.
• * 1.28

  The Polo•• and Tartars Treat.
• * 1.29

  The plac•• of General Ren••••r∣vo••••.
• * 1.30

  The Forces o•• the Cir∣cles.
• * 1.31

  Care taken to supply t••e Army with Pro∣vision.
• * 1.32

  May.
• * 1.33

  Newhausel streightned.
• * 1.34

  Ungwar taken.
• * 1.35

  Schultz ••or∣ced to leave the Town.
• * 1.36

  A Council of War called.
• * 1.37

  June.
• * 1.38

  The state of Buda.
• * 1.39

  Novigrode.
• * 1.40

  Filse Let∣ters deli∣vered to the Duke of Loraine.
• * 1.41

  The Siege of Newhausel resolved.
• * 1.42

  Preparati∣ons there∣unto.
• * 1.43

  July.
• * 1.44

  Heusler beats A Party of the Enemies Horse.
• * 1.45

  The Town Surveyed.
• * 1.46

  The Form of the Siege resolved▪
• * 1.47

  and descri∣bed.
• * 1.48

  The Swedes come to the Siege.
• * 1.49

  The Trench∣es enlarged.
• * 1.50

  The Siege formed.
• * 1.51

  Newhausel
• * 1.52

  The Batte∣ries make a Breach.
• * 1.53

  Leisly at∣tends the Motion of the Seras∣kiers.
• * 1.54

  The Town on Fire.
• * 1.55

  A Sally from the Town.
• * 1.56

  The Ditch filled with Rubbish.
• * 1.57

  The diffi∣culty of draining the Ditch.
• * 1.58

  Galleries prepared.
• * 1.59

  They are burned.
• * 1.60

  The Galle∣ries and Batteries burnt.
• * 1.61

  The Elector of Bavaria comes to the Camp.
• * 1.62

  The Tur∣kish Army near Buda.
• * 1.63

  Their mo∣tion obser∣ved.
• * 1.64

  Strigonium besieged.
• * 1.65

  The Order of the Christian Army.
• * 1.66

  They are met by the Garrison of V••c••grade.
• * 1.67

  The Turks Civility to that Gar∣rison.
• * 1.68

  A Relation of the Siege of Strigo∣nium.
• * 1.69

  The two Armies in sight of each other.
• * 1.70

  The Chri∣stians Re∣treat.
• * 1.71

  And are followed by the Turks.
• * 1.72

  A Battle begun.
• * 1.73

  The Turks defeated.
• * 1.74

  The loss which the Turks s••∣staine••.
• * 1.75

  All ••••ing•• ready for an Assault upon New∣hausel.
• * 1.76

  An Assault made.
• * 1.77

  The Town is taken.
• * 1.78

  The dismal Condition of Newhau∣sel.
• * 1.79

  The illCon∣dition of the Tur∣kish Army.
• * 1.80

  The Expe∣dition of Count Les∣ly to the Bridge of Esseck.
• * 1.81

  The Turks near Es∣seck defea∣ted.
• * 1.82

  Esseck.
• * 1.83

  Taken by Count Lesly.
• * 1.84

  Esseck burnt.
• * 1.85

  Schultz before Es∣peries.
• * 1.86

  Capitula∣tions made.
• * 1.87

  The Ger∣man Sol∣diers be∣longing to the Gar∣rison en∣deavour to Plun∣der.
• * 1.88

  Provision•• and Am∣munition i•• the Town.
• * 1.89

  Cassovia.
• * 1.90

  Caprara Besieges Cassovia.
• * 1.91

  Peterhasi relieves Cassovia.
• * 1.92

  Cassovia surr••ndred.