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 ...

Capitulations Agreed.

I.

THAT whatsoever is belonging to the Arsenal, and Publick Stores, either of Provision, Ammunition, Can∣non, or other Arms should be delivered to the Imperial Commissaries, to whom also all Mines made about the City should be discovered.

II. That the Prisoners on both sides, should be released without Ransom.

III. That all the Inhabitants of the City, and Strangers, shall have liberty to march out with their Arms, Move∣ables, Cloaths, Servants, Children, Hor∣ses, and all other Cattle, who shall have safe Passage, and Conduct into the Otto∣man Dominions, but without Flying Co∣lours, or Sound of Drum: Notwith∣standing which, in case any of the Rasci∣ans who are in pay of the Turks, should freely desire to come over to the Christi∣ans, they shall not be hindered, either on the Score of Debt, or any other Pretence whatsoever.

IV. All Christian Renegadoes, who shall be desirous to return unto their An∣cient Faith, shall have liberty to do it, and no Christian Children be privately conveyed away.

V. A sufficient Number of Waggons, shall be allowed to the Turks to carry them to the Water-side, and from thence Boats to Transport them into the Turkish Domi∣nions.

VI. That so soon as these Capitulati∣ons shall be Signed, the Imperialists shall immediately be put into Possession of the Palanca, our Out-work, called Baschlar Kapaesi; in which the Turks shall have li∣berty to sell what they please of their Goods, or to carry them away.

VII. That so soon as the Imperial Ra∣tification shall be returned, the Turks shall immediately quit the City, and be∣gin their Journey.

VIII. The Turks shall deliver to the Imperial Commissaries all the Tax-Regi∣sters in Canisia, with such Books as con∣cern the Military Sallaries paid from Bos∣nia, and other Districts depending on Ca∣nisia, with the Tefter, or an account of such Revenues which the Janizaries usual∣ly Pay, and Receive out of the Homage, and Tributary Countries.

IX. That the People of Canisia shall be Convoyed with a sufficient Number of Officers and Soldiers, unto the first Tur∣kish Fortress, leaving howsoever behind them the Hostages at the last Christian Fortress, until the return of the Con∣voy.

X. That during the March Provisions shall be furnished to the Turks at moderate Prices.

With these Capitulations, the Imperial Councellor of War, called Pozo, the Aga, and two more Turkish Officers, were on the 24th dispatched to Vie••na to have the Ca∣pitulations Ratified and Signed with the Imperial Firme; they arrived on the 30th, and the next Day had an Audience of Count Staremberg, President of the Council of War, to whom they delivered the Capitula∣tion; and on the first of April it was re∣turned back again to them Signed by the Emperor, who was graciously pleased to m••ke a Present therewith unto the Aga, of a Watch set with Diamonds.

With this Ratification the Aga being re∣turned, which was on the 3d of April, it was resolved by the Pasha, and other Offi∣cers in the Divan, immediately to put the Christians into Possession of one of the Gates of the City; the which by the 12th, they fully quitted; and the next Day the Pasha being on Horseback, attended with some Turks on Foot, delivered unto General Bath••ani the Keys of the Town in a gild∣ed Bason hanging on a Gold Chain. The Pasha indeed expected, that the General should have alighted from his Horse to re∣ceive them, but the General refusing to receive them in such a manner, as a Conde∣scention too inferiour to the Dignity of His Imperial and Victorious Master, the Pasha insisted no farther thereupon, but present∣ing the Key, said, I deliver unto you the Key of a Fortress, the like whereof there is none in all the Turkish Empire.

This being done, the General went into the City to visit the Fortifications, and af∣terwards entertained the Pasha, the Aga of the Janizaries, and Zorbagee Aga at Din∣ner, with some others. Then the Garrison marched out, consisting of 600 Turks, which with the Inhabitants, made in all 4000 Souls; the which were conducted in∣to the Dominions of the Turks, according to the Capitulation.

It seems that this strong City was sur∣rendred rather by Divisions amongst them∣selves, than for want of Provisions: On the Walls were mounted 56 Brass, and 10 Iron Cannon, the most part of them made in the time of the Emperors Maximilian I. and II, and of Charles V, and Ferdinand I. In the Magazine, or Store-house under the Governor's Palace, were found 1540 Mus∣quets, and in the Arsenal 2200 more, with much Lead, Cannon, and Musquet-Bullets, Swords, Granadoes, with all sorts of Arms and Warlike Instruments in great abun∣dance.

Canisia, or Canisa, is situate on a River towards the Frontiers of Styria, near the Drave, and not far from the Fort Serin; it is so environed on all sides with a Morass, or Marsh, that no Army can lie near it, which renders the Town almost impregnable, and inaccessible, notwithstanding it was taken by the Turks in the Year 1600.

The next Year following Mathias Arch-Duke of Austria Besieged it in the Month of September, but was forced to retire after a Siege of two Months.

In the Year 1664, at the beginning of it, in the Month of Ianuary, Count Serini, by favour of the Frosts, which gave him some Footing on the Morass, after he had taken Quinque Ecclesiae, and some other Places, and had burnt Sighet, he besieged Canisia, which he had infallibly taken, if they had sent him the Succours which were promi∣sed him; but as I have related in my for∣mer History, so great a Faction was against him at the Imperial Court, that they were not willing to see him prosperous, but chose rather to Sacrifice the Publick Welfare to Private Animosities; but the expected Re∣cruits not arriving at the appointed time, and the Year coming on, the Ice was Thawed, and the Great Vizier advan∣cing with a Powerful Army, the Count Sereni being under all these Discourage∣ments,

was forced to raise his Siege and be gone.

General Veterani in the mean time whilst things were thus acting at Canisia, being much streightned for want of Provisions, or∣dered the Garrisons of Lescowitz and Pyroth, to make Incursions into the Turkish▪ Terri∣tories, which they performed so effectual∣ly, that they returned back with more than 1000 Head of Cattle; the which being di∣vided amongst the Regiments, such as were sit for the Slaughter were killed, and the rest employed for drawing the Waggons la∣den with Ammunition and Provisions.

On the other side the Turks surprized a Village near Belgrade, which they Plunder∣ed and Burnt, killing, or carrying away Captives all the Inhabitants of the Place.

But the Garrison of Pyroth being much animated with their late Success, made ano∣ther Incursion, as far as within three Leagues of Philippopolis, burning the Villages, and killing the Turks which they met in their way; but at length being pursued by 1000 Turks, they drew themselves up into good order, and posting themselves advantage∣ously on the rising of a Hill, they engaged the Enemy for two Hours space; during which time, 30 Turks were killed, and ma∣ny wounded, and 28 Prisoners taken, with which and some Hundreds of Cattle, they re∣turned safe to Pyroth. In like manner 100 Germans and some Hussars belonging to the Garrison of Zolnock, encountred a Party of 160 Turks, and Male-contents, which be∣longed to Giula, and having engaged them, they killed 20 of them, took 60 Prisoners, of which 16 were of the Male-contents, the remainder throwing themselves into the Ri∣ver, were for the most part drowned.

During this Season of the Year, before the Grass was sufficiently grown, no other Actions passed, but only by Parties sent abroad to surprize Cattle, and burn Villa∣ges. Amongst the rest, a Party of Rascians having roved over the Country of Schnepoli, returned back to Nissa with a Booty of se∣veral Hundred Head of Cattle, and some Yoaks of Oxen, taken near to Sophia; the which Successes still attending the Imperial Arms, the Country People on all sides of∣fered to embrace the Imperial Party, and implore their Protection so soon as the Christian Army should take the Field.

On the other side Mahomet Bagavitz Pa∣sha, who had some time quietly Quartered at Poza, (having left 1500 Men for Garri∣son in that Place) he marched out with a Party of about 4000 Men, towards the Pass of Bosnia, but having in his March received Intelligence, That Captain Antonio attended him in the way, and was ready to receive him, returned and marched towards Bagnia, from whence also by reason of the great Snows, he was forced to retreat back to Poza, without any Action.

Little more was acted now, as we have faid but by Parties, of which Kathana Pasha commanding one, he made an Incursion therewith into the Neighbourhood of Py∣roth, where he took several straggling Hus∣sars. Another Party of Hungarians to the Number of about 20, commanded by that Valiant Hungarian Captain, called Baudi, which had made a bold Incursion, and roved about 14 Days beyond Sophia, near to Philip∣popolis, were at length attacked by a strong Body of Turks, with which having fought for a considerable time, were at last over∣powered, and all of them cut off, (two only excepted) who made their Escape to Nissa.

On the other side a Party from Belgrade surprized a Body of Turks, the most of which they killed, or took Prisoners. Like∣wise a Party of Rascians made an Excursion as far as Bagnia in Bosnia, where they kil∣led 20 Turks, and took 12 Prisoners, with 400 Head of Cattle: Besides which, those who guarded the Blockade of Great Wara∣dine, beat a Party of the Enemy, brought home 11 Heads, and eight Prisoners. Ano∣ther Party of 500 Hussars, and 40 German Dragoons, made a Sally out of Sclavonia under the Command of Lieutenant Boniau, and passed the Save; and having in their way an Information that the Turkish Garri∣son belonging to the strong Fortress of Teockzach was sallied abroad, having only left eight Men, and 15 Women therein; they attacked and entered the Fort early in the Morning, with the loss of six of their Men killed, and eight wounded; of the Turks, four of the eight, with the Women, saved themselves in a Tower, from whence the Women threw Fire, and Stones, and hot scalding Water, but at length were forced to surrender, and leave the Place to the mercy of the Enemy, in which they found a good Booty of Turkish Horses, and other rich Goods, and therewith repassed the Save, having left four Troops of Heydukes for defence of the Place.

The Season of the Year being now far advanced towards the Summer, and things preparing for greater Action; the German Officers were very intent, and studious in what manner to conserve Nissa; for which they had great reason to be apprehensive, for that according to the Reports of all those who lately came from Adrianople, and of such Deserters who came out from the Turkish Quarters; the Turks were become much more numerous than the last Year, and were marching on purpose to make Nissa the first Atchievement and Design of

their Conquest. But what could be done for Conservation of that Place, was not o∣mitted; all the Old Works were repaired, and several New ones compleated; and the River Morava being with much Expence and Labour made Navigable, great Quan∣tities of Provisions, and Materials necessa∣ry for War were brought down by that Wa∣ter to Nissa, so that nothing was wanting for Conservation of the Place, unless a greater Garrison within, and a more nume∣rous Army without.

About this time a small sort of Venomous Flies swarmed about Nissa, which killed ma∣ny Horses, Cattle, Camels, and Mules. I remember in a Journey I once made through those Countries in the Month of May, that we were much infested with this sort of A∣nimals, which was the smallest Fly that e∣ver I did see, covered with a thin Fluff, or Down; the which would not touch the Flesh of a Man, but Horses, Camels, Mules, &c. were killed by them. Wheresoever they fixed on the Sides of a Horse, or any other Part, they would draw a Blister as big as an Egg; and entering into the No∣strils, immediately poisoned the Brain, which caused a sudden Death to the Beast; but hereof I have discoursed more at large in a former History, to which I refer the Reader.

Tho' the great Armies were not as yet in the Field, yet Parties were roving in all Parts and Places, the Weather becoming moderate according to the Season, and the Grass grown; the Turks encamped near Gradisca, where they staid a while in ex∣pectation of some Troops to joyn with them, and therewith to pass the Save into S••lavonia, with no other Design than to ruine and spoil the Country; but Baron Koniseck having Advice thereof, marched from Brod, with all the Hussars, and Heydukes which were Quartered in the adjacent Villages un∣to a Place where the River is fordable, and therefore the most likely place where they might design to pass; by which not only the Passage of the Turks was obstructed, but News coming to them that the Croats were fallen in∣to their Country on the other side, they quit∣ted their first Design, and marched to oppose the Croats, who were too quick for them, ha∣ving taken great Booty, and committed a vast Spoil before the Turks could come in to the Succour of their Country.

About the same time one Herl••iovich, a Dalmatian Captain, marched six Days Jour∣ney beyond Nissa into the Enemies Coun∣try, which he Surprized and Plundered, and returned back with the Heads of several Turks, and some Prisoners. The same Cap∣tain soon afterwards having recruited him∣self with some more Troops, fell upon Berko••itz, in which was a Garrison of a∣bout 127 Turks, provided with all things necessary for defence of the Place, being fortified on a very advantageous Situation, but coming upon them by Surprize, the Place was taken, and all the Men put to the Sword, except some few, who made their Escape; the Booty was considerable, besides 90 Turkish Women, four Standards, and two pair of Kettle-Drums.

In like manner a Captain of the Garrison of Pyroth roving abroad, and seeking his Fortune, met near to Sophia with 20 Hor∣ses laden with Nails, Iron, and several Warlike Instruments, he seized them all, and killed 19 Turks, and took one Prisoner alive, who in the Night making his Escape, gave Intelligence thereof to Sophia, from whence a Party being commanded out, they overtook the Germans, and fought with them, but the Germans behaved themselves so well, that they forced the Turks to leave them, and suffer them to escape with the Booty they had gained.

At this time also some Sea Robbers land∣ed in the Bay of Vola, and made an Incur∣sion into the Territories of Macedonia near Monassir, burning and spoiling all the Coun∣try; whilst another Party of them, to the number of about 600 Men, made a Sal∣ly towards Stippo, where they surprized 500 Turks, and put them all to the Sword, with∣out Quarter given to any one; but the In∣habitants they carried away Prisoners, and made use of them for Slaves in the Hills and Mountains.

Nor were things more quiet in Hungary, where several Skirmishes happened to the Loss and Damage of the Turks; and parti∣cularly the Soldiers of the Garrison, and those of the Blockade had an Encounter, and the latter returned Victorious, with 16 Prisoners, 22 Heads, 49 Horses, and some Cattle.

Moreover Count Corbelli sent out a Par∣ty of 500 Horse, which met, and surround∣ed a Party of Turks, of which they killed three or four of the Chief Commanders, with 70 private Soldiers, took 10 Priso∣ners, and many Horses; in which Action 12 Men were slain and wounded, and 22 Horses killed.

Moreover 3000 Rascians under the Com∣mand of Captain Antonio, and 200 Ger∣mans under Rusbach, a Captain of Hanover, arrived one Morning about Break of Day near Bernia; from which a Detachment being made of five Troops of Rascians, with some German Musqueteers; having their Van-Guard led by Artusser Adjutant-General of Piccolomini, and three Lieute∣nants, pushed forward into the City with∣out any Halt or Hesitation, or regard to the Troops which followed, with such

Courage and Valour, that the Turks being surprized, not having time to gather them∣selves into an Orderly Body in the open Market-place; and seeing the Enemy al∣ready in the City, and more Troops follow∣ing them, the Pasha, with about 200 of his best Horse, fled out of the opposite Gate, leaving the remainder of the Garrison with the Inhabitants, which consisted of about 3000 Men to their own Fate, which ended with the Death of about 1700 of them, most whereof were killed Sleeping on their Beds; the Booty taken, was very conside∣rable, besides much Cattle, and 500 good Horses, with the loss only on the Christian side of seven Germans, and 17 Rascians, who were killed.

It being now towards the end of May, which is the usual Season for Armies to take the Field, News was brought to Nissa, that Kuperlee the Grand Vizier, was de∣camped from before Adrianople with 20000 Men, and on his March to joyn with 40000 more, which were Encamped at Nicopolis with intention to attack at one and the same time both Nissa and Widin; and where∣as the Turkish Army was in great want of Artillery, by reason of the many Cannon which they had lost during this War, the French furnished them with 100 Pieces, which were brought from France, and Land∣ed at Galata, and thence conducted on Car∣riages to the Army.

But the Season not being as yet come for pitched Battles, or Siege of Towns, the Armies not being gathered into a Body, General Corbelli, who Commanded the Blockade near Great Waradine, detached 220 Germans and Hungarians, with design to attack the Palanca of Bellanasch, where coming to it before Break of Day, and find∣ing no Centinels to observe their Appear∣ance, all the People being asleep with the greatest Security imaginable, the Soldiers climbed the Walls, and unperceived enter∣ed the Place without any opposition what∣soever, killing Men, Women and Children, without any distinction; some Turks how∣soever escaped, and saved themselves in the Castle; which General Corbelli being desi∣rous to take, by reason that the People of Great Waradine had been frequently relie∣ved from thence, he sent for 500 Men more to reinforce his Troops; but before these could come up to joyn, the others laden with Booty and Spoil, were departed, and gone to secure what they had gained.

These two late Successes by Surprize, a∣nimated the Governour of Lescowitza, and Count Montecelli Captain of Horse in the Regiment of General Hoffkirchen, to at∣tempt a third, and joyning with them a Party of Germans and Rascians, they march∣ed to Noviporto, with intention to surprize it, in the same manner as the others had been; but some of the Rasci••ns having Friends and Relations in the Place, ga••e information to those within; upon which they all retired into the Castle, which was well defended with a strong Tower, and a good Wall, and with Provision suf••••cient for some Weeks, and stood upon their Guard; so that the Party finding their De∣sign defeated, fell upon the Cattle which were feeding near the Place, and carried a∣way some of them, to the Number of 6000 Sheep, and 2000 other Cattle; but the Turks of the Country gathering them••elv••s into a Body, pursued after them in such Numbers, that attacking the Rasc••••n•• in the Rear, they recovered most of their Cattle, and took some of their Horses; howsoever the Rascians carried of•• about 1000 Head of Cattle, and some Prisoners, with the Heads of 15 Turks, which they had kil∣led.

The Germans still continued to rove about the Country with Parties, returning most commonly with Success; one of them sur∣prized and took Uhi••za and Dobran, two small Palanca's, killing all that they found alive therein.

Likewise Captain Schenchendorff with 800 Germans, and some Hungarians, passing near Radimir, a Turkish Garrison, in hopes to surprize it, found the Turks vigilant and ready to receive him; upon which being forced to make a Retreat, the Turks sallied out upon them, but were repulsed with the loss of 50 of their Men killed, and three taken Prisoners, upon which the Turks be∣ing put to flight, the Germans pursued them so close, that they entered with them into the Suburbs, which consisting of about 400 Houses, they burnt all to the Ground, and then retired towards Pyr••th; but in their way meeting with 400 fresh Hungarian Horse, they joyned with them, and return∣ed again towards Radimir; but in their March having received Advice, That the Turks had abandoned the Town, and laden their Wives, Children, and Goods, on 130 Waggons, and sent them farther into the Country, a Party of Hussars was com∣manded to pursue them; which they did, and soon came up with them, and took all the Waggons, People, and Goods that were in them; but they were not so easily carried off, as they were taken; for a Bo∣dy of about 1200 Turks from the Frontiers, coming in to their Assistance, they not on∣ly retook all the Booty from the Hussars, (the Captain Schenchendorff being at too far a distance to relieve them) but also forced them to fly, leaving some of their Compa∣nions, who were the worst mounted, unto

the Mercy of the Enemy; after which, the Turks pursuing farther, fell in with Sche••∣che••••••rf••, who finding himself over-match∣ed, made a handsome Retreat to a conve∣nient place, where taking his Advantage, made Head against the Tu••ks, and killed a∣bove 100 of them, took several of their Horses, and much Cattle, which they car∣ried 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with them.

General Corbelli who commanded the Blockade before Great Waradin, made an Incursion with 2000 Men, and ruined all the Corn and Fruit of the Field, so near the Ci••y, as was within reach of their Guns: Upon which Approach the Garrison sallied out, but were repulsed with great loss, and amongst the rest the Chiaus-Bashee was killed: The Defendants terrified herewith, above 40 Families escaped out, and at their Request were Baptized.

In the mean time a stricter Watch than ever was kept in the Blockade about the Castle of Bellanasch; and the Stream of Wa∣ter which ran at the Foot of the Palanca, and Castle, by which both were supplied, being cut off by the Christians, and the Currant turned another way, the Defen∣dants were reduced to great Extremities, and more especially they began to be af∣frighted, when they saw a fresh supply of Horse, Dragoons, and Hussars, ready to attack the Place, and that two Batteries were already raised, which continued firing for two Days without intermission, they at length inclined to a Surrender, and in order thereunto sent out two Aga's to make their Capitulations, which were soon concluded, and agreed, That the Garrison consisting of 150 Men, besides their Wives and Chil∣dren, and other Inhabitants, should the next Day be conveyed to Giula, which was accordingly performed on the 4th of Iuly.

Whilst these Matters went on, the Par∣ties from Niss••, were always Plundering and spoiling the Countries, and Captain S••rahina, the famous Partisan, who was continually on Parties, made his Inroads near to Philippopolis, and surprized the Turks in several Places of that Neighbour∣hood, with much Spoil and Damage: The Turks alarm'd hereat, got into a Body, and pursued after Strahina, and having overta∣ken him, attacked him with great Fury and Bravery; but were as resolutely repul∣sed, and their Teftish Pasha killed in the Action; 200 of their Horse taken, and much Boo••y, with the loss only of five 〈◊〉〈◊〉: The like Success Strahina had a∣gainst Kath••na Pasha, who meeting on the Road, whilst one Party was returning to So∣••hi••, as the other was to Nissa; the Turks were beaten, and put to Flight, and the Pasha, with his Men that escaped, were forced to take Refuge in the Mountains, scattered and dispersed, whilst Strahina, and his Men, with their Booty, returned safe to Nissa.

And now to conclude the Successes of the many Parties which roved abroad in divers Places, the Captains Schenchendorff, Stra∣hina, and Wildenham, with one Lieutenant Funck, sallied abroad with 100 Germans, and 1500 Rascians, with which having stormed Pernich in three several Places at the same time, they entered the Fortress, and cut down all the Turks in the way, only 50 of them got into a Tower, and refusing to take Quarter, Fire was put to the same, and then the People too late cryed out for Mer∣cy; after which the Town was Plundered, and the best of the Goods, with 3000 Head of Cattle, were carried off safe to Py∣roth.

But to make way to greater Actions, the French Ambassador at the Ottoman Court, after a long Sollicitation, had procured for Tekeli a Baratz, or Commission, whereby he was declared Prince of Transilvania, and to publish the same, he dispatched his Cir∣cular Letters to all the Cities and Provin∣ces, written in the Latin Tongue: The Contents whereof were as followeth.

THAT whereas God Almighty, and the High and Mighty and always Flourishing Ottoman Empire, had created, and ordained him Prince of the Heredita∣ry Countries of Transilvania, belonging to the Ottoman Empire, with an express Clause, That he should enjoy the same, with such Power, and in the same manner, and with as high and ample Privileges as had been given to Bethlem Gabor; for which Cause and Reason, having sent Greeting to all the People and Subjects of that Country, he did strictly forbid, and inhibit all Persons to give any Suc∣cour or Assistance whatsoever unto the Germans, but on the contrary, to put themselves into a readiness to give Assi∣stance unto him the said Tekeli, as also the Grand Vizier, and the Tartars, who were now coming in great Numbers ve∣ry speedily into the Field, to deliver their Country of Transilvania from the Terrible, and Unjust Oppression of the Germans.

Now follows Tekeli's Declaration in La∣tin joyned hereunto.

Emericus Tókólius Dei Gratiâ, à Ful∣gidâ Portâ Ottomanicâ declaratus Prin∣ceps Transylvaniae, Partium Regni Hungariae Dominus, & Siculorum Comes.

QUAM preciosa & in aestimabilis res sit, animae corporisque libertas, si caeterorum Orbis Christiani Regnorum ac Nationum exempla praetereamus, pro sufficienti tamen exemplo esse poterit Na∣tioni Hungaricae olim tanto sanguine ac∣quisita libertas; quantam enim Hungari inquietudinem, arma effusionemque san∣guinis impenderint in defensione liberta∣tum suarum, apud homines prudentiâ & experientiâ rerum exornatos, manifestum est; hoc etiam ignotum esse nequit, quod à quo Hungariae Corona & Gubernium in Potestatem Nationis Germanicae devenit, omnia consilia, labores omnes, in eo ver∣tebantur, quâ ratione Nationem Hunga∣ricam debilitare, bonis omnibus privare, tandem Regnum Hungariae haereditarium constituendo ad Servitutem ignominiosam, & intoleranda tributa praeciptari possit. Quod ipsum cum ante plurimos annos prudentiores, & in summâ dignitate con∣stituti Proceres vidissent, neque per innu∣meras instantias, supplicationesque satis∣factionem diplomatis à Domo Austriacâ obtinuissent, è contrario indies laesio li∣bertatum, & intolerabilium contributio∣num onus incrementa sumpsisset, nescien∣tes aliud quid facerent, coacti fuerunt, penes leges Patriae, etiam cum inculpatâ tutelâ, ad vindicandas libertates, arma capere, omnibusque constat, à quot annis bellum continuebatur; quinimo si ad hanc calamitatem praecipitata Natio Hungarica Praedecessorum suorum vestigiis insistens arma non deposuisset, cervices contume∣lioso servitutis Jugo ex voluntate Sponta∣neâ non submisisset, sperare poterat ex di∣vinâ benignitate post multas etiam cala∣mitates antiquae libertatis restitutionem.

Transylvania quoque, licet tantopere si∣cut vicina Hungariae non fuerit coacta Na∣tioni Germanicae sese submittere, neque enim in tantis extremitatibus fuerat, ut ad meliora tempora se conservare non po∣tuisset, multis fortalitiis, quae in sua po∣testate habebat firmata, nihilo tamen mi∣nus nonnullis libertatis Patriae contemp∣toribus & privato commodo obnoxiis, quomodo tradita sit, cum omnibus forta∣litiis in extraneorum potestatem, & in quas oppressiones praecipitaverit Dominati∣ones Vestras, ejusdem fructus acerbitas ad∣huc in ore omnium est.

Ut autem ad scopum nostrum propius accedamus, etiamsi omnipotentissimus De∣us nos quoque ad miserias ac••rbas rode∣gerit, & per multas mutationes vicissitu∣dinesque transire debuerimus propter quas multi ex praecipuis praepotentis hujus Nationis malefactorum suorum premium acceperunt, Deus tamen qui nunquam permittit justam causam finaliter opprimi, nos ex iis omnibus eliberavit, personam causamque nostram, apud praepotentem Nationem, tam gratam honorificamque fecit, ut causam tam dedecorosè suppressae Nationis nostrae non minus in FulgidâPor∣tâ, quam apud alios Christianos Monar∣chas utilitèr promovere valeamus.

Quorum intuitu, licet in eo nunquam laboraverimus, Fulgida Porta tanquam Transylvaniae Domina Haereditaria fidelia servitia nostra, & in ••ide••••tate constantem perseverantiam, quoque ponderando Prin∣cipatus Transylvanici Dignitatem cum omnibus requisitis & immunitatibus nobis contulit, super indéque diploma & Achname suum, quod antiqui principes multis ex∣pensis obtinere non potuerunt: Iisdem conditionibus, qualibus beatae quondam recordationis serenissimo Principi Gabriel•• Bethlem contulerat, nobis quoque dedit sine injuria Regni, ejusdemque territorio∣rum imminutione, una cum statis refi, Resi∣dentem insuper, sive Kapithaiam Tran∣sylvaniae, qui hactenus in Porta fuit, ad nos dimisit: Praeterea Achname Hani Tar∣tarorum nostris etiam in manibus est.

Jam in nomine Dei cum militiâ praepo∣tentis Turcarum Imperatoris pariter & Hani Tartarorum movimus indiesque iter nostrum continuamus, Dominationes ve∣stras communiter ex omnibus statibus con∣stitutas supremi, medii, infimique gra∣dus, ordinis per praesentes informare, re∣quirere & admonere cupientes, non dubi∣tamus, quin Universis Patriae libertas e∣jusdemque vindicta in cordibus sit, ideo∣que singuli exDominationibus vestris, obli∣gationis suae erga deum & patriam memo∣res cogitent de rebus, recta conscientia in∣surgant, & antequam confinia regni in∣grediamur monstrent Realia Documenta obedientiae expedientes nobis obviam ex omnibus Nationibus ablegatos primariae conditionis, interim viritim arma sumen∣tes, difficultates in passibus semoveant, nemo seipsum vel arma sua Germanis jun∣gat, vel hostiliter se nobis opponat, ad de∣solationem Patriaeque ruinam, & multa∣rum millium animarum depraedationem causam subministret; Literas has paten∣tes nemo supprimat, quin potius publicet, quia talium animae coram judicio Dei ra∣tionem reddent, nostram quoque gravissi∣mam indignationem cum posteris suis

non effugient, de his omnibus coram Deo & Mundo protestamur, quod nullius rui∣nae interitusque causa nos erimus.

Datum ex Castris ad Kula positis die 26 Iunij, 1690.

Emericus Tókóly.

MI Domine Judex, vel quicunque has literas ad manus suas accepe∣rit, Deus magnus mise••icordiae, afflictio∣num gentis suae misertus, ecce perditum miserum Emericum Tókóly tanquam ali∣quem Gideonem ex horreo ad promoven∣dam suam gloriam assumens id in nomine Domini ad vindicandas oppressiones Domi∣nationum vestrarum, prout ex ejusdem ma∣nifesto praesentibus incluso apparet, proin∣de Dominatio vestra cum fidis suis amicis communicet, promulget, ne opprimatur, quia Dominatio vestra dabit rationem de illo.

Bukuress 28 Iunii, 1690.

Valentinus Nemessay.

Annexa patente, Mittant Dominationes vestrae Amicis suis unas in Siculiam, alte∣ras in terram Parzensem & districtum Fo∣garasiniensem.

Inscriptio Literarum.

Nobili Domino Iudici Coronensi, Notario, vel cuicunque ex Magistratu Dominis amicis meis trandantur.

By the many Troops of Tartars which were already entred into Valachia, and by the Increase of Tekeli's Forces, which were become much more numerous and formida∣ble, by the Sums of Money which he had received from France, the Imperial Gene∣rals were greatly alarm'd, and fearing least they should Invade that Country, all the Forces in and about Transylvania, were or∣dered to march under the Command of Ge∣neral Heusler towards the Passes which lead to Walachia; and as they marched, to spoil the Ways, and render them as impractica∣ble, and difficult as was possible.

By this time News was come to Nissa, that a great Body of Turks was assembled near Nicopolis, and that the Grand Vizier was actually on his March to joyn with them; whereupon General Veterani, ha∣ving provided the Garrisons with necessary Provisions and Ammunition drew all the Troops he was able unto Nissa, where he remained at a Gaze to observe the Motions of the Turks, and to afford his Assistance unto any Place which should be distressed, or in danger.

The Season of the Year was now advan∣ced to the middle of Iuly, when Advies came by way of Walachia, that Sultan Gal∣ga was marching with some Thousands of Tartars towards Bulgaria; and that Budack Commander of the Tartarian Fleet was with four Gallies, and many Frigats, armed with some Guns, and laden with Ammunition and Provisions, coming up the Danube: And moreover that the Grand Vizier was with a very strong Army come as far as So∣phia, and pitched in those Plains, and cau∣sed vast Stores of Corn, and all other Pro∣visions, to be laid up in the Magazines of that City.

Some few Days after which the Tartars appeared before Widin with their four Gal∣lies, and about 60 Vessels, on which 5000 Men were Embarked, and immediately be∣gan to fire on the Town; the which News being brought to General Trautmansdo••f, he marched immediately with the Troops un∣der his Command, to the Relief of the Place, and was followed by several Vessels laden with Provisions, Convoyed by Boats armed with Musqueteers; which coming in sight of the Turks, they fired incessantly upon them, until such time as the Cannon planted by Trautmansdorf, on the side of the Danube, forced them to quit their Station, and retire farther down the Stream, to the other side of the River; after which, the General having provided the Town with a sufficient Garrison, and all sorts of Provisi∣ons necessary, conducted the Vessels safely back, and marched farther towards the ge∣neral Rendezvous at Iagodina.

And because the whole force of the Otto∣man Empire under the Command of the Grand Vizier, was marching from Sophia against the Germans, who were very weak in Servia, and not able to keep the Field a∣gainst the Turks in those Parts; Count Cor∣belli who Commanded the Blockade before Great Waradin, received Orders to march with such Troops as could be spared from the Blockade, to reinforce the Army in Ser∣via, the which was performed accordingly, leaving the Care and Charge of the Block∣ade to Count Schlick.

The Arnouts, who had before taken part with the Germans, observing the Weakness of the Christian Troops and the Strength of the Turks, joyned against their Inclinations to save themselves with the latter; with which the Grand Vizier being reinforced, a Detachment was made under Command of the Seraskier, to joyn with Tekeli in Wala∣chia, whilst another Pasha was employed to Besiege Widin both by Land and Water; and the Vizier marched in Person with the gross of his Army towards Nissa, with 100 Pieces of Cannon, and 12 Mortars.

Upon this News General Veterani order∣ed all the Commanders of the several Posts and Passages leading towards Nissa, to leave their Guards, and retire with their Men, Ammunition, Provision, and Cannon to the City; which having furnished with a suffi∣cient

Garrison of 3000 Foot, and 500 Horse, he marched back with the remainder of the Army towards Alexin, and there formed his Camp.

In the mean time the Grand Vizier on his March to Nissa, at which he aimed, took Pyroth in the space of three or four Days, upon Capitulation with the Garrison, which consisted of no more than 150 Men, to be conducted safely to Nissa, but the Vizier pursued them so close at the Heels, that on the 14th of August he Invested the City with his whole Army, and on the 17th be∣gan an Attack at Bergele, compassing one half of the City, on that side; and on the same Day he sent a Chiaus with Letters to summon the Place, the which Colonel Iorger returned back again unopened, with this Answer, That the••e was none there who could read Turkish.

Upon return of this Answer, the Grand Vizier caused some Cannon to be shot into the City; and on the next Day the Tren∣ches to be opened, after which the Turks fi∣red without ceasing, both with their Can∣non and Mortars; and because it was be∣lieved, that the Town would not hold out for any long time, the Turks plied their Business very close, and made their Attacks with wonderful Courage and Bravery.

On the 19th General Staremberg▪ who now Commanded in Nissa, in the Place of Colonel Iorger, who was fallen sick, or∣dered a Sally to be made by 100 Grana∣diers, and 200 Fuzeleers, sustained by a Battalion of German Foot, and at the same time all the Horse of the Garrison made a Sally on the other side of the Town, which succeeded so well, that above 1000 Turks were killed on the Place, most of which were slain in their Trenches; besides those, who upon the Retreat of the Christians, pursuing them to the Palisadoes of the Town, were killed by the Cannon, and Musquets from the Redoubts, and Out∣works. In this Sally the Besieged had 20 Men killed, and 60 wounded.

Whilst the Siege of Nissa proceeded in this manner, the Seraskier having joyned his Troops with those of the Tartars, of the Prince of Walachia, and the Forces also of Tekeli, (under whom were nine Pasha's) their whole Army consisted of 16000 Horse, 2000 Janisaries, and 500 Talpats, with which Tekeli marched towards a certain Pass called Terezwar, being distant about three Leagues from Cronstadt, where General Heusler lay encamped with four Regiments of Horse, consisting in all of about 1700 Men, together with 5000 Transylvanians, called Zecklers from the Province so named, under the Command of General Tolecki. Tekeli not knowing well how he might with Advantage attack Heusler, passed his Forces over Mountains, and untrodden Ways, be∣ing conducted by the People of the Coun∣try, until they came within sight of the Germans; who nothing dismayed at the ap∣pearance of so formidable and unequal a force, marched with the right Wing directly against that of the Enemies left, and charg∣ed them so furiously that they put them to a shameful Flight, and had that Day gained a most entire Victory; had the Zecklers se∣conded this good beginning; but instead thereof, they most basely fled without firing one Musquet; so that then the whole force of the Enemy falling upon General Heusler, and his Men, having quitted their former advantageous Post, they were so over-po∣wered by them, that after a long and bloody Fight, they were put to the Rout: In this Action General Nordquermes, Tolecki, Von Wald, Springfelt and Winckler, with some Captains, and 500 common Horsemen were killed: General Magni escaped, and saved himself in the Church of a Village called Hansberg, where a Peasant killed him with a Pitchfork, and buried him under a Dung∣hill: General Heusler having his Horse kil∣led under him, was taken Prisoner by Tekeli's Men, and Marquis Doria, and Major Fisker by the Tartars: Lieut. Col. Raini••, with se∣veral Captains, Lieutenants, and Ensigns, and 32 common Soldiers were made Priso∣ners by the Turks. The Enemies also gain∣ed four Pieces of Cannon, 29 Standards, and three Waggons with Ammunition, but lost 3000 of their Men in this Action; the re∣mainder of the German Horse being about 1200 Men, with 13 Standards, retreated under Hermanstadt. After the Fight was ended, Count Tekeli being desirous to rescue as many Prisoners as he could out of the Hands of the Tartars, he bought Marquis Doria for 60 Rix-dollars, and many other Officers for a small Matter, and afterwards sent away the Marquis Doria with the fol∣lowing Letter to his Lady at Vienna, writ∣ten in Latin:

GOD Almighty comfort thee, and also me with a more happy time. After many Misfortunes▪ I have been comforted with a Vi∣ctory over my Enemies; having had the good Fortune to make General Heusler my Prisoner, and Marquis Doria, which with several other German Officers, have hunted after my Life. This Accident may give an occasion for thy Re∣leasement; to which end I have sent the said Marquis unto thee (for whom General Heusler remains Security) and with him I have sent my Servant Michael for a Companion; to the end that he being an Eye-witness of my State and Condition, may render thee a true Account and Information thereof. God grant that he may bring me good News from thee. Live well.

Yours Emericus Tekeli.

This Letter being delivered to the Prin∣cess by the Hand of Marquis Doria, an Answer was returned in Latine, as fol∣loweth.

I Wish thee Health, and all Blessings from God, (whose Name be praised) for giving me the happiness to see the proper Hand-wri∣ting of my beloved Husband, and therewith his remembrance of me. Marquis Doria hath ac∣quainted me with the Love which thou profes∣sest towards me. I doubt not but Marquis Doria will inform His Imperial Majesty with the An∣swer I have returned to thy Letter, viz. That I depend on Almighty God's Providence, and the Emperor's Clemency, and as to other Mat∣ters, I am ready to give sufficient Security, that if leave should be permitted me to go and meet my Emericus Tekeli, according to my Nuptial Duty, that I will return again at the time appointed; as to what the Imperial Court will do about the Prisoners, the Marquis will acquaint you; to accept or reject the Conditi∣ons, will depend much on your Affections towards me. The Marquis having earnestly sollicited his Business, hath gotten an early Dispatch; he says as much in short as is enough, and you may believe him. I have spoken with your Servant, who hath been sick, but now is better. Perhaps my Emericus thought me to be some Lady in a Nunnery, because he gives me not the Name of his Wife, perhaps it might be to try me, whe∣ther I desire to be so called. Gold is tryed in the Fire, which Tryal I willingly suffer from my Beloved, expecting impatiently another Let∣ter. God deliver the Prisoners, and comfort all afflicted Minds, which I heartily wish, Amen.

Your Dutiful Wife, Helena Zrinin.

From Vienna, Septemb. 24.

But let us here leave Marquis Doria re∣turning with his Answers to Tekeli, whilst we discourse a while concerning what the Turks are farther acting before Nissa in Ser∣via, now straitly besieged by the Grand Vi∣zier himself. An Attempt was made at the same time on Widin, by the Turkish Fleet, which they expected should take the Place without any Land Forces; but they being beaten off, and four of their Ships sunk, the Vizier commanded that the Place should be Besieged both by Land and Water; accord∣ingly the Lines were finished, and the Bat∣teries raised by the 24th of August. In like mann••r the Germans had perfected a Fort which they had raised on an Island near Orsoa, called Carolina, after the Name of the Empe∣ror's second Son; and therein a Garrison was put of 400 Germans, and 1000 Rascians, with 24 Pieces of Cannon, and all other Necessaries required for maintenance of the Place.

Whilst things were in this doubtful Con∣dition, and the Christian Army commanded by General Veterani, lying at Iagodina, under some Discouragement by reason of the near approach of the Grand Vizier, Prince Lewis of Baden arrived to the great Joy of the Camp, bringing with him a Regiment of Hus∣sars. The Prince had taken a view of the Camp, and entered into a Council of War, touching what was to be done, when the un∣happy News arrived of the total Defeat of General Heusler in Transylvania, which al∣tered all the Measures before agreed; and new Resolutions were taken to march thi∣ther with the greatest force of the Army, of which General••Aspremont was to lead the Van by way of Semendria, where care had been taken to erect a Bridge for Passage of the Troops; and for the better security of the Ships laden with Provisions, and with Sick and Wounded People. The Horse remained on an Eminence, until all were Embarked; and Orders were sent to the Governor of Crassowitz to demolish that Fort, and with the Germans National Troops, and the Country People who were with him, to march towards Belgrade.

By this time all Intercourse with Nissa was cut off, the Vizier having encompassed the City on all sides with an Army, as was reported of 30000 Foot, and 50000 Horse, besides 15000 Tartars daily expected; the appearance of which, was enough to have affrighted the Place to an immediate Sur∣render, as was expected by the Grand Vi∣zier; but contrary thereunto he met with a most vigorous Resistance, to the great loss of his Men; and a second time, which was the last of August, they made another more violent Attack with fresh Troops, and were still repulsed with greater loss: At length the Turks for saving their Men, made a trial of some Mines, which they sprang in divers Places, but most commonly they reversed to the greater Damage and Mischief of the Turks themselves.

The Grand Vizier having understood, that Prince Lewis was on the Retreat, and had withdrawn his Forces from Widin, and Semendria, detached a part of his Army to Widin; the which Garrison consisting of no more than 800 Men, it was not probable, that they should be able to withstand any long Siege, and therefore being sensible, that no Succour was to be expected, they ren∣dered themselves up to the Enemy on the 29th of August, before any Breach was made, or the Enemy advanced within 40 Paces of the Walls; despair of Succour put them up∣on this Resolution, whereby they gained such good Conditions, that they marched away, and joyned with the Army of Prince Lewis, and 11th of September.

Exemplum Epistolae ab Amico ad Legatum Colyer, e Castris Turcicis ad urbem Nicaeam positis, missae.

Sept. xvi. A. D. 1690.

TAmetsi per fidum ac certum ho∣minem, qui Sagiri Achmetis Al∣gazirani causam, & ablatorum quingen∣torum Leoninorum restitutionem huc missus fuerat, Excae. Vae. cuncta, quae hic acta, perscripsi, non male tamen me facturum existimavi, si & illa repete∣rem, & quae post consecuta sunt, adjun∣gerem.

A. d. ix. Aug. Primus Vizirius cum exercitu ad munimentum Sarkioi accessit: quod cum non statim dederetur, vis ad∣hibita est: cui impares, qui in praesidio, mi∣lites, postquam horas 24 hosti fortiter resti∣tissent, honestas pacti conditiones, deditio∣nem fecêre; exieruntque ducenti Germa∣ni, Hungarique milites armati cum im∣pedimentis, & à praefecto Turcico ad munimentum, cui Palanca Mustafa Pa••∣cia nomen, deducti sunt. Tria hic tan∣tum tormenta minora campestria reperta, cum nonnullis vasis pulveris pyrii.

A. d. xi. Ad paulo ante memoratum Palancae munimentum venimus, desertum & exinanitum rebus omnibus à Germanis, qui ibi in praesidio fuerant.

A. d. xv. Nissam perventum, quam absolutissime munitam invenimus. Ad∣motis mox propius castris omni vi op∣pugnatio instituta est: nec minore vir∣tute oppidum defensum: ita ut post xxiii dierum obsidionem unius Sagargibassi cu∣niculi vix ad crepidinem fossae promotae fuerint. Ab quatuor simul locis coepta oppugnatio est: primas partes curabat Janizarorum Praefectus cum Sagargibassi: alter ab hoc erat propraefectus Janizaro∣rum: tertiae Albanis obvenerant: quar∣tas obtinebant Cairini, sive Aegyptii. His cunctis praesidiarii undique simul admirabili virtute, magnaque cum Tur∣carum pernicie restiterunt. E Gallis transfugis cognitum est, Ducem Vetera∣ni quinto ante obsidionem die ex oppido discessisse, ut suppetias procuraret, re∣licto, qui munimentum, dum ipse abes∣set, tueretur, Stahrembergio, Stahrem∣bergii istius, qui Viennam defendit, ag∣nato, cum trium admodum millium mi∣litum praesidio, omnique rerum ad obsi∣dionem tolerandam necessariarum copia. Uno ante mense sex Germanorum millia haud procul Viminatio abfuerant: verum intellecto, Sultan um Galga, Tartarorum Hani filium natu maximum indies in vi∣cinia exspectari, ad sex alias cohortes sub Jagodini se moenia rec••perant, pari∣terque cum iis Moravam transierant: at postpaul•• cognito ••ursus corundem Tar∣tarorum ad haec loca adventu, nostra∣rumque copiarum peringenti numero, Tauruni, Semendriaeque securitati pro∣specturi, Danubium petivêre: quos mox Tartari subsecuti sunt.

A. d. xxx. Nuncius huc à Fonduco Mustaphâ Pasciâ missus attulit, ipsum una cum Tókólaeo per invios montes, & inaccessa juga, cum omni peditatu, absque tormentis impedimentisque, solis acinacibus & bombardis armato in Tran∣sylvaniam perrupisse, obviumque descen∣dentibus Heislerum obfirmato in mortem animo invasisse, strictisque acinacibus, non dato ad explodenda tormenta, aut repetendam Sclopetorum majorum mino∣rumque explosionem tempore, in Germa∣nos, Hungarosque milites irruisse, & mox in fugam actos, ac à Tartaris cir∣cumventos occidione cecidisse: ita ut de multis millibus perpauci evaserint. Cap∣tos autem Ducem ipsum Heislerum, Mar∣chionem Doria, & Comitem Magni. In caesorum numero repertum primum illius Provinciae Ministrum Telleki; item praefectum quendam cohortis Germanum, & aliquam multos de praecipua Hungaro∣rum nobilitate desideratos. Hanc porro victoriam trecentorum illis, non amplius militum jactura stetisse: unum tantum alicujus nominis cecidisse praefectum Tur∣cici exercitus Cerkisium Achmetem. Ex eodem nuncio accepimus, Turcarum, Tar∣tarorum, Walachorum, & Tókóliano∣rum conjunctas copias vix xv millia mi∣litum explesse. Tókólaeus captivos ma∣jores minoresque duces cunctos penes se retinet, transmissis tantum viginti signis ad Vizirium: quae ille èvestigio eopse, quo accepit die una cum expugnati in∣tra sextum diem Viminatii nuncio ad magnum Sultanum misit.

Vizirium aiunt scripsisse Tókólaeo de mittendo ad se Heislero: at illum re∣spondisse, eo sibi imprimis opus esse cum ad subjugandam Transylvaniam, tum ad recuperandam conjugem suam Principem Ragotzki. Idem, quem dixi, Fonducus in Cerkisii Achmetis locum Copiarum Turcicarum dux suffectus est.

A. d. v Sept. Sultanus Galga ad Vi∣zirii colloquium publice admissus, & ab eo equo eximio, ephippio & phaleris

ditissime exornato, ut & acinace gem∣mato, ac talari v••ste murinis pellibus du∣pli••ata donatus est: familiaribus autem, & comitibus ad ducentas talares de more datae. Hic autem Princeps cum Kiaman∣kiseo, aliisque duobus Turcicis praefectis a. d. viii. hujus mensis Semendriam op∣pugnatum abiit, comitantibus duobus Turcarum millibus, avectisque secum de∣cem tormentis campestribus.

Valachorum Princeps, etiamnum apud Tókólaeum haeret in Transylvania, ade∣ritque tamdiu Turcico exercitui, donec ille Transylvaniae sibi principatum certa possessi••ne vindicarit. Praecipua namque munimenta in potestate adhucdum Cae∣saris sunt: duo vero tantum oppida Bra∣slau & Fogarest Tókólaeo semet submi∣sêre.

A. d. vii. Vizirius unum de fuis Ca∣pigibassis, sive viatoribus, ad exercitus praefectum Mustafam Fonducum, ut & ad Tókólaeum in Transylvaniam misit, talarem singulis vestem murinis pellibus suffultam, & aliquot simplices caeteris minoribus tribunis, ac praefectis, munus illuc delaturum. Valachorum Principi, quique ex ejus comitatu, novem itidem consimiles vestes missae sunt.

Hac occasione usus centurio Gallus hinc una in Transylvaniam abiit, qui an∣no priore cum Tókólaeo Sophiam vene∣rat, & cum Legato Gallico Constanti∣nopolin profectus inde in Galliam traje∣cerat. Nunc autem cursu publico Con∣stantinopolin reversus huc venerat, mul∣ta de Gallicis victoriis jactitans, quas de Batavis & Anglis reportaverant. His addebat interpres Gallicus Fontanus, Gallos Batavorum exercitum sub Wal∣deckio in fugam conjecisse, duodecim millibus caesis, octo captis: mari vero conjunctas Batavorum & Anglorum clas∣ses à Gallica victas fugatasque. At id verum esse negitant alii: Regem autem Gulielmum Hiberniam imperio suo subje∣cisse, pulso ac dein in Galliam se recipi∣ente Rege Jacobo. Ad haec Galli nil respondent, nisi, quod certum hujus rei à legato suo nuncium necdum sese acce∣pisse prae se ferant.

A. d. ix. Nicaeae Praefectus tubicinem ad Galilum Pascia de deditione misit, si aequis ea conditionibus, sibique honestis permitteretur: petens, ut Vizirius ••am in r••m tres ad se militares duces mitteret. Verum Vizi••ius, si de tradenda urbe secum agere decrevisset, ipsius esse respon∣dit, certos ad se delegatos mittere. Hoc accepto responso, duo eodem die centu∣riones, cum adjuncto Commissario, in Castra Turcica profecti sunt: atque ita inter hos & Kiaiabejum ac Sagargibas∣sum, aliosque Janizarorum Duces, prae∣sente etiam pro-Vizirio, convenit, ut oppidum cum omnibus commeatibus & apparatu bellico, nec non Turcis fidem Christianam amplexis, ut & servis ac subditis Turcicis, qui in oppido inveni∣rentur, dederetur: Germani, Hungari, aliique milites praesidiarii armati, cum conjugibus ac liberis, impedimentisque omnibus, salvi & incolumes egrederen∣tur, concessis ad eorum devectionem centum curribus, additoque prae∣sidio & praefecto, qui deducerent eos, quocunque vellent: interea temporis praesidium èvestigio fossis & munimentis exterioribus digrediens Janizaris ea tra∣deret. Quod ubi factum, a. d. x Sept. milites nonnulli de praesidio pedites e∣quitesque cum impedimentis suis oppido egressi sunt: viis autem militaribus, cu∣niculis interruptis corruptisque, accidit, ut currus aliquot eversi fractique fuerint: Unde qui praecedebant, aliquantum à cae∣teris disjuncti, cum ad extrema Turca∣rum castra pervenissent, pars à deducen∣tibus Turcis, aliisque militibus spoliati, nonnulli etiam occisi sunt; conjugesque ac liberi eorum in servitutem abducti; quorum numerus ignoratur. At hoc certum est, Vizirium, his cognitis, è ve∣stigio Germanis praesidiariis mandasse, ut in oppido resisterent, posteroque die servatis ordinibus, & cunctis rite dispo∣sitis exirent: vulgato interim per exer∣citum Turcicum edicto, ut, qui de mili∣tibus Christianis, eorumve conjugibus ac liberis quemquam penes se haberent, eos∣dem intra xii horarum spatium dimitte∣rent, atque in libertatem restituerent: qui secus fecissent, capital iis fore. Sed pauci eorum ad suos rediere. Hanc ob culpam duo supremi Equitum praefecti, nunciorumque Sultani Princeps, dignitate dejecti, & cujuscunque muneris publici administrandi in posterum incapaces de∣clarati sunt; utpote qui milites suos in officio continere nequivissent.

Munimentum illaesum atque integrum inventum est: siquidem Turcae, uti su∣pradictum, trium & viginti dierum spa∣tio vix ad exterioris fossae supercilium appropinquaverant. Rogavi ego non∣nullos è militaribus de praesidio ducibus, quae maturandae deditionis causa fuisset? Respondere, nullam auxilii spem: cui mandatum accesserit clanculum ad ipsos perlatum, uti oppidum dederent, ac sa∣luti militum prospicerent. Certe mirari

satis nequo, quum omnes ad oppidum aditus diligentissime obsessi fuerint; quî fieri potuerit, ut quis ad eos inobserva∣tus pertransierit?

Postquam praesidium oppido digressum est, interpreti Gallico imperatum, ut Gallos, quorum aliquot centeni erant ad transitum in castra Turcica invitaret: verum quindecim tantum transiere; quo∣rum quinque religionem Christianam Turcica mutarunt: reliqui Constantino∣polin profecti. Quod autem gentem hanc attinet, bona fide Vae. Excae. affirmare possem, fraternam ipsos Turcis fidem, operamque praestare.

A. d. xii. Galilus Praefectus è castris semet cum Albanis ad Sultanum Galga contulit, suas cum illius copias conjun∣cturus. Hodie vero, qui xvi Septemb. Vizirius castra movet, eo animo atque spe fore, ut intra paucos dies Semen∣dria potiatur: qua capta Taurunum ag∣gressurus ••st: quod mihi inceptum aspe∣rum ac difficile videtur, quum anni tempus intempestivum, militumque clan∣culum sese subducentium haud exiguum numerum considero.

Exemplum alterius ab eodem Epistolae.

DEditionem Nissae proximis inde li∣teris Excae. Vae. significavi: his∣ce, quae post evenêre, exponam.

A. d. xvi. Sept. Semendriam institu∣tum iter, & a. d. xxv. castra ad urbem posita sunt. Verum a. d. xxvii. ante exspectarum, Albani, Janizarique Por∣tam Flumentanam vi summa oppugnantes irrupêre, & universum praesidium 250 Germanorum militum, nemini parcentes, trucidavêre.

A. d. xxx. Motis Castris, Taurunum profecti sumus: eademque vespera ad octavum ab urbe lapidem castrametati, prostridie ab omni eam parte cinximus. Cum vero ad usque viii Octobr. multa cum virtute defenderetur, Deo ita per∣mittente, invictum illud munimentum (humano more loquor) arte summa mu∣nitum, in Turcarum venit potestatem.

Eodem die servus Turca ex urbe in Al∣banorum stativa transfugus, & •• Galilo Pascia exactissime interrogatus, ••xami∣natusque, turrim in urbe ostendit, in qua magna vis pulveris pyrij esset recondita. Bombis igitur in eam▪ directis, tectum, quod ex ligno erat, incensum, & dein∣ceps hora circiter promeridiana tertia universa interior urbs flammis & ignibus colluxit, turrisque vi accensi pulveris in aera disjecta muros urbis ita convulsit, ut prolapsi fossas adimplerent. Hinc sta∣tim Albani civitatem invadentes, atque irrumpentes, nec ••exui nec aetati peper∣cere, quidquid obvium ferro conficientes. Tristissimus hic casus ita Germanos per∣turbavit, ut desubito nullo servato ordine ad portum flumenque profugerent, adeo trepide, ut, mortem vitare conantes, in scaphas & naviculas se praecipitarent, ac divinae se providentiae permittentes, pars secundo flumine descenderent, pars eodem adverso, remorum auxilio evadere cona∣rentur. Verum maximam eorum partem mox immissi Tartari consecuti ceperunt: adeo ut de tribus militum millibus, qui∣bus hoc praesidium constitit, vix tre∣centos effugisse existimem, quos noctis ingruentis tenebrae texerunt, atque con∣servarunt.

Inter captivos nemo alicujus nominis repertus: neque ex illorum quoquam, quid Principe Croïaco factum sit, resciri hactenus potuit; quamquam diligentis∣sime in eum inquisitum fuit. Hic Prin∣ceps eodem mensis Oct. die octavo Tau∣runum venerat Comitemque Aspremon∣tium certiorem fecerat auxilii cohortium aliquot Germanarum postridie secundo flumine adventuri. Sed nec de hoc As∣premontio certi quidpiam cognosci, inda∣garíve potuit.

Non in interiore, neque in exteriore urbe vel minima casula restitit, super∣fuitve illaesa: adeo cuncta aedificia flam∣mis consumpta sunt. Interioris urbis moe∣nia tota sedibus suis evulsa & disjecta sunt: sed exterioris pleraque supersunt. Hac urbis per pulverem pyrium ever∣sione, bomborumque aliquot, qui altero etiam ab urbe capta die dissiliere, mag∣nus Turcarum numerus interiit.

A. d. xi. Tartarorum Hanus, corpore licet invalidus, in castra ad Vizirium venit; quicum hic belli consilia agita∣turus est. Caeterum jam sedet Vizirio▪ tres Turcicos praefectos cum omni Tarta∣rorum copia Osseckium mittere. Cui rei exsequendae Savus fl. ponte jungitur, qui intra biduum è navibus & scaphis, magno numero ad Belgradum repertis, perfectus erit, paratusque.

Hoc porro Excae. Vae. affirmare ausim, ni tempus anni expeditionibus bellicis commodum jam effluxisset, fore, ut Vi∣zirius hoc adhuc anno Budam tenderet. Cognovit enim è captivis, perpaucos tam Budae, quam Osseckii mili••es in prae∣sidio esse, eosque magnam partem è morbo infirmos.

Reperta Tauruni tormenta bellica ma∣jora centum; minora vero multo plura: quae cum bombis & pulveris pyrii copia sub terram reconditi, inventique, quan∣tumvis validae sustinendae sufficiant obsi∣dioni.

De Tókólaeo nil certi accepimus, ni∣si quod plebem sibi Transylvanicam in∣dies magis magisque concilier, ac sub∣jiciat: tum in eo esse, ut Albae Juliae de more tanquam Princeps Transylvaniae inauguretur. Veruntamen munimenta pleraque in potestate adhuc sunt Caesa∣••ianorum. Quantum inquirendo perci∣pio, ad ultimum hujus mensis Octobris hic subsistemus: deinde in hyberna miles deducetur. Atque haec hactenus: caetera proximis literis perscribam. Vale.

The News of the Surrender of Widin, caused the Vizier to hasten the taking of Nissa, that he might have time afterwards before the Winter to take in Belgrade; to which end he furiously assaulted the place on all sides, and continually both by Day and Night fired with Cannon and Bombs into the City; by which the Garrison be∣ing diminished from 3 unto 2000 Men, and the Counterscarp taken, and no hopes of Relief, General Staremberg the Gover∣nor thereof was forced to a Capitulation, and Surrendered on the 8th of September on very honourable Terms: Namely, That the Garrison should march out with Bag and Baggage, Trumpets sounding, and Drums beating, Colours flying, and with all their Arms, and to be conveyed in safety to the Morava. But the Turks did not faithfully observe this Agreement, but robbed and disarmed many of them. The Tartars also pursued after them as far as Semendria, with intent to cut them all off; of which Count Staremberg having Advice, he speedily passed the Danube, and so arrived in safety at Belgrade. The Turks found 9•• pieces of Cannon and Mortar-pieces in Nissa; after the taking of which they marched directly towards Bel∣grade, and took Semendria in their way, of which Lieutenant Colonel Weingartler, a stout and valiant Soldier, was the Go∣vernor; but having no more than 500 Germ••ns, and 400 Rascian Soldiers in all, for defence of the place, they sustained a Storm from all the Turkish Army; but be∣ing overwhelmed with Numbers, the Go∣vernour with all his Soldiers were put to the Sword and perished; and the Turks became Masters of the place, in which they found a good Booty with quantity of Provisions.

In the mean time Prince Lewis conti∣nued his march towards Transylvania, and having passed the Danube at Culitz, a place something below Semendria, he arrived at Karansebes with the Horse on the 16th, but the Foot and Baggage came not thi∣ther until two days afterwards. And here it was that the Prince received Intelligence how that Tekeli's Lieutenant-General was marching against him with some thou∣sands of Horse, by way of the Valley of Hadegger, leading to that place, which is called the Iron-Gate, with intent to hinder the Prince's passage into Transylvania; but the Germans were beforehand with them, and with a Party of Horse took posses∣sion of the Pass before Tekeli's Men could reach it; which they maintained for two or three days before the Army could come and enter into it; and having passed it about the 21st, they drew into Battalia according to the situation of the Ground, and encamped near the Ancient Romana Colonia Vulpia Trajana, the Ruins of which do still appear, where they remained until the 24th, before which time their heavy Baggage could not arrive at the Camp.

The German Army being thus entered into Transylvania, many of the Nobility of that Country applied themselves to the Prince for Safe-Conducts, or Protections, to live quietly and to save their Goods; whilst in the mean time, the Rascians were entered into Walachia, where they plun∣dered, burned, and put all to the Sword with as much Cruelty as enraged Men can exercise one against the other. But Prince Lewis marched with his Army in three Lines, until they came within an hours distance from Huniad, and here the Army rested for a while.

The Turks, as we have said, having taken Semendria, and killed all that were it, the Grand Vizier marched with all his Forces towards Belgrade; of which, News being carried to the Imperial Court, the Duke of Croy was immediately dispatched to Belgrade, to take upon him the Com∣mand of that City.

The Duke was sent away on the 1st of October, which was the Day that the Grand Vizier invested Belgrade, and en∣camped in the very same Places and Posts which the Christians had set out and marked two years before; And on the 2d he had surrounded the City from the Danube to the Save; and from that Day to the 8th they fired continually with their Cannon and Bombs without ceasing, and stormed the Pallisadoes with such Rage, without fear or wit, that the Defendants wondered to see them run on so desperately before any Breach, or the least opening was made to favour or prepare for an Attack.

On the 8th, The Duke of Croy arrived in the City by Boat, and immediately applied himself to take a View with Ge∣neral Aspremont, and Officers of the Ar∣tillery of all the Works and Fortifications, as also of the Enemies Trenches, which were already advanced within 12 Paces of the Pallisadoes; which done, he reti∣red to his Lodging; and that night, the Besieged discovered and emptied one of the Turks Mines just ready to be Sprung: Next Morning the Duke of Croy being desirous to send a true account to the Em∣peror of the State and Condition of the Place, a Draught thereof was drawn and subscribed by General Aspremont, and Of∣ficers of the Artillery; which whilst the Duke, after a small Breakfast, was pre∣paring to dispatch away, giving an Ac∣count withall, that there were not above 3200 Men in the place fit for Service, an outcry was made, That the great Blue-Steeple of the Castle began to burn; up∣on which Alarm the Generals and others applying themselves to extinguish the Fire, it was soon put out. But no sooner were the Generals and People returned to their Homes, and busily employed in their Dispatches for Vienna, which were to be carried by the Count Archinto; but by some unknown Accident; or as it is ra∣ther believed, by the Treachery of a Turk disguised in a German Habit, or by the villainous and traiterous Practice of some French, who had been employed to work in the Magazines, and had that Morning Deserted, and gone over to the Turk; the said Blue-Steeple, about three or four a Clock in the Afternoon (which was the principal Magazine for Powder in all the City) took Fire, and blew up, with such Violence, that the Duke was not only wounded, but half buried in the rubbish of his own Lodgings, and dis-interred as it were by a Page of General Aspremont. This blow over-turned the great Bulwark, which defended the Castle, together with its Walls, Guns, and other Defences, opening so large a Breach for the Enemy, that they might have entered the Town with whole Squadrons: And so extraor∣dinary and fatal was this blow, that it de∣stroyed a thousand Men of the Garrison, which were drawn up on the place of Arms and on the Walls; so that when the Ge∣nerals ordered new Men to supply the Places of those who had been killed by this fatal Clap, and defend the Breach, they could not find a sufficient number to with∣stand the Enemy, then ready to take ad∣vantage of this dreadful blow; howso∣ever, they made the best resistance pos∣sible, until their remaining Magazines and Store-Houses took Fire, and blew up one after the other, in such a dismal manner, that for Fire, Powder, Smoak, Stones, and Dust, one Man could not see, much less know the other; and in this Confu∣sion, not only the greatest part of the Garrison perished, but even a thousand Turks storming at that time the Walls, and entring the City, were also lost; and such as remained alive were forced to re∣treat back to the Camp; at which time it seemed, as if a Cessation of Arms had been made during this gloomy and dismal Interval; but so soon as it had cleared up a little, the Turks observing the great Consternation in the City, so that those who remained alive, could make no resi∣stance, they rather entered the Walls than Stormed them; And being come within the City, they found very few Christians living, or Houses standing, and the very Boats in the River were sunk by the weight of the Stones and rubbish which were fallen into them; so that those who e∣scaped, saved themselves for the most part by Swimming▪ some over the Danube, and some over the Save; on which occasion, howsoever some few Boats remained, by which many passed over, and amongst the rest, the Duke, and General Aspremont, with some of their Servants; but no Man could save more than what he carried about him.

Count Aspremont being blamed for this Action, was cleared by this following Copy.

Copie de l'Attestation donnee par le Prince Louis de Bade, a Monsieur le Comte d'Aspremont au sujet de la parte de la Forteresse de Belgrade.

LA Forteresse de Belgrade ayant été mal∣heureusement prise par les ennemis l'an 1690. ensuitte de la grande confusion que causa l'embrasement du Magazine a poudre, plusieurs personnes mal informées des circon∣stances de cette affaire en ont voulu attri∣buer principalement la faute au Comte d'As∣premont quoyqu'il n'y commandast plus en Chef; ce qui a extremement diminué dans le monde le bon credit dans le quel il etoit, sur tout a cause qu'il avoit été mis en arrest comme Sa Majesté Imperial a accoutumé de faire en de semblables rencontres.

N'ayant donc appris autre chose de Mon∣seigneur le Duc de Croy, ainsi que des autres Generaux & Officiers qui ont été commandez dans la dite Forteresse; si non que le susdit Comte d'Aspremont y a fait en toutes ma∣nieres

son devoir, & y a montré son zéle en tout ce qui pouvoit concerner le service de Sa Majesté Imperiale, tellement qu'ayant été pleinement informé de tout le susdit, & en consideration de la verité du fait je n'ay pû faire moins que de donner a Monsieur le Comte d'Aspremont non seulement la presente Atte∣station, mais aussi pour son unique Consola∣tion, & afin qu'un chacun puisse voir & con∣noitre le contraire des Calomnies dont on l'a voulu charger, de le recommander aupres de nótre tres Clement Maitre & en tous lieux ou il pourroit en avoir besoin pour son avance∣ment, étant hors de doute que sa été entiere∣ment contre la Clemente Intention de Sa Ma∣jesté Imperiale qu'il a dû souffrir toutes ces Calomnies. En foy de quoy j'ay signé la presente & y ay fait apposer mon cachet. Fait a Vienne, ce 10 Fevrier 1693.

Louis Margrave de Baden de Sa Majeste Imperiale Lieutenant General, Marechal de Camp, Colonel & Gouverneur de Raab.

And thus every Man shifting as well as he could for himself, the Duke rallied about 400 Men in all, with which he arrived at Titul, and afterwards marched with them to Peter Waradin; but the Duke remained not long here, before he departed, and took his march for Esseck, emptying all the Garrisons by the way, such as Illock, Sabaz, and Brod, and joyn∣ing all the Forces he was able to Con∣serve that important place; it being con∣jectured, that after having rendred them∣selves Masters of Belgrade, the Turks would not stop there, but following the air of their good Fortune, would endeavour also to take Esseck: But the Season of the Year being far spent, it was believed that the Grand Vizier would think he had done enough for this Summer, and therefore would conclude the Campagne with an Action of so much Glory; but the Grand Vizier rested not here, but having left 10000 Men for a Garrison in Belgrade, and recommended the repair of the Breaches to the Care of some French Ingeniers that followed the Army, and leaving some of their Horse Cantoned near the City; the greatest part of their Cavalry was orde∣red for the Upper Hungary; upon the News of which, the Germans were so Alarm'd, that they quitted the Blockade before Great Waradin, and with other Troops which were in the Neighbourhood, they marched towards the Tibiscus, to se∣cure the passage of that River.

In the mean time the Pasha of Bosnia was Commanded by the Grand Vizier to take Esseck, whilst he himself, with a strong Army of Turks passed the Da∣nube; whereupon the Germans quitted Lu∣gos, and Caranzebes, and the Vizier marched directly to Lippa▪ which place having been attacked with much Resolution, and continual Storms, and in want of all Pro∣visions, was forced to Surrender, but on very honourable Capitulations, being per∣mitted to march out with Bag and Bag∣gage, Drums beating, and with Colours flying: The Besieged lost but ten Men, but the Turks 800 in this Action.

Whilst Matters succeeded in this man∣ner with the Vizier's Army, Prince Lewis of Baden continued his march by way of Weissenburg and Mullenbach, and arrived the 3d of October at Hermanstadt, where for want of Provisions he was forced to remain for some days; but being at length supplied with all things necessary, they decamped, and came to Medies, where they attacked, and beat several Parties of the Enemies, whose Heads they brought with Triumph into the Camp: For as to Tekeli, and his Troops, they never stood their Ground, but as Prince Lewis ad∣vanced, they always retreated, keeping at least six Leagues distant from the German Army. At length he came to Czick upon the Borders of Walachia; where to en∣courage and keep his Followers together, he boasted of great Succours coming from the Turks: But this Report would not serve his turn; for the Prince of Walachia having received Intelligence that the Ras∣cians did much Infest and Ruin his Coun∣try, he was the first to desert the Army, and return home to defend and preserve the same. Soon afterwards, the Zecklers and Transylvanians following the Example of the former, left the Army, and re∣turned to their Homes; the which Mis∣fortunes were soon seconded by the ill News, That 200 of his Men, who blocked up the Castle of Terezwar, had been sur∣prised, and cut to pieces by the Germans. After which, the Prince pursued Tekeli towards Czick, from whence likewise he decamped, and fled through the whole Country, being hunted from one place to another; but seeing that Tekeli could be fixed in no place, the Prince sent back all his Baggage to Medies: and having alarm'd Tekeli on every side, he caused all the Roads into the Georgian Country to be stopped up, and rendered unpassa∣ble; and being in a full march, and fresh pursuit after him, he almost surprized him, and had certainly taken him, had not the Prince been discovered in his passage over the River near Marienburg; at which Te∣keli

was so affrighted, that he betook him∣self to flight, and with great Confusion retired through the Pass of Bozz in Wa∣lachia; but being still pursued by some German Horse, they overtook seven or eight Waggons with Baggage, which they seized with several Prisoners; but Tekeli staid in no place, but rode Post away un∣til he came as far as Tergovitz in Walachia. And thus ending the short Reign of this Transylvanian King, the Emperor became a second time the Master of that Principali∣ty; the Care and Preservation of which was committed to the Charge and Go∣vernment of General Veterani, who with eight Regiments, and a good part of the Army, returned back to Zatmar.

According to Orders received from the Grand Vizier, Chusacin Pasha of Bosnia, appeared on the 29th of October, with Mustapha Pasha▪ and one Beg or Lord of that Country, before Esseck, with 12 or 15000 Men; and the day following sent a Summons to the Duke of Croy, to Sur∣render up the Fortress unto the invincible Power of his Sovereign, the Ottoman Em∣peror, and in failure of a ready Compli∣ance herewith, he thr••atned to destroy the whole Garrison, Man, Woman, and Child, and not so much as to spare or give Quarter to Infants in the Womb of their Mothers.

Hereunto the Duke returned for Answer, That the Germans did not use to be terrified with high and menacing Words; That they had not a Woman in the Town, and conse∣quently no Children to be concerned for who were unborn; but they should find Men there who were resolved to de••end the Town to the utmost of their power.

Upon this Answer, the Pasha immedi∣ately stormed the Counterscarps, which were without any Parapet, and provided only with some small Pallisadoes: How∣soever, tho' the Garrison consisted only of 2000 Men, the Turks were repulsed with great loss and slaughter. The Pasha find∣ing himself mistaken in his Measures, and that the place was resolved to make a bet∣ter resistance than he expected, he began to form an Attack in good Order, opening Trenches, and raising Batteries, which was performed with such diligence, that on the 2d of November, two Batteries were finished, from whence with eight Guns, and two Mortar-pieces, they fired conti∣nually into the Town. The Duke one Evening walking with some Officers through the Pallisadoes to take a view of the Enemy, was discovered by them, and thereupon a whole Volley of shot was poured upon them; amongst which, one Musket-shot took of the Hat and Perri∣wig of the Duke, and grazing on his Fore∣head, took off the Skin for the breadth of a Finger, without other hurt or mischief.

On the 4th about Noon the Duke caused a Salley to be made by 200 Foot, 30 Granadiers, and 100 Horse, which so well succeeded, that the Turks were beat∣en out of their Trenches, having 200 of their Men killed on the place, and five Standards taken, with the loss only of two Men killed and about 30 wounded: Had the Lieutenant who commanded the Horse, done his Duty, and advanced as he ought to have done, to cut off the Enemies Retreat, above 40 Colours had been taken, and not one of them had escaped out of their Trenches; for which Default the said Lieutenant was seized, and arrested.

On the 5th, The Turks had advanced within 15 Paces of the Pallisadoes, and Counterscarp, and had so battered, and ruined the Houses within the Town, e∣specially that in which the Duke had his Quarters, that very few were standing, and scarce any place to remain or abide in. The Turks likewise began again to appear in great numbers, threatning a general Storm; But the Duke, and the other Generals, providing to make the best Resistance, and most vigorous Defence they were able, entered into the Counterscarps with un∣daunted Resolution; but the Enemy at∣tempted nothing, as if some strange fear had possessed them. In the mean time, the Duke being returned to his Lodgings, the Hussars brought to him three Turks; who being in Examination, demanded for what Reason the Enemies had made so vio∣lent an Assault without Trenches or Earth to cover them; it was answered, That there being a Report in the Army, that the Christians were coming with a power∣ful Army to relieve the Town; it was re∣solved to take the place, if possible, be∣fore the Succours came; for which reason they endeavoured to carry all at once, by dint of Sword, or force of Arms.

The Duke, and General Staremberg ha∣ving received this Information, sent out by Night all the Drums and Trumpets, and Bag-Pipes which were in the Town, to the Regiment of Hofkirchen, and some Hussars, which were quartered on this side of the Drave, with Orders and Instru∣ctions, that when the Evening was come, they should under the Obscurity of the Night, march to and fro, causing the marches of Musqueteers, and Dragoons, at convenient distances to be beaten, and Trumpets and Kettle-Drums to be sounded from several Places; which being exactly performed according to Orders, caused

such an Alarm in the Turkish Camp, as struck all with Fear and Confusion, be∣lieving that the Succours, which they feared, were now arrived, which caused such a Consternation in the Turkish Camp, that they quitted all their Trenches in the Night with a confused Precipitation, ma∣king what haste was possible for Bosnia.

Of this the Besieged knew as yet no∣thing, but perceiving towards six a Clock in the Morning, that not the least noise was heard in the Turkish Trenches, the Duke gave 50 Dollars to a Musketeer to adventure out, and take a view of the Camp and Trenches; the which having done, he returned, and gave a Report, That not a Turk was remaining, either in one or the other. So soon as the Day∣broke, the Garrison sallied out, and en∣tered the deserted Camp, in which they found great Spoils, three pieces of Can∣non, 100 Bombs, and other warlike In∣struments which the Turks had left behind in their affright, which possessed them with such pannick Fear, that they stopped not, or looked behind them, till they had pas∣sed the Bridges at Walcowar, where they stayed no longer than only to break them down to secure their flight.

The Story hereof was pleasantly related by a certain German, who had three years before been taken by the Turks, and had for his skill in the Turkish Language, been received into Service of the Pasha's Secre∣tary: This Man during the flight had thrown himself into a Cock of Hay and Straw, where he lay hidden until the Turks were gone, and then creeping out, escaped to Esseck, and there told the Duke; That the ••asha was a dull, old, timorous Fellow; who when he heard all the Drums beat, and the Trumpets and Bagpipes sound, he was struck with so much Fear, that he trembled, his Hands and Feet shook, his Knees knocked one against the other, and his Legs were not able to sup∣port his Body▪ and he farther said, That the Pasha had been ordered by the Grand Vizier, that so soon as he had made him∣self Master of Esseck, that he should not stop there, but should make Excursions round the Country, ruining and destroy∣ing all with Fire and Sword; but this Stra∣tagem so well succeeded, that the People and Country were freed of the Turks, and the Ruin which they threatned.

The Siege being thus raised, Lieutenant Colonel Lyon was dispatched with the News to the Imperial Court; which so much rejoyced the Emperor and the whole City, that all the former sinister Successes of the Campagne seemed forgotten, and fwallowed up in the Joy of this Action; for which the Duke of Croy, and General Staremberg were so cryed up, that never any thing seemed comparable to this Stra∣tagem, and gained them not only the Fame of valiant, but wise Generals: This News was the more wellcome, because it was surprizing, and unexpected; for the Town was so ill fortified, that the Sol∣diers would never have been perswaded to hold out, had not the Duke liberally di∣stributed his Money in the Garrison, and treated the Soldiers plentifully at the Rate of a Pound of Flesh, and a Quart of Wine for every Day; And indeed there was a necessity thereof in that moist Country, which is nothing but marshy and wet Places, and in that Season of the Year, subject to Rain, Fogs, Frost, and all ex∣tremities of the Weather.

Thus this Siege being happily raised, Te Deum was sung in Esseck; and all the Trenches of the Enemy being levelled, the Duke committed the Command of the Town to General Staremberg, and returned himself to Vienna.

In the mean time, Prince Lewis conti∣nued his march for Zatmar, where he ar∣rived the first of December, having been Complimented all along in his march by the States of Transylvania; particularly at Enget, where Thanks were particularly re∣turned him, for having delivered them from the Tyrannical Government of Count Tekeli: Which poor Prince, after many Difficulties, being come into Walachia, 300 Zecklers which had followed him did then Desert him; but marching home without leave, were pursued by some of his Troops, and cut down in such manner, that none of them escaped. The Walachians also, unwilling to have their Country ruined by the Rascians, who designing to make their Winter-quarters there, caused great Fears, so that he laboured under perpetual Trou∣bles and Hardships.

At Zatmar, Prince Lewis was forced to continue for some Days for Refreshment, both of his Soldiers, Horses, and Mules, the which were so extreamly tired by their long Marches, especially the Beasts which had carried the Baggage, that they would not stir nor rise, until they put fire under them.

In the mean time the Turks under the Command of the Grand Vizier's Son, con∣tinued to over-run and spoil all the Coun∣try on the other side of the Theysse, and sent a Summons to the Governor of St. Iob to Surrender the place to them; but he answered, That the Place being a Fortress belonging to the Emperor, of which Ge∣neral Nigrelli had the Keys, he was not capacitated to comply with their Desires.

Hereof News being brought to Prince Lewis at Zatmar, who had not with him above 2000 good Horse; the Enemy be∣ing 15000 strong, did not think himself in a Condition to fight them, but sending to Colonel Schick, who with his Regiment was quartered near Zolnock, and to the Hussars who were in those parts, to joyn as speedily as they could possibly with him, and to put themselves into a posture to meet and fight the Enemy. Whilst things were forming and contriving for this Action, a certain stout Fellow, who used to go out upon Parties, named Kis Ballad, had a Rencounter with the Tartars in the Parts adjacent, of whom he killed 100, and took 50 Prisoners. Of this Body, those that escaped carried News to the Turks and Tartars, that the Prince had quitted Transylvania, and lay encamped near Zatmar; upon which Advice, 12000 Turks made an Excursion into that Coun∣try: But Prince Lewis having now got together 4000 good Horse, adventured to seek the Enemy; and on the 20th of this month came to Claussenburg, where two Days before the Turks had been, and sum∣moned the place to make a Surrender; but the Summons being rejected, the Turks having burned the Suburbs, returned to Enget, and in their march passing in sight of Claussenburg, they burnt and destroyed all Places in their way, and attacked the Foragers, and advanced Guards; took some few German Prisoners, with the loss only of about 50 of their Men, and so marched directly towards Temeswaer: But Prince Lewis having been joyned by Ge∣neral Nigrelli with 2000 Horse, by which and his own he made a Body of 4000 well armed and accoutred, he pursued them so closely at the Heels, that the E∣nemy entirely quitted Transylvania, with the greatest haste and confusion imaginable; and falling in with their Rear, cut down about a 1000 of their Men, took three pieces of Cannon, with a great many Camels and Horses, and most of their Baggage; and hasting away with all the speed possible, more in the Nature of a Flight than a Retreat, they at length arri∣ved at Temeswaer, but with much diminu∣tion of their numbers, caused by toilsome and long Marches, and the excessive Colds in the Night, whereby some were frozen to Death, and others seized by Catarrhs and Rheums, which made them uncapable of farther Service.

After this, the Island of Orsoua surren∣dred to the Turks for want of Ammunition; the Governor upon the Articles granted, desired to be conducted to Belgrade, not knowing but that it remained still in the hands of the Germans; and tho' the Turks told him the contrary, yet not believing them, he still persisted so earnestly to be Convoyed to Belgrade, that the Turks at length carried him and his People thither, consisting of 600 Men, besides Women and Children; but this mistrust of the Turks words cost them dear, for arriving there, they were put for two days into a Fort of the City, and afterwards comman∣ded them to bring out their Arms, and lay them upon Waggons, on promise of send∣ing them for Esseck, which being done, they commanded them to come forth two by two, that they might be the better counted. After which, they drove them back to the Fort like Cattle, and chained them there with Iron-Chains, where they kept them in so severe an Imprisonment, that most of them died with Want and Hunger, except such as were under 20 years of Age, whom they Shaved and Circumcised, and made Turks; but the Women and Children they Sold, and pil∣laged all the Goods, which they brought out with them. In this Island the Enemies found 23 great Guns, 15 Field-pieces, and three Mortars, but the Bombs and Powder were thrown into the River: And thus ended this Year, which proved the most unfortunate to the Emperor of any, that had happened since the beginning of this War.

Notes

• The Empe∣ror ratifi•••• th•• Treaty.
• April.
• The T••on surrendred.
• 1690. April.
• The Cannon and Am∣munition and Provi∣sions taken therein.
• The Situa∣tion of Ca∣nisia.
• Incursions made into several places.
• Some Skir∣mishes.
• The Turks worsted.
• Several small Par∣ti ••e••∣gage.
• May.
• Nissa pro∣vided.
• 1690. May.
• 〈…〉〈…〉 F••ies
• Berko∣witz taken by a Cap∣tain of Dalmatia.
• Sea Rob∣bers Land.
• Berni•• surpri•••••• by the Christi∣ans.
• The Grand Vizier marches to the Camp at Nico∣polis.
• June.
• The Palan∣ca of Bel∣lanasch surprized and taken.
• 1690. Ju••e.
• 〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• Radimir abandoned by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Turks.
• A Booty taken from the Hus∣sars.
• 〈…〉〈…〉 Tu••ks
• 〈…〉〈…〉 Great Waradin.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 C••s••••e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bella∣nasch sur∣ren••red.
• July.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Turks 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Strahina.
• 1690. July▪
• Pernich sto••med & taken.
• Tekeli declared Prince of Transil∣vania.
• The Tar∣tars r••tire from Wi∣din.
• Corbelli reinforces the Troops in Servia.
• August.
• 1690. August.
• The Chri∣stian Camp at Alexin.
• Pyroth taken.
• Nissa in∣vested.
• A Sally made from the Town.
• General Heusler defeated.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Doria sold for 60 Rix Dollars.
• Tekeli's Letter to his Prin∣cess.
• The Princes••'s An∣swer.
• Widin inv••sted.
• Pr. Lewis at ••ago∣dina.
• Nissa straitly Be∣sieged
• And At∣tacked.
• Septemb.
• Widin surrender∣ed.
• The Garri∣son march∣es and joyns with Pr. Lewis.
• 1690. Septemb.
• Nissa 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Semen∣d••••a 〈…〉〈…〉.
• P. Lewis in Tran∣silvania.
• October
• The Grand Vizier in∣vests Bel∣grade.
• 1690. October.
• The Duke of Croy at Belgrade.
• The Steeple of theCastle takes fire.
• Again on fire and blows up.
• A great slaughter thereby.
• All the Magazines of Powder and Prov••∣s••ons 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up.
• Belgrade taken
• The Duke of Croy e∣scapes with the Gene∣rals.
• The Ger∣mans quit t••e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Great-Waradin.
• P. Lewis continues his march,
• And beats several Parties of the Enemy.
• Tekeli flies from place to place.
• 1689. October.
• H•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in••o Wa∣lachia.
• Esseck summoned.
• The Answer to the Sum∣mons.
• The Turks repuls••d.
• Novemb.
• 1690. Novemb.
• A Salley made from the Town.
• A strata∣g••m to de∣ceive the Tu••ks.
• It succeeds to the ter∣rour of the Turks.
• The Turks raise the Siege by a pannick fear.
• Ioy at Vi∣enna.
• Decemb.
• P. Lewis complimen∣ted by all the States of Tran∣sylvania.
• C. Tekeli in a sad C ndition.
• 1690. Decemb.
• P. Lewis prepares to fight the Turks.
• The Turks return with loss ••o Te∣meswaer.
• Orsou•• s••rrendred to the Turks.