The general history of Spain from the first peopling of it by Tubal, till the death of King Ferdinand, who united the crowns of Castile and Aragon : with a continuation to the death of King Philip III / written in Spanish by the R.F.F. John de Mariana ; to which are added, two supplements, the first by F. Ferdinand Camargo y Salcedo, the other by F. Basil Varen de Soto, bringing it down to the present reign ; the whole translated from the Spanish by Capt. John Stevens.

Anno 1651.

About the middle of January this Year, the Inhabitants of Alcaraz advertised the Gover∣nor of Lerida how the Castle of that Place which commands it, might be surprized. He * 1.1 finding it practicable, sent a Party, who in the dead of the Night scaled the Walls with∣out the lest Opposition from the French, who slept in great security, and they refusing Quar∣ter, were all put to the Sword, to the number of 200. Alcaraz is about 3 Leagues from Lerida, up the Country towards Cervera. This Castle was of great consequence, being seated on an Eminency. The Affairs of Catalonia daily were in a better Posture. About the end of January the Garrison of the Town and Castle of Scornambou deceitfully offered to surren∣der; but our Men considering the uncertainty of Martial Events, took double the number had been at first designed for that Enterprize. The Governor with his Garrison 〈…〉〈…〉 to his plighted Faith fell upon our Men, yet the Place was taken, God justly chasti•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 treacherous Dealing. Scornambou lies betwixt Tortosa and Tarragona, a good 〈…〉〈…〉 the Sea, which made its Castle and that of Alcaraz of great use for the ensuir 〈…〉〈…〉

In England the new erected Commonwealth seemed to be firmly settled, 〈…〉〈…〉 * 1.2 January D. Alonso de Cardenas the Spanish Ambassador had Audience of the 〈…〉〈…〉 conducted thither with the greatest Pomp that had been seen of long time 〈…〉〈…〉 Three Noblemen, one of which was the Earl of Salisbury, were sent 〈…〉〈…〉 him, and with them 20 Coaches with 6 Horses each, which with Two of 〈…〉〈…〉 and those of other Persons of Quality, made up in all 50 Coaches all with 6 〈…〉〈…〉 Whitehall to Westminster, was a Lane of 1000 Horse, and as many Foot, throug•• 〈…〉〈…〉 Ambassador passed, all the Officers Saluting him. The Throng was so great, the 〈…〉〈…〉 dor had some Difficulty to pass to a Room richly adorned to receive him, where he 〈…〉〈…〉 half an Hour: Upon the Ambassadors coming into the House, the Speaker and all the Mem∣bers stood up, and were uncovered, till he sat down on the Chair set for him, and made a short Speech in Spanish, which he delivered in writing, together with his Credenti∣als, the Speaker answered in English, the Parliament would consider of what he had said, and return an Answer. After this Ceremony, the Ambassador returned home in the same manner, the Cannon at the Tower firing. All Europe was surprized at this Proceeding of D. Alonso de Cardenas upon such an extraordinary Revolution of those Kingdoms.

The Duke of Albuquerque, General of the Spanish Galleys went away to Port S. Mary to his Command, as did the Earl of Haro General of the Horse in Catalonia. D. Francis de To∣tavila Duke of S. German and Governor of the Frontiers at Badajoz, understanding that 50 of the Enemies Horse had forded the River at Olivença, and lay in the Woods about a Can∣non shot from the City, sent out 150 Horse in two Parties to fall upon them. This was slowly put in Execution, and after he was gone to Bed, he arose to speak with the General of the Horse. Whilst they were Discoursing, Advice was brought that the Enemies Horse drove the Cattle that Grazed within Musquet shot of the Walls: The Governor knowing the Enemy had no more Horse on the other side of the River, at one of the Clock in the morning issued out of the City with the Horse, and at about a Leagues distance recovered the small Cattle, which was about 5000 Head: Towards break of day having pursued the Enemy, he put them to flight, taking from them 300 Head of black Cattle.

Our Affairs advanced in Catalonia; the Marquess of Mortara took the Field with a gallant Army, flushed with Victory. The Catalonians weary of the French, sought an opportunity * 1.3 to rid themselves of them. About 2000 French Foot and 1000 Horse were marching into Catalonia, but so jealous of the Country People that they durst not straggle the least, for fear of being cut off in the narrow and Mountanous Passes. Orders were now taken by the Council of France for sending supplies to Catalonia: It was also endeavoured to obtain a Truce for a considerable time in Flanders, but our Governors being averse to it, they were glad to take other measures. It was believed the King of France would take upon him the

Government in September, tho' the Tumult ran then so high, that some great Disaster was to be feared. The Prinçe of Condé made great Demands of Satisfaction for his Imprisonment, and other Noblemen had greater Pretensions than stood with the King's Safety to grant. Car∣dinal Mazarine was at Bonne, the Court of the Elector of Cologne, and waited to be restored to the Government of France.

In England a Squadron was fitting out to go against Prince Rupert, who lay at Toulon, and took many English Ships Trading to the East. Another Squadron was sailed for Newfound∣land, to Convoy the Fishing-Fleet, and chase the French out of those Seas. A third was sent to the Coast of Scotland, whither Cromwel was marching with a mighty Army to oppose the King. The Royal Sovereign with another Squadron was to cruize in the Channel. Another Squadron was designed for the Coast of Ireland.

Advice being brought that 14 Sail were arrived at Tarragona in Catalonia from Naples, laden with Corn and Men, it was supposed the rest of the Fleet-might be come with D. John of Austria. At the same time there came News to Zaragoca, that 2000 Men from S. Sebastian were upon the Frontiers of Aragon. The Marquess de Mortara having sent Officers to Con∣duct them, on the 20th of June went to the Army, which was before encamped, and marched that morning with the Train of Artillery, consisting of 36 Pieces of Cannon: In the Ships came 3000 Veteran Soldiers, and great store of Provisions and Ammunition. Also 30 Neapo∣litan Horses, 12 for the King's Coaches, and the rest Pads and Hunters. D. John of Austria being at Sea with the Galleys of Naples and Sicily, was advertised by the Governour of Yviça, that about the Island Fermentera lay a great French Ship, with a Tartan, which were out a Pri∣vateering, and did great harm. D. John immediately with all his Fleet made that way, and discovered the Enemy about 9 in the morning. At 11 he came with the Admiral Galley within Cannon shot of them, and fired a Gun without Ball, which was not answered in a long time, by which he understood they made ready to fight. All the Cannon of the Galleys played upon the Ship for a good space, and then perceiving they did little execution, D. John gave the Sign to Board. The Ship was bravely defended, but at length after three hours, fight taken. It was a Ship of 500 Tun, 30 Guns, and 300 Men, called the Crowned Lion. Of the Men 50 were taken, the rest leaped into the Sea. The Tartan was sunk by the French themselves. We lost some Men, and had many wounded.

The Count de On̄ate, Viceroy of Naples, hearing that two French Ships infested that Coast; 〈…〉〈…〉 two of the Naples Squadron, which took one of them, and put the other to flight, 〈…〉〈…〉 shattered, it was believed she could never be serviceable. The Marquess of Caraçena, 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••nour of Milan, had a powerful Army in readiness against this Campagne, which raised 〈…〉〈…〉 of the Duke of Savoy, fearing the Marquess designed against Cazal. In Flanders 〈…〉〈…〉 of Aerscot posted a Gentleman who had spoken opprobriously of Spain, but the Duel 〈…〉〈…〉 D. John de Borgia, Governour of the Castle of Antwerp, and Brother to the Duke de 〈…〉〈…〉, was sent his Majesty's Ambassador Extraordinary to the Crown of Poland with a 〈…〉〈…〉 Retinue.

All Spain admired its Queen Mariana of Austria, and offered up their Prayers to God for * 1.4 a numerous Issue. On the 12th of July, God having before heard their Request, her Majesty was brought to bed of a Daughter, for which there was great rejoicing, the Bells ringing, and the Multitude flocking to the Court with loud Acclamations. The Kingdoms of Aragon, Sicily, and Naples, sent their Deputies to Congratulate with their Majesties, as did all the Cities of Spain; and the Nobility, tho' warned to moderate their Expences, appeared in most costly Apparel. Julio Rospigliosi, the Pope's Legate à Latere, was made choice of by the King to Baptize the Princess Mary Margaret on the 25th of July, being the Feast of S. James the Apostle, Patron of Spain. All the Galleries of the Palace were hung with the richest Tapistry of Silk and Gold, and the Chapel with most costly Embroidery. In the midst of the Chapel was placed a Canopy of Silver, under which was the Font wherein S. Dominick was Baptized, kept by our Kings for the Christening of their Children. Much other costly Furniture was dispo∣sed in great order by the Patriarch of the Indies, and the Earl of Pun̄o Enrostro, Gentleman of the King's Bedchamber then in waiting. The Lady Mary Teresa, the King's Daughter, was the only Godmother. The Legate set forward from his House with a most splendid Retinue, and most rich Liveries, tho' he had new ones against the Birth of the Princess. Being come to the Royal Chapel, he blessed the Holy Water, and then all things being in readiness, and Multitudes of People having taken Places to see the Procession, they set forwards in this man∣ner: First the Spanish and Swiss Guards; then the King's Pages; next, Gentlemen of Bur∣gundy and Castile; then Noblemen; then all the Serjeants at Arms, between the Nobility and the Grandees; next, the King and Queen's, Stewards not in Waiting, with their Rods; after them the Grandees: Behind them came the Stewards that carried the Utensils for the Ce∣remony; next to them the Lady Mary Teresa; then came D. Luiz Mendez de Haro, Earl and Duke of Olivarez, who carried the Princess, and after him all the Ladies of the Court. At the Chapel-Door the Legate met the Princess, with several Bishops in Pontificalibus. Then the Ceremony began, and the Princess was called Mary Margaret: After which, the Legate hung a rich Relikary about the Neck of the Princess, and bestowed others on several of the Attendants: Which done, they returned back in the same Order they came. The King saw

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all from the upper Tribune of the Chapel, as did the Ambassadors of the Emperor and Vene∣tians, being incognito in the Chancel.

The Queen being a little recovered of her hard Labour, was somewhat melancholy, and the King to divert her ordered a Bull-Feast upon the 4th of September. The Day proved fair, and the King being seated, the Guards, as is usual, began to clear the Place, which was then watered by 20 Carts carrying Pipes of Water ingeniously carved. After several Bulls were killed, the next Sport was that which they call of Canes, and is in imitation of the old man∣ner of Fighting with Spears, instead of which they use Canes, which is very diverting and pleasant. To conclude the Publick Rejoycing, a few days after there was another Bull-Feast; and so ended that Great Solemnity.

F. Peter Pimentel, of the Family of the Earl of Benavente, a Jesuit, set out towards Rome, in order to be there at the General Chapter of that Order; with him went his Nephew, Bro∣ther to the Marquess of Villafranca. They went aboard a Genoese, and off of Marseilles were taken by a French Privateer, and carried to Toulon, where all that were in the Ship were set at liberty, except F. Pimentel, his Nephew, and a Regent of Italy, who was bound for Sicily.

The Value of Copper-money was enhanced by Proclamation one third Part; upon which several Persons, moved by the great Profit, thought it easie in remote Places' to put the Stamp upon the Coin; but many of them paid for their Presumption with their Lives in the Market∣places of Madrid, Toledo, Sevil, and other Towns.

The Capuchin Church, founded at Madrid by our Queen Elizabeth of Bourbon, being now finished, the most Holy Sacrament was translated thither with great Solemnity, and the Feast of the Dedication lasted 8 days. A Portugus Baroness, Widow to George de Paz Sylveira, one of the Great Farmers of the Revenue, being left vastly rich, founded a Monastery for Carmelite Nuns, which when finished, will not be inferior for Grandeur and Revenue to the best in Madrid. That her Foundation might be the more firm, she gave half the Right of Patronship to the Town of Madrid, allowing the Council of that Town for ever the Naming of Fif∣teen Religious Women. On the 9th of May the Town of Madrid celebrated the Feast of the Translation of the Holy Image of our Blessed Lady of the Pillar. The Solemnity lasted nine Days, and the Town setled a Revenue for Building of the Chapel of that Holy Image.

The Duke of Bragança (King John of Portugal) upon some Jealousie cast a Gentleman into Prison; for whose Liberty, one who had deserved well, and was a Favourite, made suit, but was refused; upon which he went to the Gaoler, and demanded the Prisoner. The Gaoler delivered him; but soon repenting, acquainted the Duke with it, who immediately ordered his Favourite to be apprehended. Upon which the People of Lisbon mutinied, and began to rail against the Duke, and that night many reflecting and threatning Lampoons were set up in publick Places. Mean while certain Portugues Troops broke into Castile; and having plun∣dered four open Towns, carried away a considerable Booty in Cattel. D. Francis Totavila, Duke of S. German, and General of the Frontiers of Estremadura, having notice of it, ordered Thomas Alardi, Earl of Tronçan, one of his Lieutenants, to gather what Horse and Foot he could, and pursue them into Portugal. The Earl having assembled his Troops, pursued them; but finding they were gone, sent after them the Commissary General Jacome Maçacan. He set forward on the 5th of March, and next morning about break of day discovered the Enemy at Ceilavin, being 250 Horse and 500 Foot, and having drove all the Cattel they found in their way. Maçacan immediately charged the Enemy with such Bravery, that they were broke, and above 150 of their Men killed, among whom was a Captain of Horse, 2 Lieute∣nants, 6 Captains of Foot, the Major, 5 Ensigns, and other Officers. 366 were taken, most of them so desperately wounded that they died. On our side one Captain of Horse, one En∣sign, and four private Men were killed. Thus the Insolency of the Enemy was somewhat suppressed, and Maçacan gained much Reputation.

Advice was brought to Oran, that the Moors of Uladala and Zal had revolted; that they had fortified themselves upon a Break of the River, and thence pillaged the neighbouring Places. The Marquess of Floresta Davila, Governour of Oran, fell upon them, and brought away 200 Slaves, and their Chief, killing 100 more. Of the Alafezes and Ulizbrain, Two Heads of Families, which together make 100 Villages, he took 110 Slaves, and retired fighting all day with above 4000 Moors, of whom he killed 300. In May he made another Inroad to the River Cique, whence he took 100 Slaves, and at other times above 120 Robbers who infested the Country. He again marched against above 300 Villages at Venarasel (who are the stoutest Moors of all that Country) and in the Plain of Abora made 150 Slaves. Understanding that a Moravito had built a small Town, and fortified it about 18 Leagues from Oran, at the Mouth of the River Zara, which ran through the midst of it, the Governour sent a Brave Officer with 200 Foot and 110 Horse to plunder it. He came there at midnight, and apply∣ing two Petards to the Gate, entred the Town, sacked it, and brought off 150 Slaves, some of which were Moravito's.

D. John of Austria (as was before said) in his way from Sicily having taken the French Ship * 1.5 called the Crowned Lion, came to the Siege of Barcelona, which it was not doubted would in few days be reduced. D. John being Viceroy of Sicily, left in his Place, as Governour of that

Island, D. Antony Ronquillo, High Chancellor of Milan, who dying at Palermo, the Archbishop of that City succeeded him till such time as the Duke del Infantado came thither from Rome with the Character of Viceroy. Cardinal Trivulcio was received at Rome, and acted as Ambassador from the Crown of Spain till the Earl of Oropesa came. The Count de On̄ate Governed Naples with singular Wisdom and good Conduct, as did the Marquess of Campo Reall the Island of Sardinia. The latter endeavoured to put an end to the Factions that disturbed the Quiet of that Kingdom, and banishing the Heads of both Parties, established Peace. He sent Sup∣plies to the Island Coralina de Tabarca, at the Request of the Governour of it, by which means that Place was delivered from the Danger of the Barbary Moors.

The Marquess of Caraçcna Governour of Milan, having with his Army infested all the neigh∣bouring Country, retired with a great Booty taken in Piemont about Turin, the Court of the Duke of Savoy, and notwithstanding 4000 of the Enemy endeavoured to cut off his Retreat, he passed all the difficult Mountains with his heavy Baggage and Train of Artillery, without lo∣sing one head of Cattel. This done, he dispersed his Army in the Territories of Tubine, Camag∣na, Concano, and Vignuela. Here he expected the coming of 5 Regiments designed for Catalo∣nia, and hindred the French from sending Supplies to that Province. All the Cattel taken about Cazal he caused to be restored, the Governour of that Place and he of Torno, giving Security, they would for the future, no more molest, the Subjects of the Dukedom of Milan. Then ha∣ving sent 1600 Italians and Germans designed for Catalonia to Final, and made a General Mus∣ter, he put his Army into Winter Quarters.

In France all things tended to Rebellion. The Queen Mother brought the King to the Par∣liament of Paris, to be recognized as their Lawful Sovereign, which they all offered to do, when as things were disposed with the usual Pomp for so great a Ceremony, but as soon as they broke up, many of them fled to Rochelle. The Prince of Conde having formed and concluded the League, demanded more than it was possible to grant him. Yet after this, the Queen, Duke of Orleans, Prince of Conde, and Parliament of Paris, were again united, but it lasted not long, for in a little time the Prince of Conde took the Field, as did also the King's Army.

The Duke of Bavaria our King's Cousin died at Munich, his eldest Son succeeded him Peace was concluded betwixt the Duke of Neuburg and Elector of Brandenburg, and in the midst of the publick Joy for the same died the Duke. The Emperor summoned the Diet to meet at Ratisbon, upon the 16th of May Cardinal Mazarin returning into France, the Treaty of Peace then on Foot was broke off, ond the Prince of Conde's Forces daily increased. The Ci∣ty of London was exceedingly alarmed with the King's March out of Scotland, but Cromwel ha∣ving defeated his Forces at Worcester, returned victorious, and then marched to Scotland, where all Places submitted to him. This same Year, Casimir King of Poland, gave the Tartars a very signal Overthrow.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Castle of Alcaraz surprzed.
• * 1.2

  Spanish Ambassa∣dor re∣ceived by the Rebels in England
• * 1.3

  French de∣cline in Catalonia.
• * 1.4

  Queen of Spain deli∣vered of a Daughter:
• * 1.5

  D. John of Austria at the Siege of Barcelo∣na.