The late history of Europe being a narration of all remarkable actions and other various affairs, both civil and military, that have happened in the several kingdoms and republicks : from the Treaty at Nimiguen in anno 1676 to the conclusion of the late peace at Res-Wick in September 1697 : which makes up a history of one and twenty years : accuratly and succinctly abridg'd / by Captain David Kennendy.

CHAP. XXII. Anno 1697.

SECT. 1.

[Sect. 1] Now we are come to the last of these one and twenty Remarkable years. And the first thing Material, is the concerting of the Preliminaries,* 1.1 in order to the Peace, which were agreed on in Holland, and Signed, the 10 of February, The particulars whereof I omitt, being only matters of formality.

Reswick is agreed on by all parties, to be the place of Treaty, and on the 9. of May the Conferences be∣gan, in which there was but a slow progress made for a while.

The French having made a Peace with Savoy last year, made their Forces more numerous and power∣ful this year, both in Flanders, and Catalon••a,* 1.2 so as they Beseiged▪ and in a short time reduced, Aeth in the former, and Beseiged Barcelona in the latter; which they did, not with a design to retard, but ra∣ther to quicken the Spaniards pace, towards a Peace, so that the Conferences between their Plenipotenti∣aries and the Allies, went on under the Mediation

of the young King of Sweden [whose Father Charle•• the 11 dyed on the ••7 of April] by the interven∣tion of the Baron de Lilliearot his Embassador,* 1.3 who went between the one and the other for the said pur∣pose.* 1.4 That which Embarrassed the proceedings of the Plenipotentiaries for a while, was the expectation of news all of them had from divers parts, which might favour their respective Interests, and by which they might take their proper measures, but more especially from Poland, the French being very confi∣dent that the Prince of Conti would carry that Crown; while the Confederats had all their eyes turned upon Prince James

But in the mean time in comes a third person (whom no body dreamt of] and ran away with the bone;* 1.5 The Elector of Saxony, who [having with great Celerity and Secrery, Concerted that project with his Imperial Majesty, and having privatly re∣concealed himself to the Church of Rome) all of a sudden Musters up his Troops, and Marches to∣wards Silesia, and the Frontiers of Poland. And the next news they hear at Reswick, was his being chosen King of Poland, on the 26 of June, by a great ma∣jority of Voices, above the Prince of Conti who was also Proclaimed King by the other party, tho the Expedition he made into that Countrey proved lit∣tle to his, or the French Kings satisfaction, Saxony having gained his point, before Conti's arrival.

Tho this news was a great Mortification to the French Plenipotentiaries, yet they proceed on the Treaty. The French Plenipotentiaries having se∣veral separat Conferences with the Embassadors of the States General, gave Umbrage to the rest of the Allies Embassadors, that the States were about making up a separat Peace, as once formerly they had done; which the States Embassadors hearing of declared aloud, and with some sort of indignation,

that that report was unjust and false, and that they might make there sincerity more apparent, they op∣penly disswaded the Ministers of the Allies from consenting to a Truce with the Freech, which had been lately proposed by the French Ministers; This giving satisfaction to rest of the Embassadors they go on in the Negotiation of the Peace.

* 1.6But there arose amongst them so many Disputes and Altercations about the Basis of the present Trea∣ty, and also so many intricat and thwarting over∣tures and propositions on all sides, as took up a great deale of time before they could be composed or brought into any settlement; all which were too tedious now to relate.

On the 20 of July. The French gave in their pro∣ject of Peace; The Spanish Embassadors s••eming most to be satisfied with the Concessions of the French, the Emperours least, and the rest of, the Allies, not al∣together disliking them. On the 16 of August their was held an extraordinary Congress, which lasted almost the whole day; And not long after came the News of the taking of Barcelona by the French after one of the most vigorous Seiges, that had happened almost in any former Age.

This made the Spaniards very uneasy, and very pressing to have the Peace signed, upon the Con∣ditions offered by France: To which the French seemed rather to comply, because of a Report gene∣rally spread Abroad, that Sweden and Denmark threatned to denounce War against France, unless they went more seriously on with the business, and cut short all unnecessary difficulties. This, and the conferences h••ld between the Earl of Portland and the Mareshal de Boussiers (wherein were concerted all the pretensions of the King of England) so ripened and forwarded all matters, as on the 20 of September, the English, Spanish, and Dutch Pleni∣protentiaries

potentiaries (after a long conference with those of France,* 1.7 and having adjusted all matters in difference betwixt them) mutually signed the Peace, a little after Mid-night.

* 1.8The Emperours and Empires Plenipotentiaries were in the Hall, almost all the time, but were so far from consenting to what was done, as they re∣quired the Mediator to enter a protestation, that this was a second time, that a separte Peace had been con∣cluded with France [meaning that of Nimeguea for the first wherein the Emperour, and Empire had been excluded, and somewhat more to this purpose; To which Don Bernardo de quires made so pertinent a Re∣ply, as (tho it did not satisfie) silenced them at that time.

The Articles of agreement between the 3 fore∣mentioned Confederates, and the French King [espe∣cially, the advantagious and Honourable Terins King William made for himself and his Dominions] are so extant every where, and so universally known, as I do not think it necessary to swell this Compend by inserting them.

* 1.9Though the Imperialists seemed a little disatisfied with these proceedings, yet they thought it the most advisible way to agree to a Cessation of Arms which was done two days after the Signing of this Treaty; But before advice of this reached Prince Baden on the Rhine, he had taken the Castle of E∣remburg, and was going to lay Seige to Kirn also.

But herein the Emperour was unfortunate, for had the News of the Battle of Zenta come a little sooner, in all probability those Powers who lately Signed the Treaty, had not been so foreward, till they had made the French King more compliant with the Em∣perours demands.

However passing that, We come to give some ac∣count of that Memorable Battle, the like whereof has not been fought in the whole course of this long and Bloody War.

SECT. 2.

[Sect. 2] About the time of the Election of the King of Pola••••, a Rebellion broke forth in upper Hu••gary, which occasioned Prince Eugenius of Savo••, to draw the Imperial Troops thitherward And though the head of this Hydra was quickly cut off, yet the Grand Signior in person coming into the Feild on the Head of a formidable Army, threat∣ned to give life to this Monster again; Prince Eugen lying with the Imperial Army a B••le 〈◊〉〈◊〉, had intelli∣gence on the 12 of September, that the Turks had a design on S••gedin, and had de••a••c••••t out several Troops to ravage and burn all the Country about it. And presently after, one Captain Toben brought him word, that the Turks were at Zenta, and had detached a body of Horse to burn all the Countrey.

The Prince sends two parties of sixty Horse a peice, as Scouts to make discovery, and to b••ing him a certain account of what they could discover. In the mean time the Army decamped, before day, and marched in twelve Columns six of Horse, and six of Foot, with the Artillery in the mi••le, And con∣tinued their March so all day. The Hustars who were sent to from, brought word, that they met the Ene∣mies Guards near Zent; a Basha being taken inform∣ed the Prince,

That the Grandsignior had fully re∣solved to beseige Segedin, but understanding that the Imperial Army was Decamped from Peter Waradin and was following closs at his Heels, he st••pt at Zenta; that he had laid a Bridge over the Th••ese, which had been built at Belgrade, by the advice of a French Man, and brought along in Wagons, intending to march in to Transilvania and Upper Hungary, that the Grandsignior had passed the Bridge in Person, with some Thousands of Horse, that the Infantry and Baggage, and a hundred peice•• of Cannon were on this side the River, but he knew not if they would pass it or not.

This obliged the Prince to advance with the Ca∣ve••••y, and some Artillery within an Hours march of Zenta,* 1.10 and there stayed for the Foot, who be∣ing come up, he drew up his Army in Battle array, and advanceing near Zenta, they perceived Two thou∣sand of the Enemys Horse, whereon the Prince took Three Regiments of Dragoons, and two out of the 2d. Line, with some peices of Cannon, and so advanced towards the Enemy, with all the speed he could, ordering the rest of the Army to follow in Battle array. On the left wing, he planted some Cannon, which played incessantly on the Bridge, as these did also on the right wing; and the Army coming up, the Battle began. The Enemy had before them, two Ent••••nchments, besides a Barricado of waggons, and all so strong, as it was an Admiration how the Foot could force them, which yet they did in half an hours time, during which, nothing could be heard or seen, for Fire and Smoak on both sides The Horse advanced also to the very moat of the En∣t••••nchments, where they stood the Enemies Fire, and charged in the same manner as the Foot, which perhaps was hardly ever seen before, they alighted from their Horses, and passed the moat on the bodies of the sl••in M••n: In the me••n time, the Germans on the left wing cut off the Turks way to the Bridge, whereon followed a most horrible slaughter,* 1.11 as well in the Trenches, as upon the Bridge, and a great many were drowned in the River, endeavouring to escape the Sword, the Germans giving no quarter, no not to Basha's, nor General Officers, though they off••red gr••at ransoms for their Lives, so eag•••• the Sould••ers were on Hood, from whence it came to pass so few were taken ••••isoners.

The Night put an end to the Battle; The gallant Conduct of the Officers, and the Courage of the Sol∣dier, cannot be express, nor sufficiently praised;

But above all the great skill and dexterity of Prince Engenius is to be highly extolled, who being far in∣ferior to the Enemy in number, was so critically watchful of his opportunity, falling upon them whilst divided, so as the one part could not relieve the other.

The Grandsignior fled in great consternation to Temeswaer, being pursued thither by a Body of Horse, within half a Mile of the Town. A great many were killed in the next dayes pursuit, The computation of the slain being at last made, besides the Grandvisier, the Aga of the J••nisaries, Twenty seven Basha's, and many other Officers; there were said to be killed, above Twenty thousand Men,* 1.12 and Ten or Twelve thousand drowned in the Thy••sse Six thousand Wounded, and but few taken ••risoners. In the Camp they got the Grandsigniors Tent, and all the rest, 160 peices of Cannon, 5••0 Drums, as many Cullors, 47 pair of Ket••le Drums,* 1.13 a Coach with six Horses, wherein were Ten Women of the Seraglio. All their Baggage and Provisions, 6000 Wag••ns loaden with Amuniti••n &c. 6000 Camels 6000 Horses, 12000 Oxen,* 1.14 with a great number of other Rich Spoiles, The Grandsigniors T••nt be∣ing valued at 40000 Florins: Next Morning, a Transilvanian Commissary brought to the ••rince, the Grandsigniors Seal, a curious peice of Work∣manship, which confirmed the Grandvisiors Death, he being bound to cary the Seal always about his Neck. This Victory was the more Glorious and happy to the Imperialists, because they got it with the loss of so few Men, as they did not so much as condescend upon a definite number. The Battle was fought on the 13th. of September 1697.

The only unhappiness of the Imperialists was, that this Victory fell so late in the year, as they had not a convenient opportunity of following the blow;

and all they could do, the short remainder of the Campaign, was to make an incursion into Bosnia, from whence they returned with a considerable Booty. And so we shall return to make a Conclu∣sion of the Negotiations of the Peace.

SECT. 3.

[Sect. 3] About the time the late Treaty w••s Signed, several Embassadors of the Alies, Princes and States of the Empire waited upon our King at Loo, where notwithstanding the Conclusion of the foresaid Treaties, an Offensive and Defensive Alli∣ance, was whispered to be entered into, or rather renewed between the Allies. Here again the Em∣perours Embassadors begin to complain how they were injured by an immature Treaty. To which it was Answered,

that it was much their own fault, by delaying to put in their Complaints in time,* 1.15 whereto they had so often been advised, and withal, the thing being done, it could not be done overagain.

So, the Imperialists seing it in vain to complain, applyed themselves to adjust the remaining points in controversie with France. And after several altercations, and fruitles strugles of the Imperialists, at last they accorded, and on the 30 of October (being but 2 days before the time limited by France, to accept her offers) the Treaty was Signed.

* 1.16The particulars whereof, if the Reader know them not, or be curious to know, ••e may find them as easily as these of the rest of the Confederats.

Towards the Conclusion of the Negotiation, the Protestant Princes shewed their Zeal, in moving earnestly (by the Mediator) that some favour should be shown, and priviledges and Immunities granted to the Protestants of Stras••urg and other Cities of Alla∣tia,* 1.17 which belonged to the French King; how the matter was managed amongst them, is not well known, but the motion was so little regarded, as it took not the effect wish't for.

SECT. 4.

[Sect. 4] My Author reflecting on the whole Negotiation, and the Conclusion thereof, (and tak∣ing notice of the vast Concessions and Surrendre is the French King has made) determines the advantages of the Peace, very great on the Confederats side.

And so he returns to King William in Holland, who stayed there till the whole work was perfected, and having (justly and Honourably) payed off all the Forreign Troops, who are now on their March towards their Respective Homes, after the fatigue of this tedious War, He returned to England, and upon the 16 of November (at the Citizens request) he made his publick entry through London,* 1.18 being attended by all the Men of quality in very great state; And never in one day, in all his Life,* 1.19 saw so many People, (and all his own Subjects) And in whose affections ••e triumphed as much as ever he had done at any time, over his Enemies; And may he alwayes do the first, and never have occasion for the second; but may we long live under the benigne influence of his happy Reigne, who hath rescued our Religion and Li∣berties out of the Jaws of Hell and Destruction, has lo intrepidly fought our Battles for us, And at lengh restored unto us the Comforts and Blessing of a Firm and Honourable Peace.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Prelimi∣naries of the Peace Signed.
• * 1.2

  Aeth taken by the French.
• * 1.3

  An. 1697.
• * 1.4

  King of Sweden, Mediator in the Peace.
• * 1.5

  Elector of Saxony chosen King of Poland.
• * 1.6

  Altercati∣ons about the Basis of the Treaty &c.
• * 1.7

  The Peace sign'd
• * 1.8

  Emperors Embassa∣dors Com∣plain
• * 1.9

  Cessation of Arms on both sides
• * 1.10

  Battle of Zenta
• * 1.11

  A terri••le slaughter.
• * 1.12

  Grandvisi∣er Aga and 27 Ba••ha's killed
• * 1.13

  Account of Men s••ain
• * 1.14

  And of the Spoil
• * 1.15

  Emperors Embassa∣dors sign the Peace
• * 1.16

  The Pro∣testant Princes m••ve for favour to the Prote∣stants.
• * 1.17

  Took no Effect
• * 1.18

  King Wil∣liam re∣turns to England
• * 1.19

  His solemn Re∣ception in London