The history of the vvorld: or, An account of time. Compiled by the learned Dionisius Petavius. And continued by others, to the year of our Lord, 1659. Together with a geographicall description of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.

CHAP. VI. An Account of what memorable things happened both in England and other Parts, from about the latter end of the Year, 1653, unto this present Year 1658.

IN England, (after that (the form of Government being now changed) Oliver Cromwell took upon him the Supream Magi∣stracy as Protector of the three Nations, and he sitting with his councel at White-Hall, (being 13 in number) Decemb. 21, 1653, and a Declaration from them came forth, That instead of the Name, Style, Title and Teste of the Keepers of the Liberties of England by Authority of Parliament, used in all Courts, Writs, &c. from Decemb. 26. 1653, the Name, Style, Title and Teste of the Lord Protector for the time being, of the Common-wealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Dominions thereunto belonging, should be used, and no other: also the Government of the said Common-wealth under the said Protectorship, contain∣ing 42 particular heads, was published,) there was discovered a secret Conspiracy on the behalf of Charls Stuart, Feb. 18 follow∣ing; whereupon eleven of the Conspirators being committed to the Tower of London, were after a short time set at liberty: About which time, (on the contrary) as a testimony of affection to the Protector's Government, there appeared Addresses and Congra∣tulations, from many parts of the three Nations. Then was there a main businesse in agitation, to wit, peace with the Dutch, and about this time well nigh finished: and after that, two of the Dutch Embassdours, Newport and Youngstall, had gone over for full power from their superiours, and returned into England, March the 3d. 1653. desiring a speedy Cessation of Arms on both sides, as being fully impowred to ratifie the late concluded peace. On

April 5. following, 1654, the Articles of Peace betwixt both States were signed and sealed by both parties: and on the 26 day of the same moneth in England proclaimed; (the day after which, the Protectour feasted the said Embassadours at White-Hall, him∣self first lodging there on the 15th of the same April, 1654.) also in the Netherlands about the same time. And on May 30. fol∣lowing, the Lord Ambassadour Whitlock arrived from Swethland, having finished his Embassage, which was to make an intimate peace and alliance between Sweden and England: For when the said Embassadour had understood, that the Treaty with the Dutch could have no reflexion upon the Swedish affairs, (for before, that Queen would give him no dispatch) he putting on the busi∣ness more than formerly; in 14 dayes after they came to a full agreement: and April 28, 1654, the Articles of Alliance with the Swedish Nation were interchangeably signed and sealed al∣so. Then on May 12 following, he having his last audience in the same order and state as at his first receiving: after a brief speech made unto the Queen, and she likewise signifying ••her high con∣tentment taken, that the Lord Protector should at such a season send so honourable an Embassie entrusted to the management of so worthy a person: and that she accounted it a very great addi∣tion of happinesse to her Reign, that she had made so intimate an Alliance, &c. And that although she was about to quit her Go∣vernment, yet she should remain a perfect friend to the Protector: not doubting, but that the Prince her Cousin, and all others who should succeed, would be careful inviolably to maintain the friendship of that Common-wealth. This transaction being per∣formed at Upsall, a Town and University there.

A little before which time, were the spirits and expectations of some Scots heightned, partly through promises which their King made them by his Agents; and partly through the discon∣tent of divers persons in England; so that under the command of the Earls of Glencarn and Kenmore, was an Army raised in Scot∣land of 4000 horse and foot; who Rendezvouzing at the Lough, Colonel Morgan with about 1500 horse and foot there wholly routed them, Febr. 17. 1653, and slew about 150 of them. But then did the affairs of Ireland tend more and more towards per∣fect settlement, by reason of the vigilant care which the Lord Deputy Fleetwood and the Councel had in transplanting the Irish Natives into the Province of Connaught, whereby the English there were in all likelihood secured both in life and estate, from Insurrections.

In the moneth of May following, 1654, a discovery being made of a second Conspiracy against the Lord Protector's life; and to be put in execution on a prefixed day, as he should go be∣twixt London and Hampton-Court: also to seize on all guards about the City of London, the City it self, and also the Tower thereof; to proclaim Charls Stuart King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, &c. a High-Court of Justice (so called) was erected in Westminster-Hall,

Jul. 1. before whom, three of the apprehended Conspira∣tors being brought, to wit, John Gerard, Peter Vowell, and Somerset Fox: they were charged of High-Treason; and upon proof thereof, were condemned to dye: one whereof, to wit, Fox, being reprieved for his free and ingenuous confession: the other two (who denyed the knowledge of any such design) suffering accord∣ing to the Sentence, Jul. 10. Vowell being hanged; but Gerard, upon petition, beheaded on Tower-Hill: on which sad Theatre, one Don Pantalion Sa, brother to the Portugal Embassadour then in England, for a murder by him (with his companions) a good while before committed on a man at the New-Exchange. And on the very morning of this execution-day, were the Articles of Peace (now fully concluded betwixt England and the Kingdom of Portugal) signed by the same Embassadour; who immediately withdrew out of the City.

But those in the Highlands of Scotland (being not as yet discou∣raged, and receiving some additionall strength from Middleton who had landed there out of Holland, as chief Generall for the young King) were quickly again reputed an Army, against whom Generall Monk being sent, and in those High-lands attending their motions in severall Marches from June the ninth, 1654, unto July 29 following, he by degrees totally defeated them: Middleton himself being necessitated to flee and take shipping out of Scot∣land; and his scattered forces daily repairing unto the Garrisons of Englands Common-Wealth for mercy.

On Sept. the third following 1654, (the Protectour think∣ing it meet to summon a Parliament, two Indentures being first made, one between the Sheriffs of particular Counties, and the choosers of Members, and another between the Sheriffs and the Burgesses (with the Inhabitans of Burroughs, so chosen) that they for themselves, and people of the said Butroughs, have full power to act and consent to those things which in Parliament shall hap∣pen, so they alter not the Government from one single person and a Parliament, as then setled. They met at Westminster Abbey, then repairing to the house, and beginning to question the lawfullnesse of that power which called them together; a recognition of the Government was to be signed by them before their entrance into the House again; which most of them signing, they sate five Moneths, according to the time allotted by the instrument of Go∣vernment; and January the two and twentieth following, were dissolved by the Protectour.

But (whether for glory sake, or revenge of an injury) an Army under the command of Generall Venables, was conveighed by a Fleet of Ships, set forth out of England under the conduct of Gene∣rall Pen, towards the Island of Hispaniola, (the first place in Ame∣rica, that Columbus discovered for the King of Spain, and by the Spa∣niards not a little set by) who setting sail from Portsmouth, Decem. 27. were at Barbadoes January the twenty eight after, where the whole Fleet being certified to be in a good condition, March 19.

1654, and having seized on eighteen Dutch Merchants Ships, for trading there contrary to an Act of the long sitting Parliament, they thence sailed for Hispaniola, on the thirtieth day of the same Moneth; where landing (though not all at once) in Aprill fol∣lowing; they (through the climates unkindnesse, want of water, and other necessaries, and their enemies expertnesse of the Coun∣trey) received no very small repulse, not a few perishing in that action; Wherefore (that the honour of that design might not wholly be lost) they about the third of May re-embarqued them∣selves for Jamaica Island, in whose Harbour they Anchoring some dayes after, with small resistance were Masters of the same.

In the mean time, the Protectour, his Councill, and Army Of∣ficers, were imployed at home, in suppressing a discovered Plot, and insurrections in divers places; for it was certified from York unto London, March 26, 1655, that one Sir Richard Maliverer, in∣viting his Tenants a few nights before, unto a Supper, incited them to joyn in Arms with him; who (with others) intended to seize on the City of York the same night for King Charls, appointing them a Gate where he would meet them: and going with four of them unto Hessay Moor, divers chief of the Country met them, with Carts laden with Arms; yet the appearance being too small, they dispersed again. Wherefore, the said Maliverer was necessitated to flee beyond the Seas. There were some said to be risen about Merioneth shire, and other parts of Wales: against whom, some other Inhabitants rose to joyn in opposing them. Another party reported 500, (though not so many) rose in Nottinghamshire; whom from Colonel Hacker, a party marched out of Leicestershire, to sup∣presse. Shrewsbury Castle was to be possessed by a stratagem of two men going into the Castle in womens apparrell, and two other as their men to wait on them, &c. of which the Governour having notice, prevented the design. The City of Chester being likewise intended to be seized on. But that of most dangerous consequence to the peace of the Common-wealth was, the insur∣rection at and about Salisbury in wiltshire, beginning March 12. for the Judges coming into Salisbury on Saturday night from Win∣chester Assizes; some (for King Charls) came into the Town also, as being a time of least suspition: and rendezvouzing the next day, in the night were above an hundred; the chief Commander being one Sir Joseph wagstaffe: who on Munday morning early, seizing all horses, seized also on the Sheriff the same morning, en∣deavouring to force him to proclaim Charls Stuart King: and wounding and knocking him over the head with a pistol for re∣fusal of the same; and carrying him away. They plundred also both the Judges, Sheriff, Justices, and others, of all that was fit to carry away: yet did the Judges no harm in their persons; but, taking away their Paroll, they let out both prisoners for debt, and also malefactors with their irons on them, mounting those who would joyn with them; and after they had proclaimed Charls

Stuart King) departed (in number about 200) out of the City to∣wards Blanford in Dorsetshire, encouraging their followers, That their chief Leader was coming from France to head them with 10000 men, (for the Country joyned not with them, as was ex∣pected).

But soon after, came news, signifying the totall defeat of those under Wagstaffe, Jones, Penruddock, and Groves; for Unton Crook, a Captain, pursuing them out of Wiltshire into Devonshire, with his own onely Troop, fell in amongst them at South-Molton: where after a few hours dispute, he took Jones, Penruddock, and Groves, (with about 60 other prisoners, and nigh 140 horse and arms, Wag∣staffe himself escaping) who being committed to Exeter Goal, a Commission soon came forth for the tryall of the risers, at Salisbu∣ry, Exeter, and Chard in Somersetshire, and 14 of 30 being con∣demned at Salisbury, three of them, to wit, Lutas, Thorp, and Ken∣sey, were on May 3. 1655, executed, with seven others on the 7th day; and on May the 9th, 14 of the condemned persons at Exe∣ter, were there also executed, (most being reprieved) amongst whom, Penruddock and Groves were beheaded: but Jones (by or∣der) likewise reprieved. Likewise at Chard were divers persons executed, May 17, one Major Hunt escaping in his sisters habit. After which, divers prisoners in the Tower of London, who had a former hand in conspiring against the Protector's Person, as also most of them, who for this insurrection were imprisoned in the West of England, there ordered to be sent away into forreign Plantations.

But one effect which these Insurrections produced, was instru∣ctions given to the Major Generals of Counties, to endeavour the suppression of all Tumults, &c. as also all forreign Invasions, by drawing Forces and Troops into all convenient places upon occa∣sion: and also by disarming Papists and others, who had been in arms against the Parliament, and all others dangerously suspected. Other orders were likewise given them, both to have a strict eye upon the carriage of all disaffected persons within their Counties; and likewise to endeavour the apprehending of Theeves, Robbers, High-way-men, &c. with some other particulars. And all those hereupon, who had any way assisted the King, were also to pay the 10th part of their estates, to the bearing of the charges of the Army.

The English Fleet having landed their Countrymen at Jamaica, and left a Squadron of Ships there, were now bound homeward for England; wherefore setting sayl from thence, June 25, 1655, they anchored at the Spit-head near Portsmouth, Aug. 13 follow∣ing. General Venables also arriving in another ship, Sept. 9. weak of body, and having been near death: who together with General Pen, either upon suspition of his fidelity, were committed to the Tower of London, Sept. 20th after; but soon after set at liberty again.

But General Blake, while these things were doing in Europe and

America, behaved himself valiantly in Africa against the Turkish Pyrats of Tunis; (toward which parts he set sayl from Plymouth, Oct. 6. 1654,) for having demanded satisfaction of the Dye or Governour of Tunis, for certain ships they had taken: and also the Captives of the English Nation, April 18. 1655; and being not onely denyed either, but had also some kind of provoking or daring terms given him; he calling a Councel of War, resolved (if possible) to burn their ships which lay in Porto Ferino: within musket shot of which Castle, the English Admiral, Vic.-Admi∣ral, and Rear-Admiral lying, played on it and their Forts with 20 great guns; the wind also favouring them; so that although there were 120 guns planted on the shoar and Castle against them; they couragiously in their long boats, burnt 9 ships down to the water in the space of 4 hours; with the losse of onely 25 men, and 48 wounded. Moreover, a breach of mu••ual amity be∣tween England and Spain being now begun, an Ambassadour ex∣traordinary was sent from the King of Spain into England; where he arriving May 2. 1655, came in a stately manner thorow Lon∣don to Westminster; and having publique audience given him by the Lord Protector on the 8th day of the same moneth, with other audiences, nothing as to an agreement between the two Nations, was concluded; so that June 12 following, he parted from the Protector onely with mutual complements, and so returned into Spain. For a league between the English and French Nation, be∣gan now to be thought of; and an Embassadour from France, re∣siding a while in London to that end: at length, Peace between England and France was ratified Novemb. 19. 1655; and on the 28th day proclaimed (one effect of which league, was the exiling of the house of the Stuarts out of the French Dominions). Before which, there was certain intelligence from Bayonne and S. Seba∣stian, Sept. 5th, that the King of Spain had made a seizure of the persons and goods of the English within his power; a••d on Febr. 16th following, War with England was openly proclaimed by the Spaniards at Dunkirk.

But as to France it self, the Prince of Conde, with the other dis∣contented ones against Cardinal Mazarine and his party, being allayed there, as having no considerable party within the bowels of that Nation: the said Prince sent one General Marsin into Spain, to negotiate in his behalf; (for upon the Spaniard was all his dependance) and going with his Troops in the Country and Bishoprick of Liege or Luyck in Flanders, he there waged (about the moneths of December and January,) 1653 a little new War, to get Winter-quarters: the Inhabitants every where standing to defend and maintain their priviledges and freedom; but the Prince's forces took from them by force, the little Town of Fosses, (which is scituated between the rivers of Sambre and Mense) mar∣ching also against the Town Chastelet, seated on the river Sambre, of which (at that time) there was no doubt but they would be soon masters of. Their design likewise being to take Dinant and Chi∣vai;

which were to be for a Principality to the said Prince; in∣tending Rocroy (of which, his son the Duke of Anguien was Go∣vernour, and who having there a very strong garrison, forced the Country round about to pay him Contribution) for his Head-City: so that the Court-party of France quite gave him over, sup∣posing him not to be brought back by any tolerable means of ac∣commodation: wherefore they at Paris about the same time rai∣sed a suspition (out of policy) among the Spaniards, as if he had intended to make his peace with the King and Court of France, giving it out, That a Treaty to that end was actually set on foot: which doing him some present wrong among the Spanish party, he went to Brussels to Leopold the Arch-Duke, principally to give assurances of his resolution against the Court of France, and all Mazarine's party; and to procure moneys and recruits, that at Spring (for it was now Winter) he might be in some indifferent capacity to infest that Kingdom. It was also then presaged in France, (by many) that some strange turn of affairs was yet to be expected there, from the Duke of Orleance, the King's Uncle, be∣ing more than usually hardy, in refusing to come to that Court; although-strongly solicited thereunto. The people also of that Nation being deceived in their expectations of golden dayes, which they thought to have seen upon the Court's return to Paris, and the composure of their last tumults; instead whereof they were both impolitickly and tyrannically dealt withall, that it was certainly believed, That if ever the Princes make up a confidera∣ble party again in France, the people would turn to them: most of the good Towns stood for them; and the Parisians themselves were as high for them as ever. Then were the Court of France drawing up a Declaration against the Prince of Conde; having also had lately good successe against the Spaniards in Catalonia. And about the same time arrived an extraordinary Courtier from Rome unto the French Court, with letters, pressing the King to hearken unto a Pacification with Spain, and give way to a general Peace: wherein also the Pope promised to contribute his best assistance. The Messenger departing likewise in haste for Spain, Jan. 21. 1653, with Letters of the same nature, to that King; which interve∣ning, produced no effect: however, it hath been observed, these two Monarchies have been like the Sea, losing at one place and time, what they gain in another; so vexing themselves and Eu∣rope also to no purpose. The Pope also sent order to his Nuntio refiding at Paris, to make enquiry what Irish Bishops and Priests were in that City, with their names and sirnames, and how they then lived.

The Portugal Embassadour at Paris also about the same time, making several instances to advance the alliance of a League of∣fensive and defensive, between his Master the King of Portugal, and the French King, offered withall a marriage between the said young King, and the King of Portugal's daughter, with a Dowry of four millions of gold.

But on June 7th 1654, the young King of France was crowned at Rheimes with a great acclamation of the Inhabitants and Soul∣diers of that City, who met him half a mile out of the Town, crying, Vive le Roy, or, Let the King live. The Ministers of Rheims also highly applauding the Cardinal in their Orations upon the anoynting of the King, looking on him as the onely means that hath kept up the Scepter from falling into the hands of an ambi∣tious Prince, that is, Conde, who seeks more his own greatnesse, than the welfare of the Nation. The Cardinal of Retz, being kept confined by Mazarine, one pretence whereof was, the nor surrendring up of the Archbishoprick of Paris; he sent about this time, the Master of his horse to Rome, to pray the Pope to give his consent unto the same surrender, that Mazarine might have no farther pretence for keeping him so confined.

Now also was there preparation made in France for the siege of Stenay, by the King and Cardinal, the onely place that the Prince of Conde had at his Command; and at which siege, the King in∣tended to assist in Person: and the Cardinal resolved to take that strong place, though with length of time, and vast expences: wherefore setting about it, and the young King couragiously and industriously visiting that Leaguer, and animating the Souldiety, after a great Bartery raised, he summoned the place: which the Governour refusing to surrender, without Condee's consent, they applyed themselves to carry the Cittadel first: whereupon the besieged made a resolute salsey of above 200 men; but they sal∣lying upon the Switzers quarter, were by them valiantly repul∣sed: the Governour after a second summons, sending answer back, he was resolved to live and die in the place; they drew to∣gether more Forces to reinforce the King's Camp: the besieged having by a sally killed between 3 and 400 of the besiegers; yet shortly after (for that was in July 1654) in August, they having made a very great breach with their Mine, they came to a Ca∣pitulation for surrender, which was made with a Spanish Com∣mander, the Earl of Chamilly accepting of the King's pardon in sur∣rendring it, and the garrison retreating to Montmedy.

In the mean time, the Spaniard, to divert the French Forces that had besieged Stenay, closely besieged Arras, a considerable Frontier Town belonging to the French King: whose Governour was no lesse couragious than that of Stenay; and the management of the siege being (by the Spaniard) said to be solely committed unto the Prince of Condee; who had full power to fight as he should see occasion. The Spaniards were in great want of pro∣vision; the French having so secured the passages, that none could be brought unto them: yet a Convoy of 1000 Wagons being sent from Doway to victual the Camp, and through some opposi∣tion, retreating to Aire, from thence got safe within the lines of the Spanish Camp; whereby they were supplyed for 3 weeks: which was longer than (at that time) the Town was (in the eyes of many) likely to hold out: The Spaniards, Aug. 14, assaulting a

half Moon of Arras, were beaten off with the losse of 400 men. But Marshal Turein, with divers other forces from all parts, hasten∣ing to the relief of the besieged, (so that they had no lesse than 40000 in all) the Spaniard also lurking too long in his Trenches, and not engaging the French Army at the first, (as the Prince of Condee is reported to have advised them) they having hereby the more opportunity to circumvent them in all passages, and hinder the accesse of provisions, they surrounded the Spanish Army, and actually hindred all provisions for their relief: wherefore the Spa∣niards being reduced to this strait, were necessitated to withdraw from before the Town, on the first hopeful opportunity, and that in the night, leaving their Ordnance and baggage behind them; yet the French having notice by their Scouts, of their first motion, the grand Army under Marshal D. Hoquincourt (notwithstanding all the Prince of Conde could do by perswasion or example) com∣ming on amain upon them, routed the Arch-Duke's horse, leaving most of their foot to their enemie's mercy; with their Comman∣ders, bag and baggage. But the Governour of Arras himself (knowing the time of the Spaniards intended retreat) sallying out with about 1500 or 2000 men at the instant of their moving, did much facilitate the businesse; most of the Spanish foot being slain or taken, to the number of 6000 prisoners; and the first Onsett being made upon the Lorrainer's trenches, the worst storm fell on them; and many almost starved for lack of food: This happened in August, 1654. Which successe rendred Cardinal Mazarine impregnable; whereas, if he had been put to the like retreat, it was supposed he must have shortly retired out of France again: for those of Burdeaux were then discontented by reason of some new imposts lately imposed on some Commodities there, by means of Trompette Castle serving to keep that Town in awe: the discontented also scattering several papers up and down, against tyranny, and the oppression which they lay under; and it was then verily believed, if Arras had been taken by the Spaniard, more places would have shewn their discontent by reason of the heavy imposts laid on them.

But the Country of Liege was about the moneths of January and Febr. 1653, in a sad condition; both by the Duke of Lorrain, who quartered his Troops there, partly by consent, and partly by force, pretending, the States of the Country did invite him thi∣ther, because their Prince and Bishop governed altogether abso∣lutely, and against their Laws and priviledges; so that he was come to redresse their grievances, and beget a good understand∣ing between the Bishop and his people. The Prince of Condee's Troops (on the other hand) pretending, that those of Liege were affected to, and held correspondence with, the French: also that it was the Lorrainers which betrayed them, doing them all possi∣ble mischief they can contrive where ever they come: wherefore they were come to secure them and their Country, from being preyed on by the Lorrainers. The Troops likewise of the King of

France and the Empire were then marching towards Liege, pre∣tending also, they came to relieve the afflicted, and to assist a Prince of the Empire, who was quarrell'd with, and abused in his rights and prerogatives. Wherefore, all these caused the Spanish Troops, and those of the United Provinces to march also towards the same Country; both to hinder the French Troops from entring into Liege, and to secure their Frontiers. Thus although neither of these ought to have come there, the Country being Neutral; yet, through these quarrels and debates, the In∣habitants were miserably used like enemies on all sides.

But these thus forcibly quartering in the Country, occasioned the Prince or Bishop of Liege, and the Archbishop of Collen, to make a league offensive and defensive with the two Electours of Triers and Mentz, mutually to assist each other against all man∣ner of forreign forces under what pretence soever: and in March following, the Marquess of Faber seeing the conclusion of peace between the Prince of Liege, and the Electour of Collen, and Leo∣pold the Arch-Duke, (whereby the first was obliged unto the se∣cond, by the article of the Treaty, to endeavour what he could to cause the French Army to remove out of his Territories, being (if gentle perswasions would not prevail) to joyn his forces with the Arch Duke's, and force them, if they conceived it advanta∣gious so to do; presently removing from Limbourg, marcht out of the Country of Liege the same way he came, towards the Woods of Ardenne; yet having first the Paroll of the Prince Electour, that neither the Spaniards, Lorrainers, or Prince of Condee's forces, should attempt any thing against them by vertue of the said peace. And in the mo••eth of Febr. after, the Arch Duke by speciall or∣der of the King of Spain, (whose Lievtenant he is in Flanders) exemplarily proceeded against Charls Duke of Lorrain, not onely by imprisoning his person in the Castle of Antwerp, (though he were nobly intreated in his imprisonment) but by taking from him the command of his Army, Dukedome, and Estate, and con∣ferring it on Francis his brother, who as soon as he was come from Vienna, was to have the Command of his brother's Forces, and was called Duke Francis of Lorrain. The cause whereof was, the thefts, robberies, rapes, &c. committed under the conduct of his Army, the wracks of which destructions and devastations he him∣self gathered up: and also his inconstancies, and pretended change of judgment in resolves of warlique matters, and the alterations and delayes he gave in things, which (having been debated) were even at the very point of execution: and which being important services, might (in all likelihood) have had a happy issue: which tricks and artificies were at length grown so notorious, that the Masters of the Camp, and all other Officers could point at them, &c. The said Duke Charls (being now so confined) seeing no re∣medy, resigned up unto the King of Spain and the Arch-Duke, both his Person, his Estate, and Army: which the Earl of Ligne∣vill was to command, till the arrival of the said Duke Francis at Brussels.

A little before the same time, the Spaniard received a check from the Portugals by Land; for the Earl of Almarantio, Lievte∣nant General of the Spanish horse, sending forth some of his Troops, Novemb. 6. 1653, to pillage between the Towns Aron∣tium and Megretum, and to expect a conjunction of other forces: Andrew Albuquercio, General of the Portugal horse, marching to∣wards them, the Spaniards seemed to retreat, that uniting with their main body, they might fall on the Portugals: which these perceiving, a Portugal Governour speeded with about 250 horse∣men towards the enemies frontiers, not far from Valentia, where after a short combat, he put 300 Spanish horsemen to flight; and in the pursuit coming in sight of 400 other horse of the enemies, he being over-numbred, and his Souldiers disordered in the pursuit, he was repulsed, with the losse of some few; yet many wounded, and the Governour himself, with two Ensigns taken: one Captain of the Spaniards being slain, and divers mortally wounded. Whereupon Albuquercio following the Spaniards betimes the next morning, found them not far from Arontium very numerous, dri∣ving away 1200 head of Cattle. The Spaniards being 1500, the Portugals but 950 horse: where after valour on both sides shewn, the Portugals being conquerours, they pursued them untill night: many Spanish Commanders falling; among whom, was Alma∣rantius their Major General, 17 Colonels, and many wounded. There were slain in all 300 Spaniards, 400 taken prisoners. The Portugals having divers wounded; but no considerable losse.

But the Great Duke of Mascovy decreeing hostility against the kingdom of Poland about the latter end of 1653, resolving also to invade the same with three Armies, in three sundry places; and waging actual war accordingly, wrote Letters about April 1654, unto the Queen of Sweden, signifying the two reasons of his said War with the Polander: which seem not to be of weight sufficient for such an attempt: the one being, because a certain Polander writing a Narration of former Wars betwixt them, wherein the Polanders had the better, said onely, They had beaten the Muscovite; without adding his Title. The other, because, he, in quoting something touching the Genealogy of the Muscovite's Ancestors, named one as the father, which was the son. Wherefore, he de∣manding the offender's head of the King; and it being denyed, he warred on them, having taken one of their Cities already, and besieged another of their most considerable ones. But the Queen politickly answered, She neither approved, nor disapproved his reasons, wishing he might have good satisfaction from the Polan∣der, and being troubled (she said) that Christian Princes should fall out. But the Muscovite proceeding in his enterprize with a great power, after this, took in the Polish Country even without resistance, the people where they came seeking to save themselves by flight, and notwithstanding the great contrioutions there gran∣ted, they had no considerable Army to stop them: so that that Country was then look't on as deplorable. And about September

following, the Muscovites whole body falling upon Duke Radzivil's Army, (for he was the Poland General) which consisted of about 15000 men; they totally routed the same, Radzivil himself very hardly escaping: and so mysteriously were things carried by the chief ones of that kingdom, at that time, that it was thought by some (for they sate still) that certain of those prime ones were not much discontented thereat; however, by this overthrow the whole Dukedome of Littow was exposed to ruine and destruction. But Vitopits a little after, beating off the Muscovite's three storms, took in Miloff, a Town scituated on the River Drina, where he per∣fidiously kept not the Articles; but slew all the male Jews, and an∣cient women, and captivated the young men and women thereof.

About November following, the Town of Smolensko, account∣ed one of the best fortified places in Europe, was after an indiffe∣rent long siege, surrendred unto the grand Duke of Muscovy; and that through the Enemies policy, who perswading the Palatine, that all Poland was lost, and that that place onely made resi∣stance; the Palatine being stricken with a panick fear, and seeing no lesse than an Army of 5 or 6 bodies encompassing him, was easily perswaded, yet on as honourable terms as he could desire; but, immediately hereupon, no lesse than 5000 of his men listed themselves under the Muscovite, and taking an oath to be true un∣to him. Wherefore, seeing the place was both provided with necessaries for a years siege, nor any powder wanting unto the be∣sieged, the King of Poland required the said Palatine to come un∣to him to Grodna, to give him an account of his proceedings. The Muscoviter put a garrison of 10000 men into the City. And indeed, such then was the successe and progresse of the Muscovites also in Lithuania, that it raised such a jealousie in the king of Swe∣den, that he sent to the City of Koningsberg, to demand passage for some forces, that he might put his Frontiers thereabouts in a posture of defence, as he had done in the Province of Liefland; for they so miserably wasted all those quarters held by the Polanders in Lithuania, that for 40 leagues round Smolensko, there was not to be discovered the least mark of any Town or Village, they being all laid in ashes; whereby above 30000 families being turned to the wide world, went for refuge toward wilda, to avoid the Muscovite's cruelties, three other Towns, after the taking of Smolensko, likewise yielded themselves, to wit, Skla, Horey, and Dabrowna. But Poland having made a league with the grand Cham of Tarta∣rie; he prepared them a relief of 40000 men, who were to march under the Conduct of Sultan Kasy Galga, brother to the then Cham Mehemet Gerey: and he sent Kaya Begio to go and re∣lieve Jurlenbeck & Murza, two places, which were then very much distressed by the Cossacks also: who taking part with the Musco∣vites, and Chimelinsky, sending Embassadours to Court the Cham, he immediately taxing them of breach of faith in taking the Mus∣covites part against Poland; commanded their Noses and Ears to be cut off, and sent them thus back to their Master to tell him,

That he was for ever resolved against any reconcilement with him. Then also the Poland King sent into Sweden to renew a Trea∣ty for a perpetual peace between the two Crowns of Poland and Swethland, according to a Treaty begun before at Lubeck, propo∣sing also to lay down all future claims of that Crown. Unto which the Swedish King signified his inclination; and was daily in Counsel with his Senators, about the Poland affairs, as being much inclined to an Alliance offensive and defensive with that Crown, by reason of the progress which the extraordinary numerous for∣ces of the Muscovites made in Lithuania; and who not onely kept his frontiers well guarded with forces; but sent others into the Arch-bishoprick of Bremen, both to make good his pretensions there, and to threaten war upon the Duke of Newburg.

At or about the same time, while the King of Poland lay at Grodna, the Emperour of Germany sent him an Envoy, to demand a restoring of certain Towns, which he held in Hungary, which were pawned unto Poland about 200 years before; offering to re∣imburse the money for their redemption. But the King put him off for an answer, to the next Diet or Assembly of the Kingdom, shewing not much disposure to yield thereunto.

But about the moneth of August, 1654, the Kingdom of Sweden dispatched Forces to besiege the City of Bremen, for some insolence committed against that Crown whom it was thought, (by the Swedes) that the Emperour and German Princes did privately stir up against him; who else could not have been believed, to be so bold, as (of themselves) to provoke against them so considerable an enemy. Koningsmark had the managing of that siege; who about the beginning of September, making shew as if he intend∣ed to go over to Vegesak, drew a great party of the Bremers thither; and after Sun-set, taking a quite contrary march, he caused a bridg to be made over the water called the Ham, and passed over it in the night; and so over the Moors, (though with great difficulty, by reason of the extream deep and muddy ground) wherein, al∣though several horses were smothered, yet not one man lost; and this (notwithstanding they played with their Canon out of the City) to the Bremers great admiration. As soon as he was got over with about 100 men, (for the rest were necessitated to follow one by one) the Bremers placing themselves with a considerable num∣ber not far from the Swdes, yet beyond a deep Moor, so that they could onely charge each upon other, not come together. The Swedes growing stronger and stronger; the Bremers were forced with the losse of a good many of their men, to retreat towards the City. And soon after, some Troops of Bremish horse appearing, they were also beaten by the Swedes to the very gates of the City, about 20 of them being slain. In all which the Swedes are said to have lost but two men. This unexpected enterprize put the City into a great straight and perplexity: which being likewise in∣creased by a Letter from the Emperour, (admonishing them to make their composition as soon, and as good as they could; be∣cause

through the defeat of the Spanish Army before Arras, he could not succour or protect them, which otherwise he intended to have done, with a considerable Army by the Duke of Lorrain) they came to a Treaty or Conference at Stoade, by designed Depu∣ties of each party; the Lord Rosenhaan being for the Swedish King: and at length concluded 15 Articles of Peace betwixt them: Af∣ter which, (for the farther assecuration of the King of Sweden) Ro∣senhaan and Koningsmark entring Bremen in the moneth November following, with solemnity they saw the oath of inauguration ta∣ken by two Senatours of the City, deputed thereunto by the Se∣nate, by holding up their two first fingers after reading of the same oath, and swearing, that they would inviolably observe and per∣form the Contents thereof.

Three or four moneths before which time, Christina Queen of Sweden, (for reasons either voluntary, or constrained) resigned her Crown unto Charls Gustave, her Cousen. After which, she under∣took (having first secured her yearly maintenance in Pomerania) severall Peregrinations: among which, that to Inspruck (a City in the Arch-Dutchy of Tirol, and seated among the Alps, over∣looking it on every side; and where the report of a Musket is said to be as great as that of a piece of Ordnance) is most remarkable. Where being entertained in an extraordinary manner by that Arch-Duke, too large here particularly to relate, and which was in or about the moneth October, 1655, the next day but one af∣ter her arrivall there, she made an open profession of the Romish Catholique faith, in six heads or Sections; where Holstenius, Pope Alexander the 7th his Nuntio (in presence of the Arch-Duke, his Lady and brother, and Spanish Ambassadour, &c.) standing at the right side of the Altar, (and she on the left) said, Pope Alexander understanding that Christina Queen of Sweden being enlightned by the Holy Ghost, intended to put her self into the bosome of the Church, had sent his Letters, testifying his Approbation of her desires; and to receive her with his Apostolical Benediction, he being there to know the truth thereof. Unto which she answering, It was so; Holstenius giving the Pope's Letter to a Priest who read it aloud, desired she would make profession of the said faith, and swear upon the holy Evangelist, to keep it, before the Arch-Duke, and the Spanish Ambassadour. Which she doing, and kissing the book, a Chair was set for Holstenius, and a Cushion laid at his feet, upon which the Queen kneeling, he making the sign of the Crosse over her head, and embracing her shoulders, said, He did receive her into the Catholike Church, and by virtue of an order from the Holy Father Pope Alexander the 7th, and from the pow∣er given him by Christ, whose Vicar he was, he did absolve her from all her sins she had committed, In the Name of the Father, &c. This being done, their Te Deum, &c. was sung with most melo∣dious voices, and all sorts of Instruments, and Drums, in the very Chappel of the Franciscans or Arch-Duke where it was done; then 50 pieces of Ordnance being discharged, she returned as she

came. Charls Gustave not long after his Coronation, was married with great Pomp and Solemnity unto the daughter of the Duke of Holstein, at Stockholm.

But about the moneth of June, 1654, there was sent over from England into Holland, a Copy of the secret Articles agreed on by the States of Holland alone in the Dutch Treaty, to the prejudice of the Prince of Orange: the effect whereof was, That the Pro∣tector of England having often represented, That in case the Prince of Orange or Posterity of the house of Stuart, should command the Militia of that State, they might occasion great differences, or at least great jealousies between the two Nations. The States of Holland, to remove that apprehension, first debating the matter, concluded, That for the future, the Prince of Orange, and all of his line, should be excluded from the Government and Admiral∣ship of the Province of Holland: and if the other Provinces would choose him for Captain and Admiral-General, they would never consent to the same. Which causing a great disturbance in the Assembly of the States General, they ordered Copies thereof to be sent to the other Provinces, before they resolved on any thing. The Commissioners of Holland in the mean time excusing the business unto the Princess Dowager, telling her, They were constrained to do what they did: hoping notwithstanding, that before the Prince were of age, the affairs of that State might be subject to some alteration, which might re-establish him into what they had then taken from him. But this action of theirs produ∣ced divers paper-combats from the other Provinces, who were against his seclusion.

About the same time, the Venetian obtained a great Victory over the Turk, having fought them two dayes together in the Archipelago or Dardanelles; wherein they slew 6000 Turks, woun∣ded the General, Amurath Bassa, to death; taking also four Men of War, and 16 Galleys; yet not without the losse (on their own part) of many brave ones, one Galliot, and 5 Gallies. The Turks also the same year, in or about December, making an attempt by night upon the Fortresse of Vesprin in Hungary, as thinking to sur∣prize it; found such resistance, that they were forced to retire, with the losse of 900 kill'd and taken.

Not long before which, the Grand Seignior of the Turks being advertised, that the Vizier Bassa had long projected to make him∣self Emperour, through the assistance of the Greeks who were to have rebelled also, by the straight correspondence he held (for that purpose) with the Muscovites and Cossacks, whom he promi∣sed to embrace the Greek Religion; he conventing him before a private Councel, and upbraiding him of his Treason, after so ma∣ny benefits done him; he was condemned to death, and strangled within five or six hours; imprisoning also the Patriarch of Jeru∣salem.

Toward the latter end of this year also, through the Leavies con∣tinuing and increasing in Germany, some rupture was feared in

that Empire; for the Bishop of Munster having a quarrel with the great Dean of his Diocess, was back'd by the Canons, yet resi∣ding without the City; but the Dean had the affection of the Ci∣tizens, and was within the City: wherefore the Bishop armed against the City, and they against him; who designing to take it by a surprizall, with 200 horse, and 400 foot, at the opening of the gates; the Ambuscado was discovered, and the design fru∣strated.

The Prince Electour Palatine, had then also two quarrels with two German Prelates: one with the Electour Archbishop of Ments, which was for the jurisdiction of a Place, into which, the last would settle some Priests, as belonging to him; but the Prince would have settled there Ministers of the reformed Religion; say∣ing, He ought to dispose thereof, as having been so many years in possession; but the people the while remained unprovided of ei∣ther. The other was against the Bishop of Spiers; because those of that City (Worms also seconding them) had both yielded (in all probability) upon the account of Religion, themselves into the Palatine's Protection. But the Emperour, who himself was like∣wise then very busie in making great levies; forbade them to proceed any further in their contention: but admonishing them to plead their causes in Courts of Justice. The said Emperour, Jan. 2. 1654, commanding all the chiefest of the Protestant Fa∣milies of Vienna, and round about it, to meet together at an ap∣pointed place; but, they not meeting, a new command came, for them to meet at the place appointed; who then coming in great numbers, and most of them 50 and 80 years old: they first were checked for not coming at the first summons; and then had pass∣ports given them to depart out of his hereditary dominions, and to retire to some other place than Hungary:

The same year the Duke of Pomerania (who was the last of that house) dying, and his body being with great solemnity interred; his whole Estate was divided betwixt Sweden and the Electour of Brandenburgh: the Commissioners of the former, and the Elector, equally parting his broken Seal, and equally defraying the char∣ges of his Funeral.

Moreover, it may not be frivolous, to relate one treachery (among others) which was discovered in Flanders about January, 1653; it was to betray and deliver Armentiers, one of the chief Frontier Garrisons of that Country into the French their hands, for a summ of money: which design was on this manner laid; some of a Regiment of Irish there in garrison (knowing there were some of their own Nation in the French garrisons of Bassee and Bethune, not far from Armentiers, which is scituated on the River Lisle,) running away discontented, joyned to the aforesaid garrisons of French; some Irish also of the other side, came over to the Spa∣niards in Armentiers, and there listed themselves, speaking very ill of the French Officers. These Runnagadoes agreed together at last to deliver Armentiers into the hands of the Duke of Elbeuf;

who being to possesse one of the Gates (when these were upon the guard) with 4 or 5000 men, which were in a readiness at Beverie, a Village on this side Bethune; on the night of execution hereof, one of the Irish Plotters being troubled about the horriblenesse of the design, to put so many innocent creatures to the sword, disco∣vered the same to the Governour; who while he was talking with him of it, a Sergeant brings him word, the enemy was near the Town: Whereupon, the Governour doubling his guards; and the Duke perceiving the design was frustrate, retreated. The contrivers (who were 4 Captains, 5 other Officers, and 9 Soul∣diers, all Irish) being presently seized on to receive reward accor∣ding to their deserts.

But at Delph, a City scituated between Roterdam and the Hague in Holland, and 3 miles from the Hague, happened a most sad and lamentable dysaster by an unexpected blowing up the Gun-pow∣der of its Magazine, Octob. 12. 1654, between the hours of 10 and 11 in the forenoo••; which containing 6 or 700 barrels of powder; (which was supposed, to be casually fired by the Keeper thereof, who was seen to go in with another man about 10, stri∣king open a barrell) so levelled the Tower, that there was no∣thing to be seen of it; yea, not the very place where it stood, it being changed into water; 300 houses were blown up and utterly destroyed; the other houses and fine gardens very much damni∣fied and spoyled, and above 800 persons killed and wounded, besides many that might be imagined to have been blown all to pieces, so that no account could be taken of them: it shook the houses in the Hague, breaking their windows, and did some spoyl at Roterdam: yet one Child about 18 moneths old, lying 24 hours under the ruines, was taken up, and not hurt at all.

Also at a D••et or general Assembly of the States of Poland at Warsovia, in June 1655, a Senatour striking one of his fellow-Members on the face in the open Assembly, and who was, accord∣ing to the Laws of that Land, to have both his right hand and head struck off: through the Queens intercession, the punishment was moderated, that asking pard ••n of the King, Assembly, and Pope's Nuntio, he was to remain close prisoner in a dungeon, one year and 6 moneths: but he representing this penalty to be worse than death, he onely was to pay a considerable sum of money to∣wards the charges of the Wars.

The Swedish Queen Christina, a little before the same time, ha∣ving sent into Swethland, to demand the Arrears of the Pension there assigned to her; The Chancellor of that Kingdom returned answer, That if she intended to receive any, she might do well to return thither; the States being unwilling to suffer any money to go out of the Kingdom.

But the Duke of Saxony was lesse just, and yet much more cruel unto a man in his Country, (who killed a Dear) in the moneth of Febr. 1655, condemning him to be bound with chains upon a Stag, his feet fast under the beas••'s belly, with an iron chain sol∣dered,

and his hands also (in the same manner) chained to the horns: and so let loose to run away with him. The Stag having run (as was computed) near 100 English miles (upon a direct line) in 26 hours time, coming near some Wagoners who came out of Silesia, fell down; wherefore the poor man sitting on his back, told them the businesse: and earnestly begged of them to shoot him, to put him out of his pain; but they durst not, fearing the Duke. In the mean time, the Stag getting up, ran away with all his might: so that the miseries that poor creature had under∣gone, and must undergo, if the Stag killed him not in the running, cannot be expressed.

In the Isl•• of Malta, toward the latter end of 1655, Usman the great Turk's brother, (who some years before, with the Sultan's Wives Mother, their family and treasury, was taken at Sea, coming from Mecca, by those Knights, and brought into the Island) made profession of Christianism, being christned with great ceremonies, and rejoycing of the City, in the Dominicans Cloister; who retaining his former name of Usman, was sirnamed Dominicus.

But in England, in July 1656, Writs being issued forth for summoning another Parliament, and a general election of the Members thereof, being made in August following; they assem∣bled at Westminster-Abbey, whither the Protector coming in stately equipage, after their Sermon ended, and a speech made unto them by the said Protectour, they sate, electing Sir Tho: Wid∣drington for their Speaker: this was on Sept. 17th, 1656; they sate from the time aforesaid, untill about the la••ter end of June, 1657, and then were adjourned untill Jan. 20th following. The chief matters done by this Grand Councel, I find to be an Act for Renouncing and disannulling the title of Charls Stuart unto the Nations of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Then, an endeavour to settle the Title of King, with a Crown the Emblem thereof, on the head of the Protectour; which he, after time of deliberation, positively refused: and openly declaring May the 8th, 1657, That he could not undertake the Government with the Title of King: Wherefore laying aside the Title, the Parliament solemn∣ly (by Act) invested him into the power thereof, June 26 follow∣ing, under the Name and Title of Protectour: the Speaker of the Parliament presenting unto him, in Westminster-Hall, (being atti∣red in his Robes) four Emblems of Government; a Purple Vel∣vet Robe lined with Ermine; a large Bible with rich gilt and Bosses; a Scepter of Gold, and a Sword, which he girt about him, descanting (by a speech) upon all of them at the delivery thereof: also he taking an Oath. Then while he thus sate, hold∣ing the Scepter in his hand, after the thrice sounding of a Trum∣pet, a Herald standing aloft, proclaimed his Highness Lord Pro∣tectour of the Common-wealth of England, Scotland, and Ire∣land, requiring all to yield him due obedience. And then an Officer of Arms did the like. Soon after which, he was so

proclaimed in the three principal Cities of London, Edenburgh, and Dublin.

The Peace of this Common-wealth, with the Kingdom of Por∣tugal being ratified July 10th of the same year, was (notwith∣standing) not proclaimed untill Jan. 17 following: within which space of time, some English Ships performed no small service against the Spaniards West-India Fleet within 4 leagues of the Bay of Cadiz; they being 8 in number; whereof two were sunk, (one being the Vice-Admiral, containing in her a great quantity of silver) and two burnt; two were likewise taken, the one, a very rich ship, but little silver therein; but the other (according to the Spanis•• Captain's own relation who was taken) having in her two millions of silver; the other two escaping into Cadiz: this was in the moneth September; the silver of the Spanish Gal∣lion being brought into the Tower of London. Novemb. 1. after, 1656. The young Marquess of Baden or Baydex, (whose father the Marquess of Baydex Governour of Lima in Peru, with his Wife, Children, and Family (except another son and two daughters) were burnt in the Vice-Admiral: for that Ship being taken by the English, the Spaniards themselves firing her, she burnt down and sunk) with his younger brother, being also brought into London prisoner, about or at the same time: who having been examined, said; That presently after his father and family departed out of Lima in Peru; which was above 5 moneths before the time of that examination, the whole City of Lima was swallowed up and destroyed, and also the City Calao, by a fearful-Earthquake, and most miraculous Rain of fire from Heaven: there perishing in both places above 11000 Spaniards; but not above 100 Indians with them. The Spanish King losing also in Lima 100 millions of silver (ready wrought up) thereby. Also the M••untainous Mines of Potosi (out of which they digged their silver) were won∣derfully destroyed, being become a Plain, nor any possibility of having more silver or gold in Peru. And some of the prisoners themselves who were taken in this atchievement did acknowledg, that this desolation and destruction befell the Spaniards for the cruelty which they acted on the poor Indians, (they not sparing even those Indians who among them professed the Roman Catho∣lique Religion) so that they being beyond measure oppressed and grieved with their sufferings, cryed to Heaven for vengeance against them.

But the following year 1657, produced a greater execution from the Navy under General Blake against the Spaniard's West-India Fleet before Santa Cruze, at one of the Canatie Islands call∣ed Teneriffe, on April 20th. The Spaniards had 5 or 6 Galleons, (three whereof were Admiral, Vice-Admiral, and Rear-Admiral) with other considerable ships, to the number of 16. The English came so near (to do their work) to the Castle, Forts, and shoar, that many Spaniards were shot from the ••hoar by their own Mus∣queteers; yet in 4 hours they beating the men out of their ships,

and the ships all put on shoar, except the Admiral, and Vice-Admiral, who made most resistance; one whereof was set on fire, and the Admiral blown up: and before evening came, (except two that sunk down-right) all the rest were fired. They beat them likewise out of some of their Forts, from their great guns. Nei∣ther was there, in this action, above 50 English slain out-right, and 120 wounded. Their ships also, by about 7 at night, got safe out of the enemies command: although they supplyed their Forts with fresh men, for those that were killed, and beaten out in heat of the action. And their ships damage received herein, was in∣differently well repaired in two dayes time; which as soon as they had done, the wind veering to the South-west, (which is rare among those Islands) lasted to bring them just to their former sta∣tion, near Cape Maries, where they arrived the second of May fol∣lowing.

In the year 1656, while the Parliament was sitting, was there another Plot and Conspiracy discovered against the Protectour's life; the chief Actor wherein, was one Miles Sindercomb, that had been one of the Army; who with one Cecill, (others being also engaged therein) held correspondence with some in Flanders; and for whose encouragement, Don Alonso (the late Embassadour of Spain in England) returned them over sums of money, whereby they were enabled to proceed: who hiring a house at Hammer∣smith (three miles from Westminster) standing upon the Road in a narrow durty passage, where Coaches go but softly, they by plant∣ing an Engine in a little banquetting room of the house, intended by discharging of the same, when the Protectour had passed by, going to, or returning from Hampton-Court, to have taken his life away. They sought also other opportunities to shoot him, taking the ayr in Hide-Park, &c. And to give a proof of their resolution beyond the Seas: they attempted to fire White-Hall, by placing a basket of combustible stuffe (with two lighted matches aptly pla∣ced) in the Chappel: But through the discovery of one of the Life-guard, to whom Sindercomb had revealed his secrets for his assistance in the thing, (giving him 10 l. in hand, and promising him 1500 more) these two were apprehended. Cecill casting himself on the Lord Protector's mercy; Sindercomb otherwise called Fish, was brought to his Tryall in Westminster-Hall Febr. 9. following; who pleading, Not Guilty, and all points of his In∣dictment being proved by two Witnesses at the least, with aggra∣vating circumstances, he was sentenced to be hanged and quar∣tered at Tyburn as a Traytor: but he to avert so great open shame of the World, the night before his execution, Febr. 13, snuffing up some poysonous powder into his head, within three hours after dyed. Wherefore on the 17th day of the same moneth, he was as a felon against himself, drawn at a horse's tail to Tower-Hill; where, under the Scaffold, he was turned into a hole naked, and a stake spiked with iron driven thorow him into the Earth.

Peace having been concluded between England and France;

but open War with Spain, as aforesaid; the Protectour joyned in hostility with the French against the Spaniards in Flanders, sending over thither 6000 Foot under the Command of Sir John Reynolds their General, who on the 8th, 9th, and 16th of May 1657, were wholly embarqued for France; the General following after on the 17th day. These Forces, being joyned with the French, (after they had taken Montmedy and St. Venant) took the strong Fort of Mardike (not far from Dunkirk) from the Spaniard: which being afterwards maintained by English; in the moneth October of the same year 1657, the Spanish forces attempting to storm it; among whom, 2000 of the Scottish and Irish Reformadoes under the Scottish King, (who, with his brother the Duke of York be∣ing excluded France, joyned with the Spaniard) made the first onsett, and that in three several places at once, getting into the ditches, and ready for scaling: the English behaved themselves so couragiously all the time, (which continued 6 hours) that they were repulsed with the losse of about 600 men. And more sup∣plyes going out of England, there was a field-battle fought be∣tween the French and English with the Spanish forces (being be∣tween 6 and 7000 foot, and 9000 horse) who came to relieve Dunkirk, besieged by the English and French: in which (after some disputes) both their wings being foyled, they fled: the En∣glish foot pursuing them about two miles and an half; and the French horse down from the hill as far as Fern, from whose Fort they were drawn. It was a great Victory; for most of the Spanish foot were either slain or taken; all their guns, 6 in number, with the baggage of the field; as also all the Officers of Charls Stuart's Re∣giment, (with many more Officers of quality) with his own Coach; and about 17 colours: (the Marshal of Hocquincourt (who had been the chief instrument in the revolt of Hesdin) being slain as he was pickqueering a day or two before the battle) the loss of the English being 80 slain, and about 300 wounded: this was in June 1658. After which, they returning with all diligence to the siege of Dun∣kirk, which was environed both by Land and Sea, and now redu∣ced to straits, and the besieged sallying out June 23 after; in which sharp encounter with the besiegers, the Marquess of Leyde, the Governour of Dunkirk, received his deaths wound; and seve∣ral terrifying Granadoes being shot into the Town, (one whereof lighted into the Market-place) they soon came to a surrender up∣on 4 Articles; marching out on the 25th day of the same month with 1000 horse and foot, and 700 more wounded, with Drums beating, Colours flying, two pieces of Ordnance, and their bag∣gage: Into which strong Sea-Port Town, the King of France, (who signed the Articles) with the Cardinal, personally entring, put the possession thereof into the hands of the Lord General Lockhart, (on the Protectour's behalf, according to the conditions so made before the English Armie's first going over) who garrisoned it with English Souldiers. After this, the French possessed Fern, (a place which the Spaniards had quitted) and soon after became Masters

of two other Garrisons, Winoxbergen, and Dixmude. And not long after, Graveline, another strong Sea-Town, having been be∣sieged about three weeks, and a Mine ready to spring under three Bastions of that Town; Marshal de la Ferte Aug. 27, summoned the Spaniards to surrender, telling them, If they delayed till the springing of the Mines, the utmost rigour of War was to be ex∣pected. Wherefore they having time given them till the 29th day of the same moneth, to send to Don John the Spanish General, (if he did not relieve them in that time) they Capitulated with the Cardinal, to depart the Town on the 30th day of the same, much according to the conditions of Dunkirk; which they did accordingly, as not being relieved; although Don John, the Prince of Conde, and the Marquess of Caracene, joyned with reso∣lution to have attempted it: who were prevented by Marshal Turein his advance to lye betwixt Fern and Bergen. Then was a Councel of War called, wherein the Cardinal, Turein, and La Ferte (whose Armies, after the taking of Graveline, were united) were present: and where they resolved what Town next to be∣siege; which was believed to be Ypre.

But upon another dangerous Plot reported to be discovered, Apr. 9. 1657, four persons of Note, to wit, M. General Harrison, Colonel Rich, Major Danvers, and Captain Lawson, were secured the day following.

A little after, to wit, July 24, 1657, Colonel Edward Sexby, (who was a principal man in promoting Miles Sindercomb's de∣sign, as abovesaid; and who came into England in a disguised habit the better to effect it) was committed to the Tower of Lon∣don for high Treason; But within 10 dayes after his commit∣ment, he falling sick of an Ague and Vomiting, which turned in∣to a violent Feaver, he dyed Jan. 13th after in the Tower; found by the Coronet's Jury to be by Gods visitation, and by no other wayes or means.

But the year following, which is this present year 1658, about the moneth of May, was discovered another great and general Plot to embroyl England in new Wars and Seditions, by levying war, betraying of the strong garrison of Hull; promoting Charls Stuart to be King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, securing the City of London, &c. For which, many were committed to the Tower and Newgate; and a High Court of Justice being erected (who sate May 25) in Westminster-Hall, Sir Henry Slingsby on the same day, and Doctor Hewet, a Divine, on June 1. following, were brought to their tryall before them: the Knight pleading, Not Guilty, was proved guilty by evidence. The Doctor refusing to plead to his charge, and choosing rather to die, than own the Authority; wherefore June 2d, they were adjudged to be hanged and quar∣tered at Tyburn as Traytors; but being (by the clemency of the Protectour) to be beheaded, execution was done on them ac∣cordingly on the 8th day of the same June 1658. After which, one Sumner, and 6 others of the City of London, were tryed upon

the same account: one being found as not guilty; but six con∣demned to be executed for Traytors: two of whom, to wit, Co∣lonel Ashton and Betteley in several places of London, were executed on July the 7th after; one whose name was Frier, (and who pleading Not Guilty, did upon the matter presently confesse it) being reprie∣ved: and July 9th, one Stacie was also hanged, though not quartered: Sumner and Allen (who confessed themselves guilty) being both reprieved.

Moreover, three or four more than ordinary things happened in England within two or three years last past. One was, Octob. 3. 1656, when as the River of Thames, which usually ebbeth about 7 or 8 hours, and floweth about 4 or 5, now ebbed and flowed twice in 3 hours space. A lamentable accident by Gunpowder in a Ship-Chandler's store-house near the Hermitage in Ratcliff, July 3. 1657. Also at Bickley in Cheshire, the ground sunk, July 8th, 1657, And on the first or second of June, 1658, a Whale of about 58 or 59 foot in length, and of a bulk proportionable, coming up the River of Thames, was taken and flain, a little be∣yond Greenwich 4 miles from London: some of the multitude that went to see this young Monster or King of Fishes, presaging (as it were) the death of a great Person to ensue; for that in King James his time a little before the death of Queen Anne, there was one, not so big, but seen about Blackwall, on the said River.

In France, in Jan. 1654, there was an Assembly called of Prelates & other Church-men at the Louvre, in Cardinal Mazarine's Lodg∣ings; himself being present, and also the King's Deputy, with the Archbishop of Roven as the President, upon occasion of a Brief re∣ceived by that King from the Pope, relating to a Bull of condemna∣tion, set forth against the doctrine of Jansenus, who was Bishop of Ypre in Flanders: which doctrine very nearly agreed with the Pro∣testants, touching Works, Free-Will, &c. which the Author sub∣stantially proving out of Augustine, it got no small ground both in France and the Netherlands; so that it was conceived, the division thereupon made among the Papists, had given a great wound unto the Papal interest: Wherefore the Pope not being able to contain any longer, let loose his Bull in France. The Archbishop declared the necessity of setting forth a Confession of Faith according to the Roman Catholick Religion; yet notwithstanding, nothing was concluded. The Cardinal also and the Archbishop fell out there, about the Cardinal's imprisonment of Cardinal de Retz; he won∣dring how Mazarine durst proceed so far against him, who was both a Priest, and Archbishop of Paris, the head City of the King∣dome, &c. after words passing between them, they parted in dis∣content at each other. The King of France about the same time setting forth a general Declaration, That no other Religion be there entertained, besides the Roman, and that called the Refor∣med: of which there had been a toleration in times past.

But in 1655, about the moneth of April, the Protestants in the Valleys of Angrogna, Lucerna, and St. Martin, in Piedmont,

were sorely vexed and persecuted by the Duke of Savoy, whose Subjects they were, through the instigation of Priests and Jesuits, having set up a new Inquisition at Turin; who first affrightning them with great threatenings, then proceeding to take away their goods and estates, imprisoning them, and using all violence to make them forsake their Religion; and perceiving they could avail nothing thereby; the Duke was perswaded to send an Army of about 8000 under the Marquess de Pianella, and the Earl of Quince, one of the French Lievtenant Generals; these setting upon this poor people living quietly at home: They seeing them∣selves thus assaulted, stood in their defence, making what resi∣stance they could against them: many of whom were slain, (and some of the enemy) many carried away prisoners, on whom they used all manner of invented cruelties, and in many corners, they shamefully abusing and tormenting many women, with their young children, afterwards cut off their heads; dashing also those children of 15 years old (that would not go to Mass) against the rocks; hanging others with their feet upwards, and nailing them to Trees: which they were said to endure with a most invin∣cible resolution. A residue which escaped the slaughter, got into the Mountains with their Wives and Children, enduring there much hunger and cold; (some dying therewith) the enemy (the while) set fire on their Temples, plundered their houses, and then fired them: a very small number, with their families, got into Dausine in the French Dominions, and some others into Switzer∣land. These are of those, who about 500 years ago being then called Vaudois and Albigois, were cruelly persecuted by the Pa∣pists. Their sad condition being represented abroad, the States of Holland, and Protectour of England, &c. seemed to be much af∣fected therewith: there was also sending to the King of France about the businesse, (Collections for their relief being likewise made among the Protestants abroad) who having then a Treaty of Peace in hand with England, not a little concerning his interest, became a Mediatour by his Ambassadour Monsieur de Servient, (also four Ambassadours of Switzerland as Mediatours) in their behalf to the Duke: who in or about August following, came to Articles of Agreement, for restoring the said Protestants to live in his Dominions as formerly; with the same free exercise of their Religion: yet were in many things cut short, and straitned more than before; as to have no dwelling beyond the River Pelice, and some other places, except to the Vineyards of Lucerna towards Rorata: and also to live at St. Johns, but not to have any publique assembling place or preaching as before, &c. But one who wrote (from Pigneroll) observations upon those Articles, calls the peace made with his brethren of the Valleys and the Duke, to be far worse than the worst of War; and that it was forced on them by the threatnings of the French Ambassadour, and the falshood of others entrusted on their behalf in the Treaty; saying also, That had they stayed so long, as to admit of any interposer in the name

of the Lord Protector, the matter would never have been so ended. A little after, or about which time of agreement, the French be∣sieging the Spaniards in Pavia; the Marquess of Caracene came near the City with his Auxiliary Spanish Forces to relieve it; and the besieged making a very stout sally, and then joyning with the Marquess, they fell upon the besiegers within the lines of Cir∣cumvallation, and put them to the rout and flight: the slain of whom, were most of the Savoy forces: among whom, were those bloody ones who acted the cruelties on the Protestants of Pied∣mont. They were also so soundly beaten at that time, that they were constrained to a shameful retreat; not having of 24000, above 8000 left in a body of all the united forces of the French and Savoyards, who were under Prince Thomas his Conduct of Savoy, and of the Duke of Modena, who commanded his own. It was also certified about the same time, that the Governour of San Do∣mingo in Hispaniola, sending his Son into Spain to the King, to make a relation of his Father's Services and Successes in opposing the English there; the King made the Father a Marquess, giving him a Pension of 5000 Duckats a year; and rewarded the Son with 1500 Duckats a year.

But in Sweden, after that Charls Gustave was crowned and esta∣blished in that Kingdom, and peace concluded with the Citizens of Bremen, great preparations for War were making in divers places of that Kingdom, and also in the Archbishoprick of Bre∣men, against the grand Duke of Moscovie: yet, in the mean time, the King (for as much as the Great Duke, notwithstanding their refusal in Sweden to give him his pretended Titles, had not as yet declared any design upon that Crown) being unwilling to engage so far, if it might be avoided, in a matter of so great importance, sent to the said Duke, to addresse unto him, and feel what his pur∣poses were toward his Frontiers of Ingermerland and Liefland, and how he determined concerning them: who about the same time taking the considerable Fort of Dunenbergh, 25 miles from Riga, from the Poles, was grown so high, as to demand from the Swede, or Duke of Curland, a passe for 50000 men thorow Liefland, or the others Dominions: whereby the Poles were not a little ani∣mated, it being the onely hopes they had, that, that proud enemy by such insolent demeanour, would provoke the Crown of Swe∣den, or some other considerable State, to come upon him, where∣by he might be diverted from bringing them to utter ruine and destruction; for the State of Poland was, by means of that tyran∣nical enemy, then looked on as in a very sad and ill condition: (whose Army although it were made up to a good number in Li∣thuania, (wholly laid waste) yet were their divisions among its Commanders, which might hinder them from doing then any great matter;) for the Muscovite taking (among other miseries and mischiefs) the Town of Vitebsko, after a furious assault, (having lost many Commanders and Souldiers during the siege, and in the storming) in a rage, when he entred the Town, put all to the

sword, not sparing the women and children. These transactions were toward the latter end of 1654; at which time, 40000 Tar∣tars arrived from the grand Cham for Poland's assistance; he sending also a new assurance with them, punctually to perform whatever he had promised: and that because the Rivers were not frozen for passage, therefore the Troops came no sooner: with which Tartarian succours, the Poland forces (marching toward the City of Breslavia, to joyn) had a stiff encounter with 13000 Cossacks, which lay there for defence of that place; but they being forced to retreat in great disorder, the Capital City of that Province returned to the obedience of their Soveraign: and soon after, the Polish Army in Ukrain, prosecuting their advantages with resolution, gave a defeat to another body of 6000 Cossacks; which so took down Chmielniskie's stomach, that he being now inclined to terms of submission, sought by all means to induce the King of Poland to a renewing of the Treaty for peace. About which time, 4 Tartarian Lords arrived at Warsovia, bringing with them a ratification of the Alliance made with the new Cham: who were to stay in that City in hostage for the observation of the Treaty: whereby the King of Poland was likewise obliged to send 4 Lords to reside with the Tartar in the City of Crim, who also out of affection to Poland at that time, set at liberty all impri∣soned Polanders within his Dominions: And soon after these suc∣cours sent by the Tartar, the Polish Generals in the Ukrain, passed over the River Bog with the Tartars, with design to besiege the City Uman; that Chmielniski might thereby be forced to take the field, and endeavour to relieve the same: wherefore they sitting down before Uman, Febr. 19. 1654, they rose again on the 21 day, being informed, that Chmielniski was coming with 40000 Cos∣sacks, and 20000 Muscovites, to raise the siege: and preparing to meet them, the next day being the 22, towards the Evening the battle began; wherein Chmielniskie's forces were routed, and retreating with speed unto their strong holds; so that, the Polan∣ders and Tartars having pursued them all night, they retired to take care of their wounded, and refresh themselves, being very much discommodated by the frosty weather's extremity.

Prince Radzivil had likewise (about that time) no lesse successe with his forces in Lithuania: where he took the Town of Biskow by Assault, although defended by about 20000 Cossacks; most of which were slain and taken prisoners. About the same time also, the pestilence raging in the Royall City of Mosco, hindered the grand Duke's retreat; so that he encamped near Smolensko with 20000 men.

But the expectation of a perpetual Peace, and a League offen∣sive and defensive between Sweden and Poland, (whose King by his Envoy declared his readinesse to renounce all Titles and Preten∣sions, claimed by his Predecessors, to the Crown of Sweden) be∣ing (after more than one Ambassadour sent from Poland to Sweden to that purpose) frustrated: the King of Sweden (who a few

moneths before had ordered 12 Regiments towards the borders of Livonia, to defend them from an Invasion of the Muscovites: against whom also a War was (at Stockholm) resolved to be de∣clared, in case the League forementioned, had (between the two Kingdoms) been concluded: unto which also (upon the Polish Envoy's Proposals) the Swedish King shewed himself to be so much inclined, that, (the Muscovites giving him fresh occasions of jealousie and discontent) he drew together 24000 men, who were to march into Livonia (as soon as the frozen passages were more open) to attaque them by Land, whilest the Ships of Sweden should go round about on purpose to obstruct the Moscovy Merchants, and disturb their Commerce. The grand Duke also, by Mer∣chants at Hamburgh (resolving on War with those two Kings, who were then upon entring on a League offensive and defensive against him) buying up no lesse than 40000 Muskets) makes great preparations both by Sea and Land, having now his design bent both against Poland on the one hand, and the Dukedome of Juliers and Bergh on the other; unto which Countries he had pre∣tences: and drawing 8 Regiments of horse and foot toward Pome∣rania, the Duke of Brandenburgh armed for defence; as well as the Dantzickers put in great fear, that the Swede designed upon Prussia or some part near to it under the Poles. But the King of Sweden coming to a Treaty with the Electour of Brandenburgh, they (at length) joyned in an offensive and defensive league about the moneth of June, 1656; and meeting at the Town called Hol∣land in Prussia where they passed three dayes in most amicable conference; the Brandenburgian being to furnish the Swede with 8000 armed men, with whom they were to joyn.

But about the moneth of May 1655, most that was to do in Poland, was to make preparations against the Swede, whom they believed, if he came into Prussia, &c. would spoyl them, and do what he pleased: the Muscovite making (to increase Poland's mi∣sery) also great preparation. A consultation was also held by the Polanders in this moneth of May, when they should be in action, for defence of the Kingdom, and supplying the Frontiers with ne∣cessaries: but in the mean time all Trading was there laid aside.

The King of Sweden sending an Army of 16 or 17000 horse and foot into the Polander's Country near Kron, which lyes next to Germany, about the latter end of June, or the beginning of July, 1655, (as it appears) under the command of General Wittenberg, they soon took divers Castles and Garrisons in that Country, and making progress as far as Wsee, in the Province of Posen; both the two Palatinates of Posen and Calissen, together with the 4 Cities of Posen, Calissen, Lesna, and Miedzierez, with an Army of 15000 men, renounced allegiance to the King of Poland, came under the Protection of the King of Sweden; and all this before July 15th, 1655, and without one blow struck: the Articles between Rad∣zieicouski Vice-Chancellor of Poland, and General Wittenberg, for

surrender and agreement of and about the aforesaid two Palati∣nates and Cities, being signed in the Camp at Wsee, in the same moneth of July, 1655. And for which, Instructions were sent to the Bishops and Superintendents in Sweden, to give thanks for the same, and observe a day of supplication for future successes. About which time, there was a Declaration set forth in Sweden, forbid∣ding the Calvinists publickly to exercise their Religion: which notwithstanding they then forbare to execute, out of respect (as was then reported) to the English; for the Swedes had then an Ambassadour in England, to get men to carry on their War in Po∣land, or elsewhere; together with the procuring of a more inti∣mate alliance with the Protectour. Soon after this, two Waywoods more submitted themselves to the Swedes, taking Lissa and Fra∣verstadt. From Stetin, the King of Sweden (who was expected to follow General Wittenberg with his Army) marched with 10000 men, and a notable Artillery, for Posen, and so for Warsovia and Thorne; entring Aug. 4. into that part of the Polish Kingdome, properly called Poland. Then also Young Tromp being sent into the Sound by the States of the United Provinces, Admiral Wrangle had orders from the King of Sweden to sail thither with 9 stout Men of War, to require a positive answer of him, whether he intended Peace or War, (for these States began to engage, for tradings sake, in the businesse) and what the Swedes might ex∣pect from him. About the fame time the King of Poland set up his Standard at Warsovia, whither having summoned in the Coun∣try, he made but 16000 men at the most, and such, as never saw the face of an enemy.

But the Duke of Muscovy, (the while) with the Cossacks, not onely took in Minsko, being forsaken by the Polish Garrison, (who finding themselves too weak, quitted the place) but also beat the Littavish Army out of the field, and possessing himself of that populous City, caused Prince Radzivil to flee for his life; who notwithstanding advanced no farther, the King of Sweden send∣ing to let him know, That Lithuania was now under the Swedish protection, having submitted to that Crown, by virtue of an agreement lately made; for all Lithuania, and the remainder of Lif••land had submitted to the said King. Many also of the Polish Nobility took an oath of fidelity to the Swedish King. The Mus∣covites notwithstanding, went and burnt Cawne, and so retired again to the Wild. And there arose some grudg between the Swedes and Muscovites, about the devastation, spoyl, and burning of the fine Palaces, Temples, and Works of Vilna by the said Musco∣vites; whose Inhabitants they were reported likewise to have put to the sword.

But the general Rendezvouz of the King of Poland's Army being at Lowicks, some 36 miles from Warsow, the said King after a sword received from the Pope's Nuntio, hallowed, departed from War∣sow to the said Army in the moneth of August, to try what virtue it would have against the Swedish King: where then was arrived

10000 horse of the old Army which was at Ukrain, the Nobility and Gentry then coming also in great number from all parts: about which time, the Palatine of Siradia came under the pro∣tection of Sweden. And the Duke of Radzvill seeing that his for∣ces were thrunk into a small number, made his agreement with the King of Sweden; as also the Bishop of Vilna, and many other persons of note.

The King of Sweden going in August 1655, from Turpitz with a strong party of horse, and 4 pieces of Ordnance, came to Klezki near Guesna, on the 20th, being expected on the 21 day by General Wittenberg; that he might joyntly march with both Armies to Lowicks, and fight the Polish Army; which fell out accordingly in Septemb. following: In which battle the Victory falling to the Swedes, the King of Poland fled to Cracovia: wherefore, the King of Sweden marching thither, drew near the City Sept. 15, where the Polish king stood with three Brigades; but the Swedes sudden∣ly and unexpectedly approaching, the Poles quitting their Camp, betook themselves to flight in great terrour and confusion, setting part of the Suburbs on fire: whereupon the king of Sweden advan∣cing to the City, took his Head quarter within a quarter of a mile thereof at a Convent belonging to the Dominicans, the Sub∣burbs burning all night: and next day, Septemb. 16, the Swedish king sending a party, they possessed themselves of the Bridg over the River Weyssell; so entring the Suburbs, and that with little opposition, but no losse, although the enemy playing on them from the Castle, set some adjacent houses on fire thereby; and within two dayes after, he giving order to frame a siege before both Castle and City, assigned his Forces to their several Posts, plyed the Castle with Granadoes: which the enemy answering with Granadoes back again from the Castle, they set the Cloyster of Agnes on fire, which taking hold of many other houses, redu∣ced them to Cinders: and being in great hope of a surrender of that chief City, they made batteries, which the Poles both by shot and sallies, endeavoured to hinder. The King of Sweden then also proclaimed unto all Provinces and Palatinates of that kingdome, That the Estates of the Realm might not onely freely meet toge∣ther at Warsow, either in person, or by their Deputies; but he re∣quired them also speedily to assemble, promising them his Royal favour, and a free exercise of their Religion.

Casimir the king of Poland being fled, a Polish servant who was brought in prisoner, informed the Swedes, that Casimir was retrea∣ted from Tarnaw to Tsionsick, to the very borders of Hungary, ha∣ving no more than a few German horse with him: Wherefore the Swedish king thought to have pursued him; but his Counsels al∣tering on the 25 day, he returned the same night unto before Cra∣covia: but sending General Douglas (upon the prisoner's informa∣tion) to see what was become of king Casimir, he returning the same night, brought news, that the said King was also fled from Tsionsick with a few towards Hungarie's borders: onely, that in

and about the same Town of Tsionsick, lay about 8000 Gentle∣men, who expecting the event of the businesse, were supposed no longer to stand out, than a strong Party should be sent against them. In the mean time, the Lord Leskynski, the Polish Am∣bassadour, was busie in acquainting his friends in Cracovia with the notable Successes the Swedish King had about that City, ta∣king in divers Castles and smaller fortified Towns round about, and reducing divers Parties to submission, perswading them to be wise, in surrendring the City, and save themselves: but Czarnecky the Governour being obstinate, refusing to surrender, and continuing shooting and sallying, the King making speedy preparation for a storm, sent in word to the said Czarnecky the Governour, That if he would not yield unto an accommodation, but proceed in his obstinacy; as soon as he should get him into his power, (which he doubted not shortly to effect) he would give order to hang him up. Wherefore the besieged suing to the King for their Commis∣sioners to have letters of Conduct to come and treat, in the moneth Octob. following Cracovia was surrendred; there marching out the Garrison, being 3000 men, (with 600 Cart-loads of rich moveables, most part of which belonged to the Jews) who were con∣ducted to the Frontiers of Silesia, where having leave for a moneth to refresh themselves, they might go to the King of Poland (then in Silesia) if they pleased; or else list themselves in the Swedish Army: the Citizens also agreed to pay 300000 Rixdollars in a moneths time, to the Swedish King; who for the maintaining of these new acquests, was very diligent in fortifying all parts, and particularly, the two head Cities of Warsow and Cracovia, the King of Sweden giving order to bring the River Weyssel round about Cracovia, whereby it should become very strong.

But while Cracovia was besieging, an Envoy from Koniecpolski, Standard-bearer to the Crown of Poland, came both to Congra∣tulate (in his Master's name) the Swedish King, and also to let him know, That since their King Casimir was fled out of the bor∣ders of the kingdom, without their privity or consent, they had in conscience good reason to provide them of another King, under whose protection they might secure themselves; wherefore his Master, both for himself, and in behalf of the Guarcian Militia, and Pospolitans, and States, did willingly submit unto his Majesty, to acknowledg him for their Lord and Master; and that to the same purpose, they would send Commissioners to any place he should appoint: Which he very favourably accepting of, deter∣mined to send notice of the time and place to the said Standard∣bearer. After which, came news from Warsovia, from the Chan∣cellor Oxienstern, that the Lord Steinbock General of the Artillery, had subdued the rebellious Massovians: Also another Messenger came from the Lord Dobicky Palatine of Sondecki, offering to em∣brace the King's protection; desiring thereupon, that he would order no more waste to be made in the kingdom; for seeing their King, whom they had stood to for the preservation of their privi∣ledges,

had deserted them, going out of their borders, they were advising among themselves, to dispatch within six or eight dayes, their Commissioners in the name of the whole Nobility, unto his Majesty, to treat about the peace and safety of the Common∣wealth. Wherefore the King granted to Leszinski the great Trea∣surer, and the Palatine Sandomiriensis, Letters of safe conduct for their free accesse unto him for that purpose. Who after the re∣ducement of Cracovia, bent his march towards Lublin, where the Cossacks with their General, lay encamped: wherein he had a double design, partly to make an agreement with them (who now professed a great willingnesse to submit unto him); the Muscovites also being content to retain onely the 3 Palatinates of Smolensko, Vitebsko, and Polosko, on the other side of the River Boristhenes, and to abandon the rest of the great Dukedome of Lithuania to the Swedes, whereby they would become Masters of all Poland; and partly to be nigh Prussia, the better to feel the Duke of Branden∣burg, (for he had not as yet joyned in the above-mentioned league with the King) who (he was advised) had been under-hand soli∣cited by the Emperour, to make a strong League with the Estates of the same Province of Prussia, and some others of Poland, that had not as yet absolutely declared themselves for the Swedes: he being likewise advised, the Duke had sent a distinct body of an Army towards Thoren, to hinder there the Swedes irruption; and another body towards Memmel, upon the frontiers of Lithuania, while the remainder of his Army continued in the heart of Pros∣fia. And indeed, before this time, the great progress of the Swedes in this kingdom, did so startle all the Ministers of the Emperour, that thereupon he (for a time) deferred his journey to Prague: and in the mean time, to give satisfaction to the King of Sweden's De∣mands, which were held to be just. For it was a most remarkable providence, that this King should in two or three moneths time even over-run so vast and warlique a kingdom as Poland: but he had as well great policy as valour in the design; for when he marched from Conin to Colo, Aug. 17th; whence he sent parties to get intelligence of the enemies station and posture, expecting to meet with the general Leavies at Ptantek: a certain Colonel coming in the mean time as an Envoy from the King of Poland, with Credentials from him; and audience being given him on the 18th of the same, he offered certain Propositions in order to a Treaty, using these expressions, (among other formalities) Pacem petimus, et bellum deprecamur, We request peace, and renounce War; desiring for the present a Cessation of Arms, and that the King would be pleased to stay there, and move on no farther: He understanding the enemie's design of delay, because the Envoy was not furnished with full power and instructions to conclude any thing, departed immediately from Colo on the 21 day, to put his warlique designs into speedy execution.

Chmielniski assuring the King (by the Messenger sent unto him) that he would wholly submit unto him, expecting onely his

commands, &c. having also quitted Camietz Podolsky, as soon as he had notice of the king's march into Poland, and advancing to∣wards Reush Lomberg, he beat Podotsky, a Polonian, expecting also the King's coming at Samoisky; all which, the King of Sweden himself certified one of his chief Officers of, by a letter from the Camp before Cracovia, Octob. 14th, the king went towards him, as aforesaid, who was (after his encamping before Lublin) to re∣pair to Warsow, to assist at a general Dyet of the Palatines and other Lords of the kingdom of Poland, which was summoned by the king, who appointed Count Erick Oxienstern his grand Chancel∣lour, with Count Benedict Oxienstern, and the Lord Berenklow, to be present therein as his Commissioners. But in the mean time, the Cossacks (of whom, he was General) coming before the said Lublin, Octob. 15. with a huge Army, reported to be 160000 men, hewed down the Jews, plundring out their houses, fired the fore-Town, and compounded with the Town it self, to have all the Priests goods, and those that were fled from Poland, and had brought their goods thither; and a ransome for themselves; ta∣king also an oath of them to be true to the Muscoviter, and so de∣parted on the 20th day.

Then were the Swedes busie in dispersing Polish parties that got together: as Major General Steinbock, who understanding that some numbers of Massovians had recollected themselves, he scat∣tering them, they sent Deputies unto him for a finall accommo∣dation. Also Lovenhaupt, another Major General, passed the Ri∣ver Weyssel to encounter some Polish Troops that were again got together near Lowick. Likewise 500 Polish horse under the com∣mand of one Jalouskie, being at the small Town of Wratlaffskie, and doing some hurt to the Inhabitants, the Duke of Saxon Lawenburg meeting with them, took Jalouskie and the chief of them, disper∣sing the rest.

The King of Sweden coming to Warsovia, Octob. 30, continued not long there; for understanding that the States and chief Cities of Prussia, not onely remained obstinate, but were making a strict League and Combination with the Duke of Brandenburg against him, he committing the management of the businesse of Poland with the States there present, unto the Rix-Chancellor and some others, departed with some Regiments and the Quartians, unto his Army. At which Warsovia, was a dangerous Conspiracy de∣tected, which was to have poysoned the King and his Nobles, with the whole Garrison, by infecting all the Conduits and Fountains; for which, some great ones, engaged in the Plot, were apprehended, and committed to Custody.

But the businesse of Prussia occasioned blowes in a sharp con∣flict between the Swedes and Duke of Brandenburg, wherein about 5 or 800 of the Brandenburgers were slain. And which Quarrel, although it was looked on as ominous, it being betwixt two Prin∣ces of the Reformed Religion, at such a time as that, because it might have induced the Electour to some compliance or confede∣ration

with the Polish King and the Emperour; yet the Swedish King proceeded with great resolution, marching to Prussia, with whom also one Mr. Rolt came along, who being sent from the English Protectour, was received by the King very honourably. Who sending Steinbock before him with his Army, he marching thorow Marzuria, with great celerity possest himself of Strasburg, the very Key of Prussia, and of very great advantage to the Swedes. After which, Radzieffky was sent with 3000 horse for Thoren; who when he came near the place, finding no Brandenburgish forces thereabouts, sent back half his men to the Army, and went with the rest before Thoren, admonishing them to obedience: who pre∣sently sent Deputies to treat for an accommodation.

The Mascovites and Cossacks (in the mean time doing what they could to maintain a good intelligence with the Swedish King) hel∣ped not a little to the establishing and securing his new Conquests: most also of the Polish Lords who fled with their King into Silesia, now returning to live under the Swedish protection. About which time, to wit, about December, the King sent a Letter to the Emperour, complaining, That he had under-hand applyed himself to divers Princes of the Empire, for engaging them in a League to his prejudice. The Emperour dismissed the Messen∣ger with a very civill answer, giving him a large assurance of holding a good correspondence with the Crown of Sweden, &c. And a Colonel being at that time sent from the king of Poland to raise men in the Imperial Territories, the Emperour gave him (for that present) very strict order against proceeding any further in making leavies. The City of Elbing in Prussia was also yielded to the Swedes, without any resistance; for the King of Sweden ha∣ving given audience to the Imperial and Transylvanian Ambassa∣dours at the City of Thoren, went towards the Town of Margen∣feldt: where the Deputies of Elbing attending him, and craving some time, the better to consult with the other Cities in so weigh∣ty an affair, he flatly denying them, they treated with the Rix-Chancellor on the 9th of December; the agreement of whose submission did much satisfie the King: who made the said Chan∣cellour Governour of Prussia; and General Linde Governour of Elbing, and the Militia of Prussia, who Decemb. 12th, placed a considerable Garrison therein. On the 4th day of which moneth at midnight, the King of Sweden had a lusty young Prince born unto him at Stockholm: which was the day of his agreement with the City of Thoren; whereinto he entred the day following.

But the City of Dantzick in Prussia being united in it self, in Decemb. 1655, resolved upon a defence, in case the Swede should make any Attempt that way: sending also Instructions to their President with the Elector of Brandenburg; by all means to make an Agreement with him, thereby to oblige him to relieve them, if assaulted, and to assist them with some Troops for the present; in order to which defence, they burnt all their Suburbs. And then also was the Polish King (who had some new design on foot for

recovery of his kingdom) encreasing his forces which he had on Silesio's borders: unto whom Czarneski the Governour of Craco∣via, went with some Troops to his service, contrary to the agree∣ment made with the King of Sweden, upon the surrender of the City. But the great Cham of Tartary, who was thought would have assisted him to the same purpose, wrote a Letter to the King of Sweden, assuring him, That not any attempt should be made by him or his Souldiers, against his progresse; but that he was ra∣ther willing to help and destroy his enemies, and especially King Casimir of Poland.

About the same time, a Proclamation was published in Den∣mark, against all private meetings of all persons of any other Re∣ligion than what was publiquely professed in that kingdom. And the Pope's power of condemning doctrines, received a deep wound in France, by the Sorbonne Doctors disputing with the Je∣suits in a publique Assembly, (where the Chancellour of France sate as Prefident on behalf of the King) in defence of the doctrine of Jansenus, at Paris, about January, 1655; which doctrine spread it self very much in that kingdom among moderate Papists: al∣though the then late deceased Pope had openly damned it. After much disputation, though the anthority of the See of Rome was much pressed; yet when they come to give their Votes, the Sor∣bonne Doctors alledged, That the Pope was not to be credited in any thing not agreeable to the Scriptures and antient Fathers: standing all, with one Doctour Arnaud, for the Jansenian tenents, except two or three: so that the Assembly being put off, the dis∣advantage remained on the Jesuits side.

General Steinbock being countermanded by his King toward Bromberg with 4000 men, Po••ocky and another Polish General (with part of the Quartians) revolting in Poland, he upon his march thi∣therward, commanding Colonel Fabian against a part of the ene∣my; he, after a hot dispute within a mile of Putske, put them to flight, slaying and taking divers prisoners, and furiously pursuing the Poles to the very Walls of Putske.

The Swedes being now become Masters of all Prussia, except the four Cities of Dantzick, Marienburg, Putzke, and Schlocow; Oxienstern the Governour sent to Weyer, who held those places for the Polish king, offering him a Treaty in order to a surrender, or else there would be proceeding to extremity.

But, great was the tyranny used in great Poland, and about Cra∣covia, about this time, by the Poles; both when they lighted on the Swedish Souldiers, as also dividing and cutting children asun∣der like sheep, cutting off womens breasts, then dissecting them into four quarters; cutting off the hands and feet of Protestant Ministers, then chopping off their heads, and dividing the body into severall quarters, and the hoggs dragging the bowels along the streets; flinging corn also upon the slain mens flesh, so letting the hoggs run unto it, for increasing the pleasure of the tragedy. Many of Steinbock's Regiment being so served by this Tragi∣comedy

at Wielun. Yet while this cruelty was acting, Colonel Uxkell and another coming to their relief with 800 horse, cut down above 300 Poles, and fired many of their Villages: after which, they began to invite back the Inhabitants, who were fled towards Silesia, as being treated in like pitiful manner.

In the moneth of February, the King of Sweden passed by War∣sovia with three considerable Armies towards the Ukrain against the Polanders, having a little before proclaimed, That whosoever should protect King Casimir, or knowing where he was, would give no notice thereof, should suffer death like a Rebel. And on the 21 day of the same moneth, the Town of Marienburg was de∣livered up to the Swedes; and the Castle (which holding out, thought to have burnt the City, but was prevented by the Inha∣bitants) was after some dayes playing upon is, surrendred like∣wise to the Swedes, the besieged understanding that an Inhabitant of the City had discovered unto them those private wayes and passages, whereby they might easily make an approach: and also that the Swedes had two Mines ready to spring. On the same day, Febr. 21, the Swedes obtained no small Victory, whose King with 5000 men fighting the Poles near Lublin and the River Weys∣sel, routed them, although they fought resolutely, engaging also Poles against Poles in the action; Czarnecki, Cracovia's late Gover∣nour, commanded the Polanders, a great number of whom were slain upon the place, and many taken prisoners, with 12 or 13 Standards: the King also pursuing them above two miles, killing several in the pursuit, and many of them were drowned in the Rivers of Weyssel and Wyppera, and other waters whither they re∣treated. Others report, that the Swedes had but sad work of it; for that, 8000 Swedes encountred 20000 Poles. And that, as soon as the Cossacks (who beheld these Combatants afar off) saw the Victory to incline to the Swedes, they helped to pursue and cut the fugitive Poles down. After this, the King advanced to Lublin, to take that City; thence presently towards Zamosse, instantly get∣ting that strong and fortified City upon accord: and being ad∣vanced not far from Zamosse, they again meeting with a strong party of Polanders, beat them back, dispersing them, and taking 7. Standards from them. Of which, Casimir hearing, being at Reush Lemberg, about 8 miles of, and that the King of Sweden him∣self was not far off, he hastened away with 1500 horsemen from Leopolis to Kamieniec Poloski: about which time, there was pub∣lished a Proclamation in Silesia, that no Polander should come in sight there upon pain of death. While the King kept his Head∣quarters in and about Jarislaw, much refreshing his Souldiery thereby, he sent parties to see if the enemies any where did gather a head again; who bringing intelligence, that the Poles were eve∣ry where turned perjured Rebels, endeavouring to hinder him in his march, cut off all passes, and striving by private intelligence with Priests and Jesuits, to reduce the Swedish Garrisons in great Poland, Warsovia, and Sandomiria, unto King Casimir's obedience

the King resolved to draw back with his Army to a place where they might the better discover the enemies plots, and invite him to venture a head battle: and sending two Commanders, March 21, 1655, with orders unto some following Troops, to march back towards Warsovia, there to remain till his return; himself arrived the same day before Sandomir: but hearing that some Po∣lish Commanders were the night before become Masters of the City Sandomir; though they could not obtain the Castle: whose Governour (a Swede) afterwards (in revenge) setting the Jesuits Colledg on fire, the whole Town was thereby burnt to ashes. Yet it seems the truer relation, That the Poles themselves firing some houses near the Castle; the fire taking hold of the Jesuits Col∣ledg, seized on the City. Wherefore the King sending order to the said Governour to leave the Castle and crosse the River Weys∣sel with his men, he obeyed; but put a good quantity of Powder and Ammunition (which he could not carry with him) into a Vault locked up, applying thereto a burning match, which might take fire half an hour after his departure. The Poles presently entring the Castle, displayed their Colours, reviling the Gover∣nour; and searching into all corners, they found this Vault: which the chief Commander would attribute to himself; and be∣ing in hot dispute, the powder firing, blew 1200 Polanders, (some Swedes also perishing) with the Castle roofs, into the ayr; the King on the other side of the River being a spectator: who under∣standing on the 23 day, that Keniecpoliski shewed himself with about 12000 Quartians betwixt Landshut and the King's Camp, drew out 16 Regiments of horse, and 14 Companies of Dra∣goons, to meet the enemy, and charging them home, dispersed the whole Army, taking many colours from them, beating also Witepski, who disputed the Passe over San, to the King: after which, he purposed to passe the river Weyssel 10 miles beyond Warsovia, to have a third bout with the Crown Marshal Lubomir∣ski. There having been two Embassadours at Jarislaw from Chmiel∣niski General of the Cossacks, who arrived there the 8th of the same moneth, assuring the King by letters, that as soon as the earth was endued with her green robes, he would attend him with 50 thousand men.

April 11. following, 1656, the Marquesse of Baden going from Warsovia with his Troops to joyn with the King, he chanced to meet with about 12000 Poles under Lubomirski's Banner, about 8. miles from the City, they were 10 for one; yet the Marquesses men maintaining the fight above two hours before they quitted the field, killed above 2000 Poles: then saving themselves by flight, Field-Marshall Wrangle's Troops meeting with them, and securing them, they saved likewise a good part of their baggage; yet these few were most cut in pieces in the action, the Marquess himself very narrowly escaping.

The same moneth of April, the King beating and subduing the rebellious Masures, with all that adhered to them, arrived to∣ward

the end of the moneth, at Thoren: about which time, the Prince of Transylvania sent the King a letter by an Envoy, assuring him of his reall friendship, having 16000 men ready upon the borders under Backos Gabor's command, who were at his ser∣vice.

Then also in France, false newes being there spread of the total defeat of the Swedes, and the King himself being slain by the Polan∣ders, the people of Orleance were so transported with joy thereat; that they made solemn Feasts, distributing a good sum of mony to the poor on that account, whereby the vulgar were emboldened to say, They must even take the same course with the Hereticks in France. But when through the Messenger's lamenesse in affirming they were somewhat cooled, they were madly incensed again through the spreading of a rumour, that the English had leave, and did begin to build a place of publique assembly at Rochel, say∣ing, That they ever foresaw, if a peace were concluded once with the Protectour in England, it would tend to encourage and streng∣then the Hugonots; making them soon dare to attempt any thing that might subvert the Catholique profession and interest: so that the Governour of Orleance was fain (at the Protestants request) to appoint a guard; they not being safe in repairing to the publique assembly, by reason of the peoples fury. The new Pope, Alexan∣der the 7th, having also about the same time (for it was dated at Rome, March 20th) sent a Brief or Letter to the general Assembly of the French Clergy, exhorting them to stirt up the King to a ge∣neral Peace: which was judged to be but as a fire-ball thrown in∣to France, under that pretence, to put the Clergy and people into combustion: which by prudence was broken, and did no hurt.

But the Castle of Branbergh in Peland being surrendred by the Swedes at discretion, the Polanders branded them all with a mark on their fore-heads; which indignity was much resented by their party. The King of Sweden coming into Elbing, May 28; and his Queen coming thither also the next day, after some moneths safe delivery of a young Prince, the great Guns proclaimed great joy at this meeting throughout the Swedish Garrisons in Prussia.

Prince Adelph, the King of Swede's Brother, and the Genera∣lissimo of his Armies, marching to Znin and Kszin, (having de∣feated (by his Quarter-Master General, sent thither aforehand) most of those Citizens and Inhabitants who presented themselves in field against him) marched on to Malgasin, where hearing that some Gentry and Peasants were in Arms in the Castle of Golensh, he commanded the said Quarter-master General thither with some Companies, who demanding their surrender, they found a hostile opposition, many of his men being sorely wounded: where∣fore through Ordnance playing hard upon the gate, and the Swede's hard pressing on, they could not cast off their draw-bridg; so that the Swedes coming on in the storming, to the very Palisadoes, cut∣ting down some, made entrance for the rest to let down the bridg, over which they pressing furiously, killed all they found in arms,

and utterly demolished the Castle. Thence marching to Godzier Castle, the Gentry and Peasants therein, after firing on those who were sent afore, left the Castle. The enemy turning towards Gnesen, after an intent to surprize Posen, (in which they were pre∣vented by the Citie's being well provided, and the Suburbs burnt down) Staresta Braslowsky sent a Messenger to Wrsezewitz, whom Prince Adolph had sent with a party towards Gnesen, that expect∣ing the Swedish Army, they would stand and give them battel. Wherefore Adolph sending the forlorn-hope to get some priseners, (though they were repulsed) marching with his Army over a passage unresisted, put his men into a Battalia; himself commanding the right wing, Field-Marshal Wrangle the left: who at the advance approaching so nigh the enemy, because the Princes not being able to come in at the side for the moorishness of the place, the foremost squadrons were presently scattered: which the enemie's Avant-Troops (too deeply engaged with the Swedish Avant-Troops) per∣ceiving, and being lustily plaid on by the Dragoons in ambush, they beginning to retreat, came so directly between both the Swe∣dish wings, that most of them were destroyed: the right wing thereupon advancing, (and because the enemy still retreated over a water to a Village called Gietzmarky, where he rallyed again together with the Postpolitans) some Ordnance being planted on a high ground, were discharged against the enemy, whilest the Swedes getting over the water, came to a full Front; whereup∣on, the enemy coming furiously on with a great shout, attempted sundry wayes to disorder the Swedish Army. But the Polanders (after several hot charges, and losse of many men) confusedly fled, the main Body of the Swedes pursuing them a league; in which flight, many were cut off also, the Swedes in their hot blood, gi∣ving no quarter. This Action fell out, May the 8th▪ new Stile, 1656, lasting 5 hours, from 3 in the afternoon, till 8 at night▪ Czarnecky, Lubomirski, and Saphia, were the three chief Comman∣ders for the King of Poland in this engagement: the p••••son••rs con∣fessing, that great execution was done by shot, both great and small, among them; 3 Starosties being slain, and Saph••a soot tho∣row the arm: the Poles likewise carrying away many of their slain. The Prince after this on the 10th day followed them to Uzesnie, they being but three leagues asunder, where more action was expected.

A little before or about which time, the Waywood at Newgard caused some Russians to be whipt to death; who divulged, that the great Duke resolved for War against the Swedes.

The City of Elbing in Prussia being become as it were a Dant∣zick, Commodities being now transported thither; for that Dantzick stood out against the Swedes: some English Merchants of Dantzick desiring (about the moneth of May) in the name of the English Nation, leave of the Electour of Brandenburg, to transport their goods thence to Elbing thorow his Port of the Pil∣law, he condescended thereunto; giving leave also, that what

goods the English did send home out of their Pack-Chambers, should passe Custome-free; saying, That he yielded them that, in honour of the English Protectour, and in favour of the English Nation.

It shall not be amisse here briefly to give an account of the re∣ported Revolt of the Lithuanians from the Swedish obedience: un∣to the jurisdiction of whose King, when the Principality of Samai∣ten, with the Provinces belonging, had yielded; King Casimir highly endeavoured both by publique Edicts, and secretly with Priests and Jesuits, to involve peaceable minds against their new chosen King: whereby some dwelling in the Bishoprick, in the beginning of the Spring lurking in Forrests together, by night, surprized a Company newly raised by Rose, murthering some of them: and the Lievtenant who was sick and bed-rid. Where∣fore Colonel Rebinder having order to persecute these Rebells, destroyed some hundreds of them, by lying in wait with 400 horse; but the chief escaping by flight, and closing with the For∣rest lurkers, surprised some new leavied forces of Col. Igelstrome, destroying them (here and there quartered) in the night; divul∣ging also at the first, as if all Samaiten had been in rebellion. But the Field-Marshal, learning that all Forces in that Principality were safe, not so much as knowing of these rebels, he marching out of Janisky with 400 horse, encountred them, putting some hundreds to the sword; but the Bishop of Samaiten and the chie∣fest of the States, severally intimated, that they were ignorant thereof, giving sufficient security of their constant obedience: the Rix-Treasurer and general Governour calling and citing also the States to come to Byrsen, and to go with some commanded Soul∣diers, to try whether the rest could be appeased by fair means; or to keep them in obedience by a Military compulsion; so that it was certain, the Swedes losse in that stir, was not of above 200 men.

The Swedish forces appearing (in the moneth of May) about Dantzick for a Leaguer: fell upon the Fort in Gothland, hard by Dirshaw, (which I understand another to call a Sconce lying by the river Vistula's side, otherwise called Dantzickers Leaguer) the King, with his Artillery-General Steinbock, appearing before it, and sending word to the Garrison, that they should presently yield; and so should depart with their arms: but the Governour having 400 men with him, refused, unlesse they might carry away their goods, and march with Drums beating, and Colours flying: which being denyed, they began within the Fort to defend them∣selves. But two Swedes who served in that place, having raised a party therein of 50 Souldiers, forced the Governour to an agree∣ment: which being confirmed, the King advanced near the place to speak with him; but a certain Dragooner knowing the King, let fly his Musket at him, so that the Bullet came by his hat, fall∣ing a little further; who thereupon commanded to put all to the sword, with the Governour himself, so that very few escaped.

On the 23 day of which May, there happened a strange accident in the City of Dantzick it self; for a Citizen striking with his Par∣tisan at a Boy, missing him; the steel of the Partisan falling into the earth with the point upwards, and he at the same time fall∣ing with his right fide upon the point, which piercing him unto the very back-bone, he dyed lamentably.

But the King of Sweden ordering the Marquess of Baden, his Lievtenant-General, to march with his men from Conitz to But∣tow, and leaving Steinbock before Dantzick, with an Army in a very good posture, himself intended to go to his head-Army: where arriving, and hearing that Czarnecki stood 6 miles from Bramberg with 12 Regiments; he hastening after him, met acci∣dentally with him, yet successfully; pursuing him above two miles, killing many of his men, with two Waywods, and some other chief Officers being taken prisoners.

But the King of Poland (who not long before had sent to the Emperour of Germany to be a Mediatour for him to the King of Sweden; the which he shewed a readinesse to do) having gotten together a numerous Army about this time, besieged the City of Warsovia, although himself in person came not near it; for which cause the King of Sweden went not personally to its relief, but returned to Marienburg; ordering his Brother Adolph, and Field-Marshal Wrangell to go for Warsovia, and oblige Czarnecky to a field battle: but the Poles finding the whole Swedish Army there, withdrew themselves from before the City, about 3 miles from the place, having made seven attempts to take it by storm; but being repelled with the losse of 3000 of his best Souldiers, and two pieces of Ordnance in the encounters, the King could not perswade them to come on the 8th time, although he promi∣sed each man 5 Duckats. And a little before this time, the Swedes found a very great treasure in a Vault of Warsovia's Castle, there being the Popish Images of Christ and the 12 Apostles, all of Massie silver double gilt, (and other Reliques very pretious) amounting in value to betwixt 4 and 500000 Dollars, besides the reliques. This was the time wherein the forementioned strict League between the King and Duke of Brandenburg was con∣cluded: who having a supply of 6 or 8000 men from the Duke to march along with him, he was enabled to continue Steinbock's siege before Dantzick, to their trouble and discontent; the Swedes having before taken not onely Dantzicker Leaguer, but possessed themselves also of the Castle of Greppin and the Hoff: about which time, to wit, in May, 1656, the said Dantzickers sending an Em∣bassie to the King, they could obtain no answer, but to be gone; for he having sent those Citizens a Letter about submission, they returned a resolute answer; the King of Poland having commen∣ded them for their constancy, and encouraged them to continue. After which, the Duke of Croy (one of that Citie's neighbour-Princes) writing a Letter to perswade them to a compliance with the King of Sweden; wishing they had contented themselves with

a simple self-defence, and not took upon them to have hindered his progress; (for they, whatever else, had endeavoured to re∣lieve Marienburgh Castle) also telling them, after divers conside∣rations laid down, If they could reap no other benefit by the ex∣pected successe, in their designs, than the rooting out of the Go∣spel of truth; and that, by the bringing in of the superstitious Roman Religion again; might not onely be feared the losse of their own souls, but also a total ruine of their Trade, and the Citie's welfare: wherefore he could not conjecture how they might excuse such dangerous enterprises and designs to posterity. They returned divers, not unsober, expressions in answer; saying, They were as∣sured in their consciences, that they have not afforded the least oc∣casion to that miserable War, &c. also mentioning 5 principall Maxims which their Predecessours, and they, in imitation of them, had alway made their chiefest work to consider; 1. To main∣tain the Gospel of Truth. 2. To be faithful to their King. 3. To keep firm to the Crown of Poland. 4. To defend their Laws, Li∣berties, &c. 5. To preserve and increase the welfare of that City. They said, they did confidently believe, that none could impute it to them, as if God took pleasure in Apostates and Hy∣pocrites, and as if he would have Religion promoted in casting off the lawful Magistrate, and in the slender esteem of a well∣grounded Government: and that according to their judgments, there was nothing more wholesome and prosperous than Peace, to preserve and propagate Religion, which the Prince of Peace had so earnestly recommended to all those who would truly fol∣low him. They adding moreover, That the Duke himself (being perfectly well versed in History) would be pleased to call to mind, how that at all times, by Wars, the spirits of men grew more bar∣barous and inhumane; and how, the Wars for Religion, used commonly to extinguish Religion. Concluding with a hope, that the Duke would be pleased, from their abovesaid reasons, and his own interest, to co-operate to the mitigation of the Swede's great spirits: and that they would do their best endeavours humbly to perfwade their King of Polonia, and the Nobles of that Kingdom, not to refuse reasonable means to attain peace; but rather to find out all possible means to compasse it: and not doubting, but their King and the States would be very inclinable thereunto.

This Summer, 1656, there was such a mortal Pestilence in the City of Naples, that some dayes 6000 people were said to dye of it therein. The Pestilence was then also so raging in all places pos∣sessed by the Turks in the Island of Candia, that they were forced to abandon divers Towns which they there held, and to leave them desolate.

About the same time, July 16, the French received a great loss before Valenchienne, which they had besieged; for the Spaniards frequently shewing as if they would fall upon Marshal Turein's and the Lorrainer's quarter; at last fell in good earnest upon Mar∣shall de la Ferte's quarter: who coming resolutely on, had three

or four repulses by the French their notable resistance: and when the Spaniard afterwards had fallen in among them, they so fought it out, that of 1200 in Du Plessis Regiment, there remained but 30 men. The whole Regiments of Le Ferte and Piedmont; ten Companies of the King's guards, and the Cardinai's guards, with La Ferte's Dragoons also which were near 800, and his Regiment of horse, 1200, were all cut in pieces. Likewise the Switzers Regiments, 800 of whom escaping the sword, were drowned by water coming into their Trenches at the sudden opening of the sluces: and whereby, all commerce betwixt the two bodies of the French Army was intercepted: so that Turein being forced to stand all the while a Spectatour, at length drew off all his (being about 12000) men to Quesnoy, a garrison about two leagues from Valenchienne, where next morning came to him betwixt six and seven thousand recruits, who had thought to have united with him at the siege. The Marquess of Estree was slain in this over∣throw, and the Count his brother taken prisoner, besides many Marquesses, Counts, and other great persons, and Officers killed or taken: and La Ferte himself, being wounded in the thigh, was taken prisoner.

Things in Germany went then worse with the Protestants than formerly; for at Collen, in the same moneth of July, several fa∣milies of them were distrained, because that after three summons, they refused to pay their fine, for not strewing Flowers before their houses on the Sacrament day, when the Host was carried thorow the street; which had not been exacted in 30 years. It was likewise moved and deliberated in the Council of that City, to turn all the said Protestants after a years warning, out of the City, so soon as the Treaty of Munster was expired.

But the Dane and the States of the United Provinces now un∣derstood each other, as to providing that the Swede grew not too potent in or near the Baltick Seas: and that King standing in very good terms with those States, gave their Embassadours hopes, that 10 of his Men of War should joyn with theirs upon occa∣sion.

In August following, against the Duke of Brandenburg, (who had a little before declared to an Envoy, (sent unto him from the grand Cham of Tartarie, to perswade him from any agreement with the Swedish King) that since he was totally abandoned by the King of Poland, he thought himself concerned to take a course for conservation of his Estates held in Prussia) a Sentence was pronounced from a Verdict of the Imperiall Chamber in Germany, in reference to the War made in 1653, (as we have declared in the foregoing Chapter) against the Duke of Newburgh; who be∣ing judged guilty of giving the first occasion thereof, was con∣demned to pay towards the charges, 200000 Rixdollars to the said Duke of Newburgh; and in default of payment, his Land of March should be mortgaged.

But the King of Poland coming afresh upon the City of Warso∣via

after its relief; it was yielded up to him July the first; the Swedes being to leave their booties and plunder behind them, with the Artillery, and what belonged thereunto; Gen. Wittenberg marching out with 4000 Swedes: the women were civilly used, and had some inferiour Officers granted them to bring them to the Swedish Camp: yet all the conditions were not kept; which was to be attributed to the roughnesse of the Polish Souldiery, ra∣ther than to King Casimir. At the same time Cracovia also was be∣leagured and hardly put to it by the Queen of Poland's Army; un∣to whose Camp the King her husband had sent 8000 men; and whom to meet at Warsovia, she personally departed from before Cracovia. The King of Sweden being still encamped at Nowedwor, (from whence came intelligence into England, of some particular Successes against Polish parties, obtained by that Army who mar∣ched from Thoren May 30th, to relieve Warsovia) where the Ele∣ctour of Brandenburg joyned his Forces to his, July 7th; they re∣solving to fall suddenly into King Casimir's Camp, although he gave out to be above 100000 men. Who because of his great numbers, not much regarding the forces of the King of Sweden and the Electour, on July 27, 1656, sent a Body of Tartars (for these were united with him) to besiege Poltowsko: whereupon the Swedes seeing an opportunity of action, drew out their forces to relieve the City: which was performed with slaughter among the besieging Tartars. July 28, the King and the Electour crossing the River Buck, drew up their Army in Battalia, advancing towards the Poles: King Casimir standing (with 150000 or 120000) to re∣ceive them: where, after some light skirmishes betwixt their forlorns, and more engagements, till night parted them, and in which first encounters the Swedes had the worst; (though they valiantly repulsed a body of Tartars sent to fall on their rear) next day, July 29, a grand battle beginning, one of the Swedish Wings at first, seemed to be declining; but recovering their wonted cou∣rage by others sent to succour them, (though the Poles came on ve∣ry numerously and furiously) they kept their ground. The Battle continuing all this day, untill the next, July 30th, in the conclu∣sion, the King and the Electour (who behaved himself valiantly) had a marvellous Victory; for the Poland King losing a great part of his foot, all his Ordnance and baggage, and leaving the City of Warsovia open to the Swedes, fled after his horse, with a few in his company, into Podlachia.

In August following, that strong and important Garrison of Conde in Flanders was yielded up by the French to the Spaniard up∣on Articles after no short siege.

News being come to Stockholm, in July, that the Muscovites had broken into the Province of Ingermanland, the Estates of Sweden here assembling, ordered all Governours to provide, and speedily send all sorts of Ammunition into that Province, as also into Fin∣land and Liefland; and although they resolved not to proceed against the Muscovite, before they saw he was become an absolute

enemy; yet in the mean time, they assured themselves of the Mus∣covites living in Stockholm, beginning to seize all their Estates and Merchandizes, and imprisoning some, for imbezilling part of their goods: and hearing soon after, that the Mascovite was en∣tred into Liefland, and what he had done upon it, they laboured with all possible diligence to take some course for rescuing that Province out of the Jawes of those devouring enemies; not onely fending forces to strengthen the most important Towns, but rai∣sing men in several parts of Sweden: the Nobility and Citizens with great cheerfulnesse agreeing to contribute twice as much (upon this occasion) as they were wont to do in the foregoing years. And indeed, things went but ill with the Swedes in Poland now, because (for that present) the King was constrained to draw a way the main of his forces with speed into Liefland; though he left sufficient to maintain all their Garrisons except Warsovia, which they slighted, demolishing its fortifications; so, forsaking all on this side the River Weyssell. The Electour of Brandenburgh was to secure Prussia; but Poland was left to the disposure of pro∣vidence: so that it was observed, that the Polish King had been (in all probability) soon driven out of his Dominion, or forced to accept Conditions of peace, had not this fierce invasion of the great Duke fallen out: who toward the latter end of August, 1656, sate down before Riga, (the chief City of the Province of Liefland) but about a stones cast from it, (and with an Army so numerous, that the Consul of the City having gone up to the loftiest Tower thereof, to view them at their approach beheld them with admiration, as exceeding (he certified in his letter) the Grashop∣pers in number) who sent in a Trumpeter to the Citizens with a proud Message, That if they would submit and supplicate for cle∣mency, they might have it; but if obstinately standing out, they must expect nothing but ruine and destruction. The Swedish Souldiers there in Garrison were but 1500; but the Citizens be∣ing resolved men, listed 4000, and persons of good estate, who were in arms: the City being also well provided with necessa∣ries, and their Fortifications compleated, they said, they feared no force; yet they expected relief from the King of Sweden: which the Muscovites laboured to prevent, by intending to build Forts between the City and the mouth of the River Duna. And amongst other barbarous proceedings of the Muscovite, taken for certain, the Count of Thurne (who married Bannier's Widow, the great Swedish General in the German Wars, and sister to the Marquess of Baden) being abroad out of Riga with a party of 300 horse, was at their first coming thither met with: who being defeated and taken, they cut off his head, and fixed it on a Spear to shew it the befieged; though the trunk of his body was by the enemies con∣nivance conveyed into the City.

On the very same day, August 28, was the City and Castle of Cracovia said to be surrendred to the Polish and Austrian forces; but on very good terms: as not onely for the Swedes to carry

away what they could upon all the horses in the City; but to be supplyed with 200 more by the Polanders, to carry their baggage, and to be conveyed with 1200 horse and foot to Gressen, &c. But as for the Arians and Jews that were in the City, the former were to petition for pardon, and having their goods exempted from confifcation, their persons to be banished; but the latter were to be left to the King of Poland's mercy.

But about the beginning of Sept following, Prince Adolph with his forces fuccessfully encountred 2000 sallyers out of Dantzick, (who had a design uyon the Bridg under Dirshaw) with a small losse: the Dantzick norse and Dragoons timely running, but the party of foot fighting stoutly: who notwithstanding, had been all lost, if they had not met with a Marsh, to which they retreat∣ed; five Colours, seven pieces of Ordnance, with all their Wa∣gons, were taken, and above 200 prisoners, but far more slain; 200 also retreating between the water, where they were shut up, were expected soon to yield.

But that the King of Sweden (who had sufficiently engaged him∣self in undertaking so great a Conquest as the Kingdom of Poland) might be deeper engaged; the King of Denmark, who had before made preparations, was ••re this, as a third enemy, come upon his back both by Sea and Land: so that, before the middle of September there was a great fight at Sea between the Danish and Swedish Fleets: the Swedes having 44 ships in all, to wit, 33 great Men of War, the other somewhat lesse, with two fire-ships. Of the Danish Fleet I am not certain of their number, (but 22 sayl were seen not far from the Island Mone before the fight began) who when they saw the Swedish about the Hilden Sea, began to retreat, steering for Coppenhaguen; but being pursued by the Swedes, they were forced to engage: the fight beginning about two of the clock in the afternoon, and continuing till night, and a good while with much resolution on each side; four ships being related to be blown up into the ayr, and the Swedes getting the day.

The King of Poland possessing Cracovia, presently sent a Cour∣rier or Post to Dantzick, as to give them an account thereof, so promising them, that Czarnecky should with his choycest horse, shortly strike into Pomerania, and Lubermisky should with the Au∣strian forces fall into Prussia, to divert the King of Sweden, and call him out of the Danish Dominions; wherefore the Swedish King hastening to Wismar in Pomerania, to put all things there in a po∣sture of defence, came thither Sept. 14, he leaving his Army to carry on the War against Denmark, under the Command of Ge∣neral Wrangell. And, to restore life and spirit to the Swedish affairs then doubtful, if not drooping, one Father Daniel, an Ambassa∣dour of the Cossacks, came from their General Chmielniski to the King of Sweden some dayes before, to assure him, that the said General was upon his march with 24000 men for his assistance, as was certified by a Post from Elbing in Prussia to the City of Bremen, Sept. the 7th; who also brought news, that the Prince of

Transylvania was ready with an Army of 40000 men for some ex∣ploit against the Polish King, or (for the Austrians were joyned with the Poles) against the Emperour.

About or in the moneth of April, 1656, there were great dis∣orders and tumults (raised by 20000 Janizaries and Saphies) at Constantinople, (said to be occasioned through want of pay, and the obtruding on them a new Coyn of a very base Allay) who pro∣ceeded so far as to massacre divers of the grand Seignior's Divan or Councel, and to depose and strangle the Visier Bassa, whose carkase they with scorn exposed in the Market-place: forcing al∣so the Sultana, Mother of the grand Signior, to fly to the old Se∣raglio for security: the Mufti or chief Priest being fain likewise to save himself by flight; not daring to trust the words of those Mutineers, whose design was to have dethroned the grand Seignior, and to have established his brother in his place. They laying aside also all other principal Officers of the Empire, to secure them∣selves against a deserved punishment, chose others in their places who were at their devotion: and searched diligently after such great Officers who escaped their hands: and all things there were then in so great confusion, that some strange alteration of affairs among them was expected; so that although this might have been enough to give a stop to the Turk's proceedings against the Venetians; yet the new ones in power went on with their prepa∣rations against their interest in Candia with more vigour than be∣fore; so that the Republique of Venice was fain to send speedily away Prince Horatio Farnese, and other chief Commanders with good numbers of men, and store of Ammunition for maintaining of what they held in that Isle. The Turks also then coming toge∣ther at Bagnaluch, making great Magazines at Clivane, with eight great Artillery pieces, and 1000 yoaks of Oxen to draw them for the besieging of Sebenico, they ordered Antonio Bernardo to go with all speed into Dalmatia, as Commissary General, to assist the Ge∣neral Zeno.

But within two or three moneths after, those Tumults in Con∣stantinople being appeased, the Grand Seignior making a stately Cavalcate throughout the City, at that time, gave order, for exe∣cuting divers of the Ring-leaders in the said disorders, for greater terrour to the people in time to come: dispatching also away a Courrier in all haste to the Bashaw of Damasco, requiring him speedily to come away and take on him the slain grand Visier's Office; which great place was conferred on him, although but 24 years of age, because of his great abilities already shewn in the places of his Government. Who about the moneth of June, being fetcht into Constantinople with great pomp and solemnities made at his installing into the said Office; presently after, that Turkish Fleet was recruited with men, money, and other neces∣saries; over which the Venetian Fleet obtained a great and notable Victory, June 26, 1656, who having made one moneths stay in the mouth of the Dardanelles, to wait for, and fight the enemy, (se∣ven

Galleys of Malta arriving in the mean time) the Turk's Cap∣tain Bassa appeared in sight of the Castles, his Fleet consisting of 28 great ships, 60 Galleys, 9 Galeasses, and other small Vessels. The Venetian Navy had 28 great Ships, 24 Galleys, 7 Galeasses, (besides those of Malta aforesaid) commanded by the Prior of Roccelia; who keeping in the narrowest part of the Channell, the Turks could not come forth without accepting the offered battels. The Bassa (at first) had raised two Batteries on Land on both sides the River, one on Natolia side, the other on the side of Greece, as thinking to facilitate their own going forth, by obliging the other to forsake their station: yet the Venetians undauntedly resisting their shot, rendred that advantage of theirs unprofitable: wherefore the Bassa (being expresly ordered to attempt going out) on the 26th day in the morning, through a pleasant North-wind advanced all his great Ships, who withdrew notwithstanding be∣hind the Point of Barbiera; whither the Bassa himself repaired with his Galleys: a few hours after, through a small North-west wind, the Venetian Navy moving, Eleazar Moccenigo, now a Vo∣lunteer, and commanding the left Wing, advancing and passing beyond the Turkish Fleet, fought valiantly, endeavouring to hinder its retreat. The battel being begun, Laurence Marcello the Venetian General, with him of Malta, intermingling with the other Vene∣tian Vessels, fell to it Pell-mell; so that the Turks being hemmed in, and no place to escape, were forced to fight with the more ea∣gerness: but they were wholly routed by sword, fire, and water, the Captain Bassa saving himself with onely 14 Galleys; 40 Galleys were taken in the fight, 10 sunk and burnt; also 9 Ma∣hones were taken; but the 28 great Ships were (for the most) burnt. The number of the Turks slain could hardly be discover∣ed: yet 5000 were judged to be killed; 4 or 5000 Christian slaves being released, and 4000 Turks made slaves. The Vene∣tian's loss being their chief Captain Marcello, 300 Souldiers and Marriners; 3 Ships of theirs likewise were burnt, two in fight, and one by an accident. After an extroardinary joy manifested by the Duke and City of Venice, the Senate ordered for releasing of all prisoners for debt; some of the Banditi being freed also: and Moccenigo, who had contributed much to the gaining of the Victory, was the first that was Knighted by the Senate, with a chain of gold of 2000 Crowns conferred on him; and then was declared Generalissimo in the room of slain Marcello; in remem∣brance of whom, a publique service was ordered to be celebrated at the publique charge.

About the moneths of July and August, the Emperour of Germany (whose Son, the King of Hungary, assisted the Pole at the taking of Cracovia) was very strong in forces, as if he intended some great design: the number of whose Regiments of horse were 9550 men; of his foot 25300; and in the several places within his Domi∣nious which were Garrisoned, or to be made Garrisons, (to wit, in Bohemia, Moravia, the Upper and Nether Silesia, and Hungary, there disposed in divers places, and upon the Turk's borders) were

appointed to defend them, 19750 men: who also about Sept. fol∣lowing sent 11 Regiments of Horse and foot out of his Regiments, yet levying 10 new ones in his hereditary Countries in their stead; 44 Troops of the one, and 66 Companies of the other, under General Enkenford, to ayd the Spaniard in Millain of Italy, against the French and Duke of Modena; resolving to set out a Manifesto concerning that design: The French having lustily struggled against the Spaniards besieged by them, in the City of Valentia, and the Duke of Modena preparing to meet the Empe∣tour's forces with great courage and resolution. A little before which, the said Emperour sending an Expresse to demand of the King of France, the payment of three millions of Crowns, which he was obliged to do by the Treaty of Munster, or else to surrender up Brisac and all Alsatia, it occasioned the enemies of France to raise rumours, that the Emperour intended to send an Army for recovery of Alsatia.

About the same time, some Theeves in the Turkish Dominions set fire on the Seraglio of Bosnia, 4000 houses, 4 Dovens of Cu∣stome-houses, and 3 Mosquees being burned down to the ground, and the Jews quarter was plundred. And at the City of Luca in Italy, one Pisani a Traytour was executed to death, for attempting to kill all the Nobility, and change the Government of that little Common-wealth.

But the Princes of the Empire were not well pleased with this so hasty undertaking of the Emperour in Italy, and without de∣manding their advice in a business so important, and prejudiciall to the Empire; also so contrary to the Treaty of Munster, and ex∣presly mentioning, That the Dukes of Mantua and Modena, shall be free to make War, the Emperour not to send any forces against them, without the Princes Electours their consent: who were so far from that, that they protested against this sending, as a mani∣fest violation of that Treaty of peace so solemnly sworn, and that which could have no other effect than the troubling of Germany, and reviving of War: neither (it appears) were (whatever the cause was) some of the Souldiers well pleased with their going; for two Regiments at a general Muster of them, mutined and disbanded; although some of them were therefore taken and hanged.

In the year 1655, Septemb. 20, Pope Alexander the 7th (who had lately entred into the Popedome, endeavoured to bring about a general Peace among the Princes addicted to him; writing Let∣ters also to the Kings of France and Spain to that end) wrote a Let∣ter to all the Popish Clergy throughout Christendom, to stir them up to use all means for procurement of a settlement of the said Peace.

But in Helvetia or Switzerland, (which Country being governed after a Democratical form, is divided into 13 Cantons or Baily∣wicks, five of whom have been esteemed wholly Papists, six wholly Protestants, and the other two mixt of both: which di∣vision

began about or in the year 1519, when Zuinglius, Minister of Zurich or Tigurum, seconded Luther's beginning: which the rest of this people not liking, moved War with them of Zurich, and the rest of the Protestants, in which, Zuinglius himself was slain, (for it was the custome of the place, for the Ministers to go in the Front of their Armies, and he also of a bold spirit) and the Ti∣gurines discomfited; yet in the year 1531, an absolute Peace was concluded betwixt them: whereby notwithstanding the diversi∣ty of Religion, they lived in unity the Protestant professours there, being first offended, began ••o arm themselves against the Popish Cantons in 1655; for besides the differences which the Capu∣chins there excited, and which every where increased, divers in the Popish Canton of Switz, as also some in Lucerne, (who were called Nicodemites, because they at first secretly owned the Pro∣testant Articles of faith; yet afterwards openly professed the same) were imprisoned, (the Popish Cantons also solemnly swear∣ing their religious alliance against those in Lucerne) and by those of Switz very cruelly handled: some of whom escaping out of the prisons, detested their cruelties and idolatry; which confirmed the rest; the other yet in prison being also very constant in their faith: one of the notablest young men named Sebastian Anna Mousnier, a prisoner in the Town of Switz, escaping out at one of the Water-passages, as the Popish were in the midst of their Bacchanalian revels, on the Sunday, after many tortures and mise∣ries undergone. The Nicodemites so called, coming out of Switz into Zurick, made their profession very distinctly (about the be∣ginning of October there, 1655,) upon all the Articles of faith, and so labouring to confirm them by Texts of Scripture. About the same time, those of Lucerne released them that they had in prison; though upon what conditions was not then known: yet those who were set at liberty, continued as firm and fervent as ever: one was likewise laid hold on for reading the Bible.

Neither were the Papists themselves free from differences amongst each other; for when the foresaid League was sworn against those at Lucerne, the swearers chose one Charls Boromeo a Milanois, to be their Advocate and Patron, publishing a Patent to that purpose, declaring the reasons of that their new idolatry: at which, many of their Popish brethren were so offended, that they entred into an oath and combination against that new Italian Pa∣tron, resolving to adhere to the old. But the Popish Cantons (at first) arming themselves insensibly, sought every way for friends and assistance; sending Deputies to the Bishop of Basile, to procure him toswear their League against the Protestants: Milain offering them men to the last, and Rome money; but the rest of their friends would do but little.

About November following, the Zurickers had intelligence that some of the Nicodemites were at Switz, to be executed to death, if the presence of the Protestant Cantons Deputies did not hinder the

same; wherefore they were wonderously resolved to oppose that Fury: the mixt Canton of Appenzel, who were then 5000 strong, and the Papists but 1500, resolving to turn out the Nuns, which made the Monks to mourn, as to be deprived of their wonted vi∣sits. The second Deputies being sent to Switz, had indeed a fa∣vourable Audience; But they proposing restitution to be made of the goods of those departed from Switz, for Religion sake, as it had been formerly done by the Protestant party, towards all such as had relinquished the Protestant profession, whom they treated with all civility when they were imprisoned on the like occasion: the Town of Switz denied them, saying, They being in Soveraign State, had a right to proceed as they judged meet against their Subjects; because those who deserted them were perjured and Apostates, &c. and being legally cited, had refused to ap∣pear; wherefore their goods were justly confiscated: and that with those whom they had in prison for the same sault, they would pro∣ceed according to the nature of their offences. The Protestant Deputies being astonished hereat, after some conference, propoun∣ded, that since they would not condiscend in a friendly way, they would referre the whole matter fordetermination, to the Law of all Switzer-land: which they likewise peevishly and scornfully enough refusing, the Deputies departed, but ill satified: and not onely the other Protestant Cantons, with no small regreat ob∣served, but even 3 Popish ones did not approve of the violence, wherewith the Switzers mindes were possessed, and what troubles they of Zurick endured from them, for above 2 years before, yet they thought fit to own them in the quarrel of Religion: who then all armed apace, and had done some affronts and injuries to the Protestant Cantons in a very particular manner, (though their Magistrates offered Chastisement, seeming to be displeased there∣at) wherefore the Protestants putting themselves into a posture, observed all their proceedings, and on the 14th of the said No∣vember, appointed an Assembly to begin, to deliberate touching that great affaire, and also of the other grievances and oppressions. Also on of the 12th of this month, most of the Deputies of the Cantons meeting at Baden, (divers Papists being absent, because of some Holidays by them observed) the French Ambassadour, De la Barde came thither from Saloturne, where, in a speech, he ear∣nestly exhorting them to union, afterwards entertained them at a banquet. But the Deputies of Zurick having declared their Complaints against Suitz: they could get no other answer from them, but, that they were Soveraigns in their own Country, and if they roasted their Subjects they needed not to give any account of their Actions. The Zurickers replied, if ye give us not a bet∣ter answer, we shall be constrained to use such meanes as God hath given us: So offering to leave Baden, and go home to order their Army presently, to march out of Zurick into the Field; but the other Protestant Deputies, and some also of the more moderate

Popish ones, prevailed with them to tarrie: promising their en∣deavour to draw Switz to some reason. Austria threatned the Protestants; but their Neighbour-friends were very cold.

On the 16th day they had a hot dispute also at Baden: where∣in, them of Switz alleadging the National peace formed in 1531; the Zurickers called for the Records, and the instrument being distinctly read, one Waser a Burgomaster largely declaring, De∣monstrated that the Popish Cantons had never observed the Prin∣cipal Articles of that peace; but had since made all yances against them, more accounting of those latter Covenants, than of their Antient general treaties: and that it deserved no better name then meer Conjuration, and sworne Conspiracy against them: which they must no longer endure; Wherefore Zurick standing to their first proposal, required the other Cantons to do justice against Switz. About the same time (though all the Popish Can∣tons drew in one string) (but some of the other Popish Deputies pretended an approving of Zuricks demands, &c.) the Zurickers had intelligence, that Lucerne (which was saved by Zurick from utter ruine in the last Rebellion) took notice of the horrible slan∣ders begun, to be spread concerning those of the Protestant Reli∣gion; and had published an Edict, Commanding all their Sub∣jects to abstaine from those slanders on pain of death, also they heard, that the Popish Deputies offered to let all these Contro∣versies be determined, by an equal number of judges, of either Religion; but it was thought by some, to be but to gain time, be∣cause the Protestants were a great deal more ready for the Field, then the other thought they could be.

About January following, it was certified out of Switzer-Land into Engand, that it clearly appeared, the Pope and his Emissaries to have been the instruments of raising that quarrel among the Cantons: exasperating his Catholiques, to act such cru∣elties and injustice, as had dissolved the general league of union that was between them: and promising supplies to carry on that War, which was waging meerly upon the account of Religion: wherefore the Popish Cantons endeavoured by Agents to estrange the scemingly neutral Cantons, from the Potestants, and to draw them over to their own party: But the Protestants being before them in preparations, and exceeding them in number, they in∣tended through the mountainousnesse of their Country, to stand on the defensive, so to linger out time till spring, when as they expected help from their Popish friends; but the Protestants were then beginning to March with a fair train of Artillery, to pro∣voke, or, if possible, to force the enemy to an open engage∣ment.

About the same time, was seen a declaration in England, of the judgment of the Ministers of Cassel, the Court of the Lantgrave of Hesse, approving that work of John Dury, a Scotish Mnister, who had renewed again his endeavours, for procuring Concord among all of the reformed Religion, who had Cast off Romish su∣perstition:

wherein among other things, they declared, that as manifold experience had shewn, all the Miseries of War, Pe∣rils of treachery, Dreadful mischiefs, by Commotions of States and Kingdoms, do proceed from dissentions and divisions in Re∣ligion as out of Pandora's box; so from religious and true concord do spring all heavenly blessings, tranquillity, and all kind of ad∣vantages: and that, although it had been openly maintained by some men, That Agreement in Religion could not be pleasing to God; yet it was past all question, That peace conjoyned with truth, was most acceptable to God the Author of both, &c. and as the wiser sort anciently held, That the best remedy in case of Invasion by a common enemy, was to unite all parties, and take away all enmities and divisions in the Common-wealth: Why then should it not be thought the most adviseable course to take the same care in Religious matters, (seeing the common enemy, that is, the Pope, became more and more raging every day) that all animosities and emulations being extinguished, and all con∣troversies and disputes about matters lesse necessary and weighty being removed, a mutual Concord might be established by the common consent of all Calvin and Lutheran Professours, as very little differing in the main things; lest their dissentions should become their enemie's advantage, prejudice to their friends, and open provocations of God's wrath: in order too which, and the like, they shewed, That whereas the resolution of the Estates of the Empire convened at Franckfort in 1634, might serve to point out a way: a Conference at Leipsick would be a means to give light in things of truth.

The Affairs of Switzerland being now in a very broken condi∣tion, the Protestant Cantons had three dayes Assembly at Brugg, unanimously resolving peremptorily to insist, at the next Diett to be held at Baden, on the right of Alliance and agreement betwixt all the Cantons: and if reason were not done, then to take the field immediately. Which they did; for in the very same Ja∣nuary, the Forces set out by Zurick, (Werdmuller being their Ge∣neral) marched abroad in several bodies, to the number of 10000 men: Werdmuller's first booty was of the plunder of a very rich Cloyster in Rynaw, a strong place and passage which he took: then he took in Keyserstuel, a strong Passe upon the Rhine: where some Zurickers were wounded: in the mean time, Ulrich the Liev∣tenant General going into Turgow, took Fauchfield and its Castle, with the Popish Bayliff and his Officers; but the people present∣ly submitted. After that, Werdmuller went toward Raperswill; which place being very well provided, and the bridge so defend∣ed, he made some attempts to come near it, and the enemies some salleys; yet both without effect. But departing thence to the other side of the Lake, he took in the Island of Uffnaw, assaulting also the very strong Castle of Pfesikan. Berne being likewise mar∣ching to divide towards Lucerne, (Geneva having sent them three good Companies of Souldiers) the Cantons of Friburg and Soleure

had endeavoured by their Deputies to keep them therefrom; but they came too late. Rappeswill being still besieged, and they within shooting off many chained bullets, flints, and pieces of steel, wounding and killing some Zurickers, they were mightily incensed: whose stout resolution and courage was admired; who although the like cold weather had not been seen in that Country for a long time, the horse and Ordance being scarce able to passe: yet they would go on (to get as many places as they could) without delay. At Zurick also came forth a Manifesto, concerning the Subject of that War, whereby might be seen the great injustice, tyranny, and violence of the Papists, and chiefly of the Canton of Switz.

In February following, Arnaud, one of the Sorbonne Doctors before mentioned, was with his opinion, condemned and censured by the Molinists or Jesuits, and numerous party of Monks, who had both writton and disputed in defence of the Doctrine of Janse∣nus: (which matter had took up the observation and expectations of the whole Kingdom of France concerning its event and issue) it being put to the question, they damned his Propositions; the one as rash, scandalous, and injurious to the See of Rome and the Bi∣shops: the other, as wicked, blasphemous and heretical: there∣upon sentencing him to be rased out of the number of Doctors, and degraded from all the functions and priviledges of a Doctor: and further concluding, That for the future, none should proceed Doctour, who did not subscribe to the Censure. On the 13th of which February, was the opening of the general Assembly of the Clergy of France.

The Protestants of Switzerland successfully proceeding in re∣venge of the innocent bloud of their massacred brethren, exceed∣ingly strengthened themselves. Some in that Country were Neu∣tral, although Catholiques; Basile also being more inclined to peace than war, whose Ambassadours were then at Berne: which Berners took Zug and beset it; so causing great perplexity in the Switz, where, and in divers places, divers Popish families (appre∣hending the Jesuits cruelty in egging them on, and pressing the Magistrate to hang, burn, and quarter those that turn to the Pro∣testant Religion) publiquely professed the same in the streets, and in great number daily flocked to the Protestants, submitting to their protection. Zursach and Clognaw did now homage to the Zurickers who had assured the Awe: those of Genff 6000 strong, joyning to the Berners; who were now 20000 strong, and expect∣ing 3000 more to come unto them out of Vaud. There being like∣wise at Bunthen 6000 Protestants ready to maintain the Passes to∣wards Tyroll and Italy. The Popish Canton Forces of Uri, Schaye, and Underwalden, kept in a body, where they might have access at pleasure into Rappeswill by the bridge: the besieged of which Town, very furiously sallying out Jan. 16, with 1000 the choisest men as far as Warmspach Convent, were chased in again by the Zurickers with great losse; Werdmuller raising the spirits of his

men by his valiant example: and Captain Eldibach, who kept Warmspach, slaying a great number of them. Among them that were taken, were two brothers, held as Goliahs among the Pa∣pists, and being the chief persecutors of the Nicodemites: their fa∣ther being one who passed sentence on a Widow, one of them that were executed for Religion, (the Protestant Deputie's presence at Switz, it seems, not saving them) and one to whom he owed a great summe of money. Another of their most valiant Martial men who was shot and taken, dyed about three dayes after, raging against the Zurick Army; who in that engagement had but 10 men slain, and 40 wounded.

The Deputies of the Neuter Cantons having been at Zug, gave their judgment in the Councel of War belonging to the 4 Can∣tons, who resolved to make no agreement, tarrying in Zurick, ex∣pecting their answer, that they might govern themselves accord∣ingly: the Deputies of the Protestant Cantons meeting at Araw, to consult upon the whole; and the Papists at Mellinguen, who were not then willing to meet with the Protestants. The Berners receiving a fall through the imprudence of their Officers, took warning thereby, maintaining all places upon the Lake very well, bestirring themselves also with a Galley upon it: But the Souldiers of Ergow performing their duties very well, slew 500 of the enemies: and the Zurickers before Rappenswill having now gotten near the Town on the Land side, shooting Cannon at the wall towards the Starr, a great breach was made, the day fol∣lowing made an assault, 50 getting into the Town; but the ene∣my retrenching themselves on the other side of the breach, they were beaten back, about 20 being killed, and 20 wounded.

At the same time, an Ambassadour of Savoy having been at Araw, arrived at Zurick; where he protested, That his Master the Duke would never take part with the injustices of the Town of Switz; (yet himself could massacre his own Subjects) saying also, That if the peace were not made, his Master would be obliged to ayd his Allies: the French Ambassadour (who would willingly have quickly seen an assembly of all the Cautons of Switzerland) saying just so. Hereupon, there was a Truce betwixt the Can∣tons: which having been prolonged for three dayes more than was at first appointed, was to end Febr. 20 after: during which Truce, the Popish Cantons (about 3000) invading the Territory of Zurick, there acted all manner of cruelties, by burning, Rapes, plunderings, and slaying many both old and young: whereof Ge∣neral Wardmuller being advertised, immediately crossing the Lake with some Troops, and charging them, forced them to retire in∣to the Territory of Switz and Zug, where they presently falling to commit the like cruelties as before, Colonel Swyer (who comman∣ded the Popish forces) sent a Messenger to Wardmuller, desiring him to forbear; pretending, what his men had done, was without his order: a thing hardly by the Protestants to be believed.

Another relation of this matter (for by the time it appears to

be one and the same) is thus; Febr. 1. the Generals of the forces of Switz, Uri, Underwald, and Zug, hearing there would be a Ces∣sation of arms, (which begun the second of February): as also the Conference of the Canton's Deputies at Baden, and whither the Deputies of Zurick and Berne would not come, till the Papist and Italian Garrison were thence removed; the French Ambassa∣dour mainly stirring to find out some way of accommodation) re∣solved next day (being the same Febr. 2.) to fall on the quarters of the Zurickers in five several places, picking out, for that pur∣pose, 4000 of their best men. The chiefest assault was made on the side of Ritchtenschwild Orgen. The Zurickers forlorn guards stopt the assaulters; but being overpowred by their number, they retired towards the body of the Army, whither the other pursuing them, yet ran away at the first discharge upon them; and in their retreat plundred some scattered houses in the Mountains, burnt a small Village, carried away the Cattle, and practised severall great cruelties upon the men, women, and children, cutting off their noses and privy parts, and after killing them. Another as∣sault was made on Wadischwill side: the horse of Schaff. house, and some foot there in garrison defending the place very well. A third was about Phirzel, nigh the river Sile: whom Captain Lochman stoutly resisted; but they going about to shut him up, he with∣drew with his Cannon into a Wood: the enemy there plundring and burning some houses, specially the Minister's. The fourth was about Cappel, where the enemies were repulsed. The fifth was about the Cloyster of Gnadenthall, which was burnt down by the Zurickers. In all which, those of Zurich had the best, losing but few men, in comparison of the assaulter's losse. The Zurickers turned the siege of Rappeswill onely into a blocking up, which was to be maintained with some Regiments: in which Town, he that held Pavia against the French the year before, (with many Spa∣niards) was.

But the Conference at Baden, and Cessation of Arms, ended in a peace; so that in March following they began to disband for∣ces, put the Counties of Turgow and Baden again under the Go∣vernment of the Cantons, and to restore prisoners: on some of whom, the Papists had committed some unworthy actions: and on the 21 of March, a day of fasting and prayer was kept in Zu∣ricks Canton, for a blessing on their State: their forces having been all kept in health and union, God having abundantly sup∣plyed them with Victuals, and preserved them from so many thousand shots before Rapperswill, where they lost but few, and few wounded, notwithstanding their many skirmishes. The Zu∣rickers having also but 150 wounded, and 100 slain in all that War.

Yet some Officers and Souldiers were not very well pleased at the news of the peace; and the people would willingly have con∣tinued the War, to have suppressed the Monks and Priests fury; but others thanked God for it, because the Trade began to decay,

and the Merchants to lose. But the Zurick Forces, in all 19000, were in a posture to be up again at any time, and the Berners resol∣ved to have some forreign forces ready, that (with their own) they might act more powerfully on all occasions; for all the Cantons were to meet March 22 at Baden, where the Mediatours were to go about the settling of the Amnestie or act of oblivion, and the deciding the grievances both Ecclesiastical, Political, and Oecono∣mical, upon which great debates were expected, there being above 200 Articles to be determined onely about grievances in Religion: upon which, the Monks and Priests ('twas thought) would hardly agree; so that the Country might be set on fire again. But whereas some (through wrong information) being much displeased, spread a report, That the two Protestant Can∣tons of Zurick and Berne, had made a most disadvantagious peace with the five Popish Cantons, not only prejudicial to themselves, but to all the Protestants and their Cause; there was about the same time, a publique Monition there set forth for better infor∣mation therein: declaring, That both the obstinacy of the papists was much abated, and they willing to submit to the Right, where∣by all that was desired, might be determined without bloudshed: and also, that the Pope was wroth against the Protestants, and ge∣nerally the whole Italian Clergy had their purses open for the Popish Cantons: that the Forces of Italy, Naples, and Spain, were marching to their assistance, and to master Switzerland: Also, that the Emperour had great forces on foot to trouble and undo their Country; which considering the season of that last Winter, he might have easily done. And that the Protestants were far from any assistance; which though it might have been procured, yet would have come too late. By all which, every one might judge how the Protestant Cantons were necessitated to accept of that peace: which notwithstanding was not (said the Monition) quite decided, but wanted something; and men might believe, the Pro∣testant Cantons would not relent, or abate any thing of redress∣ment of their grievances, whether Ecclesiastical or Political. Af∣ter this, Jan. 30th, 1657, the Arbitrators of the two common or mixt Bayliwicks of Basile and Appenzel, where both Religions are professed, gave a deciding Sentence in sundry heads, both as touching themselves, and also that the charges of the War be∣tween the other Cantons, ought to be laid on that party who was the cause of it; which they judged to be Switz. And as for taking of goods, burning of houses, barns, &c. by either party, these (and other such things) should be buried in the Amnestie or Obli∣vion.

In France, about the beginning of 1656, a little after the peace ratified between that Kingdom and England, the Archbishop of Narbonne President of the Clergie's Assembly there, went as De∣puty, with some other Deputies, to the Court; and not finding the King, (for he absented himself) they addressing themselves to the Queen, desired among other things, that the Protestant's pub∣lique

assembling-places, built by them since the last troubles and tumults of Paris, might be demolished: Also, that they might not be put into Offices and Employments, nor admitted to the governing of Cities and Provinces, nor to Commands in Armies: desiring moreover, that the King would mind an establishing of peace with Spain, rather than with England or Sweden. She an∣swered, That the King above all things desired and sought to maintain peace at home in his Kingdom, and therefore expected that his Subjects of both Religions should live in amity and union one with another; he intending the Protestants should enjoy the exercise of their Religion in such places as had been allowed them: and that he had no better or faithfuller Subjects and Ser∣vants than those. And as to England, and other Allies of the Crown of France, the King had done, and would do therein as he should judg most convenient, and would advise with his Council touching such matters, in due season.

As to the King of Sweden's Affairs, there having been a Treaty between him and the Hollandish Ambassadours; it was fully con∣cluded and confirmed by subscription at Elbing, Sept. 12, 1656, the City of Dantzick being so far comprehended therein, that they were to agree with the King by themselves: they not having then resolved touching the Neutrality upon the Articles that had been propounded unto them.

In the same moneth and year, the City of Valentia in Italy was surrendred up to the French, by the Spaniards: the Governour ca∣pitulating to have leave to send to the Count of Fuensaldagne, That unless relief came within two dayes, he must surrender: and no relief coming, he marched out thence on the 16th day, with 800 horse and foot, six having Vizzards, that they might not be known, who with their baggage and two Cannons, were conducted to Alexandria. The taking of that City enabling the French to esta∣blish their Winter-quarters in the State of Milan, to the great prejudice and indignation of the Spaniards.

A little before the same time, the Venetians took that consider∣able and important Isle and Fort of Tenedos, about the mouth of the Dardanelles, from the Turk; who not onely vexing the Inha∣bitants of the Island with 26 Ordnance, and 5 Morter-pieces; but also firing all their Munitions, and spoyling their Wells, they surrendred; 800 men, and 300 women, Turks and Grecians, com∣ming out of it. The Turks being set ashoar upon the Continent, and the Greeks remaining in the Island: and through the fear and confusion which was then great among the Turks, chiefly in Con∣stantinople, they doubted not but soon to take the Isle of Lemnos; besides divers other places like to fall into their hands: the Inha∣bitants of Scio sending Deputies at the same time to the Venetian Forces, inviting them to draw near their Island, assuring them of an easie entrance through the divisions of the Turkish Comman∣ders there, who were by their oppressions and cruelties become

so insupportable to the Inhabitants, that they alwayes lay in hope of an opportunity of cutting the throats of their oppressours.

But upon the retiring of the Swedish and Electoral Armies, the Poles getting together, came on again in great numbers, cutting down what smaller Swedish Troops they met with in the Coun∣try. And Aug. 24, 1656, Czarnecki meeting with 600 Swedish horse, and 300 Dragoons, cut them all down; they all dying man∣fully in the field. This falling out after some overtures for peace had passed between the two Kings. Neither were there those wanting (about that time) at Vienna, who pressed the Emperour by all means to afford the Polish King that assistance which he had so long demanded; but he would not then give ear thereto.

The Muscovites who entred (as was said before) into Liefland with a great Army, having layn some time before Dunenbourg, took it, and put all the Swedes there in garrison (who were about 2000) to the sword. Thence encamping before Riga, by a sally out of the City, he was repelled, and retired at some distance; General Douglas being sent thither with ships and supplyes. The Muscovite, being in despair of taking Riga, caused him to carry away his greatest guns the sooner; which the besieged perceiving, they sallyed out Octob. 2d. about 5 in the morning, being 650 men, horse and foot: and falling on a place called S. George, where the enemy was strongly entrenched, they destroyed above 1000 of them; taking also 17 Colours, and some prisoners, among whom was Col. Sencler, who through a shot received, dyed pre∣sently after. The night following, he forsook S. George, and on the 5th of October, he quitted the siege, leaving 17 Iron Ord∣nance, and 16 Lubish Gunpowder barrels (which he buried under ground) behind him. And on the 17th of the same moneth, a Greek, who was the Keeper of the great Duke's Wardrobe, com∣ming over to those of Riga, related, that his Master was mightily terrified by news brought him, That Field Marshall Lowenhaupt the Swede did great mischief in Muscovie, having defeated two Armies, and taken two Generals of his prisoners. There being also a Mutiny in the City of Mosco, which forced both the Pa∣triarch, and the great Duke's Lady to flee thence, who were arri∣ved at Polosko in White-Russia. And Novemb. 5th following, there were solemn Thanksgivings at Stockholm, with discharging all their great Guns, for joy of the Muscovite's quitting the siege of Riga, and the Fortresses of Kakenhowen and Notembourg; of whose ir∣ruption into Liefland there was then no farther appearance, than the visible remainders in those desolations and spoyls which they had made in the Country. The reason likewise which induced the Muscovite to that hostile attempt against the Swedes, was sup∣posed to be this, because it was concluded in the Treaty made between him and Poland, That the Polanders, after King Casimir's decease, should freely choose, not onely the son of the Muscovite; but himself also to be next Successour to the Crown.

Before the middle of Novemb. the Polish Army being in three Bodies, one body of them consisting of 30000 Poles and Tartars, Scewsky being General, coming to Prussia's borders near the City Leik, surprised the Electour of Brandenburgh his Army under the Command of Count Waldek: the Tartars also crossing the River, came behind them: there was indeed a sharp fight betwixt them; but the Pole's forces being far greater in number, the Earl was forced to retreat as far as Angerbourg, 1500 of his men being cut off, with the losse of six great Guns, and all their baggage. Yet the King of Sweden nothing daunted herewith, speedily collecting his Troops together, went and confirmed the rest of the Branden∣burgers, by uniting them to himself; which the enemy perceiving, durst not come on to prosecute their successe, but retreated into Podlachia. The Electour himself being awakened by this great loss, (in which Prince Radzivil was taken prisoner, M. G. Ritter∣helm, Col. Rose, Col. Brunnel, with other chief Officers, being slain,) called upon the Nobility of Prussia to arm for defence of their Country: who turning their backs, said, They durst not bear arms against the King of Poland.

But M. G. Golts at the same time (arriving at Tilse) fell upon the Samaytes, standing in battalia two miles beyond, with very good success: who thinking at first, that they were all well moun∣ted and armed, encouraged his men to stand to it: but when he perceived their subtilty, that they had no Musquets, but long pie∣ces of wood coloured black, except a few who having Musquets, fired immediately, he set on them so eagerly, that he got the Victory, slaying 1500 of them, and taking as many more priso∣ners, whereof was Crispin the General himself, and 60 other no∣ted ones, the rest being scattered and routed. Crispin being brought to Tilse, was to be sent to Koningsberg.

The King of Denmark complaining of grievances from the Swe∣dish King, (who had concluded with the States of the Nether∣lands) having his Resident at the Hague in the same Octob. 1656, obtained an answer of his businesse; which was, That the States would not be wanting to recommend his Master's interest to the King of Sweden, that he might receive satisfaction touching all the said grievances of which he complained: and that they had writ∣ten about the same to their Ambassadours in Prussia.

The same year, before this time, even an unheard of mischie∣vous invention to destroy the lives of people, was practised in the Lower Silesia; for some buriers of people seeing they had but lit∣tle work, plotted together, That one of them should (by some fel∣lowship with the evil one) learn to make a powder, which he di∣stributing, and they throwing in publique assembling places, and Fountains, caused great infection; so that at Krapis 2500 dyed thereby. Whereupon the chiefest Families withdrawing into the Country; it afterwards chanced, that a hogg of one of the buriers getting out, ran to the Country where the people was re∣tired, where being shot, the said Burier becoming mad, threat∣ned

all his men, that they should die very suddenly: who also told one that lamented his lately dead Wife, that he wondred at him, so to lament, since he was within a day to go the same way. The Magistrate being advised of all those; this burier was apprehend∣ed, who upon the rack confessed his crime and all his Complices, who according to desert, were put to death with great tor∣tures.

About the moneth November following: the Princes in Ger∣many being jealous of each other, every one of them levied Soul∣diers; for they all feared a new War, which the French were like to make against the Empire; because there was no satisfaction given at Franckford for breaking of the peace; for France pretend∣ed, That the Empetour did contrary to the Peace made at Mun∣ster, in sending Armies into Italy and the Netherlands; yet the Germans sent into Italy, committing great insolencies there, above what the French did, plundring many Monasteries, and chiefly two, hard by Milane; burning down a Village, and plundring the guards of the Milanois Governours; not sparing also the Church∣men, but committing great violences on them, which forced many families to leave their houses and goods, and to flee from that unlucky supply: the affairs of that State could not be then in a worse condition. And then were the Trained Bands, and some new levied Souldiers of the two Electours of Mentz and Heydel∣burg in the fi••ld, marching one against another. Neither of the Princes then yielding to other about the matter of the Customes; but it was believed that some of their Neighbours would inter∣pose.

But the King of Poland arrived Nov. 15. at the City of Dantzick, with his Chancellor and Vice Chancellour, (being fetcht in by 48 Companies of Citizens) whose Army being 30000 strong, (12000 of whom were lusty fighting men) were to be en∣trenched about that City; who soon felt the inconvenience of that numerous Army, to their no small discontent, by reason of their plundring and stealing, spoyling and ruinating all the Cham∣pion Country round about it, which was expected to prove very chargeable to the Dantzickers, and breed great and many inconve∣niences: they being likely to continue their Quarters under the Cannons of their City, and King Casimir intending to stay there himself awhile: Parties, in the mean time, of the Poles and Swedes every day meeting and skirmishing. The Dutch Embas∣sadours having also conferred with the Poland King at Dantzick, (for both they and the French Ambassadours were very serious and diligent in mediating with him for an accommodation) pres∣sed him so hard, that they desired him to nominate a day to begin a Treaty of peace. Who answered, He thought it needfull first to know whether the Swedish King would admit of the Emperour and Danish King to be Mediatours; otherwise all would be to little purpose. Next day, those Ambassadours addressing them∣selves to the Chancellonr of Poland, he gave them the like answer,

assuring them, They should find the King and Estates very much inclined to an accommodation; but, he telling them in conclu∣sion, That before any Treaty began, it would be expected, the King of Sweden should restore all places which he held in Prussia, in the same condition as they were before (which was not to be so much as propounded to the Swede) both the Ambassadour's endeavours, and the Pole's fair shews, vanished in an instant.

The King of Poland being very earnest by his Ambassadours, for the Emperour of Germany his assistance, had proposed the accep∣tance of the Polish Crown unto him, (that is, after Casimir's de∣cease) which, both the Emperour and his Councel, absolutely concluded to wave; they finding it then much more convenient and conducible for the Empire, first to make sure of the Crown of the Romans, and those hereditarily due unto the House of Austria, than to covet after more forreign Crowns. And one of the gra∣vest Imperial Counsellours being asked his advice also, what an∣swer was to be returned, he is reported to have answered, Quaerite primo Regnum Romanorum, et caetera adjicientur vobis; that is, Seek ye first the Kingdome of the Romans, and others shall be added unto you. Whose opinion all the rest did approve of, and agree unto.

On the 29 of October the same year, those of the Inquisition in Portugal burnt four persons alive, who were accused and condemn∣ed of Judaism and Sodomie. And Novemb. 6. following, the King of Portugal departing this World, (through obstruction of the Stone and gravel in his Kidneys) left his Queen, Regent of the Kingdom, during the minority of her son Don Alsonso the first, who was crowned the 15th of the same Novemb. 1656.

Novemb. 20th after, in a Treaty between the King of Sweden, and the Electour of Brandenburg at Taplaw, a perpetual League and Confederacy was anew transacted and agreed on: to which effect, the Earl of Slippenback, and President Borenclaw departed from Koningsberg with the Instrument of that League, to have it ratified by the King.

This year 1656, the Plague sorely afflicted Italy, so that not onely at Naples, but at Rome and Genoa it raged much: and at Be∣nevento, in Novemb. of 9000 people, there were not above 500 remaining.

But the Venetians after Tenedos, soon took Stalimene Island also from the Turks: and having furnished the Fortresse there, with all necessaries for defence, their Proveditor General set sail with the Fleet towards Scio and Zia, to refresh his men: about which time, the Turk cast away all thoughts of peace with the Venetians, having wholly broken the Treaty that had been begun at Constan∣tinople by their Secretary Bellarini.

The King of Sweden (finding his Souldiers exceeding desirous to encounter with the Polanders, before a greater Frost came, for∣cing them to take their Winter quarters) toward the latter end of November breaking up from Hone, he crossed the River with his Army, consisting of 16000 choyse Souldiers: a little after which,

the Polonian Camp under Lubermiski was totally defeated before Cracovia, which they had besieged; and the City relieved, which was brought to great extremity.

About or in Decemb. following, the once Polish Vice-Chancel∣lour Radziecouski was brought (by the King of Sweden's command) a disgraced prisoner to Marienburg Castle, upon the discovery of his treacherous carriages to the Swedes: who (so soon as the ru∣mour brake out, that the Swedish King had forced War upon the King of Poland, under his pretence of a better Title, and nearer Succession to the Crown of Swethland, and that the said King had passed with all his Army in the Baltick Sea, landing in Pomerania) addressed himself unto him, with great promise of his fidelity in all actions wherein he should be imployed: and having given at that very instant a great testimony of the reality of his promises, when he had perswaded Posen and Calissen to accept of Swedish protection, the King might in reason put no small trust and con∣fidence in him: he being a Counsellour in all the principal Coun∣cels, and the chief interpreter when the King's occasion required it. But it was then by his own confession known; First, That he had been the onely cause, why the Cossacks (according to their of∣ffers) did never appear with any reality in the Polish War, and chiefly against the Muscovite. Secondly, That the Quartians and the rest of the Polanders left the King of Sweden at his perswasion. Thirdly, That he engaged himself to the Jesuits, that he would then have delivered the King of Sweden into their hands. Fourth∣ly, That he had an intimate correspondency with the City of Dantzick, assuring them, that within a little time, he should shew himself a faithful Son of his Native Country. It was believed also, that he had a design to betray Elbing and Hoft into King Ca∣simir's hands. But then it was hoped, their Affairs would take another face, and chiefly by the approaching of Ragotzi Prince of Transylvania, at that time: as also the constant desire that the Muscovite had for a peace with the Swedish King; for which cause the King intended to send one Coyes with Instructions to make an overture of the said peace. The said Radziecouski in or about June following, 1657, was imbarqued at Elbing to be transported into Sweden, there to be imprisoned during his life.

A little after, the Chancellour of Poland had given the afore∣said answer to the Dutch Ambassadours: the King of Poland and the City of Dantzick resolved, that overtures of peace should be made with Sweden: whereupon, the French Ambassadour went in∣stantly to the Swedish King, the Holland Ambassadour being to follow, the King being then at Marienburg to receive them, with their Propositions from the Polish King: although it appears, that Negotiation was to little or no purpose,

On May 18 following, 1657, the King of Sweden (whose Head∣quarters was at Quavichest intended to go to the Hungarian Lea∣guer under Ragotsky Prince of Transylvania, (who was now come to his assistance) upon the transaction and agreement made touch∣ing

the evacuation of the Garrison of Cracovia, which was to be surrendred to the Hungarians: on the 16 day of which moneth, a Pole escaping from Samoisci, brought Letters, that Marshal Wit∣tenburg and the other Swedish Lords there prisoners, were not transported from thence, as a rumour was spread: he relating also, That there was then a great mutiny and dissention among the Poles, divers having torn their Standards in pieces, and run away, yet the Polonish Generals kept the rest together, and were gone with them into Lithuania. He likewise related, That Chmielniski, the Cossacks General, was gone into Lithuania with great forces, ta∣king divers Towns by Arvisko, Arvilef, and Bobrosko, and putting to the sword all the Muscovites and Lithuanian Gentry therein.

But the Swedish Army being joyned with Prince Ragotzi's Ar∣my, and passing the River Bug into Lithuania, not far from Krze∣mein, and finding no forces of the enemies, marched towards the strong City called Bizescie Litenky; who at his approach sum∣moning it with a sharp commination of total ruine upon not sur∣rendring, Zawicky the Governour answered, He intended to de∣fend it to the uttermost. The Earl of Waldek and Earl Jacob de la Gardie, drew near the Town with some forces, and shot off two pieces of Canon, (the Swedish signal) which passing into the Go∣vernour's Lodgings, he, terrified, and forgetting his former reso∣lution, next day humbly offered to parley, and yielded on compo∣sition: and that, before the King and Ragotzi arrived there. So that, that strong and important place was subdued without the losse of one man, and garrisoned by Prince Ragotzi, to whom the King absolutely resigned the disposing thereof; although the be∣sieged wished to live alwayes under the Swedish protection: most of which Garrison having been in the service of the King of Swe∣den, the Electour of Brandenburg, and Prince Radzvill, betaking themselves again to the King's service: others Ragotzi got to his side, being raised by him: but the Governour and some others, with some Artillery, were conducted to Stuzana. After which, both Armies departed one from another, the King returning whence he came; and the Prince crossing Bug, not far from Bizescie, where he a while continued.

The Polonish and Lithuanian Armies under Lubermiski, Czar∣necki, and Saphia, till they were joyned, were chased by the King of Sweden and the Transylvanians; so that Czarnecki swimming over Weyssel with 10000 horse, passed into great Poland, summon∣ing up every where the Pospolite to make a diversion into Pomera∣nia; whereof 11 Colours appeared (June 10th) thereabouts on the other side of Thorne bridge with usuall bravadoes. The rest marching towards Bizescie with 2000 Germans and Poles: but as soon as the King drew night them, they fled in such haste toward Vohmien, that the pursuing parties for 20 miles could not hear of them. In the mean time, the Poles intreating the Muscovites for assistance out of Lithuania, they were flatly denyed, with this re∣proach, Thut the Poles had basely deceived the great Duke, by

carrying the Polonish Crown, which they offered to him, to Vien∣na; which affront they would be revenged of: so that they must not expect help from them. Ragotzi marched towards Samoise, whither Steinbock with 7000 Brandenburgian forces was drawing, to visite the same strong Fortresse, thereby to establish the Ragot∣zian line to the very borders of Transylvania, and to stand firmly in Poland. But the King keeping with him a body of 8000 men, intended to march into great Poland, to scatter the forces brought thither by Czarneski, and to draw somewhat nearer to Pomerania's borders, to joyn with Wrangle's 6000 men in Pomerania, in case the Danes should do their worst: For in or about the same June, 1657, the King of Denmark proclaiming War against Sweden, in Coppen∣haguen, disparcht also a Herauld to Stockholm, to intimate there the War, or to the Swedish borders to denounce it; setting forth also a large Declaration of the motives thereof; Because the Swedes had by fraud and violence taken from him his Archbishopricks of Bremen and Verden, and his Towns and Territories, plundring him of his moveables, and denying to give him any satisfaction here∣in; detaining likewise from him, Irne and Zerne in Norway by force, and defrauding him several wayes of his Custome and Toll in the Ore Sound, and prejudicing him most highly in his Prero∣gatives also, because the Swedes had taken away from him the whole Trading by Sea, from Dantzick into Denmark: and instead of making reparation of all those, the late appointed Treaty was broken off: the Danish King protesting against the Calamities which that ensuing War might cause.

About the beginning of May, 1657, the Venetian Gene∣ralissimo Moccenigo, burned 10 Turkish Ships, and 14 Saiques, ta∣king the Tribute of Rhodes to 200000 Crowns: yet losing 100 men, and 300 wounded; who afterwards joyning with the Pope's Galleys, and those of Malta, they went again to the Dardanelles, to hinder all Vessels carrying provision to Constantinople, and re∣solving to fight the great Turkish Fleet, who intended to Rendez∣vouz at Scio.

On the other hand, Monsieur Dureel, the Swedish Plenipotentia∣ry, having used all means to bring the Danish King to a fair ac∣commodation with the Swedish, and that proving vain, he left a Manifesto at Coppenhaguen, May 13, 1657, containing a state of the differences betwixt them. The Swedish Plenipotentiary protest∣ing, That no occasion had been given on the Swedish side, to dis∣solve and break off that Treaty.

War being thus begun in good earnest by the Danes, their Camp began to march for the Archbishoprick of Bremen, entring therein in June; in order to which, they went to the Elbe, whose high waters, and tempestuous winds crossed their transportation; yet some of their forces passing the Elbe above Hamborough, through the Dominion of Linnenburg: in their going over, they gave the other signs, burning pitch'd barrels; whereupon 3000 of the Da∣nish Forces were transported to the High-land, where they took a Fort, called the East-Sconce.

On the 9th day of the same June, the Swedish Camp in Liefland under Major General Lowen; and the Muscovian Army under the Waywood of Pleskow, and the General Szaremietow, had a great fight near the Town Walke; the Swedes having the day, put four Companies of Dragoons to the sword which guarded some passa∣ges. On the place of fighting, 1500 common Souldiers were slain, besides many eminent ones: the rest being pursued: many of whom were knockt down by the Peasants among the bushes: they took from them 4 Ensigns, 26 Cornets, 5 pair of Kettle Drums, all their Artillery and baggage; Szaremietow the General was ta∣ken prisoner, being wounded; also their Quarter-master General, with seven eminent Boyars more from Pleskow, and many others. The remnant of the defeated Muscovites rallying their forces about six miles from Adzell, Count Magnus departed from Riga to the Swedish Army, (recruited with 800 brave Souldiers sent from Prince Adolph out of Prussia, after the action) with full intent to encounter them; who were before the 19th of the same again to∣tally routed and destroyed: upon which, those of the besieged Castle of Adzell despairing of succour, blowing the same up, fled away; the which caused great perplexity thereabouts, especially at Dorpt, which was said to expect no other but the same destiny. Then also the Cossacks under Chmielnisky fell into Russia, making great havock there, taking all before them, without resistance.

But the Danes in Bremen having besieged Bremerford, the be∣siegers approaching to the very Walls; and Stade being by them begirt, the King of Sweden made toward them, coming July 10, to Stetin in Pomerania; and next day the Prince Palatine of Sultz∣bach his Regiments of horse and foot being 5000 choyse men, passed over the River of Oder, to Stetin side. Upon the third day there being a solemn Fast, with prayers throughout all that Land. On the 4th day many Standards and Colours, both horse and Dra∣goons marched thorow that City; the King's own Army of 10 or 12000 men, with a brave Train of Artillery, being to follow after within few dayes: Which march and Expedition was one∣ly intended against the King of Denmark.

About the same time, 12000 Polanders invaded that part of Hungary belonging to Ragotzi Prince of Transylvania, burning down 36 Villages, giving quarter to none. Then also (there ha∣ving, at length, been an agreement of the Imperial Court with Poland, upon six Articles) the Army appointed by the King of Hungary and Bohemia marched for Silesia, and was advancing to∣wards Cracovia. Three of the Articles being, That betwixt the two Crowns, there should be an eternal Friendship and Covenant, offensive and defensive. That the King of Hungary and Bohemia should keep on foot for Poland 16000 men, (10000 foot, and 6000 horse) and a sufficient Artillery: for which the Polish King was to provide necessaries; provided, that the King of Hungary take from the Revenues of the Polonian Salt-Mines 50000 Gilders; be∣sides which, the King of Poland was to pay that present moneth

of June, 300000 Duckats in ready money: that, in that Cove∣nant, were comprehended the German and Spanish Houses of Au∣stria, Denmark Muscovia, and the Tartars; as also, all such Electo∣rall Princes of the Empire which were desirous to be received into it, chiefly Brandenburg, in case he left the Swedish party.

A little after, the King of Sweden marched from Stetin in Pome∣rania with 10000 men against the Danish forces. And the Polo∣nian and Austrian forces being mustred, the former were 24000 strong, the latter 20000; a party whereof marching against Prince Ragotski's Army, who having layn at Pintzaw, were now advancing to the Town Opatawa: Prince Ragotski then seeming inclinable to peace, sending an Ambassadour to the King of Po∣land, soliciting for it; and proffering, That upon conditions, he would quit Poland. The King answering, He would send to the King of Hungary with all speed concerning it, to hear his good intention therein.

About the same time, Bremerwerden in Bremen (after the decease of the chief Commander) was surrendred to the Danes upon Ar∣ticles. The Leaguer-Sconce, a considerable place, being subdued by them also: The Dane lying likewise before Borgh; and keep∣ing Staden blockt up.

In the same moneth of July, 1657, Venice had bad news, to wit, That the Turks having taken the Fort Bossina in Dalmatia, put 800 Christians to the sword. And 6000 Turks coming nigh to Spalatro, turned immediately to the passage of S. Franchois, intend∣ing there to raise Forts: but Possidario sallying out, and fighting a while stoutly, at last drave them quite away, with the losse of many great Commanders: who in their retreat went to Salona, lying between Spalatro and Clissa, where they were recruited with 6000 foot, and 4000 horse. But the Turks under Ussaim Bassa's Command, having prepared for War a good while, came on July 2d, in the night with storming Ladders, &c. pressing on the City of Candia furiously to surprize it; but 500 of those in the City crying out, Turks, Turks, the chains were thereupon drawn, and the Souldiers and Citizens coming to a Body, fell on the Turks, and drave them out. Also issuing forth, they disordering the Turks, put many of them to the sword; who left behind them 29 Ensigns, and 5 Cornets, which they had put up on the wall; 1400 Turks were slain, and 2100 (with a great booty) taken.

There was also a fight toward the latter end of July, on the frontiers of Schoneland, between the Danish forces and the Swedes, under the Command of Horn, Douglas, and Gustave Oxienstern, rai∣sed to engage the Dane on the other side next to Swethland: where∣in the Danes had the worst.

But in Bremen, the Danish Army had almost no sooner possessed themselves of divers places there, but they began to be dispossessed again by the Swedes: for the Swedish Armies coming on, made (in the very moneth of July) the Danish forces to withdraw from Staden: time being then to shew whether they would quite forsake

it, or keep it onely blockt up: who sent then also a part of their forces over the Elbe, to go into Holsatia: and the Swedish Field-Marshal Wrangle (who Commanded in Bremen Dukedome) with his forces (onely assisted with one Regiment of Finlanders, whom he borrowed of the garrison of Staden) recovered the two Forts of Butzflit and Swinga, putting most of the Danes therein to the sword: whereby he encouraged, with all speed and care pur∣sued the other Danes in those parts, who were retreating in all haste to ship themselves out of the Dutchy of Bremen; and ov••r∣taking them at the bank of the River Oste, took most of them pri∣soners; but their Officers being gotten aboard, set sayl towards Gluckstad, leaving some of the smaller Vessels (which should have transported the common sort) a prey to their enemy. But the Danes then held Bremerwerden, and also a Fort seated at the mouth of the Weser: but from the King of Sweden's coming thither, unto that time, the Danes had lost 2000 men. But at the King's en∣trance into Holstein, he pitched his Camp at three several places, and finding the Danes did not stand, but still retreated, he falling on the two Forts Krucker and Niestader, which protected those parts, presently took them, killing and taking about 500, among whom was Col. Benefield, a Germane. In the mean while, about 2000 Danish horse lightly armed, and 800 Dragoons, who were quartered hard by, never came on, but retreated in haste and dis∣order (before the Swedes coming) towards Gluckstad. While the King of Sweden advanced towards Itzchow, most of the Danes horse galloped into Jutland.

About the same time, the Emperour being deceased, there were differences in Germany about the Vicariat or Vice-gerency of the Empire: which having been transferred in the late Wars there, and since by the Pacification at Munster settled on the House of Bavaria, that house pretended as if it were a Prerogative insepa∣rably annexed and belonging to their Electorate: when as the Golden Bull, the fundamentall Sanction of the Empire plainly confirmed it to the House Palatine: which was invested and actu∣ally possessed with that dignity, before ever there were Electours constituted in the Empire: and which the Golden Bull of Charls the 5th did not bestow on the Electours Palatine, but onely far∣ther ratified the same unto their House; soiemnly declaring to the whole Empire and posterity, that it did belong unto them, by reason of their Hereditary possession of the Principality or County Palatine of the Rhine.

Gestendorff Fort being likewise soon after taken from the Danes in Bremen, that Dukedome was almost freed from them; so that in August, 1657, there was no place (except Bremerwerden) which stood out against the Swedes. Wherefore Wrangle leaving behind him a convenient force to secure that Country, and carry on the reducement of Bremerwerden, he departed thence, to follow the King into Holstein, where the Swedes had taken three Sconces from the Danes, and so got into the Moorish Land of Holstein; which

the Danes could not free from hostile Invasions. Also, the King of Denmark arriving at Juiland, leavying forces for the reinforcement of his Camp; and his Rix-Marshall Bille marching thither to him with 2000 foot from Gluckstad, with other forces brought in from other parts, his Army was look'd on to be very considerable; and which, the Danish Officers were then putting in a posture fit for battel: And they might expect it, because the King of Sweden with the rest of his Army, advanced after the Prince of Suliz∣bach, whom he had sent before towards Jutland with a strong party.

About or in the same moneth of August, the Venetians obtained another signal Victory against the Turkish Fleet, at the mouth of the Dardanelles, and that in the sight of the great Turk himself, who was said to have come down thither to see the fight. But that which sowred that great Successe unto them, was the losse of their General Moccenigo, who being in prosecution of the Victory, and afterwards endeavouring to return to the attaquing of the Isle of Scio, a tire of great guns being discharged from the Castles of the Dardanelles; one of them lighted into the Magazine of powder in his own Galley, and blew him (with many more Nobles) up into the Ayr.

On the 9th of September following, Rosenwing, Envoy from the King of Denmark, arrived at Amsterdam: whose businesse was to solicite the States for assistance both by men and money: he rela∣ting also, That his King was assuredly with his Army resolving to bid the Swedes battel; but he intended not to engage, till the Poles should make their promised Invasion into Pomerania to divert the Swedish forces.

About the beginning of July before, 1657, one Colonel Doyley Governour in Jamaica Island for the English, wrote into England, concerning the good condition the English were then in.

But there having been a difference risen in Germany between the City of Munster and their Bishop: the Bishop besieged that City, (500 Souldiers of the forces levied by the Ecclesiasticall Electours, going to help their fellow Bishop in that siege; and the Duke of Bavaria had sent thither 4000 men) but (the Citizens continuing couragious, and resolving to abide the utmost extre∣mities, rather than to submit to such conditions as their Bishop would have imposed upon them) it proved a very difficult siege; for the besieged sallying forth notably, more than once, they slew a great number of the Peasants which came thither to do service. They also finding their Governour to be one holding correspon∣dence with the enemy, brought him to Tryall, and put him to death; hanging and quartering four persons more upon the same account, who had undertaken to set divers of the chief streets of the City on fire. At length by help of the States General of the United Provinces, (whose forces were advancing toward the relief and vindication of the besieged Citizens) the Bishop no sooner heard the news of the said forces advance, but he presently began

to give ear to the Citizens just demands, permitting unto them their ancient Priviledges, rights and immunities. Whereupon they immediately suffered him to enter into Munster very honou∣rably: the Garrison being disposed under Gen. Remona's Com∣mand, he took an Oath of fidelity to the City; (for by a sure agreement with the Bishop, the Garrison was wholly at the Citie's devotion). The Bishop lost 1500 men during the siege; the Citi∣zens not above 30, and about 200 wounded. This was in Octob. 1657. After which, the States General's forces retired into their Garrisons from whence they came.

But the King of Sweden passing out of the Dukedome of Holstein, into Jutland, (taking upon the way those that were willing into his protection, and dealing with others as he saw meet) there was great perplexity among the Danes, because of his so soon coming thither, and arriving at Alborgh, which is but 12 or 14 leagues on the other side of the Sea from Gottenburgh in Sweden; this was in August; about which time, a Danish Major General having cast up a Sconce three leagues from the said Gottenburgh on an Island called Tiurholmen, fortifying the same with some Guns, and inferiour Officers and Souldiers: the Earl Douglas just then being coming thither, 400 of his Souldiers so saluted them, that they presently left the same, leaving behind them a great quantity of provision. Douglas advancing to Wennersborg, gathered his Troops together, intending to continue his Expedition in Norway; but he was stayed there-from by a Letter from Vice-Roy Brahe, (out of Schonen) then Generalissimo by Land and Sea, that he should tran∣sport himself into Prussia, to assist Duke Adolph, and command the Army left there.

The Danes (the while) reinforcing themselves in Schonen, Vic∣tuals there growing scant, the Vice-Roy with his 5000 men was constrained to retire to Helmstadt: the Danes passing safely tho∣row the Wood Hallansoos into Laholm, gave out, that they were 8 or 9000 men: wherefore Douglas received another Order from Brahe, to take 1800 horse, and Col. Swynehead's foot, and to march thither; Steinbock also having a few dayes before come out of Prussia to encounter and endeavour to force them back into their own Country. But they having assaulted Laholm Castle in Hal∣land, and being thrice repulsed with the losse of 500 men, re∣treated again into their Country Schoneland, because they heard Earl Douglas was to joyn with the Swedish Army there.

Czarneski with his flying Army going into Pomerania, the King of Sweden was thereby called away out of Jutland in haste; so that the Ambassadours of the States General of the United Pro∣vinces going (after a sumptuous entertainment by the Duke of Holstein in the Castle of Gottorf) Sept. 13. towards Flensbourg, to meet with him,; he was gone ere they were aware: (the King of Denmark arriving about the same time, from Jutland, at Coppenha∣guen, having left Fredericks-Ode and Fuenen in a good posture of defence) but the Swedish King left his affairs in Jutland to be

carried on by Wrangle; who commanding his forces there, kept Fredericks-Ode still blockt up by Land: out of which, the Danes having made severall salleys; on Sept. 20th, they made two no∣table ones with two whole Regiments; but they being repulsed by the Swedes, they pursued them till they came under the Canon of the place, killing many, and taking divers prisoners. But the King of Sweden having sent Wrangle a Recruit of Foot under Co∣lonel Fersens Command (with an Order to try if possible he might carry that Famous and strong Town & Fortresse of Fredericks-Ode, situated on the water towards the Sound) of 5000 men, thereby to overthrow the Danes designe, as also to consider which way he might successfully prosecute their expedition into the Isle Fuenen, or give the Enemy a blow somewhere else; He, on October 23, (having first caused divers experienced Corporalls, by night to crawle upon their hands and feet, observing with all diligence, all particulars needfull to be known about the said place) cal∣ling a Council of War, and propounding the Kings intention, after many discourses of pro and con, they generally Resolved to make onset upon it (the Danes then not dreaming of such a thing) in 3 several places at once in the morning before break of day: which they doing, and all the Officers and Souldiers behaving themselves with singular Courage, it was in a short time, by that one assault (although the Danes disputed one Bullwark after ano∣ther with stout opposition, and making the greatest resistance on those who gave the Onset on the Gate, in their Posts toward it) reduced to the Swedish King's obedience, with the Garrison, 6 Lieut. Colonels, 8 Majors, 26 Captains, 27 Lievtenants, 26 Ensigns, 2 Engineers, 56 inferiour Officers, 13 Constables, &c. being killed and taken; above 2000 common Souldiers were al∣so taken prisoners, besides those that escaped into the Boggs; and 1100 of the inferiour Officers and common Souldiers slain; 33 Colours, with 6 Standards of Dragoons, being likewise taken. The Swedes had killed in the action, 1 Adjutant Gen. 1 Capt. of horse, 1 Corporal, 19 Troopers: and of the foot, 1 Lieut. Col. 4 Capt. 1 Lieutenant, 2 inferiour Officers, 44 common Souldiers, with a great many wounded. Rix Marshall Bille the Dane car∣ried himself so valiantly in that assault, that he had divers wounds in his head; but seeing all to be lost, he retreated with the Lord Hocke, a Danish Privy Counsellour, into the little Sconce, whi∣ther also most of the Officers were gone, hoping to get over the water to Fuenen; but the contrary wind blowing hard, he was forced to yield himself up like the rest, at discretion.

After this, the King of Sweden thinking it expedient and need∣full to undertake a design suitable to the present Necessities, call∣ing his chief Officers to Kiel to confer with them there; himself departing from Wismar in Pomerania, Jan. 5. 1657, arriving at Kiel on the 9th day: the result of whose serious deliberation with Wrangle the Rix Admiral, and others, was, That a tryall should be made to get over into the Island of Fuenen one way or other,

whether the Frost held or not. Wherefore the frost holding, he sent the Admiral to Fredericks-Ode, to order those Regiments in Jutland to draw together thither on the 26 day: After the sending some to view the Ice beyond Fredericks Ode, and nigh Fuenen, and over against the Island of Brosoe, (where the Swedish set foot, for the better performance of their design) whose horses of the third party sent, (the Ice breaking) were drowned, they with much ado saving their lives: and after the King's ordering both Wings, and all things accordingly, after some disputes, (this dysaster al∣so happening unto the Swedes, that the two Regiments of Waldek and Koningsmark sanck into the Ice; so that Col. Boreman came to no action: and two Companies of Waldek's Regiment were drowned, with some Troopers of Koningsmark and Boreman) the Danes were totally routed and put to flight, Col. Jens, a valiant and experienced Souldier, desiring quarter of the Rix-Admiral; those that were not put to the sword, being immediately taken prisoners: only some few retreating upon the Ice, (some of whom were drowned) (and of all the Danes forces not 200 escaping) were pursued at the heels by some commanded forces. Where∣upon M. G. Berendts was commanded towards Langland and Swineburg to encounter 500 horse, who were to come from thence to assist Col. Jens; and Col. Ashenberg had order to go to Middle∣fort to beat up Col. Bilde with his 600 horse, but he was retreated before to Odensea. Jens confessed, That the Dane's forces consist∣ed in all of 3000 horse, besides 700 Germans, and 1500 Land∣forces, whereof all the Superiour Officers (except one Capt. Ru∣mor, who was killed in the beginning) were taken prisoners: and among these chief and publique Officers, were five Senatours; as also L. G. Guldenlew, who all had fled to Odensea: there were like∣wise taken in divers places, about 60 pieces of Ordnance, with a great quantity of ammunition, and a Magazine well furnished: and when the King of Sweden had sent the Rix Admiral to New∣burg, to seize on four Danish Men of War there, (a great number of small Vessels and Boats being likewise seized on) he presently came unto Odensea. This Island was taken Jan. 30. 1657.

But in or about October before, the Venetians lost again the Isle of Tenedos to the Turks, though not without ruine to the Conque∣rour. The Venetian Fleet being gone from the said Island to take in fresh water; the Turk's Fleet took opportunity to land there a great body of men, who presently setting upon the Fort of Tene∣dos by storm, were in the first attempt repulsed; but they prepa∣paring for a new Onset, and being numerous, the Venetian Garri∣son working a Mine under the Fort, disposed their powder there∣in with a match fitted to it, and then quitting the place, the Turks taking possession thereof, were (Fort and all) blown up into the Ayr. The Venetian Fleet returning, and perceiving what had happened, and the Turks Freet being at hand, they prepared for an encounter; which being performed resolutely on both sides, (for the Grand Visier encouraged the Turks, he having come pur∣posely

from Constantinople, to see that Island regained, whose pos∣session is of so great concernment to the Commerce of that City) in the conclusion, the Venetians got a new notable Victory, sinking 16 of the Turk's Men of War, with four that came from Tripoli to serve the Grand Seignior; taking also four of their Gal∣leys.

About the same time, 1500 Danes made an Incursion into Bre∣merwerden, hoping thereby to have relieved Bremerwerden; but the Swedes resolutely playing their parts thereabouts, made good the siege, rendring all the Danes enterprise fruitlesse, both touch∣ing Bremerwerden, and other places in that Country. Eggerick the Governour of Bremerwerden keeping in very close, after the at∣tempt made upon the Behlemer Sconce; from whence they were repelled by the Swedish Garrison, with great losse.

But while the King of Sweden was thus struggling with the Dane, most inhumane cruelties and persecutions were acted by the Papists and their party in Poland, against the Protestants: The first City which they set upon being Lesna, whither many Prote∣stants had come for shelter; there being three Congregations of them, to wit, the Polonian, Bohemian, and German. They intended to have put all to the sword therein; but the Citizens having no∣tice of their coming, left the City and all their wealth behind them, fleeing thorow Woods and boggs into Silesia. The enemy entring the City, found none but aged and bed-rid persons, whom they barbarously slew, and after plundring the City, burned it to ashes. In other places also they cruelly murdered divers Mini∣sters, and people of all ages and sexes.

Before the taking of Fuenen, the Swedish King being in Pomera∣nia, he was intent upon making new leavies to oppose the proceed∣ings of the Poles under Czarneski, who had then removed the War out of Poland, to their doors; for 4000 Poland Troopers fording the River Oder, and plundring Dowen, not far from Stettin, set it on fire. Part of the forces in Holstein being also sent for by the King to oppose the Polanders.

The King of Poland having had a Treaty with the Electour of Brandenburg, it was brought to an issue; which was, That he could be no further prevailed with by the King, than to stand Neutral betwixt the Poles and Swedes.

About the moneth of December, an Ambassadour coming to Constantinople, from the King of Persia, with a gallant Train, he presently went to his audience; and at the making of his Propo∣sition, he drew out his Shabel, saying, That in case the Grand Seignior would not restore the lesser Babylon, and make satisfaction for the Merchants goods which the Turks robb'd, and the capti∣vated Persians, which (during the Treaty of peace) were carried away into slavery by his Subjects; then in his King's Name he de∣clared War. There was no answer followed hereupon, but both the Ambassadour and the chiefest of his Train being cast into pri∣son; his head was presently after severed from his body. So that

the Turks being sure of War with the Persians, there was to be but one Camp set out with the Turk's great Ensign, against the Venetian Republique: The great Prince being to stay at home to supply recruits, and to have a watchfull eye upon the Mascovites, who then spake in Thunder to the Turkish Monarchy by their warlique threatenings. Before which time, the son of the Grand Visier being enraged at the death of his father, sware, He would be revenged on the grand Signior himself, and all that counselled him to put his Father to death. Wherefore he rising up in rebel∣lion, and making no small disturbance, some advised, that he might be endeavoured to be appeased by favourable promotions; but others liked not that, because of giving encouragement to others in the like case.

But the Jesuits who had been expelled from the City and Ter∣ritories of Venice the space of 50 years, were re-admitted again by the Senate's authority, upon the Pope's solicitation; for which he thanked them by his Nuntio.

The Poles having taken the City of Conitz from the Swedes, the King of Sweden about this time retook it again.

In the moneth of January, the English surprized 600 Spaniards in Jamaica Island, who had hid themselves among the Thickets and bushes, some whereof were slain, some taken prisoners; and some other Spaniards fleeing away in a small Vessell towards Cuba.

About February, Wrangle was appointed Protectour of the Dukedome of Bremen.

And about the moneth of April, the King of Spain bent his mind above all other affairs, upon the attaquing of Portugal, which he intended to set upon with an Army in four Bodies. And to this end, the Nobility were preparing to attend him. The grand Stan∣dard which used to be kept in the City of Soria, being brought forth for that Expedition: which was principally undertaken, upon a supposal (their King being deceased) of discontents and divisions in Portugal.

But Count Magnus de la Gardie (who governed the Province of Liefland for the King of Sweden) being desirous to revenge the inva∣sion which the Muscovites had made the year before into that Country, caused 3000 men to be drawn out of the Army there; and entring into the Muscovite's Country, laid near 100 Villages in ashes, put 2000 men to the sword, took Besur, a place betwixt Dorpt and Plotzko, which was the place of the Magazine for Arms and Ammunition, and set fire on the Town. Whereupon the Muscovites being provoked, a body of them pursued the Swe∣dish as they were returning with their booty, which being re-in∣forced by an addition of 2000 Germans, it came to an Encounter; but the Swedes being strengthened by some forces, sent them by the Governour of Revell, got the better, forcing the enemy to re∣tire in disorder, leaving 600 men dead on the place, and 400 taken prisoners. With the losse of one Colonel, and about 60

horse to the Swedes. This fell out in April, 1657. About which time, the mouth of Mount Aetna in Sicilie (now called Mungibal) foamed up an unheard of, and most stupendious quantity of fire, covering the Island with ashes.

But that which in Octob. 1657, made things run to an extre∣mity in Portugal, was the excessive Demands of the States Gene∣ral of the United Provinces, by their Commissioners, from that Kingdom: who in their Treaty at Lisbone, (demanding possession of the Realm of Angola, and the Isle of S. Thomas; also free Commerce in and with Brasile; some millions of money, and 13000 Chests of Sugar, to be delivered in Amsterdam at the King of Portugal's charge) set an end to all hope of any good by treating: For those particulars being denyed them, a War was begun with Portugal, the Dutch Fleet then lying thereabout to watch for their Brasile Fleet: whose Commissioners returned to make report unto their Superiours.

But Czarneski with 8000 Polish horse entring in the same Octo∣ber into Pomerania, wasted that part of it which belonged to the Swede; and advancing as far as betwixt Stetin and Anklam, they dealt most barbarously with the Inhabitants: yea they came to Anklam it self, where they burnt the Horse-Mills, (also a second time before Stettin, consuming and burning down all to the ground thereabouts) and had not the overflowing of the River Pein hindred, they would have made a farther spoyl and pro∣gresse; whereupon they returned back again into the Marck: and the King of Sweden being then thereabouts, collecting his forces to oppose them; (his men being mightily encouraged by the un∣expected news of the taking Fredericks Ode) they hearing the King was drawing an Army together, went back again over the Oder. Czarneski afterwards returning into Poland.

About November, the Portugal Forces having rendezvouzed at Elvas, not onely passed the River of Guadiana; but coming be∣fore Moron, after four dayes siege, constrained the Governour to surrender it upon Capitulation: which news moved the King of Spain, in regard it was provided with all necessaries for a long siege, and might have held out, till relief had been brought by the Duke of San Germano, the Spanish General.

But at Constantinople all means was used to intercede for the Cos∣sacks, that they might be reconciled to the Crown of Poland; where likewise warlique preparations both for Sea and Land were then eagerly followed. Then were the Persians also stirring against the Turks; whose Land-forces were to act against them; (if they could not either make a cessation of arms with them, or find out some other way for accommodation, which they desired) wherefore they then blockt up Lemnos, which being reduced, their Land∣forces might be employed either against the Persians, or some other parts. But the Venetian Commander in Lemnos stoutly behaving himself, repulsed the Turks in 15 assaults: yet the Turks at last taking the said Island of Stalimene or Lemnos, sent thither a Garri∣son of 10000 men.

A little after which, the Austrian Court at Vienna resolved to proclaim the King of Sweden for an open enemy, and to publish open war against him.

Philip the 4th King of Spain being aged, and almost beyond ex∣pectation, having a young Prince, his Son and Heir, born unto him in November, 1657, Bonefires were caused to be made throughout all the Spanish Dominions: all Officers being to per∣form that solemnity in the most magnificent manner.

But the Poles continuing their Leaguer before Riga, the Gover∣nour Helmfield, Jan. 12. 1657, assaulted the besieger's well forti∣fied Leaguer with about 6000 men on the other side of the Duna; and successfully scaling it, he took 20 Colours, with all the Ar∣tillery and baggage, and 200 prisoners; among whom were ma∣ny Polish Lords, and persons of note; Col. Wigand their Com∣mander was slain, with divers other Colonels, and 1800 com∣mon Souldiers also killed on the place. The Conquerours finding such store of provisions and victuals there, that the Inhabitants of the City were two dayes in carrying of it away; so that the Pole's Leaguer was wholly ruined, and those of Riga set free again.

In or about February after, the Austrians and Poles going up further into the Country of Prussia, committed great outrages and insolencies in the Bishoprick of Ermland. They seized on Newark by treachery of a Popish Burgomaster; and afterwards the Castle Brazian. But those of Thoren having a design, sallyed out upon the Poles, killing many, and taking a number of prisoners, with 4 field-pieces, and much Ammunition.

A little before which time, all the people of Naples being dis∣contented, as not liking the Spanish Government, 8000 Bandits were on foot in that Kingdom, their Leaders being of great Fami∣lies: so that, the Tower of Annunciado was said to be taken, and three garrisons put to the sword. But the Vice-Roy took two Bi∣shops which were among the Bandits, as also a man disguised in womans cloaths, who privately carrying a Poniard to stab the said Vice-Roy, intended thereupon to have raised a Tumult. And these Bandits continuing their rebellion, one Capt. Martelli about Jan. meeting with a party of them, pursued and took 20 of them, cutting off their heads; the rest taking Sanctuary in a house at Pazano, long defended themselves: but at length they being con∣strained to yield, were sent prisoners to Baia Castle. After which, the Vice-Roy sent a Body of forces toward Salerne and La Poville, to endeavour the hindering of the said Bandits from encreasing their Troops that way; for they were grown very insolent and audacious, being encouraged by hopes of succour the next Spring out of France.

But the Swedes having taken not onely Fuenen, but Langland, Laland, Phalster, and Zealand, from the Danes; insomuch, that their forces were every where defeated and reduced under the Swedish power; the two Kings came unto a Treaty of Peace; in

which, English Agents (the Danish King having accepted of the Protectour's mediation) and French, with some Plenipotentiaries of the Danish Rix-Senatours, (all others being excluded) were to mediate. But the Danish King being reduced to a desperate con∣dition, the agreement was made by the mediation of an English Envoy, whom the said King prevailed with to interpose: the King of Sweden giving but 24 hours parley; and it was done, upon very advantagious conditions on the Swedish King's side; as also somewhat for his Father in law, the Duke of Holstein. This Peace was concluded betwixt them, on Febr. 27. 1657.

On Febr. 20th, there began a Polish Convocation in Warsovia, where many Senators appeared. A main Proposition there made, being concerning a Treaty of Peace with Sweden; which if it could not be obtained, then means was to be resolved on for pur∣suance of the War, and to make a League with the United Ne∣therland Provinces; and an agreement with the Cossacks, for a cessation of Arms. The Senators then took an Oath, not to re∣veal any of their Consultations. The Gentry likewise complai∣ned much against the quartering of the Austrian forces, and the maintaining of their own Souldiers: for whom moneys were to be raised. There was also another Proposition concerning the toleration of the Protestant Religion; which the Gentry admit∣ted, (though the Clergy accepted not of it) declaring, That the Augustine and Reformed Religion should be tolerated, but not the Socinian. They also resolved against the Clergies Protestation, which would have no peace with Sweden, accepting of the French mediation therein. Then also the Commander of the Austrian forces defiring an Oath of fidelity to be made to him in the King of Hungary's name, in the City of Cracow, the States of Poland were much offended.

There was likewise about this time, a meeting of the Clergy in Flunders, to raise money for the King of Spain: The Bishop ex∣horting them, said, There was great necessity, that a sum should be yearly raised to prosecute the War against the English and French; alledging, that the Enemies aymed chiefly at the Cler∣gie's revenues; they being then upon the hazard of losing all: all which might be prevented. Their Assembly brake up divers times: at whose first meeting, many of them declared, they be∣ing poor, had nothing to give; which being known to the contrary, they afterward contributed, and subscribed large sums.

But something not altogether inconsiderable, comes to be rela∣ted out of the East-Indies, the state of the great Mogol; who there deceasing, in 1657, the Indians lost such a pretious treasure in him that was so wise and fortunate, that they despaired of ever seeing a Successour to his Virtues; yet he lived to the age of 73 years: who leaving behind him four sons, (and being by every one a grandfather) they were all somewhat equally ballanced in power, (by a division of that vaste Empire, into a kind of Tetrar∣chy)

being onely subord inate to their father while he lived: Nei∣ther could the right of primogeniture extend the eldest his Domi∣nions any farther, than by the sword, which was then like to be the Arbitrator: so that whatever was done by the three Elder brothers, the distance of the place, and difficulty of passage had then denyed intelligence to those of Surrat: but Morat Bux, the younger, having crowned himself king of Guzarat, his Seat being at Abmadwad, (a great City 100 miles from Surrat) sent in Octo∣ber, or about the beginning of Novemb. 1657, an Army under an Eunuch's command to reduce Surrat Castle, it being of very considerable strength, and commanding the best Port of his Domi∣nions, besides a treasure of above 200000 l. sterling therein; but the Governour refusing to deliver it to any but Dorroskokore the Eldest, who was King of Delly, the Eunuch close besieging the same, and working three Mines under the brink of the Meat, he sprang one of them, Decemb. 20, blowing up 60 yards of the out∣ward wall; which although it would have little advantaged him, (had the Souldiers continued resolute) yet the frights of danger, and promised indempnity, made them constrain the said Gover∣nour to surrender it, Decemb. the 4th after, (though on honou∣rable terms, and after much losse to the besiegers) That division having almost put an end to the Trade of Surrat.

About the latter end of 1657, the Muscovites remaining about Jemma, which they had besieged from the middle of Febr. before, with between 5 and 6000 men; M. G. Horn, Governour of In∣germanland, approaching with but 800 men, and four pieces of Cannon, took from them the Fort of Kakelwerck, putting 100 Mus∣covites to the sword therein: whereupon, the main body drawing off from before Jemma, he had opportunity to put Ammunition, Victuals, and fresh men into that Town, without any opposition of the enemy.

The Cossacks and Tartars about the same time made an agree∣ment. Peace also between the Houses of Ottoman and Austria was confirmed: and it was hoped the Cossacks and Poland would agree also. And likewise that a Peace would be made between Poland and Sweden: For the Treaty in order to a composure went on in April, 1658, betwixt their Commissioners; the successe of a fair conclusion being very probable: which thing not a little alarmed the great Duke of Muscovy, who was very active to prosecute his design, fearing those two Kings reconciliation might prove pre∣judiciall to him; who sent an Expresse to the Polish King, to de∣mand an execution of the Treaty heretofore made at Vilna be∣twixt them, particularly that point respecting the Muscovite's el∣dest son's succession to the Crown of Poland: whereby the Polish king apprehending, that the Muscovite did but seek a pretext for War, he therefore ordered one part of his forces to observe the motion of the Muscovites.

But Czarneski, (who was then made Cracovian Palatine in the room of Miskowsky deceased) was to have his Rendezvouz Apr. 20,

at Meyeritz it great Poland with 10000 men, with whom the Austrian forces joyning, they were to march joyntly into Pomera∣nia, if Sweden and Poland did not agree.

On the 19th day of which moneth, the Dutchesse of Newburgh was delivered of a young Prince, which made the Court re∣joyce.

Two or three moneths before this, ••he Turks were more enra∣ged against Christians in the City of Jerusalem, than formerly, demanding of them and their Merchants double Custome; threat∣ning to turn them out, and lead them Captive, if they would not pay, and not suffering any Christians to come thither; which perplexed the poor Christians there very much; the Guardian having desired 20 moneths time to send the religious people into Christendom to gather Alms.

But in the same moneth of April, 1658, 800 foot Souldiers out of Polonish Regiments passing over the River Weyssel about Dir∣shaw, with intent to take post in a Sconce not far from the Village Lissaw, and so to invade the great Werder: Prince Adolph sum∣moning all the horse and foot to be had in Elbing and Hooft, would forthwith have encountred them: But the Bridg being somewhat damnified by the high water, he was hindered; so that the enemy had time to fortifie themselves with some Palisadoes: but as soon as the Swedish got over, they advanced before the said Sconce of Lissaw, which the Polish (though they made strong opposition, after L. Col. Plaw the Governour was killed, his forces that entred therein 126 files, being diminished to 65, and all provision cut off from the other side) within few dayes were forced to surrender it, Apr. 21, upon discretion, with all the Men, Canons, and Ammu∣nition that was left. Saphia was coming to relieve the same, but hearing it was yielded, he retreated back again.

May 4th after, 1658, the French, with some English assisting them, had a defeat in attempting to surprize Ostend in Flanders, by a Plot laid with two Burgomasters, and some others within the Town, one Spindeler, a Colonel, banished formerly out of Flanders, being to be a chief actor in the businesse, who was indeed their betrayer. The time being come, and all signs of a surrender gi∣ven, the Governour being pretended to be slain, &c. between 9 and 10 in the morning, the new Tide serving, Marshal D'Aumont going in, in Vessels, with between 6 and 700 men, the small shot and great guns also now firing apace, they were constrained to yield themselves prisoners: some, endeavouring to run ashoar on the Contribution side, being killed by the horse there on purpose placed. Of the English that went to ayd the Marshal in his land∣ing, were taken prisoners 110 men; of the Sea-men that went ashoar there being but four wanting.

A little before the same time, the King of Sweden summoning an Assembly of all the Provinciall Governours of Sweden, with most of the Bishops, and a Deputy from each City to Gottenburgh; Rosenham (they being met) Commander of Stockholm, opened the

Assembly with an elegant Oration, being followed therein by the other Deputies, congratulating the King touching the prosperous successe of his Arms: and before May 17, we find him gone from Gottenburgh, having obtained of the Estates of his Realm all that he demanded of them: particularly, a Levie of 14000 men for securing of Pomerania. In the mean time, M. G. Jephson the En∣glish Envoy, arrived at Berlin, where was the Electour of Bran∣denburg his Court, as also an Ambassadour from the Lantgrave of Hessen: The first intimating thus much, That he who should be ••n enemy to the King of Sweden, should also be so to the Lord Pro∣tector. The other's Commission seeming to tend to the same effect; which was, To endeavour a hinderance of Jealousie and difference (erept in between the said King and Electour) from breaking out; and that a good understanding and constant friendship might be on both sides preserved. For then in the said Electour's Domi∣nions, divers Magazines were to be erected, a great quantity of provision being to be brought together to that effect: he also lea∣vied great forces, his design being not at first known; but in July after, it was apparent, That between the King of Sweden and the Electour, was nothing intended but open hostility: this last, pub∣lishing a Manifesto of the grounds of his proceedings, in keeping his Army together, and levying more forces, &c. who having desired the Swedish King both by Writing and Ambassages, That the pretended Quarrell betwixt the King of Poland and Sweden might be by fair means laid a side; proffering on his part all pos∣sible means conducing thereunto: Also he earnestly endeavouring to procure just satisfaction from the Polish King, who thereupon shewed himself inclinable and desirous of peace, (the Ambassa∣dours of the Electoral Colledg at Frankford being, at the time of his Manifesto••'s publishing, with the Swedish King, about laying aside of Controversies, and observing the Instrument of Peace, and other wayes by him used: Yet his Ambassadours were coorsly used, contrary to the Laws and Customs of Nations, not being admitted to audience, though they had his Letters of Credence; but rather were bid to be gone, to his great disgrace; adding thereto great threatenings; for execution whereof, an Army then stood on his Frontiers; and that, unlesse God turn'd it away, he must look either for a sudden surprize, or a most destructive ho∣stile march through the Empire and his Territories. The said Duke of Brandenburg therein also charging strictly all his Sub∣jects to quit their warlique service out of the Empire, and to re∣turn either to their own homes, or come to him or his Army with∣out delay, upon forfeiture of all that ever they had, whether moveables or unmoveables.

But before this time it was perceived by prudent men, that the Austrians used all manner of promises and shifts to the King of Po∣land, to continue the division between Sweden and Poland, doing what they could to obstruct the mediation of France for an accom∣modation: whereupon most of the Polish Estates, chiefly the Prus∣sian,

appeared so ill satisfied, that most of them were on the point to endeavour the summoning a Diett to Dantzick, to consider of wayes and means most advantageous for their affairs: and the rather, because Brandenburg had then sent new assurances to the Swedes, that he would do nothing to their prejudice. But we see afterwards there was a manifest breach.

As concerning evacuation and restitution of places between the Dane and Swede, the King of Denmark was to repossesse Fredericks-Ode, when the Castle of Bremerwerden should be restored to the King of Sweden; and about the beginning of May this present year, 1658, all Regiments of Sweden were transported out of Zea∣land; but those in Fuenen were not to be removed till the Treaty of the Danish King with the Duke of Holstein, (wherein there were some tergiversations used on the Danish side) was brought to a final upshot.

But on July 18, 1658, Leopoldus King of Hungary and Bohemia (the former Emperour deceasing April 2, 1657,) was chosen Em∣perour of Germany by the seven Electours at the Imperial City of Eranckford.

And Septemb. 3d following, (the very day on which the two memorable Victories of Dunbar in Scotland, and Worcester in England against the Scottish King were by him obtained) Oliver ••romwell, Lord Protector of the three Nations, after about 14 dayes sicknesse, like an Ague in the beginning, about the hour of three in the afternoon, departed from the living, having born that Su∣pream Office almost five years. And the next day, Sept. 4. Richard, the eldest Son of the said Oliver, was by the Privy Council's Com∣mand proclaimed Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ire∣land, in his Father's stead. Which on the same day was perform∣ed, first near the Council. Window in White-Hall; then in the Palace-Yard at Westminster; and after that in the City of Lon∣don.

But about the middle of July, the Swedish forces invading Electoral Prussia, and plundring some Villages, they killed the Duke of Brandendurg his safe-guards which they there found, but one Col. Shoneck lying in wait for them, met at last with a Swe∣dish party of 200, near Rosenberg, bringing some of them prisoners to Kingsberg.

Then also the Treaty betwixt Sweden and the Muscovite success∣fully going on, the Governour of Riga wrote to the Swedish king, That he hoped there would be no occasion to send force against him. But the Cham of Tartary sent to the king of Poland, and congratulating him, proffered him assistance against all his ene∣mies.

This present year also, 1658, came intelligence into England, of the great successe which the English forces had in Jamaica Island against the Spaniards landing there; as also, that the Spaniards Plate-Galleons which were bound from Carthagena for Spain, were cast away by a Hirrecane; the Bermudans bringing into Jamaica

20000 pieces of eight which they had taken in the Rack.

But Prince Ragotsky being returned out of Poland into Transylva∣nia, the Great Turk (having before commanded him in 1657, up∣on great penalty, not to proceed in his march against Poland) sent to him, to resign his Principality of Transylvania to his Cousen Reada; he at that present yielded thereto; (although to resign up any of his Forts into the Turks hands, he utterly denyed) and re∣assuming his Principality again, without the said Turk's consent, he being enraged against him, would try his utmost to devest him; and dispossess also the Princes of Moldavia and Wallachia: where∣fore, he ordering great forces against him, about the latter end of April, 1658, the Turks totally defeated the Prince of Wallachia, who was marching to Prince Ragotzi's ayd, (who had also sent to Vienna, to demand the promised ayd by the King of Hungary against those Turks) 8000 being slain upon the place, and a great number of prisoners taken; among whom, were dives Boyars, the principal Officers of that Prince: who thereupon fleeing into Transylvania, the Turks forced another to accept his Principali∣ty. And the Grand Signior being still bent to dethrone the said Ragotzi, sent about July rigorous Orders to the Moldavian and Wallachian Princes, That they should endeavour to invade him. But to the Bashaw of Buda, he sent more severe order for the same effect, with a threatning, That if he did not his duty, he should be flead alive, and his skin placed on one of Buda's Towers. Wherefore the Bashaw advancing about the beginning of July, Prince Ragotski challenged him to a fight: who thereupon break∣ing up from Lippa, and marching towards Arad Castle, the Tran∣sylvanians fired the Suburbs near that Castle. The Turk's Officers who led the Avant, seeing the smoke and fire, hastened directly to the Castle, whom the Hungarians following, put them to flight, taking and putting many to the sword; Mustapha Beg being taken prisoner. Wherefore the Transylvanians encouraged, drew near the Turks main Army; the Turks thereupon discharged 3 great Guns as a warning, that their men should retire within the Wag∣gons placed so as to serve for a safeguard: but the Transylvanians so roundly plyed them with their great Guns, that they being brought into confusion, fled into a Valley: whom the Transylva∣nians pursuing, drave them into the River Mor, where they were drowned: and the whole Turkish Army became a prey: this was on July 4th, 1658. The chief prisoners being besides Musta∣pha, wounded, the Bassa of Agria, the Col. Aga of the Janizaries, Col. Gyenely Aga at Buda, and the Beg of Lippa: Alai Beg of Waitzen being trodden to death by the horse; the Bashaw was likewise so put to it in the flight, that he was forced to run into the water: whom notwithstanding, a Hussar pursued, catching him by the garment to take him; but he was rescued, and the Hussar slain. The Prince's men pursuing them above 30 leagues to one of their chief Cities, they returned with rich booties. The news of this rout caused such an alteration at Constantinople, that

(violating the Law of Nations, and growing in a rage against the Christians) they imprisoned the Imperiall and French Ambassa∣dours, charging the French of being complice with his Son in his Letter in Cyphers, which they intercepted: and the other, That his Master had suffered some German Companies to serve under Ragotski, (although the Emperour's Deputies had demonstrated, it was without his consent; and that the Turk for his money might have as many of them as he would).

In August following, the Austrians forces being apprehended to be on their march towards the Frontiers of the Turks, to oppose their power, it was wished, they might deal better with the Pro∣testants in those parts, than the forces under the Count of Dhona had done, who used them no otherwise, than the Turks were used when over-powred.

But the Portugal having this Summer taken the field against the Spaniard, about Elvas, they besieged and took the Fort of St. Christopher, before Badaiox, and passing the River Guadiana, their General June 22, assaulted another very strong Fort which the Spaniards had builded: and ordering the General of horse to get between the Fort and City to demolish the Spaniards lines, he put to the sword two Troops of horse, and two Companies of foot, whom they had left behind, except two taken. There was 400 well armed in the Fort with an Irish Commander, who coura∣giously behaving themselves, and the enemy coming (the mean time) out of the Town to hinder their design, 300 appointed against the Portugals right Wing, were every man killed on the place; and the like happening to them that were commanded for the left: thus after three hours they were totally defeated and driven back, leaving 1200 on the place. Whereupon the Fort was surrendred at the Portugals mercy; the Irish being permitted onely to come forth with swords; but all the Spaniards without arms. The Portugals losse being of no consequence; onely some Commanders wounded, among whom was the Duke of Cadaval. After this, the Spaniard forsook another great Fort made on the River, leaving all in it behind them; which these taking, strong∣ly garrisoned them both; and advancing to Badaiox, they wholly besieged it.

The King of Sweden in or about the same August, embarquing 4000 horse, and 6000 foot, was found in that design to return again upon Denmark: The reason whereof was variously censured; some being induced to believe, That some under-hand provoca∣tion had been given to that magnanimous King by some in Den∣mark; for he landing at Corsoer a Port of Zealand, marched direct∣ly towards Coppenhagen; and meeting (by the way) some Danish horse, they were content to serve under him: who was generally believed to take that opportunity to do himself right, and ensure all behind him; that he might safely return into Prussia and Po∣merania against the Poles and other his enemies. But since this his invasion of Denmark, many stately Houses and Farms were seen

on fire as well towards Coppenhagen, as the Sound. The King of Sweden being at Ringstead, the Danish King sent two Privy Coun∣sellours from Coppenhagen, about or on Aug. 10th, to demand the reason of that sudden alteration, who being admitted to his pre∣sence, he with such grounded reasons demonstrated unto them the cause of that his action, that they could not answer a word against it, but returned back with tears in their eyes. On the 11th day, the King advancing about half a league from Coppenhagen, from the hill on the left hand, they perceived the Danish resolved to stand upon their defence, having set all the Suburbs on fire. The King approaching the City, Aug. 13, saluted the same with two pieces of Cannon; which being answered out of the Town with three, they fired without intermission, to hinder their begun ap∣proaches; who had taken the Hospital on one side; salleys being made without any great damage to either. Cronenburgh Castle being likewise beleagured with three Regiments under Admiral Count Wrangle. The Danes also designing to fire Helsenor, some Swedish horse being sent to defend it, hindered the same. And Sept. 7. 1658, Cronenburgh Castle was surrendred to the Swedish King, with a gallant. Artillery, and good store of Ammunition: the King presently going to prosecute the si••ge against Coppenha∣gen with greater vigour, resolving not to st••r till it were brought to an issue: And as a help therein, a Dutch Fleet being designed to succour the Dane, was no sooner out at Sea, but it being sur∣prized by a storm, which spoyled most of their Sailes and Tackle; it gave some impediment to their Voyage, till they could re∣pair.

But the great Prince of Turkey proffering to the Cham of Tar∣tary, Transylvania, if he could win it, he resolved to that end to joyn his forces with the Turks; but Wyhofsky General of the Cos∣sacks, requesting him to ayd him against the Cossacks siding with the Muscovites; he ordered Kaarath Beg his Kinsman to march to Ukrain with 20000 Tartars: with whom Wyhofsky joyning with 20000 Cossacks, they should go against those in the Muscovite's service. But being come over Boristhenes, the Cossacks under the Muscovites sent them Commissioners, perswading them that through great scantnesse of provision and forrage, they were for∣ced to separate from the Tartars, and to encamp themselves apart: they dissemblingly treating with the Tartars; these two parties of Cossacks uniting, fell on the Tartars Camp, slaying 15000 of them, among whom Kaarath Beg was one. And then invading Nahaiish Tartary, they made all havock they could, and were like so to proceed. Thus the Cossacks (against the Polanders and Wi∣hofsky's will) became open enemies to the Tartars; which is not easie to be reconciled with Poland and its confederates. Neither could the Tartars be taken for trusty friends to Poland, because they strove, or are still striving, to make peace with the Musco∣vites, whose Duke is an Arch-enemy to the Tartars.

In Flanders the Spanish Army received a rout Sept. 3. 1658;

for a body of Spaniards (betwixt 4 and 5000 men) under the Prince of Ligne marching to joyn with their other forces, thought to have visited Ypre by the way, and to put succour therein; but they being engaged by the French, were wholly routed, the Prince of Ligne having his arm shot off, 1200 being taken prisoners, the rest slain and put to flight. Oudenard and Meenen was likewise about this time taken from the Spaniard, and Armentiers likewise closely begirt. But on the 26 day of the said Septemb the Town of Ypre was delivered into the possession of Marshal Turein: the Spaniards marching forth in the morning, about 7 or 800 men, with their Arms, Baggage, and two pieces of Cannon, with three Princes, besides the Governour. That City being one of the grea∣test and fairest of Flanders, was quickly carried, by the valiant and resolute Onsets which the English forces made upon their Con∣terscarps, and other Out-works; shewing the like Courage there, as they had done before at several other Towns.

The Brandenburgish, Austrian, and Polonian forces toward the latter end of this last September, were drawing near the Swedish forces in Holstein; having then already encountred with some Swedish parties: the Duke of Holstein going to Tonningen, where the Swedes were drawing into a body. Of the Enemies, Spork led the Avant, consisting of 3000 Austrian horse; the Brandenburgish forces being 10000 horse, and 200 Dragoons; Czarneski being with the Polish foot, and 6000 horse commanded by the two Fieldmarshalls, who marched with the Artillery, marching very slowly by reason of the bad wayes: this Army was thus marching in the beginning of this present moneth Octob. 1658: the Elector of Brandenburg having published a Manifesto, assuring the Nobi∣lity of Holstein, That his Souldiers should not be troubled in their houses, nor be damnified by them, desiring onely their Contri∣bution, whereby the Souldiers might have some accommoda∣tion.

Moreover, on the 4th of this present October, came an Account from Col. Doyley Governour of Jamaica, of the prosperous successe of the English against the Spaniards there, who being 30 Foot-Companies landed at Rio Nova, a place in the North of that Island: and being 12 dayes there before they were discovered, the said Governour setting sayl with 750 Officers and Souldiers, after a valorous landing, June 22, he summoned the Fort; but the Governour Don Arnoldo & Sasi sending a confident denyall, the English, next morning, marching toward the Fort, and climb∣ing up an high Hill, advanced in sight of the said Rio Nova Fort: where finding the Work on the Land side not finished to that heighth, as to the Sea-ward, they receiving their shot, ran up the Flankers with their forlorn, having hand-Granadoes, and gained it in a quarter of an hour; many of the Spaniards running out of the Works, the English followed the chase about 3 or 4 miles, doing execution: the Sea-men also seeing them run along the rocks, coming out with their boats, killed many: so that above

300 persons were slain, divers Captains, two Priests, and their Serjeant Major: about 100 ordinary prisoners being taken, and 6 Captains, whom they sent home, the King of Spain's Standard, and 10 Colours: the rest, especially the strangers in the Woods, being liable to perish. In that Fort was taken 10 barrels of pow∣der, great store of shot, 6 pieces of Ordnance, and great store of provisions.

In the same moneth October, the King of Sweden still lying be∣fore Coppenhagen, and going in a Galliot to find out the passages to the Island of Amak, (joyned to that City by a bridge) it being somewhat groundy near the shoar, he embarqued himself with the Rix-Admiral in a small Shallop of the Gallior, which through the highnesse of the wind, and force of the stream, over-ran and overwhelmed the Shallop; the Master being drowned, the King and the rest narrowly escaping. And the King resolving to at∣taque the said Island, a Danish Captain pretending a zeal to him, he entrusted him for his guide to the best passages leading to the Town; but (as soon as he arrived there) the Captain ran away, giving notice to the Danish King, that the King of Sweden being in Amak with a small number, might be easily taken: Wherefore they sallying out, had not the Rix-Admiral observed the Danish Troopers coming on the bridg, he had narrowly escaped: where∣as now, retiring a little, he kill'd, took, and dispersed 1500 Danes: And the Island not being of strength for advantage, he carried away on ship-board, and destroyed, all the Cattle and Victuals which he found, that Copenhagen might have no supplies from thence.

Also Fieldmarshall Douglas retreating to the borders of Curland, expecting a supply from that Duke, (who before had supplyed the Muscovites and Lithuanians) according to an agreement, A party of Lithuanians routed almost 600 of his Rear-guard: wherefore the Duke, now (seeming a neuter) brake down all bridges to his Town of Mittaw, summoning his Subjects against the Swedes: whereupon, Douglas (lest the Lithuanians and Curlanders should joyn) sent 600 Souldiers by night, down the river in 24 small Ves∣sels, which he took, instructing the chief Captain (speaking the Lithuanian tongue) how to proceed; who telling the first Sentinel, that they were Lithuanians much wounded, (coming in the night, (fearing the Swedes) for cure, passing by him, slew him; the se∣cond Sentinel running away, without giving notice: but the third crying out, the Captain had leisure to enter, and discharge two great Guns as a signal to Douglas: who getting also in with little refistance, rook the Duke and Dutchesse, (the Elector of Branden∣burgh his sister) with the other Courtiers, prisoners. The cause hereof was, for that there were Letters of the Duke of Curland's, sent (contrary to his Neutrality) both to the Polish King, the Li∣thuanian General, the Muscovian Governour of Kaken-housen, and also to the Duke of Brandenburg, inviting them against the King of Sweden in Liefland, and elsewhere.

The Dutch Fleet having a design to bring relief into Coppenhagen; Octob. 29 coming almost within Cannon shot of Helsinge-Castle, fearing its reach, held the Coast of Schonen, and being come up together with a favourable wind, went by the Castle, being salu∣ted from thence with two Cannons, and the Swedish Fleet gaining up to them, after eight in the morning the Fight began, and con∣tinued three hours. Admiral wrangell for some time defending himself against six Dutch ships, at length (with a little damage) bearing towards the shoar: the other Swedish ships (the while) endeavouring to the utmost. The Dutch, to avoid the brunt (from the beginning) giving the Swedes way, and gave place when they strove to board them. The Dutch lost nine ships in all, the Swedes but two. De Witt, the Dutch Admiral, his Ship being taken and spoyled, with himself, who afterwards dyed of a wound in his thigh; 210 prisoners taken, 100 slain, and 60 maimed in the same ship. No Swedish persons of quality were then known to be mortally wounded. Yet whilest the fight lasted, the Dutch Merchant-men passing thorow the Zound, put the designed Relief into Coppenhagen: but the King of Sweden, who with his Queen were Spectators (from Cronenburgh Castle) of the Fight, it being ended, presently hasted to see to his Leaguer before Coppenhagen.

About the same time the Poles who had befieged Thoren in Prus∣sia, after a near approach, and some thousands lost before it, (their King and Queen residing also in the Leaguer) deserted the siege.

But in Flanders the French General, Marshal Turein, transport∣ing his Army over the Scheld, took (in his march) and plundred the two Towns of Geerdberge and Grammont; and afterwards he took the small Town of Alest, between Brussels and Gaunt, it be∣ing but meanly fortified; yet very remarkable for the abundance of Hops growing about it.

I shall now insert 2. or 3. remarkable things, and so draw to a conclusion of this our Appendice. The one, being a strange Ap∣parition in Cornwall in the West of England, about the moneth of August, 1657; it was of Hurlers, as they are there called; and were seen by many in a field of standing Corn, about Bosse-Castle; they being innumerable, and in white apparrel; and at last they hurled themselves into the Sea. Some of the Spectators going af∣terwards into the field, found the Corn no whit damnified; con∣trary to their expectation. Another was, of a very strange Mon∣ster-Child or Children, (for it seemed to be two) born (though li∣ving but few dayes) of a Souldier's Wife at Weerted on the Elder-Sconce near Ardemburg: it was so strange, both for outward and inward parts, as scarce hath been heard of the like; for besides the two heads and two necks, and four arms, the eyes of the fe∣male stood where the mouth should be; and above the eyes, stood in the middle, a masculine member or Genital of an ordinary big∣nesse,

hanging down to the right eye, &c. And for the male, there were (when dissected) found therein, two Hearts, two Lungs, one great Liver, and one Gall; two Stomachs, the biggest whereof had joyned unto it a Milt and two Kidneys, the right being big∣ger than the left; the female having onely the genitall parts: which had two firm teeth in its mouth under the chin, like a fun∣dament; but the male-body had a very little hole instead of a mouth, but without a chin: the skin of which Monstrous body, both behind as well as before, being found to be interlarded with fat.

But in the Gulph of Venice, in a Ship sayling to Venice, where∣in were Turkish and Armenian passengers; the envy of the Cap∣tain and the rest increasing against two Englishment, Febr. 28 and 29, because they complyed not with them in their words and ex∣ample, so that they were denyed the Cook-Room to dresse their provision, and threatned to be set ashoar on some Island; and one of them by the Captain threatned, when they came to Venice, to be burnt; the next day early in the morning, March 1. 1657, fire was rained down into the ship; which not onely split part of the top-Mast, burning holes in the sayls; but slew three on the Deck (besides divers wounded): then it went down twice under Deck like the noise of a Cannon, the Scuttles being shut, and (as if the ship was fired) slew one Turk, and an Armenian; wounding others: Great was the peoples cry; it being observable, That of five Nations, one of a sort was cut off.

In France divers Protestants of eminency returning from Cha∣renton to Paris, the Boat breaking in two, were drowned; most of 60 being lost, of whom was the Chancellour's son of Poland, and both the sons of the Marquess de Clerambant, in 1653. There dyed also in France, the Archbishop of Paris, about the end of 1653, being 70 years of age. The King of the Romans, son to the Ger∣man Emperour, in 1654, June 29, about midnight. Also the Grand Cham of Tartary the same year. The Duke of Joyeuse, dyed at Paris of his wounds received before Arras, in or about Sept. 1654, to the King of France his great sorrow. Also the Duke of Monthazon, who lived in four King's Reigns, being an old Soul∣dier, and aged 87 years of age, dyed in or about October follow∣ing. Katherine Dutchess of Joyeuse, Febr. 25. 1655, at Paris. Likewise Pope Innocent the 10th, in whose room was chose Alexan∣der the 10th. Cardinal Sachetti, who had stood twice for the Popedome, being then made Secretary of the Congregation of the Council; and Sieur Bonelli Governour of the City of Rome. The Queen-Mother of Sweden about March 20, 1654: on which day, the Funerals of the Rix-Chancellor of Sweden were solemni∣zed. In 1655, about May, at Rome dyed Cardinal Francisco Pe∣retti, called Montalto, aged 60 years. And in England, at the be∣ginning of the same year, James Duke of Lenox: and at the lat∣ter end of the same year, March 21, that most Learned Man,

James Usher, Archbishop of Armagh, and Lord Primate of Ireland, deceased. Also Cardinal Cutva, in Aug. 1655; and the Duke of Venice, Apr. 30 before. Chevalier Bertucci Valier being chosen new Duke, and crowned July 10th, 1656: but he dying of a Pleurisie about the beginning of 1658, Pesaro the Procuratour was chosen in his stead. Also the Duke of Genoa in 1655; the old Empress of Germany; and the King of Portugal, in 1656. The Duke of Saxony, the same year; willing his eldest Son to succeed him. The Emperour of Germany the year following, 1657. The Great Mogul the same year. Likewise the Duke Coluzza, a Neopolitan, about Decemb. 1657, slain by his own people as he was hunting. The English Admiral, Blake, who was buried at Westminster Sept. 4. 1657. There dyed also this present year, 1658, the Earl of Warwick, about the beginning of it. Likewise Kaarath Beg, a General of the Tartars. Also Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Finally, Witte wit∣tenson, the Dutch-Admiral, slain in the aforesaid Sea-sight with the Swedes.

FINIS.