The history of the government of France, under the administration of the great Armand du Plessis, Cardinall and Duke of Richlieu, and chief minister of state in that kingdome wherein occur many important negotiations relating to most part of Christendome in his time : with politique observations upon the chapters / translated out of French by J.D. Esq.

The Prosecution of War in Italy.

FOrtune indeed did much adde to the Courage of the Arms of France and Savoy, for the obtaining such great Conquests in so little time, but much of the honour must be ascribed unto the Cardinal, who first advised the expedition, who issued out all Orders under the Kings Authority, who executed them in so happy a conjuncture of time, that neither the Spaniards or Genoeses, could possibly defend those pla∣ces which were assaulted, by reason of their want of Forces: And lastly, who had so good intelligence in the States of Genoa, that he did not a little contribute to the good success of this design. Yet however Fortune, or rather Divine Providence, which over-ruleth Armies, doth but laugh at mans Wisdome, and seemeth to de∣light in distributing both good and bad success to their designs: Thus was it, with the French and Savoyards, for the Scales seemed to turn against them, and their Con∣quests came to a Period. The Fame of these great Victories did so trouble the house of Austria, that extraordinary preparations were made in Germany, for the sending of a Potent Army, under the command of Feria, Governour of Milan, for the assisting of the Genoeses. The Marquess de St. Croix, was likewise com∣manded

to put to Sea, a Fleet designed for that purpose, who had imbarked neer four thousand Souldiers, in twenty five Gallies, and five Gallions of Sicilia. These Forces of the Enemy came with a great advantage, the Plague having consumed at least two thirds of the French since their arrival in Italy. The Marshal de Crequy fell sick of it, and not long after the Constable. Besides, divers Cities of Genoa, seemed to shake off the yoke of their Obedience, with joy and delight, they turn∣ed about, and before the end of June, rise against their new Governours and Ga∣risons with great violence, as if Fortune had purposely done it, to shew that mis∣fortunes seldome come single. And lastly, the ill-management of the Artillery, and want of Waggons for the Carriage of Provisions for the Army (of all which the Duke of Savoy was in fault) occasioned more disasters then all the rest; be∣sides the jealousies which grew between him and the Constable, did not a little add to compleat them. Things being in this posture, did much incourage the Spaniards, and the Duke de Feria, that he might not lose the advantage of it, entred into Montferrat, about the beginning of July, where he took Spione by force, and not long after Acqui, which the Constable had made his Magazine of Arms, and had therin placed 3. Regiments to guard the munitions which he had there stowed up. The taking of this place necessitated the Prince of Piedmont, and the Constable to recall the Forces then marching towards Savonne, that they might joyntly fall on upon the Duke of Feria; but they found him incamp'd so advantagiously at Ferzo between Bistague and Acqui, that they could not possibly come neer him, the Passages being so narrow, that onely two men could march a Breast.

At the same time, the inhabitants of Albengua, Novy, and Acquy, revolted against the French Garisons; and shortly after, divers other lesse places, and six thousand Genoeses comming before Gavio, the Governour and his son, cowardly surrendred the place, upon condition to be carried safely into France. The Genoe∣ses received them upon this Composition, and conducted them accordingly; but being there arrived, their Treachery was not long unpunished by the Parliament of Provence; Gonvernon the son being hanged, the Fathers body taken up, burned, and his Ashes thrown into the Ayr (death having prevented the execution of judg∣ment upon him.) True it is, Courage doth oftentimes compell Fortune to be fa∣vourable, and the French Army, though thus persecuted, did yet make head, against the Duke de Feria, and prevented his further progress, so that he was forced to make some other diversion, by entring upon Piedmont, and lying down before Ast, with design to besiege it. The Constable was yet there, very weak, it being thought he would have died, so that he went off, and the Marshal de Crequy, upon the thirtieth of August, came into his place with four thousand French.

The same day he made a Sally, with the Prince of Carignan, forced the enemy from a Bridge, which they had kept six dayes, and made them run away with shame, though they had eighteen thousand foot, and seven hundred horse. Was not this a generous exploit of the French, and did it not sufficiently testifie, that had they been near enough to have had recruits and ammunitions from France, or had the Duke of Savoy caused those refreshments to have been brought for the Army which by the Articles of the Treaty he was obliged, they had not so easily lost, what they had so happily obtained. But they were induced to under goe those disasters which are incident to all men, who invade a Forraign Country upon the hopes of a League.