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 King after the taking of Privas, prosecuteth his Victory into Langue∣doc, and gains great advantages by it.

THE siege of Privas being ended, his Majesty designed to advance into Lan∣guedoc, and to visit some other of the Hugonot Towns▪ Those whom he could not reclaim by fair means, he resolved to do by force. He had already commanded the Chiefest of them to be forraged, which had been done accordingly, as Mon∣tauban, Castres, Nismes, and Millaut, and the Marshal d'Estreè being gone to make the Forrage about Nismes, had cut off a good party of their Forces, who sallied out, to hinder him. The King no sooner advanced, but the Towns of Gorce, Vallon, Vaguas, Sainct Ambroyse, and many other of the Sevennes returned to their obedience: So without loosing more time, he wen•• before Al••ts which he be∣sieged. The Duke of Rohan, had used his utmost art to perswade the Towns-men to be courageous, and had sent them Souldiers, there being only two hundred in the Town, which was very strong by scituation and Art; but as ill luck would have it for those whom he sent, it was their mis-fortune to be most of them cut off, before they got to the Town; which was thus. They attempted in the obscurity of a very dark night to break through the Kings Army, they had wounded the first Sentinel, but the second discharging at them, gave the A••larum, and the Cardinal, who never sleeps but when all is safe, came thither in a moment, at the head of two hundred Horse, and charged them so resolutely, that the darkness of the night, and the light∣ness of their own heels, was their best security▪ some were however taken, and put to death; This defeat of their succours and the sad example of Privas, wrought upon them in the Town so that they resolved to yeild, and accordingly they sent to begg his Majesties pardon, which was granted, with liberty for the Garrison to withdraw where they pleased.

This happy successe, was of great advantage unto the Kings Forces, and did so perplex the Duke of Rohan, that he could not tell how to steer his course. Some who were well affected unto his Majesties Interests, gave notice of the trouble in what Monsieur de Rohan then was, and the Cardinal, who is sure never to loose any the least occasion of serving his Majesty, found means so to work on him, that he got him to submit unto his Majesties mercy; he represented to him, how rash he was in supporting this revolt; That nothing but mis-fortune could arrive to him in par∣ticular by it, for that his Majesty was fully resolved to cut the wings of heresie and Rebellion; That he ought in reason to be satisfied, with the excercise of his Reli∣gion, as also those of his party, and that returning to his duty, he might in time hope to receive those honours which were due to his Birth. The Duke hereupon went privately unto his Majesty, promised in future to continue Loyal, and protested to live in an exact obedience. The King freely pardoned him, on condition, that he

should spend some years out of the Kingdome. Now he being the head of the par∣ty, his repentance could not be so closely carried, but that many began to perceive it, and follow his steps. Divers Deputies of the principal Hugonot Towns came in and did the like. The rest being allarumed by the happy successe of his Majesties forces, & fearing to become Subjects of their fury and rage, disposed themselves to ac∣cept of peace, and made divers Proposals for a general accommodation, which were brought unto the Cardinal, but thought unworthy for the King to grant. But the Duke of Rohan having made his accommodation, though as yet not publickly known, perswaded his Majesty to give him leave to call a general Assembly of the Deputies then at Nisms, to be kept at Anduze, which was approved, and being there met, the Duke so dealt with them, that they were a little more reasonable in their demands then formerly. The Cardinal observing his time, so wrought with them, though of a fiery, harsh, and stubborn nature, that what by his presence and dis∣course he at last overcame them; insomuch that they relied on his onely word, which was, that they should have the free exercise of their Religion, and enjoyment of their goods. Whereupon they resolved to beg his Majesties pardon, and to submit themselves to his will and pleasure; withall▪ they were contented that their Fortification should be demolished, according as his Majesty ••hould command, to take off all occasions of any future revolts, and to give Hostages for the perform∣ance of their promises. The King pardoned them, and Proclamation was made of the favour his Majesty had granted them, which was to the great joy of his Sub∣jects in general, and particularly to the satisfaction of the Hugonots themselves.