Cabala, mysteries of state,: in letters of the great ministers of K. James and K. Charles. Wherein much of the publique manage of affaires is related. / Faithfully collected by a noble hand.

Sir Dudley Carleton to the Duke.

Most Honourable,

I Observe in such Letters from the Prince Electour to her High∣nesse, with the sight of which, she is pleased sometimes to favour me, a mis-understanding betwixt him, and his Uncle the Duke of Bo∣villon, who groweth wearie of his Guest, doubting least in his Con∣sideration some danger may be drawn upon his Town of Sedan; And the jealousie the Prince conceiveth, what may be done with him in case of a Siege; (against which, that is no place to make long resi∣stance) besides the discomforts of living in another mans house, and being ill looked on, makes him wish himself any where else; but chief∣ly here, where he is as much desired, as missed by her Highnesse, his children, and Familie: And where the Prince of Orange, and the States (apprehending very well his present danger, and incom∣moditie) will give him very willingly his wonted welcome. Your Lordship may be pleased to make thus much known to his Majestie: And if your Lordship can so dispose of the matter, that with his Ma∣jesties good liking, he may return hither again, I know nothing your Lordship can do more agreeable to her Highnesse, though she doth whollie submit her affections and desires to his Majesties plea∣sure.

The wars were never warmer then they are alreadie, and now like∣ly more and more to kindle in these parts: The Siege of Ostend, by those which were present there and are now in Berghem, being

esteemed sport in comparison of the furie is used in disputing the out∣works of that Town. Where on Munday last in the night an assault was given, and maintained six hours by the Spaniards upon a half Moon kept by the Dutch on the North side; out of which they were three several times repulsed, with the losse of betwixt 3. and 400 men of their best, and on this side under 40. All that they gained being (after the same manner as their former attempt on the other side wherein Colonel Hynderson was slain) to lodge in the foot of the work. Two of our old Captaines, Sir Michael Everard, and Love∣lace (hurt in that, and the like assault given on that side within few daies after) are both dead of their wounds within these two daies. One at Dort, the other at Rotterdam, whither they were retired to be cured: which is imputed by the Chyrurgeons to some malignity is used to the bullets: but that is not to be believed amongst Christi∣ans, yet I have seen some brought hither shot by the Enemie, suffici∣ent to break all quarter.

We shall have now questionlesse many and sharp encounters in the field; Count Mansfelt being on his way hitherwards with his Armie, much weakned during his abode in the Frontiers of France; but of strength sufficient to march through the open Countries of Henault, and Brabant. Which course he takes directly with intention to come to Breda. And where by computation, he should be by Munday, or Teusday next at the farthest, unlesse he be overtaken by Don Conzales de Cordova, or met with by the Count Henric Vandenbergh, or the Mar∣quesse Spinola, in any of which there is small appearance. Cordova going forward at leisure with 16. peices of Canon, and the 18^th. of this present, when Mansfelt passed a bridge at Marpent over the Sam∣bre in Henault (which was the onely passage of difficultie, and that as our advertisements here say, he crossed without resistance) being some hours March behind him, who having three field pieces onely, and small store of baggage, and in effect his whole Armie on horse∣back, may make great expedition.

If Vandenbergh stir, he will be followed by the Prince of Orange. And the Marquesse Spinola cannot go strong enough to incounter him without raising his Siege at Berghen, which though he should do, the Campaigne is large enough, and Mansfelt lightly laden to take, and leave at pleasure, it being in his power, (if his way to Brdea be stopped) to fall down towards such places, the State hold in Flan∣ders.

The States furnish him with 6000 Florins for the time of three moneths, they entertain him and his Army. In which space, the ser∣vice

they hope to draw from him, is, the raising the Siege of Berghen, by cutting off the Convoyes betwixt Antwerp, and the Spanish Lea∣guer, which can no longer continue in the place it now remains, then it can keep the way of Antwerp open, by which only their victuals and Munition is conducted.

This time of three moneths expired, there is small appearance of longer entertainment of Mansfelt by this State, who doth then pur∣pose to retire to the Duke Christien of Brunswick's old Quarter at Lipstadt: Where they intend to winter their Army, and augment the same against the next Spring, to return again into Germany, if the Peace of those parts be not concluded, or some mischance do not happen in the mean time. Which resolution of theirs, for such it is (as I am very well informed) deserves the more to be cherished, by how much the more disrespect is shewed his Majesties Embassadour in the Palatinate, by burning and spoyling her Highnesse Joynture even in his view, (as Don Gonzales did whilest he remained in those parts) and since besieging his Majesties Garrison Heidelbergh; before which place, we understand here by Letters of the 14^th. from Frank∣ford, that Baron Tillie began his approaches the 12^th. of this pre∣sent.

I have not heard what is the issue of Captain Brett's businesse, but hope the best. Colonel Hynderson's Regiment was given upon the first newes of his death to Sir Francis Hynderson by the Prince of Orange, with which the States are much displeased, as contrarying their Act. And I have lamented my self to them, as a wrong done my Lord of Buckleugh, and his Majestie, in his behalf: which they promise me to repair, as they possibly may be able. And I presse them to it by those means which your Lordship will find contained in an abstract of a Letter I wrote lately to his Excellencie, chiefly to this purpose.

Her Highnesse having received a fair Present from the Prince her Brother, doth render his Highnesse thanks by the inclosed. I know not so great a Ladie in the world, nor ever did, (though I have seen many Courts) of such natural affections: An obedient Daughter; A loving Sister; And a tender Wife, whose care of her Husband doth augment with his misfortunes.

Your Lordship cannot therefore shew your care of her more, then by bringing them again together with the soonest. Of which I be∣seech your Lordship, that with the soonest I may know what hope there is, and that (if your Lordship please) by Mr. Ashburnham,

whose return with a favourable dispatch is daily expected. Thus I most humbly take leave,

Your Lordships Most humble, and most devo∣ted Servant, Dudley Carleton.

Hague 23. August, 1622.