The Scotch military discipline learned from the valiant Swede, and collected for the use of all worthy commanders favouring the laudable profession of armes: By Major Generall Monro, being novv generall of all the Scotch forces against the rebels in Ireland, communicates his abridgement of exercise, in divers practicall observations for the younger officers better instruction; ending with the souldiers meditations going on in service.

CERTAINE OBSERVATIONS VVORTHY THE YOVNGER Officer his consideration, being short and practicall for his Highnesse speciall use.

I.

THIS life is a Comedy or a Play, wherein every one doth his part, we should presse to passe it o∣ver with moderate affections, that the end be not cruell or dolefull, as in Tragedies, but full of mirth like a Comedy.

II.

Vnto the Victor the life is sweete and happy, but to those that are overcome, nothing is more bitter, then to put their hopes in their Enemies mercy.

III.

As unto Champions of old lots gave fellowes, and not election, with whom they should fight: so every one of us hath destines in our times, where with to strive.

IIII.

As he who goeth a journy doth reckon the miles: so he that hath en∣tred the way of this life, shall not determine of his yeares. For as from the spring flow the Rivers, from the roote the branch: so from the first educa∣tion cometh the rest of mans life. And if thou wouldst live truely, thou must presse to profit thy country, to defend the Common-wealth, and to live well without liberty: thou must preferre death before ignominious shame,

or slavery. For as this life is Rosie, so it hath flowers mixed with thornes, the one to be plucked up, the other to be eschewed so farre as we may.

V.

It is a part of victory to trouble the enemy before we fight, and as it is laudable to overcome an enemy, it is no lesse praise worthy to have pitty on the miserable. For as courage doth merit infinite glory, so the love of all, and the good will of all merits mercy and meekenesse.

VI.

The feeble and weake minded man is ever pridfull in prosperity: for he thinkes his vertues are such, as can maintaine the Fortunes which he hath gotten, and thinks still he is able to attaine and acquire more and more: but when the tempest of adversity doth arise, then is he so farre afraid, that he becomes voide of all hopes; and this oftentimes is the cause of the suddaine change of his fortunes.

VII.

Nothing doth diminish more the publishing of praise, then when one con∣tinually casteth up his owne successe in actions of warre, and oftimes stri∣ving to get abundance of honour; men show their riches, of swelling pride; for disdaining his former friends, he misk nowes his acquaintance, pressing to goe before, he is greevous or displeasing to all his familiars. Our care then should be, to want this arrogancy, ostentation or pride, and pray for humility, being more acceptable unto God then detestable pride, which is an unprofitable evill, a secret poyson, a hidden pest, the ingenier of de∣ceipt, the mother of hypocrisie, the parent of envy, the beginner of vice, the moth of holinesse, the blinder of hearts, breeding sicknesse out of reme∣dies, and begetting langour out of medicine.

VIII.

There is ever some fatality incident unto those that desire vaine-glory or ostentation: and those that are proud rejecting the prayers of the humble with disdaine, they often incurre the indignation of God, and fall oft into calamity, except they take heede unto themselves.

IX.

These spirits are bentest on ambition that are of great and sharpe wits, and of high minds, being ready to thinke on great matters, and to undertake them: but Heroicke spirits on the contrary, considering the worthy acts of o∣thers, are stirr'd up unto vertue, while as others with glory of succession be∣coming more insolent and negligent, make Tragicall ends, being oppressed with small things, they die unworthily.

X.

The duty of a good man, is to reserve himselfe for the well and use of his country and friends, being wary lest he should be lost rashly (as my deere and only Brother was) who did not neglect his duty, neither in word nor deede, but to his death served God in his calling, though his death was sud∣den, being the condition of mortall men, that are still subject unto such changes, that oftimes in their greatest prosperity comes adversity, and from their adversity their prosperity againe, God hiding the cause of both from us. It were better then to prevent a wound, then out of time to seeke re∣medy: for in the middest of evill is not the time to be merry, and those hurts are most, which we receive unlooked for. Therefore it were much better to prevent, then to suffer, and it were much better to enter in danger being guarded, then out of time to grow pale. Vaine then are the counsells of mortall men, when we see no humane happinesse to be permanent, since the Roots are taken up before they come to maturity, except they be confir∣med by the divine providence; And chiefely in warres, as being most un∣certaine, as we see by the untimely death spoken of; but no man can for∣bid Gods decree. Neverthelesse men that through age, and long experience have obtained wisdome, before they enter in a businesse, they should looke unto the event, and unto that, which by all expectation may happen: for it is ever the greatest wisdome to use the presen•• time best; we ought then on all occasions we are employed on, to strengthen our minds with vertue, that we may be fase overcoming all incumbrances, that once we have con∣demned in the judgment seate of wisdome, which alwayes is accompanied with praise and glory, when we not only equall our selves with those that excelled in vertue, but also presse to goe before them.

XI.

Wisdome goeth before all other things in esteeme, as the most pretious Iewell we can possesse, being spread she is gathered, given away shee retur∣neth, being published groweth greater; by her the Noble treasure of con∣science is spread unto the secrets of the minde, the fruit of inward joy by her is attained unto: this is the Sunne wherewith the light of the minde doth shew it selfe and appeare in darknesse, being the eye of the heart, the de∣lightfull Paradise of the soule, the Heaven upon Earth immortall, changing man into God, through knowledge, deifying him, this fellow is invincible against all strokes, he stirres not a foote for poverty, griefe, ignominy, paine, he is afraid of nothing, and is ever full of joy, merry, pleasant and untouched, living like a God. Who desireth then to be wise and partake of this goodnesse that is so excellent, they must not use themselves to vani∣ty, but they must thinke on that which is most profitable for them, being not forbidden to use bodily exercise moderatly: they may become wise, first by thinking what is past, and in whose time of their Predecessours things were best governed. Secondly, he must diligently observe the good to come, what can be profitable for him and what not, that he may eschew the evill to come, and embrace the good. Thirdly, he should observe the good customes and lawes past, being provident, mindfull, understand∣ing,

reasonable, diligent, tractable, expert and cunning; and he must consider foure good things; What is his aime; The way and manner he aimes at; The person aiming; And those he governes.

XII.

A Souldier without letters is like a ship without a Rudder, or like a bird without feathers; but having letters, he findes wherewith he can be made wiser, finding out by letters, courage, and many other great helpes to governe and direct those aright, whom he commands: neither is that for∣tune in the world to be had, where out of letters his knowledge may not be bettered, if he be but painfull, for being lettered he can strictly keepe under the cruell, and defend lawes without terrour, temperating them to his minde, the meeke also he can civilly admonish, and the deceitfull he can wisely goe about, and the simple he can handle with lenity, shewing his prudency in all his actions, foreseeing all dangers which may happen. Therefore we see, that science to a man of warre is a brave Mistresse, teach∣ing him to doe all things as they did in old times.

XIII.

It is a hard matter when the diligent, and industrious Souldier is disap∣pointed of his hire, and that he is rewarded with injury who did merit better. This of all evills is most insufferable, that he, who deserveth a reward, should be frustrate of his hopes: for reward is due unto valiant Captaines and Soul∣diers that were instruments in chiefe of victory, glory and honour: as Sir Iames Ramsey and Sir Iohn Hamilton were, in forcing the passage to the Ca∣stle of Vertzberg, who neverthelesse were frustrate of reward, and therefore I cannot but allow of the resolution of Sir Iohn Hamilton being no Souldier of Fortune, that tooke his Passe of the Sweden for being frustrate of the reward of his vertue, seeing those disdained that did merit best. Where we see that a gentle heart, being crossed contrary to reason, doth presently resent his wrongs, pointing out to the world, that he is not the man that can suffer or swallow a seene injury done to him and his Nation.

XIIII.

It is better to feare evill, preparing our selves for danger, then through too much security, and contempt of the enemy to suffer our selves to be o∣vercome; for it is dangerous to have to doe with a desperate body, seeing necessity maketh those that are fearefull to become stout, and those who feare no dangers are easily lost, as witnesseth the death of the Invincible King of Sweden: and those dangers ought to be eschewed, from whence ariseth greatest evill; and experience hath taught us, that nothing is more dange∣rous in warres, then to fight great battailes on unequall termes, as witnes∣seth the dolefull battaile fought at Nerling in August 1634. After which losse those, that should have fought for their country, their wives and children, did prove seeble cowards (viz.) the German Princes, Saxon, Brandeburg, Lunen∣burg, with the rest of the Gentrie, giving occasion to others, that came to helpe them, for to leave them. It is no wonder then, they be plagued them∣selves

wishing helpe another time, when justly they cannot have it, having rewarded their helpers so ill as they have done, and through their covetous∣nesse and niggardly sparing bin the cause and instruments of their owne over∣throwes, and of the losse of the cause, being I feare the fore-runners òf their Successours punishment, which I wish may not happen.

XV.

Before the fall of Kingdomes arise dissensions, that overthrow the con∣federates more than their enemies, as it happened here in our late warres of Germanie, after the death of his Majestie of Sweden, the Dutch Princes, especially Saxon, slighting his Excellencie the Rex-chancellour of Sweden and his Directorium as Supreame, calling him disdainfully a Pedant, or a Penman. So that wee see that dissension, or discord amongst the Superiours was the first cause of the suddaine losse of Nerling. Next wee see that the Countrie was destroyed, not onely for their sinnes, but also for not punishing of sinne. For after his Majesties death, what punishment was to be seene in our Armie? none at all: when our owne horsemen plundered their friends not being punished, they began to intercept Letters, and to robbe the common Poste, and to hinder the Countries correspondencie, and common traffique: which being overseene, and winked at by our Generalls, they begun then to plunder the Chancelours owne waggons, abusing his servants, and taking his baggage: thereafter the strongest amongst themselves set the weakest party to foote, taking away their horses, till at last the whole Armie refused to obey the Director and his Concilium formatum, lying idle for three moneths in Donavert Leaguer, suffering the enemie to over-runne the Countrie, and all because that the Officers alleadg'd after his Majesties death, that the Scri∣veners who followed the Chancelour, were in better esteeme, than the Ca∣valiers, that had done notable good service unto his Majestie: so that, through this jealousie, the Armie came in disorder, being the first change, and the rest, piece and piece did follow, till at last the whole Armie was lost, through the number of wrongs that went before, in the end custome and use of wrongs infected the nature it selfe, and the lacke, or want of punishment, and the libertie and freedome, which was given to offend, at last the ruine of families, that were famous did follow, for not punishing of sinne. We see then, when a potent King, and Heroique, as Gustavus was in the time hee did live, all things florished in a good order, but he once gone, the Cōmon-wealth was punished for their former sinnes committed in time of their plentie, and peace; when they had their heaven upon earth, as other Nations have now, who ought to looke unto themselves in time, lest that the Lord raise not up an other Heroique to make them to be punished, as other Nations have bin, to the eversion of great Cities, as Magdeburg, and divers others: for when the publique burthens doe grow, then Governements doe change, as was seene here; for lawes being cast away, and discipline put in fetters; then suddenly did follow change, and great ruine, after the Kings death of worthy memorie.

XVI.

Nothing loses more, as we see, the common cause, than the want of au∣thoritie in one person, as was formerly said of the Saxons jealousie over the Rex-chancelors Governement. Also the same fault was seene in the Armie under Commanders: as at Nerling, betwixt Supreme Officers, as also betwixt their inferiours: who for want of one Supreme Commander, as Gustavus was, they could not agree among themselves. Likewise the dissension and jea∣lousie betwixt Duke Barnard, and the Rhinegrave helpes nothing to the fur∣therance of the good cause, being both brave Commanders: though seldome seene command in one place, and it is to be pitied, how the Rhinegrave after the losse of Nerling, not being bastant against the enemie, was forced to swimme the Rhine on horse-backe, and dyed soone thereafter; who was a renowned, valourous Cavalier, as ever I was acquainted with of the Dutch Nation, serving in those warres; all these mischiefes were caused through the want of one Supreme Leader to conduct them, as the enemie had. Which should teach all men to submit themselves to authoritie, lest by doing other∣wise they procure their owne ruine.

XVII.

To repent a thing, when it is done, is most foolish, which might have beene prevented with counsell: for none that doe repent counsell can be esteemed wise. Therefore a Counsellour should bee very faithfull, never counfelling his friend for his owneayme, lest he that is counselled per∣ceive not his drift, and then be deceived. But counsell is taken from necessitie, and follow'd. And a good Commander deserves prayse as well for his wise∣dome, as for his valour: But evill counsell is a plague or judgement from the Lord; yet those counsells are ever safest, that come from him that will be par∣taker both of the danger, and of the counsell. Therefore it is not good rashly to use the counsell of a Traitor, nor of an enemie: but wee should rather exa∣mine, and shift counsells, and not trust easily, and bee deceived. Counsell then we see is the chiefeground to governe matters well, being secret, true and free, without flatterie, or respect of persons, just and holy, casting aside all private gaines, and utilitie, foreseing the publique weale; and if thou wouldest be truly counselled, thou must take heed to those Caveats: first that the speech be wholesome, and unreproveable; his counsell profitable, his life honest, his sentence pleasant, not wavering like a childe, or unconstant, neither ought you aske many what you would doe, but shew it to a few and trustie friends, which are rare to be found: and when thy neere friends cannot resolve thee, flee to those for their counsells, whose daily experience is approved for their wisedome in their owne affaires, and then you shall doe well.

XVIII.

Militarie discipline is lost, when the crueltie and avarice of Officers is exten∣ded in detaining of Souldiers meanes; and Supreme Officers neglecting to content Cavaliers, make the whole Armie turne rebellious, as at Donavert, The Concilium formatum and their Treasurer, having not given the Armie one

monthes meanes complet of the whole contribution they had collected the yeere after his Majesties death, but payed themselves, and their Secretaries dulie, which raised great envie against them, the Armie having mutined for want of pay: which made them afterward want both the contribution and the Country, through misgovernement of their Consilium.

XIX.

It is in vaine for a Cavalier to feare any thing but God, and the offence of his Supreme Officer; for being honest, modesty hindering his flight makes him victorious in middest of danger, and of his enemies: as chanced me and my Collegues at Rugenwoulde in Pomeren, having escaped danger by Sea, were come to Land in danger of our enemies, but the Lord and the dutie we ought our Maister, made us abide the danger of our enemies, which the Lord turned to our best, giving us victorie and freedome. Shall I then distrust this God, having had this time, and divers times before, great experience of his mercies? God forbid. No, I will still trust in him, doe to mee what he will; for I know his mercies goe beyond all his workes, and they endure for ever.

XX.

A man unjustly hurt, as many were, that served the Sweden, once escaped, their Commanders are now their greatest enemies; for the memorie of inju∣ries received, is ever more recent in the Actor, than in the patient: and is al∣so more difficult to be reconciled: as oft times experience doth prove. There∣fore I would advise my friend not to suffer injurie if he can, & if injurie be done him, not to passe it over for flatterie, lest in accepting of a slight satisfaction, he should injure himselfe more, than the other did. But by the contrary, I would advise himtimely to repaire himselfe, that he may preserve the former dignity. Likewise the greater our injuries received are, & the greater they commove us, the more ought our wit to moderate our revenge; seeing to moderate our selves, and to overcome our desires, is the greatest prayse wee can have, being reven∣ged. Yet injuries doe ever sticke neerer unto us, then the remembrance of be∣nefits received: for in remembring of benefits, wee ascribe the good to our owne merits, flattering our selves; but on the contrary, remembring our in∣juries received, we call them to minde a great deale more cruelly, than they were done without moderation. I must then advise my friend, that he not only prevent the deede of his enemy, but also his counsells, lest they bring detriment upon him: for he ought to be a like with the offer of an injury be∣ing a Cavalier, and with the intention, as if the deede had followed. The offering then of a stroke may be repaired with a sword, the giving of a lie is repaired with a blow, words not tending to disgrace are repaired with words againe, the losse of goods is restored by restitution, with circum∣stances convenient, and to quarrell for a light occasion is want of under∣standing, especially with thy betters in esteeme. For there should be had respect of persons, of times, and of circumstances observed, before a man should quarrell; and having once quarrelled, I would advise my friend not to be put backe without honourable satisfaction, or at least great hazard, not coming unto the fields for the first bout, or bloud, and then to returne with

disgrace unthought of by thy selfe, though much by others, as I have knowne Cavaliers doe.

XXI.

In Battaile fighting with the enemy, at the first be very slow against a fierce enemie, that the enemy being weary your strength fresh and a little succours joyned unto you, the enemy is soone beaten, and having once be∣gun warre, follow it with sword, fire, spoile, slaughter, till the streets be full; a Rover should never be a Rewer, so long as his hands are unto it, and you should never give time to the enemy to joyne forces, but pursue them ever as they come, never neglecting an enemy, though he be weake, but still keepe a good reserve by your selfe, and pursue by parties supplying your owne, as they neede, and timely, and without doubt you shall gaine ho∣nour and credit.

XXII.

Trust never thy selfe rashly to a reconciled enemy, without pledges first had, for keeping good peace; and being desirous to possesse any thing be∣longing to thy enemy, thou hast neede to use rather diligence, then delay, that thou mayest catch them unawares, as Gustavus did Frankfurt on the Oder. And nothing is more to be suspected, then a neere enemy, which Lansberg did finde after the taking of Franckfurt, and nothing is more cruell then a Barbarous enemy, as was found by our Regiment at New∣brandenburg, and thereafter by our Camerades at Magdeburg.

XXIII

Warres may be taken on by the counsell of sluggards, but they must be sustained with the labour, and danger of the most valiant, as was well seene after Gustavus the invincibles death: It was not the Princes confederats, or their Consilium, was able to doe the turne, whose reward to Cavaliers was but paper. As their reward was naught, so their Consilium turned to nothing, and which was worse, to contempt, except the Director alone, who as yet hath kept life in the cause, though without their means or assistance: and which is more honourable for him, he maintaines the warre against them, who unworthily have broken their oathes and fidelity, having turned their Armes against those who formerly had releeved them, to their perpetuall disgrace, shame and ignominy, having scorned men, that had merited well in offering to reward them with paper, their punishment is that for their in∣famy, their names shall rot in oblivion. Nam ubi orta est culpa, ibi poena con∣sistit.

XXIIII.

All things here being but humane, are unstable and unconstant, so that there is nothing sure, except true piety; and we see our lives bring many things forth contrary to our expectation, so that the condition of our hu∣mane life containes the first, and the last day. For it is much to be look't un∣to,

with what lucke we did begin, and with what we ended. We judge him then happy, who did receive the light happily, and happened to restore it againe pleasantly, which that we may doe, I humbly crave of God Al∣mighty.

A short observation of Jntelligence, necessary for a Commander.

COnshaft or Intelligence in an Army is so necessary, that without it no direction can be given with assurance, without it we cannot dis∣cerne betwixt our friends and our enemies, who are with us, or a∣gainst us, which is the first point a Commander hath to know; comming in an enemies country: Next he ought to know the strength of his enemies Army, foote and horse, that he may the better dispose of his owne: he ought also to know how his enemy is quartred in Garrison, Leaguer, Field or Dorpe, and what watch they keepe in all those parts: And how farre their horsmen doe lie from their foote, and how guarded. To have certainty of all this he must have some secret friend with the enemy, for giving him secret intelligence, and that he should not trust too much in one, he must have a subtill Boore, now and then frequenting without suspition amongst them, as ordinarily his Majesty of worthy memory had: likewise it were needfull that they deboished some Secretary on their side, for getting the Lists of their Strengths, Officers and Souldiers, as also for their qualities, that he might the better dispose himselfe against them, in directing private parties on the wayes they travell to get prisoners, and failing thereof to fall on their watch or within their quarters.

He ought also on all marches to have a knowne Boore with him, to ac∣quaint him with all passes or straights, on which the enemy can repare to him, or from him, conferring his land mappe with the Boores intelligence, which betime would enable him in knowing all the Passes.

Likewise he ought to have intelligence out of the enemies Leaguer, how they were provided of victualls, Amunition or forrage, and of their healths, if there were any infections amongst them, or what sport or recreation they used without their quarters, and what streetes they goe on, and how they are conveyed, striving still to get prisoners, for the better intelligence how their Amunition is kept, and with what Guards, that if it were possible, ac∣cident all fire might be set to it, and for getting this good of intelligence, the chiefe Officers would be liberall to those whom they put in trust, seeing without it little good service can be effected, and the getting of it is the safe∣ty of many Cavaliers and their credits.

Therefore whether he be defender or pursuer, intelligence gives him a kinde of assurance in all his actions, and the losse, or neglect of it hath rob∣bed many a brave Commander of their fame and credit, being surprized through over sight, as Gustavus Horne was at Bambricke: It was also the losse of Hano, and Philipsburg; Intelligence then being of such moment, it

should make Generalls, and all Commanders under them, according to their qualities and charge, to be open handed; otherwise it is impossible to sub∣sist long not being surprised.

Of Recognoscing.

HAving intelligence of our enemies strength, how he lies, whether in Quarter, Garrison, Field, or Leaguer, then having an exployt to goe on, we must recognosce on horse or foote, according to the exployt we have before us. As if we were to blocke up a Towne with a part of an Armie, we must first being accompanied with a few Horsemen recog∣nosce the bounds, riding the Circuit short or long from it, fore-seeing how to divide our number on the Passes & Avenues from or towards the Towne, to stop out-fallings, or in commings, in ordering such Workes and Skonces to be made on the passages, as may put us in safetie, as well against out-fallings, as against their pretended Reliefes to come: and our watches one from ano∣ther, must keepe due correspondence by their Centries, that none can passe betwixt them without advertising one anothers guard.

Next being to beleaguer a Towne neere hand, we ought to recognosce al∣so neerer, having first placed our Armie foote and horse Battell without reach of their Cannon, though in their view: having first directed our parties of horse to batter the streets without us, then the Commander is to ride the cir∣cuit of the Towne within shot, as neere as he can, having another riding at a distance behinde him, and having a Boore beside him, resolving him of all Questions concerning their Ports, their Graffes, their Bulworkes, where weakest, and where the Graffe is shallowest; which being knowne, he dispo∣seth the Armie on severall Posts, where againe the Commanders are to re∣cognosce neerer the walls, where they can best lodge their greatest bodie in most safetie, where to place their Guard before them, and where their Cen∣tries; as also where to place their Batteries, and where to beginne their Ap∣proaches: which being done, they are thought the best fellowes, that shew most diligence, and least losse to come to the walles; the same circumstances are to be observed by any Commander, who leads a partie before a Strength or Castle to blocke it, or beleaguer it, having Cannon, Pittards, and fire∣workes, with sufficient men and furniture belonging to the Artillerie, that can discharge their duties, as they are directed by the Commander of the partie, who must see to all things himselfe, that it be well done, as in speciall to the placing of his Batteries, and in ordering all things to be brought to the Batte∣ries that are needfull, by the Souldiers commanded out to attend the workes, beside the guard of the Cannon, and of the workemen, he must also be very vigilant in visiting the Approaches, Batteries, and Guards, admonishing them to be carefull against out-falls on the Trenches, Batteries, or Guards, giving orders to the Captaine of the Watches to receive the enemie falling out with a strong bodie of Pikes and Muskets closse together to beate them backe, being received with Pikes charged, bravely flancked and lined with shot,

which being done, to advance their workes againe night and day, till the ene∣my be forced to Accord.

In the night also a sufficient Sergeant being seconded by another stout fel∣low, should creepe to the Graffe, with two halfe-Pikes, for to wade through, to know the shallowest parts, being helpt thereto by some knowne Boore, who might give certaintie of the enemies strength within, and of their defects they have of victualls, Amunition, fire or water. As also to know their pri∣vate sorting-Ports, to watch their out-commings; he ought also to learne what draw-bridges are within, and what Portcullis, and what store of victu∣alls, or Amunition is to be had within, in case the Strength be pregnable, that he may the better make his Accord. Also he ought to learne what Ar∣tillery or Armes are within, and what Caducks, or what number of Horses pertaining to the enemie, and what other riches they have, and where kept; or if otherwise the Towne be not taken by Accord, or strength of hand, we must strive to force it to yeeld by hunger, or by lacke of fire or water, or otherwise by throwing Artificiall fire amongst them with Cannon, or with other fiery Engins, fiering their houses, or spoyling their Watches on their Posts or Guards; as also we must deale by fraud to convey private Letters unto them, for deboysing the Inhabitants, to resist the Garrison in making ei∣ther Port or Post good, while as the pursuer intends to fall on, on storme or breach.

Likewise the pursuer had neede to dispose well of his owne watches with∣out, that he be not surprized, his hooffe-watch, particular watches, reserves, or by-watches, are to be still in readinesse to attend the enemies out-falling, lest he may cut off his Guards, or spoyle his Cannon by nayling of them, or by bur∣ning their Carriages, or Amunition, being disgracefull in the highest man∣ner, as oft-times hath hapned to unprovident and sluggish Commanders, who have unwisely despised their enemies.

An enemy being in the Field, either with a strong partie or Armie, a suf∣ficient Commander must be carefull in recognoscing the Field about him, for taking his advantage of the ground, in advancing to an enemie, as also in spying his advantage in case he be put to a Retreat, that he may the better re∣tire in order, not being put to rout, as our Armie was at Nerling, which ne∣ver hapned unto them before during the time I served the Sweden. As also being in the Field he ought to observe where most conveniently he can plant his Ordnance, as Generall Tillie did at Leipsigh, and as the Emperialists did on the Hill at Nurenberg; as also at Nerling. For Ordnance being planted with advantage is oft-times the winning of the Field, and the losse of Artillery is ever reputed and holden for a defeate, although both foote and horse be pre∣served. There is also advantage of ground very requisit to be taken by foote against foote, as the advantage of hights, passages, woods, hedges, ditches, as also the advantage of Sunne and Winde with you, and against your ene∣mie; which his Majestie of worthy memory did strive to get at Leipsigh a∣gainst the Emperialists.

Likewise it is a great advantage of ground, when one of both the Armies is brought to that inconvenience, that they cannot come to fight, but the one Armie may be forced to come up but by Divisions, while as the other by advantage of the ground may receive them with full Battailes of horse and foote, the one to second the other; and this advantage Gustavus Horne did get of the Emperialists, while as he retired before them unto Vertenberg-land

in March 1633. the enemy not being able to pursue our Armie but with great disadvantage, which freed us of them for that time, he being stronger than we, and afterward the Rhinegraves Forces come from Alsas being joyned with us, we made the Emperialists againe retire over the Danube unto Schwa∣land at the passe of Munderken, where we came within Cannon-shot; yet they getting the passe, retired in safetie; as they did another time from us, out of Schwabland unto Bierland, having got the passe before us at Kempten, and afterward over the Eler in Schwabland, having (I say) got the passe be∣fore us, they were safe, and we frustrate. So that the advantage of ground is of great importance in warres, as I have often knowne by experience, especi∣ally before the Hill at Nurenberg.

Likewise a wise Commander being defender must observe all Circum∣stances, as he did in pursuing for his owne safetie; he must also being defen∣der beset well all passes, and frontier Garrisons, whereupon the enemie must passe to come unto him, having timely recognosced the same, that it may either be beset by him, or otherwise being found more advantagious for the enemie, it would then be timely demolished.

As also your enemies Armie, or strong partie being drawne up in the field, you are to recognosce both his strength and order, by the sight of your eye, before you intend to pursue him, where you are to consider, how he can advance to you, or you to him without disorder, but doe you never pursue, except with advantage; though you shall be deemed by others to be remisse, but rather suffer him to be gone, than to take the disadvantage of pursute, since time will alter any thing, and he that preserves an Armie will doubtlesse finde a convenient time to fight. And it had beene good for the Evangelists in Dutchland, that this point had beene more wisely lookt unto at Nerling than it was, for they might have saved their Armie and Countrey both, had they not presumed with disadvantage in their owne strength and courage, where GOD the disposer of hearts made their pride suffer a great fall.

A short Observation to be observed in Garrison.

ENtering the place before all things you are to visit the Posts, and being duely recognosced, the round or circuit should be measured, and then the Posts to be dealt proportionably, according to the severall strengths, that no man have just cause to complaine.

The posts then order••y and well beset, there should be orders given for by-watch, or reserve, where to stand in readinesse, whether on the Market∣place, or some other convenient part, having sufficient Officers ever to com∣mand them, who must be kept to strictnesse of dutie, lest they should be to seeke when honour were to be maintained, while as on Alarum they were to repaire to poste, street, or wall, to resist the enemie, and to succourse the weaknesse of any accident might befall by pursute or fire, or to resist enemies

within or without, being as well on continuall Guard against the Inhabi∣tants, in case of uproares, or treacherie, as against their outward enemies: since no enemy is so dangerous, as the inward enemy being least suspe∣cted.

Likewise the Governour or Commandant ought to observe and keepe a due proportion in all commandements given either for workes, service, wat∣ches, or parties, that no man might justly complaine, that there is more du∣tie layd on him than on his neighbour, but according to proportion of strength.

The keyes of the Ports, and of all sorting doores and prisons, are to be brought in and out by the Captaine of the maine Watch to the Governour, and the Captaine of the Watch is to appoint Guards, to stand at the draw∣bridges, Portcullis, and sorting Ports, and he is obliged to bring all intelli∣gence himselfe unto the Governour, and never to open a doore night or day without a sufficient Guard by him with the Limits past, for feare he might be surprised, and the whole Gartison in danger.

Also the Governour is to give Orders at night, whether every man must resort with their Armes in case of Alarum, and the Towne being divided, both Burgers and Souldiers should know their Posts they are to repaire to, from the Alarum place.

And to supply the defects of the fortifications, the Towne should be divi∣ded into equall deales, to worke their day about, with all materialls need∣full for repayring the defects, that there be nothing to mend when they ought to fight; and to that effect, Officers should be appointed by the Governour to over-see the workes, that things may be the better done, and the Gover∣nour must often visit all himselfe, taking reckoning what is done every day, till all be put in good order. The Governour ought to have a Register of all inquartering, that he may the better be made acquainted by the Burgers of every mans behaviour for keeping good order. He ought also to have ac∣count of all victualls in their store-houses, both of Corne and all other furni∣ture, and of all Caducks within the Garrison; and the out-setting of all safe∣guards belongs unto him as his due. He ought to suffer no man to make commoditie without his knowledge, but all to put in to him, that he may the better maintaine his state, and entertaine strangers seeing he ought to be a good fellow, and a common receipt for commers and goers, otherwise he will faile to be thought of; and he must give orders to the Captaine of the watch, that no man come or goe without his knowledge, under paine of punishment, and the Captaine of the watch should direct those that enter the Citie, having seene their passes, with a Convoy and an Officer by night or by day, unto the Governour to be inquired of at his pleasure.

The Governour as he ought to give out the word, so he ought to see all Parads at the ordinary time they goe to watch, where comming off againe, they ought to repaire to the Parad-place, and draw up orderly, before they lodge their Colours, and the Governour is obliged to visit the Posts, and to goe the round himselfe, and to make the rest goe the rounds orderly after him.

Likewise it is his due to command out all parties, being first drawne up on the Parad-place, seeing them to be provided of Amunition, and of all neces∣saries, before their parting, giving strict orders that at their returnes all boo∣tie be brought orderly before him, and nothing to be put out of the way or a∣side,

on the paine of punishing the Officer that commanded the partie, and the goods being knowne, they are to be confiscated to the Governour, seeing all bootie ought to be distributed at his discretion: and in dividing the Quar∣ters, the Governour ought to have allowed him some free houses, to contri∣bute to his Kitchen, as also some houses kept free to Iodge strangers, which ought to acknowledge the Governour so long as they have no other burthen, and if the Garrison be such a place as yeelds other commodities by traffique, by water or land, the Governour, besides the ordinary custome or toale, ought to be acknowledged by those who transport goods or Cattell, by or through his Garrison, if they come under the compasse of his watch. As also he may take of adjacent lands belonging to the enemy, as high a contribution as he can rack them to, providing he prove not dishonest to his Master in taking mo∣neys, for being friend to his Masters enemies.

For making of Accord, an Observation.

HIS Majestie of worthy memory, I being with him at Damaine, Brandenburg, Lantsberg, Verben, Erfort; Mentz, Ausburg, Rhine and Munchen in Baviere, did never trust the making of the Treatie to any other than himselfe: for how soone either Trumpeter or Drummer were conveyed (blind-folded by the Officer of the Watch) unto him, then being discovered, having delivered their message and receiving an answer, the same or another being directed backe, then pledges were delivered to be kept on both sides, till such time as the accord were condescended to or left off, in case of variance; being continued to a second resolution, and then the pledges were to be retired Hinc inde. Those pledges at such times ought to be modest, sober and discreet in their discourses, lest some things might slip them, tending to prejudice of either parties: and if the pledges be wise, they may save some Commodities for a friend. When the defender makes a slight Accord, the heads whereof are set downe in writing, and afterward advised, but once gran∣ted cannot be recall'd; the guard once changed, a Commander doth goe to possesse withall, according to the Accord, where incontinent the pursuer makes preparation for the enemies out-comming, that there be no disorder committed in breaking the Accord by either of the parties; for it is a grosse errour for a Christian to violate their word once given: but they doe strive before ending, for honourable Conditions on both sides, the particulars accor∣ded on are not necessary to be inserted here, since they doe varie according to the occasions; where sometimes the defender makes Conditions for the Ci∣tie, their Liberties, Traffique and Religion, as the place is of importance; and if the defender looke for succours seeing his advantage, he shifts in making the Accord, prolonging time till in the end, as sometimes, the Treatie dis∣solves; as was done at Traylesound 1628. against the Emperialists. And the partie beleaguerer finding himselfe weake without, he continues their out∣marching till his weaknesse be supplied; as his Majestie of worthy memory

did before Lansberg, where the enemy was to march out three thousand stronger then we were without, which delayed his out-coming, till supply was come to us from Francfurt.

When treaties are ended, the Conquerour of the place, after making his accord, having made his best advantage of all provisions sound in such parts, as of Cannon, Armes, Clothes, Amunition, Libraries, Monu∣ments, being all transported, and put in assurance, then the Towne being in the Conquerours power, he may beset it with a Garrison, or demolish it by rasing of the walles, and it had bin good the Swedens had done so in Ba∣vier with Donavert, Rhine, Ausburg, Aychstat, Landsout and Munchen; if they had beene rased at first, we had not bin troubled by taking them in twice thereafter, and it had bin better to have plundred them first, then to have compounded with them for monies, having after the losing of Nerling battaile lost our monies, the pledges, the country and City, which had bin better to have raced them to the ground (as Trophees of our victories) at our being there, then to have taken pledges for money, and lose all againe.

It is also to be observed in making of all accords, that such prisoners as are within the place, may be let free, that doe belong to the beleaguerer, and such Souldiers as were run away from the pursuer, may be restored againe to be punished or pardoned, as pleaseth their Officers. But no man belonging to the enemy may be detained contrary to their wills.

As also no Cannon taken of the pursuer before, can be taken out of the Strength, notwithstanding that Cannon be allowed unto him, by his accord, he must transport none that belonged formerly to another.

Likewise no more horses can be allowed to be transported by Officers, then are mentioned in their accord, and that proportionally according to their degrees they serve in, and no more: and if it be found, that the defender fraudulently beyond his accord, hath either stolne away, destroyed, or hid any goods, Armes, Cannon or Amunition, being knowne or revealed, ipso facto the pursuer or Conquerour is not obliged to keepe their paction, but they may use them as the Swedens did Colonell Gramme, after his marching out of Wesmer, having broken treacherously his accord.

Of the taking of Prisoners an observation.

HIS Majesty having taken in Frankfurt on the Oder, I did grant quarters to two young Cavaliers, who had begged my protection, to save them from the fury, and having once protected them, though with difficulty, I had a care no man should wrong them: as all Ca∣valiers ought to doe in extremity to those that stand in neede of mercy, not

plundring men to their skinnes, as some unworthy doe; But on the contra∣ry having once granted quarter, men ought to be carefull, not only in guar∣ding their lives from others, but also they ought to foresee for entertainment civilly, at least for their money, being Cavaliers of charge, which may be presupposed able to entertaine themselves, or if otherwise they cannot doe it, our charity and compassion should move us to provide bread for them, who cannot provide for themselves, otherwise our over-sight in suffering them to starve for want of bread, deserves a greater punishment, then if we suffered others to have killed them at first being enemies, so that I wish no man so uncivill as to dominier over a reconciled enemy being in bonds.

Likewise Prisoners being civilly entertained according to their degrees, neverthelesse they ought to be look't unto as Prisoners; if they be common Souldiers, they should be commited to the Generall Gavilliger, to be atten∣ded there, with a guard to watch them, being in Irons, and according to their behaviours, to be kept closer, or at more liberty, and being on mar∣ches, they ought not to be suffered to come so heere the Army as to be spies over others, and especially being Officers concredited to a Gavilliger, they ought to be so kept as they could not remarke, either the strength or the dis∣cipline of the Army; and being come to quarters, they ought to be visited as Cavaliers, but in discourse men ought to be sparing with them, as with prisoners; neither must you injure them or suffer others to doe it, seeing Pri∣soners can doe no reason to Cavaliers, and giving once their Parole, they may have some freedome to walke without suspition within shot of Cannon.

But when either Trumpeter or Drummer is sent with letters, or message to prisoners, he ought before he come neere the Guards, sound his Trumpet or beate his Drumme, giving advertisment to the Guards before he enter within their outward Centries, otherwise he is lyable to the highest punish∣ment, but having law fully aduertised the Guard, an Officer by command of the Captaine of the watch with a Convoy of Musketiers ought to meete him, and having enquired for his commission and passe, and seene his open letters, having search't him for private letters, and finding none, then he ought to sile or blinde him up, and convay him blinded unto the chiefe Commander, who receives his letters, reades, and delivers them, and then after he being siled up againe, he is convaied unto the Gavilliger, where he is kept till he be ready, and suffered to depart againe with open Letters, being convayed out as he came in: and no Prisoner ought to deliver any letters, though open, to any man, till first he acquaint his Guard, who ought to impart it to the Commander of the p••ce, and it is ordinary to Go∣vernours or Commanders, to whom Trumpeters or Drummers doe come, having received their answer, being brought siled from the Gavilligers unto their lodging, first to talke merrily with them, and then to cause attenders drinke to them till they be merrry, and then being siled againe, they are convayed without the whole Contries, having their passe, they are free to returne.

Prisoners having agreed for their Ransomes, or being exchanged out for others, they ought not be suffered to depart, without getting first the Ge∣neralls passe, and then he may goe with a Trumpeter or without one to the next friendly Garrison.

For quartering an Army in field upon March, Dorpe, Towne, or Leaguer, An Observation.

A Commander ought not be ignorant of the circumstances belonging to the quartering of an Army, therefore for the better Information of the younger sort, who have not seene such Marches as I have bin at, with his Majesty of worthy memory, who quartered his Army Sum∣mer or Winter, according as the occasion or neerenesse of his enemy did offer, where many times the whole winters night, the Army, horse, foote and Ar∣tillery, being without fire, did stand in battaile order by their Armes in the fields, having placed their Artillery apart, with a guard to attend them, their baggage also being behinde them apart, and well guarded, and a maine guard being commanded out apart before the Army, of horse and foote; And the Armies being neere one another, all Officers were commanded to abide on their severall charges, as they were commanded on the March, to leade Briggads, Troopes or Divisions; The commanded men being also apart next unto the enemy, with their Officers by them, which all being orderly quartered in this first manner, they entertained one another with such dainties as the time afforded, passing the night with variety of merry jests and discourses till day, that either Drumme or Trumpet did invite them unto earnest.

The second forme of our quartering was in the fields not being neere an e∣nemy, where we quartered a little more commodiously for our ease, being commonly drawne up by foure or five of the clocke in the afternoone, neere some Towne or Village, in some faire meadow by water, if it could be had in the Summer, and in the Winter being quartered, we drew neere the side of some wood, both for fire, and for build or shelter; The Army drew up in battaile by Briggads, as they marched, where behinde the place the Brig∣gads drew up unto, at a reasonable distance, their quarters were marked out severally according as they stood in battaile, and before the Briggads re∣moved from their Armes, their guards were first commanded out, every Briggads guard being placed at a distance of foure score paces from their Co∣lours, where they were appointed to watch, and the watch being set, Cen∣tries were put to the Colours, and then the Pike-men were ordained to six their Pikes fast in the ground as they stood in battaile, the Musketiers also were ordained in dry wether to set up their Muskets in order in even front, with their Colours, but when it rained, they were commanded to keepe them carefully dry by themselves, which all orderly done they were suffered part and part to goe, and provide themselves of straw and fire, providing also many times well for their Officers Kitchins beside.

The Artillery and Amunition waggons being also drawne up a part, and well guarded, their horses were sent to grasse for good quarters, then the Bag∣gage and wagons as they came up did draw up orderly behinde their owne

Regiments, and their horses being sent to grasse, the Officers Tents were set up orderly at a distance before their Colours, and then cookes went to dresse meate and all being returned to quarters before supper, the whole Drummes of the Army did beate before their severall Briggads, invi∣ting all to publique prayers, which were never forgotten; And after prayers the Majors of the Regiments did give out orders for that night to the Serge∣ants, and for up-breaking the next morning, and then all went to meate first, and next to rest, and the whole horsmen were drawne up in this fa∣shion, and parties were sent out of their quarters to batter the streets, two or three mile off, the whole night, lest we should be surprised by an enemy without intelligence.

The next morning Drummes having called all to Armes, the Briggad, that had the Van, marched out first in a new ground, and drew up, the Briggad, that had the Van the day before, marched out, drawing up on their left hand having fallen backe one degree from the Van, and then the rest of the Briggads drew out orderly, one after another, till the left hand of the foote Army were closed up, and then they went to prayers, and the prayers ended, they marched, the Baggage marching after, being drawne up in order, as the Briggads or Regiments did march, so did they. The Artillery marched with the Briggads, in part, and the rest marched before the Army with their Convoyes, and guard of Musketiers, which were changed every two dayes, being commanded men out of all Regiments proportionally, ha∣ving Officers, commanded them accordingly. Thus much of quartering in the fields.

The third manner of quartering, an enemy being a farre off, and we neere Townes, onely in cold weather, quarterings were given for the Hoffe∣staffe (being the King or Generall and their followers) and the principall Of∣ficers of the Army, including his Majesties houshold, whose quarters were first appointed by the generall quarter-master in the Townes, and next to the Hoffe-staffe the Colonells, that commanded Briggads, were quartered, and next to them, the Colonells of Regiments, their Officers and Souldiers: agreat part, and the best of the quarters ordained for the Officers belonging to the Artillery, their horses and servants. The Artillery and baggage stand∣ing without the Towne, those who quartered within the Towne, had al∣lowance of free meate and drinke, and no more; sometimes without Townes we had quarters given to Briggads apart in Dorps, Randez-vouz being ap∣pointed for us, the next morning to draw upon for to joyne with the Army, and while as we quartered in Dorps being drawne up without the Dorpe, first we sighted the passes, and the guards placed in the fields on the Avenues, lest the enemy unawares might enter the quarters, the Centries duely set, our Colours were conveyed with a Troope to their lodging or quarter, their furriers shuts leading them aright till the Colours were quartered and guarded, then the rest showne unto their quarter, men were appoin∣ted to goe meete the Baggage to leade them to their quarters. Orders given, every man entertained another, as they had best reason, and all being setled, parties of horse were sent forth to scoure the fields for intelligence, and lest they might be trapped by the enemy, a second party was sent out after them, both getting orders, how farre to ride, and upon what streets, being commanded where to hault, and forrage, as also being admonished to have still a party on horsbacke to advertise the rest from being surprized, which

done, Ordnance-Rutters of every Briggad were left to waite on the Generall, at his Quarter, for Orders; the generall Randez-vouz for the Horse being ap∣pointed, where to meete when ever they got Orders.

The fourth manner of quartering an Armie is in a fast Leaguer, as at Statin, Swede, Brandenburg, Verben, Donavert, Ausburg, Engolstat, Nurenberg, which manner of quartering is most troublesome both for Officers and Souldiers, who having builded Receptacles for themselves, their charges and travels bestowed in vaine, many times they leave their houses to their enemies, yet the forme is commendable, being under an Armie that is well payd, where all things may be had for money, and then the Leaguer being kept cleane, and in good order, it represents a Common-weale or a Citie defen∣sible against all incumbrances which may occurre; except it please the Lord to wagge his hand, and then no counsell or strength can availe against Him who is the God of Hostes. The use Cavaliers, or Commanders have to make of this sort of quartering is, that in case they happen to have Command themselves, they may learne through this practise to command others, as also through fore-sight they may timely take themselves to this kinde of defensive warre, till they be able to come into the Fields, as his Majesty of wor∣thy memory did, being forced to retire by the power of his enemies to the former Leaguers, wherein there was discipline and good practice to be ob∣served by Cavaliers, where the Kings Majestie was made to dwell as the mea∣nest Souldier, being alike subject to the inconvenience as others, which might happen, of ayre, sicknesse, infection, or of watching. Thus farre then for the quartering of an Armie.

Of Artillerie an Observation.

ARtillery being the third part of an Armie, without which no Armie can be gloriously led; it is requisit then somewhat briefly to speake of the advantages we have by Artillerie, being well foreseene and com∣manded, as it was by the Captaine of Kings and King of Captaines, Gustavus the Invincible, who with as little Charge did as much as any King or Cap∣taine could (in doing of so great exploits as he did) with his Artillery. But lest I should be thought to neglect a part of my dutie in this point concerning Cannon, I will set downe here when his Majestie made most use of Cannon, to my knowledge; which being rightly considered, will be thought strange, seeing in the whole course of his Majesties warres during his time, I never saw or did learne he shot a breach in any place, except at Garts, though o∣therwise I knew well his Majestie made good use of his Artillerie, as at Leip∣sigh, the Leacke, and at Leitzen, where in all three he shewed himselfe Master of that Art. But against either Towne, or Fort, I did never see in his Maje∣sties time one breach shot or entred, his fortune being such, and his diligence so great, that his enemies did ever Parlé before they would abide the furie of his Cannon; as at Brandenburg, Damaine, Fransfurt, Mentz, Donavert, Aus∣burg, and divers more; and in my opinion, the terrour the Cannon breeds

is as much to be feared as the execution that followes, though it be great; and Artillery in all Armies and things belonging thereto, are of infinit moment on all occasions. So that they may be called Sine quo nihil; but supreame Of∣ficers of the Field, are no more troubled with them, but so farre as they di∣rect others to doe the service, their owne Officers being appointed to attend them, as the Generall to the Artillerie, his Colonells, Lievetenant-Colo∣nells, Majors, Captaines, Lievetenants, Constables, and all other inferiour Officers needfull to attend, who know and keepe their owne Turnes and Re∣liefes, as other Officers doe theirs; their furniture is great and their charges also in buying Horses to draw their Cannon and Amunition, Waggons, with Powder, Ball, Match, Materials, Fire-Engins, Petards, storming Ladders, Artificiall Bridges carried on Waggons to passe over Rivers or Graffes.

In all quartering they are quartered next after the Hoffestaffe before any Briggad, and the furniture and charges needfull to maintaine this third part of the Armie is extraordinary great, there being alwayes something to be re∣paired, while as the Armie doth rest; and oft-times they must be provided of a great deale of new furniture, and they lose yearely an extraordinary number of Horses of great price. But his Majestie during his time was very fortunate in this, as in other things; for I never knew his Majestie lose any Ordnance, but I have seene him get supply of Amunition and Cannon from his enemies; as first, at Garts and Grefenhaugne, Damaine, Francford, Lansburg, Glogo, Leip∣sigh, Vertsburg, Mentz, and Munchen, besides the supply his Majestie did get for his Artillerie from Nurenberg, Francfurt, Ausburg, Strasburg and Vlme: and to discourse largely of this subject alone, would take a volume of paper. But when every Cavalier is commanded apart with a partie where he must make use of Cannon, he would be (before his departure with his partie) very carefull to receive his Cannon with the furniture belonging unto it timely toge∣ther, with sufficient Officers for discharging that part of the dutie, on his march he must command his partie as if it were a little Armie, being ever well pro∣vided of Guides, and of carefull, wittie, and painefull Intelligencers, that he may leade and quarter his partie with assurance, directing alwayes his Intelli∣gencer before him, being ever carefull to beset the passes and avenues well. As also sufficiently to guard his Cannon, Baggage, and Amunition, since ma∣ny times great hurt doth come thorow the neglect of guarding the Cannon and Amunition: which over-sights once committed are irrecoverable; in regard whereof I must entreate the gentle Reader to pardon me a little here out of Historie (for the younger Souldier his better instruction) to discourse a little of the hurt and inconvenience hath happened many times by Cannon and powder; as also of the manner they were first invented, being found out by Gods permission for the ruine of man punished for finne; experience doth teach daily that the strength of it is not to be resisted.

Estiene Forcatell in his fourth booke of the Empire and of the Philosophy of the Gaulles, doth attribute the invention of powder and Cannon to the Germanes, saying that a peece by the helpe of some kindled powder did spue a ball, the noise whereof was like to thunder, and killed. The maker of it an Abbot, the childe of the Devill, assisted by his Father found out this cruell invention, which serves alike for the pursuer of Townes as for the defender, till it ruine both. It is said of Archidamus, Sonne to the King Agesilaus, won∣dering at a new invention of Cannon brought from Sicilie, complained the

valour of men was beaten downe and trod under foote, seeing there was no more fighting without monstrous hardnesse and Armour. And it is thought that a blacke fellow called Berthold Schuvart an Abbot invented it. Reade Polydore Virgil, in his second booke and sixt Chapter de invent. and Sabellicus in his Ennead. lib. 9. a fellow having some beaten Brimstone for Physicke closed in a pot covered with a stone, he striking with a file on a stone to give fire, a sparke lighted in the pot, and incontinent the flame came forth, heaving the stone in the ayre; and chewing his Cud thereon, he made a Can∣non of Iron, closing powder within it, till that peece and peece he found out the invention. And we reade that in the Kingdome of China, in the East In∣dies, both Printing and Artillerie were knowne and practised there, long be∣fore they were found out in Europe, and that there, there be many Cannons, which I will rather beleeve than goe to see.

Virgil also in the sixt booke of his Aeneids doth speake of the like in his de∣scription of Salmoneus; and Iosephus, in his third booke and ninth Chapter of the Iewes warres, makes mention of an Instrument they used against the Towne of Iotapat in Galilee, and saith, the stones shot by Engines did breake the walles and Towers, and there was no Troope of men so well ordered, but was scattered by it, and beaten to the ground. The same Author speaking of the Batteries made against the walles of Ierusalem, affirmes that the stones shot by the Engines were as heavie as a man: And neverthelesse they were carried above six hundred paces by the Engine, killing many men.

Plinius writes in his thirty-one booke and tenth Chapter, in his voyage un∣to Babylon, that powder was in use of old, and reporteth he did see powder∣milles on the River Euphrates, though of another fort than our powder.

Of this invention also you may reade Cornel de Campe, in his storie of Frise, in his second booke and twentieth Chapter. Also Simoscus King of Frise, Beresne Lord of Holland, and Olympia Daughter to the Earle of Hol∣land, where it is said, that Simoscus killed with one shot of Pistoll the Farle and his two sonnes; and that afterward he would have killed Rowland Earle of Flanders, but the Pistoll mis-giving, Rowland did kill him with his sword, and did throw the Pistoll in the Sea. But we reade that Barbadigue Admi∣rall of Venice was the first that carried them on his Gallies and Shippes, wherewith he did terrifie the Genoweys, being at hunting by their noise: and Paul Iove, in his third booke of illustrious persons, writes that Barthelem Cokone Generall to the Venetians for the space of twentie yeares and more, was the first that used Cannon in the Fields, while as the banished people of Florence made warres against the familie De Medices, being first used to make breaches in walles, and to defend walles: but afterward they came in use to breake the Battailes of horse and foote; for if the warres of old, and their inventions were compared to now adayes, it were a sport to laugh at, rather than warres.

Now of late the invention is found out of burning Bullets, full of fire, shot out of Cannon, to fire houses within Strengths, and to fire Pallesads and Gabeons set before Batreries on walles or in Fields, whereof his Majestie of Polle Estien Bathon made good use in his warres of Musco, within a few yeares.

This invention is thought to have been invented by the King of Pole him∣selfe in his civill warres, of Hungarie, finding other Cannon made greater noise than hurt.

The manner a piece is charged with a hot Bullet, is, the piece is charged with powder convenient, then it is covered with sand in a little quantitie a∣bove the powder, then with a little greene grasse presently pluct, being a little dampish or moist, then the hot Bullet being put in must be presently discharged, otherwise the Invention is very dangerous for the Constables; for oft-times minding to ruine others, they are ruined themselves.

Albert Gantz writes, that Christophel King of Denmarke was killed by a shot of Cannon in the yeare 1280. Also we have a deplorable storie written by Gyrrard de Rooe and Conrade Decius, of the Battaile betwixt the Empe∣rour Albert and the Poles in Bohemia. Amongst their Cannons there was one Cannon greater than the rest, which for her execution was most used, shee killed so many of the Poles, that they were so affraid, that they ranne all away, leaving their tents: and it is reported, that at one shot shee killed fourescore men, the Divell (as I said before) was (by the permission of God) the inventor of such a Monster, being offended with mankinde in this last old age of the world, those thunder-claps putting us in minde that this whole round Globe shall be shaken and perish.

We reade also in the thirty-fourth booke of Paul Iove his story, the an∣swer of a Turke reprehended of his cowardize, having runne away at the noise of a Cannon, being besieged by the Emperour within Goullet.

Adrian Barbarossa reproaching Sinas for losing courage, he answered so long as we have to doe to fight against Armed men, you and my enemies doe know I served ever with reputation and credit, but to fight against the De∣vill and the fury of Hell-fire, having against us such terrible Monsters, be not you astonished that I sought to eschew death, to th'end I might remaine whole to doe you service.

We reade also in the bloudy battaile of Ravenne fought on Easter day, 1512: betwixt the French and Dutch, and the Spaniard, that one shot of a double Cannon did kill (as Michaell de Chochen) forty Horsmen. We reade also that in the Sea-fight betwixt the French and the Emperialists, on the River of Melphe, neere the straight of Salerne, in the yeare 1628, shot out of the Gally of Captaine Philip Dore, a Cannon Bullet that killed above thirty Spaniards, and hurt many others, as reporteth Paulus Euterus, in his story of the warres of Italy: and Paul love writing of the same Battaile more largely and curiously, being eye-witnesse himselfe, or at least, within hearing of the Cannon on the Isle of Aenary, where he did see the smoke of the Can∣non, saith, Philip Dore diligent to make good execution with Cannon, and not in vaine spending pouder and shot on the Spaniard, his great piece called the Basiliske, the ball being monstrous great, broke through the whole ship, even to her keele, and killing thirty, wounded severall Captaines and Gentlemen, that were mutilated or dismembred; So that the Marquesse of Guat was all spoiled with the bloud and entralls of the dead.

Guicciardin roported that at the siege of Calis, in the yeare 1558. by the Duke of Guise, in name of the King of France, on the three Kings day, in the morning, with thirty three double Cannon from one battery, made such a noyse, that the sound was heard five houres going beyond Calis, being twenty English miles. And lest the judicious Reader will thinke this an un∣truth, I would warrant it from my owne deede, for he that pleaseth, may reade the story written by the Author Guicciardin. But those peeces of Can∣non that are farthest hard, are called pot-peeces or Mortiers, such as Mounts

on the Castle of Edenburrough, being so wide, that it is reported, that a man did get a Childwithin, which I also warrant from my owne deede, but the truth is, it is a huge great peece, from whence did come our old Scots Proverbe, the Devill shoote Mounts in your arse. Gentle Reader excuse my homelinesse, since I was not the Inventer of this Proverbe.

These kinde of Peeces are very large, and carry stones for bullets. The Mortiers of Soliman at the Siege of Rhodes, in the yeare 1522. their bullets wayed some of them two hundred weight, the least one hundred and fifty pounds of great weight, when they light on a house, they goe through from top to ground; and Paulus Iovius reports of a Mine made by Peter Val∣ler, which made entrance for the Spaniard within the new Castle of Naples, kept by the French, the French were so astonished with the surprize of the Mine, that they retired unto the last and furthest Court, so that the guards had not time to draw up their Draw-bridges, and the French letting downe the Portcullies to hinder the Spaniards entry, coming with a furious presse, the French bring a peece of Cannon to terrifie the Spaniards, that had entred one Gate, or the first Court, and shoote amongst them, where by chance the Iron bullet tooke hould of the thicke of the Port, where it remaines to this day showne for a Monument unto strangers, that have got the credit to goe within this Castle to see it. Many such Stories we could inferre, but let these suffise in this place for this time.