The Continuation of our Weekely Avisoes.
From Venice the 23. of Aprill. 1631.
FRom Piemont we haue intelligence, that the Dyet at Cherasco is ended, and the peacefully concluded. Mantua is certainly to bee restored to the Duke of Nivers, the 8. of May. Also divers places shall be incorporated in Montferat for the Duke de Guastala, and the Duke of Savoy, Susa, Avigliano and Pignarola, are delivered vp to the Switzers vntill the Passage into Bunten be fully restored and the forces withdrawne. Picollemmi hath charge giuen him to imploy the Dutch forces against the King of Sweden, but many of them are fled away.
The Governor of Milaine hath much furthered this treaty for peace. The Marquis Sancta Croce is marched towards Flaunders, and his forces follow him.
From Vienna the 26. of Aprill.
Here is great feare conceiued, and men are much perplexed for feare of the King of Sweden, but yet we hope that since the Peace is concluded in Italy, and the forces on both sides are withdrawne, that the King of Sweden will meet with more opposition than formerly hee hath done. The Peace at Sevenbergen is also contracted. And 1000. Dragonners are already marched toward Silesia vnder the Commaund of Den Balthasar. The Commander Dona is also to depart hence with certaine forces to Silesia. Their intent is to prevent the King of Swedens intention, and to stop his proceedings, that he may not make an inroad into Silesia.
Here come messengers daily which are posted from Generall Tilly, to solicite for ayde and more forces against the subtle and powerfull enemy who is now farre fallen into the Empire. His Emperiall Ma: gathers as much money as possibly he can compasse and raises new forces. Here are diuers warlike Officers with Patents to leavie men. Many Dragonners and other Regiments out of Silesia, are now marching against the King of Sweden.
From Prague the 28. of Aprill.
The Peace in Italy is certainely now concluded, and the Duke of Niuers is shortly to haue Mantua. All the Emperors forces in those parts are to be employd against his Majestie of Sweden. Men are in great perplexity and feare in all parts, of the King of Sweden. Euery mans name is taken here by the Magistrate, and all the Citizens cōmanded to be in a readinesse and are to be Mustered with all expedition.
From Prague the 5. of May.
We are certified, that the peace betweene the Turke and the Persian is agreed vpon. And that Ragotzi hath pursued the Hungarian Palatyne euen to New-Heusel, and incompassed the same. The walls and Moates about this Citie are carefully prouided and fortified, and great forces are dayly leuied in this Kingdome.
The Duke of Friendland is againe arriued heere, it is supposed that hee will be imployed in warlike service.
At this present comes tydings, that the Commander Papenheym is slayne.
From Nurenburgh the 30. of Aprill.
The next weeke, here shall be held a Creytz-dyet of all the Frankish-Peeres. To resolue what euery one ought to Contribute these troublesome times, and what force shal be levied.
In the Earledome of Marck, great force are already vp in Armes.
The Duke of Bauaria, and other Catholike Princes leuy daily. And their intent is to raise an Army, and take their Rendevous by Tonnewerdt and Ginsburgh. Insomuch that the whole Empire is in Combustion.
From Francford Oder the 1. of May
Whereas the strong City Lantsbergen hath long beene beseidged by the King of Sweden, and could in no wise bee releeued, nor deliuered (especially since this City Francfort was brought vnder the Kings subiection) after they had manfully defended themselues, but could no longer subsist they yeelded vpon agreement. And the 26. of Aprill marched [Page 5]forth of the City being 4000. strong with their Ensignes displayed, matches burning, and 4. peeces of Ordnance, toward Groot-Glogau. This City being taken, all passage into Silesia, all Cities of Brandenburgh from Silesia to this side of the Sprew and all backe Pomerania, are in the commaund and subiection of the King of Sweden.
To morrow the King is expected here and will betake himselfe toward Old-Brandenburgh. Baudis and the Rhyngraef are with certaine thousand men in Silefia, and haue taken Crossen with agreement. Now let Groot-Glogau looke to it selfe that is like to suffer next. At Berling men labour stoutly about the fortification of the same City and 600. Citizens watch themselues Continually.
From Overlandt. the 3. of May.
The Commissarie Ossa upon Thursday last, demanded contribution of the Citty Ʋlm. Which Citty with many more denyed to pay the same. And furthermore declared that they would suffer no more thorough-fares through their Countries, unlesse all things be payd according to the constitution of the Empire. Which did very much move him, and thereupon before his departure summoned the chiefe of the Cittizens to appeare before the Magistrates, and there caused the agreement which was concluded at Leypsich, and sent to the Catholike Princes, to be read before them. And afterward questioned of them whether or no they were vnanimously resolved to maintaine the same. Whereunto they answered. Yea. And that for the performance and execution of what had beene concluded by that Noble and Princely Assembly, they would wage goods and lives, and spend their very last drop of bloud. The said Commissary Ossa presently dispatched a Messenger of purpose to the Emperour: and certified him of their strong resolution. And also sent another Post with all speed into Jtalie; to hasten those Forces downeward with expedition to be employed against the King of Sweden.
From Prague the 16. of May.
The Emperiall Court-Chaplaine named Pater Weyngartener, a Iesuite, hath lately in one of his Sermons exhorted the Superiours to that same (as he termed it) sweet and wished peace. Which he very highly commended unto them, admonishing them to turne their swords into Mattocks, and their Speares and Pikes into Plow-sheares, &c. To the end they might enjoy land and liberty, and every man walke quietly in his owne Feild, and sit peaceably under his owne Vineyard.
All this weeke they have continued mustering in this City, and the drum beates throughout this whole Realme. A generall Assembly shall be held next Weeke in this City for the raising of Contribution toward these great warlike preparations. The Iewes shall be compelled to contribute if so be they will not voluntarily.
From Francford at Mayn, the 7. of May.
There passed lately many ships with Neapolitan souldiers to the Low Countries, and 6000. men more will shortly follow them. The Bishop of Mentz doth also begin to raise forces, and hath sent the Archdeacon of the Cathedrall, to Dunkel-Spiell at the Assembly of the Catholike Prices, to consult with them of the meanes for raising of an Army against the King of Sweden. Forces also are leuyed for the Lords of the Dutch-Order. Whereof 150. men passed by here yesterday, they have their Rendevous at Mergendael.
Extract of a certaine letter written from Magdenburgh, the 23. of Aprill. Wherein may appeare how farre Tilly had then proceeded against that City.
THe 12. of this Moneth, the Generall Iohn of Tilly presented himselfe in full Battaile a Mile from this Cittie, and seemed as if he would have assaulted this Cittie with his whole Army with maine violence. But he effected nothing, onely he chased some of our souldiers out of their Radoubts which they guarded, but never medled with the great Starresconce, which is built by the Old Elve.
The 13. the Generall planted 12. Ordnance vpon the banke of the River Elve, and with the same made 568, shot upon the [Page 5]bridge of this Citie, intending to ruine the same, and separate it from the Citie▪ To the end he might thereby prevent us from seconding the Toll-house, and the Sconce, but with his vehement shooting he prevailed not much. The Marshall Diderick Valckenburgh, gave order that certaine peeces of Ordnance should be planted upon the Toll-house, wherewith we so played upon the enemies Ordnance, that they were constrained to remove them from the Battery.
In the meane while, the Generall with a great fury and a crying noyse, brought his Army dejectedly upon the Toll-Sconce, and all the day, as also most part of the night following assaulted the same with 8. severall assaults. Intending also to presse through the out-workes, to which end the foote souldiers were prickt on by the horse with rigour and violence, but were faine to retyre. For the Marshall Valkerburgh had charged the 4. Ordnance double, with stones, lead, and iron, and set the Souldiers and Cittizens in good order, and brought them against the enemie: insomuch that the Enemies that night about twelve of the clocke retyred. Many of them being slaine. Next morning, our souldiers horse and soote fell out of the Citie, and brought in many of them Prisoners and many maimed, who declare that in this encounter 2000. men were slaine.
By reason of this successe and deliverance which it hath pleased God to affoord, we have some time of breathing. The Generall seemes as if he tended another way, but God knowes his enterprize: We know not what will become of us, onely we pray God (if it be his will) to deliver us, as hitherto, out of the hands of our bloudy enemies.
From Leipsich, the first of May.
Three dayes since our Prince Elector caused the Drumme to beat, and the Trumpets to sound, for the leuying of 12000. foote, and 3000. horse. There come to him a great confluxe of people, and many of the Emperours souldiers. The King of Sweden as we are credibly enformed, hath taken Lantzbergen.
The Contents in briefe of what hath beene concluded in the Dyet at Leypsich, which Articles were sent to his Emperiall Majestie, from the Duke of Saxonie.
1 FIrst, that the Ruines of the Empire shall be repayred: And the warlike Annoyances removed, also that the Protestant Princes shall againe incorporate their owne, and re-establish all things as formerly they were before the warres in Germany: Especially, the state of the Citty Augsburgh. And that all requisite meanes for the effecting of the same are to bee embraced.
2. That the Edict concerning the appropriating of Byshoprickes and Cloysters, by the Protestant Princes shall at a generall Assembly by a friendly meanes be decised, and so cut off and removed.
3. That all Warlike troupes and souldiers shall be driven out of the Empire.
4. That all and each shall labour to free himselfe of that yoke, and rid those aggrievances which ever have beene layd upon any of the Protestant Princes, and frame all according to the constitution of the Empire.
5. Lastly, that in the meane while none of the Protestant Princes shall in any wise alter his opinion, or breake his promise, or exempt himselfe from this defensive worke begun, and undertaken by them. But constantly proceed, with vehement power to shake off those contributions and impositions, layd upon them, and so defend themselves and their Countries from that intollerable tyranny which hitherto they have suffered.
From Statyn the 7. of May.
We are informed here, that the King of Sweden is come before Old-Brandenburgh with his Army, and demanded of the Garrison by a Trumpetter, whether they would surrender the City and depart willingly, or whether they would stand to the rigour and extremity? Whereupon they desired three dayes respite for consultation, but his Majesty of Sweden would not permit them so long time, but wished them to resolve speedily. What effect this hath taken we shall in time learne, and hereafter acquaint you.
From Mentz the 8. of May.
Wee vnderstand from Leypsich, that the Protestant Princes in all parts make great preparation for warre, and raise great forces. The Commander Sihwalbath, Tauben Bindtauff, and the Duke of Aldenburgh, and received Patents from the Prince Elector of Saxonie, and received mony to leuy men Vpon the charges of 2000. Horse, and three Regiments of foot, each of 3000. men. Besides other forces which are to be raised for the said Elector. In the behalfe of Brandenburgh 1000. horse, 4000. foot. The Franckish and Swedish Oreytz, 3000. horse, and 12000. foot. The Rhyn Gretz 1000. horse and 4000. foot besides those of Hessen. All these to be vsed for the defence of their liberties, and the Protestant Religion. At Nurenburgh or Dresden shall be held a generall assembly, to chuse a Counsell of Warre to the Duke of Saxony, who is Generall, and a Lieutenant.
The Bishop of Oeulin is intended to leuie 1000. horse, and the Duke of Bauaria diuers forces to oppose the Protestant Princes in this their intention.
At Hall are expected 2000. horsemen, but weeknow not to what end: the Duke of Hawre is iournied to the Emperour to consult with him concerning the affaires of the Archdutchchesse at Bruxels. Whereas many of the Emperours forces did roaue about Hal and Meresburgh, and some of them enquartered there, the same Duke euen the Commander Swalbach came thitherwith a company of horsmen, to enquirewhat their intent was, who answered that they should not need to feare them.
The Generall Tilly had made divers assaults vpon the outworkes of Magdenburgh, and taken some of them. It is coniectured that that Citie will not hold out long, for the Generall Tilly is furiously bent against the same.
From Desren the 4. of May.
Generall Tilly continueth with his siege before Magdenburgh, and it is thought he will take the same, for the better effecting of the same, he hath now cast a Bridge ouer the Elue.
Captaine Capo who was embarqued with 300. Musquetiers, did light vpon the sands and the bounds where most of [Page]his Barkes burst in pieces and sunke. 100. of the souldiers are taken prisoners by a Captaine of the Holsteyn Regiment, for they thought to saue themselues, butwere taken by those of the Sconce, as soone as they came on shoare.
From Frankeford Oder the 7. of May.
The 26. of the last moneth, the King of Sweden tooke in Laxtzbergh with agreement, the Garrison within the City consisted of 4000. men, horse and foot, these marched out of the City with bag and baggage, their colours displayed, with all their Armes, and 4. Peeces of Ordnance and so much powder to each piece, as would discharge them foure times. The King of Sweden in this siege lost 600. men.
From Antwerpe the 12. of May.
This weeke here arriued an Ordinary Post from Spaine, & an extraordinary one at Bruxels with Letters from Lisbon, & Madrill the 25. of Aprill these relate that the King of Spaine through instigation of the Portugals, hath giuen order to make readie the Armado against the 20. or 30. of Iune, and that the same should then depart for Brasil. Vnto this Armado are diuers strong ships of Dunkerke adioyned. The whole fleet is aboue 40. saile, but by reason of the scarcenesse as dearth in these times, the fleet is victualled but for 6. moneths. By this Messenger his Maiesty did make over by exchange 700000. Ducats for the pay for the Souldiers, he sent Order also, that the Marquis Sancta Cruce should be chosen field Generall. His Maiesty hath also sent a great summe of mony into Italie.
Concerning the affaires of warre, the preparation continues still. Count Iohn of Nassan with his troups is departed, Count Henry Vanden Bergh shall command betweene Maes and the Rhine, and over those troupes came from Italie.
The Marquis S. Cruce with Aytona are now at Dunkerke, and depart thence to Ostend, Graueling, and other places to set order in all things. Don Carolo de Columba with Monsieur Bagilion cōmands the troups of the coūtry of Waes and thereabouts. Maistra del Campo Zapata marcheth with his Regiment toward Walchin, the Regiments of the Earle of Grimbergh, Fresin, and Grobbendonek are gone toward little [Page] Brabant, and all other Officers are departed with their order and Commission from Bruxels.
The two Walloon Regiments and seven Companies of horse are now made vp compleate. The new forces newly armed and mustered are come along the Shelde from Doormick Ruppelmond.
The Regiment of Monsieur Celado marcheth to Damine, & those out of Bourgoigne being 5000. strong march to Breda, Maes, & Rhyn, more forces are leuied with all possible speed.
The King of Spaine hath given order that the Armado at Dunkerke shall be strengthened, and the fleet vnder the Lord of Wackenen.
From Bergen up zome the 16. of May.
Vpon the Riuer Nette, neere Dussel, Waclem and Runst, are embarqued 4000. vnarmed Souldiers, most of them are Italians, Walons, Germans and English men.
At Mecchelen is great diligence vsed for the making ready of Wagons, Ordnance, and all warlike preparations, also many drawing and Waggon horses.
Within this Citie are arriued six Companies, and seuen other Companies went forth in lieu of those that came in, there went also out of this City for the Army many Inginers, Myners, Gunners, &c.
By reason that many Spanish forces shall be enquartered at Balaex, the Country people inhabiting about Mecchelen and Lyen for feare of them transport their goods into the Cities.
Diuers passages lately happened in the Low Countries and other parts.
Those of Breda doe much feare lest they should be besieged, and therefore have well provided that Citie. Many women for feare are departed thence into Antwerpe.
The States of Holland have made proclamation at Bergen vp zome, wherein they prohibit all their subiects thereabouts, as also Steenbergen & other places to pay any contribution to the Archdutchesse, vpon penaltie of paying of foure times as much to the States.
The Prinnace called the Moor, departed from Fernambuco the last of Ianuary, and arrived in Zealand, lately laden with 75. Chests of Sugar, Comfites, and other good Commodities. These that came thence report, that all was well and safe with the Hollanders. That the Portugals do oftentimes come and shew themselues before the Citie, and slay all those they can get within their reach. The Colonell Waerdenbergh and the Counsell of Warre, they have caused a Sconce to be built on the otherside of the Land called Ʋerge, by which meanes they can the better keepe the Inhabitants in awe, and visit them. They certifie also that divers ships of the Generall Pater were arriued there, and hee himselfe with the rest of his fleet is daily expected, and then they intend to enterprize some notable exploite.
By this time the Armie of his Excellence is readie, being a huge and great Army. The guard of his Excellence on Sunday departed from the Hage, three other Companies presently followed them, to wit Lokerem, Witsen, and Graue Lodewicke. All other Companies and Troupes are marched each to their designed places. His Excellence departs himselse this day being the 17. of May.
It is admirable as also delightfull to see the multitude of ships, barkes and boats which daily passe by Dort toward the Leager, and downe againe waiting his Excellences leisure where their Rendevous shall be.
This weeke happened a great mischance at Dort, through Gunpowder which blew vp a whole house, and did endammage two other houses very much, foure people were killed through this mishap, and many more bruised and burnt, and sorely hurt.
It is confirmed for a certaine from Spaine, that the Admirall of the late silver fleete of Hauana, (which was taken for the authorized West India Company, by the Captaine Oret: Heyn) was beheaded for his good service in Spaine. The fourth day of the moneth of March last past.
A true Information in what manner the Citie of
Magdenburgh was ouercome by the Lord
Iohn Tilly, Generall of the forces of the Emperour, vpon Tuesday the
10. of
May, 1631.
Together with the wofull and lamentable present estate and condition thereof.
AFter that the said Generall had, as is reported, many times offered the City conditions of peace, yea, and vpon the Munday the ninth of May, being the day before hee tooke it. But the Citizens would not harken thereunto, no nor in the least manner would so much as take it into their consideration or vnderstandings, though he threatned them, it would otherwise fall very heavy vpon them, and being further admonished by the Burgomaster, even upon the Tuesday morning before it was taken. A writing was read vpon the wall of the Citie, expressing a peace then offered to have beene ratified, with the said Citie, the Arch-dukes of Saxon, Brandenburgh, and the house of Stattene, conditionally that they would bee subiect to the Popish siege, the which they in no wise would consent vnto, but willingly they would much rather lose their lives and goods.
The Citizens waited and attended with certaine hope, not daily but hourely to bee succoured by the King of Sweden, and in the meane time the Citizens saw that Tilly raised his forces, and removed his Leiger, and carried away bag and baggage, and so marched for halfe a league from them, in which time the King of Sweden, for want of horses at hand could not come forward with his Artillery, whereupon the Emperours [Page]forces on the Tuesday morning early, turned their forces, and after it was too manifest the Empereours forces had so filled a Ditch neere a gate of the City, called the Heyecker. Then with greene grasse or weedes that the Souldiers could wade thorow, though it was deepe to their middles, and so carried scaling ladders on their backes, and so entred the Towne whilest the Burgers were in their Churches at prayer and thankesgiving to God for the departure of their enemies, which so seemed to doe the day before, in which time the watch on the wals were 2000. Souldiers, 18. companies of Burgers being in all neere 4000. fighting men, the enemy assaulted and entred, the Citizens places together, and at an instant two Cornets of horsemen in blue harnesse, with the rest of the enemies which plundred ouer them, out to pieces and murdered all there, and this continued three houres, in which time the Citie was set on fire in foure or fiue places, and it is yet vnknowne whether it was done by Treason, or by the immediate hand of God, but the sodaine increase and fiercenesse thereof was such by reason of a wonderfull winde, that in a short time all the fires met, and the spoylets that plundred were forced to leaue the most part of the women, maides, and children were smothered and stifled in Vaults and Sellers, where they had hid themselves. Some part of them driven into the fire by violence, many others throwne into the fire, and part of the beautifullest yong women and maids carried into the Campe, there forced, spoiled and carried away in the mean-while, yea, even on that very day was the whole City, with all the in habitants so wasted by the fire and sword, that on the wednesday morning their remayned [Page]no more standing but the Cathedrall Church and a very few houses standing about it. All the rest both men and beasts consumed to ashes, that the sword left. And none escaped except some very small number that were here & there, which with very great peril ran away, & it is manifest that aboue 20. thousand were murthered and consumed by fire, of men, women and children. And also above 1500. husbandmen of the Country dwellers thereby, with their wiues & children, with many others Gentlemen of great sort suffered with the Citizens which were gotten into the Citie for their defence.
Also divers Inhabitants of severall Villages within the Bishopricke and parts adioyning: brought in their ancient Deeds and Records of the Lands and Estates which suffered as the Citizens, and none had quarter or deliverance, except one company of Souldiers which desired and had quarter promised them.
The Lord Feeld Martiall Falkenburge a most valiant Souldier sent by the King of Sweden for the defence of the Citie: was offered pardon and quarter by his enemies, but he and his valiantly despised it, and rather chose to fight and die manfully, and pressing into the market place, fought vntill hee and his had slaine 400. but being ouer-matched by the whole multitude of his enemies that seconded each other against him, was shot to death, and so left by a house wholy set on fire, and so left.
The Lord Administrator or Bishop of the Citie and Confines, having in the flight received a wound on his head, was amongst other prime men taken, carried away prisoner to Wulfonbuttell a fort of the Enemies: [Page]having before he was taken desired his owne Servant to have killed him, but he would not.
In this manner as is set downe that brave Citie of Magdenburgh, by fire and sword, was in one day consumed with many thousands of Christian poore soules therein as is mentioned. Besides an infinite of riches utterly brought to nothing, that doubtlesse since the destruction of Ierusalem, scarce any the like wofull spectacle of the great and sodaine devastation of so famous a Citie, and the losse of so much Christian bloud hath beene heard of. God of his mercie save and deliuer all Christian people their Countries, Lands, and Cities from any the like wofull mishap, and that for Iesus Christ his sake. Amen.