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Date: |
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Description: | [1588], September 14 to October 30. Old style.
Upon Saturdaie 14th September in th'afternoone the Lord General arrived at Berghen op Zone where he found th'enemy encamped on every side. Ymmediately after his Lordship comminge thither th'enemy made neare raproche both with horse and foote to gaine a place of some advauntage neire to Stenberghen Porte, whereuppon yt was thought good that our men should sally, which they did accordingly both horse and foot, and entertained a longe skirmishe with th'enemy, In this service Captain Parker charged them home to their trenches. and Stanley's Regiment were dryven to retrayt with their collors.
There were at this tyme many of them slaine, and dyvers hurt, as was confessed by a Lieutennant Collonell of the Regiment late Barlaimontes, who was then taken prisoner.
This eveninge a Scottishe Lieutennant rendered him self from th'enemy, who confessed that in the tyme of the saide skirmishe the Duke of Parma ridinge about to view the Towne on that side toward Antwerp, had two of his pages slaine with a shott from the towne and a Marques who was with the Duke had his horse slaine then also. All this night th'enemy laie still without attemptinge of any thinge or any nearer aproche, saveinge that in the night tyme they were hard hewinge of Timber, and in the morninge yt was perceyved that they had cut downe the Justice :
15 Sept.: This daie the Lieutennant to Captain Scotte was sent forth at Waw Port with men to see how th'enemy laie and what proffers they would make, where they entertained some skirmishes with them but no great matter done of any parte.
This daie his Lordship assembled the Magistrates of the Towne and moved that all the Burgers might be apointed to worke upon the fortificacions as they should be commaunded, but yt was delaied and at that tyme they would not be brought unto yt.
16 Sept.: This daie was brought into Berghen a quantitie of cheese and oates provided upon the Lord Generalle's charge, and layd up in store for provision there (viz.) of oates [blank] lastes and of cheese [blank] waight.
His Lordship did this daie earnestly propone againe to have the Burgers worke, but much difficulty was made in yt, neverthelesse in respect of his Lordship's earnestnes therin the Magistrates promised in th'afternoone to deliver their resolution: This daie proclamation was made in the Towne that noe souldiers should walke about the walles nor in the Towne without his armes upon paine of strappado: That noe souldier should departe from his Quarter without licence of his Officer upon paine of death, but to remaine upon their gard and to keepe the walles free from straungers: That all the Sergeanntes of everie company should tarry upon their gard and not departe without licence of their Captaine upone paine of death. It is also ordered that of the Cavallary which should watche in the night, the daie followinge everie houre two should be apointed to goe the round on foot, who should comitt any suche as they found disordered upon their gard. All this afternoone th'enemy-upon confession of an Englisheman who ran from us to their Camp that we were minded to sally-stoode all day in armes both horse and foote, as both we might plainly discerne and was confessed by one Edward Flud who had served under Sir William Stanley and now rendred him self. The Lord Generall urginge the Burgers' resolution to worke found them vearie unwillinge to yt, wherupon his Lordship declared to them, that yf they would not worke for their owne securitie, they should be enforced to yt, him sellfe and her Majesties people beinge soe farre engaged to hazard their lyves for them, wherupon at last with much adoe they agreed.
The Towne was then divided into three quarters (viz.) from Stenberghen port to the water port under the Lord Generall, from the water port to Wawe port under Mr. Wilford, and from thence to Stenberghen Port under the then Governor Sir William Drury : Ther were apoincted to every Quarter certaine Companies for the gard of the same, as also a certaine nombre of Burgers to worke upon everie quarter:
In the Lord Generalles quarter wrought a Strada Coperta with a traversinge line flanckinge [the] mount, the north forte, and beinge also a blind for the haven:
In Mr. Wilforde's Quarter was wrought a foser bray: Fausse braie, a mound or wall thrown up in front of the main rampart.
17 Sept.: The Lord Generall this morninge gotte all the Burgers together to worke in there severall quarters, and himselfe was upon the walles all daie both to see them worke and to geve suche directions as th'occasions should require.
This daie th'enemy removed a litle and lodged their Quarters somewhat neerer, being seene to carry many fagotes as was supposed to make a bridge to passe from one of their campes to th'other. This daie his Lordship dispached away into England a gentleman with letters to her Majesty and the Lords of the Councell, advertisinge the state of Berghen, and with a carte [chart] also describinge the order and manner of the siege:
This daie also his Lordship dispached one away to Ostend to Sir John Conway for his Master Gunner, and some of his best Cannonniers to be sent to Berghen, and also for Mathias the Inginner there. Also to the Lord Governor of Vlishinge for four pieces of artillery, some of his best Cannonniers and such provision of spades, shovelles and pikes as he could spare. Also one was then sent to Sir John Wingfield to Geertrudenbergh for some Musquetters, who accordingly sent thither fifty of choise men.
This eveninge Count Solmes and Marshall Villiers came from Tertolle to Berghen to view the fortificacions ther which they seemed to like veary well: And forasmuch as at that present the garrison of Ostend was through some discontentmentes mutined, his Lordship had before dispached thither Cutbert Carington, Lieutennant to Captain Nicolas Carington, with Comission to deale with the Souldiers there and in his Lordship's name to promise that as many of them as would come thence with him to the service at Berghen should be acquited of all matters passed in the said Mutinny, whereupon there came two hundred, under the Conduct and Comanndment of Captain Brockenberry, who were now already comen to Berghen.
18 Sept.: This daie Sir Thomas Morgan arrived at Berghen op Zonne with Commission from the States for the Government of the saide Towne, where ymediatly were offered unto him by the Lord Generall the keyes of the Towne and the Government and Commaundement of the same soe farre as eyther his saide Commission or her Majesty's lettres both to the States, his Lordship and Sir Thomas Morgan him selfe might any way import or require.
Sir Thomas Morgan refused to accept yt in that sort, but aunswered yf his aucthoritie were not thought sufficient he would have, yt published to all the Captaines and Souldiours, and they should judge whether yt were sufficient or not, for eyther he would absolutely commaund all her Majesty's forces there or else refuse all. The Lord Generall aunswered him, that upon his well usinge of him selfe yt might easely be graunted, but that where him selfe was present he would not be constrained by such Capitulacions to yeald his owne aucthority without express direction from her Majesty, or the Lords of the Councell.
And in th'afternoone Sir Thomas Morgan by the perswasion of Count Solmes and Marshall Villiers accorded to receive the Governement of the Towne in such sorte as before was offered him by the Lord Generall. Ymmediatly upon receipt of his Governement the Lord Generall sent unto him requiringe him to have care that none of the souldiers should pull down any more houses, and of those that were already pulled downe the tymber should be carefully reserved for all occasions that might happen. Also to see that the Burgers should every morninge by eight of the clock be brought to worke upon the fortificacions as before they were accustomed by his Lordships order. This eveninge yt was thought necessarie by the Lord Generall, the Count Solmes and Marshall Villiers that a boate should be sent out into the river toward Tertolle to discover what th'enemy was doeinge, and Sir Thomas Morgan required therunto accordingly but yt was not accomplished.
His Lordship, the Count Solmes and Marshall Villiers then goeinge downe to the fortes perceyved that some of th'enemy were come downe to view the Northdike, whereupon the Lord Generall made offer then to them [Solms and Villiers], that yf they from Tertolle syde would fight with the enemy upon the place and assaie to dryve them thence, his Lordship would doe the like from Berghen eyther at that instant or whensoever they would require yt:
[19 Sept.] And the next daie the Lord Generall with Mr. Wilford went downe to the place and thought yt necessarie to have yt fortified, which they would have done, but that yt belonged to the Quarter of them of Guisegat:
His Lordship haveing before sent to the Lord Governor of Briel for so many Musquetters thence as might conveniently be spared, ther were sent accordingly one hundred, under the charg of Lieutenant Turner: Also the Lord Governor of Vlissinge at the Lord Generalles instance sent thither two hundred men which were retourned out of England under the comandment of Captaine Richarde Wingfeld. All the Captaines were called to a Court to Councell, were yt was resolved that the Governor should commaund the Burgomaster and Drossart to quarter the Towne: That seven companies should goe to the fortes, and all the rest should staie in the Towne, and that billettes [i.e. lots] should be drawen who should goe, and who to tarry: That every Captaine who should goe to the fortes with his Company should have seven lodginges reserved in the towne, for such as should fall sicke or be hurt: That the walles should be quartered to the Captaines for their gard by billetes.
20 Sept.: His Lordship findinge want of experience in many of the souldiers, thought yt fitt to drawe forth some squadrons both of horse and foot not so much to fight as to practise them and make them more apt and ready to be comaunded, where upon haveing caused to be drawen forth at Stenberghen Port five hundred foot, and four companies of horse, the one half of the shotte were apoincted under the commaund of Captaine Veare and Captaine Baskervile, who led them close under the raffleinge toward the right hand until they had gotten a hill against Stanley's quarter: One part of the pikes were placed a litle behind them and commaunded by Captaine Uvedall and Captaine Scott: Upon the cawsey [causeway] toward the right hand were placed an other stand of Pikes, ledd by Captaine Hall and Captaine Lambart. The rest of the shott were loged a litle before them in a close, beinge a place of some advauntage: The horsemen were by the Lord Generall devided into four troupes, wherof The Corrubines were sent before to beate in their sinternells and to begine the skirmishe : Captain Paule Bax haveinge the vanguard be lott was commaunded by the Lord Generall to carry himselfe close under the Strada Coperta, goeing to Tertolle's side, and soe close half waie to the Marques of Rentyes his Quarter and then to tourne toward the Corrubines as well to secound them as to cutt of any foot that should come downe and so to passe clene through directly to the stand of Pikes toward Wawe comaunded by Captaine Veare and Captaine Baskervile.
To seconnd Captaine Paule Bax yt fell by lott to Captaine Parker, who had the same Direction of servinge even distance.
The Lord Generalles Company was commaunded to stand close under the raffleinge to flanck th'others. The enemy came downe both horse and foote in great nombres, the skirmishe continued longe betweene the foote, and the horse pesle mesle at blowes, the one parte winninge ground one while, and th'other an other while.
The skirmishe was continued till the eveninge drue on and soe much the longer towardes Stanleys Quarter for that yt was before advertised by such as came away from Stanley and rendred themselves, that yf any skirmishe might be entertained upon that quarter, the most parte of th'Englishe regiment would come away.
21 Sept.: The Enemy being this last night comen nearer to the Towne, and entrenched within lesse then Musquiet Shote, required (sic) the Governor that some Souldiours might be sent forth to empeache them, which he then thought convenient alsoe. But in the meane tyme Captaine Bannister came with reporte of th'enemy aproache, drawinge downe his forces round about, which albeyt ther was no such matter, yet by that occasion yt was forslowed and neglected, wher yf yt had bin prosecuted accordingly, that which they had wrought up a whole night might have bene undone in two howres, and the evening after falling out soe fowlle as yt did, they had not bine able to doe any thinge; and hereby also were our sallyes cut off from that quarter, where otherwise we might have cut off their passage from one camp to another. Forasmuch as in the opinion of the Captaines and gentlemen there of all sortes yt was thought convenient that the Towne of Berghen and all the fortes there could not so throughly be commaunded and directed by one onely man though of never soe great judgment and experience against soe great an armie as seemed to threaten all England, neyther the fortificacions so well advaunced as was necessarie, but that yt should rather be proceeded in by the Lord Generall for the present service [in] a more generall course; and [by the] consent of men of judgment [he] did comitt the charge [and] commaundment of all the fortes and all her Majesty's forces there to Sir William Drury, who had dutifully and obediently geven up the charge of the Towne to Sir Thomas Morgan, notwithstanding he had commaunded yt many daies after th'enemy was sett downe.
This daie the Lord Generall receyved letters from Count Maurice, directed to his Lordship or to the Governor in his absence, upon some advertisementes that th'enemy should heare Intelligences owt of the Towne of Berghen, whereupon those letters were presently delivered to the Governor, and proclamation made that yf any man could reveale any practise or conspiracy touchinge the same he should have his lief saved (yf he were a partaker in yt) and have for further recompence or reward a thousand Gylders:
This daie Grimston came and acquainted the Lord Generall of the matter entertained by him and Readhead with Swigo, who though he were an Englishman yet being taken prisoner passed for an Italian in the opinion of all men without suspition under the name of Cosimo d'Alexandrini, and Petro de Lugo, a Spanishe Comissary of th'artillery with him: They being prisoners and kept in the house of Readhead, he had daily conference in latin with the said Swigo, and finding that Swigo, when eyther he failed in his latin or that Readhead could not perfectly understand him, used some Englishe wordes, wherein his perfect pronuntiation gave great suspicion to th'other, Readhead (the better to discover him) pretended to be veary well affected to Sir William Stanley and that yf he could find convenient meanes and aportunitie would most willingly leave his service to followe him. Whereupon Swigo, upon Readheade's promise to keepe his councell, disclosed him selfe to be an Englishman with his name, and to be bourne in London. Urging further to Readhead that inasmuch as he perceyved his good affection and disposition to th'other parte, yf (as yt was vearie like), that he should have some frend of quallitie well affected, he could finde out any one that eyther could assure any porte of the Towne, any fort, or any piece of ground of advauntage, yt should much both advaunce his reputacion and put good food of Crownes in his purse to mainetaine him like a gentleman.
Readhead hereupon acquainted Grimston herewith, being Ensigne to Captaine Baskerville whose company laie in the north fort: And beinge directed by the Lord Generall how to proceede, he had conference with the said Swigo and Petro de Lugo, concludinge to render the north fort:
Letters were then addressed both by Petro de Lugo and Swigo to the Duke of Parma, as also from Swigo to Sir William Stanley, advertising Grimston's intention and assuringe that Grimston was a veary good Catholique.
22 Sept.: Grimston bringing these letters to the Lord Generall, who was then ready to take his journey into Zealand to sollicitte and provide for such necessaries as were wanting in Berghen, was apointed to attend his Lordship thither, where he cawsed copies of the letters to be taken which he sent to the Lords of the Councell in England, and sent Grimston back to Berghen with the said principall letters apoinctinge when and in what sort they should be sent by Readhead to the Camp, and withall gave order privatly to the Provost Marshall of Berghen that Grimston should have accesse to Swigo and Petro de Lugo, at some tymes (when he would) yet closely and underhand. This daie the Lord Generall at his departure from Berghen into Zealand gave order to Sir Thomas Morgan for th'advauncement of these fortifications: To further and advaunce the workes already begonne: To make two blindes th'one within Wawe Port and th'other without for defenses to cover the draw bridges as also the sallie and at th'end of the Traverse without to make a Strada Coperta: To cast a myne through the Rampier against the hearnerie upon the height of the foot of the braies there intended: To make a blinde to defend the meaninge (sic) of the hearone hill: To rear an other blind upon the corner of the Rampier next the watermill to keepe the curtaine leadinge to the water porte from flankinge: To make a blind to cover the sally of Wawe Port upon the right hand cominge forth: To trench downe into Sir William Druries' mount to leade the men covert into the same as also to cover and gard them therein, and to make forth the Strada Coperta upon the toppe of the counterscarpe unto the hearnerie.
23 Sept.: His Lordship being this last night come late to Myddleburgh did this morninge send to the Lord Governor of Vlishinge to meete him at Ramekins Castle, where he moved for pouldre [powder] shovelles and other necessaries, and makinge hast up into Holland left them to be further sollicited and dealt with therein by Sir William Drury. His Lordship also sollicited the States of Zealand vearie earnestly and in Councell dealt with them for supplie of such thinges as were wantinge in Berghen, and left behind him his Secretarie Vanhoult to remember them of yt.
24 Sept.: His Lordship having oftentymes by letters importuned the States with letters for the relief of Berghen, and findinge yt but slenderly effectuated, did this daie take his journey from Middleburgh toward Holland and the next daie afternoone arrived at the Hagh, where ymediately he declared to the States the want and necessities of Berghen, and by a cart [chart] thereof described unto them the manner of the siege, and acquainted them with everie particular place of the same, 'importinge' them earnestlie for supply of wantes, but litle or nothinge effectuated to purpose. They aunswered that they had comitted the charg and care of the place to Sir Thomas Morgan and that therefore his Lordship should not neede to medle in yt, and also that the whol governement of the fortes should be likewise comitted to Morgan: And that forasmuch as they understood that dyvers companies which were in the fortes were unwillinge to be comaunded under Colonel Morgan, that therefore such companies should be drawen into the Isle of Tertolle, and that they would undertake to see the place furnished with others, haveinge also to that purpose addressed letters to his Lordship.
The Lord Generall was contented to conforme him selff to the same their order, so that the said forces which should be so withdrawen into Tertolle land or els where should not be commaunded by any other then the Count Maurice, his Lordship, Mr. Wilford or Marsshall Villiers; whereupon his Lordship desired to have an act from them for his owne discharge in withdrawinge them whatsoever should happen, which he receyved accordinge to their owne Register as followeth: [blank space].
26 Sept.: His Lordship delivered to Mr. Killigrew a list sent by Sir Thomas Morgan of such thinges which were wantinge in Berghen op Zone to be by him sollicited and remembered to the States.
By four Englishe souldiours who had served under Sir William Stanley and rendered themselves, yt was confessed that in th' enemies camp victualles were veary deare, having not any at all but from Stenberghen, which was brought thither out of Holland: That butter was at 8 st. the pound, Chese at 6 and 7 st. the lb. Bread at 5 st. the lb., Beare at 5 st. the pot: That in one daie there was brought into Stenberghen out of Holland 300 tonnes of beare, besides butter, cheese, bacon and other victualles.
27 Sept.: His Lordship receyved from Sir John Wingfeld two pasportes of the States taken from shippers that were carrieing victualles to th'enemy, wherby the States had graunted them licence to carry the same to Stenberghen or Rossendale. But Sir John Wingfield sent all the said victualles to Berghen, being then besieged, to be emploied as Magasin for that garrison.
28 Sept.: His Lordship removed from the Hagh to Dordrecht and thence to Gertrudenbergh.
1 October: This daie his Lordship retourninge from Gertrudenbergh to Dordrecht (whither the Count Maurice the night before was come), the Count met his Lordship upon the water, and then the Lord Generall communicated unto him the matter entertained by Grimston and how farre yt was proceeded in.
2 October: His Lordship with the Count Maurice toke there journey toward Berghen and with a contrary wind came that eveninge to Williamstat. Thither came unto his Lordship two who had rendred themselves at Berghen from th'enemy and were sent by his Lordship to the Governor, the one a Spaniard, the other a Welchman. The Welchman confessed that th'enemyes camp before Berghen was esteemed to be veary nere forty thousand stronge; he brought the length and bredth of the Princes bridges and dyvers other ingens prepared for the towne and fortes.
This Welcheman was able to certifie the names of every great commaunder as also there Regimentes and the Captaines of the same: That some of their artillery was already come to the camp, and he being latly come from Antwerp did there see twenty three great pieces of Artillery for battery ready to marche and some others also already marchinge: That there were then newly brought to the camp upon wagons dyvers long boates, whereof him selff sawe nine, and heard that there were many more. That ther laie by the Duke of Parma his tent in the camp two broad bridges new made which might be joined together; that they contained both in length about forty-six or fifty foot; for what purpose they were to be used he knoweth not, but as some said to pass into Tertolle land, others to come to the fortes at Berghen: That all kind of victualles in th'enemies camp were veary deare: That there came victualles thither daily out of Holland, and that they had almost no other in the North Camp
His Lordship also receyved advertisment now from Berghen that th'enemy had planted his artillery upon the Northdike to empeach our passages by water; that they shot at all shippes and boates that passed to and fro, shot some boates through and killed some people in them, and that yt was veary daungerous to come in or out in such sort as few durst enter but in the night.
This night his Lordship departed from Williamstat and landed the next daie at Hemelin in Tertolle land, from whence the Count Maurice and his Lordship went on foot to Tertolle and came that night to Berghen; his Lordships Servantes taried all that night at Romerswall:
4 October: Upon his Lordship cominge to Berghen, Grimston came unto him and delivered unto his Lordship a Patent under the Duke of Parma his owne hand which he sent from the camp by Readhead upon the deliverie of the former letters
In this patent the Duke accorded to geve unto Grimston, for the delivery of the North fort, seven thousand crownes of gold to be paid within four daies, to geve him charge of a company of foot with like entertainement that others had, to geve four monthes paie to all those that should followe him and 6 chaines of gold to be distributed amongst such gentlemen as he should think most worthie. That Swigo for his indevours herein should likewise have charge of a company of foote. That Readhead should have 1200 crownes in gold and thirty crownes a moneth.
Grimston having receyved this Patent and communicated with the said Swigo and Petro de Lugo, yt was before concluded that the action should be performed this present 4 of October at night, wherunto Grimston agreed as well for the hast they seemed to make as for that he expected the Lord Generalles retourne before that tyme. Swigo and Petro de Lugo had hereupon written letters to the Duke of Parma and to Stanly accordingly and delivered them to Readhead to carrie. But by reason of the Lord Generalles absence, who came but that daie to Berghen, the letters were still kept and Grimston deferred to put any thinge in practise untill he might be further directed by his Lordship.
5 October: And then dowbting th'enemyes suspicion by these delaies, Grimston as he was apoincted procured new letters from Swigo and Petro de Lugo to excuse yt. And these letters were sent the next night to the camp by Readhead. This daie, before all the Captaines, his Lordship made declaracion to the Governour that forasmuch as the charge of the Towne was committed to him from the States, and for this purpose only as by her Majesty's letters did apeare, to have the Towne kept and better assured, how much yt stoode him upon to have care to discharge this trust reposed in him, by procuringe all thinges necessarie for the maintenaunce of the place, and therefore required him to deale effectually with the States therein. For that yf the place might be so furnished and provided for as were convenient, his Lordship would continew amongest them, albeyt he was noe otherwise interested but of his owne free will. But yf otherwise they would proceed lamely and coldly in yt (as they did) his Lordship would for the honour of her Majestie retire her forces thence and not suffer them to be hazarded in any so desperat a case, being so comaunded from her Majestie.
This daie his Lordship receyved letters from the Lords of the Councell advertysinge her Majesties gratious pleasure for the sendinge over of secours for the relief of Berghen, which he ymediately communicated by letters to the Count Maurice and the States.
6 October: His Lordship having found out a piece of ground which he thought needful to be fortified, communicated the same to the Count Maurice and to Marshall Villiers who also thought yt vearie convenient. But at last Mr. Wilford considered of another place on the South side of the old fortes which upon due consideration was by a generall opinion held more necessary, whereupon the Drossart and Burghmasters were called together to geve orders that the Burgers might worke upon yt. The care to see yt performed and plotted was left to Mr. Wilford, and many soldioures which also wrought upon yt were paid for their labours of the Lord Generalles proper charge: This night Grimston by the Lord Generalles apoinctment, went him selff to the Camp and Readhead with him, wher by Sir William Stanley he was receyved and brought to the Duke of Parma, who entreated him veary well and gave to Grimston and Readhead eche of them a chaine of gold, with further promises and protestacions of greater matters: and Grimston promised him the next night followinge to accomplishe his intention.
7 October: Grimston upon his retourne acquainted the Lord Generall with his proceedinge in all thinges, who dislikinge that he had so sodainly passed his promise for the performinge of yt this night, there being not that provision which were recognised to such a service, put yt off untill Thursdaie 10 October next following, while in the meane tyme he might provide thinges necessary for the purpose:
Hereupon his Lordship dispached one to the Lord Governor of Vlishinge, requiringe him for speciall occasions of importaunce to send presently to Berghen as many men as he could well spare from Vlishinge, so that they might come in pryvely on Wednesday night followinge and promisinge to retourne them back againe on Friday:
Grimston by the Lord Generalles apoinctment wrote to Sir William Stanley, that both the Count Maurice and the Lord Generalle being then there had so vigilant regard of all thinges in everie place, and suspectinge also his religion did dowbt much his faithfullnes, so that he could not possiblie performe yt that night, the tydes also falling out so unfittly for them to come over at a lowe water; but that on Thursday following should be his whach night againe and that whatsoever should become of him, he would performe what he had undertaken or loose his life.
With these letters was Readhead [sent] againe but this second delaie bred so great suspition as they said yt could be no other then villany and treachery, untill Sir William Stanley cominge downe and findinge the tydes to fall out unfitly accordinge to Readhead's report and with his other reasons and protestacions they were somewhat perswaded to believe him.
After that th'enemy had taken the northdike and planted his artillery upon yt flanking th'etres [? entrance] of the haven, those from Tertolle side having fortified the end of the Dike at Guisgate and placed there [blank] pieces of great Artillery to skour the north dike, and Captain Baskerville by the Lord Generalles apoinctment had caused to be cut a trench from the north fort ward unto the gappe betwene them and the dike where th'enemy laie, and having placed there Gabeons and planted a Canon and a Culveringe to play upon them from that side, and likewise a canon from the head, and Gabeons there placed also for defence, th'enemy was thereby greatly annoyed.
The Lord Generall thincking yt convenient to have some men sent forth of the Towne for the gard of Mr. Wilforde's new fort, untill the same should be better advaunced, and for the gard of that toward the northdike also, the Governor, Sergeant Major of the Towne and some others made some difficultie therein, wherupon his Lordship delivered this proposition following under his hand:
"It is to be considered till our workes be advaunced and our supply come out of England which is presently promised, whether the Towne be not defensible against a surprise with fourteen companies of foot and four companies of horse. And whether yt be not fitt to assure the newe workes begoune both on the southside and northside of the old fortes that were long since made with two hundred men a piece. And yf any person will undertake yt with lesse, that then they present themselves."
8 October: This last night the Count Maurice and Marshal Villiers with dyvers others came from Tertolle to Berghen where they continued all this daie. And this present night for triumphe of the losse of so many great shippes and men of the Spainiardes upon the coast of Ireland, the great belle was ronge, dyvers peales of smalle shot and all the artillery shot of both from the Towne, the fortes, the shippes of warre, from the Dike and from Tertolle all toward th'enemys camp betwene nine and ten of the clock in the night and fires caried round about the walles veary triumphantly.
9 October: This daie and the daie past his Lordship bestowed in making all thinges ready for the next night followinge, haveing caused certain morter pieces to be caried downe from the Towne to the fort, in the night tyme caused a percullis of Iron barres to be made for the port of the fort, provided fireworkes and all other thinges necessary. His Lordship havinge before sent to Sir William Russell for some men from Vlishinge, he him selff came thither with some few other Captaines and gentlemen and their followers and servantes:
10 October: By the Computacion of the Governour and the Sergeant Major of the Towne ther was at that Instant in the Towne of Englishe souldiours 1290. of Dutch 370. and of Scottish 465, amountinge in all to the nombre of 2125 besides the four Companies of Cavallarie. Yt was therefore ordered that of the said nombre of 2125 ffoot, 1600 of them besides the Companie of horse should be all ready in armes:
That the rest of the said 2125, accordinge to the said computacion, beinge about 500. should be of the gentlemen and choise men out of every Company to be emploied under the Lord Generall, the Lord Governour of Vlishinge and Mr. Wilford [margin To the north fort].
Those that came with the Lord Governour of Vlishinge. [Margin 200 of these from the town came not.]
Out of the Lord Generalle's Company--120.
Of Captain Vere's Company--30.
The Musquetters of Gertrudenbergh--50.
Of Count Maurice's Musquetters--200. [Margin These came not.]
Of Captaine Buck's Company--120.
Those of the Lord Governours that are to come. [Margin To Mr. Wilforde's fort.]
Of Captaine Vere's Companie--50. [Margin To Riswick's fort.]
Captain Harraugier. [Margin To commaund the Papmus.]
Captain Vere.
Captain Murhay [Murray].
Captain Baskerville. [Margin To the north dike with choise shotte.
That these men out of the Towne be sent with the best officers and Sergeantes that be ther.
That Sir Thomas Morgan with 300 men haveinge a gallie to transport them in [lieu] of a bridge somewhat below the little skonce, yf the Towne shall not with hazard be assayled, which yf yt be, that signes be given (viz.) a fire from the water port, and the great bell ronge:
This eveninge after direction was geven for the bestowinge of all the companies both in the towne, the forte and the Trenches, the Lord Generall with the Lord Governour of Vlishinge, Mr. Wilford and dyvers other gentlemen went to the north fort.
The fort quartered into 3 partes.
Lord Generall upon the right hand.
Sir William Russell upon the left hand.
Mr. Wilford upon the market place against the port.
Hereupon the Lord Generall put into a flank made by Captain Uvedall 20 of his choise musqueiters which did speciall service and served that night to great use upon them that broke downe the pallizade: And about eleven of the clock sent forth Grimston to draw on th'enemy, who finding them all in a readines and lyeinge close in armes, they tolde him how great suspition they had of treachery, and protested yf he would confesse yt they would save his lief, but otherwise yf yt fell out soe they would so carry him bound that yt should not be possible for him to escape, and therupon haveinge tyed fast his handes he was so ledd by a Spaniard with halbeardes, drawen swordes and daggers. Grimston, behaving himselff with great resolution, aunswered that yf this were their recompence to a gentleman that had undertaken such service for his conscience and religion sake as to bind him with a rope, yt would be great occasion of discouragement to withdraw the good mindes of dyvers that were well affected, yet neverthelesse he for his owne parte was well contented howsoever they should entreat him, yea though they would torture him, for the greater should his honour be when yt should appeare how faythfully he had caried him selfe for the Kinges Service; whereupon they marched forward and brought him so bound and garded to the fort, and in the meane tyme the enemy gave great alarmes on all sides of the Towne to keepe them busie there, and so passing along, a Sinternell from La Gardes ravelin discharged a piece, and th'enemy wher they came to Morgans cesterd shot of one or two pieces. When they came to the fort, Grimston being so ledd in the first ranck by a Spanishe Sergeant, he called to the Sergeant that stoode at the porte to open the gate which he did accordingly. The Spanishe Sergeant was the first that entred, and Grimston offering to followe him the Spaniard put him back, whereupon Grimston called to the Sergeant within the fort to pull him in by the hand or otherwise he were but a dead man. And so stryvinge forward and being thrust by those that were behinde he gotte within the port.
Our men within lyeinge close and th'enemy being entered to the nombre of thirty, or above, thinckinge all sure went about to loose Grimston, while in the meane tyme the percullis being let downe by Captaine Buck, Mr. Wilford with those under his commaund charged and so recovered th'entrie of the port, and soe Grimston sorting him selff amongest our men escaped with great daunger.
The Spaniardes being then in great nombre about the fort and under the Ramparts, after they had continued in fight at pushe of the pike about an houre and a halff were dryven to retraict, yet retourned againe and with great force brake downe the pallizade forty pace wide and assaulted the place with great vehemencie, continuinge at the pushe of the pike above halff an houre, yet dryven again to repulse. In thear retrait ther were many drowned because the water at their cominge over though yt was lowe yet was flowinge: Many also (wherof dyvers of good qualitie) were slaine and taken prisoners.
11 October: This daie the Lord Generall with the Lord Governour of Vlishinge and the other Captaines and gentlemen went to the Church to geve God thanckes for His great goodnes and their good successe against th'enemy the night before.
This afternoone Swigo and Petro de Lugo were hanged for their practisinge for the north fort.
14 October: This daie the Count Maurice sent unto his Lordship desiering that the Companies of Captaine Harrauguier, Arthoven and Hartaigne might be sent thence to Tertolle for that he dowbted th'enemys intention to batter there:
Those companies beinge sent thither accordingly, his Lordship for that occasion went thither to be the better informed of th'enemys purposes.
15 October: This night th'enemy quitted his trenches from Tertolle and abandoned all that Quarter.
16 October: This morninge Count Maurice and his Lordship, Mr. Wilford and Marshall Villiers with others visited that quarter which th'enemy the night before had quitted, haveinge left there behinde them their Gabeons and plancke for artillery.
20 October: This night the Towne receyvinge alarme by reason of a great noyse from the North dike, the Lord with Lord Burgh, who two daies before was come thither, and Mr. Wilford with others went to the water port, where his Lordship percyved that they were retiering from the North Dike the Artillery which they had placed there to empeach the passage by water: While his Lordship, the Lord Burgh and the rest were at the water port, being about midnight, they did cleary discerne a faire great rainbowe, which was held straunge to be seene at that tyme of the night.
21 October: This next morning they of Tertolle were possessed of the North dike which th'enemy the last night abandoned and his Lordship went thither to vew the same: This afternoone in the sight of Count Maurice, the States of Zealand and the Deputes of Holland, our men marched forth at Stenberghen port, and haveinge placed some Musquetteirs in the Diches almost to th'enemyes Campe, a battallion of pikes placed upon a piece of ground of advauntage on the left hand against Stanley's quarter was comaunded by the Lord Burgh, Mr. Wilford and others, and the Companies of Captain Parker, Captaine Pawle Bax and Captaine Marcellus Bax were apoincted for the assurannce of the said battallion. Another battallion of pikes comaunded by the Lord Generall were set in a close by the cawsey leading toward the water side against the Marques of Renty his quarter and the Lord Generalles Company of Cavallary set in wing under the secret sally; some of th'enemeys horses presented, and made offer as though they would have come downe, but did not. Onely a skirmish was entertained with exchaunge of some shotte a good while. While this skirmishe continued Capt. Veare, takinge with him ten of the Lord Generalles troupe, brake in upon some foote of th'enemeys which were come but a little way downe from there Trenches, killed some of them, dryve the rest to rugge and retiered without losse.
The Lord Generall was at this tyme lightly shott in the heele with a musquet bullet which before had grased. The night drawing on and th'enemey not sorting from their Trenches, our men as before they had taken their groundes of advauntage so retraited with advauntage in order.
23 October: The Lord Generall haveing the daie before received understanding that Sir John Norreys, Lord Ambassador, with the Earle of Northumberland and others were arrived in Zealand, did this afternoone take his journey thither to salute them and to conferre with the said Lord Ambassador, and arrived at Middleburgh the same night veary late.
24 October: The Lord Ambassadour delivered to the Lord Generall her Majestys letters and conferred of such other thinges as he had in charge.
26 October: His Lordship haveinge until this daie continued in Zealand with the Lord Ambassadour did now retourne to Berghen op Zone.
30 October: The Lord Ambassador, the Earle of Northumberland, and Sir Roger Williams arryved at Berghen op Zome. The same afternoon, the Lord Generall, the Lord Ambassadour, the Earle of Northumberland, the Lord Burgh, Sir Roger Williams and others, rode forth at Stenberghen port to view the ground towardes the enemyes campe, having sent before them a few carbines and some foot drawen out to [cover ?] their retraict. They rode almost up to the trenches. Th'enemy shott th[em from ?] their trenches, but sorted not."
The siege was raised on November 3. O.S.
* Fausse braie, a mound or wall thrown up in front of the main rampart. | Subjects: | Country Estates | Temporal: | 14 Sep-30 Oct 1588 | Source: | Lincolnshire County Council | Identifier: | http://www.lincstothepast.com/Records/Re... | Go to resource |
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