Having understood by their Spies, that in the Mairie of Bosleduc,
there was a great number of Carts loaden with Merchandises of
great value, for Maestrick and Liege, and that the Cartmen expected
onely their departure, for to passe over the Meuse: The Lorrainers
to catch that booty, passed in good order the sayd River of
Meuse hard by Stochem at the fight of all the World, so that the sayd
Cartmen having had a certaine advice of their passage, with great
joy they began to march with three and forty Carts, great many
Passengers, and some Merchants, towards the sayd Maestrick and
Leige, but the Lorrainers hearing of it, sent againe over the Meuse,
some three or foure hundred Horse, who went to meet the sayd
Carts towards the evening, within two Leagues of Maestrick, and
at first dissembled with the Cartmen, saying, they were come to be
a Convoy to them, against the Forraigne Forces, &c. And for that
end demanded five Pistolls for every Cart, to drink, which were reduced
to two Pistolls, but at soone as they had that Gold, they
pickt a quarrell with them, desiring to see all opened, and what
Merchandises they carryed, saying they were Warlike Ammunitions
for the Rebels, &c.
I fine the Lorrainers (or the Theeven)begun to work, to cut the Packs,
and to break the Chests and Tunnes, where they found money, Silkes,
Sugara, Suffes, Linnen Cloath, and whatsoever they desired, and made a
prey of all, stripping the Merchants, and Passengers, and sending them
naked, and taking also the Carthorses to the number of 130. or 140. they
broke all the vessells, and spilt miserably all the Oyles, Brandevine, secke,
and whatsoever they could not carry away, and with the spoyle they
went back to their Comrads, who waited for them with that booty. It is
reported they are marching towards Triers and the Moselle, where upon
the wayes every one is in Armes, We shall see whether they shall be suffered
to passe. Our men, viz. The Garrisons of Aire and St. Omer, have had a
designe upon the Towne of Hesdin, taking advantage of a division between
the Inhabitants and the French Garrison, but they effected nothing, and
some that were of the plot have been committed, and doubtlesse will pay
for the rest, and will serve for an example to the others. The signior Dentieres,
President of the Chamber of Accompts at Lille, hath been Promoted
to the Charge fo Generall Treasurer of his Majesties Finances, by his
Highnesse at Bruxelles. From Zeland we heare that three Holland Ships
have taken upon the Coast of Portugall a Turkish vessell of Algier of 26.
pieces of Ordnance, which they brought to Cadis to sell it there, and the
slaves. It is reported that Prince Rupert with 9. or 10. Royall Ships hath