From Paris, February 5. Stilo novo.
The late noise of a Rout given to the Pr. of Conde amounts
to no more than a Retreat, which yet was with
more haste than good speed, for, he is returned back over
the River Charante, and hath quitted the whole province
of Xantoigne whereof he was Master, to the great discouraging
of his Party; and retired in so rude a manner, that
Harcourt, following him close at the heels, fell upon his
Rear in divers Places, with severall Parties, cut off many, and
took many Prisoners, so that the said Prince was driven by
petty skirmishes as farr as within 2. Leagues of Bourdeaux,
where no farther Action is to be expected, except the King,
the Cardinall, and Harcourt, should all joyn issue with an
united Force, to go and lay siege against that City; an Attempt
not to be expected this Season of the year.
Notwithstanding all this, the Prince's Party still hold up
their hearts, with confidence of good supplies, and a strong
diversion to be made now by the Spaniard in the Spring; and
at present by the coming in of Count de Tavannes, and a
Body of Spaniards, to be sent by the Archduke, under command
of Don Estevan de Gamara. But that which cheares
most, is their being owned by the Du. of Lorrain, who hath
agreed to the signing of an union betwixt himself, Duke de
Orleans, and the said Prince of Condé, to whom are joyned
also the Dukes of Beaufort and Nemours; It is thought Orleans
his Forces will make more than 8000, besides Regiment
of Horse and another of Foot, that are raising by Beaufort,
and 2 more by Madamoiselle, Duke de Orleans daughter,
at her own Charges. The Kings Revenues her Father
the Duke hath not yet seised, which is the rather for born, in
regard he cannot make the Parliament here so valiant, as to
pass an Arrest to that purpose, or to joyn with him in the afore-mentioned
Union; whereupon, many are fallen off,
as Marshall de Turein, who was thought to be a fast Friend,
but is now gone to Court, and submitted; the consideration
whereof hath cooled also his brother, the Duke of Longueville;
though the duke of Lohan Chabot hath made things