no less then 40000 men in all, to surround the Spanish
Army, and hinder all provisions from coming to their
relief.
The Spaniards being reduced to this straight, were necessitated
to withdraw from before the town, upon the
first hopeful opportunity. Their Ordinance and Baggage
being left behind, they thought the night would be the
fittest time to retire in; yet no sooner were they in motion,
on, but such was the vigilance and posture of the French,
that they had immediate notice by their Scouts, and so the
grand Army under command of Marshal D'Hoquincourt
came on amain upon them; which so out braved the Spanish
horse, that notwithstanding all the Prince of Conde
could do by perswasion or example ( for he behaved himself
with much bravery in the head of his own Forces ) yet
the Archdukes horse would not abide the brunt, but shifted
for themselves, and left most of their Infantry to the
mercy of their enemies, with their Matters own bag and
baggage, besides that of other Commanders. This work
was much facilitated by the prudence and care of Monsieur
de Montieu Governour of Arras, who through diligence
attaining to a knowledge of the time when the Spaniards
intended a retreat, did in the very instant of their first
motion sally out of the Town with about 1500 or 2000
men, and do great execution upon them. Most of the Spaniards.
Foot are either slain or taken; many of them are
almost starved for want of food, to so great extremity were
they driven ere they quitted the siege. How the Spaniards
will be able to repair this great breach made upon their
power and reputation, time must discover. This success
renders Mazarin in a manner impregnable, whereas had
he been worsted arid put to the like retreat, its to be supposed
he must shortly after have retired once again out of
France.