animated and encouraged by the presence of the Marquis
of Pia[unr], they became quickly masters of the place, and
were presently reinforc'd not only with those of our neighbours
that could bear arms, but with all the inhabitants of
Piedmont, who came upon advice that we were given up
for a prey, and have also fallen upon us with a most cruel
rage and fury, besides and infinite number of Outlaws and
Malefactors that are also come upon us, hoping thereby to
save their souls and fill up their purses. And yet they
thought this too little to destroy us, but that they might
do it with more case and more effectually, they sent 5 or 6
Regiments of French with other forces to run over us, under
colour if coming to quarter in the vallies.
This innumerable number of men, encouraged by the
authority of the Marquis of Pianezzs, led on by the Monks
and set on by our ill neighbours, have surprised us on all
sides, and with such fury and violence, and with so horrible
a treachery, especially in Angrogne, Villar, and Boby, where
the said Marquis had promised, that if they would suffer
one Regiment only to quarter in each place, they should
have no harm. But contrary to his word, they have destroyed
all in a moment; and the poor Inhabitants, after
some small resistance which they made to beat off the Incendiaries
from their Temples, were forced, to save their
own and their wives and childrens lives, not only those of
the Plain who had carried them into the Mountains, and
found themselves also intrapt by the Enemy and miserably
betrayed into their hands, but all in general to forsake all
and flie where they could for safety; and yet they could not
use such diligence, but a great number of them was overtaken
in many places, especially in Villar and Boby, where
they were so inclos'd that they could not save their lives,
the Enemy having possest themselves of the Fort of Mirebean
to binder their passage, so that there was a most strange
and cruel slaughter and massacre made of them.
In many corners they have shamefully abused and tormented
many women with their young children, and after
did cut off their heads; they dasht the children, even those