From Brussels 24. Sept. S.N.
It is said here now of a certain that St. Gillain is besieged
by the Marquis of Caracena and the Prince of Ligne, the rest
of the Spanish Armie under the command of Don John of
Austria and the Prince of Conde, is attending the motion
of the French Armie which is said to be lain down before
la Capelle, St. Gillain is said to be satisfied and provided of
all things necessary for a siege, and a place thought to be of
very great advantage to the Spaniards, who without doubt
will do all what they can for the recovery of it, and the rather
in regard it doth cause the Country round about to pay a great
contribution yeerly.
The Dunkerke men of War have brought home no English
prises for this long while, the English ships that lye upon the
Coast do so keep them in awe that they can neither stir in not
out; which doth much dishearten all such freebooters.
From Stockholm in Sweden the 23 of August, 1656.
Whereas the last mentioned assemblies of the States in all
the provinces of the kingdome are at this present met, and generally
every one hath wilingly consented and declared his
readiness for those extraordinary subsidies and contributions,
which these dangerous time do require; the execution is
now much pressed every where of that which hath been decreed
and concluded; whereby it is hoped, that this Kingdom
will be put in such a posture, that with Gods assistance wee
shall not need much to app thend the danger of the Enemies,
which hitherto hath been spread and noised. His Excellencie
the Generalissimo of Sweden is gone from Colmar to Joukoping
after he had left all things in good order there and is
now going on to visit all the bordering places, and see them
supplied with all necessaries. His Excellency the Rix marshall
is at this time likewise in Swedland upon the same imployment.
His Excellency the Admirall of the Kingdome is present
here to be director of all things, and to be president in
the Council, where at this time a great number of the Senators
are met; but makes many journeys to Elsu[unr]bben, where
the Royall Fleet is yeelying in readines. A great multitude of