Title:  History of the United Netherlands, 1597-98

Author:  John Lothrop Motley

Release Date:  January, 2004 [EBook #4869] [Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] [This file was first posted on April 9, 2002]

Edition:  10

Language:  English

Character set encoding:  ASCII

*** Start of the project gutenberg EBOOK history united Netherlands, 1597-98 ***

This eBook was produced by David Widger widger@cecomet.net

[Note:  There is a short list of bookmarks, or pointers, at the end of the file for those who may wish to sample the author’s ideas before making an entire meal of them.  D.W.]

HISTORY OF THE UNITED NETHERLANDS From the Death of William the Silent to the Twelve Year’s Truce—­1609

By John Lothrop Motley

MOTLEY’S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, Project Gutenberg Edition, Vol. 69

History of the United Netherlands, 1597-1598

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Straggle of the Netherlands against Spain—­March to Turnhout—­ Retreat of the Spanish commander—­Pursuit and attack—­Demolition of the Spanish army—­Surrender of the garrison of Turnhout—­Improved military science—­Moral effect of the battle—­The campaign in France—­Attack on Amiens by the Spaniards—­Sack and burning of the city—­De Rosny’s plan for reorganization of the finances—­Jobbery and speculation—­Philip’s repudiation of his debts—­Effects of the measure—­Renewal of persecution by the Jesuits—­Contention between Turk and Christian—­Envoy from the King of Poland to the Hague to plead for reconciliation with Philip—­His subsequent presentation to Queen Elizabeth—­Military events Recovery of Amiens—­Feeble operations of the confederate powers against Spain—­Marriage of the Princess Emilia, sister of Maurice—­Reduction of the castle and town of Alphen—­Surrender of Rheinberg—­Capitulation of Meurs—­Surrender of Grol—­Storming and taking of Brevoort Capitulation of Enschede, Ootmaxsum, Oldenzaal, and Lingen—­Rebellion of the Spanish garrisons in Antwerp and Ghent—­Progress of the peace movement between Henry and Philip—­Relations of the three confederate powers—­Henry’s scheme for reconciliation with Spain—­His acceptance of Philip’s offer of peace announced to Elizabeth—­Endeavours for a general peace.

The old year had closed with an abortive attempt of Philip to fulfil his favourite dream—­the conquest of England.  The new year opened with a spirited effort of Prince Maurice to measure himself in the open field with the veteran legions of Spain.

Turnhout, in Brabant, was an open village—­the largest in all the Netherlands lying about twenty-five English miles in almost a direct line south from Gertruydenburg.  It was nearly as far distant in an easterly direction from Antwerp, and was about five miles nearer Breda than it was to Gertruydenberg.