city of Mons. This town, the capital of Hainault, situate in a fertile, undulating, and beautiful country, protected by lofty walls, a triple moat, and a strong citadel, was one of the most flourishing and elegant places in the Netherlands.  It was, moreover, from its vicinity to the frontiers of France; a most important acquisition to the insurgent party.  The capture was thus accomplished.  A native of Mons, one Antony Oliver, a geographical painter, had insinuated himself into the confidence of Alva, for whom he had prepared at different times some remarkably well-executed maps of the country.  Having occasion to visit France, he was employed by the Duke to keep a watch upon the movements of Louis of Nassau, and to make a report as to the progress of his intrigues with the court of France.  The painter, however, was only a spy in disguise, being in reality devoted to the cause of freedom, and a correspondent of Orange and his family.  His communications with Louis, in Paris, had therefore a far different result from the one anticipated by Alva.  A large number of adherents within the city of Mons had already been secured, and a plan was now arranged between Count Louis, Genlis, De la Noue, and other distinguished Huguenot chiefs, to be carried out with the assistance of the brave and energetic artist.

On the 23rd of May, Oliver appeared at the gates of Mons, accompanied by three wagons, ostensibly containing merchandise, but in reality laden with arquebusses.  These were secretly distributed among his confederates in the city.  In the course of the day Count Louis arrived in the neighbourhood, accompanied by five hundred horsemen and a thousand foot soldiers.  This force he stationed in close concealment within the thick forests between Maubeuge and Mons. Towards evening he sent twelve of the most trusty and daring of his followers, disguised as wine merchants, into the city.  These individuals proceeded boldly to a public house, ordered their supper, and while conversing with the landlord, carelessly inquired at what hour next morning the city gates would be opened.  They were informed that the usual hour was four in the morning, but that a trifling present to the porter would ensure admission, if they desired it, at an earlier hour.  They explained their inquiries by a statement that they had some casks of wine which they wished to introduce into the city before sunrise.  Having obtained all the information which they needed, they soon afterwards left the tavern.  The next day they presented themselves very early at the gate, which the porter, on promise of a handsome “drink-penny,” agreed to unlock.  No sooner were the bolts withdrawn, however, than he was struck dead, while about fifty dragoons rode through the gate.  The Count and his followers now galloped over the city in the morning twilight, shouting “France! liberty! the town is ours!” “The Prince is coming!” “Down with the tenth penny; down with the murderous Alva!” So soon as a burgher showed his wondering face at the window, they shot at him with their carbines.  They made as much noise, and conducted themselves as boldly as if they had been at least a thousand strong.