Very rare account of the famous siege of 's Hertogenbosch in North-Brabant in the summer of 1629, illustrated with large maps and plans. The city was in the hands of the Spanish, but the Dutch, commanded by Prince Frederik Henry of Orange, were able to capture it. The text presents a detailed account of the actions the besieging army, including the final victory and the taking of the city. Added are also the articles of surrender for the civil government of 's Hertogenbosch as well as for the military governor, Baron Van Grobbendonck, and his Spanish army. The present copy comes from the library of the Scottish writer and politician Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun (1655-1716).
The detailed plans show the approach of the city from different directions by the Dutch army. These approaches were respectively conducted under the command of Prince Frederick Henry of Orange, Count Ernest Casimir of Nassau, Count Willem of Nassau, Baron Van Brederode, and Pinsen, the Governor of Rees. The siege was very challenging due to the swamps surrounding the city, but Frederick Henry was able to drain them. The last of the plans shows the camp of the Count of Solms and the water-mills which were used for this, the working of which is demonstrated on two insets. All the plates were drawn by the author, Jacques Prempart (dates unknown), who was a military engineer, and engraved by Henricus Hondius II (1597-1651).
The present work was probably meant as a counterpart to the popular journal by Simon Pelgrom, prior of a monastery at 's Hertogenbosch, relating the happenings within the besieged city, which had been published directly after the events in 1629. Both works became very popular. The present work was also published in a Dutch, English, and German translation in the same year. However, all three editions are now very rare. We have only been able to find three other copies of the present French edition in sales records of the past hundred years.
With the signature of Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun (1653-1716) on the title-page, and a later price on the first free flyleaf. The vellum is slightly soiled, especially on the spine, remnants of a paper label at the foot of the spine. The work is very lightly foxed throughout, a diagonal tear in the first map, without losses. Otherwise in good condition. Nijhoff, Ned. plaatsbeschrijvingen, 5057; STCN 832134457 (4 copies); Willems, Biblioteca Fletcheriana, p. 179; WorldCat 1154602979, 503694904 (13 copies); cf. Atlas Van Stolk 1677, and 1681 (plates); Bodel Nijenhuis 443 (Dutch ed.); Muller, Historieplaten, 1613, 1617b, and 1618 (plates).