but incorrectly written. Leg. m y tv a d e f n s i o (sic) t v t i s s .
(Mutual defence is safest.) Above, 1598, divided by fleur-de-lis.
I ’l- (See Woodcut.)
170. Defection of Henry IV. of France.
MB. AS. Very rare.
This resembles the counter struck upon the treaty of alliance in
1596 (No. 146). The stipulation of the treaty was that neither
party should make peace without the rest, but Henry concluded
in this year, 1598, a peace without the consent or even knowledge
of his allies. This counter appears to allude to this
breach of faith.
171. B a t t l e o f N i e h p o r t . 1600.
Plan and siege of Fort St. Andrew. Leg. c o m p v l s o a d
d e d i t : p e e s i b : A n d r e w : c e s o f v g a t o q ’ a . n e o p : a l b : a v s t .
(The garrison of Fort St. Andrew having been compelled to
surrender, and Albert of Austria having been defeated and put
to flight near Nieuport.) m. m. Cinquefoil.
Rev. Prince Maurice on horseback, r., holding sword and
trampling on foes; laurel wreath over his head ; beyond, battle
and fleet. Over all, in clouds, the name of Jehovah in Hebrew,
and 1600. Leg. c a p t i s c x x x m i l i t : s i g n i s . o r d : a v s p : p r i n -
c e p s m a v r : v i c t o r r e m i t . (130 military standards having been
captured, under the auspices of the States, Prince Maurice
returned victorious.) m. m. Cinquefoil.
2'05. Van Loon, I. 535. Bizot, p. 92.
MB. At. Trattle, A7. Gotha, At. Rare.
Fort St. Andrew was named after the Cardinal of that name,
by whom it had lately been built to command the rivers Meuse
and Waal. After considerable resistance it was reduced by Prince
Maurice in sight of the enemy’s army. He then undertook the
siege of Nieuport, hoping to capture it before the Archduke
Albert could bring to its relief his army, which was in a state
of mutiny. He was disappointed in this, and compelled to a
battle in the open field against a superior force. His order was
arranged under the advice of Sir Francis Vere, who commanded
1,500 English troops, which were placed in the forefront of the
battle, and which contributed mainly to the success. Having
sustained a most arduous conflict, for a length of time with
variable fortune, Prince Maurice was upon the point of retiring,
when he perceived a wavering on the part of the enemy, and
immediately charging with his cavalry drove them from their
position in great confusion. He then brought forward his
centre line, completed the defeat, and converted the battle into
a disorderly flight. Of the 1,500 English, 800 were killed or
wounded. Vere himself was severely wounded, and scarcely an
officer remained unhurt. The Spaniards left 3,000 men dead
upon the field, abandoned all their baggage, cannon and
ammunition, and 130 standards, and lost a very great number
of prisoners. This medal was struck in gold and silver for
distribution among the officers of the States and of the Army
according to their rank.
-172. B a t t l e o f N i e u p o r t . 1600.
Shield of Utrecht, crowned. Leg. n vm ism a . o r d in v m .
t r a i e c t e n s i v m . (Coin of the States of Utrecht.) Stops,
quatrefoils.
Rev. Battle-scene, Spaniards beginning to fly, distant town
and ships. Leg. h o c . o p v s . d om in i . e x e r c i tw m . 1600.
(This is the work of the Lord of Hosts.) Stops, quatrefoils.
1'8. Van Loon, I. 535. Kohler, XX. 369. Bizot, p. 92.
MB. At. Not rare.
This piece served for a medal or a coin, being struck to the
weight of the ecu.