History of the United Netherlands, 1605-1607






CHAPTER XLV.

Preparations for the campaign of 1606--Diminution of Maurice's
popularity--Quarrel between the pope and the Venetian republic--
Surprise of Sluys by Du Terrail--Dilatoriness of the republic's
operations--Movements of Spinola--Influence of the weather on the
military transactions of the year--Endeavours of Spinola to obtain
possession of the Waal and Yssel--Surrender of Lochem to Spinola--
Siege of Groll--Siege and loss of Rheinberg--Mutiny in the Catholic
army--Recovery of Lochem by Maurice--Attempted recovery of Groll--
Sudden appearance of the enemy--Withdrawal of the besieging army
Close of the campaign--End of the war of independence--Motives of
the Prince in his actions before Groll--Cruise of Admiral Haultain
to the coast of Spain and Portugal--His encounter with the war--
ships of Fazardo--Courageous conduct of the vice-admiral--Deaths of
Justus Lipsius, Hohenlo, and Count John of Nassau.

After the close of the campaign of 1605 Spinola had gone once more to
Spain. On his passage through Paris he had again been received with
distinguished favour by that warm ally of the Dutch republic, Henry IV.,
and on being questioned by that monarch as to his plans for the next
campaign had replied that he intended once more to cross the Rhine, and
invade Friesland. Henry, convinced that the Genoese would of course not