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Farnese, although nominally the governor, felt himself unequal to take the field against the vigorous young commander who was carrying everything before him in the north and east. Upon the Mansfelds was the responsibility for saving Steenwyk and Coeworden, and to the Mansfelds did Verdugo send piteously, but in vain, for efficient help.
Early in the following spring, Verdugo again appeared before Coeworden in force. It was obvious that the great city of Groningen, the mistress of all the north-eastern provinces, would soon be attacked, and Coeworden was the necessary base of any operations against the place.
Return of Prince Maurice to the siege of Steenwyck Capitulation of the besieged Effects of the introduction of mining operations Maurice besieges Coeworden Verdugo attempts to relieve the city, but fails The city capitulates, and Prince Maurice retreats into winter quarters.
Should that place fall and the city was known to be most inadequately garrisoned and supplied it would be easy for the foe to reduce Coeworden, and so seize the famous pass over the Bourtanger Morass, march straight to Embden then in a state of municipal revolution on account of the chronic feuds between its counts and the population, and therefore an easy prey after which all Friesland and Groningen would be at his mercy, and his road open to Holland and Utrecht; in short, into the very bowels of the republic.
On the 3rd of September Verdugo, with the whole force at his disposal, amounting to four thousand foot and eighteen hundred horse, was at the village of Emblichen, within a league of the besieged city. That night a peasant was captured with letters from Verdugo to the Governor of Coeworden, giving information that he intended to make an assault on the besiegers on the night of 6th-7th September.
Fortunately for the States, William Lewis had in the preceding autumn occupied and fortified the only avenue through the Bourtange morass, so that when Verdugo sat down before Coeworden, it was possible for Maurice, by moving rapidly, to take the royal governor at a disadvantage.
From the Death of William the Silent to the Twelve Year's Truce 1609 By John Lothrop Motley Return of Prince Maurice to the siege of Steenwyck Capitulation of the besieged Effects of the introduction of mining operations Maurice besieges Coeworden Verdugo attempts to relieve the city, but fails The city capitulates, and Prince Maurice retreats into winter quarters.
Maurice, arriving at Deventer, and being now strengthened by his cousin Lewis William with such garrison troops as could be collected, learned the mortifying news with sentiments almost akin to despair. It was now to be a race for Coeworden, and the fleet-footed Spinola was a day's march at least in advance of his competitor. The key to the fatal morass would soon be in his hands.
Without letting the grass grow under his feet, Maurice now led his army from Steenwyck to Zwol and arrived on the 26th July before Coeworden. This place, very strong by art and still stronger by-nature, was the other key to all north Netherland Friesland, Groningen, and Drenthe.
Should that place fall and the city was known to be most inadequately garrisoned and supplied it would be easy for the foe to reduce Coeworden, and so seize the famous pass over the Bourtanger Morass, march straight to Embden then in a state of municipal revolution on account of the chronic feuds between its counts and the population, and therefore an easy prey after which all Friesland and Groningen would be at his mercy, and his road open to Holland and Utrecht; in short, into the very bowels of the republic.
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