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Updated: June 27, 2025
The situation of the patriots became very critical when the enemy, by occupying the islands of Duyveland and Schouwen, cut off the communication between Holland and Zealand, especially as all hope of succor from England had expired.
The expedition against Duiveland and Schouwen, was, on the whole, the most brilliant feat of arms during the war, and its success reflects an undying lustre on the hardihood and discipline of the Spanish, German, and Walloon soldiery. As an act of individual audacity in a bad cause, it has rarely been equalled.
After completing his preparations, Requesens came to Tholen, at which rendezvous were assembled three thousand infantry, partly Spaniards, partly Germans, partly Walloons. Besides these, a picked corps of two hundred sappers and miners was to accompany the expedition, in order that no time might be lost in fortifying themselves as soon as they had seized possession of Schouwen.
From their own hand now came the blow which was to expel them from the soil which they had so long polluted. No sooner was Zierickzee captured than a mutiny broke forth among several companies of Spaniards and Walloons, belonging, to the army in Schouwen. A large number of the most influential officers had gone to Brussels, to make arrangements, if possible; for the payment of the troops.
In March, 1576, while the siege was still going on, Requesens died suddenly of a violent fever, brought on partly by anxiety caused by another mutiny of the troops. This mutiny more than counterbalanced the advantage gained by the capture of the Island of Schouwen, for after taking possession of it the soldiers engaged in the service at once joined the mutiny and marched away into Brabant.
Brouwershaven, on the northern side of Schouwen, was immediately reduced, but Bommenede resisted till the 25th of October, when it was at last carried by assault, and delivered over to fire and sword. Of the whole population and garrison not twenty were left alive. Siege was then laid to Zierickzee, and Colonel Mondragon was left in charge of the operations.
From their own hand now came the blow which was to expel them from the soil which they had so long polluted. No sooner was Zierickzee captured than a mutiny broke forth among several companies of Spaniards and Walloons, belonging, to the army in Schouwen. A large number of the most influential officers had gone to Brussels, to make arrangements, if possible; for the payment of the troops.
Assumption of affairs by the state council at Brussels Hesitation at Madrid Joachim Hopper Mal-administration Vigilance of Orange The provinces drawn more closely together Inequality of the conflict Physical condition of Holland New act of Union between Holland and Zealand Authority of the Prince defined and enlarged Provincial polity characterized Generous sentiments of the Prince His tolerant spirit Letters from the King Attitude of the great powers towards the Netherlands Correspondence and policy of Elizabeth Secret negotiations with France and Alencon Confused and menacing aspect of Germany Responsible, and laborious position of Orange Attempt to relieve Zierickzee Death of Admiral Boisot Capitulation of the city upon honourable terms Mutiny of the Spanish troops in Schouwen General causes of discontent Alarming increase of the mutiny The rebel regiments enter Brabant Fruitless attempts to pacify them They take possession of Alost Edicts, denouncing them, from the state council Intense excitement in Brussels and Antwerp Letters from Philip brought by Marquis Havre The King's continued procrastination Ruinous royal confirmation of the authority assumed by the state council United and general resistance to foreign military oppression The German troops and the Antwerp garrison, under Avila, join the revolt Letter of Verdugo A crisis approaching Jerome de Roda in the citadel The mutiny universal.
It was in vain that arguments and expostulations were addressed to soldiers who were suffering from want, and maddened by injustice. They determined to take their cause into their own hand, as they had often done before. By the 15th of July, the mutiny was general on the isle of Schouwen.
The enterprise was not yet completed, but the remainder was less difficult and not nearly so hazardous, for the creek which separated Duiveland from Schouwen was much narrower than the estuary which they had just traversed. It was less than a league in width, but so encumbered by rushes and briers that, although difficult to wade, it was not navigable for vessels of any kind.
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