Great news! After nearly a year of siege, the city of Leiden has finally been liberated! Since October 30th of last year, the city had been surrounded by General Francisco de Valdez. With his troops encircling the city, he tried to starve it into submission. After a brief interruption due to a diversionary battle led by Louis of Nassau at Mook, the Spaniards returned in April. We had been hearing that the city was facing extreme hardships during this time. That’s why our hero, William of Orange, convinced the States to flood the land around Leiden.
Last night, the “Geuzen” (Dutch rebels) crossed the water in shallow boats and attacked the Spaniards! The Spaniards fled, and Leiden has food once again!
May this relief reignite the Dutch fighting spirit, so that we may be freed from this conflict.