The following is of interest as one of many examples that prove that the use of xenophobia, sex and violence to sell newspapers [and magazines - Ed] is not a recent invention of today's tabloids; though perhaps the title would have been a bit snappier if written by The Sun. The passage was, of course, written before the Iron curtain came down!

Truthful, pitiable and lamentable news written by a personality of high standing from Riga, on the 30th day of August 1577, of the horrors of the Muscovite Tyranny.

"You will doubtless have learnt to a sufficiency of the unheard-of tyranny together with pillaging, murder, burnings, rapes, incest, which the Muscovite practised from the 13th day of July to the 30th day of August in practically the whole Duchy. I believe that these lamentations and this outcry cannot be heard among the Germans. For if our Government but knew of this and believed therein, it would feel commiseration for their poor, wretched, forsaken and forgotten subjects and take pity on them, though their hearts be made of steel and stone.

In the month of July the enemy passed through the breadth and length of the country, with eleven thousand men, ravaging, burning and taking all prisoner. Those who were aged or offered opposition were slain and in this wise three thousand people are said to have perished. It is reported that nine thousand young men have been made prisoners. The first of their hordes we could well have vanquished by God's grace, if we had made common cause with the Courlanders and the peasants.

For the Muscovite had remained behind with his chief troops and the cannon, but when he saw that we were separated, defenceless and without guns, he continued his murdering tyrannical course, taking one after the other, all the towns and localities.

In one place they took forty women and virgins into a garden; they were violated there and then for hours by Muskovites without number. Then they were put on horses and taken away. The Muscovite is said to be on his way to Nonnenburg with his artillery. A few places may be holding out, but the Lord grant that our rulers may realise their obligations and not permit their poor loyal subjects to be sacrificed on the shambles. The misery and grief to be seen in this country will not allow me to write any more."

Other Notes:

Other Army: Bavarian Regts 1646
Powder Problems at Siege of Arras 1654

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