Copy of the Resolution of the Elector of Saxony (1631) - Page 20

[Bran]denburg and all other interested Evangelical and Protestant Estates, to their no small insult and disparagement, were forced to renounce [their rights] in writing. Once again—through such violence unheard of in the Holy Roman Empire—they were forced to submit and be pressed under the yoke of Contribution original: "Contribution"; mandatory war taxes or forced levies imposed on a territory to support an occupying army, and at an even higher rate than before.

This was, as can easily be imagined, very painful and deeply distressing to His Electoral Serenity; yet he always hoped for the best and waited with exceedingly great patience. And although, in place of [relief], General Count von Tilly—as soon as he had completed the cruel Excidium original: "Excidium"; the total destruction or slaughter, referring here to the Sack of Magdeburg in 1631 of the city of Magdeburg—even though he had the Royal Swedish War Army before him, [he] marched with his entire subordinate army, numbering many thousands, into the Duchy of Saxony through the Elector’s lands without so much as a greeting to His Electoral Serenity, who is the Colonel of this highly praiseworthy Circle The Elector of Saxony held the office of "Kreisobrist," the military head of the Upper Saxon Circle, and expected formal diplomatic notification before an army entered his jurisdiction.

He inflicted great damage upon the same, as well as upon His Electoral Serenity’s own lands and loyal subjects. He behaved beyond all measure in an evil manner within the aforementioned Duchy through plundering and robbery—sparing not even princely and countly widows—and other gross, severe excesses. Likewise, he sent quite harsh letters to His Electoral Serenity—letters from which His Electoral Serenity, as a highly praiseworthy Prince-Elector born of such an ancient, high House and of great merit, should rightfully have been spared. Yet, His Electoral Serenity once again took up praiseworthy patience, so that he might [ensure] everything on his [part...]