They are of opinion _that not a living soul should be left in Alkmaar, but that every individual should be put to the sword_.'...
"Affairs soon approached a crisis within the beleaguered city.

Daily skirmishes, without decisive result, had taken place outside the walls.

At last, on the 18th of September, after a steady cannonade of nearly twelve hours, Don Frederic at three in the afternoon, ordered an assault.

Notwithstanding his seven months' experience at Haarlem, he still believed it certain that he should carry Alkmaar by storm.

The attack took place at once upon the Frisian gate, and upon the red tower on the opposite side.