5/18 The Hanse towns protested strongly and sought the support of the States-General in actively opposing the Danish king. A force of 7000 men under Frederick Henry was sent into Germany to the relief of Brunswick, which was besieged by Christian IV. The siege was raised; and an alliance was concluded between the republic and the Hanse towns for common action in the protection of their commercial interests. Oldenbarneveldt entered into diplomatic relations with Charles IX of Sweden and with Russia. |