Charles Morgan (military governor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Charles Morgan
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Tomb of Charles Morgan (1576-1643) by François Dieussart, Gertrudiskerk, Bergen op Zoom
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| Governor of Bergen op Zoom | |
| In office 1637–1643 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1576 Monmouthshire, Wales |
| Died | March 1643 (aged 66–67) Bergen op Zoom |
| Resting place | Gertrudiskerk |
| Spouse | Eliza Marnix (her death) |
| Children | Anne (died 1688) |
| Parents | Edward Morgan (1530–1585); Frances Leigh |
| Military service | |
| Rank | Lieutenant-General |
| Battles/wars | |
Sir Charles Morgan (1575 – 1642) was a skilled soldier from Monmouthshire in Wales. He spent most of his career serving with the Dutch States Army. This was during the Eighty Years War, a long conflict between Spain and the Netherlands. Charles Morgan eventually made the Netherlands his home.
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Early Military Career in the Netherlands
Morgan started his military journey in the Netherlands. This was during the Dutch Revolt, when the Dutch fought for independence from Spanish rule. He married Elizabeth, whose father, Philips of Marnix, was a secretary to William the Silent. William the Silent was a key leader in the Dutch Revolt.
In 1596, Morgan joined a combined English and Dutch force. They successfully captured the Spanish city of Cadiz. He also fought in important battles. In 1600, he was at the Battle of Nieuwpoort under Sir Francis Vere. In 1601, he helped defend the city of Ostend during a long siege.
Morgan left Ostend briefly in 1603. He traveled to England to receive a knighthood from King James I. He returned to Ostend before the city finally surrendered to the Spanish in September 1604.
Return to the Netherlands for More Battles
After a short time back in Wales, Morgan returned to the Netherlands in 1607. He stayed there during a peaceful period called the Twelve Years' Truce. When fighting started again, he was ready for action.
He led English forces during the Siege of Bergen op Zoom in 1622. He also helped defend the city of Breda during its siege in 1624. People recognized his military skills. The Venetian ambassador to The Hague called him one of the best officers in the Dutch army.
Helping Denmark in the Thirty Years' War
In 1626, King Christian IV of Denmark faced a major defeat. His forces lost to the Catholic League at the Battle of Lutter. This battle was part of the Thirty Years War, a big conflict in Europe.
To help Denmark, King Charles I of England sent Morgan to lead an expedition. Morgan gathered over 5,000 men. However, many soldiers deserted before they even left for Denmark in March 1627. Morgan blamed this on his officers, many of whom also left.
Morgan built a small fort, called a sconce, on the Weser river. From there, he stopped supplies from reaching the enemy. His army grew again through forced recruitment. But paying the troops was a constant problem. By July, Morgan said his soldiers were too rebellious to fight. Their numbers kept dropping.
The Siege of Stade
In 1628, Morgan's troops were in a terrible state. They were so hungry they were eating cats and dogs. The enemy, led by Marshall Tilly, attacked the city of Stade, where Morgan's men were. About 500 of Morgan's soldiers were killed.
Morgan wrote to the Duke of Buckingham asking for help. King Christian also promised troops but did not send them. With no supplies or money, Morgan surrendered Stade on April 28. The sick and wounded went to a Danish fortress. Morgan and his remaining troops went to the Netherlands. He was even arrested briefly for debts he owed to his soldiers.
Morgan returned to England in June. He told the King that his troops desperately needed pay and supplies. He was ordered back to Denmark. He arrived in October with 1,200 men. Again, he struggled to pay his soldiers.
In March, Morgan joined other English, Scottish, and Dutch troops. He now commanded over 4,700 men. He successfully captured the island of Nordstrand. In June, King Christian announced a truce. Morgan's troops were then sent to Holland.
Final Years and Governorship
After the Danish expedition, Morgan continued to serve in the Netherlands. In 1631, he was briefly captured by privateers from Dunkirk. He fought for the Prince of Orange during the Siege of Breda in 1637.
Sir Charles Morgan spent his last years as the governor of Bergen op Zoom. He died there in 1642.
