nder Jacob Werdmueller
to the country lying around Rapperschweil, so that the Toggenburgers,
the people of Gaster, and the evangelical portion of the Glarners might
be encouraged to join them. To his countrymen of Toggenburg Zwingli was
particularly favorable. "Dear comrade," he wrote to his friend
Werdmueller, "I hope the Toggenburgers will not fail, yet hasten to
communicate with the town-clerk of Lechstensteg; for a general assembly
to consult about affairs was held on Wednesday, the 9th day of June.
Take care and keep the advice secret. If you act against Toggenburg,
you must not speak of taking possession of the country, for they will
not suffer such a thing, having some time since made themselves free by
their military power." Less consideration was shown toward the Thurgau.
Lavater, the bailiff (_vogt_) of Kyburg received orders to occupy the
territory for Zurich, with the reservation of the rights of Glarus, and
notify the inhabitants that the Five Cantons would be allowed no share
in the government without their own consent, which was an open
violation of existing treaties, and founded on the right of conquest.
The chief force, consisting of 4,000 picked men, well armed and
provided with numerous guns, marched under George Berger to the borders
of Zug. Berger had served in Italy with honor. He maintained severe
discipline in the army. Idle women, who usually followed the Swiss
expeditions in great crowds, were not suffered here. On the other hand,
in spite of the scarcity just then prevailing, an abundant stock of
provisions was furnished; a good spirit prevailed among the soldiery.
It was a long time since Zurich had displayed such power. From the
steps of the senate-house the burgomaster Walder exhorted the departing
troops to discipline and a fearless defence. Commander Schmied was
appointed army-chaplain. Without a summons from the government Zwingli
rode along, a halberd on his shoulder. The report of the outbreak,
Zurich's declaration of war, communicated to the Four Cantons by
Schwyz, set them also in motion. Flying appeals went out at the same
time from Zug. First, volunteers hastened thither; then came the
militia of Schwyz, of Uri, of Unterwalden--the latter well armed and
particularly eager for war. Messengers were despatched to Waldshut and
Feldkirch for Austrian aid.

The Zurichers halted at Cappel. A declaration of war was also made
against the Five Cantons. It resembled that against Schwyz, but w