1549.
Sept. 10. |
173. The Council to Lord Clinton and the Council at Boulogne.
Cannot but marvel that they would assent by their common agreement in Council to the abandoning and razing of the King's fort of
Boulogneberg, upon the vain fear and faint-hearted messages of the
captain and others of that fort, and without any other apparent or
imminent peril or danger, or warrant from his Majesty. Cannot
but be sorry to understand that Englishmen, namely such as have
had some experience of the wars, should be so faint-hearted that
they durst not look the enemy in the face, but would after such
dishonourable sort both forget their duties and his Majesty's piece,
the abandonment of which, without special warrant, is much
against his laws, no such warrant having been given. As
no good service can henceforth be expected from those who were
in Boulogneberg, desire that they will discharge the Captain and
Lieutenant of that place, and Captain Atwood, commanding them to
appear personally before the Council. In like manner Sir Henry
Palmer, having shown himself more fearful than cause was, and
seemed unwilling to serve with the numbers appointed to remain
in the Old Man, requiring the number of 1,500 men, desire that
he shall forthwith be discharged, and Sir John Norton placed
in his stead there. Also they shall select from the newly arrived
bands of Lord Thomas Grey, Norton, and Knyvett, the likeliest
and best armed men, discharging the sick and unmeet, and
so many others that there shall no more remain in Boulogne or any
of the smaller forts, than were before the coming of this last crew.
In the course of a month it is intended to draft off some more.
Doubtless there will not be wanting discoursers, who leaving much
to their own wits, and thinking their own devices best, will neither
like this order nor any other not agreeable to their phantasies; but
such discoursers, as they did no good in Boulogneberg, so be they
ill ministers in all other places, and so ill as it is not the wish of the
Council such should remain; wherefore, if there be any such, desire
to be informed of them. As many may be conveniently set to work
are to be employed in perfecting the small fort in the Old Man.
Aucher has been instructed to supply them with more provisions,
of which they are enjoined to be very careful. [Two pages and a
quarter. Minute, autograph of Petre.] |
