Elizabeth: April 1588, 6-10 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 21, Part 4, January-June 1588. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1931.

Citation:

'Elizabeth: April 1588, 6-10', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Elizabeth, Volume 21, Part 4, January-June 1588, ed. Sophie Crawford Lomas, Allen B Hinds( London, 1931), British History Online https://prod.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/vol21/no4/pp265-278 [accessed 25 November 2024].

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April 1588, 6–10



April 6.	Lord Willughby to Walsingham. I have received two letters from her Majesty by Captain Buck, and two from yourself, but the need of some further direction causes me (although my assistant in Council be absent) to despatch the bearer. If you have seen my last to their lordships, “you shall find that in the matter of Ostend and Berges a good course may be taken to content them here, and our hazard of dishonour preserved”; if her Majesty will leave the guard of those places to the country, which will not releive them so long as we possess them. “My poor opinion is it should be rather proffered as a means meant to please and to assure them than by threatening (in hope to harm them) to yield them up their greatest desire, which would rather harden than ‘adouse’ their dispositions, now more and more seeming to come pliant. “To avoid the common jealousy (which her Majesty pleaseth to doubt) that she should be suspected to intend to take their towns, with purpose to leave them to the enemy, no means may be more forcible to expel that conceit from their thoughts nor to make them confess to be greater beholding to her Majesty than by making offer to redeliver those towns, … “Such a favour would be embraced [as] most acceptable, which, if performed in any other sense (or as my lords now direct me) would seem to proceed rather from her Majesty's desire to ease charge than from any affection meant to the countries. Besides, the forces maintained in those places, being drawn thence, may always be ready to do her better service with less hazard of disgrace, according the contract. Herein I pray I may receive her Majesty's present pleasure with all convenient expedition. “For the shipping demanded, and somewhat touching the wants and danger of those towns, I have had some conference with the States, whose answer, when I shall have received it, I presently will send it. In mean time, you shall receive the copy delivered, wherein I have omitted the bitter, until I hear from you. “I am commanded to appoint 600 men for Vlishing, to remain there ready if any attempt be made to Ostend. How it may be accomplished or from whence I may draw them I know not, I have not so many unless I should take them from Berges (where my last showeth what danger is feared if the enemy should approach). In Utrecht and the Varte I have but mine own company, Sir Thomas Morgan's and Captain Champernon's, which may not be removed unless we would hazard the loss of all that side. In Utrecht the Catholics are very strong, and the enemy beginneth to make invasions into the Valuoes; and not long since attempted to have surprised Amersford. And if we draw those men away, such as remain assured under her Majesty's protection and defence will be kept in great fear. Besides, the Varte is not of so small importance as we ought to forsake it. “For mine own company, I would be glad to hold it near me, where myself might only command them; for if I look for rule over more, I see I am deceived. Yet so long as my service shall be accepted in no worse account than it hath been used, neither myself nor my goods shall be spared. “But, good Sir, as to my sure friend, suffer me to deal plainly … Let my proceedings here be examined, and her Majesty's charges during that time measured. Let the late division and discontentments here (almost appeased) be regarded, and then I rest persuaded none can touch me to have failed in care and travail. If this may not be approved, it shall content me if you send whom you may please to amend it; yet first revoke me untainted in that I ever laboured to preserve most dearly. To yoke me to serve with any other (save under my former General) as if I wanted a tutor, truly the quiet home will more content me; and will always be most ready to leave the room empty unto any other … who hath more need to follow the wars than myself; for God hath not urged me for necessity's sake to enter this profession. “Colman, at his coming over informed me that you told him that an allowance of 1000l. should be appointed for necessity of intelligences and other needful service yearly. I have not since … heard thereof, and yet my charges, by reason the country alloweth neither carriages nor other means of ease as I am constrained to pray your lordship to hasten by your good means some course to lighten me in that respect for I see no reason why my purse should bear it…”—At the Hague, 6 April, 1588. Signed. Add. Endd. with short note of contents. 2 pp. [Holland XXIII. f. 38.]
April 6.	Lord Cobham to Burghley. By a copy sent with this packet, you will see what President Richardot and John Babtista Maes hath sent down with the Duke's allowances and consent. The 12th of this month we meet “hereby the town of Ostend, to enter into principale negocio. The cessation of arms will be hardly granted, and we are tied by our Instructions not to depart this town afore it be.” This is no place for us to tarry in. “Dr. Rogers hath told us that the Duke will neither hear nor object any private action of injury between their Majesties; neither losses, unkindness or ‘dommages’ whatsoever; but only of the confirmation of former treaties; the peace of the Low Countries, and restitution of the towns that are in her Majesty's possession. It is to be doubted that their commission shall be from the Duke (which we take to be unsufficient). Now, if they refuse to procure one from the King, we desire to know her Majesty's pleasure what we shall do. My friend Mr. Cicell is well. My lord of Derby has been very ill these two days. It your lordship help us not hence, we shall all be sick …”—Ostend, 6 April. Holograph. Add. Endd. ½ p. [Flanders III. f. 48.]
April 6.	The Commissioners to the Privy Council. The second meeting with the King's commissioners to be on the 12th. They pray to know her Majesty's pleasure what they shall do if the said commissioners refuse to agree to the cessation of arms; as also if they shall come furnished only with a commission from the Duke, and not under the Great Seal of Spain; and shall refuse to promise to procure a sufficient commission before the end of the Treaty. Lastly, “whereas Dr. Rogers saith that the Duke said unto him that he would neither hear nor object any private actions of injury or unkindness between their Majesties, nor any losses or dommages whatsoever; but intendeth only to treat of the renewing and confirmation of the former treaties between the houses of England and Burgundy, for peace in those Low Countries and restitution of the towns in her Majesty's hands”:—they desire to know whether it be her Majesty's pleasure that they observe this course, which to them seemeth good and convenient.—Ostend, 6 April, 1588. Signed by all except Croft. Add. Endd. 1¼ pp. [Ibid. f. 50.]
April 6.	Sir Jamys Croft to Burghley. The resolution for the Convention, brought yesterday by Andrea de Loo, is sent herewith; and he prays his lordship that a settled place for their further proceedings may be certified with expedition. All here think Antwerp to be the meetest place; “otherwise the other side do wish that it would please her Majesty to make choice of Gaunt; both for the commodity of the deputies on both parts, as also for victuals; which is not to be had at Bruges or any other place on this side Gaunt.”—6 April, 1588. Signed. Add. Endd. ¼ p. [Ibid. f. 52.]
April 6.	Dr. Valentine Dale to Burghley. “God be thanked, this matter is wrought fully to her Majesty's honour. God give your lordship health to be able to direct the rest. I fear they may stand upon the matter of cessation of arms; for they say the principal will be as soon despatched, and so feed us with that answer. If we shall grant to meet in a place within their power, truly I do not take it for locus tutus which is always an exception amongst lawyers, which are goodly stages to appoint prope Berghen ap Zome. The next say it were as good prope Ostend. It may please your lordship to pardon me if I cast more doubts and more objections than becometh me; nemo enim est alius quem libere et recte consulem.—6 April, 1588. Holograph. Add. Endd. ¾ p. [Flanders III. f. 54.]
April 7.	“Instructions given by the captains of Camphire to Martin Blavoet,” sent to her Majesty. To assure her of their fidelity. But as the Estates are trying to dissuade the towns of the Low Countries from their zeal for her, reporting that the Earl of Leicester had resigned his Government into their hands … and by this means seek to draw the hearts of the people to their own party, and to constrain them to come under their yoke as they make appear before the town of Medemblick; he is to ask that it may please her Majesty, seeing that they are still sworn to her, to give them her protection, and to maintain them in the cause entered upon for the public good, if the States should, by reason of their fidelity, endeavour to constrain them as they do those of Medenblicq. That they will obey no patents save those of her Majesty, nor leave the town without her consent; and that the captains may be ordered to complete their companies to fifty men. That for the assurance of this important island of Walcheren, it is very necessary to appoint Sir William Russel as its governor, to put an end to all misunderstanding in the towns as necessity shall require for the service of her Majesty and the public weal. To pray her to authorise the said Russel to raise four or five more companies, to be put in the fort called the Haeck, which is very important for the town of Armuyden and elsewhere, and to furnish what fortifications he finds necessary. To assure her that for nothing in the world will they subject themselves to the States; knowing their humour and how much the said States are offended by their fidelity to her Majesty; so that it may be a thing irreparable if she does not support them. And that it may please her to provide for the garrisons of this town, and to employ them against her enemies where it pleases her. And that if she should propose to restore the said town into the hands of the said States, she will, in regard of their faithful service and loyalty and the indignation brought upon them thereby grant to the three captains and the serjeant-major some honourable means whereby to live; and to the chief officers to receive entertainment under the command of the said Sieur de Russell or Lord Willoughby. Praying her to agree to the above requests, and receive them into her protection; offering to live and die at her feet.—Camphere, 7 April, 1588. Signed: Van den Ende; Corsillis Pallant; Ambroise le Ducq; Pieter de Coster. Endd. by Walsingham's clerk with above date; and in another hand with marginal notes of contents. French. 1¼ pp. [Holland XXIII. f. 40.]
April 7.	“Memorial presented by Martin Blavelt on the behalf of the captains of Camphere.” “Articles on the part of the captains, serjeant-major and garrison of the towns of Camphire, Armuyden etc., to be presented to her Majesty by Martin Blewitt. Endorsed with following abstract of contents. “That the Queen will take the Island of Walcheren with the towns of Camphire and Armuy, into her protection. “That Sir William Russel be made governor. “That four or five companies be put into the Hach. “That their charges and entertainments may be defrayed out of the ordinary contributions charged upon that island, without any charge to her Majesty. “That some of her Majesty's ships may sometimes lie in the havens of the island, to divert the intentions of the enemy. “That her Majesty would create some new magistrates, persons of honour and credit, at her devotion, in the towns of Camphire and Armuy. “That it would also please her to take into her protection the town of Gertruydenberg, and to appoint some person of trust and quality to be governor thereof, seeing the charges may be defrayed out of the contributions of the country.” French. 5¼ pp. [Holland XXIII. f. 42.]
April 7.	Memorandum by Blavett of what he is to propose to the Earl of Leicester and Mr. Walsingham, in the name of the Captains and Serjeant Major of Camphere and the town of Armuyden. For the queen's protection; the appointment of Russel as governor; the raising of four or five more companies; the garrisons to be paid out of the general funds of the island. That the said garrisons of Camphere shall no longer be subject to the command of the Estates, without safeguard from her Majesty. To procure a letter from her Maiesty or from his Excellency for Captain Poest, holding garrison at Armuyden, that he also shall be maintained under the protection of her said Majesty. To procure authorisation for Monsignor de Russel to provide the necessary fortifications for the conservation of the island of Walcheren, and the furnishing of the island of Walcheren, and the furnishing of them with soldiers to withstand the invasions of the enemy. Endd. “Martin Blavett's Memorial.” French. 1¼ pp. [Ibid. f. 46.]
April 7.	“Extract out of Sir John Conway's letter” of this date. The Duke, within three days after the Commissioners departure from Ostend, meaneth to attempt the town with all the means he hath. His men, his boats, his artillery and all other preparations are in readiness and gone to Dunkirk and Sluceward for the purpose. They want men, munition and artillery to defend the town. Desireth to know her Majesty's resolution whether she mean to hold the town, and either to be timely supplied or called from that charge. The noblemen of that country do generally desire peace, and have so prevailed with the Duke as he joins with them in sending unto the King to persuade the necessity thereof. Whereunto when the King did partly incline, the Pope and the princes of Italy having knowledge thereof by the solicitation of Cardinal Allen, did presently send messengers unto him to dissuade him; whereupon he hath taken a new secret oath with the said princes to prosecute the wars. The Cardinal hath written to this effect unto Ligons. The author of this advertisement hath seen the letter. The Duke is the more willing to further the peace because he knoweth he shall be revoked from his charge, and the Duke of Patrana employed in his place. One is come to the Duke that bringeth knowledge unto him from the King that the fleet is already under sail. One is come out of England with divers packets unto Owen, with news that are very well liked. His name is said to be Orton or Horton. It is to be feared that the ships of Holland and Zeeland will assist the King in the invasion of England. A servant of Sir William Stanley's that attended on him in his chamber fled to Ostend. What may follow of it, he [Conway] will further advertise. One Stocks can say somewhat touching this Horton. That Wright, the master-gunner, may be returned over, with three pieces of ordnance. Endd. with date. In Phelippes' hand. 1 p. [Holland XXIII. f. 48.]
April 7.	Sir William Russell to Walsingham. This bearer, Colonel Barker, “gives me great cause to manifest to your honour his good service and assured devotion towards her Majesty and this action” and he being somewhat disquieted by the resignation of my lord of Leicester, I pray you to procure some good means that the towns of Utrecht, ‘Dordright’ Gittenborgh and all others that rely upon her Majesty's favour may be well entreated and handled by the Estates, “according to their great devotion and good demerit at her Majesty's hands … for that it will be to the rejoicing of all the well-affected, and withal cause the States to surcease their hard usage and violent course which is pretended against them.” There is suspicion of a secret practice to be wrought by some in this town by the enemy's means. I have apprehended one Strent, and one who lately served as serjeant of a company now living in in Willemstad; and make stay of them both till their purpose may be more thoroughly manifested. “But forasmuch as these soldiers may be easily seduced and corrupted by reason of the long want of their pay and the great misery they endure thereby, these are to beseech your honour … to hasten over pay, the proportion of victuals, match and lead for the small shot, and that three or four of the Queen's ships may presently be sent hither,” the causes for which request I have more largely signified to your honour in my former letter.—Vlishing, 7 April, 1588. Signed. Add. Endd. with note of contents. 1¼ pp. [Holland XXIII. f. 52.]
April 7.	Morgan Coleman to Lord Burghley. Being well assured of your lordship's good affection to my master, (who respects you for his dearest friend) causeth me … to touch unto your lordship what I suppose fit to be informed. When Mr. Meredith, the under-treasurer came over with the last 1000l. by my lord and master's commandment, I had some insight in[to] the state of that money.” When all the money borrowed was repaid, there remained for weekly lendings 7000l. pounds … “Now it falleth out most strangely, by what device none knoweth, that the companies at Utrecht (being compassed in the ordinary list for lendings) are clean without money, and the treasurer's man there answereth he hath none. I fear the fault springeth from some avarice in some of the treasurer's men, who peradventure have put out the same for profit, and now suffer the soldiers to starve. I am bold to inform your lordship hereof, which you may please to examine further as if your lordship had discovered such a thing for yourself….” At the Hague, 7 April, 1588. Postscript. “My lord hath wrought the States to a marvellous good conformity, and I think [they] will all stand for her Majesty. Add. Endd. ¾ p. [Ibid. f. 54.]
April 7/17.	“Abstract of the King of Spain's commission to the Duke of Parma for the Treaty with her Majesty”; “signed by his hand and sealed with the great seal of Spain, 17 April, stilo novo; written in French.” “That whereas there had been differences between her Majesty and him by misunderstanding. And forasmuch as the Queen's Majesty, upon motion made unto her, hath, for her good zeal towards the quietness of Christendom, sent ambassadors into the Low Countries. And that the Duke of Parma, his nephew, had entered into treaty with her Majesty: the King doth authorise the Duke to appoint Commissioners, four, five or more, or the more part of them to treat, conclude and determine all such controversies … Binding himself to ratify all things that by them shall be done … And if the Duke have already named any commissioners … allowing of them and of all things done or to be done by them. And promising to ratify that [which] by them is or shall be done, in the premises. Headed “7 May” but endorsed by Burghley “on Easter Day, 7/17 April.” 2 pp. [Flanders III. f. 57.]
	Another copy of the same. 1 p. [Ibid. f. 56.]
	Another copy, certified by Garnier. Endd. by Burghley. Fr. 3 pp. [Ibid. f. 152.]
April 7.	Sir Jamys Croft to Burghley. The meeting of the Commissioners is appointed to be the 11th or 12th of this month; when it will be looked for that we should declare what place we will make choice of for further proceedings. If her Majesty's pleasure be not signified before that date, “the breach of the whole treaty will be in great danger.”—Ostend, 7 April, 1588. Signed. Add. Endd. ¼ p. [Flanders III. f. 59.]
April 7.	Lord Cobham to Burghlry. Good will more moves me to write than any causes, by this bearer, my brother, only this, to pray your lordship to answer ours of March 24 and April 1, 5 and 6; which would make us more ready for our treaty, the 12 of this month, between Ostend and Newport. “I thank your lordship that her Majesty has sent us two ‘penecyes’ to attend; it is both comfort and contentment that it may appear that she hath care of us. The Commissioners of the other side will press us to know what place we will name to them there to continue our treaty … The places named by my lords are not liked of them nor of us … especially since the last attempts at Dunkirk … My hope is that your lordship will move her Majesty that as long as we shall remain here, no such attempts be suffered to be done by the States, or with the consent of our governors. You will not believe how ‘descortly’ the Duke taketh it, and what words of reproach the Governor of Dunkirk does give out, who afore did show our messengers all favour and courtesies. This place is not for us and if the States will join ‘precario’ with us, it were fit that we went hence, where we might confer one with the other. My friend, Mr. Cecil, is well, as my brother can inform your good0 lordship.”—Ostend, 6 April, 1588. Holograph. Add. Endd. 1 p. [Ibid. f. 61.]
April 7.	Dr. Valentine Dale to Burghley. “I hope the impression conceived by Mr. Controller will be removed by your lordship's persuasion. I have an opinion that there might be some two or three meetings near this town, to sound the bottom of the matter; when they shall be here, it will be better for them than to remove before things come to some points. It is a great incommodity to all her Majesty's actions that it is not known certainly whither the preparations in Spain and of these here are meant, nor either of them. It might please her Majesty to give directions for the discovery thereof. There are that think assuredly Spain meaneth but defence, and this country be no further than Holland and Zeeland and this town. The common bruit among captains, and the reports of them which would seem to know much is otherwise. Men may see the probability would be of any such forces here to go far; although there may be many more yet their vessels are not for it by common judgment. I imagine we shall have many arguments to persuade [us] that it needeth not to enter into the matter of cessation of arms, because they will say the whole matter may be presently concluded for them to have the old treaties renewed; in argument of this point the whole circumstances of the intention might be discovered; which were not convenient; yet some reason must be given them, [so] as to avoid charges of preparations, accidents that might happen to disturb the treaty, if men should be doing it while we treated, and such like without rendering any further reason. It would be well if these things or other might be directed from thence….—Ostend, 7 April, 1588. Holograph. Add. Endd. 1 p. [Flanders III. f. 63.]
April 8.	A.M. [Walsingham] to Sir William Russell. (fn. 1) Fears that Commissary Blawet will return with a very cold answer, as her Majesty does not seem disposed to enter into any increase of charges, either by the entertaining of the garrisons now in Camphere or Armue or by the ‘renforcing’ of the said garrisons and the levying of new companies to be placed at the Hake within that island. Did not at first greatly like to enter into any dealings with the said captains (not that he did not think it necessary and profitable for her Majesty to be assured of the said towns), but because he saw no disposition in her to take a thorough course with the matter (a manner held in all proceedings, both at home and abroad) which breedeth both danger and dishonour. Has moved her that some consultation might be had what answer should be given to the captains, as a matter that importeth greatly to the conservation of the town whereof his honour is governor, it being greatly to be doubted “that if the said captains may not receive contentment from her Majesty (being fallen into a mortal hatred of the States), they will rather fall to the enemy than ever yield to be reconciled unto them. Draft, corrected by Walsingham. Endd. with date. 1 p. [Holland XXIII. f. 56.]
April 8.	[Walsingham to the Commissioners.] He and the Lord Treasurer agreed that her Majesty should be moved that the treaty might proceed at Antwerp, and dealt with her Majesty accordingly who in some sort yielded thereunto; but now is drawn to be of another mind, and would have their lordships insist upon its continuance at the place of the first meeting between Newport and Ostend. And though he represented the impossibility by reason of the want of horses, coaches etc., she will not be removed from this until she hears further from them, so that the matter is likely to be drawn into further length than were necessary.—Greenwich, 8 April, 1588. Minute, endorsed by Burghley's clerk. ¼ p. [Flanders III. f. 64.]
April 8.	The Queen to the Commissioners. Whereas we find that you have yielded to nominate a place between Newport and Ostend, if the [Duke's] commissioners would yield that the late colloquy at Ostend might be reputed the first entry into the treaty, in which point, as they had no authority to conclude, you would grow to no full conclusion:—“You shall understand that if the said Duke shall yield therein and that an Act may be made thereof, we can be content you shall repair to some place … between Newport and Ostend, and there proceed in the said treaty … In which place we could like best that the treaty should be continued as a thing that standeth most with our honour; and therefore would have you press the Commissioners for your continuance of the said treaty there.” And whereas you were instructed to begin with the matter of cessation of arms, we think meet that you shall proceed therein; taking care that the two cautionary towns, and Ostend and Berges up Zome, now possessed by us may be comprehended therein; and shall promise the Duke's commissioners that our garrisons in the said towns, during the colloquy, shall forbear all such incursions as heretofore they have made. And in case the Duke yield to the said cessation, you shall advertise us thereof, that we may give you further directions. And “whereas in the speech that passed from Richardot, he declared that the meeting at Ostend could not but be infamous to the Duke, being a town, as he alleged, that had been taken from the King his master by us … which charge being untrue, the town being not taken by us but only delivered into our hands by the States … we cannot but find some lack in you that the same should pass without an answer, the contrary being so well known unto you as it is … Therefore hereafter, when any such speeches shall pass … that may touch us in honour, we look that the same shall not pass without reply as this hath done.” As to the motion that the treaty might be transferred to Antwerp, we can in no sort yield thereunto; therefore if the place between Newport and Ostend be not found fit, we would have you think of some other in the province where you now are, as near to the sea-coast as may be. Postscript by her Majesty: “We charge you all that no word be overslipt by them that may touch our honour or greatness that be not answered with good sharp words, as that King (sic) that will be ever known not to fear any but God.” Copy. Endd. with note of contents. 2 pp. [Flanders III. f. 66.]
	Another copy of the same. Endd. 2 pp. [Ibid. f. 68.]
	Draft for the above letter, partly corrected by Walsingham. 4½ pp. [Ibid. f. 70.]
April 9.	Robert Cecil to Lord Burghley. “There hath been care taken that the place of this second meeting may be as near as possibly th'other side will assent unto … The President Richardot wrote hither this evening of the intention of the Commissioners … to hold the appointment on Thursday.” To-morrow, La Motte will be here to see the tents pitched in a fair green plat within a mile of the town, as you will see by the rude drawing I send enclosed. (fn. 2) “The other paper containeth the names of many persons of quality; great officers and leaders … collected by report and some small observation. “My lord of Derby is meetly well recovered; and shall, I hope, be able to be present at the meeting … On their side, M. Champigny is so loth to fail as he means to have his bed in his coach, to ease his infirmity, wherewith he is very shrewdly travailed.” …—Ostend, Tuesday, 9 April, 1588. Postscript. Has written on the 5th by Papawt; the 6th by Avery, Mr. Controller's man, and the 7th by Mr. Cobham and by Morrys. Holograph. Add. Endd. ¾ p. [Flanders III. f. 74.]
	Enclosing: “A note of some of the greatest men here with the Duke.” Leaders. “Count Mansfield, governor of Luxembourg, Marshal of the Camp. It is reported he shall be viceroy of Sicily. “The Marquis of Gwasto, general of the horse. “The Marquis of Renty, Admiral general of the Walloon infantry and Bailif of Henego. “Count Ch: Mansfield, general of the artillery. “Conte of Arenberg. “La Motte, governor of Graveling, commander of Stepa, and colonel of a regiment of Walloons.” Spaniards. “Mondragon, colonel of the old regiment of Spaniards and Castellano of Antwerp. “Don Jean Manriques, colonel of Almains. “Don Carlo de Luna, captain of lances. “Oliviero Castilliano, lieutenant of the horse. “Principal men come out of Spain, Italy and Germany since the winning of Sluys, to serve in these Low Countries. “The base son of Ferdinando, Archduke of Austria. “Don Jovanni de Medicis, base brother to the Duke of Florence. “Don Amadeo, base brother to the Duke of Savoy; who is to succeed, as is it said, the Marquis of Gwasto. “Don Jovanni Manriques de Lara, son to the Duke of Naiareth. “Don Lewis Gosemante. “Don Alonso de Dreques, son to the King's principal secretary. “The Duke of Brunswick.”
	Walloon Regiments.
	“The Conte d'Egmont.	The Marquis of Renty.
	“M. de Noircarmes	M. de Ballanson.
	“M. de Fresin.	M. de La Motte.
	“Conte Octavio Mansfield.
	“The most of these regiments are of 16 ensigns; some more; and each regiment is at the least strong of some thirteen or fourteen thousand men; and each company ought to be 200 strong.”
	Almain Regiments.
	“Conte Barla[y]mont.	Conte Charles Mansfield.
	“Conte Deikenkerk.	Conte d'Arenbergh.
	“Don ‘Jovanni’ Manriquez.	Ferando Gonsaga.
	“Baron de Billy.
	“Twelve ensigns in each, some more; one Regiment with another to be 2400; the least ought to be 300.” In Robert Cecil's hand: “I have a note of all the rest, but I think your lordship hath them already.” 1 p. [Flanders III. f. 76.]
April 9/19.	Jehan Richardot to the English Commissioners. Stating that they will be at the appointed meeting place on Monday morning at nine or ten o'clock, viz.: between Nieuport and Ostend, and so close to where their honours are that they will not have a long journey.—Bruges, 19 April, 1588. Holograph. Add. Endd. ½ p. [Ibid. f. 159.]
April 10.	[Walsingham] to Lord Willoughby. I nothing doubt, if mariners may be got out of that country, but that her Majesty will be so strong by sea (so willing are the good subjects of this realm to assist in this action) as we shall not need to fear the great preparations in Spain of which all the world speaketh. It behoveth her Majesty speedily to know what is to be hoped for of the said mariners, that if they may not be provided for there, there may be some order taken to have them elsewhere. It is greatly feared here that the town of St. Gertrudenberg will fall to the enemy, which will lay open a dangerous gap into Holland. I fear your lordship's travail to work and reconcilement by way of mediation will take no great effect. Surely, in my poor conceit, having embarked ourselves so far with that country as we have, and the issue of the peace be not so doubtful as it is, such a town would not have been lost; for no one thing would more have hastened the peace than if her Majesty might have gotten the possession of those towns which of late offered themselves to be at her devotion. But regard that (? of) charges hindereth or rather overthroweth all good actions. “The captains of Camphere do press her Majesty greatly to be received into her pay, whereunto she cannot be induced to yield, in hope that the States may be brought to satisfy them, for the which Mr. Killigrew had order from her Majesty long since to solicit them, and doth daily attend her answer.” Rough Draft, endorsed with date. 1¼ pp. [Holland XXIII. f. 58.]
April 10.	[Walsingham] to Sir William Russell. Her Majesty, as by the enclosed letter from the Lords of the Council unto the Lord Willoughby you may perceive, hath given order to his lordship to deal with the States of Holland and Zeeland to furnish her with certain number of mariners for the more speedy setting forth of such shipping as her Highness hath thought meet to put in readiness to withstand any attempt that may be made against any of her dominions.” And having of late found the States so slow to satisfy her requests, that she has just cause to doubt that she may be refused or at least deferred by a dilatory answer, she thinks it meet that, if they shall not assent to send over the said number within the time limited, then, upon knowledge of their answer, which Lord Willoughby is directed to send you, you should deal with M. de ‘Trelone,’ whom she knows to be devoted to her, and to have sufficient credit among the seamen, and with such others as you shall think meet to employ herein, to procure the said number of 1000 mariners, to be sent over hither; “whom you may assure shall receive such entertainment here as shall be to their full contentation and liking,” her Majesty desiring to have such expedition used as that they may be here at or before the 25th inst. Endd. “Copy of a letter unto Sir William Russell, 10 April, 1588. ¾ p. [Ibid. f. 60.]
April 10.	The Queen to the States General. Much regrets that she should have so often occasion to be displeased with them, notwithstanding her kindnesses (whereof indeed she is unwilling to remind them) which should rather gain for her a gratitude equal to the affection which she bears to their welfare. The Sieur de Sonoy, governor of North Holland—simply (as she hears) for having refused to take a new oath before he was discharged of the one previously taken to the Earl of Leicester, is said to have been very strangely treated, on their part, as they bear ill-will to all who show themselves well-affectioned to herself; for they could not do more if she were their enemy; whereof she hopes and expects they will better bethink themselves in the future; and even in this particular of the Sieur de Sonoy—whom she desires may be treated with all favour—that they will have due regard to her recommendation; for otherwise, they will cause her to be altogether offended both with them and their affairs, and to withdraw the succours which she gives them. Endd. 10 April, 1587 [sic], “Minute of her Majesty's letters to the States General for the M. de Sonoy.” French. 1 p. [Ibid. f. 62.]
April 10.	Sir James Croft to Burghley. The duplicate enclosed shows the day appointed for the meeting of the Commissioners between Newport and Ostend. Has been asked to draw them to yield to a longer day; and has written to Richardot and Procureur Mase … as well as to De Loo, to get as long as may be.—Ostend, 10 April, 1588. Signed. Add. Endd. ½ p. [Flanders III. f. 77.]
	Memorandum enclosed. “Seeing the Duke's frank manner of dealing, I hope of the best … and so salutem ex inimicis et de manu omnium qui oderunt nos.” I beseech your lordship send away my son James, both for the necessity I have of his service, and that he may learn something in this time of treaty. By the first messenger I mean to send you the copies of my letters to the Commissioners and Andreas de Loo. ¼ p. [Ibid. f. 79.]