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Addressed: To the right honorable Sir Francis Walsingham knight [Prin]cipall Secretary to her Majestie.

Endorsed: [17 January ]1588 [From Master Bo]dley fears menaced wold sometimes be executed.

Later Addition: 17 January 88/9

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It may please your H. howe all hath heere procee- ded between my L. Generall and the states, concerning the charge he receaved, for the drawing out of certaine com panies out of Bergh and Ostend, I thinke his L will advertise. They are mervelously netled, uppon her Majesties writing in that behalf. For they make account that those townes are not defensive, With the compa- nies remaining. If they were not too muche wedded to their self resolucions, they would seeke to content her Majestie in some degree, though not happely so tho- rowly nor with so many companies, as her Highnes doth require. But as a man may easely finde both by their speeches and proceedinges, they stand in opinio[n] that her Majesties forces are sent hither, more for her owne safetie, then for theirs. Whiche conceat of theirs is rather confirmed then otherwise, by rea[son] of her often Protestations to forsake them, if they shall not yeld to some petitions, and yet in the end nothing put in execution. That they might finde a difference betweene her Majestie pleased and dis- pleased, Under humble correction, I could wishe they were never putt in feare, but when somwhat should folowe, lest they fall to contempt: whiche I am bold to signifie thus, Uppon the confidence that I repose in your H. good acceptation of whatsoever I shall write, doing all for the best. At Master Killigrewes handes I have receaved exceeding great kindnes, aswell for the furtherance of her Majesties service, as otherwise: for which I am to crave your H favor in geving him thankes in my behalf. And so I take my humble leave. January 17. 88 Hage Your H. most humbly bounden Tho. Bodley.