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Addressed: To the right honorable my singular good Lord, the L Burghley Lord highe Treasuror of England.

Endorsed: 12 November 1589 Master Bodeleigh to my L. from the Haghe.

Later Addition: 12 November 1589

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It may please your L. Since the writing of my last, we have had the Enemie about the sconce of Rees, whiche the souldiers in it, ether of cowar- dice, whiche is the common opinion, or for that, as they alleage, it was not possible to hold it, surrendred presently. The losse is esteemed to be great, and suche as will turne the Province of Guelders to very muche troble: especially if those of Sgravesweert continewe their mutinie, whiche is no otherwise likely. For their demaunde doth amount to above the summe of 10000 li ster- ling, whiche is not heere to be had. They are also fallen into conference with the Councell of the Duke of Cleve, who, as we are informed are exceeding desirous to compasse the place. It is nowe in consultation heere, whether it be expedient or not, to send againe the Englishe forces into those quarters. For it is not thought that the Enemie doth lie so strong but that he may be easely repulsed. Howbeit there is nothing yet resolved. There is also an other newe mutinie growen in the castell of Wijcke, a place of great importance, about 2 leagues from Utrecht, Uppon the river: where the garrison refuseth to yeld obedience to the states, desireth to be discharged of their othe, and requireth to receave their full count and reckning. The state is muche trobled about it, and can not resolve, whether it be best to give them present contentment, without attending fol.179v
howe to winne them in time, or, in regard of the example and consequence, to proceed with violence against them. Generally their govern- ment heere hath so litle credit and countenance, and is so altogether voide of good order, and of allthat should plant, ether feare or love in e peoples affections, that we finde in most men a weari- nes, to be subject to persons of no more vertue and worthe. But before the Contrey be redu- ced to some daungerous extremitie, this gene- rall discontentment will hardly breake out. Whiche maketh me thinke, that if her Majesties first resolucion about the sending hither of my L. of Buck- hurst had taken place, there might have bin muche effected to her Highnes good liking. But I dout at this present the good successe of his com- ming. For those fewe that beare the sway among the generall states, will never yelde, in any like- lihoode, unles they be forced for feare of the people, to any alteration that may lessen their autoritie. So that for mine owne part I thinke they will but use my L. if they can, as an instrument, to refourme suche disorders, as they will presentagainst her Majesties Assistance, and in regard of themselves condescend to nothing, that may serve to establishe a better regiment in the affaires of the Contrey. Wherein I trust to your L. accustomed favor, for interpreting to the better part this bold deliverie of my simple opinion.

Count Hollocke, who is commonly heere at the Hage, doth retaine his garde about him, as Lieutenant generall of Holland But he fol.180r
is nether acknowledged publikly to be so, nor any way imploied, or called to counsell ether by the Governor the Count, or by the Councell of state. How- beit I do perceave by many speciall good tokens, that he remaineth aswell devoted to her Majestie as any of them all without exception. Whiche I thought not impertinent to advertise your L and to take my humble leave. Hage November 12. 89 Your L. most humbly bounden Tho. Bodley