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Addressed: To the right honorable Sir Francis Walsingham Knight, Principall Secretary to her Majestie

Endorsed: 16 Januarie 1589 From Master Bodley Buis his opinion [Lieu] [hoh] the intention of the states in erectinge a privie Counsel about C. Maurice the Counsel of state like to be dissolved in [re], thogh in [specie] held, for color of observance of the treatie with her Majestie

Later Addition: Belgia: 1590

Later Addition: Belgia 1590

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It may please your H. I signified in my former What communication passed, uppon my first mee- ting with Monsieur Bus. This day he was with me againe, and entered into further conference. In the general assembly, whiche is held at this present by the States of Holland, among other matters it wilbe proposed, and, as he thinkes, concluded, that Count Maurice shall have a privy councell of Hollanders assigned, to be continually attendant uppon him: whiche will tend in the end to a plaine dissolution of the Councell of state. For it should seeme by their daily proceedinges that they are to maintene it but for fashions sake, and for an outward shewe of obser- ving the contract, wheras it is intended among them selves, that matters of weight shall be alwaies han- dled, a part, and in their secret assemblies.

Moreover by way of discourse he signified further /unto me/ that if her Majestie shall refuse the souveraigne pro- tection of these contreis, and be more desirous to con- lude a peace with the King then to continue at thi[s] charge, and in these termes with this people, there [are] very likely meanes to effect it, to her Majesties good liking, and the contreis contentment. For the present state of the Kinges affaires considered, there is no question, in his opinion, but that the liberty of con- science, and the fruition of their privileges, which are the principall causes that moved these contreis to putt themselves in armes, wilbe accorded unto them, in as ample maner, as they have reason to reqest. One of the hardest pointes will consist in suborning fitte persons, by whose interposition it may be brought into Treaty: whiche he thinkes notwithstanding will be easely compassed, if her Majestie be that way inclined. fol.39v

Later Addition: Belgia: 1590: January

Later Addition: Turn this sheet

Later Addition: Turn to fol 36

Also to the purpose of that, wherof your H. heereto fore hath requested to be certified from me, to witte, astouching the affection which is borne by the people unto Fraunce it may please your H to un- derstand, that there are fower or five of the Gene rall states, wheruppon every good newes that com eth from thens send out suche speeches in their private conventicles as if their only salvation must come from that kinge, and as if thei would pre sently fetche him hither in procession. Never theles the farre greater part of their Assembly, and for ought I can perceave, the whole Councell of state and the commonaltie in most places, as I learne by Monsieur Bus, will acknowledge no other to be fitt for their protection but her Majestie. What badde persuasions may doe in processe of time, with an inconstant people, it is muche to be feared. For doutles those fewe busibodies have alwaies taken suche opposit and offensive courses to her Majestie, that they thinke their sinne to be greater then can be pardonned, and in that respect will doe their uttermost endevor to suppresse her Majesties autorite in this contrey. Notwithstanding the report of the messenger sent hither from Berke, fol.41r

Later Addition: Belgia: 1590

Later Addition: Belgia 1590. January 16.

Later Addition: from fol 34