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

Endorsed: 17 May. 1591. Master Bodeleie to my L. The surprise of Zutphen Sconse by Sir Francis Vere./

Later Addition: 17 May 91

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May it please your good L. by my letter unto yow the 14 of this moneth, I signified that Sir Francis Vere was appointed by the Councel of state, before the intended siege of Zutphen or Deventer should be undertaken, and before the troupes of the contrey should assemble in those quarters, to endevor the surprise of the fort of Zutphen: which, as we are informed, at this very present, he hath perfourmed very happely, so as nowe the contrey is freed from the Enemie on this side the river, and their other designes are made more easie by muche, to be atchieved by their forces. What nombers of souldiers were within the fort, and what losse is suste- ned of one side or other, there is nothing certified in particular. Only this is yet signified, by a letter sent in hast, that he tooke it with a strategeme, by the meanes of 13 souldiers, which were cladded in boores ap- parell, and armor underneath, and with the assistance and company of certaine other boores, which were knowen in the fort for neigh- bours and contributors, were presently suffered to enter a port, which they kept untill suche time, as Sir Francis with his forces possessed the place. Because this advertisement is newly come, with a present opportunitie for sending of my letter, I would not omitte to impart it with your L. and so I take my humble leave. From the Hage. May 17 1591. Your L. most humbly bounden Tho. Bodley.