lettertext
fol.147r
Later Addition: Belgia. 1591 17 May
Later Addition: Belgia: 1591: May.
May it please your good L. by my letter unto yow the 14 of this moneth, I have signified that Sir Francis Vere was appointed by the Coun- cel of state, before the intended siege of Zut- phen or Deventer should be undertaken, and before the troupes of the contrey should assemble in those quarters, to endevor the surprise of the fort Zutphen: which, as we are informed at this very present, he hath perfourmed very happely: wherby both /so by 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 with in the fort, and what losse is sustened of one side or other, there is nothing certified in particular. Only this is yet signified in general wordes, by a letter sent in hast, that he tooke it with a stratageme, by the meanes of 14 /13/ souldiers which were cladde in boores apparel, and caried /and armor under/ themselves so cunningly, that they came into /neath, and with the assistance and company of certain/ the fort as if they had bin of the contrey /other boores of the contrey which were knowen in the fort for / people and frindes to the Enemie: whereby /neighbors and contributors, were presently suffered / the assault being geven, at the same instant by /to enter a port, which they kept till such time/ Sir Francis Vere, he /as Sir Francis Vere with his forces/ possessed the place. Because this advertisment is newly come, with a present opportunitie for the 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