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

Endorsed: April 1592 Master Bodeleie to my L. Forces to be sent into Britaigne.

Later Addition: 21 April 92

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May it please your good L. where I writte unto yow last, the 7 of this moneth, that the states had resolved to doe somwhat in Britaine, it was a ma- ter so concluded in their secret assemblie, and not imparted as yet to the Councel of Estate. For I had knowledge of their purpose but by meanes of a frinde. Howbeit Master Barnevelt by appointement of the states came yesterday unto me, and declared their intention: wherof in their behalf he was wil- led to request me, to advertise her Majestie. For though they purpose of themselves to send a messenger unto her, yet their meaning is first, to sounde her Highnes good liking, by some motion in general, to in- duce the Provinces thereby, to allowe the sooner of their doing. The effect of their designe was delivered thus unto me, That forasmuche as the Spaniard hath taken a strong footing in divers places of Britaine, with intention, as it seemeth, to possesse that contrey to themselves, which will presently bring the trafficke, as- well of the Englishe nation, as of the people of these Pro- vinces, and the state of bothe contreis into infinit perils, in that respect they thought it needefull, that they should be mightily assailed, both by land and by sea, and all upon the soddaine, without geving them the leasure to multiplie further, or to fortifie their places. For good perfourmance wherof they will be willing for their abilitie to extend it to the uttermost. They will arme for their partes 10 or 12 good shippes, and every shippe of 200 tonnes, with provi- sion convenient for so many monethes as the service shall require. They will also take order for de- fraieng the charges of 2000 souldiers, and send 8 or ten Canons, with powder and bullet for 4000 shotte But all with condition, that her Majestie will assent, to double their proportion, or at lest to doe as muche, fol.253v
and half as muche againe. And likewise of the King they doe require the furnishing of 2000 horse, 5 or 6 thousand foote, and 8 canons, with a ratable quantitie of powder and bullet. With this conjun- ction of common forces, they thinke there is apparance to subdue the Enemie very quickly. But unles her Majestie and the King will come to that proportion, which they have sette downe, they are wholy out of hope of doing any good, and they thinke that the Provinces will be moved to doe nothing. For the place whiche they desire should be first of all attempted, is Blavet, which they take to be so strong, that it can not be reco- vered but by special force: and if the Spaniardes be suffered to settle there at will, they can want no opportunitie to stoppe the coures of all trafficke, and still have meanes to be relieved, both with victuals and souldiers, out of Spaine and from Dunkerke. For they say that Dunkerke is sufficient to send some thirtie shippes to sea. For the time of this service they have assigned it in July, having no commodious meanes to undertake it any sooner. And for the raising of those troupes, which they would imploye, they rest as yet uncertaine, from whens they maye drawe them: whether they shall send them from hens, or take any of those, which are in France already, or levie some in England, if her Majestie be contented. But howsoever, they will take sufficient order, that their offer in that behalf shall be perfitly perfourmed your L. will vouchesafe to acquaint her Majestie with their motion, and to signifie with the soonest, for so they doe intreat, what answear I shall make. And so I take my humble leave. From the Hage. April 21 1592 Your L. most humbly bounden Tho. Bodley

Postscript: I have promised this bearer, whome I send of purpose with this letter, that according to his speede your L. will reward him