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May it please your good L. Upon conference had with Master Barne- velt and with some others of the State, for the advancement of my service, I see this message of her Majestie doth trouble them excee- dingly. For they seeme very loath to returne a naked answear, and to give her good content they pleade unabilitie. But their greatest doubt is this, whether in this conjuncture (as they terme it) and as the present state standeth, both with them and the Enemie, and those that now endevor to drawe them to a peace considering also this yeares contribution is not accorded by the Provinces, it were convenient to imparte to the people her Majestie demaundes. For they say they can doe nothing without their approbation, for contenting of her Majestie and to publish unto them what her Highnes requireth, they holde it very dangerous in this present concurrence of soe sundrie great and weightie affaires. They have bin often together to determine upon it, but they are at no conclusion. I expect every day when some shalbe depu- ted to come in conference with me and by that as I thincke, I shall ghesse somwhat neere, both how they will frame their present aunswear, and what successe in the ende I am lyke to have.

Coronel Stuart hath bin with me, and in communication hath declared that his coming to the States is for no other cause, but first to renewe an alliance between the King and these Contreis, such as hath bin established in former tymes: second- ly to acquaint them very throughly with the present Estate of Scotland: and then lastly to request their advise, together with their succor without proposing wherein, but according to their power, and soe as they shall finde the necessitie of the King, which toucheth them in lyke manner, if his Ennemies should prevayle. and this he pretendes to be a course, which the King is forced to take. For saith he, sith he cannot be supported by the Q. of England by whome he sawe his Estate but slenderly regarded, to whome should he seeke but to the people of these Provinces? Through the helpe of those discourses which I receaved of Sir Robert Cecill, I was stoared with good matter to aunswear his complaint fol.81v
which he uttered notwithstanding without any passion, and with a preface before, full of duetifull wordes of respect to her Majestie. Howbeyt I sawe by that little, and by other conjectures, that he with other phrases in other Company abroade. I have done what I can to feele the States disposition, to gratefie the King, but I can not yet perceave that they are bent therunto, not for want of affection (for undoubtedly that waye they are forwarde) but if they will relieve him, it must be only with mony (for men I am sure they can not spare) which if they had in their Cofers, or could devise to come by it, I doe not doubt but some good portion would be graunted her Highnes, and to content the Kinge besides, there is noe manner of probablitie that they will any waye be able. It is also signified by the Coronel unto me, that to stren- ghten the League between the King and these Contreis, he hath in charge to motion a match, between the Erle of Orchney, and the La. Emeilie Co. Maurices sister, which I heare them saye heere is labor loste, for that the Erles dwelling is farre of, and as it is saide, he hath no assurance of the Orcades, because they have bin claymed by the Kinges of Denmarke, and it was a late speeche of the Q. of Scotland, that she hoped her sonne should enjoye those Iles. Where your L. puttes me in mynde by a lettre of the 25 of the last, of the suite of the Marchants adventurers, about the taring of their clothes, and of the abuse of those of Middlebourgh; about the Currancie of their monies: for this later point, I have dealth therin heere, and also at Middleborgh, and it was carefully followed by Master Gilpin before, who hath and will certe- fie what reformation therin is intended by the States. And soe for the former I doe but watch an opportunitie, to recommend it with the soonest. For now I am certaine, I should come out of season, to cause them to assemble for a matter of that qualitie. And where your L. would be informed of the nombers remay- ning of the English regiment in the States paye, I finde by in- quirie of their Commissarie, by whome they were mustred very lately, that he reckened 900 or more very able and soldierlyke fol.82r
men, and that of the residue many are runne awaye: and many gone with license, and also dyvers consumed with sickenesse and in service. We are no longer now in doubt, but that the Castel, and towne of Huy or Hoy in the Lande of Luycke, are surprised, and kepte with 600 foote and 200 horse of this Contrey: Haranguieres the Gouvernor of Breda commaunding in the castel, and an other Captain in the Towne. If the place be so stronge by nature, as every man reportes, or can be strenghtened by Arte and industrie, beying situat, as it is, upon soe famous a river, and in the middest of soe many riche Provinces, it will undoubtedly be brought to yelde a large revenue, by meanes of newe contributions and divers kindes of impositions, that maye be raised in tyme upon the Contrey, and the River. Moreover the passadge too and fro, between the Enemie and Italy, will now in a manner be closed up cleane, the sooner, through the aide of the D. of Bouillon, who hath his Armie there at hand, within 16 dutche myles. In effect it is thought that the taking of this place will cause a great alteration in the actions of this Contrey, and I hope it will advaunce that which I am to negotiat.

The defeat of our horsemen, whereof I writte in my laste, hath bin verified unto us, but there were no more, (as now we are ad- vertised but 4 Cornets in all, and we have loste but 70 horse which I thincke will prove a favorable reporte.

I doe also understand that the States have a purpose, if they finde upon triall, that Huy is stronge and tenable, to take and fortifie some place about the midde way, between it and Breda, which will adde a great assurance to the holding of the towne, and doe the Enemie more annoyance. The bishop of Liege hath sent his Ambassadols hither, to expostulat this taking of Huy, beyng a neutral place, but they have had no audience as yet.

The Scottish Kinge hath given Comission to the Consul of the Scottish marchants residing in Torvere in Zeland, whom they other- wise terme Conservator of their priviledges, to continue heere as his Ambassador Ligger with the States. His name is fol.82v

Endorsed: Copie of my lettre to my L. Tresurer February 14

Later Addition: [Dr Birch's Memoirs Vol. 1 Page 209 [.]]