Reference: TNA, SP 84/42/156 f.156r-157v
Citation: DCB/001/HTML/0313/008
Date: 22 June 1591
Note:
Copies: 0314 1055
addressleaf
fol.157vEndorsed: The copie of a former letter written to your L. this 22 of June 1591.
Later Addition: 22 June 91
lettertext
fol.156r
May it please your good L. The 13th of this moneth I advertised your L of my being at Dorkum with the Councel of State, from whence wee tooke our Journey towardes the armie. But before wee came thether, wee had worde from the Count, that the Enemy at Groninghen had opened certaine sluces, wherby of six partes about the towne, there were five overflowen, and the armie on the suddaine forced to dislodge. The possibilitie to let in the water was neither knowen to Count William nor to the Deputies of Friesland, on whome the armie depended for good direction in the siege. For they were all perswaded, that the mater of those sluces could not hinder our approaches, nor the planting of the Artillerie. But since it fell out otherwise, it was thought convenient that our forces should presently marche towardes Delfzile which is a strong fort upon the Ems distant from Groeninghen northeast, three long dutch miles. The taking of this fort, because it serveth as a haven to Groeninghen, was generallie thought of singular importance. There was order also taken, that the artillerie, which was not yet disbarked, but onely kept in a redines in the ships before Groeninghen, should bee brought to Delfzile by water. Upon this resolution the Councel of state finding no securitie for them selves to goe to Delfzile by land, when the troupes were departed, went thether by shippe. Presentlie upon our coming the approaches were made & as yesternight the Artillerie made ready to bee planted, wheruppon the Ennemy within albeit for the space of three daies hee had shott uppon us very hotly upon the first summoning condescended to a parle, and fol.156v
surrendred presently upon like composition, as those of Deventer and Zutphen. Their want within was both of men and powder, and no kinde of hope to be relieved by the Spaniard. Gorningen excepted, there are onely now remaining in the territory of Groeningen the forte of Opslacht and Emmentile, which are fortes of some strength, lieng southwest from Groningen within 2 or 3 leagues, but unable to withstand any forceable batterie. For which it is resolved, that they shalbee summoned out of hand. And as for those of Groningen it is first intended, for that now it is thought they will hearken to reason, that they shalbee moved by faire offers, to unite them selves to the other Provinces. Which if they chance to reject, as moste men think they will, reposing no confidence in any promise of the States, then they do determine, as I am told underhand (for as yet of them selves they doe not signifie so much unto mee) to use her Majesties countenance by my meanes, to the effect of that commission which was graunted unto mee about 12 moneth agoe. For mine owne part, because it is a matter that doth touche themselves, and because I knowe it is their humor not to use her Majestie, but as a refuge in extremitie, I do not deale by parswasion either on waie or other. For if they cannot speed of themselves, they will come verie willinglie to crave her Majesties assistance, and otherwise for mee to move them therunto, considering how sleightlie they regarded it before, I knowe not how it would stand with her Majesties honor. Howbeit I do see aswell by this, as by many other their proceedinges, that whoseover will not fol.157r
beare with their diffidence, and jalousie, and other natural imperfections, but exact more precisely an honorable cariage in their dealing, then the advauncement of an action, shall but hinder that in the end, which mighte bee otherwise effected, and do her Majestie in this countrey verie litell good service. Wee have certain information both by lettres intercepted, and other verie good intelligence that the Duke of Parma is lodged in a cloister called Marienboome adjoyning to the fort of Rees, verie much distressed for lack of vittailes and carriage, so as now wee are parswaded, that his journey is wholie staid, for troubling thes quarters. Besides, his nombers to the uttermoste are not thought to exceed 6000 foote and 150 horse, which are also in dissention, and in very great miserie, for verie many great wantes. In effect, for my self I did never yet parceave, that either the ennemy in these countreys was ever so perlexed, or so likelie in all places to bee dishonored in his actions, as hee is at this present, and thus I take my humble leave. At the campe before Delfzile, where wee make our entry this morning June the 22 1591.
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