Reference: TNA, SP 84/44/252 f.255r-256v
Citation: DCB/001/HTML/0388/008
Date: 22 April 1592
Note:
Copy of: 0387fol.256v
Endorsed: Copie of my letter to your L. April 22 1592
Later Addition: 22 April 1592
lettertext
fol.255r
May it please your good L. Where I writ unto you laste the 7th of this moneth, that the States had resolved to do somewhat in Britaine, it was a matter so concluded in their secret assembly, and not imparted as yet to the Councel of state, for I had knoledge of their purpose by meanes of a friend. Howbeit Master Barnevelt by appointment of the States, came yesterday unto me and declared their intention: wherof in their behalf he was willed to request mee to advertise her Majesty. 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 induce the Provinces therby to like the better of their doing. The effect of their dessigne was delivered thus unto mee, That forasmuche as the Spaniard hath taken a strong footing in divers places of Brittaine, with intention, as it seemeth, to possesse that contrey to themselves, which will presently bring the traffique, aswel of the Englishe nation, as of the people of thes Provinces, and the state of bothe contreys into infinite perils: in that respect they thought it needfull, that they should be mightely assailed, both by land and by sea, and all upon the suddaine, without giving them the leisure to multiplie further, or to fortifie their places./ For good perfourmance wherof, they wil be willing for their abilitie, to extend it to the uttermoste. They will arme for their partes 10 or 12 good ships, and every ship of 200 tonnes with provision convenient for so many monethes, as the service shall require. They will also take order for defrayeng the charges of 2000 souldiers, and send 8 or 10 cannons with powder and bullet for 4000 shot, But all with condition that her Majesty will assent to double their proportion, or at least to do asmuch and half asmuch againe. And likewise of the King, they doo require the furnishing of 2000 horse, 5 or 6000 foote, and 8 cannons, with a ratable quantity of powder and bullet. With this conjunction of common forces, they think there is appa- rence to subdue the ennemie very quickly. But unles her Majesty and the King will come to that proportion, which they have sett downe, they are wholy out of hope of doing anye goode, fol.255v
and they think that the Provinces will bee moved to do nothing. For the place, which they desire should be first of all attempted is Blavet, which they take to bee so strong that it cannot bee recovered, but by spetiall force and if the Spaniardes bee suffered to settell there at will, they can want no opportunity to stop the course of all traffique; and still have meanes to bee relieved. For they saie that Donkerk is sufficient to send some 30 ships to sea. For the time of this service they have assigned it in Julj, having no comodious meanes to undertake it any sooner. And for the raising of those troupes which they wold employ, they rest as yet uncertaine, from whence they may drawe them, whether they shall send them from hence or take anye of those which are in France alredie, or levie some in England, if her Majesty be so contented. But howsoever, they wil take sufficient order, that their offer in that behalf shal be parfectly perfourmed. Your L. will vouchesafe to acquaint her Majesty with this motion, and to signifie with the soonest, for so they do entreat, what answere I shall make. April 22 1592.
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