Reference: TNA, SP 84/45/162 f.158r-159v
Citation: DCB/001/HTML/0408/008
Date: 01 August 1592
Note:
Copies: 1166
addressleaf
fol.159vAddressed: To the right honorable my very singular good Lord, the L. Burghley Lord highe Treasurer of England
Endorsed: 1o August 1592. Master Bodeleie to my L./
Later Addition: 1 August 92
lettertext
fol.158r
May it please your good L. I had yesterday a letter from the Councel of Estate, that the enemie hath assembled 3000 in Brabant, which are passed the Maese, and proceede with all diligence, to joine with those troupes which were passed the Rhine, wher- of in my later I writte unto your L. The same occurrence is come not onely from the Coun- cel, and from the Count at the campe, but from divers others in other places to the states that are heere. And though I see there is some cause, why I should not be too credulous, yet the oc- currences are written from suche persons and places, as they carie great apparance. But howsoever it be, I am pressed therupon, and importuned very hotly, to consider in what jeopardie they stand for their army, if they should not have the helpe of her Majesties succors. For suche are the passages that lead unto the campe, that ether the Enemie will be able, to cutte of the cariage of victuals unto them, or els force them to abandon their siege before Coeveorden. Which if they may have the aide of her Majesties troupes, they hope they may prevent, or els conveniently retire without any dommage or dishonor.
Upon the consideration of their daunger, if they should not be relieved, and upon the assurance that I have, through the knowledge of their hu- mors, that if they chaunce to be distressed through the Enemies attemptes, they will seeme to cast the blame, and that with bitternes enough, upon her Majesties ministers, and pretend upon that fol.158v
letter, which was lately written to them, that her Highnes had no meaning, to withdrawe her forces against their willes, I could not readily resolve, howe to give them good content, and provide for all events, but by promising to write, as I did to this effect to Sir Francis Vere, That being there in place, where bothe he might have know- ledge of the Enemies proceedinges, and could judge what necessitie there was of his assistance, I did not doubt for my part, but with her Highnes good allowance he might drawe his troupes into the field, and also use them in some service, as farre as in discretion, and for the good of the state, he should finde it behoofull. The rather in that regard, that the winde is at the Est, and that with token of some continuance, having lately bin at west for divers weekes together. Againe, the first commoditie of a winde, will bring their forces out of France, which are required to returne, all excuses sette a part, with their spee- diest opportunitie. They are alwaies as thei were, 20 companies in nomber, and renforced of late with Frenche and with Switsers, that they say that I write from thens, they are 1500 at the lest: which will prove a fitte supplie in lieu of these Englishe which her Majestie requireth: and the very same winde that may bring us out of England her Majesties resolution for dispatche of the companies, will also serve for transportation of their troupes out of France. Sir Francis Vere, I doe not doubt, will take so good a course, as shall nether fol.159r
be a hindrance to the readines of the companies, and yet steede the contrey against the force of the Enemie, and save our selves that are heere against their clamorous complaintes. And so alwaies in good hope, that if I faile of doing that, whiche is best for her Majestie your L. will excuse it with a good construction of my care, to doe the best that I am able, I take my humble leave. From the Hage, the 1 of August 1592. Your L. most humbly bounden Tho. Bodley
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