Reference: Hatfield, MS 170/110
Citation: DCB/001/HTML/0675/008
Date: 04 March 1595
Note: This letter is enclosed within 0674.
Copy of: 0470
addressleaf
fol.111vLater Addition: Dr Birch's Memoirs Vol.5 Page 217.
lettertext
fol.110r
May it please your good L. Among dyvers lettres sent from Brus- sels, and intercepted heere of late, I sent you two, with my last of the 26 February and heerewith a third, which was alsoe written by the same Crytton to James Tyrius the Scottish Jesuit at Rome, and did not seeme to be regarded by those that kept the lettres. But I fynde it worth the reading for many respectes, because it doth manifest that there are many brabbles, and disconten- tments among those of that nation in Brussels and else where: and that they are in despaire of good successe in the enemies actions both heere and in France. It is also easie to per- ceave by perusing the wordes interlaced with the figures, that there is mater there signified of speciall importance; which if it canot be deciphred by any at home, I am of opinion that the Copie of the lettre being sent to some man that is of Capacitie, and imploied by your L. in Brussels or Andwerp, if he be but acquainted, with the Scottes that are there, and the factious among them, it will be presently disco- vered. These that are heere of the Scottish nation for want of knowledge, who they are, that are there, and how they stand for affection one to an other, can give me no light. As touching my negotiation, the returne of the Deputies of Gueldres and Overissel, are dayly now expected, and then the States, I am certaine, will delyver me their answear, without putting me of to a further delay. We have assured in- telligence from dyvers places of the Enemies contreis, that the vul- gar people every where, crie openly out against their miseries, shewing manifest token that they desire to be joyned to the rest of this union. And as farre as I can judge of the States inclination, if the motion proceede from the other side to them, thereafter as it is they are fully bent to inter- taine it, to the best advantage of their cause. But whe- ther it were expedient, that we should stryke at this yron, whyle it is hotte, and be the first that should send to the Enemies Provinces, that doth rest in deliberation: albeyt I doe per- ceave that most men are of minde, that we should not sturre in this case, but as occasions are presented from them unto us. For this alleaged for it, That before they send to the Enemie, in a mater of that importance, they fol.110v
must first of force heere at home have recourse to every Pro- vince, to purchase autoritie, wherby it will be imparted to every towne, and soe come abroade among the people, who as every man doubtes, may prove soe over headlong in suche a plausible motion, as perhaps when they see it is once sette a foote, they will violently thorowe, without regarde to their owne securitie. The feare of this humor in the multitude, doth stay them from proceeding as they are otherwyse willing. It is commonly reported that the Enemie prepareth for the siege of Huy, which he will fynde a very hotte and a costly exploit. For Haurangieres the commaunder is a valiant expert souldier, and will undoubted- ly perfourm as muche as can be required. And thus I take my humble leave. March 4 1594.
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