Reference: Hatfield, MS 25/89
Citation: DCB/001/HTML/0695/008
Date: 18 March 1595
Note:
Copy of: 0472
addressleaf
fol.90vEndorsed: Copie of my lettre to my L. Tresurer 18 March 1594
Later Addition: [Cop. & Ex:] Master Bodley
lettertext
fol.89r
May it please your good L. sins my last of the 14 the States have pressed Coronel Stuart, to specifie what aide the K. doth requyre, alleadging for themselves, that they can not well determine, what will serve his necessitie, because they are not well ac- quainted with the State of that Contrey, and sundrie neede- full particularities. And heereupon the Coronel hath framed his peticion for a 1000 fote and 500 horse, for sixe monethes: whereof I doubt not in lyke sorte, but he hath notified under hande, to some principal persons, that if 3 moneths of it be advanced, it will satisifie the Kinge. I might be drawen to conjecture by this forme of proceeding, that before it be longe, they will graunt his demaunde, it seeming a summe of soe smalle account, as the King hath greater cause to disdaine to crave it, by way of an ambassade, then they to refuse to parte with the money. Nevertheles by that which I can gather, by privat communication with some of the chiefest, or can otherwise learne, by secret meanes which I doe use in that behalf, they are bent at this pre- sent to send him emptie home. Howsoever they shall deale this good will come of it in respect of her Majestie that considering what caveats I have cast among them, if they should not thereupon resolve to gratifie the K. till they heare howe her Highnes will brooke of his motion, it were a great assurance unto her, that their interior affections are sounde and sincere. But otherwise if their hast be soe great to condescend to his request, that they will make no kynde of reckning of her liking or disliking, then there might be just occasion, both to speake unto them in other termes, about the mater of remboursement, and to doubt there is some drifte prejudicial to her Majestie in this new confirmation of their ancient alliance. Harangieres who comaunded in the Castle of Huy, contrarie to all mens expectation of his vertu and valor hath surrendred the place. The enemie began his batterie fol.89v
the 9 of this moneth, and a breach being made the next day after, upon offer of composition, to departe with bagge and baggage, he presently yelded. which trou- bles the States out of measure, because he bare them in hand in all his lettres, and namely by one which they receaved the same day, that the place was given up, that he would holde it for two yeres at the lest (for he had soe long provision) though the Enemie should assault him with fifetie thousand men. Count Philip with his forces doth rest in garrison in the lande of Luxembourgh, in those three little townes which were taken by the D. of Bouillon [But] where we made account, that they were towardes 3000 when they marched from hens, it is reported by one, that is newely come thens, that they are [not] nowe a 1000.
The mutined Italians, who lie at Tienen, or Tillemont in Brabant, have sent their Deputies hi- ther to treate of somwhat with Co. Maurice: but where- unto it tendeth I cannot yet signifie. For they have taken for a tyme an imprest of the Enemie, who feedeth them still with promises, to give them [all the asking]. There are among them notwithstanding which say they will come and serve the States: which in many mens opinions were better lost then found. for that fewe of those troupes will doe any good service, either heere or with the Eneme. Heere is no resolution taken for any service to be done this sommer nowe comming: aswell for the want of these peoples consent to this D. of Bouillon yeares contribution, which is not yet past, as because they lacke their forces which they sent to the D. of Bouillon: and the troupes heere at home are both fewe and weake in number. So that all as I thincke that will be attempted, shall be done in the Twente and the Drent, for the taking in of Grolle, Oldenzeel, of Mae/r/sten, and some other lyke fortes, [which are] held fol.90r
by the Enemie. The taking in of Huy was a mater concluded without the privitie of the Provinces, by some fewe among themselves, and therefore nowe, as I heare, sith the event proves no happier, the common people grudge at it, and at the sending of their forces to the D. of Bouillon, esteeming it fitter to imploy them at home,and not to embrace so many actions, in places so remote, where they have no ready meanes to second their Companies, or to send any rescue. And thus &c. 18 March 1594.
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