Transcript

[fol. 154r] 1581 belgia 24 October

Good master Hearle, I beeseeche you to dealle effectually, and with expedycion with the Agente of the states, and P. of Orenge touchinge the supplye of a newe Regyment from home, which shall consyste of ij partes of armed men, and our parte of shotte. For that experyence touchethe that which the newe warlyke dyssyplyne doothe also confyrme, That yf yt come to a manuell fyght, the armed man ys hee that muste bee the brasen walle, where yt shotte ys nothing in deede but the playe of the feelde./ Theys Irlande bandes which are presently to bee dyschanteyed, wyll make the bravest supplye for the states than ever came to them, synce theyre troubles. And yt shall bee well, and an acte of charytye, to cauess them to bee well ymployed abroade to the [ ... ] of the poore afflycted states, rather then to bee ylle kepte al somer, to bee censured in tyeme with theyr gallowes, [ deleted: and] ^or^ to bee made ready instruments at home for myschyeffe, beyng pynched with [ ... ] for lack of ymployment. The number wylbe 2000, trayned and brave men, with theyr captyens and leaderes. Our [lesyers] ys to bee an absolute Regyment, with [ deleted: that] a partyculate [Callonell] , and ofycers accordyngly: And yet to bee under Master John Norrys goverment, and [comandement] for all servyce, nor to [ympeate] eny whytt of his honor, ^or [ ... ] ^ but to encrease the same. Provyded that he abrydge us not of eny whytt of or comodytyes. The place from whome they are to be [ deleted: trayned] drawen ys farre as you knowe, Therfore the conducte, and ympreste muche bee accordyng. They states shalbee really, and hayethe fully delte with by us, with the hon [oure] [fol. 154v] the honoure of god, And so as I for myn owen part wyll auneswer the same to all the worlde uppen my honestye, and the honor of the [...] honestye I [ ... ] of. Your selfe, shalbe intreated by us, to supplye the place here of an agent for all or causes, with our honorable frendes a boute her majestie, for the which by my consent ye shall have a thousand crowenes a yeare: which [ deleted: the servyce shall] may greatly advaunce your servyce of the states every waye. aswell as or selfs. And graunt us good successe and I pray ye spedyly to manegg thys matter, and so mari haythe, I comende mee to you. From the Court at Rychemonde, the 24 of october 1581. Your frend very assured Rafe Lane.