Catalogue description RICHARD [TOMSON*] to LORD WILLOUGHBY.

--After my departure from Berghes I went to Lillo, and thence to Ordam, a fort of the enemy's, by passport of its Governor. As the Duke of Parma was still in camp before Berghes, I could have no access to him until fifteen days after, when he rose from thence and sent a secretary to learn my demands, who returned therewith to Brussels, where the Duke was. I remained at Ordam sixteen weeks, "delayed with plausible letters, promising me that this day and that day I should be despatched." Ten days ago the Duke sent for me to Brussels, with whom I had speech, and concluded the things I went for, so that I am now ready to return to England with speed.

The death of Pedro de Luque, executed at Berghen, is offensively taken by many of the enemy, who have vehemently protested to me that it will not be forgotten or left unavenged, saying that it was contrary to all military order and justice. I answered that he was used with all clemency and liberty, being lodged in a good harbour and not in the prison as others were, as he had given his word to be true prisoner until his ransom was paid; but that "mis-using his liberty, he fell to corrupt by large promises some of the said garrison," to deliver Berghen to the Duke of Parma,"+ whereupon he was by the Governor and all the officers there adjudged to have deserved death.

The Duke is at Brussels, with very little of the nobility about him. "Since this accident in France, many of them are gone to the frontiers of France, and into Lorreine, Burgoynye and the land of Luxemborghe, some for Savoy and some for Germany, as the Marquis of Burgote and others." The Duke hath cashiered seven or eight regiments, most of them Almaynes, Burgonians and some Wallons, which are taken up by other Colonels and marched for Lorraine, a hundred and fifty thousand crowns being sent with them from Brussels. I imparted to the Governor, Sir William Russell, "a platform and enterprize" against the land of Tergoes. which they mean to put in practice this spring, having found a place passable for foot, horse and waggons. He said he would nform the States thereof, but supposed they would give small credit to his letters, and wished me to make the Lords of the Council in England privy to the same. I thought good to impart it to your Lordship, but pray that I may not be named as author, which would much prejudice me at my return here.

Mondragon thinks it hard dealing that sundry soldiers are detained at Berghen, and not released for their month's pay, according to custom, which he has been told is done by your Lordship's especial command. Notwithstanding the good will I bear them] [i.e., the enemy] for their courtesy to me at Brussels, I pray you keep the prisoners a little longer, hoping at my return from England "to ... come sufficiently informed of the estate of some of them to the end they may not escape in such easy manner as they expect."

Endorsed "Intelligences, February, 1588."

Sent by the English Privy Council to the Duke of Parma in September, 1588. See S. P., Flanders.

See p. 205 et seq., above.

* Sent by the English Privy Council to the Duke of Parma in September, 1588. See S.P., Flanders.

+ See p. 205 et seq., above.