Catalogue description LORD WYLLUGHBY to the STATES GENERAL.

--The affairs of Geertrudenberghe having fallen into disorder through default of payment and by ill-treatment, and the garrison not wishing to enter into communication with his Excellency of Nassau or the States (either General or of Holland) it is well known that Lord Willoughby was urged both by his Excellency, the States, and the Count of Hohenlo, to treat with the said town; to which end he went to Geertrudenberghe in May, 1588, hoping to bring it to tranquillity, but having no money, nor authority to procure it, he was obliged to depart, only promising the garrison that within a month their demands should be considered. Having taken order for the affairs of La Vere and Armuyden, he resumed negotiations with Geertrudenberghe, and, in the presence of his Excellency, the deputies of the States of Holland, and those of the Magistrates of Dordrecht, it was decided that the disturbances should be settled by money, although his Lordship had always offered (in order to save so heavy a charge), to secure the place by force, if they had stipulated with those of Geertrudenberghe that he might enter, as he demanded, with his guard.

As however, they pressed him to take the government, as desired by the garrison, he consented--declaring to his Excellency of Nassau that he had never desired the post, but would hold the town for him, and, when desired, would surrender it into his hands, on condition that his Excellency would fulfil his promise to assure the garrison of their lives, persons and goods, according to the express desire of her Majesty. Of this declaration the States General "pretendent se servir," as shown by their letter of Feb. 21 N.S. yet now, it seems, they believe the said declaration was the cause that the money was paid, and that ultimately it was intended to draw away the town from Holland. How far this is from "the right path" is manifest by what has been alleged above, his Lordship having advised the securing of the town by force, and the treaty with the garrison concerning their pay being arranged before the declaration, which, indeed, need not have been made at all if they would have stipulated for his guard to enter the town. By all which it is as clear as the day that it is contrary to the truth to say that the declaration was the cause of the payment of the money. As to withdrawing the town from the country of Holland, Lord Willoughby declares that he is entirely ignorant of any such design, seeing that the magistracy there is continued and established, not by himself but by commission of his Excellency, the Governor of Holland; that the contributions and general means are levied and paid as in other towns of the province, the officers appointed in the ordinary manner, and the moneys raised by the said contributions employed for the war against the common enemy. If since the aforesaid treaty, anything has happened in the said town contrary to the good of the country, truly one has seen since then the disturbances there have been in the towns of Dordrecht and Rotterdam, so that it cannot be thought strange if some extraordinary things have occurred in Geertrudenberghe also. And the said Baron declares that, according to his oath he has in all things taken the best order that he possibly could, so that the States have no reason for complaint, much less for challenging his Lordship to fulfil his promise.

But if any better way can be proposed, Lord Willughby is willing to do all in his power, and to take order that his brother-in-law, Sir John Wingfield (now his lieutenant there by ordinance of his Excellency and the States), shall withdraw from the town, "pour alors estre advisé sur le surplus." As to the rendition of the place, it is notorious to all the world that Lord Willoughby has not forces to attack such a town, which all the United Provinces have not managed to master, and as to other means, he appeals to those best able to judge whether it is not very strange that he should be reproached, instead of thanked, when he has honourably discharged his duty and done all that was possible ; than which no man can demand more, cum altra posse non sit esse. But if the talk is of fulfilment of promises, then Lord Willughby prays the States to remember what they themselves have promised the garrison of Geertrudenberghe, and to reflect from which will arise more prejudice to the country, namely, from his own honourable and sincere actions, or from their failure to satisfy the garrison with what has been promised to them by treaty.

All which Lord Wyllughby is willing in any way to prove, that the world may know that he has acted as a gentleman and man of honour. French. Copy. 3½ pp. Also draft.

Endorsed "1588, Feb. 21 stilo novo. The answers made by his Lordship to the last answer made hym this daie by the States. Delivered by Mr. Bodley." [But evidently should be stilo Anglico.]