Catalogue description The GARRISON OF GERTRUDENBERGHE to LORD WILLOUGHBY.

To what your Lordship yesterday proposed to us by word of mouth, viz., that our pay was to be at the rate of forty eight (sic) days to the month, we humbly reply that this seems to us to be contrary to all reason and equity, and also contrary to the contract made with us by your Lordship in the name of her Majesty, his Excellency of Nassau and the Estates General; wherefore we appeal to you as our governor and protector, to represent to her Majesty, &c., that no prince or potentate has ever been known to pay their garrisons in like manner.

Nevertheless, that her Majesty may not believe that we obstinately press our claims to the prejudice of the country, and in order that we may have our six months' accounts, already promised, we are content to count the month as thirty two (sic) days, and at the same time to renounce the receipt per mensem due upon the general funds, both of this town and elsewhere; humbly praying her Majesty to accept our reply favourably, and that our neighbouring town of Dordrecht may be informed of the matter, that the contract may be carried out. The which offer we are constrained to make only to show our fidelity and loyalty to her Majesty, to whom we shall ever be ready to devote our lives, blood and property. And finally we pray that the treaty solemnly made, signed and published on both sides may be maintained, promising on our parts to conform ourselves to it in all faith and sincerity. Signed by Sir John Wyngfelde, Charles Honinge. Flories Doeren, Hendryck Kyebom, and seven others.