Catalogue description SIR THOMAS KNOLLYS to LORD WILLOUGHBY.

--"Whereas I understand that Sir Jhon Conwaye means to quit his government of Osteand, as also being moved thereunto by some frends out of Ingland, I have sent this messenger of pourpose towards your Lordship to crave your Lordship's most favourable cownsell and assistance therein; as also to understand yf your Lordship have past your woord and promise to any other, for yf yt be so, God forbid that I should proceed any further in it, but yf not, I hope your Lordship will further my proceedinges herein. I think your Lordship be not ignorant of the cause which moveth me nowe to seeke some settled place heere in these countryes, the which cause yf it weare not, all countryes and places showld be as free for me as this. But nowe being not my selfe I am fain to seek some resting place which may serve me in steed of a prison and me thinkes no place fitter for such a purpose then Osteand. And yf so be that your Lordship have past it to some other, I most humbly beseech your Lordship to grant my lieftenant, the bearer hereof, a potent for my company to ryse for this garison of Bergen, for here is Captain Barker wowld gladly have his company at Osteand. Thus craving pardon and favor, with our Ladyes commendations unto your Lordship I wish your Lordship a good esterly wynd and fayre wether." Holograph.

Endorsed, "Sir Thomas Knollis. 18 March, 1588. Rec. the 21. For the governement of Ostend."

* CF. Sir John Conway's letter of March 31, in S.P., Holland. Knollys was not knighted until Nov., 1588. Also he appears to allude to his marriage.