Catalogue description GEORGE GILPIN to LORD WILLOUGHBY, at Bergues op Zoom.

--Since your departure, despatches were sent to the companies of Trayle, Cristall and certain men newly come from Friezland, with orders to march towards Bergues, and also that the provisions should be sent with all expedition. Mr. Villiers, the Marshal, is appointed, and, as I believe, already gone towards the island of Tertole, to assist the Count of Solms, as also your Lordship.

"Sir Thomas Morgan is appointed Governor of Bergues and commission made for him and for his placing; the commissary Parasis is coming towards Bergues with letters and instructions to advertise Sir William Drury and the captains of this resolution, as done upon her Majesty's writing, where against they think none will or ought to oppose."

Captain Morgan and the other officers going to Skencke have been told by the Council that they should be well cared for, and well placed on their return, "but for money or means, there was none; besides, being in the Queen's pay, were not to charge the country for any money, requiring them to leave all exceptions and proceed to the service, which had been now a good while deferred, attending their rising, and so your Lordship may see they include, tacite, that if the service be not done, the fault shall not be theirs."

Skencke has taken a little town between Westphalia and Cullen [Cologne], of some importance for the passage, alleging that it belongs to the Bishop of Cullen. It is reported here that her Majesty means to send Sir John Norryes to Portugal.

I beseech your Lordship to recommend my case, that some letter may be sent over to the Council of State "to satisfy that her Highness's pleasure is that I should be assistant in counsel unto Mr. Killegrewe," or any sent in his place.