Catalogue description SIR FRANCIS WALSYNGHAM to LORD WILLOUGHBY.

--"My verie good Lord, Sir Edward Stafford arryving here, her Majestie hath ben made acquainted with the contract passed betweene the French Kinge and youre Lordship for the contynuance of our forces in his service, who could rather have liked that they had retourned, in respect of the doubt she conceiveth howe the King wilbe able to paie them, for that at this tyme he doth earnestie presse her for the loane of a further somme of monie : to whom thoughe her Majestie carrieth a verie good inclynation, yett such is the necessitie of her owne estate, as her meanes will not stretche to yeald him that relief that he desireth.

"For that I knowe your Lordship is desirous to heare of the proceadinges of the Lowe Countries, and therein especiallie of the doinges of Sir Francis Vere, whom I assure my selfe your Lordship loveth well, I thought good to send your Lordship these inclosed coppies of our advertisementes from thence, by the which your Lordship shall perceave howe great honor and reputacion he hath wonne to himselfe in a great victorie obtained against the enemie. Whereinclosed your Lordship shall also receave a letter from him directed to you, which as I doe conceave by one that he sent to me with the same, was written before the happening of the conflict in the second victualling of the towne, and therefore no mention made thereof. And so I committ your Lordship to God."

Postscript.--"I feare that the troopes serving under your Lordship for lacke of paye shall endure some extremitye, and therefore in my poor opinion if your Lordship shall see the King's meanes fayle, you shall doe well to urge him that you may retyre betymes. Good my Lord, have care of the preservation of the armor, you shall herby greatly content bothe her Majestie and her realme. The Imbassador hath not yet had audyence, but heere nothing wyll be gotten." Postscript only in Walsingham's own hand. 1 p.

"Noted by Willoughby:--Sent by the Lord Imbassadour."