Catalogue description LORD TREASURER BURGHLEY to LORD WILLOUGHBY.

--"I must require to be excused of your Lordship for not writing unto you at this time with mine own hand, having of long time been so troubled with mine old disease of the gout, and that in my right hand, as through the weakness thereof I have not been able to endure to write." Her Majesty having been earnestly moved on behalf of the French King by his ambassadors here, that he may keep the troops under your command some longer time for his present important service-her Majesty's pleasure wherein is signified to you in the general letters from the Council-and some fault having been found by her Majesty and the Lords that Mr. Fludd, the paymaster there, has never sent any declaration of his accounts: I pray your Lordship to require him to send the same by the next opportunity, at which time I would be glad also to hear from your Lordship, having but once received letters from you since your going over, and these written from Towers [Tours] the 15th of last month. Her Majesty has caused us to deal with the French ambassadors to have her forces paid for some longer time out of such moneys as she lately lent that King, yet remaining in their hands, and they have promised one month's imprest out of the same. If your Lordship shall think good to stay there, I pray you certify me how it may be safely conveyed to Mr. Fludd, "out of which the sum of six hundred pounds, besides the adventure of the merchants, is appointed to be converted into apparel for the relieving of the most needful of the army," which, if your Lordship stays there, I doubt not shall be duly answered for the same.

Postscript in Lord Burghley's own hand.-"My Lord, our lack in hearyng from you hath bene truly to me, your good frend, very greviose, for we might hare more frequently from Venyce than we have doone from your Lordship; but I cannot excuse Tho. Flud, that never yet did advertise of any jott of his service as your paymaster. Your Lordships at command both abrod and at home, W. Burghley." Seal of arms in garter.

Endorsed:-"Received per Jo. Le Roye, the 15 Dec., 1589."