Catalogue description The PRIVY COUNCIL to LORD WILLOUGHBY.

--Upon motion of the French ambassadors, her Majesty has been pleased to yield to the King's request for the continuance of the English forces there, to whom his Majesty offers some kind of satisfaction and all good usage. You are therefore to acquaint the captains with his offer, and as we perceive that divers of the soldiers, through want of due pay and other lacks, are desirous to return, the which would be very dishonourable to her Majesty and most prejudicial to the common cause, "if our nation should give so evil an example to other strangers that serve the King, in respect of such like wants to abandon him so suddenly and when there is special use of their service," your Lordship is to persuade the said captains to continue their service there, there being good hope that some order will be taken for their better usage by the King's offer as aforesaid. And your Lordship is also to move the King not only to ratify the said offer, made by his ambassadors, "but to yield to such further contentment to the said bands as may encourage and also better enable them to remain there with the adventure of their lives to do the King service." Wherein we pray your Lordship to advertise us with all speed how you find the captains and their companies disposed to accept of this offer, as also in what sort the King shall be contented to ratify the same and to give such other satisfaction as you shall think good to require.

In consideration of the lack of apparel and such necessary furniture, it is meant to convert 800l. in money into sundry sorts of apparel, to be transported thither by some merchant, the which shall be viewed and rated, and the prices sent to your Lordship. Licence shall also be given to the merchant to carry over 400l. worth more of apparel "of his own adventure, to be employed to his best benefit if our soldiers shall not have need thereof."

We further pray you to tell us "until what day your Lordship and your companies have been paid with her Majesty's treasure that was delivered to Mr. Flodd or to any other for that purpose, and to cause a perfect reckoning to be made and sent hither how far forth the money, victuals and armour disbursed and delivered hath extended to the pay of the whole bands, wherein it is to be remembered that a great number of soldiers entered into service and pay later than others did. Your Lordship is also to certify what payments or prests have been made there on the King's part, and to what sum the same amounteth, either in money, victuals or otherwise." Nine signatures. [Printed in Acts of the Privy Council.]

Endorsed :--"Received at Dive per Paynter.

Also-Duplicate, with the same signatures, sent by Le Roye.