Catalogue description LORD WYLLUGHBY to the COUNCIL OF STATE.

--Stating that there is every prospect that Bergen-op-Zoom will shortly be besieged by the enemy, but he hopes they will not master it if men and provisions are sent at once; otherwise it may well happen that the town will be lost. The enemy were to encamp at Calumpthout the previous night, and are probably this morning before Bergen, In answer to their letter of the 7th, he does not think it strange that his Excellency of Nassau should sign the despatches of importance resolved on in the Council of State in matters concerning the affairs of these countries; but as regards affairs dependant on his own charge (as no one is answerable to her Majesty but himself and he must not consent to any belittling of the place he holds from her), he cannot permit any other to conclude matters relating to the English nation, a thing which by his commission is reserved to himself. As to the soldiers' oath, the forces at Bergen have already taken it to the commissaries sent there, and the rest of the forces can take that as their model. There are many complaints concerning safe-conducts, at Bergen and elsewhere. This is certainly not a time to give discontent to the soldiers.