Catalogue description [LORD WYLLUGHBY] to LORD TREASURER [BURGHLEY].

--" My very good Lord, Whereas it was her Majesty's command I should write unto you the same words it was her pleasure I uttered then before her, touching the charge and expenses of the service I did her Majesty in France : It may please you, as I remember they were these :--That we served the Queen, four or five months, and received of her pay 6000l., and 3000l. which her Majesty lent the French King, as it was said to pay us ; with this we marched 400 miles at least, relieved the sick and hurt, transported the forces, satisfied generally the soldier, and at our return, in Guildhall made payment to that regiment, and in every country likewise to the good content of them, and in such sort as few of them went after a begging, but were bestowed in their own countries. Besides, for my own regiment I delivered most of their arms, as may appear by their own certificate ; and the other regiments brought home some more, some less. Which restitution of arms, after so long a march and sundry services, I have not heard of any land soldiers [that] have done the like before. Your Lordship may well conjecture I have not set down this for 'vantery,' but for duty and truth, to meet with contrary reports, being all is left me of my time past to make it appear I have not spent it vainly nor ill. And whereas this may seem a paradox, I told your Lordship then some reasons of the captains' conformities and treasurer's providence, and all our unions, to spare from ourselves for the honour of the service and relief of the soldier. Other reasons there be too, which I refer to Sir Thomas Fludd and the other chiefs of war who accompanied me ; for I will rob none of their due commendations, every man striving who might deserve best to his prince and country.