Catalogue description WAR between ENGLAND and SPAIN.

"A Project by Sir William Russell for the impeaching of the Spaniards' landing, expected in August 1599."

My opinion is that the enemy places his principal hope of success in the suddenness of coming upon us. Let us make use of the sea, and, with such ships as are in readiness, "wait and attend upon them to take such advantages" as occasion may offer, and to prevent their landing [in England], considering "the danger of discovering humours of ill-affected and discontented persons."

"I wish that the companies of trained men throughout all the counties should forthwith march towards the sea coast, and that to every company of foot there should be some 40 horse[s] appointed to be attending upon them, to mount so many upon any sudden as may be called upon by the commander; and commissions sent away with all expedition to every shire to make provision of such horses and geldings with such furniture as cometh next to hand; to th' end that by that means there might be, over and besides the main force for stand, a camp volant,"ready to make head in any place where the enemy might attempt to land.

Although I will not say that I would repulse them from landing if their force be great, yet I will promise with small venture of men to make their landing hard and dear. In the execution of this service I do offer myself in all duty, "leaving to your grave wisdoms [the Privy Council] the consideration of the same."

Copy.

Calendar of the Carew Manuscripts preserved in the Archiepiscopal Library at Lambeth, ed. J. S. Brewer & W. Bullen (6 vols., 1867-73, vol. III, document 311.