La importancia de Sluis y la llegada de Leicester.

SIR WILLIAM RUSSEL to WALSINGHAM

The enclosed from Sir Roger Williams, shows the present state of the town of Sluise, which being of such importance for this country and also "of greater danger for all passages out of England than either Dunkirk or any other town, ought with all speed to be succoured and preserved.

Captain Pallende hath done good service in conducting the soldiers and placing one of her Majesty's pinnaces within the haven, where the enemy, before their coming, took certain of our small boats, and the same day took a little sconce near the town, where they have placed three hundred soldiers and some artillery.

Mr. Blount, so soon as he arrived and heard of the danger of Sluise, went presently thither, where he shall find very valiant gentlemen of our nation.

The States will not yet be persuaded to do anything for their succour, so that except her Majesty do send present supply, the town can hardly endure." I pray you either hasten my lord of Leicester's coming, or procure some present supply of soldiers, to enable us so to annoy the enemy as would draw him from Sluis to defend his own ; or at least keep the town against them.

Vlisching, 5 June, 1587.

Signed. Add. Endd. 1 p. [Ibid. XV. f. 33.]

Segundo envio ese mismo día:

SIR WILLIAM RUSSELL to WALSINGHAM.

Since writing my last, the enemy has removed his forces from Ostend to Sluise, where he is with ten thousand horse and foot, and great store of artillery. The town was in great distress for men, munition and victuals, and asked the States for them a good space before these troubles fell out.

Since the enemy's coming I have used all earnest entreaty "and was at the first repulsed with plain denial, and could hardly obtain promise to aid them, which was not performed." I have given the best aid I could, upon my own credit, and have sent 500 men thither from Bergen opt Zoom.

Certain men of war of this town, which lay in the haven of Sluise, on Saturday last took eighteen small scutes and bridge boats, sent (to the number of thirty) to stop the haven, and "defended by musketeers in trenches, which were beaten by artillery out of the ships."

If my lord of Leicester were here, there were great hope to annoy the enemy with very good success. Or if I might have a supply of a thousand men, I am promised by men of good judgment and loyalty to effectuate the service, to the amazement of the enemy and relief of our friends.

Vlischinge, 5 June, 1587.

Postscript, in his own hand. Praying him to continue his favour to the bearer.

Signed. Add. Endd. 1 p. [Holland XV. f. 35.]