Preparaciones para la defensa de Sluis.

CAPTAIN WILLIAM BORLAS to WALSINGHAM.

This morning, munitions and victuals were sent hence to Sluece, "but the enemy being very strong and having planted his ordnance on the dyke to keep the passage, beat the boats in such sort that they could not get in.

Two ships of war went with them to guide them in were so beaten with their ordnance that they were driven aground, and the captains of them, being cowards, came out of their ships and left them to the enemy . . . a great loss, besides the dishonour.

There was also lost some two hoys with corn; but this night I trust there will be some other attempt to put in some munition. There was and is as great diligence used to supply the wants that are in the town as is possible. There is already sent in, I trust, victuals and munitions for two or three months. If in that time they may be succoured I trust the enemy shall get nothing . . . .

It is credibly reported that the Prince hath sworn he will not rise from thence till such time as he hath the town, for he hath above thirty battering pieces and doth mean to batter it in three places." Sir Roger Williams has taken into it four ensigns ; viz : Baskerfeild, Harte, Udall and Vear, besides many gentlemen, and there are nine ensigns in the town, so that there are some 1700 men in all. . . . Master Blunt ("Blutte") went with the ships that were taken but is back here again.

The lord send my lord of Leicester, and that quickly, or all will be naught.

Flusching, 6 June, 1587. 

Holograph. Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Holland XV. f. 39.]