Leicester se queja a Walsingham de la situación en Sluis.

LEICESTER to WALSINGHAM.

When I last came out of England, I had with me but twenty-six thousand pounds, which by your project was to serve for the pay of 3000 English for four months, for a levy of 2000 Walloons and the charges of transportation, "which I might make good shift to do." But instead of finding good store of money in the treasurer's hands, as you expected, there was but 3000L. ; and that spent within a few days of my arrival ; so that now, all the Queen's bands "are fain to be imprested for their weekly loans of this money, and then how long it be like to last you may judge."But seeing what important services are in hand, I hope you will use all your furtherance for the speedy dispatch of more.

Vlushing, 20 July, 1587.

Postscript.

We have been three times at sea for the relief of Sluys, but the west wind has put us back again. Yesternight tide the most part were [shipped ?] and I trust ere this are safely arrived at Ostend, by which way our men must pass ; and the rest, who are to enter by the haven will be ready this night ... Our men in Sluys have bydden [abided] two great assaults already at the West gate ; have repulsed the enemy with great slaughter. They are in hard case ; but by their signs this last night given, yet well. And how little help and how slackly these men have given us, I am ashamed to tell you. That we must do is by our men only. Of this you shall hear more, and how shameful dealing and dangerous my lord Buckhurst and Wilkes did practise here.

 In his own hand. You must make the more haste to send money, for our merchants here say they can by no means furnish the Treasurer with 3000l. "It is high time to look to your trade if your merchants decay and others also."

 Add. Endd. 1 p. [Ibid. XVI. f. 131.]