Lamentos y deserciones de soldados ingleses en Flandes.

LEICESTER to the PRIVY COUNCIL.

Complaining that their soldiers run away daily to the enemy, who gives them passport, wherewith they go to Calais and so into England, especially to Harwich, Sandwich, Dover and Rye. Has written to Lord Cobham and these towns, for the matter is like to grow to great inconvenience (the number increasing daily), and prays their lordships to send their letters to the said towns for the apprehension of such as shall arrive there ; and that one or two of them being executed as an example, the rest may be sent back to him.Dorte, 22 August, 1587. Signed. Add. Endd. p. [Holland XVII. f. 157.]

CAPTAIN HARRY WHYTE to WALSINGHAM.

The poor success of the wars here gives small encouragement to speak or write of it. In the opinion of most, the death of my sweet master [Sydney] was the cause of all our disgraces since.

The treachery of Deventer and now the loss of Sluce has brought our nation almost into contempt, yet his Excellency has done all that became a diligent, careful and wise general, and no doubt would have prevented it, had he not been most crossly dealt with by some of those for whom we fight.He has been here almost this fortnight, but needs a whole summer "to heal up the winter patchery."

Twelve companies under Mr. Robert Sydney have been brought here from Bergen, and it is said we shall go into Arnhem, but have yet no order to march. The Count of Moeurs has brought, as I hear, some companies of horse into Utrecht, when has been some muttering, now partly appeased.

I hear his Excellency will be there ere long. Most of the States have been here with him but Count Hollock utterly refused to come. "Many of the old captains find themselves aggrieved at the miserableness of our wars here, and their complaints discourage all.

If it were not for that fools find hope and fair words, we should grow into despair, for they think a beaten man shall not be rewarded though he have deserved well. They wish her Majesty would have a rounder war with them ; then would they think to win renown."

Dort, 22 August, 1587. Add. Endd. 1 pp. Seal of arms. [Holland XVII. f. 163.]