LLegada de Parma a Sluis.

CAPTAIN HARRY ASTELL to WALSINGHAM.

My duty emboldens me to signify to you the state of this afflicted country. The Prince of Parma himself in person before 'Slose' has ten thousand horse and foot as my lord governor is advertised, part being on one side of the river or haven and part on the other.

My lord seeks by all means possible to understand certainly how his camp is quartered, but if my lord of Leicester's coming is hastened, with convenient force, "it is greatly to be presumed, with good directions and leaders, there may a noble service be done upon the enemy."

His lordship has also taken great care "to give all supplement of men, victuals and munition, so far as his credit can reach unto, wanting the government of the island."

The place is of great importance to be kept, both for England and for this town and country and as your honour hath had a chief care of this service, "so now to hasten my lord's coming with forces as the cause and time requireth, and God blessing the action, there is great hope of most honourable and good success.

Flushing, 4 June, 1587.

Postscript. On Saturday, the 3rd the boats and two men of war which my lord governor sent to 'Sluose' with victuals, took 18 of the enemy's boats or scuts brought to stop up the haven, "but these men of war with their artillery beat the musketeers from their scuts and drove them back to Blankenburg from whence they were sent." 

Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Holland XV. f. 28.]