Briefwisseling. Deel 4: 1644-1649

4070. St. Goffe⁵⁾. (H.A.)

Out of Mylord Jermyns letters this weeke I can give you good assurance that the orders desired from France are comming to us according to resolutions already taken, in case they find that his Highnes the Prince of Orange should judge them necessary. I reckon upon them next post, and hope that Mons. d'Estrade, both by his owne inclination, and by encouragements from you, will vigorously and dexterously do his part. It is not possible to wish better dispositions then appeare here, in the person whom you have quickned with your letters. In the meane time I have receaved a command from the Queene to represent her earnest suite to His Highnes in the behalfe of mylord marquis of Antrims⁶⁾ two frigatts, wich ly now at Newport in Flandres, that they may be permitted to goe peaceably out of that river and, if it be

5) Uitgegeven in Archives de la Maison d'Orange-Nassau, 2^e Ser., IV, blz. 140.

6) Zie blz. 177.

[p. 191]

possible, be affterwards secured from the States men of warre, they being bound directly for England, and there to be entred into the Kings service. The one is called Mary of Antrim and the other Mary Virgin of the Isles. Upon these two frigats depend their Ma^ties most immediate hope in this late torrent of misfortunes, which have fallen upon their affaires, for they are charged with a very considerable magazin of armes and ammunicion and a traine of artillery of feildpeices, wherewith the marquis intends to joyne with Montrosse¹⁾, who hath already done great things, and may possibly bring present supplies to the King, if thus assisted. I beleive, there is no need of using arguments in this subject, nor to send an expresse, though the busines be very pressing, my letter being the more private way and in that respect more convenient; and if by a letter from yourselfe to mylord Jermyn Her Ma^ty might know, that present order will be taken for those frigatts, as is desired, it would be not only a great and seasonable kindnes, but a meanes to expedite the marquis of Antrims voyage, who is now at St. Germains with Her Ma^ty, expecting the successe of this request. The news out of England continues very bad, for which there is no visible remedy, but in the great busines in our hands, together with the assistance of this State, which ought now to be awakened, ere it be too late. There is nothing more certaine then that their interest is involved in that of the Kings, and that the beginning of the English Republick may probably be the end of theirs. This is the opinion, worthy Sir, of ..... Hage, Aug. 13 st. no. 1645.

1) Zie III, blz. 168.