Briefwisseling. Deel 4: 1644-1649

4123. St. Goffe⁶⁾. (H.A.)

I need not give you account of the busines here, since the author and life of it appeares with you himselfe. He will let you know, what officers, what number of ships and mariners may be had, and in what time all may be ready. I conceive the matter certaine, as far as concernes

6) Uitgegeven in Archives de la Maison d'Orange-Nassau, 2^e série, IV, blz. 144.

[p. 212]

this province, though perhaps it may require a months time before it can be finished, and, if the prosecution of it may be continued by the same dexterity and affection in Holland, I will not doubt within the same time to see a very considerable fleet at sea. I have therefore no other request to make to His Highnes but that this worthy person may be still engaged in it. I am now returning into Holland, to find what letters from France will meet me there, to dispatch expresses into England for the commissions and to preserve admiral Dorp¹⁾ in the disposition he was in towards this service, for the treaty already begun with him doth so well consist with this, that one cannot wel proceed without the other; for which purpose I shall impatiently attend the arrivall of Monsieur Knuijt, that with His Highnes further instructions some progresse may be made there. I will not despaire of better powers from France and particularly such instructions to Mons. d'Estrade and Brasset, that the matter may proceed more openly and easily, but if not, I imagine it will not be difficult privately to provide five or six ships in Holland, to adde to those which wil be found in Zealand, and with them to begin the worke. My part shal be to have the mony and the commissions in readines, and as occasion shal be to visitt you with my letters, beseeching you to continue your affections to this great busines and your favour toward ..... Middelborougb, friday, Septemb. 22. 1645.

1) Zie I, blz. 163.