ABSTRACT

Fridaie laste there arived certen ships of Sir Frauncis Drakes Fleete at Famouth; but himselff and Sir John haukines with many other men of worth I understand are dead ; herewith I do send a packett of lettres for Alderman Wattes wherin his Servaunt Capitaine Good wine doth send a particuler relacion of the whole voiage; which I have made bould to enclose within your honours lettre, the rather for that by the said Alderman W attes, you may be enfourmed at large of all thinges in more ample sorte, then I can any waie declare; 1 I perceave their companies are retourned in great distresse for want of victualles, and therfore there muste be present order taken, that they maie be supplied therwith. Some things they have brought but as it is reported nothing neare to countervaile the charge of the journey ;

On Fridaie and Saterdaie laste here arived divers ships both englishe and dutche, belonging to her Majesties Fleete nowe bound Fourthe, and there are also come heither by lande divers companies of souldiers wherof Sir Fardinando Gorge hath alreadie written more particulerlie ;

As I shall come to the knowledge of any farther matter that maie importe, your honour shalbe adverticed therof, And so beseeching thalmightie for the long continuaunce of your honours prosperous healthe, I moste humblie take my leave, Plimouth the xxvth of A prill anno 1596

Your honours moste humble to comaunde W illiam Stallenge

[Endorsed] To the right honourable Sir Robert Cecill knight, one of her Majesties moste honourable privie counsaile; Y eeve theise at coorte

25. Apr. 1596 Mr Stallenge to my mr. FromPlymmoth

1 Edward Goodwin, captain of the jewel (see p. 42 above). The particular relation was presumably Troughton's journal. The fact that Stallenge refers Cecil to Watts for further information is consonant with the latter's importance as a promoter of the expedition.