ABSTRACT
Sir, havinge such oportunytie, as by this bearer, I thought yt not amysse to advertise you, of my being at Plymouthe, whether I came, on Satterday the xijth of this monthe. Since my beinge here, I have viewed most of the Shipps, which I find to be in very good sorte. Sir John Hawkins, I dowbt not but you knowe to be a man exellent in these things, and at this time one, that bath a speciall Care to see all things don in good order him selfe. Sir frauncis Drake since my being here, hath bin Lyttle in the Towne, for that he is so buysied about provicion in the Country, which with all dilligence, is donne, for the spedier dispatche of their viage. T owching my Instruccions, I Cannot yet certify you anie thinge, because Sir Tho. Baskerfield is not come to Plymouth, but daily expected. My comminge did greatly amase them at first, for feare I had bin sent to have staid them, but when they knewe the Contrary, none so ioyfull as they, that yt would please her Highnes to send one downe to viewe their bravery, which I do thinke wilbe such, as I have not yet seene. I dowbt not, but my comminge wilbe to great effect, concerninge the buysines her Majesty sendeth me about. It wilbe fourteene daies at the Least, or they shalbe reddy to departe, by reason of some pynnaces they have alonge with them, which Cannot be furnished sooner. So remembringe my dewty unto yow, I humbly take my Leave, and Comytt you to the almighty. Plymouth this xvjth of July 1595
your honours to Comaund Thomas Gorges
I P.R.O., S.P. 12/253, no. 19. Endorsed: 'To the right honorable Sir Robert Cicill knight one ofher Majesties most honorable Privie Councell. 16 July 1595. Sir Thomas Gorges to my master. From Plymmoth.' Gorges (1536-I6IO) was a groom of the privy chamber and keeper of the robes, a trusted and influential courtier and man of affairs. He had strong associations with Devon. Though his nephew Arthur was a literary friend of Raleigh's, and another nephew, Ferdinando, became a follower of Essex, Sir Thomas does not seem to have adhered to any particular faction.
