nor like to go notwithstanding all the noise of preparation
and resolution; For, a delay is made of them, the States
being desirous to see a little further ere they let them
go.
Antwerp 8 December.
The people in these parts are revived by being told of the
success of the Holland Fleet in releeving Coppenhagen, because
they suppose the Emperor will get the more libertie
thereby to send strong Forces into these parts. And we have
great hopes also, that the Spanish Forces will have further
good success in Portugall, where they have besieged Elvas,
which doubtless will be subdued in a short time, because there is
great want within of ammunition and provision. Besides there
is expected in Spain a rich Fleet out of the Westindies, so
that we hope to get the French out of these parts the next
spring, and that things will be restored unto a good condition.
From the Hague, Dec. 6.
We heare no further news from the Fleet, neither hath the
Lord Wassenar sent any letters to the Lords States General,
it may be that some of the Galliots, which were sent, have had
some mischance. The wind being Easterly, we hope to have
news from them, ere long. We heare that Vice Admiral de
Ruyter, whose ships are to be ready in the Flye on the 7 December,
is to convoy the 4000 men for the King of Denmark,
and the said Admiral is to stay there all the Winter,
and the Lord Lievtenant Admiral Opdam is to returne
home.
We doe not heare of any answer given by the Lords states
to the Memorandums, which the French Ambassador and the
Resident of England delivered in on the 30 of November.
It is reported that some English ships are gone to the Sound.
The Lords States, out of their great care for the good of
these parts, are setting against the next spring 36 (others
say more) Men of Warr, for the securing of Peace, and the
preservation of trading.
Letters from England are not come, by reason of contrarie