SIR,
THough I think this bringer will deliver you my letter, yet I know not with what readiness he will impart to you our state here; and there∣fore have thought good to advertise you thus much, that, thanked be God, our Northern Rebellion is fallen flat to the ground and scattered away. The Earls are fled into Northumberland, seeking all ways to escape, but they are roundly pursued; Sir John Forster and Sir Henry Percy in one company, my Lord of Sussex in another. The 16. hereof they broke up their sorry Army, and the 18. they entred into Northumberland, the 19. into the Mountains, they scattered all their Footmen, willing them to shift for themselves; and of a thousand Horsemen there fled but five hundred. By this time they be fewer, and I trust either taken or fled into Scotland, where the Earl of Murray is in good readiness, to chase them to their ruine; yesternight came Mr. Madder; and upon the next letters from my Lord of Sussex, I will send away Crips or some other. The Queens Majesty hath had a notable Tryal of her whole Realm, and subjects, in this time, wherein she hath had service readily of all sorts, without respect of Religion.
Yours assuredly, W. Cecil.
Windsor, 24. Decemb.