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SIR,
YEsterday Mr. Smiths Son arrived with some Letters from you and him, containing your troublesome negotiation, whereof we hear thought very long. He saith he was constrained to tarry six days at Hull, and that his Father would be here this night; you shall hereafter hear of some ill news out of Ireland; and though it be not of great moment, thanks be to God, yet by report of ill friends, they wil be amplified. Indeed the 21. of April, a Fire happened in a little Fort upon the Sea side, at a place called the Dirrye, which Mr. Randolphe first took, in such sort as the houses being all covered with Straw, the soldiers were forced to a∣bandon it, being two hundred, and with their Captain Mr. Sentlo, came by Sea to Knockvergus a Castle of the Queens; but for all this it is meant to take again the place, or a better, and to prosecute the Rebel, who is in declination.
The Queen of Scots, I think, will be wooed to marry the Earl Both∣well; the principal of the Nobility are against it, and are at Sterling with the Prince. Fare ye well; and as I wrot by Mr. Shute, so assure your self of me, as you mean your self to me:
Yours assuredly, W. Cecil.
May 12. 1567.