Sir Walter Aston to the Duke the 10^th. of Decemb. 1625.

THe Portugal Armado put to Sea on the 12^th. of the last moneth Stil. Vet. It consists of 22. Ships of War, 4. Victuallers, and two small Pinnaces of Advice: There goeth in it neer upon 4000. Land Souldiers. From Cadiz I have now fresh advice, That Don Frederique is still in the Port, with the Fleet which he Commands, but himself and his men all embarqued. That Armado consisteth of some 35. Ships of War, and about 8000. Souldiers, and both the Fleets are victualled for 8. moneths. That of Fortugal had first order to ex∣pect Don Frederique at the Cape St. Vincent, but hath since received command to proceed on the journey. It being now 27. dayes since the Fleet departed, and this remaining still in the Harbour, doth give me much cause of jealousie: especially understanding, that they have here advice, (which they give credit to) that the Troops lately de∣livered to Count Mansfelt are sent to succour Breda, fearing (if it be so) that they laying hold of it as a breach of the Peace (which inter∣pretation I meet with in every discourse) should presently fall with this Armado upon some part of Ireland. I have no farther ground for this distrust, then what I have here represented, which your Grace weighing with the importancy of their enterprise in hand for the re∣covering the Baya, and the occasions that will be given them from England, do best know what rigid judgment to make. Sithence I wrote my other Letter unto your Grace, (which accompanies this) I understand the French Embassadour by order from the King his Master, hath given account unto this King of the Conclusion of the Match betwixt the Prince his Highnesse, and Madam Christiene his Masters Sister. Whereupon this King, and the whole Court put on Galas: I conceive (howsoever I have not heard any thing thereof by any Letter unto me) that this is ground enough to Congratulate with your Grace this good beginning which I shall affectionately Page  54wish may in the successe in all times prove a happiness to his Highnes and a particular blessing to your Grace. The Conde of Gondomar hath newly received a Command from the King his Master (signified unto him by the Secretary Don Andreas de Prada) to put himself presently upon the way for England, which he hath answered he will obey, howsoever I believe he will keep his Christmasse here. Mr. Butler whom your Grace left here placed with this King meets often with such dis∣courses in the Palace, that as a faithful servant to your Grace, he hath no patience to bear, which he hath reason to believe will in a short time throw him out of this Court, which he would be glad to prevent, if he might have your Graces command to return, being infinitely de∣sirous that your Grace would dispose otherwise of him. I will con∣clude with the same suit for my self, there being none that hath more need of comfort from your Grace. I best know, that I have no way deserved any change or decay in your Graces favour towards me, ha∣ving not been slow in upbraiding this Nation with their obligations to your Grace, and their shameful ungratefulnesse, nor without a constant, and passionate desire to serve your Grace every way to your content, if your Graces Commands would but direct me what to do, I do therefore rest confident of your care and goodnesse towards me. And so with my prayers to God to continue his blessings upon you, I rest