I have written to the King's Majesty [PHILIP II.] of the enemies being here: and was bold humbly to beseech his Majesty to give commission to the governors of his frontiers [that] I might, in necessity, upon my letter, have 300 or 400 harquebussiers, Spaniards, that now be placed about St. Omer; whereof I thought it my duty to advertise your Majesty, for your pleasure, whether I may write to the Governors to that effect, upon his Majesty's answer, and take them or not? I, with the rest of the Council here, are forced to put your Majesty to some charges: for having taken in a confused number of countrymen [_i.e., peasantry within the English Pale_], we must needs reduce them to order, and the commoners also; and have therefore called them into wages, and appointed Captains of the fittest men that presently [_at this moment_] be here. I have placed DODD with his Band in Rysbank, and the rest of the extraordinary [_i.e., volunteer_] Bands be at the Bridge, and in the Brayes of this town. As I was making this discourse, six Ensigns [_regiments_] of footmen, and certain Bands [_troops_] of horsemen, came from Sandgate by the downs, within the sight of Rysbank: on whom, that piece, and this town also, bestowed divers shots. This evening, they have made their approach to Rysbank, without any artillery: and, as far as I can perceive, do mind to make the assault with ladders, hurdles, &c., and other things, and that way get it. At Calais, the 2nd of January, at ten in the night, 1557. * * * * * As I was in communication with your Mayor and Aldermen, touching the state of this town (whom I find of marvellous good courage, and ready to live and die in this town), I received letters from my Lords of the Council, of your Majesty's aid provided for us. I fear this shall be my last letter, for that the enemy will stop my passage; but I will do what I can tidily [_duly from time to time_] to signify unto your Majesty, our state. Your Majesty's most humble and obedient servant and subject, +WENTWORTH+. [Illustration] +JOHN HIGHFIELD+, Master of the Ordnance at Calais. _To the Queen, our sovereign Lady._ [Lord HARDWICK's _Miscellaneous State Papers_, i. 114. _Ed._ 1788.] Pleaseth it your Highness to understand the Declaration of your humblest and faithful servant JOHN HIGHFIELD, concerning the besieging and loss of your Grace's town of Calais. First, being appointed by your most honourable Council [_i.e., the Privy Council in London_] to repair into England [_on the previous 23rd May, see p. 186_]; I came. And after some intelligence that the French Army drew towards the English Pale, I was commanded to return with diligence to my charge at Calais; and I arrived there on New Year's Day in the morning, the enemy being encamped about Sandgate.