Folios 177-178. The Duke of Schomberg to the King from Chester. Refers to the memorandum...

Folios 177-178. The Duke of Schomberg to the King from Chester. Refers to the memorandum sent by express detailing the condition in which they found the ships, money and provisions. Since that was written, 20,000l sterling has arrived, sent by Paymaster Mr Herbert [William for the payment of the troops; he expects a further 5,000l sterling in three days for the payment of the artillery; there remains the payment for the freight ships, which Shales says should be made one month in advance and which amounts to 40,000l. Schomberg went that morning to see two vessels, which they can board and on which they can put cannons; these can serve as escorts for the Count de Solms. Beyond that he has written to Kirke to send another small warship. When he was in Liverpool a parcel arrived from Mr [Percy] Kirke, which they opened in Scotland. The King will see from his letter and reports from Enniskillen, that they are convinced that if they land forces at Belchanon [Ballyshannon?] the enemy will be forced to lift the siege. The vessels can enter via Lough Erne. In Schomberg's view there is no time to lose. He awaits the King's orders as to whether they can proceed with 6,000 to 7,000 men, supplied with sufficient provisions and weapons. He cannot see the vessels that the Admiralty should have sent, and they will need two war ships in case the French send some from de Bellisle, La Rochell or Rochefort. They will camp the men by [High Lake?] so that they can be boarded as soon as the King's Orders are received.