State papers everywhere, so many of them and all requiring the queen"s signature. I spend the whole morning sifting through them, studying them and finally—signing them. Letters have gone out to the king of France asking for his support and for him to send troops to aid Dudley"s army. Dudley seemed sure he would get them as he had worded the request more like a demand than anything else. Now he is on the march but without any troops from France, only verbal promises of support. I doubt that will sustain Dudley and his unfortunate men if they find themselves outnumbered in battle.
A letter to the Sheriff of Nottingham and Derby and the justices of the peace there, requesting them to send forces to aid Northumberland should be more successful. The council ae hopeful that it will be at any r
