Buckhurst, who, as the Queen's representative--together with Wilkes and John Norris--had a seat in the council, refused to vote.

"It was a matter," he discreetly observed with which "he had not been instructed by her Majesty to intermeddle." Norris and Wilkes also begged to be excused from voting, and, although earnestly urged to do so by the whole council, persisted in their refusal.

Both measures were then carried.
No sooner was the vote taken, than an English courier entered the council-chamber, with pressing despatches from Lord Leicester.

The letters were at once read.

The Earl announced his speedy arrival, and summoned both the States-General and the council to meet him at Dort, where his lodgings were already taken.