In truth, many were pressed in the various wards of London, furnished with red coats and matchlocks at the expense of the citizens, and so despatched, helter-skelter, in small squads as opportunity offered.

General Sir John Norris was already superintending these operations, by command of the Queen, before the present formal negotiation with the States had begun.
Subsequently to the 11th July, on which day the second address had been made to Elizabeth, the envoys had many conferences with Leicester, Burghley, Walsingham, and other councillors, without making much progress.

There was perpetual wrangling about figures and securities.
"What terms will you pledge for the repayment of the monies to be advanced ?" asked Burghley and Walsingham.
"But if her Majesty takes the sovereignty," answered the deputies, "there will be no question of guarantees.

The Queen will possess our whole land, and there will be no need of any repayment." "And we have told you over and over again," said the Lord Treasurer, "that her Majesty will never think of accepting the sovereignty.

She will assist you in money and men, and must be repaid to the last farthing when the war is over; and, until that period, must have solid pledges in the shape of a town in each Province." Then came interrogatories as to the amount of troops and funds to be raised respectively by the Queen and the States for the common cause.