he had chosen his course, and would follow it. The first intention was to follow the precedent of 1544, and send an army by sea to Leith. But a comparative estimate of expenses showed but a small balance in favour of water transport, while the havoc which would be inflicted by the march of a large force would more than compensate for the loss. It was determined to advance from the Border to Edinburgh along the coast, a fleet with the baggage and the commissariat reserve accompanying the march. There was no thought of permanent occupation. The Protector's aim was to strike a blow with all his might, which should bring the country stunned upon its knees; he was going to enter Scotland at the head of 18,000 men, go as far as he could, and inflict as much injury as he could in three weeks or a month, and then return. August.The necessary stores were collected in August at Berwick.[1] The
- ↑ The estimate of the different things provided for the army is curiously illustrative of the nature of an English campaign in the sixteenth century.'An estimate for victuals for twenty-eight days, as well for bread and drink as provender for horses and beasts.'1. For 8 days' biscuit, 18,000 lbs. a day, is in 8 days 144,000 pounds weight, which will take in wheat meal 400 quarters.'2. Also in wine 110 tonne, after 200 gallons in a tonne.'3. Also provender for horses and beasts, 1420 quarters; all the which is ready at Berwick saving
so many irons in the fire at once as you have had within this twelve-month—war with Scotland, with France, though it be not so termed, commissions out for that matter, new laws for this, proclamations for another. When the whole council shall join in a matter, and your Grace travel to outreason them in it, and wrest them by reason of your authority to bow to it, or first show your own opinion in a matter, and then ask theirs; alas, sir, how shall this gear do well?'—Paget to the Protector: MS. Domestic, Edward VI. vol. viii. State Paper Office.
