Note 1509 — Chapter XV
Reading edition
Gachard, Correspondance de Philippe II sur les Pays-Bas, II, 239—Alva to Philip II, April 5, 1572; cf. p. 250; Archives de la maison d’Orange-Nassau, III, 441. The Prince of Orange in 1569 began the practice of issuing letters of marque and reprisal in virtue of his position as sovereign prince of Orange. As a result in the next year the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay were crowded with vessels hostile to Spain. The most famous of these marauders soon destined to become known as the “Beggars of the Sea” was Adrian de Bergues. On one occasion within the space of two days, he overhauled and captured two merchant fleets, the one of 40, the other of 60 sail (Arch. de la maison d’Orange-Nassau, III, 351). Upon the importance of La Rochelle as a seaport, see La Noue, chap. xxviii. Some of Strozzi’s correspondence when in command of the fleet before La Rochelle in 1572 is in F. Fr., XV, 555; cf. Nég. Tosc., III, 760-63.