And at the Duke's next return to Bruges, I sent him a supplication, desiring that, if any information were made against me, I might answer it in England, or otherwise at his pleasure.
[In the Public Record Office, State Papers, Foreign, Mary, is the following letter in French.
1558 March 14.
Emanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy to Queen Mary.
St. Omer.
She will have been advertised that, soon after the French had entered Calais, John Highfield, late Master of the Artillery there, came to Bruges. From strong suspicion that there had been an understanding between him and the French, had caused him to be arrested and detained at Bruges, where he has been until now.
Lately, while repassing through that town, was importuned by the prisoner's wife to set him free. Sends her under the charge of a French gentleman, Francis du Bourch, the bearer.]
Whereupon he took order to send me hither [i.e., to England] without paying any part of my charges, which I have promised to answer.
Most humbly praying your Highness to consider my poor estate, and willing heart, which I bear, and am most bounden to your Grace's service: beseeching God to conserve your Majesty in all felicity.