To Sir Francis Walsingham
RIGHT honourable. This bearer Richard Smyth hir majesties old servant hath my Lord of Leicester his Lettres directed unto yow, in his favour, for his suite to hir Majestie, and therwithall requesteth myne, hoping yowr Honour will the rather helpe him. I beseche yow therfore, the rather at my request to helpe him, and be the good mean for the poor mans preferment, having so long served, and now being aged, and weake hath such need of this or suche other good mean for his releife, as withowt it he may rest, as I hear, in more miserie then the desert of so long service requireth. I comend him and his cawse to yowr Honour good favour and help and so I humblie take my leave. From the camp at Sutphen this 22 of September 1586.
Your humble son Ph. Sidnei
To the Right honourable Sir Francis Walsingham knight hir Majesties Principall Secretary &c.