To the honourable, learned, wise, prudent and very discreet Master Jacob van Brouchoven, delegated councillor of the States of Holland in The Hague, our fellow member.
Today we summoned the Englishman Thomas Brewer before our meeting. After hearing him, we understood that he had formerly been involved in printing or having books printed, but that he stopped when the placard concerning book printers was published. The printing enterprise had chiefly concerned him, and his associate was one William Brewster, who was also in the city but ill.
After consultation with the rector magnificus, we therefore placed Thomas Brewer, a member of the university, in custody at the place where such members are usually held. Because William Brewster was ill, it was decided provisionally to place him in the debtors' chamber, to which he went willingly. We have written this to await further direction about what should be done in the matter.
The question of assistance for those of Bohemia has been placed on tomorrow's council agenda for nine o'clock. If convenient, please do not fail to attend so that everything may be directed for the best. Given at Leiden on 19 September 1619 by your good friends and fellow members, the burgomasters and governors of the city of Leiden.
Translation by Radicae, The Leiden Connection, from the Dutch transcription supplied by Erfgoed Leiden.
