Francis Drake

Mr. Mission Impossible for Queen Elizabeth I. Imagine this: "Good morning Mr. Drake. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to keep England independent by defeating the Spanish Armada and taking their treasure. If you or any member of your force is caught or killed, the Queen will disavow any knowledge of your actions. This message will self-destruct in ten seconds."
Drake destroyed the Armada and, with the wealth he captured from the Spaniards, the Queen was able to repay her entire foreign debt, accomplishing the mission of keeping England independent.