Queen Juana: January 1521 | British History Online

Pages 356-370

Calendar of State Papers, Spain: Supplement To Volumes 1 and 2, Queen Katherine; Intended Marriage of King Henry VII To Queen Juana. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1868.

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January 1521



1521. 18th January.	80. The Privy Councillor Licentiate Polanco to the Emperor Charles. [Archivo General de Simancas. Estado. Castilla. Legajo 8. f. 32. Autograph. The words printed in italics were written in cipher.] La relacion que enbio polanco. de xvij. (fn. 1) de enero. Ra. S. Cessa. y Cathca. Magt. El presidente y todos los del consejo vinieron a burgos pocos dias antes de navidad salvo el doctor palacios Rubios que por su enfermedad no pudo y el doctor Tello que quedo en una fortaleza de su yerno donde le prendio el obispo de Çamora. el dia de navidad llego un correo a burgos con carta del cardenal para el condestable y para el presidente y otra para el licenciado polanco para que a la ora sin detenerse veniesse a tordesillas para entender en las cosas que se offreciessen, el qual vino luego y hase entendido en ellas desta maña (fn. 2). todas las cosas que aqui ocurren de justicia remitiendolas al consseio. las despediente o de gracia despachanse aqui y porque firmava solo el cardenal se remitian las provisiones al condestable para que firmasse juntamente con el cardenal para mayor auctoridad. las cosas que era ynconviniente esperar despachavanse con solo la firma del cardenal. en este tiempo el almirante movido por buenas consideraciones accepto la governacion y hanse despachado las provisiones con firmas de entramos y algunos que no ay peligro en la tardança se enbian a burgos para que se firmen por todos tres. podrian embiarse mas. ocurren muchas cosas en especial de guerra y de quexas de gente de guerra para ser pagados. el cardenal y el almirante travajan mucho y entienden y proveen bien todas las cosas. los grandes y cavalleros que estan aqui tienen mucha lealtad y zelo al servicio de V. mt. quanto es possible con sus vidas y casas y haziendas. falta alguna gente de cavallo y mucha de pie. son ydos algunos con licencia y muchos sin ella. la Reyna ñra Señora esta buena de salud corporal. ha tres dias que no han servido a su alteza de manjar ni lo ha pedido ni mandado. oy jueves la han servido. en todos estos dias no ha seydo su alteza visitada de grandes ni cavalleros porque aquello es lo que mas conviene por diverssos respectos. el licenciado polanco no ha besado las manos a Su alteza porque parecio que no hera necessario. en el tiempo que estuvo aqui la Junta era Su Alteza muy vista y visitada en especial de uno de aquellos letrados que aqui tenian que cada dia y cada ora querian hablar a su alteza y le dava mucha importunidad. el marques de Denia vee y sirve a Su Alteza en el tiempo y maña (fn. 3) que es razon muestra Su Alteza contentamiento de la estada de los grandes aqui. no rescibe alteracion por el estruendo y cosas que ay en palacio ni cerca de sy. la muy illustre infante esta muy buena con mucho desseo de ver a la marquesa de Denia. cada dia se espera su venida. la carta que V. mt. le escrivio de su Real mano ha hecho mucha impression en muchos y hanse dado muchos treslados della. cosas particulares de guerra que se hazen no se escriven aqui porque por otras cartas se hazen saber. la villa y fortaleza de enpudia tomo don frances y la dexo a recaudo y se vino a villalva. Joan de padilla con alguna gente de cavallo y mucha de pie y la mayor parte del artilleria se ha allegado a enpudia. el fin de la junta y de toda aquella gente es trabajar de recrobrar esta villa y el lugar que aqui tenian que con gracia y favor de nuestro Señor perdieron. lo que de aca mas claramente se puede escrivir y avisar es que la gente deste exercito de V. mt. mengua cada dia y la gente de la Junta torna a crecer. los sermones y travajos del obispo de Çamora levantan muchos coraçones y por pecados de los que aca estamos es mucho numero de los creyentes porque de los labradores la mayor parte de hidalgos y escuderos muchos. los clerigos en especial de gente de labradores estan obstinados mucha y la mayor parte dellos. en la parte de campos y behetrias donde ha andado el obispo ay muchas voluntades dañadas. el almirante ayer miercoles diez e seys deste mes de henero con muy buen zelo y animo de servir hablo largamente con el cardenal y aun en forma de protestacion o requerimiento delante el licenciado polanco a quien tomo por testigo. le dixo que visto la mucha falta de dinero como aqui la ay y quantos se quexan y a quantos no se pagan sus sueldos, y que parte de la gente falta y la de la junta crece, que tiene por mejor y mas sana determinacion que el cardenal quede aqui en servico y guarda de la Reyna ñtra Señora con la gente de pie y cavallo que convenga y sea necessaria, y que toda la otra salga daqui y toda la otra que esta en los lugares fronteros junta toda que el y los otros grandes y cavalleros vayan a buscar a los deservidores de V. Mt., porque la cosa no se alargue mas, pues que se deve esperar en nuestro Señor que pues la causa es tan justa dara vitoria al exercito de V. Al. de esta opinion son otros grandes y cavalleros. el cardenal no tomo resolucion en la cosa. quedo para deliberacion. a otros grandes y cavalleros parece que no deve ser assi sino llamar mas gente y procurar de haver mas dinero assi del Señor Rey de portogal como de otras partes, en lo qual ay mucha dificultad. y que havido de aqui se puede ordenar de maña (fn. 4) que aquella gente de las comnnidades cessen de su dañado proposito. N. S. alumbre lo que sea mas servido e ynspire a V. Mt. que mande en esto lo que mas convenga. los unos y los otros tienen muy buen fin y desseo. el nuncio de ñro muy Sancto padre esta en valladolid ha ocho dias. ha hablado con la que ellos llaman Junta general y con la Junta particular de valladolid. no es venido. cada dia se espera. aquella Junta embio a llamar al embaxador del Rey de portngal el qual ha quatro dias que partio de aqui con cartas que tenia de creencia del Rey para ellos y otras para algunos particulares. fue con fin de atraerlos a servicio de V. Mt. si pudiere y sino de partes del Rey protestarles y apercebirles que con su estado y dineros poderosamente ayudaria al exercito de V. mt. y esto muy en forma. no es venido. mañana o otro dia se espera. de las cosas de Burgos V. mt. sera informado por aquella via en el estado en que estan. aqui y en muchas partes estavan esperando la aprovacion de aquellos capitulos y creyan que fuera muy gran remedio. ciertamente fuera mucho contentamiento para todos que se otorgaran. no se dize por algunos dellos que conciernen la preheminencia Real de V. mt. porque esta ni se deve ni se puede tocar. el verdadero remedio y los capitulos verdaderos son sola la bienaventurada venida de V. mt. con la qual ha de ser todo remediado y reparado por acatamiento de ñtro Señor a quien V. mt. tiene tanta obligacion y de cuya sola mano ha Recebido tantos beneficios. que V. mt. acelere su venida y entretanto se certifique y se escriva con todos los correos que venieren porque con esta todas las cosas se reduziran a su servicio y bien de sus Reynos. que ya por pecados nuestros de aca los robos y salteamientos en los caminos se han començado, las desobediencias crecen y perseveran. V. A. se conduela y aya compassion y ponga remedio a tantos males que sera el mayor servicio que a la divina Magt. podra hazer y el mayor bien que nunca Rey ni principe hizo a sus Reynos. y si por ventura lo que dios no permita oviesse dilacion seria causa de total dessolacion destos Reynos. y ahunque V. Mt. en las cosas del sacro imperio tenga mucha ocupacion Sancta y justa la destos Reynos sera justissima sanctissima y muy necessaria que sin muy grande ofenssa de nuestro Señor no se puede dissimular ni se deve dilatar y V. Al. es obligado por ley divina y humana de socorrer a lo mas necessario a lo mas peligroso a lo que agora sino se remedia no podra despues ser reparado. cuya sacra y Real persona ñtro Señor con su espiritu alunbre y esfuerce goarde (fn. 5) y trayga bien aventuradamente. De Tordessillas a xviij de henero de MDxxj años. el cardenal tiene deseo de juntarse con el condestable y seria cosa conveniente. el licenciado polanco. [Rubrica.] [Sobre :] Relacion para la magestad del emperador y Rey] de españa ñtro Señor.		(Translation.) 80. The Relation which Polanco sent on the 17th of January. Answered. Sacred, imperial, and catholic Majesty, The president and all the members of the council came to Burgos a few days before Christmas, except Doctor Palacios Rubios who was prevented by illness, and Doctor Telo, who remained in a fortress of his son in law, where he was taken prisoner by the Bishop of Zamora. On Christmas day a courier arrived at Burgos with a letter from the Cardinal for the Constable and for the president, and another for the licentiate Polanco [to tell him] that at once and without delay he should come to Tordesillas, and there occupy himself in despatching the business which might occur. He went immediately. The business is despatched in the following manner. All the law business is remitted to the council. The affairs of administration and of grace are despatched here. The Cardinal alone signed the decrees, which now, however, are sent to the Constable, who signs them conjointly with the Cardinal to give them greater authority. The affairs which it would be inconvenient to delay are despatched by the Cardinal alone. The admiral, moved by right considerations, has now accepted the office of governor, and the decrees are despatched under the signature of both. Some of them, the delay of which involves no danger, are sent to Burgos that they may be signed by all three of them. More of them could be sent. There is very much to be despatched, especially with respect to the war and the complaints of the soldiers desiring payment. The cardinal and the admiral work very hard, and settle everything properly. The grandees and cavaliers who are here are full of loyalty and zeal to serve your Majesty as much as possible with their lives, houses, and property. Some cavalry and much infantry are wanted. Some are gone with leave of absence, and many more without. The Queen our lady is in good bodily health. During three days her Highness has not been served with anything to eat, nor has she asked or commanded [her meals]. To day, Thursday, they have served her. During all these days her Highness has not been visited by the grandees or cavaliers, because it seemed best on many different accounts. The licentiate Polanco has not kissed the hands of her Highness, as it did not seem to him necessary. During the time when the Junta was here her Highness was much seen and visited, especially by one of the lawyers who was staying here. Every day and every hour he wanted to speak with her Highness and gave her much trouble. The Marquis of Denia sees and serves her Highness at the time and in the manner requisite. Her Highness shows great satisfaction that the grandees are here, and is not disturbed by the noise or the bustle in the palace and near her person. The very illustrious Infanta is very well, and much desires to see the Marchioness of Denia, whose arrival is daily expected. The letter which your Majesty wrote her with your own royal hand has produced a deep impression on a great many. Many copies of it have been made. Particulars relating to the war are not given here, because they are contained in other letters. Don Frances took the town and castle of Empudia, left it well provided, and came to Villalba. Juan de Padilla, with some cavalry and a great number of foot and the greater portion of the artillery, has drawn near Empudia. The aim of the Junta and all those people is to endeavour to recover this town and place which they held, and which they lost through the grace and favour of our Lord. What can be most positively written and communicated from here is that the troops of your Majesty diminish every day, and the soldiers of the Junta again increase. The sermons and labours of the Bishop of Zamora move many hearts, and [to punish] us who are here for our sins the numbers of the believers is great, because they consist of the greater portion of the peasants, and amongst the hidalgos and squires there are a great many. A large, and even the larger portion, especially of the village priests, are very obstinate. In the open country and in the free towns where the bishop has been loyalty has been much damaged. Yesterday, Wednesday, the 16th of this month of January, the admiral spoke to the cardinal at great length, and with much zeal and desire to render good service. In the form of a protestation or summons, he told him, before the licentiate Polanco whom he took as witness, that considering the great want of money which is here, and how many complain that they do not receive their pay, and that a portion of the soldiers has fallen away whilst those of the Junta are on the increase, he holds it to be the best and most reasonable determination that the cardinal should remain here to serve and protect the Queen our lady, with as many soldiers and horsemen as may be proper and necessary. All the other troops should march from here to join the garrisons from all the frontier towns, and that he, the grandees and cavaliers, at the head of the united forces, should go in search of the enemies of your Majesty, so that this state of things might not continue long. For, the cause being so just, it is to be hoped in our Lord that he will give victory to the army of your Highness. Many of the grandees and cavaliers are of the same opinion ; but the cardinal did not come to a conclusion, and the matter will be considered again. Other grandees and cavaliers thought it should not be done in this manner, but that greater forces ought to be collected, and more money procured from the King of Portugal, as well as from other sources, (which is very difficult,) and that done, things should be so arranged here that the army of the Junta may give up their damned purposes. May our Lord enlighten us, and inspire your Majesty to order what is best. Both sides entertain the same good faith and desire. The nuncio of the Holy Father has been eight days in Valladolid. He has spoken with the so called General Junta, and with the particular Junta of Valladolid. He has not yet returned but is daily expected. The Junta sent for the ambassador of the King of Portugal, who four days ago went from here with letters of credence from the King to the Junta and some private persons. His aim is to try whether he can persuade them to return to the obedience of your Majesty, and if not, to protest and declare to them very formally in the name of the King that with his forces and his money he would powerfully succour the army of your Majesty. He is not yet come. To morrow or next day he is expected. Of the state of affairs in Burgos your Majesty will be informed from there. Here and in many places they are waiting for your consent to the articles, and it is believed they will prove a great remedy. It would certainly be a great satisfaction to all if they were ratified ; this, however, is not to be understood of some of them regarding the royal preeminence of your Majesty, which ought not and cannot be touched. The true remedy and the true articles, however, are solely in the happy advent of your Majesty, which will repair and put to rights everything, by the favour of our Lord, to whom your Majesty owes so much obligation, and from whose hand alone you have received so many favours. May your Majesty hasten your coming, and meanwhile certify and announce it by every courier who shall be sent. It [your coming] would settle all matters as your service and the weal of your kingdoms require. [To punish us] for our sins, robberies and assaults on the highways are beginning, and disobedience increases and continues. May your Highness have pity and compassion on us, and put an end to so many evils. That would be the greatest service you can render to His Divine Majesty, and the greatest benefit that any king or prince has ever bestowed on his kingdoms. If it should chance, which God forbid, that there should be delay, it would cause the utter destruction of these kingdoms ; and although your Majesty is holily, justly, and greatly occupied in the affairs of the Holy Empire, still occupation in the affairs of these kingdoms will be most just, most sacred, and most necessary, and cannot, without great offence to our Lord, be ignored or delayed. By divine as well as by human law, your Highness is obliged to give help where it is most needed, where the danger is greatest, and where, if no remedy is applied at once, things cannot be mended hereafter. May our Lord enlighten your sacred and royal person, and strengthen and guard and happily bring you hither. From Tordesillas, 18th of January 1521. The Cardinal wishes to join the Constable, and that would be a good thing. The licentiate Polanco. [Sign manual.] [Addressed :] Report to his Majesty the Emperor and King of Spain our Lord.
22nd January.	81. The Cardinal Of Tortosa to the Emperor Charles. [Archivo General de Simancas. Patronato Real. Comunidades de Castilla. Lcyajo 1. ff. 201-204. Autograph. The deciphering is by the Secretary Covos.] S. C. C. R. Mat. a xvj del presente escrevi a V[uest]ra Alteza largamente y respondi a las postreras que hasta estonces tenia suyas que eran de xvij del passado como al recebir desta habra visto. despues he recebido otras de V. Mt. del primero deste, y porque assi sobre la mayor parte de lo que ha mandado escrevir a todos los gobernadores en general como lo de mi carta particular se ha escrito y respondido a V[uest]ra Alteza particularmente con la postrera mia de deziseis por esta me remitire a quello y tan solamente respondere a lo que conviene diziendo lo que fasta agora ha passado y se ofrece. yo he enpeçado de dezir lo mas graciosamente que he podido al Almirante y a todos estos otros cavalleros lo que V. Alt. ha mandado y las causas que para ello me escrive acerca lo de my yda a Burgos a me juntar alla con el condestable y con el eonsejo y que en cumplirla contentasse al Almirante como V. Mt. me lo ha mandado. en diziendo de yrme luego el Almirante en presencia de todos enpeço a tufarse y afirmar con juramento que tan presto como yo saliesse para Burgos por una puerta de la villa que el saldria por otra para su casa y dexaria aparte todo lo de aca. y replicandole yo que pensasse en ello y que despues ambos uno con otro lo communicassemos me dixo que desde estonces lo tenia acordado y deliberado y que no havia de pensar mas en este negocio y que si yo le dixiera antes esto que no hiziera venir la condesa su muger a esta villa a la qual llego ahora en estos dias. y tornandole yo a porfiar en la materia no aprovecho nada antes a lo que parecia confirmava mas sobre ello su proposito. yo he consultado acerca desto aparte con los otros cavalleros para saber que es lo que yo podria hazer en esto sin peligro de los negocios y sin gran daño de V. Alt. y a muchos dellos ha parecido que devo ir a Medina de rioseco y sperar alii en que sucedera lo de joan de padilla el qual cobro ayer con pactos la villa y fortaleza de Empudia y con menazas que hizo a la villa de Torre de Mormoion de quemarla forço de darle como le dio mil y quinientos ducados segun que nos lo ha escrito el Conde de Benavente demandandonos que aquel daño sea reparado y satisfecho a la villa porque diz que ha sydo causa de todo ello haver ella recebido a don frances de beamont con la otra gente que llevava y haver despues huydo dexando la villa indefensa. la qual diz que pudiera defender si quisiera. no se si podre contentar al Almirante que dexando a Tordesillas me vaya a Medina de Rioseco ahunque no yria alli de buena voluntad por los grandes peligros que en aquella villa he passado y ahora parece que serian mayores por alguna prosperidat que de cada dia ganan los contrarios, mayormente que continuamente se toman todo el dinero de V. Alt. y de otros assy en tierra de campos como en otras partes, y como estan sin esperaça de perdon como desesperados se encienden en grande manera a hazer todo el mal que pueden. mas no recuso peligros quando parece necessario que desfa manera provea yo en los negocios publicos. las provisiones para proceder contra los rebeldes y especialmente para lo de Valladolit no las habemos visto aca ni el Condestable nos escrive que las tenga. ahora le havemos escrito para saber si estan en su poder. vistas que. las hayamos usaremos dellas segun meior vieremos convenir como lo manda V. Mt. los procuradores y otras personas que fueron aca prendidos estan a muy buen recaudo pero todavia creo que habremos de librar algunos dellos en excambio de otros nuestros que tienen presos. en lo del dinero crea V. Mt. que hazemos toda la dilengencia que es possible en haverlo assi de las rentas Reales como de los maestrazgos y emprestido. manda V. Mt. que me de tenga en estos Reynos tomando de su dinero para mi sustentacion y ahunque sobre esto le haya respondido no quiero callar lo que veo y se ha parecido por obra que como nuestra nacion sea asaz odiosa a espanyoles no convendria que yo usasse deste medio en tomarme dinero para que con ello se acrecentasse este odio. pero no embargante esto yo me deterne todos los dias con que podre remediarme con lo que mis amigos me enprestaren y quando aquello y la platilla que tengo me faltare estonces me sera forçado despidiendome de españa yrme a donde dios me ayudare y pudiere vivir mas descansado. del testimonio que dize V. Alt. se tomo acerca lo que la Reyna nuestra Señora mando en el derramar de la gente de las comunidades crea V. Alt. que no se ha usado del y que se miro en ello por muchos respectos assy por lo passado como por lo venidero. lo que toca al servicio de la Reyna Nuestra Señora y de la Señora infanta y a sus criados todo se remitira al marques de Denia como lo manda V. Alt. ahunque en verdat el marques me es muy amigo y como todos no estan muy contentos del es menester algunas vezes moderar algo en esta materia. a lo de las escripturas que aqui se tomaron ya parte dellas se ha tornado a los oficiales de V[uest]ra. Al. que antes las tenian. las otras me dizen que estan bien guardadas. la provision que V. Mt. ha fecho del obispo de lugo para presidente del audiencia y Chancilleria de granada ha parecido aca muy bien. el dicho obispo fue en estos dias a madrigal y ahora le he embiado alia la provision y carta de v[uest]ra Al. sobrello. no se sabe ahun si aceptara el cargo. en lo de sevilla se entiende ya y en lo que podemos trevaiamos de conservar aquella ciudat en su rreal servitio. V[uest]ra mt. este descansado que no se tomara conclusion en cosa alguna en mas de haverlo de suplicar a V. Al. y escrevirle sobrello lo que aca pareciere. en lo del derribar de la puerta desta villa questa en nonbre de fortaleza y la tenia quintanilla se entendera quanclo sea hora ahunque creo que el conde de Benavente se enoiara mucho dello. ya se trevaia en el socorro de la fortaleza de segovia pero la gran falta que hay de dinero no da lugar de hazer todo lo que cumple al servicio de V[uest]ra Al. y ansi andamos proviendo a lo mas necessario ahunque aquella fortaleza sea de mucha importancia y de las principales destos Reynos. en la mudança de la chancilleria no se puede entender pues ahun no tenemos las provisiones para ello. despues de escripto esto veo sobre my yda a Burgos grandissima diversidat de pareceres y muchas divisiones y no se en que deteminarme y asi he acordado despachar acerca dello esta posta. suplico a V. Mt. que con toda celeridat no obstante estas dicençiones me mande escrevir su determinada voluntad de lo que fuere servido que haga en mi yda o quedada para que visto aquello luego se ponga por obra lo que mandare V. Al.		81. Sacred, imperial, catholic, royal Majesty, On the 16th of the present month I wrote to your Highness a long letter in answer to yours of the 17th of last month, which I then had received, as you will know already when this letter arrives. Somewhat later I received other letters from your Majesty, dated the 1st of this month. As I have already answered in my Jast letter of the 16th to most of what the letters of your Highness to the governors in general, and to me in particular, contained, I refer you to its contents, and shall only answer here what is necessary, informing you of what up to this time has happened and occurred. I told the admiral and all the other cavaliers in the most amiable manner possible what your Highness had commanded me, and your reasons for ordering me to go to Burgos to join there the Constable and the council, not, however, without satisfying the admiral. All this I did as your Majesty had ordered. As soon as I spoke of going [to Burgos] the admiral grew angry, swearing that as soon as I leave the town by the gate of Burgos he would leave it by another gate, and return to his house, abandoning the affairs of this place. I begged him to take some time to consider what he was saying, offering to consult with him afterwards. He said he had already considered and decided, and did not want to think any more on this subject ; and if I had told him before he would not have asked his wife the countess to come to this place. She had arrived some days ago. I remonstrated, but without any other effect than to confirm him more in his purpose. I have spoken in secret with the other cavaliers, asking their opinion as to what I could do without endangering these affairs, and prejudicing the service of your Highness. Many of them thought I should go to Medina de Rioseco, and wait there to see what will be done by Juan de Padilla, who yesterday possessed himself of Empudia by capitulation, and forced Torre de Mormojon to pay him one thousand five hundred ducats by threatening to burn the place. The Count of Benavente has written this news, asking that the town be indemnified for its losses, as the cause of them was that it had received Don Frances de Beamonte and his troops, who afterwards abandoned it, although he could well have defended it if he had chosen. I do not know whether the admiral will be satisfied if I leave Tordesillas and go to Medina de Rioseco. I do not like that place, because I have been exposed there to so many dangers. And now it seems they would be still greater, for the enemy obtains every day some advantage. In particular they carry off all the moneys of your Majesty and of others in Tierra de Campos, as well as in other parts. As they have lost all hopes of being pardoned, they are in despair and excited and do as much evil as they can. Nevertheless, I do not fear danger whenever it is necessary to do anything for the public service. We have not yet received the orders to proceed against the rebels, and in particular against those of Valladolid, nor has the Constable written that he has received them. We have now asked him whether he has. As soon as we are in possession of them we shall make use of them as it seems best to us, according to the command of your Majesty. The Procurators and other prisoners who were seized here are well watched, but I think we must exchange some of them for prisoners they have made. Concerning the money affairs, your Majesty may believe me that we do all that is possible to get money out of the royal rents, as well as from the masterships of the order and by loans. Your Majesty orders me to remain in these kingdoms, and to take the means for my maintenance out of the public funds. Although I have already answered to this, I cannot pass in silence what I see here and what is manifest. As our nation is so much detested by the Spaniards, it would not be good if I made use of your order to take money for my use for that would increase their hatred. Nevertheless, I shall remain here as long as I can, sustaining myself on what my friends lend me, and when that and the small amount of plate I possess are spent, then I must take leave of Spain, and go where, with the help of God, I can live and enjoy repose. Your Highness may believe that no use was made of the attestation of the order of the Queen our lady to the commons to disband their troops, and the case was much considered from different sides with respect as well to what has happened as to what may happen. All that concerns the service of the Queen our lady and the señora Infanta and their servants, has been entrusted to the Marquis of Denia, as your Highness has commanded. The marquis is a great friend of mine, but as all complain of him it is sometimes necessary to moderate a little his zeal in these affairs. A portion of the papers which we found here are already given back to the officers of your Highness, in whose keeping they were formerly. Others are carefully preserved. The appointment which your Majesty has made of the Bishop of Lugo for the office of president of the court and the chancery of Granada has been well received here. The bishop went some days ago to Madrigal. I have sent him his nomination and the letter of your Highness. It is not yet known whether he will accept the place. We are already occupied with the affairs of Sevilla. We shall do what we can to preserve that city in its loyalty to your Highness. Your Majesty may be easy, nothing will be decided here without first asking your Highness and informing you of our opinion. The gate of this town, which is known under the name of the fortress, and which was held by Quintanilla, will be demolished when it is time, although I believe the Count of Benavente will be very angry. We are occupied in succouring the fortress of Segovia, but the great want of money does not permit us to do all that the service of your Highness requires. Thus we do only what is most necessary, although that fortress is of great importance, and one of the first of these kingdoms. Concerning the removal of the chancery we have not yet done any thing, because we have not received orders. Whilst writing this letter I learn that there is great diversity of opinion about my going to Burgos. I do not know what to do, and have therefore determined to send this courier. I beseech your Majesty, notwithstanding these dissensions, to write me your determination and will whether I shall go or remain. As soon as I know it I shall execute your command.
22nd January.	cifra.	porque el condestable y la mayor parte de los del conseio son muy odiosos destas comunidades levantadas muchos me dizen que si voy a burgos tanbien me aborresceran las mesmas comunidades. quanto a lo que toca a mi persona yo lo ternia en muy poco pero mueveme a prevenir desto a V. Al. el puro zelo que tengo a lo de su rreal servicio y a la conservacion de su preheminencia y auctoridad. piense V. Mt. en esto y sy por ventura mi yda a burgos podria danyar en algo a V. Mt. para que despues no se me pueda echar culpa alguna a cerimonia desto que mi estada aca o alla me verna a cuenta pues sea en donde mas fuere servicio de V. Mt. aca havia necessidat de allcaldes y aguaziles y porque los mas de los ordinarios han estado y estan ausentes avemos fecho algunos alcaldes y aguaziles de corte a beneplacito de V. Al. conviene que V. Mt. no confirme a ninguno dellos el cargo sino que lo remita todo para quando plaziendo a dios sea en españa ahunque sobresto se den algunas cartas particulares mias. que ya vehe que aquellas no se pueden todas vezes escusar de escrevir. que ya el otro dia di una carta para V. Al. sobrel alguazilazgo que se dio a gaspar villafranca y quiere renunciarlo a Pedro de villafranca su hermano. de todo esto prevengo a V. Alt. por lo que cumple a su rreal servicio y a mi descargo. guarde nuestro Señor la vida y Real estado de V[uest]ra Mt. luengamente y con toda prosperidat. en Tordesyllas a xxij de enero 1521. Despues de escripta esta he sabido como el obispo de Çamora ha tomado el correo que llevava el despacho susodicho mio de deziseys lo que cierto me ha pesado mucho por lo que importava ahunque parte del yba en cifra y porque es largo y esta posta no se detenga quedara lo duplicado del para la otra primera boieta la qual yra luego. Dat~ ut supra. V[ost]re tres humble serviteur. El Cardl. dertusen.	[Cipher.] As the Constable and most of the councillors are very much hated by the commons who have rebelled, many tell me that if I go to Burgos I shall also be detested by them. In as far as my person is considered, I should not mind it, and it is only my zeal for your royal service and the wish to preserve your power and authority which induce me to inform your Highness of it. Your Majesty may consider whether my journey to Burgos may not perhaps do some injury to your service, but on no account must I afterwards be accused of having preferred the one or the other place, for I am ready to remain or to go wherever the service of your Majesty requires my presence. There is a want of alcaldes and algaziles, because most of the usual ones have been and are absent, and we have appointed some alcaldes and algazils de corte at the pleasure of your Highness. It would be good not to confirm any one of them until, with the help of God, your Highness comes to Spain, although I have given to some of them letters of recommendation, which cannot always be refused. A few days ago I gave a letter of recommendation to Gaspar Villafranca, who wishes to exchange his place of algazil with Pedro de Villafranca, his brother. I inform your Highness of this in order that your Highness may decide what is best, and I may not be held responsible. May our Lord guard the life and royal estate of your Majesty for long and in all prosperity. From Tordesillas, 22nd of January 1521. When I had finished this letter I was informed that the Bishop of Zamora has intercepted my letter of the 16th. Certainly I am very sorry for it considering its contents, although a portion of it was written in cipher. As it is a long letter, and this courier cannot wait, a duplicate of it will be sent in the next mail box, which will soon be despatched. Datum ut supra. Votre très humble serviteur, the Cardinal of Tortosa.
31st January.	82. The Infanta Catalina to the Emperor Charles. [Archivo General de Simancas. Estado. Castilla. Legajo 8. f. 125. Holograph.] A Su Magt. de la Señora ynfante doña Catalina. de xxvj (fn. 6) de enero. Sacra e Cesarea Catolica magestad. Al presente la Reyna mi Señora gracias a Nuestro Señor esta buena segun suele de salud aunque alguna pena y fatyga ha sentydo de la muerte de Marya de Cartama su moza de camara que la servya hasta que Su Alteza de otra se quiera servir. ya sabe V[uest]ra Alteza lo mucho que se deve al padre guardyan e confesor de la Reyna mi Señora por el buen servicio que syempre ha hecho e cada dia haze asy a la Reyna mi Señora como a V[uest]ra Mt. e a my ques my maestro dende my niñez y syenpre con mucho cuydado me a dotrynado allende del servicio continuo que tyene del Rey Nuestro padre que en la gloria sea como V[uest]ra Alteza lo vyo y se yo muy cyerto que es muy leal servydor de V[uest]ra Mat. porque conozco la boluntad que V[uest]ra Mat. tyene de me hazer merced me atrebo a le suplycar tenga memorya V[uest]ra Mat. para que de las co (fn. 8) ... que agora han bacado el Reziba de V[uest]ra Mat. mr~ds asy por la persona que el es en quyen bien puede caber como por my suplicacion. guarde Nuestro Señor y trayga presto con salud a V[uest]ra Mt. en sus Reynos como yo deseo. de tordesyllas a xxxj. (fn. 9) de henero. Suplyco a V[uest]ra Mat. me perdone la mala letra por que ba de prysa. Servydora de V[uest]ra majestad que sus Reales manos besa. La ynfante. [Rubrica.] [Sobre :] A la Sacra e Cesarea magestad del enperador mi Señor.		82. To his Majesty. From the Señora Infanta Doña Catalina. 26th of January. (fn. 7) Sacred, imperial, and catholic Majesty, The health of the Queen my lady, thanks to our Lord, is good, as usual, although she has been somewhat afflicted and suffered inconveniences in consequence of the death of Maria de Cartama, the maid who waited upon her, until her Highness could be prevailed upon to take another. Your Highness knows how much we are obliged to the father guardian, the confessor of the Queen my lady, for the loyal services he has always rendered and still renders to the Queen my lady, to your Majesty, and to me. He has been my tutor from my childhood, and has always instructed me with great care from the moment he received his office from the King our father, who is in glory, as your Highness knows. I am perfectly sure that he is a loyal servant of your Majesty. Knowing that your Majesty is always disposed to do me some favour, I take the liberty to beseech you not to forget him, and to give him one of [paper gone], which have become vacant, that he may receive favour from your Majesty, as well on his own account, for he deserves it, as on account of my supplication. May our Lord preserve your Majesty, and lead you back to your kingdoms in as good health as I desire. From Tordesillas, 31st of January. I beseech your Majesty to excuse my bad writing. I write in great haste. Your Majesty's servant kisses your royal hands. The Infanta. [Sign manual.] [Addressed :] To his sacred and imperial Majesty, the Emperor my lord.