13 May.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2. |
Reconciliation with
the King of the
Romans.
97. Ferdinand and Isabella, to Doctor De Puebla.
After the departure of De Puebla a league was concluded
between the Pope, Spain, the King of the Romans, and the
Dukes of Venice and Milan, which is now being proclaimed
in the states of all the confederates. Each member has the
right to name such of his friends as like to enter the
league. In case Henry is not yet informed of the league,
De Puebla is ordered to make it known to him. Henry
can very well enter into it without prejudice to any one.
De Puebla is further to inquire whether the King of France
has fulfilled all his promises to Henry, though it is very improbable,
since he has not been faithful to them and to the
King of the Romans. Offer again to reconcile Henry with
the King of the Romans. The answer to this letter is expected
very shortly by two couriers.
Though it has been intimated to De Puebla that he must
speak to the King of England as though everything came
from himself, he may also speak in the name of Ferdinand
and Isabella, if he think it convenient, but at all events it
must be in secret.
News has arrived of the publication of the league in Rome
and Milan, and that it has given universal satisfaction to the
people.
The communication with Henry is of most confidential
character, and must be kept secret. If Henry be willing to
enter the league, he will hereafter be publicly invited to
join it.
He is to tell Henry, as though it came from himself, or
in any other manner, that the league is very advantageous
to him, and will, moreover, do harm to nobody, but be the
best means of reconciling him with the King of the Romans.
If Henry resent the alliance, and the relation by the marriage
of their children, with the King of the Romans, De Puebla
is to tell him that there is no ground for displeasure. They
are bent on making Henry and the King of the Romans friends,
and averting all danger from England.
Indorsed : "Draft of the letter in cipher to Doctor De
Puebla which was sent by Peres, servant of Salvador
de Ugarte of Fuentarabia, to Diego de Soria, to be
forwarded by him by sea and by land. It was addressed
to Doctor Alonso de Compludo, factor of
Diego de Soria in London. The letters left Madrid
on the 13th of May 1496."
Spanish. pp. 3½. Draft. The despatch went in cipher. |
