Spain: 1501 | British History Online

Pages 253-265

Calendar of State Papers, Spain, Volume 1, 1485-1509. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1862.

Citation:

1501



1501. 23 March. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 3.	293. Queen Isabella to De Puebla. Has received his letters of the 23d of December and 23d of February and the letters of Henry and of the Prince of Wales, together with the attestation that the marriage ceremonies have been once more performed. Although a fresh ratification by the Princess of Wales is not necessary, she ratifies the new act of marriage in a letter to the Prince of Wales. Writes a letter to Henry, which contains her ratification, and that of King Ferdinand.
	Preparations for the reception of the Princess. The Princess of Wales will go to England as soon as possible, and certainly within the time which has been agreed upon. "I am told that the King, my brother, has ordered great preparations to be made, and that much money will be spent upon her reception and her wedding. I am pleased to hear it, because it shows the magnificent grandeur of my brother, and because demonstrations of joy at the reception of my daughter are naturally agreeable to me. Nevertheless it would be more in accordance with my feelings, and with the wishes of my Lord (King Ferdinand), if the expenses were moderate. We do not wish that our daughter should be the cause of any loss to England, neither in money, nor in any other respect. On the contrary, we desire that she should be the source of all kinds of happiness, as we hope she will be, with the help of God. We, therefore, beg the King, our brother, to moderate the expenses. Rejoicings may be held, but we ardently implore him that the substantial part of the festival should be his love ; that the Princess should be treated by him and by the Queen as their true daughter, and by the Prince of Wales as we feel sure he will treat her. Say this to the King of England."
	Her journey. Is satisfied with the clause of the last treaty, stating that the wedding shall take place within twelve days after the arrival of the Princess of Wales in England. Would like to send her to London, or to Gravesend, because Henry wishes it. But the most important consideration is the safety of the Princess, and, as all say that Southampton is the safest harbour in England, prefers to send her daughter to that place. No further expenses need be incurred. The Princess and her companions will be accustomed, during her journey through Spain, to stay at inns and in small villages.
	Household. Has seen the memoir concerning the persons who are to remain with the Princess in England. They are very few. She has added the names of some more on the margin of the memoir. Though the Princess will certainly be well attended by the English, still it is desirable for her to have Spaniards about her person.
	Spanish merchandize. Henry is mistaken if he believe that they have issued a warrant prohibiting all foreign vessels to ship merchandise in Spanish ports. Have conceded to Spanish vessels only the right to ship first. Were bound in justice to do so, as Spanish vessels have so many onerous duties to perform. Besides, in all other countries, national shipping enjoys the same privilege.
	Kings of Scotland and Denmark. Is pleased to see that the Kings of Scotland and of Denmark are excepted in the treaty of alliance. If the King of Denmark accepts the clause concerning him, it must be publicly proclaimed in his dominions, in order that Spanish and Danish subjects may treat one another as friends at sea.
	Don Pedro de Ayala. Henry has asked them to let Pedro de Ayala remain in England till the Princess of Wales arrives, and even a little longer. Could not refuse. If Henry wish to keep Don Pedro de Ayala in England, he must remain there ; if not, he may leave the country.—Granada, 23rd March 1501. Addressed : "By the Queen. To Doctor De Puebla, her ambassador in England, and of her Council." Spanish. pp. 7.
S. E. I. L. 806. f. 9.	294. One of the Secretaries of Henry VII. to his Nephew, a clergyman in Spain. He must tell the Queen of Spain that the marriage between the Princess Katharine and the Prince Arthur has been again ratified in England. The King, the Queen, the Prince of Wales, and all the Lords and high dignitaries, are desirous to see the Princess in England.
	Festivities preparing for the reception of the Princess. The King has sent letters to all the Lords in England, Ireland, and Wales, enjoining them to be ready on the 25th of May to receive the Princess of Wales in London. Invitations have been sent to France, Flanders, and Brittany. All foreign knights and nobles who wish to take part in the forthcoming festivities will be hospitably received in England, and have to pay nothing for their living. The Dukes of Northumberland (fn. 1), Suffolk, and Gloucester, and the three most noble Earls of the kingdom, challenge all comers to break three lances with them, and to exchange three blows with the battle-axe. The jousts are to last forty days, and to be held in London, which place is perfectly healthy at present. Preparations are making in all towns, villages, and seaports to receive the Princess. As it is said that she will disembark most probably at Southampton, or at Bristol, the Duke of York, and "the Bishop of London, who is now Archbishop of York," have gone to those places to superintend the preparations for her reception. If the Princess should land at another English seaport, she would find everything ready for her there also. But Bristol and Southampton are the safest harbours. Thirteen knights of [blank] are to be created, twelve by the Prince of Wales, and the thirteenth by the King. The two hundred and thirty knights of the Round Table will again assemble on this occasion. In olden times King Arthur, on whose soul God have mercy, presided over the Round Table. It would be difficult to describe all the foreigners who have already come to England. The preparations of last year cost more than one hundred thousand nobles, but the English do not mind that ; and the expenses of this year will be much greater. The nobles vie with one another in splendour.
	Embassy from the King of Scots to King Henry. The ambassador of the King of Scots is now in England, arranging some things with Henry concerning the marriage which has been concerted between the King of Scots and the Princess Elizabeth. It is much to be desired that the officers who are to come with the Princess of Wales should be honourable and respectable people. The Spaniards will have no reason to complain of England as they have complained of Flanders. "In Flanders many a Spaniard has died from starvation. But I tell you that as many as like may come with the Princess of Wales, and none of them will die of hunger. If they die it will be from too much eating. Such a stock of provisions is laid in, that nothing will be wanting." The King, the Queen, and the Prince of Wales, are all well, and occupied with nothing else except putting all things in order for the Princess of Wales. They have great pleasure in hearing that the Princess Katharine is beginning to speak French. The Queen especially rejoices at the progress the Princess is making in the French language.
	The writer's private affairs. The Bishop of London and many other great personages have written to him. But his relatives, and especially his mother, his brothers, and his sisters, have not cared to send him a single line. They are very angry with him, and have good reason to be so. He has already been fourteen years abroad in the service of such great Princes as the King and Queen of Spain, and has not yet obtained a single living. "You have often written that the Queen and the Princess have given you a great many church preferments, but we have now learnt from some Englishmen that all that was a lie. You are a lost man, you have debts, and nothing to eat. Moreover, the Queen has deprived you of a living,—which circumstance does not speak in your favour." He has given up his friends, and a living in England of more than 300 nobles, and has got no living or friends in Spain. Thus, nothing remains to him but to hope in God. No date. No signature. Indorsed : "This is a translation of some letters from an uncle of mine who is secretary to the King of England, and from other relatives in that country." The paper is written in most barbarous Spanish. There are almost as many grammatical errors as words. Spanish. Holograph. pp. 7.
S. E. I. L. 806. f. 9.	295. English Clergyman to Queen Isabella. [Added to the above paper is a letter to Queen Isabella, written in the same hand.] Complains that the Archbishop of Granada has deprived him of his living. Begs he may be paid two years' salary as late chaplain of the Queen, and wishes for a place in the household of the Princess of Wales. "I would rather die, or be the slave of a Turk, than return to England as a poor man."—No date. No signature. Indorsed : "Memoir of the English clergyman." pp. 2.
8 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 6.	Journey of the Princess of Wales. 296. Queen Isabella to De Puebla. The shortest passage from Spain to England is that from Coruña in Galicia, where, moreover, the Princess and all her companions can obtain the indulgence of the jubilee. Has, therefore, settled with King Ferdinand, that the Princess shall embark from that port. All the ships and other things necessary for the departure of the Princess are kept in readiness. It had been their intention to accompany their daughter to Coruña, but at the hour of departure the news arrived that the Moors in the Sierra of Ronda had rebelled. The King had, therefore, been obliged to go to Ronda, in order to subdue the rebels, and the departure of the Princess was consequently delayed.
8 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 6.	Rebellion of the Moors. The rebellion is now at an end, and the King is expected to return in five or six days. Directly after his arrival the Princess will leave, either in their company or alone. It is to be hoped that she will be at Coruña before the stipulated time. But the journey is very long, and the Princess has suffered from a low fever. Though she is better now, it would be imprudent of her to expose herself to the fatigue of quick travelling. She must proceed by easy journeys. He must tell all this to the King of England, and ask him to forgive it if the Princess of Wales should not arrive until a few days after the stipulated time. A fresh prorogation of one or two months would be the best. Promises, however, that, without regard to any fresh prorogation, the Princess of Wales shall be in England as soon as possible. Expects a speedy answer.—Granada, 8th of April 1501. Addressed : "By the Queen. To Doctor De Puebla, her ambassador in England, and of her Council." Spanish. pp. 2.
8 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 5.	Repetition of the marriage ceremony. 297. Queen Isabella to Henry VII. Has received his letter of the 21st of November, and read with pleasure that the solemnization of the marriage between the Prince and Princess of Wales, their common children, had been repeated after the Prince of Wales had completed the fourteenth year of his age. Has likewise received the public instrument, signed by the Prince of Wales and sealed with his seal, which was drawn up by two apostolic notaries in the chapel of the castle of Ludlow, in the diocese of Hereford, on the 22d of November last year, 1500. Ratifies, in her name and in the name of King Ferdinand, all that De Puebla, as proxy of the Princess of Wales, has done and promised on that occasion, so that the marriage is now to be regarded as undoubtedly lawful and indissoluble.
8 April. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 5.	The Princess of Wales ready to start for England. The Princess of Wales is ready to leave for England. But as she may not perhaps be able to embark before the Feast of St. John, he is asked to concede a fresh prorogation of her departure. Gives her word as a Queen that the Princess shall embark for England before the time of the fresh prorogation shall be concluded. All other stipulations between them shall remain in full force.—Granada, 8th of April 1501. Indorsed : "A copy of the letter of the Queen our Lady to the King of England. I have not read it over, and do not know whether there are any errors in it." (fn. 2) Latin. Draft or copy. pp. 3.
7 May. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 7.	298. Queen Isabella to De Puebla. Had intended to send her last letter by Alonso de San Juan, her king-at-arms ; but, changing her mind, has sent another messenger, in order that her king-at-arms should remain with the Princess of Wales. On account of this other messenger not being very trustworthy, it seems best to send a second letter.
7 May. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 7.	Rebellion of the Moors. Departure of the Princess of Wales. The King has been detained longer than was expected by the rebellion of the Moors of Ronda, who are the last converts to Christianity, and who live in the most inaccessible mountains. Wishing to see his daughter before her departure, the King has accepted the capitulation offered to him by the Moors, and pardoned the rebels. It would have cost him much more time to subdue them by force. The King is, therefore, at liberty to leave Ronda now, and has written that he would start this very day (Friday) for Granada. Has suffered from fever. Her indisposition and the absence of the King are the reasons why the departure of the Princess of Wales has been hitherto delayed. But as soon as the King arrives, the Princess will start by way of Santiago in Galicia, in order to embark at Coruña. Begs Henry to excuse the delay, and promises, on her word as Queen, that the Princess of Wales shall arrive in England as soon as possible.—Granada, 7th May 1501. Addressed : "By the Queen. To Doctor De Puebla, her ambassador in England, and of her Council." Spanish. pp. 3.
21 May. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 11.	299. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla. The Queen has written to say that the Princess of Wales would start as soon as the King had returned from Ronda. The King has arrived on the 15th of May, in Granada ; but as the Princess was suffering from ague, her departure has been postponed for a few days. On the 21st of May, however, she has left Granada on her journey to Coruña. Have not accompanied her, because she will travel quicker if left alone. She will most probably arrive by the stipulated time, or at the most a little later.—Santa Fé, 21st May 1501. Spanish. p. 1.
21 May. S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.	Princess of Wales. 300. Almazan to De Puebla. Memoir on the causes which have prevented the Princess of Wales from going to England within the stipulated time. It had been the intention of Ferdinand and Isabella to send the Princess of Wales to England before the expiration of the time which had been concerted with the King of England. The unexpected news of the rebellion in the Sierra of Ronda, however, has prevented them from executing their design. The indisposition of the Queen and Princess have caused a further delay of seven days. But the Princess is now on her way to England, and the persons who accompany her are instructed to travel as fast as possible. God knows best that Ferdinand and Isabella have done all in their power punctually to fulfil all their promises.—No date. Indorsed : "Draft of the paper concerning the causes which have delayed the departure of the Princess of Wales." Spanish. pp. 2.
29 May. B. M. MS. Vit. C. XI. f. 47.	301. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla. Twelve days after the disembarkation of the Princess of Wales in England, the nuptials between her and the Prince of Wales are to be solemnized. Ten days before or after the marriage she is to be endowed by the King of England and the Prince of Wales with certain townships and seignories. De Puebla is to see that these two matters be accomplished. The jewels and plate taken by the Princess to be received on account of, and in part payment of her marriage portion. He is to obtain an acknowledgment from the King and the Prince of Wales of the amount received. A list is sent of the persons who are to form the household of the Princess. He is to endeavour to have sufficient salaries assigned them.—Granada, 29th May 1501. Spanish. Copy. 2 pages of print. Printed in Gairdner's Memorials.
5 July. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 11.	302. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla. Have had news from the Princess of Wales. She travels as quickly as possible ; but the heat is so great that she cannot make long journeys. She will arrive to-day, the 5th of July, at Guadaloupe. If she continue her journey at about the same rate, she may arrive at Coruña between the 15th and 20th of July.—Garnada, 5th July 1501. Addressed : "By the King and the Queen. To Doctor De Puebla, their ambassador in England, and o their Council." Spanish. p. ½.
29 July. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 12.	King of France ; his attempts upon Naples. 303. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla Seeing that we desire to impart our affairs to the King of England, as to a brother whom we love, and to make him a sharer in them, we give him intelligence, of which, however he must be already aware. It is, that since the time of King Charles of France until the present day, we have done nothing else except endeavour to obtain, as well by deeds of arms, when restitution was made of Naples, as by means of negotiation, to dissuade the said King Charles, and afterwards King Louis, who now is, from his attempts on the kingdom of Naples. But, in spite of it all, we have never had any gratitude shown us by King Fadrique for what we formerly did for him, nor any amity or brotherhood, but quite the contrary. Notwithstanding, we have not ceased to travail for him, endeavouring by all possible means to bring about a reconciliation between him and the King of France, in order that he might remain secure in his kingdom, and that the King of France might desist from the enterprise he had in hand. Moreover, we negotiated with the Pope and the King of the Romans, and with the Venetians, to drive away the King of France from Naples, but could not succeed in our endeavours.
	King Don Fadrique seeks aid from the Turks. On the contrary, the Pope invited him over and aided him ; and the King of the Romans, with the members of the Empire, made a truce with him, and the Venetians took part with him. On the other hand, King Don Fadrique sought aid from the Turks, giving us notice of the same by his ambassadors more than a year ago, and certified us of his determination, notwithstanding that we opposed him, and censured him, and endeavoured to turn him away from his purpose. At last we told him that we should be his chiefest enemies if he should persist in his purpose, but we could never prevail upon him to relinquish it. Moreover, we concluded no kind of treaty or agreement, or anything that might be construed as such, with King Fadrique, nor in any other manner did we enter into an obligation to give him aid. For even had we desired to aid him, we could not have done it, on account of the peace we had negotiated with the King of France at the beginning of his reign. Besides we had a desire to maintain peace, and also had no need to undertake such a war ; King Fadrique himself having no wish that we should. Again, he never even gave us thanks for what we had formerly done for him, nor was there any amity or relation subsisting between us.
	Proposal of the King of France. Acceptance of it by Ferdinand and Isabella. The Turks, also, having taken part in the matter, that alone would have been cause sufficient for us not only to refuse to aid King Fadrique, but to oppose him. Besides, the King of France justified himself to us, and assured us he had always desired to preserve our friendship. Therefore, that no rupture might take place between us on account of Naples, he said it would be agreeable to him if we would divide that kingdom with him, seeing that it belonged either to us or to him, and to no other person whatever. Being determined, for the causes above mentioned, not to aid King Fadrique in the defence of Naples, we thought it well to accept the offer of the King of France. We were the more moved to do this because we had no desire to take upon ourselves the responsibility of so unjust a proceeding as that of affording succour to one who had no right to the kingdom of Naples. Further, seeing King Fadrique was and still is determined to have recourse to the Turks, it was our duty, for the sake of the Christian Faith, to unite ourselves with Christian Princes. Besides, the King of Naples would not be inconvenienced by this agreement if the King of France should afterwards relinquish this enterprise. If, on the other hand, the King of Naples were to lose his kingdom, it would be much better we should take the half of it, (since the better right is ours,) than lose the whole. For King Fadrique has no forces wherewith to defend himself, and we have no right to join ourselves with one who receives aid from the Turks.
	The Pope the head of the treaty. We have lately heard from our ambassador who is in Rome that the Pope desires that a fresh writing should be made, in which it should be stated that he was the head of our treaty with the King of France in the matter of Naples. He also said that since he had part in the affair of Naples, and that no one else had, excepting ourselves, he wished that the writing should be made in the name of all three, and it has accordingly been made and published in that form. Moreover, although our ambassadors had no authority from us for doing this, yet, seeing that we ought always to be confederate with the Pope and the Apostolic Chair, and so much the more in such a cause as that of the Faith, a cause than which there could be none more just, we have thought good to confirm the said treaty. Besides, the affair of Naples is such that it does not and cannot affect any one excepting ourselves and the Pope and the King of France. If there had been anything in it affecting the King of England, we would have communicated it to him before making it.—Granada, 29th July 1501. Signed by the King. Signed by the Queen. Signed by Almazan. Addressed : "By the King and the Queen. To Doctor De Puebla, of their Council, and their ambassador in England." The despatch is written in tivo keys of cipher, constantly mixed up the one with the other. No key to this cipher is extant. The deciphering is by the editor. Spanish.
25 Sept. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 13.	Princess of Wales ; her voyage. 304. Henry VII. to the Archbishop of Santiago and the Count de Cabra. Has seen their letter of the 12th of September, in which they describe the whole progress of the Princess of Wales by land and by sea. Is exceedingly sorry that the voyage has been so bad, and that the Princess has been obliged to return to Spain. Thanks them for having informed him, without loss of time, of what has happened. A short time before the arrival of their letter, it had been known in England that the fleet of the Princess had been obliged to put back on account of storms and hurricanes, but nobody had been able to tell whether it had safely reached a harbour. Has, therefore, sent one of his best captains, Stephen Butt (fn. 3) ", to be on the look out for the Princess, and to convoy ber in the best way to England.
25 Sept. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 13.	Impatiently expected in England. Hopes the Princess has already resumed her voyage, since the winds have been favourable for some days past. If that, however, should not be the case, no time is to be lost. The later the season, the more stormy will be the weather. As the Princess has disembarked at Laredo, flatters himself that she has already recovered from her fatigue caused by the furious sea. She is impatiently expected by him, by the Queen, by the Prince of Wales, and by the whole nation. All the preparations made for her splendid reception are ready.—Richmond, 25 th September 1501. Addressed : "To the most Reverend, Father in Christ, the Archbishop of Santiago, de Cornpostella, and the illustrious Count de Cabra." Latin : Written in an exceedingly bad hand. pp. 3.
4 Oct. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 14.	Voyage of the Princess of Wales, and arrival in England. 305. The Licentiate Alcares to Queen Isabella. The Princess of Wales embarked (fn. 4) on Monday the 27th of September. At five o'clock in the afteroon the ship weighed anchor, and set sail. The weather was favourable at first, but changed after midnight. Continued their voyage until they were off Ushant, without any great inconvenience. The winds were variable, but the sea was not rough. When they had passed Ushant, however, they were overtaken by a most furious vendabal (fn. 5), thunderstorms, and immense waves. Had a thunderstorm every four or five hours during the rest of the voyage. "It was impossible not to be frightened." The following Saturday, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the Princess entered the harbour of Plymouth, which is the firston the coast of England. "She could not have been received with greater rejoicings, if she had been the Saviour of the world." As soon as she left the boat, she went in procession to the church, where, it is to be hoped, God gave her the possession of all these realms for such a period as would be long enough to enable her to enjoy life, and to leave heirs to the throne.—4th of October. Addressed : "To the very powerful Queen of Spain, our excellent Lady." Spanish. Holograph, pp. 2.
Oct.	306. The Departure of the Princess Katharine from Spain, and her Arrival in England. The Princess arrives at Plymouth on the 2nd of October. King Henry leaves Richmond on the 4th of November, in order to meet her on her way to London. Is joined by the Prince of Wales. The Prothonotary of Spain meets the King, and informs him that, according to the orders of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Princess is not to converse with him, or the Prince of Wales, until the day of the solemnization of her marriage. King Henry overrules this order. Meets the Princess at Dogmerfield. The Prince of Wales arrives there a short time afterwards. Both see the Princess. The Princess proceeds to Chertsey. The King returns to Richmond. Goes on the 10th of November to Baynard's Castle, in order to be present at the entry of the Princess into London. English. pp. 5, in print. Printed in Leland's Collectanea, vol. V. p. 352.
8 Nov.	307. A Narrative of the Jousts, Banquets, &c. given at the Marriage of the Princess Katharine with the Prince of Wales. English. pp. 17, in print. Printed in Leland's Collectanea, vol. V. p. 356.
14-20 Nov. S. E. T. c. I. L. 3. f. 28.	Dowry of the Princess of Wales. 308. Arthur, Prince of Wales. In the treaty concluded between Ferdinand and Isabella on the one side, and Henry VII. on the other, concerning his marriage with the Princess Katharine of Spain, it was stipulated that the dowry of the said Princess shall consist of the third part of the revenues of Wales, Cornwall, and Chester, and that towns, lands, and castles to that amount should be assigned to her within ten days before or after the solemnization of their marriage. Endows, therefore, the said Princess Katharine, on the day of their wedding, that is to say, on the 14th of November 1501, at the altar of St. Paul's Cathedral in London, and in the presence of an immense multitude of people, with the towns, manors, lands, rents, &c. herein-after enumerated. [A detailed enumeration of all the property which forms part of the dowry follows.] King Henry ratifies the endowment of the Prince oi Wales. —Westminster, 20th November 1501. Latin. pp. 12.
12 Nov. P. R. O.	309. Arthur, Prince of Wales. Assignment of the dowry of the Princess Katharine.— [Date left in blank.] Latin. pp. 2 in print. It is the draft of the preceding document. Printed in Rymer.
28 Nov. S. E. T. c. I. L. 3. f. 29.	Receipt for the first instalment of the marriage portion. 310. Henry VII. and Arthur, Prince of Wales. Acknowledge, in presence of witnesses, and before Johannes Cañazares, apostolic notary, to have received from Alphonso de Fonseca, Archbishop of Santiago, Count de Cabra, and other commissioners of Ferdinand and Isabella, the sum of 100,000 scudos in 92,592½ gold ducats.—Richmond, 28th of November 1501. Indorsed in Spanish : "This is a true copy of the original receipt given by King Henry of England and the Prince of Wales of the 100,000 gold scudos which Ferdinand and Isabella, King and Queen of Spain, have paid him." The original is xvritten on parchment, signed, sealed, and authenticated by a public notary : For the correctness of the copy, Diego Alvarez, clerigo, public notary, &c. Latin. pp. 1.
28 Nov. S. E. T. c. I, L. 4. f. 15.	Arrival of the Princess of Wales. 311. Henry VII. to Ferdinand and Isabella. Has already told them that the Princess Katharine arrived on the 2nd of October at the port of Plymouth. Is very glad that the Princess and her companions are well. Had felt great anxiety about her during her voyage from Spain to England. Has sent some of his officers to bring her by short and easy journeys to London. Has likewise told them that he and the Prince of Wales went to meet the Princess on her way. Have much admired her beauty, as well as her agreeable and dignified manners. On the 12th of November the Princess made her entry into the capital, accompanied by such a multitude of prelates, high dignitaries, nobles, and knights, and with the acclamation of such masses of people as never before had been seen in England.
	Nuptials between the Prince and Princess of Wales solemnized. On the 14th of November the Princess was conducted, with great splendour, to the Cathedral of St. Paul, where both the primates of England, a great number of Bishops, and the first secular and ecclesiastical Lords of the kingdom were present. The Archbishop of Canterbury said high mass before the principal altar of the church, and the Prince and Princess of Wales were solemnly wedded. Although the friendship between the houses of England and Spain has been most sincere and intimate before this time, it will henceforth be much more intimate and indissoluble.
	Rejoicings. Great and cordial rejoicings have taken place. The whole people have taken part in them. Begs them to banish all sadness from their minds. Though they cannot now see the gentle face of their beloved daughter they may be sure that she has found a second father who will ever watch over her happiness, and never permit her to want anything that he can procure for her. Has already written to them about all this, but such things cannot be too often repeated. The Archbishop of Santiago, the Count de Cabra, the Bishop of Majorca, and all the other ambassadors who have accompanied the Princess, have secured for themselves his love and esteem. The union between the two royal families, and the two kingdoms, is now so complete that it is impossible to make any distinction between the interests of England and Spain. Promises punctually to fulfil all his obligations, and even more if they wish it. Richmond, 28th of November 1501. Addressed : "To the most serene and most powerful Princes, Ferdinand and Isabella, by the grace of God, King and Queen of Spain." Latin. pp. 6½.
30th Nov. S. E. T. c. I. L. 4. f. 16.	312. Arthur, Prince of Wales, to Ferdinand and Isabella. Thanks them for their letters which have been delivered to him by the Archbishop of Santiago and the Count de Cabra. Had never felt so much joy in his life as when he beheld the sweet face of his bride. No woman in the world could be more agreeable to him. Promises to make a good husband. Richmond, 30th of November, MCCCCI. (fn. 6) Addressed : "To the most serene and most powerful Princes, Ferdinand and Isabella, &c." Latin. pp. 2.