Spain: August 1504 | British History Online

Pages 328-331

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

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August 1504



4 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.	Princess of Wales. 397. Henry VII. to Katharine, Princess Of Wales. As she was not well when he left Greenwich, the time which will have to pass before he receives good news from her will in any case seem too long. Loves her as his own daughter. Sends one of his most trusty servants not only to visit her, but also to do anything for her that may be desirable with respect to her health or that may give her some pleasure. Is ready to do all in his power for her.—Sheppy Island, 4th August. Addressed : "To the most illustrious Lady Katharine, Princess of Wales, my most beloved daughter." Latin. pp. 1½.
10 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 5. f. 1.	398. Duke De Estrada to Queen Isabella. The King had taken the Princess of Wales to Richmond, and from Richmond to Windsor. There they stayed twelve or thirteen days, going almost every day into the park and the forest to hunt deer and other game. From Windsor they returned to Richmond, where they passed a week.
	Illness of Princess of Wales. The Princess had been unwell for three days, suffering from ague and derangement of the stomach. She soon got better. From Richmond the King proceeded to Westminster, leaving the Prince of Wales behind, but taking the Princess of Wales, the Princess Mary, and all the English ladies with him. A few days later they all went together to Greenwich. After staying six or seven days in Greenwich the Princess fell ill again, and much more seriously than before. Before she had recovered, King Henry was obliged to leave on a visit to Kent. The Princess of Wales then returned to the house in which she had formerly lived. She had, however, not improved. She is rather worse, for she now suffers every day from cold and heat. The illness seems sometimes serious, for the Princess has no appetite, and her complexion has changed entirely. Nevertheless, the physicians have much confidence, and say that the patient will soon recover. The first attack of ague began four weeks ago. The Princess has had at intervals a bad cold and cough since then. The physicians have twice purged her, and twice attempted to bleed her ; but no blood came. It is difficult to say whether it was the fault of the man who bled her. He is the licentiate who resides with the Princess as her physician, and he generally bleeds very well. She (fn. 1) desires, very much, that the operation be repeated, being persuaded that if she were bled she would be well directly. The physicians, however, delay the bleeding, and purge her.
	Affection of Henry VII. for the Prince of Wales. The King left Greenwich the same day on which the Princess of Wales went away. He sends messages to her very often, and offers to visit her. He offers to convoke all the physicians of the kingdom, and is very courteous. The Prince of Wales is with the King. Formerly the King did not like to take the Prince of Wales with him, in order not to interrupt his studies. It is quite wonderful how much the King likes the Prince of Wales. He has good reason to do so, for the Prince deserves all love. But it is not only from love that the King takes the Prince with him ; he wishes to improve him. Certainly there could be no better school in the world than the society of such a father as Henry VII. He is so wise and so attentive to everything ; nothing escapes his attention. There is no doubt the Prince has an excellent governor and steward in his father. If he lives ten years longer he will leave the Prince furnished with good habits, and with immense riches, and in as happy circumstances as man can be. Wishes, very much, to leave England as soon as possible. Was told last year that there was no money to defray the expenses of his journey. Had, therefore, already remained one year longer in England than was necessary. Expected the brief of the Pope containing the dispensation would have come a long while ago. As it had not come, doubts arose whether the dispensation would be given at all ; and a brief, of which a copy is added, even seemed to confirm these doubts. (fn. 2) Went to King Henry in order to take leave of him. The King was much surprised, and asked him to remain till the dispensation arrived. Promised to stay in England till the end of August. Said that if the dispensation did not arrive during that time it would then be clear that the Pope did not like to give it.
	Arrival of the brief for the dispensation. At last, after the King had left Greenwich, the dispensation arrived. Henry sent it directly to him, in order that he might show it to the Princess. If the Dean, who is ambassador of the King of England in Rome, should have to bring the papal bulls, they will not arrive before the middle of October. The King, wishing to make the marriage very solemn, will communicate the bulls to the principal personages of the kingdom, who usually assemble in Westminster on the Day of All Saints. Thus November will come on before it will be possible for him to leave England, and a voyage in that season is by no means an agreeable thing, especially for so bad a sailor as he is. Begs her to send him money, and a positive order to return to Spain, which, if necessary, he can show the King of England. —London, 10th August 1504. Spanish. pp. 7.
25 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.	399. Henry VII. Passport for Ferdinand, Duke de Estrada, who intends to return to Spain.—At our Monastery of Lewys, 25th of August, 20th year of our reign. English. p. 1.
27 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.	400. Henry VII. to Katharine, Princess Of Wales. Has received her letter, sent by Ferdinand, Duke de Estrada. Is glad that she wishes to hear from him so greatly. Is well, and rejoices to hear that she has recovered.
27 Aug. S. E. T. c. I. L. 2.	Quarrels among the household of the Princess of Wales. Is sorry that the few servants she has cannot live in peace with one another. Cannot consent to her wish that he should settle the quarrels of her servants. If they were English subjects, it would easily be done ; but as they are Spanish subjects, and sent with her by her parents, they are not under his jurisdiction. The only thing to be done is that she should herself write to her parents on the subject. Besides, the Duke de Estrada will soon return to Spain, and can therefore best inform the King and Queen of Spain of what it is necessary to do. Will confer with her after his return to London as to what is to be done in case that her parents are unable to arrange the matter.—Lewys, 27th August. Addressed : "To the most illustrious Lady Katharine, Princess of Wales." Latin. pp. 3.