Henry VIII: May 1513, 11-15 | British History Online

Pages 847-859

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 1, 1509-1514. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1920.

Citation:

May 1513



11 May. S.P. Hen. VIII., 4, f. 4. R.O.	1858. [4056.] [Fox] BP. OF WINCHESTER to WOLSEY.
	Received his letter yesterday at Baynard's Castle, 9 May, to the effect that Sir Charles Brandon is ordered to join the Admiral with 4,000 men, and take ship at Hampton on the 18th. Will not fail, with John Dawtrey, in providing victuals, if ships may be had. Has written to the present and late admiral for this purpose, especially for empty pipes. Fears the number requisite will not be at Hampton on the 18th; and to ship men and victuals will require eight days so that it may be the 1st of June before they leave. There must be one wind to bring the ships out of the Thames to the Downs, another to bring them from the Downs to Hampton Water, and a third to bring ships out of the West to Hampton. So that there are many chances to retard the departing of this new army. Is going at once to Hampton to see Sir Charles and his men shipped. Will afterwards join the King. Thinks it will be useful there were some good intelligence betwixt the victuallers in the West and Dawtrey's company. It will be difficult to provide victuals when the ships shall be in the Trade, and therefore the Admiral should be ordered to certify Dawtrey how he is furnished and to cause all empty pipes to be kept. Portsmouth, 11 May, "with the shaking hand of your loving brother."
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.: "[To] my brother [the K]ing's almoner."
11 May. Otho E. IX., 78b. B.M.	1859. JOHN DAWTREY to WOLSEY.
	* * * "be shipped there the ... ye would I should lade a ... y to go with them the said 17th day. Sir, I ... but I can lade no victual except God send ... but only 2 Spaniards and at Poole another Sp[aniard] ... I dare lade no victual for two causes; one is there as cap[tain] ... and many men with them. They will occupy the room as well [below the] hatches as above for their men to lie in." They cannot take therefore more than will last them 15 days. The other cause is, if he should "lay any victual to the Spaniards before the Englishmen [come,] they would surely bribe it and devour a great part thereof." The 18th day is so near, does not see how he can have ships enough for so many by that time, nor yet victuals. [If] the said 4,000 men are here, waiting for their ships, any length of time, they will consume all the corn collected for the revictualling of the army. Begs they may not be sent until there are ships ready to receive them and victual to the ships. Portsmouth, 11 May.
	Hol., p. 1. Mutilated. Add.: To Master Wulcy, the King's Almoner.
11 May. Galba B. III., 75a. B.M.	1860. [4054.] RICHARD THYRKYLL to HENRY VIII.
	Prays daily for his health. Is arrived in Brabant, and has done what the King commanded, to the best of his power, in reference to the vessels of Sir John Wilchier. John Cleffort, governor of the English merchants, has done him and Wilchier great displeasure, having imposed a fine upon all merchants who deal with him or eat at his house. Begs letters of the King to remedy the wrong. The Lady of Savoy will send a letter to the King under her own hand touching the "crake" (carrack). William Cooplant makes as much haste as he can. Can find no harness of the fleur de lis in any part of Brabant. Prays God will give the King victory. Antwerp, 11 May 1513.
	Fr. Hol. Mutilated, p. 1. Add.
12 May.	1861. THE WAR.
	Appointments in the Army. See GRANTS IN MAY, Nos. 62, 64, 69, 93.
12 May.	1862. PROCLAMATION.
	Wales. See GRANTS IN MAY, No. 61.
12 May.	1863. PAUL DE LAUDE to ANDREA DA BORGO.
	12 May [1513].—The English Ambassador says he has letters of the 7th inst. from his king reporting that, notwithstanding the truce, his league with the Catholic king was renewed, on St. Mark's Day; and that he had proclaimed war with France, was sending the vanguard across to Calais on the 7th and would follow himself on the 18th. Subjects of the Low Countries have the Emperor's leave to take service with all parties, especially the English.
	See Milan Calendar, I, No. 637.
12 May. Otho E. IX., 67. B.M.	1864. NIC. KIRKEHAM, NIC. WARYNG, ANDREW MORIS and JOHN HERFFORD to the COUNCIL.
	* * * "Suche comman[dment] ... at sundry tymes ... vitalls as in this contrey might ... the Kyng's riall army now beyng in this ha[ven] ... d parcell of the same sent into Brytayn in dyvers ... as it apperith by bills signed with the hand of the lord Adm[iral] ... whom God pardon. The residue of the said vitalles ... provyded is nowe laden and redy to be laden for to folo[w the] said army accordyng to suche commaundment to us la[tely] geven in that behalff." Since the Admiral's coming, he has given orders, notwithstanding the King's and Council's commands, that no more beer is to be made in the West, as, being made of oaten malt, it will not keep so well as that made of barley malt. The soldiers are not as willing to drink it as the London beer brewed in March, which is the best month. Nevertheless, when in Brittany, they found no fault with it, but received it thankfully, and since they have been in Plymouth they have drank 25 tuns in 12 days; but now so much beer is come from London that they will not drink the country beer. My Lord of Winchester has written to the Admiral that he shall henceforth be sufficiently furnished at Portsmouth from time to time * * * "and so his lordship ... the Kyng and is honorab[le] ... yng your good lordships we may know the ... rs as well herein as in other causes ... same."
	The quantity of victuals provided by them in the West is as follows. In Plymouth, 200 pipes of beer, 46 pipes of flesh, 20 pipes of biscuit; besides bread, biscuit, flesh and beer spent by the soldiers on land the last 12 days, for which they paid. At Dartmouth, 60 pipes of biscuit, 24 pipes of flesh, 150 pipes of beer, 300 doz. loaf bread, 200 of fish. At Exeter and Opsam, 50 pipes biscuit, 600 doz. loaf bread, 160 pipes of beer, 40 pipes flesh, 1,200 of fish.
	* * * "with the ar ... such ship or ships as ple ... to assign and appoint and for ... ed his lordship."
	The provision of these victuals and the lying of the Army here these 12 days have made everything very dear. Hopes they will have a good wind and depart. There has not been a drop of rain in all this country for three months till yesterday, and then but little. This has greatly injured the corn and grass and made everything dearer. The oxen that were here have gone to Ha[mpton], so that it is doubtful whether they can make any provision here henceforth. Waryng and Mores of London ask to be allowed expenses to return to London with the accounts of what has been done, leaving the charge of the rest with Symonds and Kyrkeham, customers of Exetor and Dertmothe, and Herfford, customer of Plymothe and Fowe. Plymouth, this [Thur]sday, 12 May. Signed.
	Pp. 4. Mutilated. Add.: To the Lords of the King's honorable Council. Endd.
12 May. S.P. Hen. VIII., 4, f. 6. R.O.	1865. [4057.] SIR GILBERT TALBOT to WOLSEY.
	Has this day received his letter dated London, 10 April, stating that he had delivered the writer's letters to the King. Will have a tun of wine laid for him here in the place appointed. Cannot find any French black for Wolsey's wearing. Has sent to Bruges and St. Omer's to see if there be any fine and good. Calais, 12 May. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: "The Right Honorable Master Almener, with the King's Grace my Sovereign Lord."
12 May. Vesp. C. I., 86. B.M. Ellis, 2 S., I., 203.	1866. [4058.] KNIGHT to HENRY VIII.
	The King of Aragon is resolved to observe the truce between himself and France. News received on St. Mark's day of the victory gained over the French by sea by the English fleet, had given Spain no satisfaction. They disparage it, as he will learn by Don Petro Belis de Guyvarra. When we had moved the King for favour to Domingo de Losa, whose goods had been forfeited for selling a carrack to the King of England, Ferdinand was actually grieved that any ships of his had contributed to the victory. If he revokes his ships, now in the wages of England, "after his cautelous manier," hopes Henry will be on the alert. Ferdinand also denied that he heard any thing of the victory. After three days, he stated that the French had been commanded to burn their own ships rather than allow them to be taken if they could not beat the English. On our urging him to consider the truce, and the great loss England had suffered by following his counsel, he answered he would do all that he was bound to do; "but he spake it in such a manner and countenance that it seemed that he thought him not in any manner mean bound unto your grace." At one time he proposed to send his army in Italy into Burgoigne, at another into Bierne, which "extendeth under the mountains of Navarre almost from Bayonne to Aragon," and so "put your grace between himself and his enemies." He disregards all obligations of Christian princes, and evidently intends mischief. He would be glad if the Prince of Castile were to die, for so he might continue governor of Castile, and do as he liked. At the coming of King Philip into this country he was commanded somewhat unceremoniously to void the realm within 20 days, at the advice, as it was supposed, of your grace's father Henry VII. "And whether he feareth that the Prince waxeth too ripe in age, or that he remembreth those old injuries, or that he would dissever the marriage between the Prince and my Lady Mary, I know not, but your grace may surely imagine that he is not well disposed." The younger son of Philip (Ferdinand) is 11 years old, and more like the King of Aragon. To punish the King for his ill faith, Knight proposes that his master and the Emperor should determine on the restoration of the King of Navarre, who is to show his gratitude by paying part of the expenses, and will probably assist in the getting and preservation of Guienne. On the 7 May tidings had come from Italy that the Venetians had made a league with the French, and intend to divide Lombardy between them. They are to hold all that they held in those parts, except Cremona. The King of Aragon says he will send thither more men; and some say he will send the Great Captain. The King of Aragon thinks this league will move the Emperor to take part with Henry, "and that weigheth greatly in his stomach." He had done his best to leave the burden of the war on England alone, as appears by his "taking of the trevys, by covering of the same, and letting of our letters that your grace were not advertised in time." Valladolid, 12 May.
	Hol., pp. 4.
12 May. Galba B. III., 76. B.M. Le Glay, Corresp. de Max. ct de Marg., II., 141.	1867. [4059.] MAXIMILIAN to MARGARET OF SAVOY.
	Wingfield has arrived from England at Augsburg. Has not yet spoken with him. He states that his master, notwithstanding the truce of the King of Aragon, will continue the war against France, and observe the treaty concluded by Margaret of Savoy. Proposes to send her the ratification, and on Monday next take the oath. She is to move the King of England to send him the two first instalments (termes de l'argent) in order to set the Swiss afoot, and commence the war; for if the French regain the duchy of Milan, we shall have enough to do to look after our own affairs without helping England or making war with France. Smucham, 12 May 1513.
	Copy. Fr., p. 1. Mutilated.
12 May. Sanuto, XVI., 240.	1868. VENICE.
	Statement by Count Cariati to the Senate, 12 May 1513, that he had letters from the Viceroy, from Piacenza, announcing that the King of England, the Emperor and Spain had made a league together in which were included the Duke of Milan and the Swiss. He denied that his King had made truce with France as reported.
	Italian. See Venetian Calendar, II, No. 243.
13 May. S.P. Hen. VIII., 229, f. 151. R.O.	1869. INTENDED EXPEDITION to BRITANNY.
	Instructions given by the King to the Lord Howard, Admiral of England and to the Lord Lyle (altered from "Sir Charles Brandon, knight") for "making an enterprise as well by land as water for the distrussing of the navy of France now being in Bretayn."
	Lord Lisle, who is to be chief captain of the enterprise by land, shall, with his retinue, join the Admiral at Southampton by the—(blank) day of this month [altered from an order to take shipping at Southampton and "resort to Plymouth or Dertmouthe, where the King's navy now is," with authority to act as admiral when not in the company of the Admiral of England]. The Admiral and Lord Lisle to call a council of the captains and expert mariners and devise with them about the safeguard of the navy and the place and manner of landing. The Admiral must arrange to make an attack on the navy of France, while Lord Lisle and his retinue are landing and provide for the safety of the rest of the navy in his absence. Lisle has a bill of the captains and soldiers he shall take to assist him out of the navy, but it is remitted to the discretion of the Admiral and him to modify such arrangements on the spot.
	Draft, with corrections in Wolsey's hand, pp. 5.
	ii. Memoranda in Wolsey's hand, viz.: "20 gunners at 8d. the day the piece; 6 surgeons whereof one master at 2s. by the day and the remnant at 12d."; one herald at 4s., and one trumpet at 16d.
	P. 1.
	iii. Captains and men to be taken out of the navy and army now under the Lord Admiral "to land with the Lord Lysle," viz.: Lord Ferrys 400, Sir Wm. Trevenyan 300, Corteney and Cornewall 300, Sir Weston Browne 150, Sir Th. Wyndam 150, Ant. Poyntz 100, Wyseman 100, Fras. Pygot 100, James Dallabere 100, Matth. Cradoke 100, John Baker 60, Nic. Draper 100, Ric. Mercer 80, ... 60, [Lov]eday 60, James Clyfford 100, Barnard 60, Ric. Bardysley 60, Wowell 60, George Wet[wom]be 60, George Trogmerton 150, Ychyngham 100, West 60, Alexandyr 100, Pyrton 150, Wallop 150, Eldercare 100, Barkeley 100, "Flemynges petycapteyn" 200, James Knevet 50, "Sir Edward Howard's, late Lord Admiral," 100.
	In Wolsey's hand, pp. 2.
	iv. List of ordnance some for the Lord Admiral and some for "Sir Charlys."
	Partly in Wolsey's hand, p. 1.
	v. List [of the landing army ?] beginning "Sir Charles Brandon 1,600; the Almains 700; the Lord Howard 200; Sir Wm. Sandes 100; Sir Maurice Barkeley 100; Lord Willoughby 200; Lord Broke 300; Sir John Arundell 200; Sir Piers Echecombe 100; Sir Henry Gylford with the Lord Fytzwarren's men 200; Belknap 200; Sir Walter Hungerford's son 100; carters 40; pioneers 100; gunners 20; Sir John Seymer 100; from the sea 3,760. With jottings of the diets allowed to captains.
	In Wolsey's hand, p. 1. Endorsed with estimate (in Daunce's hand ?) of the wages of all these 8,020 men, 4 lords and 6 knights.
	vi. "Wages of war for one month as followeth," being an estimate more detailed than that on the back of § v. but faded and illegible save where Wolsey has inserted after "wages of 2 lord" the words "that is to say the lord Broke and the lord Wylloughby" and after "2 knights" the words "having the leading of the Almaynes that is to say Sir William Sandys and Sir Maurice Barkeley."
	Large paper, p. 1.
	vii. Memoranda about waggons to be delivered by Copland to Marland, at Calais; and also about Culverins and hacbushes.
	Wolsey's hand, p. 1.
	viii. Brief estimate of wages [of Lord Lisle's army].
	Large paper, p. 1.
13 May. S.P. Hen. VIII., 229, f. 164. R.O.	1870. THOMAS LORD HOWARD to HENRY VIII.
	Thanks for letter received to-day at 11 a.m., dated 12 May, whereby it appears that my cousin Sir Charles, and many other noblemen shall be sent to us. "Sir, I doubt not, God and the wind serving," you shall obtain the destruction of the French navy and a great part of the coast of Brytainge; but this is the most dangerous haven in England for so many ships (and they "nightly fall together"), and when the wind is southwards it is impossible to leave. A council of the most expert masters advises the assembling at Hampton, where wind that would bar us in here would carry us to Brytainge. For Sir Charles to come from Hampton hither would be clean out of his course; and a south wind might keep him here in harbour until all his victual was spent, and thus break "your noble pretended enterprise." Therefore, if wind serve, I will draw to the Isle of Wight and ride before Portismouth. Understanding that my Lord Broke and Sir Piers Egecombe shall come with my said cousin, to save charges and the wearying of their men, I will ship them here. We can also make shift to take in some of my cousin's men if he lack shipping, and I undertake that at Hampton none of our company shall come on land. If the coming forth of the French is unlikely, as I wrote yesterday, our remaining here is useless. Your letters directed to Lord Ferres and other captains have marvellously rejoiced them. As commanded, I have sent Fitzwillyam, "which is right sore against his mind to have departed till he had done you some other service," and I am sure he will always do hardy service. While writing this, I had news that 20 Spaniards with 6,000 men are come to Fawmouth. Scribbled in the Mary Rose at Plymmouth, 13 May, at noon.
	Hol., pp. 3. Add. Endd.: Letters of my lord Howard, Admiral of England.
13 May. Galba B. III., 25b. B.M.	1871. [3196.] [YONG and BOLEYN to HENRY VIII.]
	On the 11th he and Sir Thos. Boleyn came to Calais, where they saw four French ships chasing the fisher boats into the haven. One of the Frenchmen came in shore to take a hoy laden with wine which lay at anchor, but withdrew when they of Rysebanke Tower shot artillery at him. Learns that they have taken 5 or 6 hoys sailing from Ze[aland] into England and yesterday took 3 or 4 other vessels coming from "by west." The King's horses, coming over at tha[t tide,] were in great jeopardy. As there are no wafters either at Calais or Dover, the French ships do as they please. Cannot now cross in safety, as they learn by a letter from a fre[nd] named Tybo Veld dwelling at Gravelyn that the French lie purposely in wait for them. Calais, 13 May,
	From a letter book, pp. 2. Mutilated.
13 May. S.P. Hen. VIII., 4, f. 7. R.O.	1872. [4062.] SILVESTER [DE GIGLIS] BP. OF WORCESTER to QUEEN KATHARINE.
	Has received her letter respecting the six chaplains, and laid it before the Pope, who is content to grant her request, although there is some difficulty in relation to the jurisdiction of the ordinary. The Pope would have granted it per breve; but, as she desired it sub plumbo, sends her a minute and supplication for that purpose. The expenses will be 50 ducats. Rome, 13 May 1513. Signed.
	Lat., p. 1. Addressed.
13 May.	1873. ROME.
	News from France of war preparations and the fleets in Britanny. See Milan Calendar, I, No. 638.
14 May. S.P. Hen. VIII., 229, f. 165. R.O.	1874. SIR ROBERT CURZON to WOLSEY.
	Was appointed by the King to have been ready at Dover, 8 May, with his foot and horse. Got his company ready three days before and gave every man his prest, but was countermanded till the King's further pleasure. Was then ordered to be at Southampton on the 18th, and had set out when he was again countermanded. His company have spent their conduct money and lie at his great charge. If he could keep them together, though it were for a quarter of a year, would not ask of the King. "I have mad alle that I can to praper my nombre(?)." Has 38 horse at his charges; there are not 6 persons in all my company "but they be at my horsing and harnessing every man." The King advanced him 200l. upon his fee for Midsummer and Michaelmas by warrant to Master Heron, but he cannot get the money. "At Epseychepe" (Ipswich ?), 14 May.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: "In to the ryght worschypffulle my nowne good master Amner." Endd.
14 May. S.P. Hen. VIII., 229, f. 166. R.O.	1875. THOMAS LORD HOWARD to WOLSEY.
	Intends, as he wrote the King yesterday, as soon as wind serves, to come with the whole navy, men of war and victuallers, to Hampton; but this is the worst haven in England to get out of, for the army lying in three parts, and all within Plymouth Sound, no wind but North can bring all forth without warping. Prays God bring the wind out of the South. "Here we lie, victuallers and men of war I am sure above 100 sail; and Gonstone is yet at Dertmouth, and yet he went hence before my coming and in no wise can get to Hampton." None of the ships you named in Dalaber's bill, nor of the victuallers, are yet departed, although both they and we are ready when God sends wind; and therefore it were well to cause "all soldiers that shall come with Sir Charles" to tarry about Salisbury, Winchester and other places, and not come to Hampton until the ships come, or they will waste provisions which should serve the army. Scribbled in the Mary Rose, at Plymouth, 14 May.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: To Master Almoner with the King's Grace; delivered at Plymmouth at 5 at afternoon.
14 May. Galba B. III., 76a. B.M.	1876. [4068.] JEROME FRESCOBALD to SIR RICHARD WINGFIELD.
	Has, by the bearer, received his letter written to-day, purporting that the Almoner has written to know whether Frescobald has provided everything according to the memorandum. Has sent him part by the hoys (avecques les heuwes) which have started, and will send the rest by the hoys which are to start in 3 or 4 days. Hopes to be able to send the greater part by the first ship. Retains certain carts and horses to send to Calais. Antwerp, 14 May 1513.
	P.S., in the hand of Frescobald.—Has just received letters from Bruges, by which he learns that certain horses have been purchased. Will buy the rest, on Wednesday next, at the horse fair. Some tents are still to be made.
	Fr., p. 1, mutilated. Add.: "A mon, &c., Richard Wingfield, ambassador du Roy, &c., estant a Bruxelles."
14 May. Lettres de Louis XII., iv., 116.	1877. JEAN LE VEAU to MARGARET OF SAVOY.
	* * * After many rumours of the coming of the French, news came to the Duke, at Pavia, 4 or 5 days ago, that they had passed the Mountains. The poor Duke and his Council could only think of flight; for the Viceroy, to whom they appealed, answered that his men for lack of pay, refused to fight the French, and he was about to withdraw them to Naples. But, just then came a letter from the Emperor, who wrote to the Viceroy that he and the King of England did not assent to the truce and therefore the Viceroy should proceed against the French, or else the Emperor, England and the Swiss would make a league together, and afterwards an agreement with France, to the destruction of the King of Aragon; also a post from Rome brought money sent by the Pope to pay 8,000 Swiss and promise the sending of 1,000 lances and 500 light horse. * * *
	Here we are of good courage and determined to chastise the French, and M. André (Da Borgo) says you should encourage the English to make war. The Pope's ambassador here has said that the Pope may easily be made to write to the King of Aragon, on pain of excommunication, to break the truce which he has made with France. Plaisance, 14 May.
	French.
14 May. Sanuto, XVI., 239.	1878. VENICE.
	[Note of letters received 17 May 1513.]
	From the Ambassador at Rome, 13 and 14 May.—There is news from Blois that the English fleet has sailed against France and that Pregiam, with six galleys, had taken two English ships and gone to a certain port which the English had besieged. He forwards letters from the Ambassador in Spain, of 23 ult., showing that Count Cariati has been ordered to explain the truce to the Signory.
	Italian. See Venetian Calendar, II, No. 244.
15 May. R.O.	1879. [4072(2).] SIR CHARLES BRANDON.
	Creation as Viscount Lisle. (See GRANTS IN MAY, No. 68.)
	Contemporary copy.
15 May. Add. MS., 6,113, f. 6. B.M.	1880. RICHMOND HERALD.
	Warrant to John Dauncy to pay Richemount herald wages of 4s. a day from the 16th inst., attending upon the King's Councillor and Knight for the Body, Sir Charles Brandon. Greenwich, 15 May 5 Hen. VIII.
	Small paper, p. 1. Endd. with receipt dated 16 May.
15 May. S.P. Hen. VIII., 4, f. 19. R.O.	1881. [4073.] RIC. [FOX] BP. OF WINCHESTER to WOLSEY.
	Has seen Dawtrey's letter to Wolsey and cannot add to it. Until shipping arrives the company must not come within two days' journey of this place. Is surprised that there is no shipping come from the West parts. The Lion is here, like to be lost for want of tackle. Thinks she may be sold for 40l. Hampton, 15 May, after 8 p.m.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: "To my brother the Kynges aulmosner."
15 May. Ib., f. 20. R.O.	1882. [4074.] JOHN DAWTREY to WOLSEY.
	No other ship has arrived except the Spaniard he wrote of, which should have laden wools from Bonevyse. Expects another from Poole, and [there is] a barque of the captain of Wight's, a ship of John Rogers of Lymington, and another Spaniard of 140 tons whose master (fn. 1) is at London suing for the alum taken by Mr. Compton's ship. Begs he may be spoken with to come down and make her ready. No ships from London or the West country. The yeomen of the Guard left this at 10 a.m. on Sunday last and reached the Admiral, at Plymouth, by 10 o'clock in the morning. As the army is in great want of wood, has, with the advice of the Bp. of Winchester, laded three ships for that purpose. The Spaniards refuse to accept 5 shillings a month per man, as the Englishmen do, and claim more. Asks what they are paid at London; so that they may be paid at the same rate. Hears, by servants of Master Brandon, that he is to be furnished here with bows and arrows, bills and morespikes. Gives the numbers in store. The soldiers need not make haste until ships come. Hampton, Whitsunday.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.: "To my syngeler good master. Master Wulcy, the Kynge's amner, yn haste." Endd.
15 May. Calig. D. VI., 102. B.M. Navy Records Soc., x., 163.	1883. [4076.] THOMAS LORD HOWARD to WOLSEY.
	Windbound, together with the Peter and other great ships, in Katt Water, which prevents him from following the King's pleasure. The Sovereign and others are at St. Nicholas' Island. Intends to go to Asshe Water, and send the victuallers to Hampton with Anthony Poynes, Wisman, and Draper. Desires a letter on his arrival at Southampton enjoining no captain or seaman to go [ashore]. Has made a pair of gallows at the waterside, where some will "towter" to-morrow. Sends a writing in Spanish given him by a merchant of Bristol, who heard it (fn. 2) proclaimed in Cadiz 10 days ago, and brought it for his safeguard against Frenchmen. The King shall speed better if he trust his own... Is informed by Sabyan that Brest Castle was won by Mons. de Rohan in consequence of his threatening the Bretons in the castle with destruction of their lands. Hopes, when he and Sir Charles come to Hampton, to find there my Lord of Winchester to debate with him. Trusts to "rype" him well in every cause; "for when I am not occupied" he says, "it is my most business to be instructed of them that can skill." "I had rather the posts toke payne in sporring their horsis then I shuld be fownd to slow in wryting or workyng when tyme shall require." On Tuesday night the victuallers will be at Hampton and the men of war about the [K]ow and the Wight. In the Mary Rose, at 1 in the afternoon. Signed.
	P.S.—Appointed ships here for [Lord] Broke and Sir Piers Egecombe, &c.
	Mutilated, pp. 2. Add.: To Master Almoner, with the King's grace. "Delivered at Plymouth this Whitsonday, before 2 at afternoon."
15 May. Vitell. B. XVIII., 39. B.M.	1884. [4069.] SIR ROBERT WINGFIELD to HENRY VIII.
	Had signified in his last letters his arrival in [Augsburg] and receipt of letters and com[mission] ... "that it was thought the Emperor should have ... nd that in the meantime I would speak with the ... and with the ambassador of Spain." "My coming hither at this time was ... the world here was in marvellous taking, for all sh ... favor to the French, though they were much rejoiced [at the] truce concluded by the King of Aragon with the Fr[ench, and] were most ready to lay matter of unsteadfastness ... said King of Aragon, and on that other part ... to wit, the King of Aragon to condescend or tr[eat] without the knowledge of the Emperor, were not ... as well for the unstableness of the said King [as for the] perils and damages that are like to ensue upon ... considering that the Venetians ben joined in le[ague] with the French King; for by the mean the du[chy of Milan] was counted but lost, because they thought v[erily the said] truce should be occasion that your grace might [not make] enterprise into France, so that infallibly th ... duchy of Milan upon a great hazard ... affairs with the Venetians, which hath ta[ken ... ] in the confines of Verona, wher ... certain horsemen to Verona," and universally it was noised here that Henry must have been privy and consenting to the said truce, or else the King of Aragon would never have proceeded so far.
	All the estates of the country of Swabia are at Augsburg, for matters concerning the Emperor, as principal of the league of Swabia, and all the Emperor's council are there in his absence. Has spoken, to such of them as had made inquiries, in such a manner as to remove their doubts "respecting the restraining of your enterprise toward France." Thinks they now see some good parts in the King of Aragon, which appeared not to them before; it is not the first time good matter has been extracted from that King's suspicious conduct. Hopes the Emperor and the Kings of England and of Aragon, will be united. On the 14th, being Whit[sunday], [the Emperor] came to Augsburg, and the next day sent the Bishop of Bryxsyn for the writer. Having saluted him [in his master's] and the Queen's name, Wingfield delivered his letters and had [audience] in the presence of the Council, declaring his authority to receive the Emperor's oath for the perfect accomplishment of all things comprised in the confederation.
	Read, at the Emperor's request, his commission, and was then taken to another chamber, while the Emperor conferred for an hour with the ambassador of Aragon. Was then brought back to the Emperor; and Gurk told him that the matter had been declared to the ambassador of Aragon, to feel his mind, and after long argument two things appeared to consult upon, viz., whether the Emperor should, at your desire, declare himself enemy to France, and make actual war according to the tenor of the confederation, or forbear till the King of Aragon's opinion be known. Wingfield showed, in answer, the readiness "your grace is in, and how you [knew of the] manner of the truce concluded by the King of Ar[agon], ... and tenor of your letters to me of the 24th day of [April] ... all the acts done by Don Louis de Carros, ambass[ador of] Aragon resident in your court, upon St. Mark's [day] ... and feast made upon the same and the proclamation ... I showed to judge verily, your grace was not to be es[teemed of him], or of any other prince christened, to be so light or of little [resolution as to] arm you at all pieces, and then call for a pillow." He judged that, in the 17 days between 8th and 25 Feb. the King of Aragon studied, by the delays he interposed in concluding the truce, to damage the French King, and to profit himself and all the French King's enemies. In the first place, the French King has shewn himself, by concluding the said truce, to be the "most worthy vitupere of any prince living," having beguiled the King of Navarre by causing him to refuse his friends, and now leaving him desolate and in despair. Secondly, the King of Aragon has induced the Castilians to understand that he can be bound or loose with the French King at his pleasure. Thirdly, the Pope, the Duke of Milan, the Florentines, and the Genoese, having begun to wax weary of the Viceroy and his company, one of their principal comforts, are now by this means somewhat awakened from their dream; and the Venetians, thinking that the French, by means of this truce, should have passed the Mountains, have leagued themselves with the French, and, though the Emperor may suffer some pain, yet it may be occasion of a perilous fall to the Venetians. "[As to the Fren]sshe which by means of this truce trusted to have ... Milan, and to that purpose sent all their puissance towards those parts, I trust ... small resistance in the parts of Picardy ... in great despair, especially if the Emperor [shall invade the] duchy of Burgundy shortly, for then th[ere will be] great doubt to which they shall go first."
	Wingfield having made an end of speaking, the Emperor, who seemed well content, went apart; and subsequently [sent] the Bishop of Gurce to shew Wingfield that this day he w[ould sign] and ratify and confirm the new confederation, and [declare himself an] enemy to France. After that, he informed the Emperor of the number and equipment of the fleet, and the number and armament of the army.
	This day, at 8 in the morning, the Bishop of Bryxsyn conveyed Wingfield to the [cathedral], where they waited the coming of the Emperor, who placed Wingfield by his side at the desk, the Spanish ambassador being opposite. High mass ended, "which were sung by the Emperor's own chapell and the best organs that ever I heard," the Emperor, the writer, the Spanish ambassador, and many other noble folk, went to the high altar, where, a proposition containing the principal intent of the confederation being made by Dr. Moota, together with their intended purpose, after Wingfield's commission had been read by M. James de Banyssis, and the confederation shown, the Emperor laid his hand on the Gospel of the day, and also on the canon, and swore; after which the notaries made an instrument and took witnesses of the act by direction of the lord of Rybawpiere, the Emperor's steward. The Spanish ambassador then took leave, and Wingfield dined with the Emperor. While [the Emperor] was at dinner letters were brought, one from the Count of Cariate, ambassador of Aragon at Venice, and the other from Verona. After dinner the Emperor took Wingfield to his secret chamber, where Banyssis read the letters. That from Venice contained news that Bartholomew Dalviano was arrived, and that one Theodore Trivulci was come thither, ambassador from the [French] King. The letter from Verona "advertised that his army of 3,000 footmen and certain horse [had entered] the town of Verona already, which came in good season; [and that, after] their coming, the Venetians' army of 5[000] foot and 1,000 horse lodged them[selves] within ... leagues of Verona, and there remained still at the writi[ng of the said letter]" without their intentions being known.
	The Emperor said that he thought it strange that you (Henry VIII.) should have favored the Venetians, but trusted that now the Venetians should have no further hope of comfort at your hands; nevertheless he was content to put the dispute in the hands of the Pope, Aragon and you, or of the Pope and you, or of you alone, and, if the Venetians would consent, make a truce till the matters between him and them were determined, expressing his sorrow that the Venetians were so great a hinderance to his enterprise against the French King. The Emperor also expressed his doubts as to whether he ought to pass towards France or Italy, desiring, for many considerations, to pass towards France; but his Council were of a contrary opinion, on account of the danger of Milan, believing as they do that the ... determined to suffer the French King to recover the duchy of Milan ... "rejoice the realm of Navarre ... his council would he should now in a[ll] ... and send for the Viceroy thither to feel his ... verily if the Viceroy should now withdraw [it would be] a sign that the King of Aragon meaneth ... do tarry in Italy the hope is the better." The Emperor desiring his opinion respecting the foregoing, Wingfield answered that it was necessary for his [Majesty] either to pass in his own person, or to be nigh upon the confines, so that he might always be quickly advertised how everything stood. The Emperor said he was in "co[mmunication for peace] or truce with the Duke of Gueldres, which should be ... for the said Duke, and less to his honor than ... the desire he hath to bring another good ... " The foresaid communication ended, Wingfield asked the Emperor "in what readiness he was towards this [expedition] to the intent" "he might advertise your grace." To which he answered, that "the tidings of the truce had so perplexed all his Council [that] they tarry to hear word from your grace;" but he had sent to conclude with the Swiss for 4,000 foot, and provided payment for them, and that the remainder of his army should shortly be raised in Swartyswalde, Brysco, Farrate and Bourgoyne.
	Has steadfast hope that the Emperor will not fail to do the best that he can in these matters, his words appearing to pass more roundly than they were wont to do, which Wingfield takes for a good sign. Augsburg, 15 May [1513].
	Pp. 12.